The twenty-second day of the twelfth lunar month.
Chang'an City.
The bustle in the markets had not diminished one bit despite the snowstorm blanketing the world.
The festive gates of the East Market's decorated towers had already been adorned with fresh peachwood charms, and bright red lanterns hung high, lending even the falling snow a touch of warmth.
Firecrackers went off one after another. Children in thick cotton-padded jackets chased one another around the alley entrance, holding sugar melons in their hands and humming nursery rhymes.
Whether they were young nobles or street peddlers,
as the year drew to a close, they were all swept up in the festive cheer.
Jiang Estate.
A few days earlier, after word spread that Jiang Xun's wrongful conviction had been overturned, his official post restored, and he had been appointed Grand Preceptor,
the threshold of the estate had nearly been worn away by colleagues coming to offer congratulations, while a line of gift bearers stretched from one end of the alley to the other.
But once the excitement died down, the entrance to Jiang Estate grew somewhat deserted.
Those in court were exceptionally skilled at reading people's expressions.
The Grand Princess Zhaoyue of Great Tang had not set foot in Jiang Estate once since returning to the capital.
Everyone was secretly speculating about Her Highness's intentions.
In the back garden,
several wintersweet trees were in full bloom, their subtle fragrance drifting through the air.
Jiang Xun wore a thick blue cotton robe, his hands tucked into his sleeves as he stood beneath the covered walkway.
His frame was gaunt, and the white hair at his temples seemed to have grown a little more abundant after these past few days of wind and frost.
Even though his official post had now been restored, there was