Two people followed closely behind Su Yun, one man and one woman.
The young man was around fourteen or fifteen, dressed in splendid robes and handsome in appearance. He still held a long flute of green jade in his hand, and there was a touch of pride in his eyes. He was Xie Xuan, the seventh son of the Main Estate whom they had seen by the lake at the Grand View Garden before.
Xie Xuan lowered his head and studied the ground.
The snow had been swept into piles on either side, exposing old bluestone slabs weathered by the years, their surfaces faintly yellowed.
He frowned slightly. Always one to love cleanliness, he found this shabby little courtyard somewhat difficult to set foot in.
The woman followed behind Su Yun, dressed in fitted black martial attire for men, with an emerald jade belt wrapped around her waist. She appeared to be about the age of coming of age.
She wore a footed headwrap, without a trace of makeup on her face. Her features were upright and striking, her brows sharp as if cut by a blade, and her phoenix eyes carried a heroic air between them.
With one hand braced on her belt like the young man, she strode with the bearing of a dragon rearing and a tiger pacing.
Yet her features were far too fair and delicate; one glance was enough to tell that she was a woman.
She passed Xie Xuan directly and strolled inside.
Su Yun paid it no mind, though surprise flickered in his eyes as he looked around the old courtyard.
Xie Xuan had no choice but to follow, stepping inside with them.
Su Yun had sought him out today. Xie Xuan had been delighted and had waited early at the gates of