Generally speaking, the twelfth lunar month is always the coldest.
This year was no exception.
Because the few snowfalls from October and November still remained, although it could be said that one couldn't see snow in the vast expanse of the imperial palace.
But in the Capital, and even further out, the accumulated snow was quite substantial.
How could the weather possibly be warm?
So, it was a very common sight for water to freeze upon contact.
Servants, when they came out, were shivering terribly in the cold.
The higher-ranked palace maids and eunuchs were better off; though they were servants too, they didn't have to perform the most labor-intensive tasks.
At that time, those at the Laundry Bureau and the ones who did the sweeping suffered a lot.
Out in the harsh, icy weather, they would start their days soaking in freezing water.
