Body Radiating Divine Light, Spine Like a Divine Mountain

The night passed without a word.

The next morning, fledgling sparrows sang early; it was autumn outside and spring within. The climate was pleasant, the scenery beautiful.

Li Xian rose at the hour of the dragon and pushed open the window. The sight of the inner courtyard eased his heart. A red flower drooped into the room, delicate and dripping with color.

Though the room was not large, behind the screen lay a bathing pool. The earth's crust had been pierced to connect with underground water, which flowed year-round, warm and perfectly tempered.

Li Xian jumped into the pool and soaked in the clear water.

The exhaustion of the previous night completely dissipated.

The water was clear and moist, light as gauze silk, as though it had no weight at all. Li Xian dove into the pool and frolicked about. It was like roaming heaven and earth, floating in the air—an indescribable delight.

Li Xian sighed. "People of this rank really know how to enjoy themselves. Then again, if one lives long enough, one naturally ought to enjoy life."

A jade platform stood beside the pool, holding a palm-sized piece of white jade. With a swipe of the hand, fragrant dew seeped from the jade. Used for washing, it kept one fragrant all day and free of dirt and grime.

This jade was called Deepdew Jade, obtained from the deep sea. Its price was extraordinarily high, and women adored it. It belonged to the category of "vulgar miscellaneous trinkets."

Li Xian washed himself roughly, then dressed. As usual, he helped Madam Wen braid and comb her long hair, put on her garments and ornaments, insert silver hairpins, hang earrings, and so on.

Madam Wen asked, "Did you rest well last night?"

"Very well," Li Xian said.

"Last time, I said