"Linked pavilions and terraces, all gathered into an embrace—serene and untouched by worldly dust, like wandering through a painting."
Shang Qingzheng nodded repeatedly, lavish in her praise. Then she looked this way and that into the distance and said:
"Only, this valley looks a little empty. Apart from your little retreat, there are neither lofty peaks nor splendid vistas. It's rather monotonous."
"The new residence has only just been put together. I haven't even had time to take a proper look myself."
Jiang Yang looked around with her and realized she was right. This place had been an empty valley before, and it had not seemed amiss then. Now, with the Clear Pool Retreat to set it off, the bare surroundings of Return Valley looked jarringly out of place.
"I'll tidy it up some more later. Perhaps I can transplant some Spirit Treasures and plant a forest stretching a hundred li or so. That should make it easier on the eyes."
He spoke softly after giving it some thought.
"Mm."
Shang Qingzheng nodded lightly, then suddenly took Jiang Yang's hand, her smile radiant:
"Come on, show me around."
Jiang Yang offered no resistance, following her tug with a soft chuckle.
They passed the pavilion and crossed the connecting bridge. A gentle breeze brushed past, clear ripples spread beneath their feet, and the two stepped into the waterside terrace.
The terrace projected beyond the bank, supported above the water on pillars. Seats stood along its waterfront beside a plain stone table, and its railings were low enough that one could reach down and scoop up the clear, rippling water.
"Lovely."
Without slowing her steps, Shang Qingzheng continued offering her comments:
"You should transplant some duckweed and plant lotuses in this pond, then bring in a few Spirit Fish to swim about.