Getting into the carriage, Qian Zhenhao took Xiao Mo to the City Lord's Mansion.
Passing through the gates of the City Lord's Mansion, Xiao Mo was greeted by the sight of an incredibly lavish courtyard.
A path of bluestone slabs wound through three moon gates, flanked by gilded bronze crane lampposts.
Steps carved from single blocks of jasper had been polished smooth at the edges, with soft green moss growing in the crevices.
Several century-old osmanthus trees grew in the courtyard. A golden-wire birdcage hung from their branches, housing a Hwamei. Judging by its eyes, the bird had just begun to awaken its spiritual intelligence.
Pure gold bells hung from the dark-tiled, upturned eaves, chiming whenever the wind blew.
The railings of the covered walkway were crafted from century-old sandalwood, worn to a gentle sheen by time. Each piece of wood was worth a fortune.
