Although it is already winter, the villa on the outskirts of Beijing has become a warm and gentle haven thanks to the hot springs flowing underground.
The garden was built along the mountainside, and its winding corridors and verandas kept out the north wind and cold air from the outside.
The hot spring pool, fed by fresh hot spring water, is spacious, with its edges built of solid white marble and its bottom paved with smooth pebbles.
The rising steam, like clouds and mist, enveloped the area, making it seem like a fairyland.
The pondside was not desolate due to the season; on the contrary, thanks to the geothermal heat, several heat-resistant green plants still stretched out their thick leaves.
In the distance, several carefully cultivated winter plum trees have prematurely blossomed with bright red petals, their petals adorned with fine water droplets, poised to drip.
The air was filled with the faint scent of sulfur, mixed with the fresh fragrance of damp earth and grass, and a faint, cool fragrance of plum blossoms.
Princess Qin Zhaoyue did not enjoy such a large pool all to herself.
Even Mo Zu, who was always by her side, was relieved of his duties today and immersed in the warm spring water.
This makes up for a small wish that couldn't be fulfilled during the previous disaster relief trip, and now we can truly be honest with each other.
However, these women, who usually hide in the shadows and act decisively, now showed a restraint that was completely different from their usual selves.
Most remained silent, trying to conceal their figures with the misty spray.
Especially Mo Er, who was the smallest in stature, had almost shrunk his entire body into the water, leaving only his pair of clear black and white eyes showing.
Unlike the maids brought back from Chengyuan, who frolicked freely in the water, uttering soft and cheerful laughter.
Qin Zhaoyue leaned against the smooth, warm stone by the pool, taking in the whole scene and couldn't help but smile.
This scene, compared to enjoying it alone, is much more interesting.
His gaze shifted and landed on Chu Xinglan, who was not far away.
This senior sister's skin was unusually white, not the paleness of someone who was sickly, but a translucent and lustrous cold white.
It resembles the luster of fine mutton fat jade nurtured over many years, or the moonlight reflecting off snow in a deep valley.
It's unclear whether it's due to her unique cultivation technique or because she was born with the legendary pale skin.
She was soaking in the hot spring, the warm water caressing her skin, making her fair skin even more dazzling.
Amidst the swirling mist, the figures were indistinct, exuding a sense of detachment and sanctity unlike that of ordinary people.
Qin Zhaoyue was so engrossed in watching that she blurted out:
"Senior sister, I feel as if I have seen a fairy descending to earth."
Upon hearing this, Chu Xinglan's lips curved slightly, revealing a faint smile.
She turned her head, her gaze falling on Qin Zhaoyue's delicate cheeks flushed red from the heat, her voice soft and moist:
“Junior sister, if you had the time to look at yourself, you would find that the reflection in the pond is closer to the fairy’s appearance. Why bother teasing me?”
"Sigh," Qin Zhaoyue waved her hand dismissively, but a smile involuntarily crept onto her lips.
"If outsiders heard us praising each other like this, they would probably laugh their heads off."
Even so, the smugness and joy in her eyes and brows could not be concealed no matter what.
Behind her, a skilled massage therapist knelt and massaged the acupoints on her shoulders and neck with just the right amount of pressure.
A carved rosewood table was placed by the pond, on which were displayed several exquisite snacks to accompany the drinks.
Dishes included pickled goose feet, rouge-colored goose breast, lotus root starch and osmanthus sugar cake, and a pot of cold, fragrant wine brewed with newly blooming green plum blossoms.
The wine was poured into a warmed white jade cup and brought to her lips.
Qin Zhaoyue, with the help of the maid, tilted her head back and drank the slightly cool, sweet nectar in one gulp.
"ha……"
She let out a satisfied sigh, her long eyelashes glistening with tiny water droplets that trembled gently.
Soaking in a hot spring while sipping specially made plum blossom chilled wine, the unique sensation brought about by the alternation of hot and cold is truly indescribable.
She stretched her body freely, letting the warm current envelop her limbs and bones, and her cheeks flushed an increasingly deep red.
I don't know if it was the effects of the alcohol or the steam from the rising heat.
Since the beginning of winter, Qin Zhaoyue has almost always stayed in this villa.
Accompanied by a group of close maids and servants, he would admire plum blossoms during the day and enjoy hot spring banquets at night, with the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments often lasting all night.
This kind of revelry and decadent lifestyle is exactly what she wants for indulging in pleasure.
Just as she was half-closing her eyes, almost drifting off to sleep in this ultimate comfort, Sui Mo softly reminded her:
"Your Highness, it is best to drink only a little wine and not overindulge."
"You've forgotten, today is the day His Highness returns to the capital in triumph."
Qin Zhaoyue's hazy eyes suddenly opened, the languid moisture in them receding slightly, and her gaze returning to clarity.
Is it today?
"Yes, according to the latest itinerary reported by the Xuanji Guard, His Highness is expected to arrive in the afternoon."
"I see..."
Thinking of my elder sister, who was far away in the harsh northern lands, having endured the flames of war, I realized that she had truly suffered a great deal.
She sighed softly, raised her arm, and immediately a maid came forward to wipe away the water droplets with a soft towel and drape a bathrobe over her shoulders.
"Alright, let's change our clothes and get ready to head back to the city."
"yes."
Sui Mo and the servants around him responded in unison, and the relaxed atmosphere immediately tightened as they began to work in an orderly manner.
Lunch was eaten much earlier than usual.
Because of the geothermal energy, the greenhouses on this estate can grow fresh fruits and vegetables even in the dead of winter.
In addition, the various ingredients from the surrounding villages, while not delicacies, are prized for their freshness.
Then, the chefs brought from Chengyuan skillfully prepared a variety of dishes, all of which were delicious and had a unique rural charm.
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