On the seventh day of the third month, two days remained before the Provincial Examination.
Spring in the Capital had finally deigned to reveal something of its true face.
Yesterday's late cold snap had been like a passing traveler who left without saying goodbye.
It had gone without a trace, leaving not even a shadow behind.
Likewise, for the first time ever, Wei Nisheng had not risen early to study.
When Cui Fu came in carrying a basin of hot water and saw him still lying in bed, he froze.
He thought he had entered the wrong room, even rubbed his eyes and looked again.
It was indeed Wei Nisheng, indeed that bed, and indeed an hour when the sun was already high.
"Young Master? Are you still... not getting up?"
Wei Nisheng rolled over, pulled the quilt over his head, and said in a muffled voice,
"No studying today."
Cui Fu stood in the doorway with the basin, unsure whether to enter or retreat.
He had never seen this Young Master laze in bed.
He always rose at the hour of the Hare, immovable even by thunder.
What had come over him today?
"It's best not to study during the two days before the Provincial Examination."
Wei Nisheng's voice emerged from beneath the quilt.
"Too much reading only muddles the mind.
Take a day off and restore your spirits."
Only half understanding, Cui Fu murmured, "Oh," set the basin on its stand, and left.
Qu Niang was in the kitchen giving instructions to the kitchen servants. Hearing Cui Fu say that the Young Master was not getting up, she too paused, then smiled.
She said nothing more, merely arranged the Morning Meal neatly on small blue-and-white porcelain plates.
Whenever Wei Nisheng got up, she would bring it to him.