Prince Dai's Residence
Accompanied by her maid, Ye Buhui passed through the corridor. Not far away lay the garden they had recently moved into—Essence Flourishing Garden, the jewel of the Prince's Residence. A canal encircled it, planted with slender bamboo and linked to a pond. Stone hills wound through secluded paths, while pavilions and terraces stood scattered at varying heights. Though the blazing midsummer sun hung overhead, the moment one entered the garden, the cool, refreshing moisture in the air chased away the heat. The surroundings were exceptionally tranquil.
Yet at this moment, some disorderly clamor rose from outside the garden. Ye Buhui could not help slowing her steps and looking over.
The small square was packed with people—more than a hundred of them. At a glance, nearly all the estate stewards and servants had arrived. Since none knew why they had been summoned, and three tightly bound people had been forced to kneel on the platform, everyone was uneasy, silent as cicadas in winter.
"Princess Consort?" A senior maid, worried that the Princess Consort might be startled, called out. This had been the prince's instruction: even a pregnant woman could not remain inactive. She had to take a daily walk through the corridors, though she could not be allowed to fall or be frightened.
"It's all right." Ye Buhui smiled and continued onward. Amid the dense crowd, she also spotted Granny Jia, bound atop the high platform.
Granny Jia saw Ye Buhui as well. Hope immediately burst across her numb face, and she cried, "Princess Consort, save me! Princess Consort..."
"Shut up! Do not disturb the Princess Consort!" A palace guard kicked her viciously.
"Princess Consort, for the sake of all the time I served you, please save me!" But even that could not stop Granny Jia's wailing pleas.