"Knock, knock."
"Sea Guest Merfolk Han Su, paying respects to His Highness, Prince Huai and Her Highness, Princess Consort. I wish you both a good afternoon." The mermaid saluted and stepped back half a tail length, spreading both hands. "Recently, the sea routes have been clear, and our merchant team arrives with treasures from all four seas. May I ask what services I can provide for the distinguished guests today?"
"Oh, you little mermaid, so you recognize me and even speak the Jiang language?"
"Sea traders travel north and south, invariably interacting with local water beasts. The dialects from different regions are things we must learn; it's essential to understand them. I've been a merchant for thirty years—not to say I'm proficient in all dialects, but I understand a bit here and there. Perhaps Prince Huai doesn't remember, but five years ago, I also came to Jiang Huai Pingyang as part of a sea merchant team."
"I don't have much impression of that."
