The heavy snow swirled through the night, as the guard, holding an oiled paper umbrella, pushed Pei Chong towards the back courtyard.
Wheelchair tracks etched twin lines in the snow, the crunch of boots in the icy silence chilled the snowy night.
This winter was especially cold.
The guards had already set out wine and dishes on the stone table in the pavilion of the rear courtyard.
For warmth, they had also prepared two charcoal stoves.
Just as they were about to hang the wind curtains around the pavilion, Pei Chong raised his hand to stop them.
"You all may leave," he said.
The guard complied and silently departed.
Pei Chong sat alone in the pavilion amidst the wind and snow, gazing at the frozen lake surface, before he finally managed a bitter smile.
"Aruo, join me for a drink," he said.
He poured wine into a cup, placing one in front of the empty seat across from him and holding the other in his palm, smiling as he tilted his head back to drain it.
