The eaves were like cliffs, and the wind chimes like the vast sea.0

The high walls of the inner palace courtyard divided the sky into square fragments; birds soared with the wind and vanished in an instant.0

A woman dressed in a crimson-purple palace gown sat by the water’s edge, gazing at the fish drifting across the water’s surface. Her face radiated an otherworldly beauty and purity that was almost indescribable. Wherever she appeared, the scene seemed to transform into a living painting.0

“The ancients spoke of beauties who made fish sink and birds fall, and our imperial consort lady is no less,” one palace maid whispered with a laugh. “Every time she sits here, these fish swim over and blow bubbles as if they want to get close to her.”0

“Watch your words,” another palace maid replied.0

The teasing palace maid was younger and didn’t quite understand the decorum, so she simply stuck out her tongue, unbothered.0

“You two go inside first and let me have some peace alone,” the beautiful woman referred to as the imperial consort said, turning to them.0

“Yes, my lady,” the two...0