Wu Minggao had become a frequent visitor to West River Village.
Compared with those days when he had constantly yearned for Yi Shuyuan's calligraphy, Wu Minggao now seemed more like an old friend. Whenever he came, it was simply because he felt lonely and wanted someone to talk to.
Whenever Yi Shuyuan occasionally went into the county town, he would be sure to visit the Wu Household's old residence as well.
Before anyone knew it, another year had passed, and winter had come again. Yuanjiang County was as cold as ever, and snow had blanketed West River Village's fields early in the season.
An old Postal Courier rode an old horse into West River Village and stopped outside the Yi residence. A servant sunning himself by the courtyard gate saw him and immediately stood up.
"Uncle Sun, here to deliver letters? Come in and have some hot tea!"
The Postal Courier rubbed his hands and breathed on them, already rummaging through the old horse's saddlebags as he spoke.
"No, no. Can't you see how busy I am today? So many letters to deliver, and quite a few are for your Grand Elder!"
"Oh, right!"
The servant craned his neck to look. The Postal Courier pulled out a small stack of letters, straightened them, then turned and handed them over.
"Here. Don't lose them."
"Uncle Sun, let me get you a couple of Seal Cakes to eat on the road."
"Er, make it quick, then!"
"Right, right!"
The old Postal Courier sat on the little stool the servant had just vacated. While waiting for the Seal Cakes, he enjoyed a brief rest and basked in the morning sun.
He glanced over the Yi Household's residence. They were certainly a wealthy household by West River Village's standards, but the place was nothing