On the eighth day of the second month, Jinghe Year Fifteen, the rain cleared and the clouds parted.
Only on this day did the spring rains, falling for days on end, finally cease.
Xie Lin's residence stood beside the water in the south of the city.
A few slender stalks of bamboo grew in the front courtyard, raindrops still hanging from their leaf tips.
The wind shook them loose onto the bluestone, where they pattered like shattered jade.
In the rear courtyard lay a small lake, with a pavilion at its center, its eaves sweeping upward.
A plaque hung beneath the eaves, bearing the words "Lake's Heart."
Wei Zi first sent a calling card, then came alone.
Xie Lin stood at the entrance. Seeing Wei Zi in the distance, he went out to greet him himself.
The Xie residence.
Xie Lin stepped aside to lead the way, and the two walked one behind the other.
Wei Nisheng walked at an unhurried pace, studying the residence along the way.
He had never visited the Xie residence before. Only now, examining it closely, did he understand that Xie Lin was warm jade without, yet sharp-edged within.
Inside, the bamboo would not bow, the osmanthus gave its own fragrance, the paths were secluded but never crooked, and the pavilion was small but never humble.
Everywhere revealed its master's refusal to drift with the current.
"Your residence is refined, Dao'an."
"Zi'an, have you come on important business today?" Xie Lin suddenly asked as he walked ahead.
"No important business." Wei Nisheng shook his head and said lightly,
"The temple has lost its interest, so naturally I have leisure.
And with leisure, I thought I would come talk with you, Dao'an."
"Talk?" Xie Lin's steps faltered slightly. He did not turn, but gave