After the moon rose, there were even more lanterns on the Training Ground than during the day.
Red paper lanterns hung all along the ropes strung between the four corners of the Training Ground. Their halos joined into a warm curtain of light, and beneath the glow of the full moon overhead, the entire Training Ground was brightly lit.
Several rows of long tables had been joined together in the middle of the Training Ground. Light-colored coarse cloth covered their surfaces, which were laden with hot dishes, cold platters, fruit, and several jars of unsealed wine.
People from the kitchen were still bringing dishes over one after another. The sound of bowls and plates touching the tabletops echoed along the edges of the Training Ground before the wind carried it away.
Xiao Yun did not arrive until the sky had completely darkened.
He walked once around the perimeter of the Training Ground, then stopped before the seat of honor near the tables. Without raising his voice, he merely said, "Everyone has worked hard all afternoon. Don't hold back tonight. Make sure you eat and drink your fill."
His words were brief, and he did not wait for any response. After speaking, he raised his wine cup in a toast to everyone present, drained it in one gulp, and showed them the bottom of the cup. Once he had made sure everyone had seen it, he set the cup back down at the seat of honor.
Then he turned and walked back the way he had come, with no intention of lingering on the Training Ground.
Before he had even fully left, applause broke out behind him.
His figure passed through the lantern light before being swallowed by the shadows near the courtyard gate. The sound of his footsteps gradually faded