The year-end was approaching, roughly thirty days away. A bountiful harvest was foretold by the auspicious snowfall, and the days of snow in the Capital City had grown frequent. As the daylight dimmed, Yin Tingxue sat on the threshold, gazing afar. The flickering lanterns in the pavilions and towers of wealthy households could still be seen, faintly aglow in the night.
Although curfews were enforced at night, many parts of the Capital City remained vibrant. Pleasure boats adorned with paintings, opulent brothels with spacious balconies—all thrived in lively revelry. Scholars and affluent guests indulged in the beauty of the night, reciting poetry and listening to operatic songs, drinking heartily, and playing games. As the year-end neared, the festivities were already this lively; come Lantern Festival, the entire city would be bustling.
