West Mountain, inside the Wei family's small courtyard.
From beyond the gate and walls came the faint, repeated shouts of Wanqing Sect's new disciples training in martial arts.
Now that new reforms had swept through the outside world, every trade and profession had been hit. The once-stable chains of interest were being reshaped anew; many people fell from their positions because of it, while others soared in a single leap.
The disciples of Wan Qing Court had changed because of this as well.
Old acquaintances, their families fallen into decline and no longer able to support their martial training, quietly departed.
New faces, their families on the rise and seeking protection, came to study martial arts.
In just a few months, Wan Qing Court had changed many of its faces.
Dawn was only beginning to break.
Wei He sat before the desk in his room. He gently extinguished the oil lamp and watched the fine threads of rain outside the window in silence for a long while.
From next door came Wei Ying's faint, even breathing. She seemed to be having a lovely dream, smacking her lips from time to time as if she were eating something delicious.
According to her, Zhen Qi had previously taught her a good way to sleep. It could improve her skin, strengthen her body, and keep her from falling ill so often.
Wei He had wanted to take a look for her, but whenever Wei Ying mentioned that method, she would blush and refuse to let him see it no matter what he said.
Perhaps it involved certain private parts. Wei He did not press the matter further. As long as he saw Second Sister growing increasingly healthy and full of vitality, he was at ease.
Still, he was always somewhat worried about Zhen