The small side courtyard offers a picturesque view, with a small pond that connects directly to the mansion's lake, though both banks are concealed by willows, rendering the interior unseen from the outside.
Currently, in the height of summer, the lotus flowers in the small pond bloom splendidly. As a gentle breeze sweeps by, Zhang Yanjing feels a pleasant sense of ease, surprisingly finding herself somewhat envious of her cousin.
Although her courtyard is larger than this small side courtyard, it has no pond, and its arrangement lacks such elegance, being much more conventional. Even the choice of flowers requires her mother's approval, since she is a legitimate daughter, the future Princess Consort, each action representing the demeanor of both families, with no room for indulgence.
