Li Ping'an put all the fish into the basin.
Little Girl quickly ran out. "We have visitors!"
"Mm, did you give them a proper welcome, Fairy?"
"I did."
Little Girl's eyes lit up as she looked at the big, fat fish.
"Ooh~"
"Big Ping'an caught so many fish. This fairy wants to go fishing tomorrow too."
"You go entertain the visitors. This fairy is off to sell fish."
"Then I'll leave it to you, Fairy. Don't set the price too high. A reasonable profit will do, or they won't sell easily..."
Before he could finish, Little Girl interrupted him.
"I know, I know~"
Li Ping'an returned to the house and met the Director and the Attendant.
"Greetings to you both. Allow me to wash my face."
The Director hurriedly said, "We apologize for calling unannounced. Please, take your time, sir."
Li Ping'an fetched some water and gave his face a quick wash.
He came back again. "What brings you two here to see me?"
"We came about what happened a few days ago. Thank you, Mr. Li, for lending your aid and stabilizing the situation in Yan Prefecture."
"It was no more than lifting a hand."
The Director smiled and offered a few compliments, then continued.
"His Majesty has long admired you, sir. When he heard you were here,
he wished to invite you to the palace, first to thank you properly,
and second, to witness your bearing in person."
The Great An Emperor?
"Please convey my thanks to His Majesty. I am merely a rogue cultivator; it would not be appropriate for me to enter the palace for an imperial audience.
If I should decide to visit Capital City, perhaps I will seek an audience with His Majesty."
The two seemed to have expected this. "Should you come to