Clear Creek rose south of Bell Mountain, crossed ridges and open country, and wound for more than ten li before flowing into the Qinhuai River. It was the largest river in Jiankang's eastern outskirts. With its exquisite scenery and high, airy terrain, its banks had gradually become a district of villas for nobles and powerful officials since the Eastern Jin. Land prices had soared, by now far surpassing Black-Clothed Alley, the declining "old luxury neighborhood" south of the Qinhuai River.
Before taking the throne, Emperor Gao of Qi, the founding Son of Heaven of Southern Qi, had established a country residence beside Clear Creek. Here he read, fished, and entertained close friends. Xiao Yi-the current Prince of Yuzhang-and Xiao Luan were often summoned to keep him company. The family rode horses beside the creek and played board games in the pavilions. These were rare hours of warmth in Emperor Gao's later years.
After Emperor Gao ascended the throne, the old residence stood unused. When he died and the present Son of Heaven succeeded him, the new emperor missed his father and ordered the residence expanded into Clear Creek Palace. It incorporated not only the family's principal home from before their rise, but also the grounds where the late emperor had often strolled after leaving the house. Though much larger, it largely preserved the original gardens and pavilions, unlike the stern, orderly layout of an ordinary imperial palace.
The palace was much busier than usual today, preparing for a private spring sacrifice. This was an additional observance outside the regular sacrifices at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, conducted according to family rites rather than the grand ceremonies of the ancestral temple. The recipients were Emperor Gao and Empress Gao, along with Emperor Gao's parents: the present Son of Heaven's grandfather, Emperor Xuan,