Liu Yan Yi invited Zhang Yan to sit in the outer courtyard of her cottage and offered him a cup of aromatic tea. Zhang Yan glanced around casually; though the room was simply furnished, it was meticulously clean.
In front of the door hung a verdant bamboo curtain, while on the northern side stood a row of bookshelves, spotless and neatly arranged with books.
With his discerning eye, he immediately noticed that while the books were occasionally read, each page had been carefully smoothed out without a single crease. He couldn't help but remark, "Those children have done a thorough job managing this place."
Liu Yan Yi smiled softly and replied, "Master, this is a place for cultivation. Senior Zhou said ordinary folk must not enter. All of this I've cleaned myself."
"Oh?" Zhang Yan gave Liu Yan Yi another look, nodded, and said, "Disciple, don't just stand there talking. Come, sit as well."
