The Substitute

Qiao Meng, the current ruler of Nurshira in the absence of the Ji family, resided in a palace that exuded the wealth and opulence of his city. 

His residence is adorned with intricate wooden carvings and beautiful paintings that told stories of ancient legends.

Most of them are stories of the Ji family and every once in a while, there is painting about Gaozu slaying the white snake. 

The main hall, where he currently reclined with his head resting on the lap of a beautiful slave, featured grand wooden pillars and beams. 

Silk curtains with rich patterns, woven by skilled artisans, adorned the windows, allowing filtered sunlight to gently illuminate the room. 

The floors is covered with woven rush mats, softening the steps of those who moved about.

Servants attended to Qiao Meng's needs. They poured tea into finely crafted porcelain cups and placed platters of fruits and snacks before him.