In the sunny March, willow catkins filled the air.
The flower beds in the Imperial Garden were in full bloom with all sorts of exotic flowers and plants.
Rock gardens and strangely-shaped rocks were arranged in a tasteful disorder, while the cobblestone paths wound scenically.
The gentle, bright sunlight stretched across the entire Taiye Pool, making the lake shimmer, and the weeping willows by the lakeside swayed gracefully.
From time to time, palace attendants would row exquisite little wooden boats on the Taiye Pool, gathering clusters of flying catkins from the water.
These activities caused ripples to spread across the previously still lake.
If the earlier spring scenery was like a painting,
then these occasional boats added life to the painting.
Xia Ruqing was sitting in an octagonal pavilion by the Taiye Pool at this moment.
Before her were a delicate gilded teacup and a teapot sending up spirals of steam.
