The fourteenth day after Gao Nian of the Golden Dragon Gang died.
The first faint light of dawn glimmered.
The inner city, the Shen Family's new home.
"Cluck, cluck, cluck..."
A flurry of urgent clucking came from the newly built chicken coop in the corner of the courtyard.
The plump old hen had puffed up every feather, her grain-sized eyes brimming with wariness.
Eating a scallion pancake Madam Zheng had made, Shen Xiuhan tore off a small piece and held it out.
"Want some pancake?"
"Cluck, cluck! Flap, flap!"
The old hen wanted none of it. She beat her wings fiercely, shrieking to protect her chicks, looking ready to rush over and peck his eyes out.
Shen Xiuhan could only withdraw his hand.
They had moved into the inner city several days ago.
Madam Zheng had cleaned the little storefront until it was spotless. Three days earlier, Shen Xiuhan had ordered five sturdy sets of tables and chairs from a carpenter, then gone to the market to buy brand-new pots, bowls, and utensils.
Another two or three days of preparations, and the eatery would be ready to open its doors.
Unfortunately, Shen Xiuhan would not be there to see it.
Yesterday, Ji Manor had sent a servant with a message: he was to report to West Market Wharf between seven and nine this morning and travel to Cloud Ripple Island aboard the supply boat.
"It's about time..."
Shen Xiuhan swallowed the pancake in a few bites, rose, and headed toward the eastern room.
Inside, Madam Zheng had set a bulging, neatly packed bundle on the table.
"Son, the winds are fierce and the waves are high out on the lake. I've packed two extra lined jackets for you, along with some flatbreads fresh off the griddle. Take them to tide