Laughing at the World

Author: Jin Yong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Gentle breezes and willow trees, fragrant flowers intoxicating, it is the season of lush spring in the south. On West Gate Street in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, the straight cobblestone road stretches out to the West Gate. In front of a magnificent mansion, two stone altars stand on either side, each with a flagpole over two zhang high, the tops fluttering with green flags. The flag on the right has yellow silk embroidered with a fierce and mighty lion, its mane bristling, the flag fluttering in the wind, making the lion seem even more vivid. On top of the lion's head, a pair of black silk bats are embroidered, fluttering their wings. The flag on the left is embroidered with the four characters "Fuwei Express Agency," in bold and powerful black strokes. The mansion's vermilion gate is adorned with copper nails the size of teacups, shining brilliantly. Above the gate, a plaque inscribed with the four golden characters "Fuwei Express Agency" hangs, with the two characters "Head Office" written below in smaller letters. At the entrance, two rows of benches are occupied by eight men in sturdy attire, each with straight backs, exuding an aura of bravery and fierceness.