Ice Empress also pressed their shoulder close to his.
"This feels more comfortable."
Snow Empress put down the Star Domain Records, picked up the teapot, and filled Qian Chen's cup with tea.
"Don't just focus on reading."
Qian Chen looked down at the pastries, teacups, and book pages in front of her.
"You've made very thoughtful arrangements."
"Certainly."
Qian Renxue leaned against his shoulder and raised her hand to brush a small leaf off his sleeve.
"Brother just needs to sit."
Ice Empress picked up a leaf-shaped pastry and placed it in Qian Chen's palm.
"I want to eat this too."
Snow Empress reached out and straightened his collar.
"The collar is broken too."
Qian Chen glanced at her.
"I pressed on it when I sat down."
Snow Empress smoothed out the crease along her collar with her fingertips.
"Now it's all right."
He placed the Star Domain Records on his lap and continued to look at the trajectory of the stars.
The three people sat down beside him.
Qian Renxue held his hand, her fingertips gently tracing the lines on his palm.
Ice Empress leaned on his shoulder, occasionally bringing pastries to his lips.
Snow Empress sat on the other side, turning the pages for him.
The leaves of the Moon Orchid in the courtyard swayed gently in the wind.
The cushions on the bench were warmed by the sunlight.
Qian Chen finished reading a page and closed the book.
I'm not watching it today.
Snow Empress raised her eyes.
Tired of watching?
I'd like to sit with you for a while.
Qian Renxue gripped his fingers tightly.
"Then sit down."
Ice Empress pushed the teacup towards him.
The tea is still hot.
Snow Empress put the book aside and leaned her shoulder against his arm.
"Let's come back to see it when the Moon Orchid bloom."
Qian Chen raised his hand and took each of their hands in his.
"Good."
In the courtyard, the silver bells tinkled softly in the breeze.
The Moon Orchid has not yet bloomed.
The four of them had been sitting by the flowerbed for quite some time.
patio.
The sun gradually set in the west.
Qian Chen closed the Star Domain Records and placed it on one side of the bench.
Qian Renxue leaned on his shoulder, holding a piece of chestnut cake in her hand.
Ice Empress placed the empty teacup back on the table and leaned over to look at the flowerbed.
"Have the leaves of the Moon Orchid grown a little longer than this morning?"
Qian Chen followed her gaze.
The leaves are still small, with dappled sunlight filtering through their edges.
"I can't tell."
Ice Empress stretched out their finger and gestured next to the leaf.
"I think it's too long."
Snow Empress sat on the other side and glanced at the Star Domain Records.
"You also felt it was longer this morning."
That happened this morning.
Ice Empress turned to look at Qian Chen.
"Chen'er, you decide."
Qian Chen stood up and walked to the flower bed.
He crouched down, his fingertips hovering above the leaves, without touching the new leaves.
"No changes are visible today."
Ice Empress followed suit and squatted down.
What about tomorrow?
"I'll check again tomorrow."
She nodded earnestly, raising her hand to tuck a strand of emerald green hair that fell beside her cheek behind her ear.
The silver bell on her headband tapped slightly with her movement.
Qian Chen reached out and straightened her hair ribbon.
"The bell has swung to the back again."
Ice Empress lowered his head, letting him adjust it for him.
It's always disobedient.
"You're moving too fast."
"I have to walk fast to be the first to see Moon Orchid."
Qian Renxue got up from the bench and walked to the flower bed.
She divided the chestnut cake in her hand in half, handing the larger piece to Qian Chen.
"Brother, eat something first."
Qian Chen took the pastries, but did not eat them immediately.
"You still want to eat?"
"I've already eaten."
Qian Renxue brought the other half to her lips.
She took a small bite, her gaze still fixed on Qian Chen's face.
"After my brother finishes eating, let's go see the newly made tea stand."
"The tea rack has arrived?"
"Deliver it to the corridor this afternoon. I haven't put anything down yet."
