The Chilly Winds of Early Winter (Ending Removed for Publication)

At the center of the room stood a bed nearly twice the size of an ordinary one. Soft gauze draped the canopy, while delicate brocade and a light yet warm quilt of celestial silk were piled across it. Several silk pillows lay scattered carelessly on the bed. With everything so casually disheveled, and a half-naked beauty sleeping atop it, the scene looked like an extravagant, sensual painting of a beauty sleeping among begonias in spring. But every last thing was red. Bright red. A man sleeping in a bed that red. Sima Liuyun once said, “Red suits my complexion best, and I’m the only one who can do it justice.” There he lay among the brocades, covered only to the waist, his back exposed: snow-white, smooth as jade, and completely flawless. Against that brilliant red, it really did look just right. Theme: