Ready to Depart

The next two days were peaceful in Thousand Lotus Pavilion. Da Ying used this time to finish rearranging her flower garden and do some embroidery. In these past days, she didn't leave her courtyard nor did anyone come visit her. In the past, Yue Li and Ying Me would always run to her courtyard and play but now that they've sided with Wen Wan, her courtyard became dull.

On the third day, Consort Yao finally made an appearance at Thousand Lotus Pavilion. She had waited in the main hall as Ban Shiang went to get Da Ying.

Da Ying was tending to her flowers when Ban Shiang greeted her. "What is it?" she asked calmly.

"Consort Yao is here. Should I send her away?"

"No need, I am curious as to know why she is here. After all, she made such a far trip, how can I just turn her away." Da Ying waved her hand towards Ban Shiang. Ban Shiang quickly went over to help her off the ground. "Prepare us some rose tea,"

When Da Ying entered the main hall, Consort Yao was sitting down graciously. Her lips curved into a smile as soon as Da Ying appeared. "Ying'er," Consort Yao got up. She quickly went over to greet Da Ying. "Da Ying greets Consort Yao," Da Ying also faked a smile. "Come, let me see you. I haven't seen you in a few days and you've already gotten skinnier," she held gently onto Da Ying's arm and looked her over a few times, sighing as if her heart was breaking. "I thank Consort Yao for your care but…aren't you still mad at me?" Da Ying gave her a pitiful look. Consort Yao laughed jokingly. "Aiya, silly girl, how can I blame you? It is Jie You's good fortune to marry Prince Xiao. I should be thanking you. Come, sit. I brought over some osmanthus cake for you," Consort Yao tugged Da Ying over to the table.

Ban Shiang arrived with the rose tea. "What a coincidence, your osmanthus cakes will go well with this rose tea,"

"Ying'er, you have such great insight. Bei'er, serve us the cakes," The two of them went back and forth, praising one another for a while. "Ying'er, the annual praying at Mt. Mu is tomorrow, why don't you come with? This will be the first year without You'er (Jie You) accompanying me, I would only feel at ease if you accompany me. You won't refuse me right?" Consort Yao looked at her with big bright eyes. Da Ying picked up the tea pot and filled both cups up. "How can I refuse you when you have come all this way to ask? I would be willing to accompany you tomorrow," with Da Ying's reply, Consort Yao smiled even brighter. The hardest part of the task had been finished. Before she came to Thousand Lotus Pavilion, she was already worried she couldn't get Da Ying to come with. It was so much easier than she thought. Consort Yao gently grabbed Da Ying's hand and pat her hand lightly. "I won't bother you anymore then. You must be busy packing and getting some rest. I'll see you tomorrow,"

Da Ying walked Consort Yao out. As soon as the woman left, the smile on her face quickly faded. "Xiaojie, will you really go?"

"I must go. I would like to see what she has planned. Bai Zhi, you will go with me. Ban Shiang, stay and follow my orders,"

Early morning, Consort Yao arrived at Thousand Lotus Pavilion in a grand carriage. The carriage was spacious and wide; generously decorated with silk cloths and beads. Inside the carriage was the agitated Consort Yao. She had sent Bei'er to get Da Ying almost 30 minutes ago yet she had not appeared. She lifted the window curtain, about to summon Bei'er to get Da Ying once more when she saw Da Ying. Da Ying was slowly walking down the stone path in a pale yellow tunic, heavily covered by a white fur cloak. Her hair was in a simple bun, adorned with two green jaded butterflies at each side of her head. "I apologize for being late,"

"It is alright. Let's quickly head over to the Empress's quarter,"

Consort Yao got off the carriage first with the help of Bei'er. She then held her hand out to Da Ying. Da Ying grabbed her hand for support and stepped out of the carriage. They walked side by side to the Empress's main hall room. Da Ying and Consort Yao were the last to arrive. Consort Lu and Consort Ru, Wen Wan, Ying Me and Yue Li were all present. Da Ying's simple outfit fell short when compared to the women in the room. They were all dressed extravagantly, as if they were a living ornament. Wen Wan couldn't help but smirk when she first saw Da Ying in her plain dress. The arrogance on her face could not hidden. There was also another person present…Qin Xie De. The displeasure on her face was quickly replaced with a smile in a split second. Even when she was quick to stop herself, he had already spotted the displeasure on her face and smiled her way. She didn't know what he was doing here? Was he trying to watch her every move? Da Ying was coming up with possible conclusions as to why he is tagging along. In the past, it was always just the women who went.

"Ying'er, it's been a few years since you last went to pray at Mt. Mu. If you have forgotten the rituals, Wan'er can reteach you," Empress Mei Wu spoke sweetly.

"Jie Jie, don't be shy to ask, I don't mind." Wen Wan added.

"I'll have to thank mei mei in advance. Is the Duke of Lan accompanying us too?" He quickly stood up and greeted her. "Duke of Lan greets Da Ying gongzhu. There have been many thieves around the mountain in the last few months. I am afraid that they will give you ladies trouble…so I have decided to accompany you all for safety reasons," Da Ying shook her head understandingly.

"Mufei, it's not early anymore, why don't we head out now," Wen Wan suggested to her mother. They would have to cross several cities' marketplaces; Wen Wan for one did not want to miss out on any shopping. "Mmm…let's head out then," Empress Mei Wu accompanied by Wen Wan was the first ones to leave the main hall. The last to leave was Da Ying and Xie De. He followed closely behind her. "Are you really going to go for our safety? Or is there more?" Da Ying whispered to him, she did not trust him at all. "Of course I'm going. Who else can protect a bunch of weak women? Also, I have to keep a close eye on you in case you plan anything," Upon hearing his accusations, Da Ying huffed in disbelief. The one he should be accusing was his Consort Yao and his aunt, not her.