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Great Yan Imperial City, Linhua Palace, the residence of Consort Shu, mother to the third Prince.
The chill of deep autumn was growing stronger.
The palace's flowers, however, were blooming brilliantly, and the floor heating burned top-quality, smokeless coal fire. Through the thick wool carpet on the ground, the warmth was conducted throughout the grand hall.
Even wearing only summer silk garments and walking barefoot, one would not feel the slightest chill.
In the details, bejeweled ornaments and curious toys were found in abundance—a true feast for the eyes in wealth and opulence.
Although the master of this imperial city, Zhou Wenrui, had for over a decade led by example in advocating frugality.
Unfortunately, he most likely would not set foot in the harem for months at a time, and by the time he did visit, naturally, he wouldn't see any of these things.
In a warm pavilion specially set up inside Linhua Palace, light pink curtains fluttered frivolously.
