The banquet tonight had been planned by the empress herself. Walking down the eastern corridor of Tianfeng Palace, one would eventually reach a small forest. Stepping through it, they would find themselves in the plum blossom courtyard.

This was one of the three gardens near the palace. There was also an Osmanthus garden and a peony garden. The empress treasured these gardens and liked to have a banquet in each one according to season. They were always interesting to ...