Dusk fell.
The Imperial City's lanterns were just being lit, bright as day.
Every household had lit a pair of red lanterns before their doors and pasted up red couplets, creating a festive, joyous atmosphere.
After Zheng Xiu's grand display startled all the Ravens in the city, the three Princes returned to the palace, each with different thoughts.
But when they returned to their respective bedchambers, they found a small letter tucked into the crack of their doors.
The stationery was red, like an invitation.
On the cover of each of the three Princes' letters was the same line of text: "Invitation to the Zheng Clan Reunion Banquet."
Signed: Marquis Zhonglie, Zheng Xiu.
...
The afterglow of sunset lingered at the horizon, leaving only a final trace of light.
In the blink of an eye, night fell.
The bright flames of decorative lanterns bathed the Imperial City in a golden glow. Viewed from above, it was a magnificent scene of peace and prosperity in a golden age.
