Loading...
A dusting of white snow clung to He Chunhua’s shoulder, and a twig was snagged in He Yue’s cloak. They had clearly walked a long way. Only when they came close did He Lingchuan ask, “Father, Brother, why didn’t you take a carriage? It’s freezing out.”
“Heh, well, a stroll can count as rest,” He Chunhua said, breath fogging in the air. “A bit of air helps clear the head.”
His voice was steady, but up close his face was drawn, the hollows under his eyes shaded gray. Even for a cultivator who could stave off fatigue, he looked exhausted. He Yue, for his part, had dark circles under his eyes and faint red streaks along the whites of his eyes. He had clearly not slept properly for several nights.
“What happened to you? Were you up at midnight stealing chickens?” He Lingchuan teased as he fell in step between them.
The three of them walked toward the residence gates, their boots crunching softly on the frozen path. The air was still except for the muted sound of carpenters somewhere hammering at the far wing of the residence.
There had once been an easy rhythm between father and younger son, a silent understanding in their steps. Now, with He Lingchuan between them, that balance felt momentarily disturbed, the air charged with faint dissonance.
“I’ve been auditing ledgers and accounts through the night these past few...
Unlock free chapters every day
Bookmark your novel and never lose track of your progress
Share your thoughts with your favorite translator in the comments.
