The seasoning bottles left out the night before still sat on the kitchen counter. He cleared the counter, lit the fire, cooked a pot of porridge, fried several thin pancakes, and sliced a plate of pickled vegetables. Only after setting out the bowls and chopsticks did he return to the bedroom doorway and knock on the frame.
Several muffled replies came from inside, followed by the faint creak of the bed and the rustle of clothing, interspersed with quiet questions of "Where are my shoes?" and "You're stepping on my skirt."
A moment later, they emerged into the corridor one after another, their hair not yet fully combed and their clothes still creased from sleep. They sat down at the table and ate breakfast quietly, without much conversation.
When the Spirit Boat left Heavenly Delight Mountain, the morning mist had not yet fully dispersed. Below, the fields and towns gradually took shape in the early light.
By the time the Spirit Boat landed on the training ground in the Lord's Mansion's front courtyard, footsteps there were already more frequent than usual. Some people were sweeping the steps, while someone pushed a flatbed cart past the side gate, leaving two long, thin, parallel streaks of moisture on the stone paving.
The four women stepped off the Spirit Boat and went to pack their belongings. They all knew they would probably be returning to Heaven Dou City today, as they had agreed beforehand.
As Xiao Yun crossed the front corridor, several gazes fell on him in succession. Some people straightened up; others merely paused what they were doing before returning to their usual rhythm.
He went straight to the council hall without having anyone announce him, pushed open the door himself, and entered. After taking the seat at the head of the