Compared to the bustling activity in the imperial concubines' courtyard within the palace, Chen Yi's courtyard outside the East Hua Gate felt more like a cold palace.
Even on New Year's Day, when firecrackers rang out endlessly, this courtyard still remained silent, under the desolate moonlight.
When Min Ming turned around, she saw Zhou Yitang sitting alone in the main hall.
Min Ming noticed that the great madam, as she called her, had not gone back to the guestroom early like she usually did upon returning but sat there instead, seemingly waiting for something.
In the firework light, Min Ming saw Zhou Yitang's teacup was empty. She put down the broom and went to refill the tea.
But the tea was finished and needed to be brewed anew.
Min Ming sat at the tea table, her delicate hands lit the tea brazier, added the tea leaves, boiled water to brew it, stirred it repeatedly with the tea stick until the tea was ready.
Just as she was about to pour the tea, a voice came to her ear:
