The Lotus Garden is a hidden jewel within the Empress' inner palace. Positioned north of the Empress palace, the vast lake is surrounded by tall bamboo walls. The lake itself is covered completely with lotus flowers. In the center of the lake is a manmade island with a large pavilion in its core. The pavilion had no walls, just four massive columns to hold up the roof. Four side of the pavilions had silk screens that could lifted up for viewing purposes.
The only way to get to the pavilion is through the beautiful white bridge.
"Do not walk too close to the side"
The Emperor and Empress was walking in the front, but the Empress glanced back at the Prince and me while she made the comment. I had wanted to take a closer look at the beautiful lotus flowers, but the Prince agreed with the Empress and kept me close to his side while we walked in the middle of the bridge.
After we reached the pavilion, the Prince and I sat on the left side of the Emperor and Empress seats. Again, the Empress gave orders to have my seat properly cushioned and a blanket to cover my lap. I was disappointed when the Prince gave orders to have the silk screens lowered beside us. I had wanted to see the few of the lake.
"I don't want you to catch a cold..." The Prince whispered as he patted my back.
I understood so did not respond. In silence, I watched as the palace maids brought in the meals and set plates in our individual tables. Before I touched anything, the Prince checked the food.
"Jian-ge, I prepared the food"
A soft, shaky voice made me look up. Across from us, beside the Crown Prince and Princess was Princess Wu Ting and her mother. Princess Wu Ting was looking at Prince Jian with grievance in her eyes, but he didn't seem to notice while he continued to check each plate.
"Jian-ge_"
"It's for precaution" The Empress spoke gently. "We all know you prepared the food with great care"
"Her Majesty is correct" Madam Muyang quietly took hold of her daughter's hand. "Ting-Ting, you should not take offense to Prince Jian's action"
Looking down, Wu Ting held back her tears. Her action only made the Empress' heart ached. I could see the Empress' love and concern for the young princess. When her eyes went to me, the warmth instantly disappeared.
"Have some soup"
The Prince's gentle voice was my only solace as I felt the resentment from both the young princess and the Empress.
"Princess Quan Yi, I have a few books by Tang Ping" The Crown Princess spoke with a warm smile. "Since the princess likes to read, shall I gift you Ki Pan?"
Tang Ping is an infamous writer who wrote a lot of legends throughout the western world. His most famous work is called Ki Pan which has a total of ten volumes. I had only ever read the first two.
"Royal Mother, it seems you have found Princess Quan Yi weakness" Prince Hao Ran chuckled.
I blushed seeing everyone's looking at me with amusement.
"Has the princess read Ki Pan?" The Crown Princess asked with a soft smile.
"The first two volumes..." I couldn't help but pull on my fingers.
Hearing the Crown Princess giggled, I lowered my head even more to hide my flushed cheeks.
"Liu, go and get the books for the princess"
The Crown Princess glanced at the palace maid standing nearby. Moments later, two maids returned with the books. I was excited by the sight of them that the food no longer interest me.
"Ruyi" The Prince sighed softly while he motioned for the books.
I watched as the maids handed the books to the Prince.
"Do not be distracted"
The Prince purposely set the books to his right side, away from my view. Looking up at him, I saw the raised brow on his face. Turning back to the table of food, I continued to eat quietly.
"It seems I should have waited until after the meal before getting those books" The Crown Princess laughed softly when she saw my eyes constantly going toward the hidden books.
All I could do was blush while everyone laughed - everyone but Princess Wu Ting and Madam Muyang.