Standing at the courtyard gate were, of course, Yi Shuyuan and Stoneborn, along with Du Xiaolin, who was somewhat ill at ease but curious nonetheless.
"Miss Zhuo, happy New Year!"
Yi Shuyuan offered a cupped-hand greeting. Zhuo Qing hurried to the gate and pulled it all the way open.
"Sir, please come in!"
"Aunt Zhuo, happy New Year! This is Xiao Lin, my best friend-and here, we brought you a present!"
Stoneborn spoke first, pulling Du Xiaolin ahead of Yi Shuyuan with that large salted fish still dangling from his hand.
Zhuo Qing showed no distaste. She took the grass cord threaded through the dried fish's mouth, stroked Stoneborn's cheek, and smiled and nodded at Du Xiaolin before welcoming them inside.
Once Du Xiaolin got a clear look at Zhuo Qing's face, however, she fell into a daze. There were differences, but the resemblance was uncanny!
She looked so much like the Sword Immortal lady Mr. Yi had transformed into back then!
Was she Mr. Yi's relative?
No, his relatives were in Moon Province! The Yi Household didn't seem to know this lady, either!
"Xiao Lin, what are you staring at? Come on in!"
Stoneborn pulled Du Xiaolin into the courtyard, apparently forgetting that he, too, had stood dumbstruck the first time he met Zhuo Qing.
Although it was already the first month of the New Year, and snow still lingered in many places, chrysanthemums remained in bloom beside the courtyard fence. Having spent a long time discussing gardening with Yan Bo, Yi Shuyuan now perceived them a little differently, almost as though he could sense something of what the flowers felt.
Seeing Yi Shuyuan looking at the flowers in the courtyard, Zhuo Qing smiled.
"I haven't done much to tend them, but they bloom so well anyway!"
Yi Shuyuan