Chapter 172 Two more
Siyan Mountain was located in the northeast direction of Zheng Capital and formed by a range of five continuous peaks; these peaks undulated like a wild goose spreading its wings in flight, from which the name of Siyan Mountain was derived.
The mountain’s charm was enhanced by the lush trees covering its slopes and the surrounding Siyan Lake, creating a scenic environment. Even in the harsh heat of summer, the scene retained a timeless and elegant beauty.
Rows of pleasure boats lined up from the royal gardens’ dock, filling the entire pier. The impressive parade, led by the Crown Prince’s Nine Dragons Embracing the Top painted boat, followed by the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family, the Shiping Aristocratic Clan, the Hejian Aristocratic Family, and several other prominent clans, was for an informal event, therefore, the order was not too strict.
The Fourth Prince, Zheng Haoyuan’s painted boat was moored separately at the side, not following the orderly procession at the pier. He boarded from the other side of the pier. Many aristocratic families also followed this precedent, leading to an eclectic mix of scattered boats filling the widest expanse of Siyan Lake in addition to the neat lineup at the dock.
Zong Yunqian, who brought only his two servants, had called on the Crown Prince aboard his boat earlier, then made his way to his own boat, which was only a few steps away, due to the proximity.
"Princely Heir, look, that’s Miss Nanmen," said Gu Dao, the servant behind him, prompting his master to have a look at the crowd approaching from afar.
Zong Yunqian obligingly glanced over and saw a large crowd, with Nanmen Yuyan standing tall and slender in the middle. Dressed in a simple dusk-colored gown without complicated patterns, she wore a cape made of Sea Pearls on her shoulders. The fresh and striking piece was complemented by the slightly larger Sea Pearls in her hair, silently emphasizing the status and intent of the day.
"Princely Heir, look, those are people from the Zhang Family of Hejian, and over there, from the Fu Feng, Ma Family..." Zong Yunqian turned around and boarded the boat without listening any further, despite Gu Dao’s eagerness to point them out.
Xi Feng, who had adeptly made tea for his master, looked at Gu Dao and noticed his dejected posture. He knew that the Eldest Madam had given Gu Dao another scolding.