The setting sun cast a warm, golden glow over the quiet courtyard of the Li family manor. Returning from the tavern, the Li family Patriarch tidied his spotless white robes and strolled toward the guest quarters where Elder Chu was resting. Stepping onto the polished wooden pavilion, he found her sitting gracefully by a stone table, pouring herself a cup of fragrant tea.
"Ah, Little Chu," the Patriarch greeted her with a beaming smile, his steps lightened as he entered the pavilion: "After all that commotion earlier, I trust you've had a good rest?"
Seeing the Patriarch enter the courtyard, Elder Chu looked up with curiosity: "I rested very well, brother Li. How did things unfold after I left?"
The Patriarch's expression turned somewhat complex. He sat down opposite her and poured himself a cup of tea; only after sipping half of it did he speak:
"How did it go? Those three shameless old bastards were openly robbing me right there in my own grandson's tavern."
