More than half a month passed quietly in the blink of an eye. For these past twenty days or so, Yuling had been confined within Zhaode Hall, unable to step outside even a single step. Although Zhao Lanzhi came to visit and keep her company every few days, occasionally chatting and playing with the Imperial Princess, she could not help feeling depressed in her heart.
For someone like her who was used to absolute freedom, no matter how vast the grounds of Zhaode Hall might be, it was ultimately just a tiny enclosure—how could it possibly compare to her past lifestyle of traveling far and wide, carefree and untethered?
On yet another day of relentless, pouring rain, she could finally bear it no longer. Opening a faded yellow oiled-paper umbrella painted with indigo orchids, she hurriedly threw a soft apricot-colored silk outer garment over her dark, glossy Xiangsha gauze thin dress, and went alone to the stone bridge in the Rear Garden.
Chapter 109