Chen Qing stepped out of the Quiet Room.
In the courtyard, Bai Zhi was standing on tiptoe, carefully brushing the snow from a potted bonsai.
Hearing footsteps, Bai Zhi turned around. Seeing Chen Qing, she hurriedly bowed. "Senior Brother, you've emerged from seclusion."
"Mm."
Chen Qing gave a slight nod, swept his gaze over the courtyard, and casually asked, "Where is Qing Dai?"
Bai Zhi replied softly, "In reply to Senior Brother, Sister Qing Dai seems to have had some urgent matter at home. She took leave and returned two days ago."
She paused, as though recalling something, then continued, "Oh, right. Senior Brother Qu He sent someone to deliver a message. He said there will be a small gathering in the main hall of True Martial Peak in a few days. It will be attended by disciples of our lineage, and he invited you to come if you have time."
Chen Qing nodded at that. "I understand."
Around the turn of every year, the True Martial lineage did indeed have such a custom, meant to maintain the bonds between fellow disciples.
He had attended once last year. Most of those at the banquet had not been particularly familiar to him; there had been ample respect, but little common ground for conversation.
Bai Zhi then pointed at several brocade cases and wooden chests stacked beneath the corridor. "Senior Brother, these are holiday gifts sent by various parties before and after the New Year. Some are from several families, while others are from fellow disciples with whom you have close personal ties... Oh, and there are also the new spring garments distributed by the sect as customary. They were specially made by Cloud Weaving Workshop, supposedly mixed with Ice Silkworm Silk and Warm Jade Floss. They are warm in winter and