When the Fourth Prince returned to the manor, Lanqin had already gone boating on Bixin Lake with Song Shi and Geng Shi, and even took Wuxiha with them. That large boat was originally built for Lanqin.

It's already mid-May. On the lake, some lotus leaves float on the water, some rise high above the surface, and some are curled up. Those standing tall resemble the unfurled skirts of graceful young women; those floating on the water look like jade plates.

Lanqin instructed Niu Baoquan to set out lunch on the boat. Song and Geng were also called over, and together they admired the lotus leaves by the ship's railing. The lunch table was set up on the deck of the boat.

Three women dressed in thin silk qipaos were sitting on the boat, having their meal. Because the boat was moored under the shade of a tree, although the May sun was quite scorching, Lanqin didn't feel too hot thanks to the shade and the gentle summer breeze.

"The weather is so nice today. With such a view, I don't even want to go back inside." Madam Song was slightly sweating. Behind her, Qingping was fanning her with a palace fan that resembled the one used by Consort Yang when she was drunk.

“Yes, we should take advantage of the fact that it’s not too hot now and get out more to move around. Otherwise, once June comes, it will be like a fire outside, and we won’t be able to go out at all,” Geng said, holding a round peony fan in her hand and fanning herself.

"So, I didn't drag you out here today. Let's go fishing later. I've asked Chen Shou to prepare the fishing rods." Lanqin simply combed her hair into a double bun, but the tortoiseshell and pearl-encrusted hairpin on her left side was very delicate, with a small pearl filigree and topaz hair ornament hanging below, making Lanqin's face look incredibly youthful and lively.

"Alright, we'll make a fish soup with the fish we caught over the past few days and enjoy it together tonight." Song's interest was piqued.

The group was having a lively meal on the boat, completely unaware that the Fourth Master was walking towards them. After returning to the manor, the Fourth Master went to the South Courtyard and learned from Granny Wang that Lanqin had gone to the garden, so he also set out lunch there.

Fourth Master knew that this little woman was not content to stay in the courtyard, so he immediately turned around to look for her.

When Madam Song saw the Fourth Master, she immediately stood up. When Lanqin and Madam Geng saw her doing so, they also slowly turned their heads and saw that the Fourth Master had already walked over.

The three of them stood up and bowed to the Fourth Master, who was slowly walking onto the boat.

"You all seem to have quite the leisure and refined tastes, dining here. May I join you, Your Highness?" Fourth Master gestured for them to get up quickly.

"Why are you back so early today, sir? My two sisters and I have been cooped up in the courtyard for several days, and we only just came out to relax." Lanqin's wrist has completely healed, and she has been recovering for almost two and a half months.

"What, are you upset that I came back too early and disturbed your gathering?" Fourth Master said deliberately, feigning displeasure.

Both Song and Geng were giving Lanqin meaningful glances, afraid that she might say something inappropriate again.

"How could that be? Grandpa's here, perfect opportunity to teach us how to fish!" Lanqin said happily, showing off her three big white teeth.

Song and Geng looked annoyed and had no choice but to ignore the conversation between the two.

"Fishing is my forte, so I need to be well-fed before I can work," Fourth Master said affectionately, taking Lanqin's hand.

Seeing that Song and Geng were still there, Lanqin knew it was inappropriate to get too close to the Fourth Master, so she broke free from his grasp and said to Cui Niang, "Go tell Niu Baoquan to bring up some of the dishes that the Fourth Master likes."

It turns out that Niu Baoquan's small kitchen had already been moved onto the ship. When Fourth Master built this ship, he had already set up a kitchen on it.

Song and Geng felt a little awkward. It had been a long time since they had dined at the same table with the Fourth Master, and now they felt like superfluous people.

"Yu Ning, how are those fabrics? I find them much cooler. Your handiwork is quite good." Fourth Master spoke to Madam Song.

"I'm still cutting. If you like them, I'll make two more sets for you," Madam Song said, looking flustered, not expecting the Fourth Prince to bring it up so suddenly.

"Luyi, your father has already gone to the Emperor's side this time. Lord Geng is a brave and loyal man who is skilled in battle. If he seizes the opportunity properly and makes meritorious contributions, your family members can also move to the capital." Fourth Prince said to Lady Geng.

Although both women were his women, he hadn't spent the night in their rooms for a long time, and now, facing them, he felt somewhat unfamiliar with them.

"Thank you, Your Highness. My father will do his utmost to serve the Qing Dynasty. Even if he cannot bring his family, I have already met my father, all thanks to the kindness of the Consort and Your Highness. I am deeply grateful." When Madam Geng heard the Fourth Prince call her name, she felt a sweet warmth in her heart.

Su Peisheng stood aside serving, watching the Fourth Prince being served by a concubine and two princesses, looking quite pleased with himself. He felt that Lanqin seemed to act more like the primary consort.

Lunch was served late in the afternoon, and since everyone had eaten quite a bit, the maids cleared away the food and tables. Then, the Fourth Master took Lanqin and two others to go fishing. Fishing rods, lines, and bait were all prepared.

Fourth Master first explained to the three women that to fish, you first need to prepare a fishing spot.

"What is a fish nest?" Lanqin asked, looking completely clueless.

"It's about making a ball of fish food and throwing it into the water to attract fish. Fish are quite silly; they think there's plenty of food here, so they all swim over to feed. That's how this place becomes a fish nest," Fourth Master explained patiently.

The three women were completely bewildered, staring blankly at Fourth Master.

"Once the fish have all swum over, then you can cast your line to fish," Fourth Master said.

"Oh, this is called a confusion tactic, right? First, you attract all the fish with a lot of bait, and then you cast your hook. When the fish are eating happily, they relax their guard and are naturally easier to catch," Lanqin said with a smile.

Fourth Master smiled and looked at Lanqin, saying, "That's absolutely right. Now, I'll make a fishing spot for you. You can start casting your lines later."

The three women watched as Fourth Master began kneading fish food and then tossing it into the water not far away. Fourth Master kneaded three portions and tossed them into three different spots.

Lanqin, Song, and Geng all began to pack their fishing rods, cast their lines, and bait their hooks, preparing to fish.

"Wait a while, let the fish eat for a bit, let them lower their guard. Then you can cast your lines; it'll be easier to catch them that way," Fourth Master said.

The three women all followed the method taught by Fourth Master and went down into the ditch. The three of them found three fish nests.

Fourth Master stood behind them, constantly explaining fishing techniques and patience.

Before long, Lanqin's hand holding the fishing rod started to ache slightly, but her fishing line didn't seem to be moving.