The sky was just beginning to brighten when Zhao Yan rose. Every movement as he climbed out of bed pulled at his sore muscles, but he ignored the lingering aches and sped up his morning wash.
He started with five laps around the courtyard as a warm-up, then moved on to the main event: a set of the Five-Animal Frolics. The five animals—tiger, deer, bear, ape, and bird—each featured two movements for a total of ten. He performed them with great focus, so immersed that he failed to notice the strange look Zhao Gao was giving him. By the time he finished, he was lightly perspiring; as the breeze brushed over him, it felt as though every pore in his body were finally breathing. He felt refreshed and exhilarated.
Just as he was savoring the moment, he turned around and locked eyes with Zhao Gao. The subtle expression on Zhao Gao's face was odd, as if he had seen a ghost.
Chapter 53