The mulberry trees in the courtyard stretched their branches luxuriantly. Shen Wei held a golden hook for picking mulberry leaves in one hand and a small bamboo basket in the other, practicing the art of harvesting.
Cai Lian approached with the information she had gathered, reporting to Shen Wei, "Mistress, as per your instructions, I've uncovered the identity of the Southern Chu envoy who intruded into the imperial garden that night."
Shen Wei carried the small bamboo basket back to the pavilion by the water. She opened the letter Cai Lian handed her, scanning the details about the Southern Chu envoy in a single glance.
The envoy's name was Lu Xiao, a thirty-year-old rising official holding a key position in the Southern Chu Court of State Ceremonies. He was effectively the chief negotiator of the Southern Chu delegation.
