The Empress proposed to take everyone fishing.
All the ladies were delighted to hear this.
"Fishing sounds great!"
"The scenery here is beautiful and it's not hot at all! Surrounded by mountains and rivers, it's so leisurely and elegant!"
Consort Ning was the first to flatter.
Noble Concubine Shih, as usual, kept silent. Even if she looked down on the Empress and Consort Ning, at this moment, she knew better than to fight a losing battle.
Xia Ruqing and the other concubines had even less to say.
Thus, the matter was set in an agreeable manner.
The Empress smiled and waved her hand, signaling for Yu Lan to go give instructions to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
"Prepare some fishing rods and bait," she instructed, "and also some snacks and tea. Later, we shall go fishing by the artificial mountain!"
Yu Lan happily agreed.
