After the rain of Grain Rain had passed, Shengjing welcomed the beginning of summer.
In the courtyard in front of the Board of Rites Office, peonies and hydrangeas bloomed in abundance, reds and purples, bright as clouds at dawn, making the already splendid mansion seem even more so, as if adorned with a hundred red lanterns, radiant with precious hues.
Once the rainy season began, the ground of Shengjing seemed never to dry. Jin Xianrong shed his slightly heavier spring clothes, donning a light and cool undershirt. He walked to the front of his room and from the Silver Jar took a small Fragrant Pill, carefully lit it, and transferred it to the Incense Burner.
The lid of the Incense Burner was closed, and a thin stream of blue smoke rose from the carved bull's head, accompanied by a rich and refreshing fragrance.
Jin Xianrong bent down, drew a large breath near the smoke, satisfied, he closed his eyes and savored its taste.
