The next morning, accompanied by a personal eunuch sent by Your Majesty, Yuling entered the Imperial City early in the day.
Within Bianjing City, purple pavilions stood in profusion, and the towering complex of buildings presented a solemn and grandiose spectacle. Outside the Imperial City, the streets were thronged with fine horses and carved carriages kicking up the spring dust, while garments of silk and gauze intertwined like colorful clouds. Inside the Imperial City, however, a stillness and solemnity prevailed; the slightly desolate atmosphere contrasted sharply with the vibrant vitality of the bright peonies blooming all over the city.
Yuling stepped down from her carriage, walked past several grand halls, crossed numerous pavilions and waterside terraces, and followed a maid all the way to the Rear Garden. Looking around, she saw that the Rear Garden was mostly planted with ancient pines and savin junipers. The pond water was clear as glass, and occasionally flying birds perched on the large, verdant lotus leaves floating on the water's surface. The agile birds would dart their eyes around, vigilantly observing their surroundings, before extending their beaks to sip up, drop by drop, the morning dew collected in the center of the lotus leaves, only to fly away contentedly a moment later.
Chapter 105