In a rare bout of good weather, the wind stopped and the snow ceased, the winter sun piercing through layers of clouds brought threads of warmth. Ping'an couldn't stay put and slipped out the door with his little friends.
With the children's laughter gone, the yard became quiet and cold. Watching Aunt Chen following closely behind, Zhang Guoqing leaned against the wall, basking in the sun, as his wife lazily snuggled in the chair next to him, he stood up.
"Where are you going?"
"Too bored, I'm going to tidy up the west room."
"Do you want me to help?"
Zhang Guoqing quickly stopped her: "You just stay here and relax. I'll just check the kang bed; Aunt Chen will tidy up the bedding later."
Zhou Jiao waved her hand half-sleepily.
In the three rooms of the west wing, Ping'an had taken one for a reading room, another was used by Zhang Guoqing for entertaining friends, leaving the middle one piled with clutter.
