The snowy path to Qingya Peak hadn't melted yet, and when the noontime sun illuminated the earth, the sky was a mix of orange and blue—a transparency unique to after a snowfall.
Even the snow seemed to carry a light blue glow, as the sun pierced through the branches, casting variously shaped shadows on the ground. The branches swayed gently, and Sangmo flitted across the dancing shadows with light steps. She looked up suddenly to see wisps of blue smoke rising from Changwu Residence.
"Master's back?" Sangmo was pleasantly surprised.
"I should have plucked a red plum had I known! Master loves red plums the most."
She quickened her pace and ran towards Qingya Peak.
When she entered the inner hall, it was toasty warm; Shen Yanqing had lit the floor heating and the stove.
He was dressed in his usual azure attire, sitting by the stove brewing the tea he favored, with a few sweet potatoes and Sangmo's beloved longans on the grill.
Sangmo approached, "Master, you're back!"
