Great Sui, Capital City.
The cold winter wind lashed the White-Faced Scholar's thinly clad body, making him shiver involuntarily.
"So cold~"
The bitter wind had burrowed mercilessly into his clothes, instantly chilling him all over.
He watched the bustling crowds coming and going along the street.
Someone walked past him carrying newly purchased Spring Festival couplets, and only then did he remember that the New Year was almost here.
Returning to the little house where he lived alone, the White-Faced Scholar dusted the corners and window lattice and wiped the square table clean.
Then he sharpened his kitchen knife and stacked the firewood...
He had become thoroughly practiced at these chores over the years since failing the examination.
He made his living writing couplets and doing calligraphy.
Once, he had felt as though the sky were falling, simply getting through one day at a time.
But once it was all behind him, he felt that what had happened back then was no great matter.
After working for a while, he was covered in sweat, and the fire had made the house too hot.
The White-Faced Scholar slipped on a light robe and walked to the window.
He gave it a hard push, throwing the window open. A gust of wind swept into his face, refreshing his mind and spirits.
"Whew~"
Letting out a long breath, the White-Faced Scholar closed the door again.
He headed to the kitchen to prepare that evening's meal.
Potatoes and washed mushrooms.
Four or five days had already passed, but there was still no news about the manuscript he had submitted.
He reckoned it had been rejected.
The White-Faced Scholar sighed helplessly.
Before long, however, he began comforting himself.
Life is bitterly short; enjoy it while you can~
"Knock, knock, knock!"
Someone was knocking at the