Jinghe Fourteenth Year, the twentieth day of the twelfth lunar month. Clear skies.
After the light snow, the sky had finally cleared-a rare sight.
Everyone in the Feng Residence had received word early that day that an imperial envoy would arrive from the Palace.
Feng Guan had changed into a formal Shenyi Robe, fastened a Jade Belt around his waist, and donned a square cap. He stood outside the Main Hall to await the envoy.
Jiang Shi wore the slate blue, wide-sleeved Beizi she seldom put on, with a Pearl Crown on her head and Gold Clove Earrings hanging from her ears. Her appearance was dignified and proper.
Feng Ci stood behind his father in a brand-new blue padded robe.
Fu Niang had been seated behind a screen to one side of the Main Hall. She was forbidden to come out and could only listen quietly.
That day, she wore a goose yellow Beizi, her hair neatly arranged in a bun.
With a Silver Phoenix Hairpin tucked into it, she sat quietly on a small stool behind the screen.
Feng Yan, however, had not gone out to greet the envoy.
He sat in the seat of honor in the Main Hall, wearing a thick robe, his hair and beard snowy white, his face lean.
Though old age had made him sensitive to the cold, and an old blanket lay across his knees, his expression remained composed.
Shortly after noon, hoofbeats sounded at the mouth of the lane.
A carriage from the Palace stopped before the Feng Residence.
The carriage curtain lifted, revealing Wang Cheng.
He wore a purple gauze robe beneath a brand-new sable Cloak and held a long case wrapped in yellow silk.
Two junior eunuchs followed him, each carrying a sandalwood tray covered with yellow silk.
Feng