Zhulan arrived neither early nor late, and the garden was already filled with a good number of officials' family members, all curious about Magistrate Shen.
As Magistrate Shen, Shen Yile commanded respect. Zhulan greeted her accordingly, "I have seen the Magistrate."
Shen Yile replied with a smile, "Madam Yang, please take a seat."
Zhulan smiled and took her place, seated between members of the Qi Clan and the Tao Clan. Xue Han and Wu Ning had already joined the young ladies' section.
Tao Clan's lady lowered her voice, "Truly as remarkable as they say."
Zhulan smiled. She saw in Shen Yile the same pride that she had initially seen in Yao Zheyu. An innate arrogance that couldn't be hidden. But then again, Shen Yile had every reason to be proud: her father held great power, and her name was chosen by the Empress. For the Emperor, who had no daughters, Shen Yile being favored by the Empress made her almost equivalent to a little princess.
