“Although there aren’t many flowers and plants to admire in my garden right now, there’s a pavilion by the lotus pond. Looking at the withered lotus leaves in the pond from there is quite a picturesque scene,” Jiang An said, leading Hong Xiaoduo toward the garden.

We hadn't walked far when we saw the pavilion he had mentioned, and the lotus pond beside it.

Inside the pavilion were white marble tables and chairs, all spotlessly clean, showing that the servants in the mansion had not been slacking off.

Hong Xiaoduo stood in the pavilion looking at the lotus pond and said, "Actually, the lotus pond has its own unique scenery in each of the four seasons. In spring, the lotus flowers are just beginning to sprout, and dragonflies have already landed on them."

In summer, the lotus pond stretches to the sky, its lotus leaves an endless expanse of green, while the lotus blossoms, bathed in sunlight, display a uniquely vibrant red.

In the autumn lotus pond, the autumn colors are fading, the fragrance is waning, the lotus seeds have matured, and the lotus leaves are old. Leaning on the railing, I admire the serene autumn scenery and idly count the few remaining lotus blossoms.

Now, in winter, the lotus pond stands bare, its branches and leaves withered on the riverbank, its proud spirit defying frost and snow, turning into silt to nourish the earth, ready to bloom again next summer.

"Wow, I never expected Xiaoduo to be so talented." Jiang An exclaimed in surprise after hearing Hong Xiaoduo casually recite the scenery of the lotus pond in all four seasons.

Hong Xiaoduo thought to herself, "This doesn't count as any talent. It's not like I wrote the poems. It's just that I liked to recite poems describing flowers and scenery when I was young."

"I've been reading some poetry when I have nothing to do. This spot is perfect for enjoying tea and chatting. Why don't we meet here?" Hong Xiaoduo thought this was a good place to discuss business.

Seeing that she liked it here, Jiang An naturally didn't object and immediately had someone arrange for tea and snacks to be sent over.

Soon, servants brought tea, snacks, a stove, cushions, and tablecloths.

“Sitting here drinking tea and chatting, aren’t you cold, Xiao Duo? Why don’t we hang some curtains around here to block the wind?” Jiang An said, pointing to the back of the pavilion.

"It's not cold at all, no need to hang that thing, this is much more open." Hong Xiaoduo immediately refused. The reason she chose to chat here was that she could clearly see the surroundings, making it easier to talk.

He went up and sat on the cushioned stone bench, picked up a piece of pastry, took a bite, and began to comment.

"There's no need to leave anyone to serve us here," Jiang An said, clearing the area.

Manager Wu didn't want to leave, but he didn't know what to say. He glanced at Hong Xiaoduo, then turned and left.

"Alright, girl, what happened?" Jiang An asked, seeing that Xiao Duo still seemed hesitant even after he had dismissed everyone else.