Song Ci's autumn feast, hosted according to her own liking, took place in a garden with pavilions and corridors, offering a view of the lake from a slightly elevated position. The lawn was covered, and long tables were laid out, accompanied by cushions and small tables, adorned with seasonal flowers. Though not breathtakingly beautiful, it had a unique charm.
Indeed, the old lady hosted yet another self-service banquet, preparing exquisite pastries, teas, fruits, and wines, along with meticulously prepared cocktail ingredients.
The table dedicated to liquors and juices featured jam made from simmered sour plums, a tub filled with leftover crushed ice from summer, and fruit pectin boiled with sugar water, transforming into juices of various colors, along with honey, etc.
Each table had one or two vases with large bouquets of fresh flowers, quite a spectacle of floral splendor.
