New Yu Era 1322, February 24th
A sudden, violent downpour unexpectedly descended, catching the over two million residents of Tongling County somewhat off guard.
From early morning, there were fewer pedestrians on the streets, and the shops saw scarcely a visitor. Those who were out had donned raincoats, braving the torrential rain and hurrying along with their heads down.
At a street corner in North City, Zhang Chong, who was swinging his robust arms to hammer iron ingots under the shelter of his own shop, suddenly saw his neighbor Wang Peng, who sold liquor, wearing a raincoat and riding a horse, apparently in a rush to leave.
"Old Wang, rushing to see your mistress, eh?"