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Aug. 14th, 2024 02:31 amIt is said that spring is the most beautiful season in Hangzhou, but Lady Chen Xiuying has always preferred fall.
The air is so cool and crisp, it makes her feel like she's taking a bath just by the wind blowing over her exposed skin. The leaves of the maple and gingko trees are so vibrant, reds and yellows all along the shores of the lake. The harvest has rendered their storehouses overflowing with delicious fresh produce.
Yes, the damp cold of winter is just around the corner, but for the moment, Lady Chen enjoys what is, instead of what will be.
As of late, she's started enjoying fall even more, for her husband is often summoned to Nanjing to report on business at this time, before the winter months make travel more treacherous. It isn't that she doesn't love Lord Wu, but this gives her more nights by herself.
Well, they're supposed to be by herself.
The sun paints the sky, setting over the lake. She's watching it, kneeling on a cushion, a porcelain cup of steaming tea in her hands. This pavilion is built slightly higher than the main estate, for tea with her and her husband, and for hosting visitors. It's a wonderful view, and it is secluded.
She doesn't tell the girl standing behind her how much she's just enjoying her presence as much as the view.
"Maoyi," she says softly, setting the mostly empty cup on the stone next to her. "I think I'm going to get ready for bed. Please draw my bath."
The air is so cool and crisp, it makes her feel like she's taking a bath just by the wind blowing over her exposed skin. The leaves of the maple and gingko trees are so vibrant, reds and yellows all along the shores of the lake. The harvest has rendered their storehouses overflowing with delicious fresh produce.
Yes, the damp cold of winter is just around the corner, but for the moment, Lady Chen enjoys what is, instead of what will be.
As of late, she's started enjoying fall even more, for her husband is often summoned to Nanjing to report on business at this time, before the winter months make travel more treacherous. It isn't that she doesn't love Lord Wu, but this gives her more nights by herself.
Well, they're supposed to be by herself.
The sun paints the sky, setting over the lake. She's watching it, kneeling on a cushion, a porcelain cup of steaming tea in her hands. This pavilion is built slightly higher than the main estate, for tea with her and her husband, and for hosting visitors. It's a wonderful view, and it is secluded.
She doesn't tell the girl standing behind her how much she's just enjoying her presence as much as the view.
"Maoyi," she says softly, setting the mostly empty cup on the stone next to her. "I think I'm going to get ready for bed. Please draw my bath."
