Dawn.
The surface of the great river was strewn with splintered gold.
The sacrificial altar at Shangrao Wharf was built high, with six cattle-hide drums arranged vertically. The shamen's straw raincoat burst open, revealing several strands of straw, which twisted and stood erect in the wind.
News of the River God ceremony at Yixing Town spread rapidly to the surrounding areas, and many outsiders, ignoring the need to repair their broken roofs, took out a couple of copper coins and hurriedly climbed onto carts.
Everyone knew that Master Liang of Yixing was generous and loved lively gatherings; there was meat to be had for everyone who came, and even if it wasn't as much as the locals received, there would at least be some rations.
The roof could always be fixed later; a day more in the rain wouldn't hurt.
To miss the River God ceremony meant an uncertain wait for the next chance to taste Water Beast meat.