At the time of the flower banquet, Anning insisted on calling her sons, who were not interested in women, to quietly find a spot in the garden and see if any young ladies from distinguished families caught their eye.
Xiao Ying and the others were unwilling, but with Anning's strict orders, they had to go.
On the appointed day, young ladies from families with official rank fourth and above in the Capital, or their sisters, as long as they were of suitable age, nearly all came.
These female relatives first paid their respects to Anning. Anning stayed to converse with a few familiar imperial decree holders, while the rest were led to the garden by Zhaoyang and Pingyang.
Lu Zhen also entered the palace with her mother and sister.
Once inside the palace, Lu Shan said to Lu Zhen: "Try not to speak if you can, or you'll humiliate me."
Mrs. Liu also whispered: "Stay by my side, don't wander around or casually talk to people, and don't embarrass your sister."
