The steward took the reins and said, "I'll immediately instruct the kitchen to stew some tonics for the Prince, to build him up a bit."
Long Yi: "Mm! First get hot water ready for Master, let him bathe before anything else!"
Steward: "Yes!"
Xiao Jiu squatted on the eaves, its beady little eyes rolling as it watched.
The Prince has come back, hurry and go tell Master—maybe once Master's happy, it'll reward me with a piece of meat; just thinking about it is wonderful!
Xiao Jiu flapped its wings and flew inside.
Rain Listening Courtyard.
Outside the courtyard, pink walls encircled it, green willows drooped all around, three hanging-flower gatehouses stood in a row, inside the yard winding paths linked up, with rocks dotted here and there. The whole compound was splendid and imposing, full of stately elegance; the rear courtyard was covered with trellises of roses, exceptionally beautiful.
