The next morning, at dawn.
The wind and snow had only just abated, and the Chen Family's small courtyard on Changping Street lay shrouded in cold, clear morning light.
Chen Qing watched his mother, Madam Han, bustling about. After pondering for a moment, he finally spoke.
"Mother, I plan to go to the Prefecture City."
Madam Han's hand, which had been wiping the table, froze. She abruptly looked up, her eyes full of shock and reluctance. "The Prefecture City? That far away... When are you leaving?"
Her voice carried an almost imperceptible tremble.
"I'll set out in three days."
Chen Qing said slowly, "I may be gone for quite some time, but I'll take care of myself. I've left enough silver at home. Stay here without worry. If you run into any trouble, go find Cheng Ming, or Master."
Madam Han's eyes immediately reddened. A thousand words clogged her throat, ultimately turning into a long sigh. She turned away and wiped at the corners of her eyes. "Mother understands. Your father... sigh, you must come back safe and sound."
She understood her son's ambitions, and understood even more that if he wanted to make something of himself, the farther he went, the better.
But Chen Qing had never left her side since childhood. At this moment, she felt strangely hollow, as though something were missing.
After comforting Madam Han, Chen Qing went to Zhou Academy as usual.
The academy's disciples were still quietly discussing the recent upheaval, but the atmosphere was no longer as heavy and tense as before.
The towering tree that was the Gaolin Chamber of Commerce had fallen, and the dark cloud hanging over Zhou Academy had scattered with it. The disciples could finally once more take up part-time appointments and earn a living as they had