The snow has been falling for several days, and the distances they cover each day are getting shorter and shorter. Liu Pingkang and his companions were anxious, but there was nothing they could do.
"We can only cover this bit of road in a day. I'm afraid we won't make it back in time for the New Year this year." Ma Zhi watched their slow pace, and he was so anxious that cold sores appeared at the corners of his mouth. "Boss, why is this year's weather so bad?"
"Isn't it like this every year?" Liu Pingkang was calm. "That's because we set out a bit earlier in the past, and we'd already reached Lingnan by the time the heavy snow fell. It's wetter there, but at least the roads are easier to travel."
"It seems that's really the case. This year's snow has come exceptionally early. I hope next year we'll have a good harvest." Ma Zhi thought of his pregnant wife at home. Snow is good for staying in, so she wouldn't have to work so hard every day.
