The Ink Dragon Barge moved slowly along the Jin River, its gold-lacquered prow cutting through the waves.
In the ferociously flared jaws of the dragon rested a sea-calming pearl the size of an infant's fist. The hull was framed in iron-sinks-to-the-bottom wood, and its nine hundred and ninety-nine dragon scale patterns were filled with finely ground malachite powder, ensuring it could brave wind and wave without fear, even out on the open sea.
Beneath the triple-eaves cabin, the music of zithers and flutes played on. The dancing girls shook their waists with all their might, casting charming glances toward two men from time to time.
Chapter 23