At noon, the snow had just cleared and the North Street's atmosphere seemed eerie; from afar, the brightly decorated red-lacquered courtyard showed no trace of joy. Passersby whispered as they hurried past, wrapping their cotton robes tightly around themselves.
"This is a Blessed Buddha Token I requested from Xia'an Temple. Please pass it to your young lady." The Charcoal Seller pulled out a wooden plaque from his patched cotton jacket, with the Bodhisattva's lowered eyes still smudged with charcoal dust.
"Alright, old man, I'll take it to the young lady."
"Thank you."
The Charcoal Seller watched as the Li Family servant walked away, his chapped hands repeatedly wiping on his trouser leg. Last year's heavy snowfall had trapped the mountains, and the bowl of congee Miss Li donated had saved his grandson's life. Sadly, this was all he could do.
