Outside Han Jiang's home, beneath the window.
Ma Ling couldn't see or hear what was happening inside. She just nervously twisted the loose strands at the end of her braids.
Suddenly, the door was pushed open from the inside, which gave Ma Ling a start.
"Dear!" Han Jiang called. "Come, hurry inside."
"Yes, Uncle Han!" Ma Ling answered, her heart filled with apprehension as she followed him inside.
Upon entering the inner room, she saw Mrs. Han sitting on the heated brick bed, holding a long-stemmed pipe and smiling warmly at her.
Ma Ling immediately asked with great curiosity, "Auntie, is the Shopkeeper back?"
"He is," Mrs. Han said with a smile. "The Shopkeeper was invited for drinks by an old master from another family. He only just came back because I sent for him."
"Oh, I'm sorry to have troubled you, Auntie," Ma Ling said politely. Then, blushing, she asked in a low voice, "So… what did the Shopkeeper say?"
