Chapter 28: The coming of the unknown letter

Hui Jian Yu proceeded to his room after the lengthy conversation with the elders at the dinner table.

Hui Jian Yu closed the door behind him and walked toward his arhat* bed. In a white robe, his stature seemed taller.

The arhat bed resembled a Western four-poster bed, with four-bed supports, occasionally two or three sides enclosed by exquisitely carved wooden lattices, and a "roof" at the top.

Curtains hanging from the supports repelled mosquitoes during the summer and kept the sleeper warm on winter nights.

Lighting incense before sleeping was a fashion enjoyed by some aristocratic families, as well as the imperial palace. Not only did incense make it easier for one to fall asleep, but it was also believed to have positive health effects like relieving heart conditions and stress. Good spices could also replace unsavory smells in the rooms and make one's clothes smell nice.