Huai Zi didn't press the matter and went to get cleaned up.
By the time he came out in a fresh set of dry clothes, the sun had already set. He stood at the courtyard gate, his gaze passing through the grove of young willows in front. He could see groups of people returning from the fields, carrying hoes on their shoulders and bamboo baskets on poles. Some hurried along, while others ambled at a leisurely pace.
He rarely had moments of leisure like this and felt completely relaxed. He decided to read for a bit, then find Qingmu and Juhua for a chat after dinner. Just as he was about to turn, he suddenly glimpsed a slender, purple-clad figure in the willow grove heading toward the river, a large gray dog trailing behind her.
'It's Juhua!' He smiled faintly and followed the cobblestone path, fringed with slender, swaying willows, down to the river.
