After finishing her lunch, Pei You arrived at the palace. She saw a group of palace maids bowing their heads respectfully, each holding a tray piled with sets of porcelain required for the banquet, as they made their way toward the banquet hall.
The palace pathways were spotless. Following the festive atmosphere, Pei You walked forward and soon found the site of the grand gathering. The windows were thrown wide open, and the hall was filled with a golden, shimmering glow. On the redwood-lacquered tables sat purple plum blossoms and red cherry blossoms, flanked by emerald bamboo and green willows. Palace maids and eunuchs, busy with their preparations, moved in a bustling but orderly crowd.
Pei You happened to run into Qingping just as he was exiting the hall. Seeing a familiar face eased her mind, so she stepped forward to inquire. After briskly giving a few instructions to the staff under his command, Qingping turned and bowed properly to the approaching Pei You.
Chapter 83