Beside Dingkun Pool lay banks where cranes rested and islets where ducks gathered.
Painted pleasure boats rose like towers, colorful banners fluttered, and the faint strains of strings and pipes drifted across the shimmering water.
The pool stretched wide, its lotuses just beginning to bloom-a magnificent sight indeed.
Today was the twentieth day of the fifth month, a day of Ten-Day Recess. The officials and imperial clansmen attending the gathering wore splendid clothes and gathered in twos and threes, some admiring the scenery from the bows, others chatting and laughing inside the cabins. All seemed peaceful and harmonious.
Li Lingyue and Lu Changfeng moved with extraordinary speed, reaching the entrance to the pool gardens before long.
Seeing the Princess Who Guards the Nation arrive in person, the guards dared not slight her and hurried to announce her arrival.
A short while later.
A palace attendant came running and bowed. "Your Highness, Advisor Lu, Princess Anle requests your presence."
The two entered the gardens and saw a crowd thronging the main pleasure boat.
Princess Anle, Li Guo'er, stood surrounded by talented young gentlemen and noble ladies, her magnificent robes dazzling to behold. When she saw Li Lingyue and Lu Changfeng arrive together, a flicker of displeasure crossed her eyes-they had declined her invitation only to arrive once the banquet was underway, rather dampening the mood. But when her gaze fell upon the tall, straight figure in blue beside Li Lingyue, that displeasure instantly gave way to undisguised, burning interest.
"Aunt, you're finally here. I heard you were feeling unwell and was just preparing to visit you..."
Anle took two steps forward with a smile, though her gaze kept drifting toward Lu Changfeng. "Advisor Lu has come as well. What a rare guest! Please, take a seat."
Li Lingyue remained cool and