Emperor Yuan Hui stormed away in fury, and Lin Yushu followed suit, leaving Yongning Palace in sudden silence. For reasons unknown, Emperor Yuan Hui had Winter Snow and Summer Bamboo reassigned to serve her. The two maids had suffered injuries during the rebellion at the Marquis Mansion, fortunately not severe, but they had been imprisoned in the dungeons ever since.
Fearing the many eyes and ears in Yongning Palace, Winter Snow sent the palace maids away to prepare the meals. The maids serving Feng Shu in Yongning Palace were on tenterhooks, terrified of making even the slightest mistake. When Feng Shu expressed willingness to eat, they breathed a great sigh of relief. Two maids went to fetch the meal, two others tidied the courtyard and handled the menial tasks, while Winter Snow stood guard outside the hall.
Inside the hall, Summer Bamboo attended to Feng Shu.
"Are you from the Marquis Mansion?" Feng Shu asked Zhang Lingzheng.
