The carriage stopped at the entrance of the County Governmental Office. The Xia Family had already arrived and were enjoying their second cup of tea. Upon receiving the report that the Zhou Family had arrived, the patriarch and clan elders of the Xia Family put down their teacups and sat up straight, awaiting the guests.
However, when they looked up, all they saw was Xia Xia being carried inside.
Xia Family elders: ...
Old Zhou and the Xia Family invited Mr. Zhuang in first. The three followed behind, while Manbao, Bai Shan, and Bai Erlang were unusually attentive in serving them. Once they were all seated, they looked toward the Xia Family leaders opposite them.
Neither side recognized the other, creating some awkwardness. Xia Xia propped himself up and sat slightly straighter, introducing both sides, "Madam, this is our patriarch."
No matter what she thought inside, Manbao approached with a respectful demeanor, bowing with both hands, "Zhou Man greets the patriarch."
