Today, sunlight bathed Prince Xin's Residence, lending its vermilion gates a solemn sheen. The stone lions before them stood imposing and fierce, as though scrutinizing everyone who approached.
Jing Wen stopped and calmly showed his token to the guards.
The instant the guards saw the token, their stern expressions turned respectful. One hurried inside to report his arrival, while the other bowed slightly and said humbly, "Honored guest, please follow me."
Jing Wen nodded slightly and followed the guard into the residence.
Inside, flowers bloomed like rich brocade, and green trees cast pools of shade.
The winding corridors resembled a sinuous dragon, connecting the various pavilions and towers.
As he walked, Jing Wen discreetly surveyed his surroundings.
Before long, they arrived before a two-story building.
The building had an imposing presence. Its blue-gray tiles gleamed faintly in the sunlight, and exquisite carvings of auspicious beasts adorned its upturned eaves, lifelike in every detail.
Its doors and windows were made of precious timber, their carvings delicate and intricate.
Bronze bells hung from the four corners of the pavilion in front. Their soft chimes in the breeze actually had a mind-clearing, spirit-soothing effect.
The stone table inside the pavilion was clean and smooth, its natural patterns flawlessly formed.
"Please wait here a moment."
After the guard withdrew, four maids in green dresses appeared without a sound.
One offered a glass teacup exuding a cold mist, another brought three-colored spirit-fruit pastries, and the remaining two stood behind him with peacock-feather fans.
Jing Wen lifted the cup and took a small sip, letting the warm tea slide down his throat.
He toyed with the cup, seemingly sipping his tea without a care, while a strand of his divine sense quietly reached out to probe his surroundings.
Every blade of grass, every tree, and the