The sun shone warm on red blossoms, and green leaves gathered into deep shade.
The summer breeze carried the fragrance of flowers through the garden's dense foliage, stirring a soft rustle. Sunlight sifted through the shade in playful, dancing flecks.
In the Music Family's pavilion, Le Zhan wore a plain robe and looked thoroughly at ease. Brush in hand, he moved it across the paper, reciting as he wrote:
"Red blossoms lean on green and beckon near,
A new bride twines around the emerald spray.
A little butterfly taps her blushing face-"
Le Zhan paused his brush in thought. Just as he was about to catch a spark of inspiration, Le Xiaopang interrupted him.
"Father!"
Le Xiaopang stood outside the pavilion, bowed properly, and offered an ingratiating smile.
Le Zhan frowned, a trace of displeasure in his voice. "Have you finished your lessons?"
"All finished! My teacher even praised me for improving!"
Le Zhan snorted in disbelief.
Le Xiaopang plastered on a smile. "Father, I'd like to draw a little..."
Le Zhan immediately waved him off. "Absolutely not. Don't even think about it."
Le Xiaopang pulled a miserable face. "Father-"
Le Zhan pointed at his son. "We had an agreement. Once you've cleared the debts from smashing up the Cockfighting Hall, buying the Silver Hu Bottle, burning that white sable coverlet, and all your other nonsense in Hibiscus Lane, you'll get your monthly allowance! Until then, don't expect a single coin!"
Le Xiaopang was on the verge of tears. "But I haven't got any money at all! How am I supposed to go out with my friends?"
"That pack of fox-and-dog friends? What do you need to go out for? Stay home and study!"
Le Xiaopang deliberately looked shocked. "Even Wang Yang counts as a fox-and-dog friend?!"
Le Zhan paused.