It is often said: With every autumn rain, the chill deepens.
On a mountain path southwest of Qingzhou, the cold moon hung high, frost blanketed the ground, a layer of mist lingered, shrouded in a vague, desolate chill.
Ha~
A handsome scholar in patched plain clothes walked along the road, covering his mouth as he breathed into his lantern, feeling even colder after the fleeting warmth, he couldn't help but frown, tightening his grip on his wicker bookcase as he continued his journey.
His name was Cui Yebai, a poor scholar from Dianzhou.
Though the capital city exams in Qian Dynasty took place during the blooming spring, by attending the Lantern Festival, one could make a name for oneself with poetry, so scholars from various places often arrived half a year early.
Cui Yebai couldn't afford the expensive canal boat fare, so he entered Qingzhou from Dianzhou, taking mountain paths for shortcuts, but got delayed by rain along the way.
