Chapter 379 - 134: Heavy Snow
The night of the 10th of the twelfth lunar month brought about a snowfall. Yueyao pushed the door open, only to see the landscape outside engulfed in white, with the tree in the yard covered in icicles.
Yueyao was somewhat worried; such a snowfall could possibly lead to the sealing of the mountain roads, meaning they might have to spend the New Year up in the mountains. If that were the case, they would need to conserve their supplies.
Upon stepping outside, Yuehuan, too, showed an expression of surprise, "Oh, it’s snowing."
Considering this, Yueyao said to Yuehuan, "If the heavy snow seals the mountain, we’ll need to conserve the charcoal." She wasn’t worried about food or other necessities; the items provided by the Lian Mansion would last until the end of the month, and those from Ma’s Mansion would suffice for a while. The most troubling matter, however, was the firewood and charcoal. Not only was firewood necessary for cooking, but also for the floor heating system. Charcoal was mainly used by Yueyao herself.
Yuehuan felt that Yueyao’s foresight was correct, but she thought that the most economical method would be for everyone to stay together, "Third sister, why don’t all of us squeeze in together? That way, we could save more." Back when she was studying in the Great Learning, four people used to share one room. Yueyao’s room was large enough to sleep seven people.
Yueyao shook her head, "I just asked; if we conserve, we can make it through to the month after next."
If it really came to that, squeezing everyone together wouldn’t be a problem, but it hadn’t gotten to that point yet. Yueyao also didn’t think it would reach that extent. The Lian family wouldn’t just watch them freeze or starve on the mountain; that would be too shameful for them.
Yuehuan was noticeable in her disappointment.
After completing her morning rituals and breakfast, Yueyao, accompanied by Hua Lei and Qiao Lan, went out. She was planning to head up the mountain and dressed in a snow-white fox fur cloak given by Ma’s Mansion, given the snowy conditions and difficult mountain paths.
Hong Yi complained to Yuehuan, "Miss, this cloak is worth hundreds of Silver. I didn’t expect the Third Young Lady to be so wealthy." Just a single piece of clothing cost hundreds of Silver; that was incredibly extravagant.
Yuehuan glanced at Hong Yi and called out to Yueyao, "Third sister, the ground outside is covered with snow, and it’s very slippery. It’s very dangerous to go out now. It would be better to wait a few days before heading to the mountain."