People from the Xiao Residence arrived at the Gan State Guard not at the most opportune time, nearly at the year's end. After arriving, Xiao Yeyang got busy with patrol duties and Daohua was preoccupied with arrangements; before they knew it, the new year had arrived.
After the new year, there were grains to be gathered and refugees to be dealt with. Once those issues were resolved, they had to hurry with the spring plowing. In no time, the Dragon Boat Festival arrived.
It was around this time that Daohua finally had some leisure to think about diplomacy.
Clearly, the Dragon Boat Festival was an excellent opportunity.
Baskets delicately customized with the mark of the Xiao Residence were neatly arranged on the table. Daohua checked them against a list of officials from the guard, assured nothing was amiss, and then opened one to inspect its contents.
