Two days had passed since the court assembly.
That day, snow fell thick and free from morning until afternoon.
The wind swept the snowflakes along, and they melted as soon as they touched the ground. Winter's bitter cold was gradually fading from the air, replaced by the bone-deep chill that preceded a late spring cold snap.
At such times, ordinary families often had little savings left, and even venturing outside filled them with dread. The cold was still bearable when winter snow blanketed the ground, but these stretches of mingled rain and snow were far deadlier. One careless moment could bring on a chill and cough that cost a person their life.
The poor counted out their copper coins one by one to get through each day, but for scholars of ample means, this season meant another round of banquets to attend now and then.
Winter had passed, and spring was approaching. Though rain and snow fell together amid chilly winds, how delightful it was to warm a pot of wine, invite a few close friends, lean at leisure beside a boat window, and cruise the river to clear one's mind!
On the canal alone, several large pleasure barges set out that day, with celebrated courtesans from the pleasure houses coming to enliven the outings. The sounds of zithers and song never ceased.
On one pleasure barge that had only just seen off a leading courtesan from the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, the banquet had reached a lively pitch. The examination candidates, reserved at first, had all loosened up, some drinking and others talking.
"Brother Wang, look. Brother Qi is debating with someone. They seem to be discussing what happened at the court assembly. Shall we go over and listen?"
Undercurrents swirled through the Capital City. Officials did not dare discuss