The New Year had passed, and the weather began to grow warmer.
The frost and ice that had accumulated on the roads and rooftops all winter quietly began to show signs of melting.
Though the wind outside remained bitter, it had lost some of its bone-piercing chill.
Spring, it seemed, was just around the corner.
Tong City, Rare Treasures Pavilion.
A brazier still stood inside the room, but the charcoal burning within it had been reduced by half.
The window beside it was also half open, letting the wind blow inside.
Wrapped in thick clothes, Yang Qing looked somewhat better than before. A little color had returned to his pale face, and his strength had improved considerably.
The sight made Bu Er and Jiang Zhizhou secretly breathe sighs of relief.
They were finally about to weather this bitter cold.
Leaning beneath the porch, Yang Qing looked up at the sky overhead a few times, then suddenly turned to Jiang Zhizhou. "The Spring Sacrifice should be coming soon, shouldn't it?"
Jiang Zhizhou nodded. "Indeed. I imagine it will be within the next two or three days."
At this, an indistinct emotion settled between Jiang Zhizhou's brows. "In previous years, the Regent King presided over the Spring Sacrifice, with all the civil and military officials in attendance. His Majesty, by contrast, became someone whose presence hardly mattered."
"I wonder whether His Majesty can win back some ground this year."
Yang Qing replied, "I heard that several days ago, the emperor personally imprisoned Eunuch Gui, who had served him for years, then swiftly promoted a replacement. Such conduct already carries the bearing of a sovereign."
"I imagine there will be some changes to this year's Spring Sacrifice."
At this point, Yang Qing looked at Jiang Zhizhou again. "Have you uncovered the Wandering Monk's