The Scholar was vexed at its own "failure to recognize what was right before its eyes."
Though it knew why.
It had been so shocked by all the monsters in the courtyard that it hadn't noticed the Plum Tree.
It had even overlooked the plum fragrance in the air.
The Scholar knocked on its head.
Then it realized something.
Wait, wasn't it still too early for plum blossoms to bloom?
How could this Plum Tree be flowering so beautifully?
"She's the Plum Blossom Woman you're looking for."
Xiao Xiao smiled.
The Scholar froze.
The Plum Blossom Woman?
Ah!
Was she the beauty from just now?
Plum Blossom Woman, Plum Blossom Woman...
That meant...
The anxious look faded from the Scholar's face.
Its eyes were practically brimming with light.
The Scholar ran beneath the Plum Tree.
Its upturned face was full of wonder.
Xiao Xiao smiled and went inside.
"Xiao Xiao?"
Madam Xiao came out of the kitchen and was surprised to see her son, who should have been at school.
"Why are you back?"
"Is something wrong?"
"Yeah."
Xiao Xiao's eyes curved into a smile. "Mom, I have a guest in the courtyard."
"It's going to paint in a little while."
"If you see anything strange, don't be surprised."
Painting?
Something strange?
Madam Xiao was utterly confused.
Still, she smiled and nodded. "All right."
Ever since she'd gotten used to the White Plum Blossom in the courtyard, which bloomed in every season, she'd become much more accepting of strange things.
"I'll go out front, then. Call me if you need anything."
Madam Xiao gave Xiao Xiao a quick reminder, then turned and left.
Xiao Xiao returned to the courtyard with a brush-washing pot full of water.
He set it on the stone