Xue Yin rested her chin on her hand, the sweet fragrance of the sugar cake melting on her lips and teeth. Outside the window, a begonia tree was blooming in full splendor, its pink-and-white petals teased by the spring breeze, occasionally drifting into the small window and landing on her silver hair.
"Silly girl, this is the eighth time you've asked!" Alin put down her embroidery frame and gently tapped Xue Yin's forehead with her fingertips. The jade bracelet on her wrist tapped against the celadon tea cup, producing a crisp, clear sound. "Didn't Muyin's carrier pigeon arrive yesterday? She said she would definitely arrive by the Shen hour today."
Xue Yin's ears instantly perked up, her tail sweeping a cheerful arc behind her skirt. She suddenly jumped up, lunged toward the carved wooden cabinet, and fished out a brocade bundle from inside. "Sister Lin, look!" Wrapped in layers of silk were a pair of white jade bells. "Sister Muyin said last year that when I reached my coming-of-age, she would tie them around my neck..."
Chapter 132