In just two days, the snow on Shenwu Mountain had melted away completely. That sable-fur coat had only been worn for two days before being put back in the wardrobe to await the coming of next winter.
It was as though Heaven's wind vent had suddenly been shut. In no more than a day or two, the weather had warmed.
This should have been the last snowfall of the winter.
Several li from the manor, Liu Xiaolou hid within the dense woods. He wore a hastily woven straw hat and a black cloth over his face as he watched the winding mountain road below.
He had concealed the large pit in the middle of the road well enough that it should not be exposed. Liu Xiaolou turned and inspected the makeshift tree crossbow beside him once more. There was no problem there, either.
Well past noon, there was still not the slightest sign of a carriage, making him somewhat anxious. Today was the day of the wedding. He had slipped out in secret while there was an opening, but he could not afford to linger here for long.
Just as he was fretting, hoofbeats sounded. A carriage turned into the Mountain Hollow. Liu Xiaolou's heart leaped with joy, and he was about to—then he suddenly froze. He tossed away his straw hat, ripped off the black cloth, and charged straight down, blocking the carriage's path.
The horse reared in alarm, its forelegs raised high as it whinnied shrilly. The carriage came to an abrupt halt.
A man stepped down from the carriage. It was Steward Song. Startled, he said, "New—" He glanced at the carriage compartment and changed his words. "Why is Young Master here?"
Liu Xiaolou laughed heartily. "I came to see Brother Dong off. Thinking that after this