Chapter 269
Ran Yan followed Lady Xiao to the side hall.
The side hall was near the water, and no brazier was lit inside the room; even Ran Yan could feel the sharp coldness biting her skin.
The maid brought two thick pieces of wool felt and laid them on the two round-backed armchairs by the window. Lady Xiao chose one to sit down and gestured for Ran Yan to sit as well.
"Open the window," Lady Xiao said.
The maid wanted to discourage her, but swallowed the words and pushed the lattice window open. A gust of cold air suddenly rushed in.
Guessing the character of Lady Xiao, Ran Yan did not make a futile attempt to persuade, but instead turned to Wan Lu and said, "Bring a light mattress."
Lady Xiao smiled faintly, looking out at the bare lake surface, which was covered with ice as thin as cicada wings, reflecting dazzling light under the sun.
The room was silent, only occasionally the rustling noise of clothes rubbing during movements.
