An Lingrong is reborn to live for herself.

After Consort Hua left, the Empress gave a few more brief instructions, such as that although the weather was getting warmer, it was still winter after all, and that the Emperor should not forget to take care to keep warm. Then she let the concubines return to their respective palaces.

Having received the order, the concubines left Jingren Palace in twos and threes, preparing to return to their respective palaces.

Because Zhen Huan and An Lingrong entered the palace late, according to palace etiquette, they always had to stand in the back row and sit at the lower end.

Although it's not an easy time to get in, it's very convenient to get out.

An Lingrong and Zhen Huan were walking ahead when they suddenly heard the sound of footsteps behind them.

An Lingrong turned around and saw that it was Yinxiu, who was beside Consort Cao.

When Yinxiu saw An Lingrong turn around, she quickly stopped, greeted An Lingrong and Zhen Huan one by one, adjusted her breathing slightly, and said with a smile, "Please wait a moment, my lady has something important to discuss with you."

An Lingrong and Zhen Huan exchanged glances, neither understanding what Consort Cao was up to.

Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Since Sister Cao has something to do, we'll just wait."

Seeing that Zhen Huan agreed so readily, Yin Xiu gave a slight curtsy. "Thank you, Consort Wan. My mistress said that the passageway is dusty and messy. If you don't mind, you can rest for a while at the Shi Nan Hall not far ahead. My mistress has already ordered someone to prepare hot tea, just waiting for the two ladies to enjoy it." With that, she gave another curtsy and respectfully left.

Seeing Yinxiu turn and leave, Shuangxue couldn't help but say, "Our palace and Yikun Palace rarely interact on weekdays, so why did Consort Cao suddenly invite us?"

An Lingrong shook her head, indicating that she did not know. But then she thought that Cao Qinmo was the most cunning person, and wondered if her invitation was related to the "ghost" of Qianli Pond.

Zhen Huan smiled, took An Lingrong's hand and said, "Since we're here, let's make the best of it. We were just waiting for the fish to bite anyway, so let's go see what kind of fish it is."

---

Imperial Garden, Photinia Pavilion.

The Shinan Pavilion is located on the north side of the Imperial Garden. The pavilion is just an ordinary octagonal pavilion, but the scenery around it is arranged with great care.

It is said that the three artificial hills surrounding the Shinan Pavilion were meticulously crafted by several skilled artisans from Jiangnan gardens. The materials used are exquisite, and the arrangement is in accordance with feng shui principles, symbolizing the gathering of auspicious blessings. The pavilion entrance is connected to a small bridge paved with white marble, beneath which flows a gentle stream year-round, regardless of the harsh winter, symbolizing enduring and continuous good fortune.

When An Lingrong and Zhen Huan arrived at the Shinan Pavilion, they found that hot tea, pine nuts, and melons had been laid out on the stone table, and two charcoal braziers for warmth had been thoughtfully placed next to the stone benches. Standing in front of the pavilion was a round-faced palace maid who looked to be about thirteen or fourteen years old.

When the young palace maid saw the two approaching, she quickly came forward, smiled, and curtsied, saying, "This servant greets Consort Wan and Consort An. This servant is Yusong, a palace maid who serves in the Imperial Garden. The furnishings and arrangements in the pavilion were all arranged by Sister Yinxiu. If the two ladies have any further instructions, please just tell me to do them."

Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan's expression changed slightly, but she quickly composed herself and smiled, "Thank you, Miss Yusong." Then, she pretended to look around and continued, "Has Consort Cao not arrived yet? Then let's wait a little longer."

Upon hearing this, Yu Song didn't reply, but simply curtsied and said, "Please feel free to call me if you two ladies have any instructions." Then she went to wait at the pavilion entrance.

Only An Lingrong, Zhen Huan, Shuangxue, and Liuzhu remained in the pavilion.

At this moment, An Lingrong remembered that she hadn't seen Huanbi since morning. Liu Zhu, being quick-witted, only replied that Huanbi had been having a headache since morning, so she asked Zhen Huan for leave today.

An Lingrong and Liu Zhu exchanged questions and answers, while Zhen Huan picked up her teacup and poured herself a drink. However, she was somewhat surprised by the taste of the tea. It was a fine pre-rain Longjing tea, and although it was not a new tea, it had a pine nut aroma.

Since there were some pine nuts and other snacks on the table, one might not notice the flavor of the tea unless paying special attention.

Because Zhen Huan didn't usually like eating these snacks, she never touched the food on the table, so she could taste the difference as soon as she tasted the tea.

However, Zhen Huan was certain that no one would dare to openly harm anyone in the Imperial Garden, so she remained calm. She just wanted to see what Consort Cao's true intentions were.

