GS 27: A Disturbance

Twilight climbed up the latticed windows, the sky dulling, and the yellowed paintings on the wall were hidden by the unconstrained dim. Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen drank together, completing the final ceremony, then gave a deep bow towards the portraits of the Fu ancestors, turned, and got off the Golden Stage.

This grave and melancholic series of rituals adorned the already not-very-festive atmosphere with even more gloom. Yan Xiaohan hefted Fu Shen onto his horse’s back, trying to lighten the mood. “Next, we should return to the Marquis Estate. We’ve paid respects to the Heavens and Earth, but we still have to go back and pay respects to Yuantai for his grace. With us two running off without a trace, I’m afraid that the gentlemen of the Ministry of Rites all have the mind to throttle us to death right now.”