The morning mist over the West Lake in Jincheng had not yet cleared as a painted Huafang boat drifted quietly at the center of the lake. Painted in vermilion, the vessel bore a red lantern hanging from its prow, swaying gently in the breeze. Xia Huai'an stood at the bow, gazing at the rising sun in the distance. The golden rays pierced the thin mist, casting a shimmering, sparkling veneer across the surface of the water.
"Master, everyone has arrived," Main Bookkeeper Zhou whispered, reminding him as the hem of his official robe was already damp with morning dew.
Xia Huai'an nodded, turned, and stepped into the cabin. Inside sat a long rosewood table, surrounded by a circle of twelve rattan chairs. Zha Zhongping, Zha Zhonghe, Shen Huanyin, Yang Sanlang, and other core members of Huaxia Manor were already seated. Seeing Xia Huai'an enter, they rose in unison.
Chapter 184