Lin Jingyuan reluctantly replied, “Who would want to have her as company…” But seeing Lin Feilu’s smile, he could not refute her and reluctantly compromised, “Alright, alright, let’s go together! Are you full? I also packed up two pieces of cake so we can eat it while we watch together!”
Lin Feilu nodded obediently.
At this time, an unfamiliar palace maid suddenly ran in from outside the hall. Her expression was a little worried as she looked around. When she saw Xiao Lan, her expression turned to joy. She hurried towards her quickly and said, “This lowly one humbly greets Honorable Lady Xiao Lan, do you recognize this servant?”
Xiao Lan and Lin Feilu looked at each other.
Then Xiao Lan turned her head and said warmly, “No, I do not recognize you. May I ask who you are?”
The maid replied with joy, “It is understandable for you to not recognize this lowly me. This servant was originally a servant of the Xiao family, but was later ordered by Madam Xiao to serve your maternal aunt from the Xie family. Later, the daughter of the Xie family had also entered the Imperial Harem and was given the title of Pure Lady. This servant also came into the palace with Pure Lady Xie and has been waiting by her side.”
Lin Feilu was stunned by the complexity of this relationship.
Xiao Lan was overjoyed and said, “Were you Mother’s maidservant? I had heard that Min’er entered the harem, but I have been suffering from illness all these years, thus I never had any chances to visit.”
The palace maid also smiled and said, “Yes, Honorable Lady Xiao Lan is always on My Lady’s mind. She would always reminisce about the time when the two of you were as close as sisters.” She paused. A trace of worry began to spread on her face, “It’s just that, ever since My Lady has entered the harem, she has yet to be chosen by the emperor, thus she feels that she cannot meet you. This servant hopes you can forgive her.”
Xiao Lan said softly, “I have never seen her in that light, we are all sisters. Did Min’er send you to look for me?”
The palace maid then explained her intentions with a smile on her face, “My Lady’s mother is visiting and is inside the palace now, with letters entrusted to her by Madam Xiao. Madam Xiao had specifically requested that the letters must be delivered to Honorable Lady Xiao Lan in person. That is why this servant has come to look for you.”
Xiao Lan was startled, her face was visibly shocked, “You…you mean, my Mother asked for me via my Aunt?”
The palace maid replied, “Yes! May the Honorable Lady please follow this servant!”
Ever since Xiao Lan gave birth to her son and fell out of favor, the Xiao clan had broken off all contact with her. She had not seen her parents for many years. She had not even exchanged letters. She was extremely moved to hear that her mother left a message for her.
Listening to the fact that Xiao Lan was enjoying a good relationship with Consort Xian recently, the Xiao clan must have thought that there was a chance for her to regain the emperor’s favor. Despite knowing all this underneath, Xiao Lan was still very moved. She turned to Lin Feilu and said, “Lu’er, go watch the fireworks with the Fourth Prince first, I will go and meet my aunt.”
Lin Feilu put on an obedient face, “Alright, I will.”
The two smiled at each other, and Xiao Lan left together with the palace maid.
All along Lin Jingyuan was waiting impatiently beside her. Once they finished speaking, he grabbed hold of her wrist and ran.
The concubines left the banquet hall in an orderly manner. As soon as they left, the concubines began to chatter merrily amongst themselves while admiring the beautiful lanterns and the night view. Lin Feilu caught up with the group of concubines as she smiled and said to Lin Jingyuan, “Brother Jingyuan, let’s play shadow tag! Whoever steps on the other side’s shadow first will win! The winner gets a prize from the loser!”
Like a playful monkey, Lin Jingyuan responded in excitement, “Alright!”