On the tenth day of the twelfth lunar month, Zixuan and Jinghan, accompanied by the majority of the servants from their mansion, embarked on their journey home. Nearly twenty carriages formed an impressive procession heading in the direction of Shuangdian County.
It was the coldest time of the year. People often say that during the seventh and eighth days of the twelfth lunar month, the cold can freeze off one's chin. A mere two days had passed since then, and the cold was so intense that people wished they could stay lying on a warm bed without ever leaving the house.
The drivers outside were all bundled up in thick fur-lined jackets and pants, their feet clad in boots. Even though they sat on the carriage shafts without much movement, these men were strong and robust. Besides, driving was a physically demanding job, and gripping the whip in their right hand could make the palm sweat.
