The Court envoy's arrival typically calls for a sweep and sprinkle of water to lay the dust, and lavish decorations of red and green to welcome them; however, since the Xiao Family is still in the period of deep mourning, it is not appropriate to make such a festive fuss, and only a simple cleaning was carried out.
According to mourning customs, one needs not don the official uniform to receive the envoy; thus, Xiao Song and Ran Yan merely tidied up their appearances before preparing to leave the house.
As Xiao Song was putting on his shoes, his movements slightly paused, and he turned to ask the Servant next to him, "Who has His Majesty sent here?"
"Replying to Jiulang, it is Prince Wu," the Servant crouched down to help Xiao Song place his shoes properly.
