The two courtyards were not far apart, so they arrived shortly. The servant guarding the door saw Su Jiu and immediately announced her arrival: "Welcome, Young Madame! Eldest Young Master has been waiting for you for a long time!"
Su Jiu nodded at him and went directly to the dining room. The Chuyun Pavilion was brightly lit, and the glass had fogged up with smoke. The deep winter chill had broken, giving way to more luxurious tranquility. The servant guarding the dining room opened the door for Su Jiu. He called out, "Young Master, Young Madame has arrived!"
Once inside, Su Jiu could not help but take a deep breath. How fragrant! The smell of food, cosmetics, and a fleeting coldness that seemed there and yet not there wafted through the air. Together, they melded into an intoxicating atmosphere.
