"May the spirit grant protection and smooth the path ahead!..."
The crowd burst into laughter as they gathered to drink, and soon everyone was a bit tipsy. Then, Tepeiter gestured, and a group of graceful girls clad in short clothes, holding fresh flowers, came forward to dance. Their clear singing and wonderful dance scattered petals in front of the flowers; as the night stretched on, it was dawn before anyone realized.
The next day at noon, Xiuxoke boarded the great boat again, now accompanied by two demure maidservants by his side.
"Ah! The High Priest was right. The sweeter the wine, the less one should drink! My wine-tasting skills are still lacking, I didn't notice the herbs hidden within..."