It was the second day of the Lunar New Year, and Li Ping'an had accepted Lin Xiao's invitation.
So he rose early that morning and began tidying the house with Old Ox and Biao.
Only after securing all the doors and windows did he leave, leading the ox on his left and Biao on his right.
He had originally intended not to bring Biao, but he felt uneasy leaving Biao home alone, which would mean leaving Old Ox behind to look after him.
Old Ox refused. A visit to the Imperial Palace was a rare opportunity, and he insisted on seeing it for himself.
With no other choice, Li Ping'an brought them both. One man, one ox, and one biao made their leisurely way to the outskirts of the Imperial Palace.
Before they could get close, a guard jogged over and saluted with clasped hands.
"May I ask if you are Mr. Li?"
"I am. How did you recognize me, General?"
"His Majesty ordered me to await you here, sir. Please follow me."
"Thank you for the trouble."
They stepped into the Imperial Palace. Bang!
With a muffled thud, the great gates behind them slowly closed.
Deep palace halls and sprawling courtyards... rather interesting.
A few snowflakes drifted from the sky, carried over on the wind.
Winter departed and spring approached; a single falling snowflake brought a startling chill.
As Li Ping'an walked, he admired the snowy scenery within the palace.
After passing through a passageway, he saw the Great Xia Emperor waiting with Lin Xiao and the others.
Quite a bit of snow had settled on the Great Xia Emperor's robes. He looked as though he had been waiting for some time.
"This wanderer, Li Ping'an, greets Your Majesty." Li Ping'an offered a slight bow.
It was not a