After the ladies and gentlemen had their afternoon naps, the Princess Royal had snacks laid out in the hall for everyone. The people gathered around to chat. The men and women were separated into two different halls. The female guests were led to the parlor. The snow outside had already been swept away and one could occasionally see beautiful red plum blossoms peeking out from behind the cornices.

Plum blossoms were everywhere in the Princess Royal's manor. Most of the plum ...