The garden was a tapestry of spring, with thousands of flowers in full bloom, their fragrance permeating every corner.
Two sets of marble tables and chairs had originally graced the grounds, but for the sake of the banquet, several more had been brought out, each laid with delicate pastries and tea.
Empress Dowager Zong and Xiao Youlan were strolling through the garden, admiring the flowers, their conversation filled with laughter. Xiao Mingyu kept casting glances in their direction.
Chapter 24