Chapter 74: Scheming for the Demonic Banner
On the ninth day of the twelfth month, the northern wind cut like a knife, sweeping up fine snow and sending it pattering against the green roof tiles of the marquis estate.
Before the sky had fully brightened, the estate was already roaring with bustling activity.
In the East Courtyard, several servants stood on ladders, hanging silk palace lanterns beneath the eaves.
Maids from the West Courtyard jogged through the covered corridors, carrying freshly tailored curtains, brocade cushions, bronze braziers, and incense boxes.
Liu Que stood beneath the moon gate, clutching a ledger, his brows knit with unrestrained anxiety.
Imperial Consort Chun's carriage was due to arrive in just a few days. Though the East Courtyard was mostly in order, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was still missing.
When Chen Lingxi stepped out of the West Courtyard Servant Quarters, he ran straight into Liu Zhu. She was hurrying toward the East Courtyard with a stack of plain silk, fine sweat beading on her forehead, the white fox fur of her collar trembling in the wind.
Catching sight of him, she only offered a hasty nod. Without even pausing for a word, she disappeared through the other side of the moon gate.
He paid it no mind. Standing beneath the corridor, he watched the bustling figures across the estate as if watching a play through a thin veil of mist.