Great Sui's Heavenly Venerable, the Yang Spirit Realm!

The gates of Xie Manor stood tall and imposing.

Above them hung a plaque bearing the four characters "Marquis Dingyuan Manor."

Although the court had stripped Xie Ling of his marquisate, the plaque had never been taken down.

Beyond the West Avenue that ran past the Eastern Market lay Long Peace Street.

The street was wide enough for three carriages to travel abreast, and the space before Xie Manor opened up broader still.

Apart from Ankang Street, where the imperial clan and its relatives lived, and Sparrow Street, made prominent by the Academy, this was the most prestigious part of Bianjing. Court dignitaries and Academy teachers often chose to live here.

Today!

A solemn air hung over Xie Manor. Servants watched their words and steps; the ladies had ordered them to keep their eyes and ears open in every direction.

For the gates of Marquis Dingyuan Manor stood wide open.

On ordinary days, the masters came and went through the side gates.

The Xie Clan was a distinguished family. Its main gates opened only for weddings and funerals, or for visits from important figures and officials.

An honored guest was sure to arrive today, and the guards outside the manor were already standing ready.

At last, noon came!

Steward Wu, who served Madam Yuan, waited at the entrance as carriages and sedan chairs rolled to a stop.

One glance told Steward Wu that the arrivals were from the Li Clan.

"Quickly, inform the old matriarch and the ladies. The Li Clan has arrived."

Steward Wu hurried forward to welcome them.

Before long, more carriages came rumbling up, and several people stepped down.

"The Zhao Clan's guests have arrived as well!"

Steward Wu went forward again and sent a servant to announce them.

By a quarter past noon,

almost everyone on