Inside the gardens of the Bai Mansion in West City, clusters of white cherry blossoms stretched out like rolling clouds, making it feel like a fairyland far away from the mortal world, drifting amidst the clouds. A gentle breeze swept past, sending oval white cherry petals fluttering down to scatter across the courtyard, carrying a delicate, faint fragrance of stamens. The petals brushed against the plain silk sleeves of passing garments, settled upon the crowns and brims of those who walked by, and gathered thickly upon the emerald grass glistening with morning dew—as though they had drifted, too, into the hearts of those watching from afar.
With doors and windows thrown wide open, a solitary figure sat slumped upon the sandalwood steps before the entrance. His right hand reached out, casually picking up a half-filled white jade wine cup from the wooden steps, while his left hand brought a white jade goblet to the mouth of the vessel. As he tilted his right hand slightly, clear, brewed wine spilled over the brim of the cup, and he threw back his head and drained it in a single gulp. He did not stop until he had emptied three or four cups in succession.
A few cherry petals were carried by the crisp, cool breeze into his cup, landing steadily upon the sparkling wine, gently sinking and drifting across the surface. Bai Molian showed not a shred of disdain; he cracked a slight, self-deprecating smile, and with bold abandon, tossed back the wine in his cup once more.
Chapter 19