Li Province, Southern Capital.
It was autumn, and the sky was clear, the air crisp.
"Prince Mount Li has arrived."
With the announcement, the Heavenly Sparrow Gate to the south slowly opened. A ceremonial escort stood in formation, and along both sides of the road, green-robed maids and guards held flags and fans, respectfully welcoming the arrival.
A vermilion carriage adorned with precious gold entered the city, royal aura surging around it as radiant colors streamed forth.
Pulling it were six azure flood serpents, their ferocious might proclaiming the extraordinary status of the passenger within.
The carriage was exceedingly spacious, like a hall. Two people sat facing each other inside, with a small purple-gold pot on the long azure jade table before them. Wisps of apricot-yellow Li Fire heated the tea.
"True Fire is gentle in nature and can transform medicinal herbs and food. It is the finest choice for brewing tea. Your Majesty, using Li Fire to brew this [Sorrowful Wife's Brow] rather misses the mark. It wastes all the painstaking effort of gathering tea from the Yellow Springs."
The soft, effeminate voice belonged to a young man in a pale gray Robe of Law. His brows and eyes were faint, his appearance unremarkable. Seated in the black wooden chair, he drew very little attention.
"A pity. At present, I have only Li Fire and nothing else."
The man opposite him spoke slowly. He looked middle-aged, with a plump figure and an air of composed dignity. Dressed in vermilion royal robes, he put on few airs and poured tea for them both himself.
"Bitter."
Prince Mount Li tasted it and frowned slightly. There was little of the frontier about him; instead, he carried an air of nobility.
"I told you the things from your [Mount Tai Underworld Office] were