The plum blossoms in the courtyard were in full bloom, petals covering the ground, scattered over the lingering patches of unmelted snow. At first glance, it was impossible to tell where the snow ended and the blossoms began. When the wind rose, a subtle fragrance drifted through the air, flowing throughout the courtyard.

Under the curtain of dusk, the moon hung above the eaves, its light cool as water.