Snow Empress closed the Star Domain Records, got up and walked over.
"Place it near the window."
"It's close to the flower garden, so it's convenient to get tea there."
Qian Renxue nodded.
I think so too.
Ice Empress stood up and casually took Qian Chen's sleeve.
"Let's go take a look now."
Qian Chen finished the last bite of chestnut cake.
Snow Empress took out a silk handkerchief and wiped away the fine dust that clung to his fingertips.
"Wipe your hands clean first."
"I can do it myself."
You still have something in your hand.
She handed him the handkerchief, and after he wiped it clean, she took his hand in hers.
The four walked back to the corridor along the stone path.
The new tea rack is placed by the window; the wood is light in color, and the edges are smoothly polished.
The shelf is divided into three tiers: several tea canisters are placed on the top tier, a space for a teapot is left in the middle tier, and the bottom tier is empty.
Qian Renxue walked over and opened a wooden box.
"The tea canisters are all here."
She picked up a white porcelain jar and placed it on the top shelf.
Ice Empress reached for the blue jar next to them.
Where should I put this?
"Place your favorite light tea in the middle."
Qian Chen took the jar and placed it on the outer edge of the tea shelf for her.
Ice Empress nodded in satisfaction.
"That way I can reach it and grab it."
Snow Empress took out the Moon Orchid Tea from the box and placed it on the top shelf.
"Don't let this can get too close to herbal tea."
Qian Chen turned to look at her.
"Why?"
"The smells can easily mix together."
He moved the Moon Orchid tea to the other side and rearranged the spacing between the two tea canisters.
Snow Empress glanced at it.
"That's perfect."
Qian Renxue took out the last golden tea canister.
The lid of the jar is engraved with Six-Winged Angel pattern, and a thin gold cord is tied around the edge.
"Put this jar on top."
Ice Empress glanced at the tea shelf.
You put it too high; it's inconvenient to pick it up.
"Then put it in the middle."
Qian Renxue handed the tea canister to Qian Chen.
Qian Chen placed it in the middle layer, rotated the jar so that the pattern faced outwards.
Qian Renxue saw his actions and a smile appeared in her eyes.
"Brother, you even need to get this right."
"It looks neat and tidy."
"Then I'll help you arrange it."
She reached out and picked up a teacup, wiped the rim clean, and placed it next to the teapot.
Ice Empress brought out a second cup and placed it side by side with the first one.
Snow Empress arranged the remaining cups in order of size.
Before long, the items on the tea shelf were arranged in an orderly fashion.
Qian Chen reached for the teapot.
Snow Empress picked up the kettle first.
"I'll boil the water."
"I can do it."
"You've tidied the tea shelf today."
"Then I'll go get the tea leaves."
Qian Renxue took the Moon Orchid tea canister down and handed it to him.
"Brother, choose this one."
Qian Chen opened the jar lid and took out an appropriate amount of tea leaves.
Ice Empress leaned closer to him and sniffed.
It smells like Moon Orchid.
"Dried flowers were added to the tea."
"When the Moon Orchid in the courtyard blooms, can we use the fresh flowers to make tea?"
Snow Empress placed the kettle on the stove.
Don't pick flowers if they don't bloom much.
Ice Empress immediately looked away.
I won't pick it.
You asked this morning if you could make it bloom today.
"I was just asking."
Qian Renxue sat down on the small stool next to the tea stand and raised her hand to gather her skirt.
"Once it blooms, we'll sit in the courtyard and drink tea."
"It should also be served with chestnut cake."
You have to eat chestnut cake every day.
"The blooming of the Moon Orchid cress marks a special day."
Qian Chen put the tea leaves into the teapot.
"I'll make a new one then."
Ice Empress's eyes lit up.
I want to do it myself.
Qian Renxue looked up at her.
You mistook salt for sugar last time.
"I can tell the difference now."
"You said the same thing last time."
