Chapter 145 - 125: Leisure Chess after Ensuring Safety
On the stone tiles by the palace gates, the young eunuchs and maids stationed there hung their heads, dozing off. Upon hearing the sound of footsteps, they snapped to attention, trying to stay alert, and bowed deeply on the ground, not daring to lift their gaze. All they could see was the hem of a flowing Yun Shang gown swaying gently in the breeze, trailing a few brightly dressed female attendants behind.
A dignified noblewoman garbed in a casual golden silk red robe stood beside the renowned Lianyin Lake within the palace grounds. Beside her, a maid carried a silver box containing food for the fish. The lake was dotted with countless lotus pods, nearly all withered. She deftly flicked her handkerchief as she cast the feed into the water, avoiding soiling her hands while observing the koi fish flurrying up to the surface.
At first, dozens of koi were drawn by the scent, swiftly followed by hundreds more, causing splashes of water everywhere. Although the lotus pods were now shriveled, one could still imagine the vibrant scene of koi darting amongst green lotus leaves in spring and summer.
"Your Highness, the Prince of Annan sent a memorial last night, along with a letter of inquiry,"
said the chief palace attendant, Su Xin, softly.
"He must have suffered great losses in the Capital and wants to withdraw his troops now,"
replied the noblewoman without looking back, adjusting her fox fur cloak while watching the koi frenzy.
She had only recently recovered and was supposed to rest quietly. However, when she stayed still, the images that haunted her would not let go, weighing heavily upon her breath. Having slept poorly the previous night, she decided to visit the koi this morning to clear her mind.
The palace attendant nodded respectfully, saying:
"It seems likely. One letter was addressed to the Emperor, the other to you. We’ve reviewed them. Combined with reports from the Ministry of War, the Prince of Annan appears poised to return to the Southern Border."
"Southern Border, the place overrun by that demonic cult,"