he imperial garden was one of the most beautiful places in the palace. It was a hidden gemstone, opened to the high officials once or twice a year only. It had four curved bridges from all directions, four pathways that led deep into the garden and many huge boulders and rock statues surrounded by clear blue ponds.
On one side of the bridge was Prince Xiao and Jie You who stood across from each other. On one side was the scared Jie You and the other had the arrogant Prince Xiao. His mind had been preoccupied on what Da Ying used to make Jie You admit defeat. "We meet again, Princess Jie You,"
"Prince Xiao is known for being gracious and forgiving, I hope that you have not taken to heart what happened years ago," she sweetly spoke. Being this close to him, she was afraid, afraid that he would use the same method to exact revenge on him. "I am a petty person, just like Princess Jie You. I don't simply forget people who have wronged me."
On another bridge was Lui Yi, accompanied by her brother Lui Xi Feng. Lui Yi was merely 15 years old, everything excited her at this age. As she watched the colorful fireworks in the sky, she couldn't contain her excitement as she jumped around in joy. Lui Xi Feng was simply there to watch over his sister. "Feng'gege, look, it's a rabbit," she pulled on his sleeve and pointed at the firework shaped as a rabbit. He pat her head softly, "Do you like it that much?"
"Mm…" she shook her head.
"In the future, I will buy you some," he smiled at her. Lui Xi Feng was like many older brothers, he wanted to protect and make his sister happy.
"Sister Wen Wan," Lui Yi shouted when she saw the beautiful Wen Wan walk towards them. Lui Xi Feng followed his sister slowly towards Wen Wan. Lui Yi grabbed onto Wen Wan's arm and smiled. "Sister Wen Wan, are you here to admire the fireworks too?" her eyes looked at Wen Wan, and then to her brother with a mischievous look. "Greetings to Princess," Xi Feng greeted her.
"No need for formalities, call me Wen Wan. It's been a while since I've last seen young master Lui,"
"Yes it has been, but to be frank, there really aren't any opportunities to meet you,"
"Next time when Lui Yi comes over, feel free to accompany her,"
"I don't dare,"
Of all the people, Da Ying was the last to leave the Grand Hall. She had been kept behind by the emperor as they talked about many matters. When they got done talking, she stepped down the stairs and proceeded to take a casual stroll around the garden. When she reached the bottom of the east gate bridge where no one was at, she stopped. "Does the Duke of Lan intend to follow me all night?" she already knew someone was following her the moment she left the Grand hall. She turned around to truly see that it was Xie De. In reality, Da Ying knew someone was following her but she didn't know who. Based on everyone's reactions tonight, she could only think of one person who would dare follow her. "I don't dare offend Princess Da Ying but I would like a few private words with you," Da Ying looked around the area and grinned mischievously. "It is so late at night and there is only the two of us, is Duke of Lan's words so important it can't wait?"
"I'm afraid I won't get another chance to meet you in private," he admitted. Entering the palace was easy for him but the chances of meeting or even running into her was merely impossible. "Ban Shiang, Bai Zhi, wait for me," Only after they left did Xie De's action turn from polite to hostile. "Who are you?" She panicked for a moment but managed to catch herself in time. "What does Duke of Lan mean? Ying'er doesn't understand."
"Don't play stupid with me. You can fool everyone but I can see through your acting,"
"What is your meaning?" seeing how aggressive he was being towards her, she used her powerful voice to speak with him. "I know that Jie You was not willing to marry Prince Xiao, or else she would not have denied him twice. Don't think that no one saw you coming out of Consort Yao's courtyard two days ago. Who are you?"
"Duke of Lan shouldn't slander me. Consort Yao can assure my innocence for me. She invited me for dinner." Seeing how calm and composed she was, he took a step towards her and whispered in her ears, "I don't believe you. Or else…how do you explain the night of the banquet?"