The night in Chang'an was even more dazzling than the day. Exquisitely carved wooden lanterns hung from tree branches and under the eaves. Crowds bustled about, accents from all corners of the land converging. This noisy, lively scene seemed as if it would never fade.
Li Ang walked through the narrow alleys. Thanks to the Chang'an canal renovation project completed earlier this year, the streets were much cleaner and neater, with no sewage flowing freely.
Passing through Xiu Zheng Square and Qinglong Square, he arrived at the banks of Qujiang Pool.
As always, the river was lined with numerous painted pleasure boats. Li Ang walked along the river for a while and found a boat with four red and two white lanterns, just as described on the Zhao Ming Token. It was moored at the bank, and from it came bursts of music, laughter, and the clinking of cups.
Li Ang adjusted the medicine chest on his shoulder and stepped onto the boat.
