162, Cliff

Dawn broke with the crowing of the rooster.

In the dimly lit apprentice dormitory, Chen Ji slowly sat up from his bed.

He turned to glance at his friends next to him: She Dengke and Liu Quxing had wrapped themselves tightly in their blankets, and Liang Gou'er, who had returned at some unknown time, reeking of alcohol, was sound asleep with his head resting on Liang Mao'er's stomach.

Treading lightly, Chen Ji dressed and went out the door, standing underneath the apricot tree as he exhaled a faint breath of mist, silently looking up at a red cloth strip tied to the highest branch of the tree before turning to head toward his master's main house.

He quietly lifted the heavy cotton door curtain and peeked inside.

Prince Jing was deeply asleep on the bed, while Old Yao, sitting in a recliner, rested with his eyes closed, the room's stove emanating a gentle warmth.