It was early April. The grass was lush, and the orioles were in flight.
In the Imperial Garden, flowers were in full bloom, covering more than half the grounds. Gusts of spring breeze carried the fresh, crisp scent of grass.
The Empress sat in the seat of honor, with the Virtuous Consort and Consort Hui seated slightly below her. The others gathered together, chatting in a way that appeared harmonious, though in reality, each was merely putting on a facade, with no telling what biting insults they might be whispering behind one another's backs.
Chapter 111