In the blink of an eye, time entered late November. Bitter winter was approaching, and the weather in Dragon Emperor City turned cold. Every morning, frost gleamed like silver throughout the imperial gardens of the Forbidden City. The peonies, osmanthus, golden camellias, and tiger chrysanthemums that had been so dazzling only months ago had long since lost their splendor. All the flowers in the imperial gardens showed signs of withering. Only the patch of red plum blossoms in the plum garden began to display its brilliant glory in this season when all other flowers lay dormant, welcoming the season that belonged to them.
Leng Manxue had been born in winter, so she especially loved winter. She loved even more the plum blossoms that could still stand alone in their splendor and bloom proudly during winter. Within the Forbidden City, Leng Manxue's residence was close to the plum garden of the inner court. From the small tower in her courtyard, she only needed to open a window to see the scenery within the plum garden.
Snowflakes had begun drifting down over Dragon Emperor City last night. The next morning, when the chief steward of the Forbidden City rose and habitually pushed open the vermilion window, countless dots of purplish red amidst a field of pure white instantly filled her vision, immediately lifting her mood.
"Wind and rain see spring away; flying snow welcomes spring's return. Though cliffs are sealed in ice a hundred feet deep, lovely blossoms still grace the branches. Lovely, yet they do not contend for spring; they merely herald spring's arrival. When mountain flowers bloom in riotous splendor, she will smile among them."
Looking at the scene before her, Leng Manxue could not help reciting a poem.
Of course, Leng Manxue had not written this poem. Last month,