Jiankang, the Capital, at the Marquis of Xichang's Residence.
Baoyue passed through gate after gate, along interconnected covered corridors. Servants came and went; whenever they saw her, they lowered their heads, bowed, and stepped aside to pay their respects.
Without slowing, Baoyue crossed passages and courtyards and entered the inner residence. Turning west, she passed through three courtyards and reached the western side gate. Two boys were playing with a wicker ball there, one seven years old and the other six. They were her two eldest half brothers-Xiao Baojuan and Xiao Baoxuan.
The boys were having a wonderful time when they unexpectedly caught sight of their approaching sister. Their eyes lit up, and they dropped the ball and ran toward Baoyue, their little hands raised, their voices bubbling with delight:
"Sister, Sister, Sister!"
"Scram."
"Oh."
Like eggplants wilted by frost, the two boys obediently retreated to the wall and stood there, holding their breath, not daring to move.
Baoyue strode as swiftly as the wind past several quiet chambers reserved for meditation and reached the West Garden.
A squad of Imperial Guards stood watch outside the garden gate. When they saw Baoyue, they immediately stepped forward to salute.
The lead Imperial Guard bowed.
"Please stop, young mistress. The marquis has ordered that no one may-"
Before he could finish, Baoyue had already walked past him.
It was as though she had never seen him at all.
The Imperial Guard opened his mouth, but ultimately did not dare block her again. Silently, he returned to his post.
The garden was utterly still, with nameless flowers and trees, jade masonry and carved balustrades. Yet the lake was vast, the grass tall, the reeds swayed of their own accord, and distant trees cast their shadows, making it seem like a secluded paradise in