Night.
As winter deepened, Di'an City's prosperity gradually gained a tint of dragon-fire red. Although there was still some time before the year's end, the streetlamps were already shielded by red lanterns arranged by the minor officials from the Ministry of Rites. The temple fairs and night markets within the city were brightly decorated and bustled ceaselessly, day and night. In addition to the bustling streets, some highly esteemed scholars in Di'an City hosted elegant poetry gatherings to celebrate the New Year, attracting many young noblemen and wandering scholars. Occasionally, a few refined verses would create ripples in Di'an at year's end, leaving behind moderately significant tales.
However, in the past half a month, these banquets organized by the scholars had gradually ceased, for a simple reason: half a month earlier, the Prime Minister's Mansion had already sent out wide invitations, busily preparing for the grand feast of the Prime Minister's Mansion.