Green Mountain

In the early morning, before the rooster crows.

Chen Ji opened his eyes on the bed, his hand brushing over the delicate satin of the bedding, always finding it somewhat awkward.

Outside the bed, Xiao Man woke up on the small chair upon hearing the sounds, with the little black cat in her arms, she tentatively asked, "Sir, are you awake?"

Chen Ji lifted the quilt: "Xiao Man, help me change to a coarse cotton quilt today."

Xiao Man was puzzled: "Sir, is it uncomfortable to sleep? This satin quilt is quite expensive, ordinarily, it’s not something people buy even if they have money."

Chen Ji jested at himself: "Perhaps I don’t match up to such fine things. Every time my hand touches the satin, it catches on the threads."

Xiao Man suddenly understood: "The satin is delicate, with threads intricately woven, noble officials and lords have no calluses, hence don’t feel discomfort, Sir has too many calluses on his hands, so the calluses snag the threads... What kind of young master from a wealthy family has so many calluses? They never toil in such rough work."

Chen Ji smiled: "I am certainly no young master."

He got out of bed, put on his boots, rolled up his sleeves, picked up a shoulder pole in the side room, and headed out. The cobblestone path at the Chen Mansion was covered with a thin mist, the curved pole weighing on his shoulder, and the cool morning breeze brushing against his face, bringing an indescribable comfort.

The servants and maids of the Chen Mansion were already awake, busy preparing hot water and breakfast for the various courtyards.

A maid came towards him, upon seeing Chen Ji carrying the pole, slightly bowed her head.