In the residence, decked out with lanterns and streamers, the Chanting Officer's announcement of "One hundred and twenty-eight Ancestral Dragon Coins" silenced the bustling crowd in an instant.
A moment later, a crisp, bright laugh rang out from the center of the gently rippling lake on the far side of the garden. "Oh, my!"
Her voice, a cascade of clear notes, preceded her. "Old Man Turtle said there would be joy upon joy today, a most auspicious time indeed. I was wondering where this second blessing would come from. And what do you know! It seems a most distinguished guest has graced our Third Sister's celebratory banquet! Marvelous! Truly, utterly marvelous!"
As these crisp words tumbled out, a woman appeared in the center of the lake. With almond eyes, rosy cheeks, and an elaborate, cloud-like coiffure, she approached by walking on the water, a radiant smile on her face and a flower basket on her arm.