After about half a cup of tea's time, Consort Cao, wrapped in a brownish-red fox fur cloak, walked towards the pavilion.

When Consort Cao saw An Lingrong and Zhen Huan, she smiled apologetically, revealing two shallow dimples at the corners of her mouth. Her appearance was gentle and charming. She then said, "I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting, sisters. I was just about to leave Jingren Palace when the Empress suddenly said that she hadn't seen Princess Wenyi for a long time and missed her. She insisted on having her wet nurse bring her over to see her, which is why we were delayed and kept you waiting, sisters."

Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Not at all, sister is so lucky. Princess Wenyi is lively and lovely, so the Empress naturally cherishes her. My sister An and I just happened to be enjoying the scenery and chatting in this pavilion, which is very pleasant. I should thank you for having the tea prepared."

Consort Cao's eyes flickered. "If my sister likes it, that's good. These are just the servants' little tricks to please their master. These clever ideas are quite unique, so let them continue with their usual busy work."

An Lingrong thought to herself that Consort Cao had taken the initiative to talk to Zhen Huan upon arrival, while only briefly mentioning her. She figured that Consort Cao's purpose today was Zhen Huan. Moreover, An Lingrong had witnessed Consort Cao's methods of harming Shen Meizhuang in her previous life, and knew that this person had come with a purpose. Therefore, she didn't mind Consort Cao's neglect of her, and simply smiled and nodded.

Zhen Huan seemed very interested in Consort Cao's words and quickly asked, "Sister, I noticed a hint of pine nut in this tea, which is quite unique. Is this the clever idea you were referring to, sister?"

Consort Cao smiled and said, "Sister, you are indeed clever in this respect. You should know that this method is extremely complicated. You must select the finest pine needles, and only fresh needles are suitable. Furthermore, the cooking vessel must be carefully chosen; it must be a fine earthenware pot. The water for boiling the pine needles must be boiled until it turns yellowish-brown. No matter how many times the water boils, as long as it hasn't turned yellowish-brown, you cannot stop; you must add water and continue boiling. After the water changes color..." Consort Cao paused slightly, looked at Zhen Huan with a charming smile, and continued, "Next..." That's the clever part, listen carefully, little sister. After the water changes color, pour it out and brew new tea in the earthenware pot. The aroma of millet and pine needles will then infuse the tea. However, this method is still too rough. Although the brewed tea has a delicate fragrance of branches and leaves, the herbal aroma is too strong. A better method is to patiently boil the pine needles several times, allowing the pine needle aroma to permeate the lid of the earthenware pot. Then, when brewing tea, simply replace the lid with the one used to boil the pine needles, and you can brew the slightly pine-nut-scented tea that you are enjoying today.”

After speaking, Consort Cao smiled slightly, "Although this method is ingenious, it is also a laborious one. My maidservant happened to see the servants in the Imperial Garden using this method to brew aged tea, and she secretly learned it. After trying it a few times, it is not difficult for her to learn about 70-80% of it. Sister Wan has always been intelligent. If she is willing to learn, she should be able to learn it after listening to it once."

Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Sister's method is indeed wonderful. I have learned a lot from it."

Consort Cao quickly shook her head, "Not at all, as long as you like it, sister." Then she smiled at An Lingrong and said, "Sister, you once lived in Yanxi Palace. Consort Fucha and Lady Xia were both favored by the Emperor. I wonder if you have seen any other ingenious ideas? Why don't you tell me, so that I can learn from you?"

As Consort Cao spoke, An Lingrong pondered: Was it really worth going to such lengths to explain the method of brewing tea? And why did she specifically invite them to the slightly secluded and less crowded Photinia Pavilion?

It wasn't until she heard the words "Yanxi Palace" that An Lingrong suddenly realized that Consort Cao was intentionally hinting to them that what she said today, seemingly unintentional, was actually related to Yanxi Palace.

Despite her many thoughts, An Lingrong remained calm and composed, replying, "Sister Cao is too kind. I have never been favored by the Emperor, nor do I often visit Consort Fucha and Consort Xia in the palace, so I have not learned any of the essentials." After saying this, she lowered her eyes and looked docile, appearing as if she were willing to be taught.

Consort Cao didn't ask any further questions, but simply smiled, picked up a cup of tea in front of her, and began to savor it.

Having said everything she needed to say, Consort Cao said no more. She only exchanged a few perfunctory words before saying that she needed the palace maid to watch over Princess Wenyi's afternoon nap. After a few more polite words, she left with her maid.

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong found the situation rather dull. Seeing that Cao Qinmo was quite adept at handling things, they went along with it and, after seeing Cao Qinmo off, returned to Suiyu Pavilion.