Claudius' interest does make Lan Wangji a little fond, and it's easy enough for him to answer a direct prompt. "There is one costume that contains two dancers. One is the front of the lion; the other, the rear. They perform to the sound of drums and cymbals, and will display their martial arts prowess." He drains his tea. "It is performed at every new year, but at many weddings, too, to bring prosperity and stability."

Privately, he is rather relieved to have avoided a spectacle. "Uncle hosted a banquet, but no wedding," he adds. He and Wei Ying had been gone too long by the time they returned, having spent months enjoying the pleasures of traveling as newlyweds.