Spring Breeze City.
The New Year had come around once more. The previous year had brought favorable weather and abundant harvests; rarer still, the officials were incorruptible, life was peaceful, and the people lived in prosperity.
In this realm, the New Year marked the start of the year. Colored lanterns hung high throughout the streets, while gongs and drums thundered in celebration. Everyone wore joyous expressions, exchanging congratulations for the new year.
At that moment, a delicate-featured young servant stood at the head of Shuiyang Street, gazing into the distance. At last, he spotted a procession approaching from afar, carrying a sedan chair and beating gongs and drums as they came.
The servant's eyes lit up, and he shouted, "They're here! They're here!"
Then he spun around and ran back.
He darted through streets and alleyways, his legs flying like wheels, and soon reached the entrance of a wealthy household.
Two imposing stone lions stood before the gates, their majesty awe-inspiring. Colored lanterns hung from above, and every gatekeeper wore red, beaming with delight.
Two large characters hung above the entrance as well: "Ning Mansion."
Shouting, "They're here!" the servant charged straight through the gates. One of the gatekeepers called after him, "Slow down, Xiaofan! Don't fall!"
Xiaofan answered him, but he had already rushed into the courtyard. He passed around the central courtyard, ran through the covered corridors, and arrived before a waterside pavilion courtyard. Looking around, he shouted, "Where's Master?"
"He's in the inner courtyard!" an old maid called out.
The servant continued charging inward. After passing through another hall, he reached the inner courtyard, where he saw a kind-faced old man seated before the main hall, speaking with an old woman. Both were dressed in splendid formal attire.
The servant rushed into the room and dropped to