Old Zhou, the gatekeeper, held a small wooden stool, leaned against the main gate basking in the sun, shrinking his neck a bit, feeling somewhat drowsy.
It's winter now, so the clothes are naturally thick to block the wind, and in his arms, he held a small stove with a bronze hollow beast and embroidered ball pattern, squinting his eyes, dozing off.
The bluestone ground ahead of him was spotlessly clean, some playful child had scattered a handful of golden millet, attracting a flock of sparrows, chirping away, making the warm light even more soporific.
Aside from this, there weren't many pedestrians.
After all, this place was between Kaiyuan Gate and the Imperial City, arguably the most prestigious location in the entire Capital City, very close to Vermilion Bird Sect. Sometimes, those officials would stroll along discussing leisurely, and upon reaching the palace walls, halt their conversations, then look up to see the cold plum blossoms jumping over the high palace walls.
