IS Chapter 104

The mist dissipated, and Li Yuan stood in another courtyard. The courtyard, built of white stone, was empty, desolate, and devoid of scenery or ornamentation, save for the verdant pines, bamboos, and cypresses. The scent of sandalwood from the pine wood slowly dripped down like the cold dew on mountain rocks. A thin layer of snow covered the plants, and white frost clung to the eaves; it was winter. Beneath a tree stood a low desk, and behind that desk, Li Yuan saw a younger Ye Zhuo. Three years old?…