Several plump koi fish, round and fat, were leisurely swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the lotus pond.
Ning Prince Zhao Liang, with his white-streaked hair and beard still unable to conceal the vigor of a lion or tiger, pinched some fish food and scattered it into the lotus pond, stirring ripples.
Dressed in a green scholar's robe, Ning Prince's aide, Zheng Shiquan, entered the waterside pavilion with cautious steps, bowed and said in a low voice, "Prince, Geng Jingzhong took action against Yang Tiansheng of the Ming Sect, and he failed!"
As Ning Prince fed the fishes, without turning his head back, he reprimanded softly, "A useless cur that causes more trouble than he solves."
Zheng Shiquan bowed his head even lower, his demeanor growing more respectful.
Ning Prince asked nonchalantly, "What news from the capital?"
