The scent of winter plum drifted through the air, snowflakes swirling and scattering. In the relatively prosperous central region of Qiland, it was already a world of ice and snow. Pedestrians on the street hurried along, shivering, and most people would stop by a warm little shop after going out, to rest and drink a bowl of hot wine.
In the central region of Qiland stood a small city, Liao City, located within Yangping County. It was a peaceful town, untouched by the ravages of war. The people inside lived in comfort and abundance, enjoying a leisurely life.
In front of a residence on the western side of the city, a man stood, exhaling clouds of white breath. The horse behind him snorted from time to time; in such a bitter cold, even the horse had no appetite for fodder and shivered in the chill.
Bang bang bang—the man at the door, around forty years old, was powerfully built, his hair tied up and wearing a bamboo hat. In his arms, he held a baby girl still wrapped in swaddling clothes. The infant had already been fed by someone and slept soundly.
The residence looked grand, with a plaque above the door bearing two large characters: Yi Manor. This was the distinguished home of Master Yi in Liao City.
The man at the door grew impatient, knocking anxiously. He was freezing, his hands and feet numb. After all that had happened, he was deeply worried for the baby girl—after such a long journey, her health was poor.
With a creak, the door opened a crack.
"Our master does not receive guests. He has already said that he will not be able to write for the next few months."
"Tell your master that I come at the request of Julian Potter."
The guard at the door, who looked to be in his thirties, shut the door.