March 3rd Qing Calendar, Dragon Rise.
Under the escort of the Jiangnan sailors, a large ship slowly edged close to the dock. Aboard the ship they dropped anchor and cast their mooring lines. The officers quickly completed their actions and immediately laid down the gangplank, which had been shaped like stairs, across the gap between the dock and deck. The officials on land went forward to spread a thick cloth over it to prevent slipping.
In the distant horizon, a roll of thunder sounded as if to welcome the arrival of the imperial envoy. At the same time, firecrackers and drums popped and rolled. The rocket prepared earlier on the shore was lit and went off with a bang and even managed to muffle the sound of heaven's might.
The officials on the dock furrowed their brows but were too embarrassed to cover their ears. They only swung their gazes toward the gangplank.
