In the early morning, before the sky had brightened, Li Xiang rose early with his usual self-discipline. He first let out the chickens and ducks, scattering a few handfuls of grain for them. Then, he lit a stove, placed a large iron kettle full of water on top, and only then went to wash up.
In the kennel, Er Huang and the Little Fox were sleeping cuddled together. Seeing their master was up, they ran out as well.
The ground in the backyard was covered in white frost, and a thick layer of ice coated the branches of the persimmon tree. In the distance, the mountains were adorned with patches of rime ice, crystalline and exquisitely beautiful.
The flowing mountain spring water was about two or three degrees. Compared to the ambient temperature, it felt warm. As this "tepid" spring water moistened his face, Li Xiang's fair complexion grew even rosier.
