With the tacit approval of his parents, the support of 200 stones of grain from Old Madam Yan, and the encouragement of Daohua, the next day, Yan Wenxiu nervously suggested to the Master of the County School that they take advantage of the good snowy scenery and organize the students to go out on a sketching trip.
Generally speaking, during the harsh winter, the Masters of the County School wouldn't agree to let the students go out. However, this matter had been prearranged by Yan Zhigao with the instructing teacher, and so, a group of students set out, treading through the snow to leave the city.
Because of the fear that accidents might happen on the road, Yan Zhigao also specially arranged for a number of government officials to follow and escort them.
The students were out for the entire day.
That evening.
Everyone gathered at the Songhe Courtyard, curious to see Yan Wenxiu who, upon his return, appeared grim and remained silent.