As the three friends were idly chatting, new visitors arrived at the door: classmates, fellow townsmen, mentors, businesses with dealings with Li Ang, and more.
As per tradition, a Founding County Marquis like Li Ang was required to leave his family on New Year's Eve. He had to go to the Imperial Palace to pay homage to the Emperor, keep him company through the night's vigil, attend the banquet, drink, sing, and watch dances. He would get little sleep at home, as the next day he had to attend the New Year's Day grand court assembly. There, he would accompany the Emperor in receiving envoys from tribal nations and listen to greetings from State Mansion officials.
