The cold wind of the twelfth lunar month rolled up the snow foam and whipped the red lanterns hanging high in Jingxue Villa. Inside the village is a different world. Warm as spring, the charcoal fire crackled in the beast-headed copper stove, reflecting the splendor of the guests' rich clothes. The melodious sound of silk and bamboo orchestral music covered up the low roar of the wind and snow outside the window.
