Snowflakes drifted down slowly. The courtyard, having just been swept, was soon blanketed in white once more. Since it was only a few steps, Zhao Yan hadn’t bothered with an umbrella; as soon as he stepped inside, the snow that had settled on his head and shoulders began to melt.
"Come over and warm yourself by the fire."
Madam Chen took the meat from Zhao Yan’s hands. It had been purchased by Mother Dong at the market that morning—freshly slaughtered pork. There was plenty of other produce as well, almost all of it sent from the estate; with the weather this cold, the vegetables wouldn't spoil easily.
Chapter 704