Ice Empress sat down next to Qian Chen and took his arm.
"Chen'er can watch over me."
Qian Chen looked down at her hand.
"I'll keep an eye on it."
"Then it's settled."
After the water boiled, Snow Empress lifted the kettle and poured the hot water into the teapot.
A faint floral fragrance quickly wafted from the spout of the teapot.
She didn't rush to pour the tea, but waited for the tea leaves to unfurl.
Qian Chen stood beside her, holding the lid of the teapot for her.
Snow Empress turned her head and glanced at him.
"So you've learned to wait now."
You once said that tea tastes best when it's fully steeped.
"You remember."
I remember everything you said.
Snow Empress withdrew her gaze and gently stroked the handle of the teapot with her fingers.
Qian Chen took the kettle from her and slowly poured the tea into the teacup.
The first cup was placed in front of Snow Empress.
The second cup was placed next to Qian Renxue.
The third cup was handed to Ice Empress.
I'll keep the last cup for myself.
Ice Empress picked up the teacup, blew on it first, and then took a small sip.
"Sweeter than the morning tea."
There are flowers inside.
Can flowers make tea sweeter?
Qian Renxue picked up the teacup and smelled it.
It smells even sweeter.
Ice Empress took another sip and nodded in agreement.
"Then I like tea that smells sweet."
Qian Chen sat down among them.
He had just put down his teacup when Qian Renxue placed a piece of chestnut cake in front of him.
I saved a piece from the food container.
Didn't you say there weren't any left?
"I've put the last piece away."
She cut the pastry in half and handed one half to Qian Chen.
Ice Empress reached out and picked up the other half.
I saved some for you too.
Qian Chen looked at her.
When did you leave this?
"When I took it out of the box just now."
Ice Empress placed the pastry into his palm.
"This piece belongs to the Chen'er."
Qian Chen divided the pastries into three portions and handed them to the three people respectively.
Let's eat together.
Ice Empress took the pastry and leaned back against his shoulder.
"That's fine too."
Snow Empress picked up her teacup and slowly took a sip.
"Let's see the Moon Orchid again tomorrow."
I'll come even earlier tomorrow.
I will wait for you.
After Qian Chen finished speaking, she reached out and brushed a strand of long hair from Ice Empress's shoulder to the side.
She looked up at him.
The silver bell didn't touch her collar.
"This time it's tied correctly."
Ice Empress reached out and touched her hairband.
"Then I'll wear it like this tomorrow too."
Qian Renxue placed the teacup back on the table and gently took Qian Chen's hand.
"Brother, will you look at the star chart with me for a while tomorrow morning?"
"Good."
"Then we'll go to the courtyard."
"Good."
"I'll be reading with Sister Snow Empress this afternoon."
Snow Empress looked up at her.
"You've arranged everything for me?"
"My brother promised yesterday."
Qian Chen nodded.
"I remember."
Qian Renxue squeezed his fingers tightly with satisfaction.
Ice Empress raised his teacup and touched the rim of the cup in front of Qian Chen.
"Let's make chestnut cake tonight."
Snow Empress put the teapot back on the tea rack.
"We'll make something special after the Moon Orchid bloom."
"Regular meals are also possible in the evening."
Qian Chen looked at them.
I've already eaten quite a bit today.
Ice Empress grabbed his arm.
"Then let's do it tomorrow."
Qian Renxue moved closer to Qian Chen, her shoulder gently touching his.
"We'll decide about tomorrow's matters tomorrow."
Snow Empress raised her hand to straighten his collar.
"Finish your tea first."
Qian Chen picked up his teacup.
The warm aroma of tea wafted through the corridor, and sunlight fell on the wood grain of the tea rack.
The Moon Orchid in the courtyard have not yet formed flower buds.
The silver bells swayed gently in the wind.
The group sat on the bench, finished their last cup of tea, and then returned to the hall together.
temple.
