Xu Changqing and the others had barely stepped through the gates of the Wang residence when the luxury before them left them stunned.
Facing them stood a white marble screen wall, carved with a scene of fish frolicking among colorful lotuses.
The fish were carp, lifelike and vivid, each holding a gleaming golden pearl in its mouth.
The lotuses were pink, with several rare diamonds hidden amid their layered petals.
Before anyone could ask, Wang Han rubbed his plump belly and bragged, "This screen wall was carved last year by the finest craftsmen in the imperial capital. It took them three whole months."
Xu Changqing and the others did not know much about such things. Yu Shi nodded lightly. "It's indeed not bad."
After passing the screen wall, the group found a bluestone road before them, broad enough for horses to gallop across.
Instead of plants, gilt bronze cranes stood along both sides. Each crane held burning sandalwood incense in its beak, and wisps of smoke curled upward into the sky.
Directly ahead stood a five-bay main hall with a hip-and-gable roof, blue tiles covering its top. Palm-sized bronze bells hung beneath the eaves, chiming whenever the wind blew.
Sounds came from within, as though someone was speaking.
When Xu Changqing's group entered, they found a cluster of beautiful women inside.
Each was lavishly dressed, adorned in gold and silver.
Yet judging by their faces, more than half were under thirty, while several were only seventeen or eighteen.
The moment they saw Wang Han, they immediately rose and bowed, their voices so soft they seemed ready to drip. "Master is back~"
Wang Han barked, "Honored guests have arrived! What are you standing around for? Go serve tea and pour water!"
Very soon, the women left, leaving behind only a faint,