In a quiet courtyard, Li Yuan handed Zhu Ban’s letter to the long-legged maid who had come out to greet him. Early autumn had arrived, and the grass was turning yellow but had yet to wither.  0

After giving the letter, Li Yuan waited in silence. Beyond the door, Cui Huayin evidently finished reading, yet said nothing. Li Yuan didn’t prod her.  0

Time passed, enough for one stick of incense to burn. Still, no response. Outside, the clan head was starting to fidget.  0

“What’s going on in there?” he muttered. “Why is it so silent?”  0

But silent it remained. Li Yuan stood in the courtyard; Cui Huayin sat within the house. One door separated them, neither of them moving. The wind rustled, leaves shimmered faintly golden. Another stick of incense’s worth of time...0