The following morning.
When Qian Chen woke up, the Milky Way outside the window had not yet completely faded.
The pale golden morning light streamed through the corridor and fell on the tea rack by the window.
The topmost Moon Orchid tea caddy was illuminated by the light, and a thin layer of luster floated on the surface of the white porcelain caddy.
Snow Empress sat on the edge of the bed.
She had already changed into a light silver dress, her long hair cascading down her back, and she held the white jade hairpin in her hand.
"Woke up?"
"Um."
Qian Chen sat up.
Snow Empress placed the hairpin on the bedside table and then picked up a wooden comb.
"Brush your hair first today."
"Good."
Qian Chen got up and sat down behind her.
Snow Empress gathered her long hair back, the silvery-white strands falling onto her white nightgown, the ends of her hair cascading over her shoulders.
Qian Chen picked up a wooden comb and began to straighten her hair, starting from the ends.
The light outside the window gradually brightened.
Snow Empress looked at himself in the bronze mirror.
Are we going to see the Moon Orchid again today?
"Go."
You said last night that you wanted to have tea first thing tomorrow morning.
"Go after you finish drinking."
"We also need to look at the star chart."
"I'll see too."
Snow Empress raised her hand and caught the strands of hair that slipped down her shoulder.
Your day is very busy.
"It was all your doing."
You can refuse.
"I didn't mean to refuse."
Qian Chen gathered the strands of hair behind her ear and took the white jade hairpin.
A hairpin is inserted into the hair.
He adjusted the position to make sure the hairpin wasn't pressing down on the ends of his hair before withdrawing his hand.
Snow Empress raised her hand and touched the hairpin.
Is today a good day?
"Just."
"You haven't seen it clearly yet."
"I've already seen it."
She turned her face and looked at Qian Chen.
"You always look at me when you comb your hair?"
"I can see."
"Then let's continue watching."
Snow Empress did not turn back.
She sat on the edge of the bed, letting Qian Chen tidy the strands of hair at her temples.
Qian Chen reached out and tucked a strand of silver hair behind her ear.
She reached out and grasped his wrist.
That's good.
"There's still one strand left."
"Wait for it to fall on its own."
"It will touch the hem of your clothes."
"Then let it touch."
Qian Chen looked at her for a moment, then carefully put away the strand of hair.
Snow Empress did not stop her further.
You're always like this.
Which way?
Even if I say no, you'll still do it.
When you say you don't need it, you're usually not really serious.
Snow Empress looked into his eyes.
Then, she reached out and straightened his collar.
"So when you say you don't need it, are you not being serious?"
When I say no, I really mean no.
"You would say the same thing if your sleeves were muddy today."
"Getting muddy won't affect your walking."
"But it will affect the clothes."
Qian Chen looked down at her white robe.
"Would you like to wear something darker today?"
"Cannot."
"Why?"
"There's water next to Moon Orchid Courtyard, so water stains on dark-colored clothes aren't easily visible."
"Isn't that better?"
I want to see it.
She smoothed out a crease on his chest.
"Only after seeing it will I know whether I should have changed it or not."
Qian Chen grasped her fingers.
What do you want me to change today?
"That light silver robe outside."
"Are you ready?"
"Place it behind the screen."
Qian Chen got up and walked to the screen.
The light silver robe was draped on the hanger, its sleeves narrower than usual, and the collar embroidered with delicate Nine-Color patterns.
Snow Empress came from the bedside and took off his white robe.
Raise your hand.
Qian Chen raised her arms as instructed.
She helped him change into a long robe and tied the light-colored cloth belt around his waist.
The cloth belt was wrapped around the waist, and the knot fell beside the hem of the garment.
Snow Empress tugged at the knot.
"It can't be too tight."
"I know."
"You know that, yet you always tie it too tightly."
"This way it won't fall apart."
You don't need to keep moving around.
She loosened the cloth strip by half an inch.