In the study.
Li Haitao frowned deeply. After a moment of thought, he said to Li Mengchao, "Stay in the study for now. Don't go out. That old coot Sun Yong is here, and he's furious. Don't give him a chance to take his anger out on you and complicate matters."
Though Li Mengchao was reluctant, he knew his father was right. He frowned, nodded, and said, "I understand, Father."
Li Haitao said no more. He straightened his robes, then turned and strode out of the study toward the main hall.
...
Sandalwood incense smoke curled through the air in the Li Family's main hall.
On the main wall hung an ink wash landscape painting with bold brushwork, conveying a sense of profound tranquility.
Sun Yong stood before the painting with his back to the entrance, hands clasped behind him. His posture was as straight and tall as a pine tree, but a biting chill radiated from him, so intense that the servants waiting in the hall dared not even breathe too loudly.
