Twilight fell deeper over Long Manor than anywhere else.
When the vermilion lacquer gates closed behind them, the creak of the hinges acted like a dull blade slowly slicing through the daytime clamor.
"Brother, look!" Xiao Gang's voice drifted over from the veranda. She stood on tiptoe, reaching for a lantern hanging under the eaves. The moment her fingertips brushed the tassel, the entire string of lanterns burst into a warm, yellowish glow. The light spilled across the courtyard, illuminating Cháng Mínghào as he sat beneath the old locust tree, toying with the Canglang Retrograde Bead Chain; Su Qingyun leaned against a pillar, wiping her Yin-character rusted sword; Xuanyuan Liting stood on the stone steps, holding a celadon bowl filled with spiritual tea that Long Xianjun had just warmed.
Chapter 421