141 What Lies Beneath

Amidst the garish colours of the flower streets and willow alleys was the House of Tranquil Waters. Renowned throughout the lands for its fine teas and the skill of the musicians that played in its luxurious chambers, it stood out from the rest of the pleasure quarters like an oasis. Elegant and refreshing, it was where the fashionable elite chose to gather and Zhang Xiu, newly back in the capital, had soon been made well-acquainted with the place due to the numerous gatherings his old acquaintances had chosen to host here to welcome his return.