Meanwhile, in the garden of Snow White's chambers within the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.
The afternoon sunlight filtered through sparse clouds, warmly spilling across the meticulously tended garden.
Wisteria vines hung from the pavilion's trellis in full bloom, their pale violet clusters swaying gently in the breeze and releasing a sweet, delicate fragrance.
In the pond nearby, several koi lazily flicked their tails, sending ripples spreading across the water's surface.
Several plates of exquisite palace pastries and a pot of steaming floral tea rested on the stone table inside the pavilion.
Snow White wore a simple moon-white casual dress today. She seemed less cold and sharp than during her usual cultivation, carrying instead the quiet grace of a young girl.
She was personally pouring tea for Ning Rongrong, who sat across from her.
Ning Rongrong wore a goose-yellow dress that made her skin look as white as snow, lending her a lively and charming appearance.
Resting her cheek on one hand, she watched Snow White's smooth, flowing movements with a relaxed smile on her little face.
"Sister Xue, today really is a rare treat." Ning Rongrong accepted the teacup, took a sip, and sighed contentedly.
"No training, no studying tactics, and no listening to the teachers nag... I feel like my bones are getting lazy."
The corners of Snow White's lips curved slightly into a faint smile. "Keeping the string pulled too tight is no good either. The tournament is close, and proper balance between work and rest is the right approach. Think of these days as a holiday for ourselves."
"A holiday is great, of course!" Ning Rongrong's eyes curved into crescents, but she soon puffed out her cheeks.
"It just feels... a little strange. When I have nothing to do, my mind feels empty instead, and I can't