"It's not that we can't be on the lake," Yun Zhao said immediately, determined not to let them get their way. "But we've just arrived and haven't made any proper arrangements. If someone were to fall in, who would be held responsible?"
Consort Shu was taken aback. "How could a grown adult fall off a boat?"
Yun Zhao gave a meaningful smile. "It's not entirely impossible."
Consort Shu understood at once. "But that's not necessary, is it? The Emperor won't be there."
"But the noble women who came with us to the traveling palace will be," Yun Zhao said slowly, her expression relaxing. "If an accident were to happen in front of so many people, I, as the Imperial Concubine, would be the first to face gossip and blame. I'd rather that not happen."
Consort Shu's expression turned grave as something occurred to her. "You have a point."
