Chapter 10: Plans and Promises
It was still dark when Su Yanyue rose from her pallet. The stars were just beginning to fade, the mountains wrapped in a silver-blue mist. The scent of damp earth and dew filled the morning air.
She lit a small lantern, its flame flickering softly as she began preparing dried herbs and smoked meats. Her fingers moved with practiced ease, tying bundles with string and placing them into neat straw-lined baskets.
She was planning to make her first trip to the neighboring village market.
Her heart thudded a little faster than usual—not out of fear, but anticipation. It wasn't just about earning money. It was about taking her first real step in this unfamiliar world. A world where she had no past, no family—at least none that she knew.
She didn't notice the quiet footsteps behind her.
"You're up early."
Yu Shiming stood at the doorway, his robe casually tied, hair slightly tousled from sleep. In the dim light, the sharp lines of his face seemed gentler. He looked less like a fearsome general and more like… a man at peace.
"I couldn't sleep," Yanyue said, not looking up. "I want to be ready before the sun rises."
He stepped closer, surveying the baskets. "You've prepared a lot."
"I'm bringing smoked rabbit, some herbal tea bundles, and dried persimmons," she said. "And medicinal poultices, in case someone needs them."
He raised an eyebrow. "You plan to do all that alone?"
She glanced at him, a small smirk on her lips. "Do I look like someone who needs help?"
"No," he said, voice low. "But that doesn't mean you have to do everything alone."
His words lingered in the space between them.
Just then, the patter of small feet came from the side room. The triplets stumbled out, hair messy and eyes still full of sleep.
"Yueyue…" Yu Heng mumbled, holding up his arms.
She bent down, scooping him into a hug as the other two clung to her sides.
"Where are you going?" Yu Feng asked, rubbing his eyes.
"To the village," she said gently. "I'll be back before sunset."
"You can't go without us!" Yu Zhen declared.
Yu Shiming stepped forward, kneeling beside them. "You'll stay here and guard the house, just like little generals. Can you do that?"
The three boys straightened, puffing their tiny chests.
"We'll protect everything!" they chorused.
Yanyue packed the baskets onto a small wooden cart she'd found near the shed, fastening the straps securely. As she began to leave, Yu Shiming quietly took the cart handle from her hand.
"I'll come with you," he said. "You'll need someone to watch your back."
She frowned slightly. "You're still injured—"
"I've fought with worse."
She looked into his eyes and found no room for argument. There was something in his tone—not commanding, but quietly resolute. And despite herself… she felt oddly reassured.
"…Alright."
The two of them set off down the path, the mountain mist curling around their feet, the cart creaking softly behind them.
Side by side.
No words passed for a while, just the gentle sounds of birds waking, the crunch of gravel underfoot. But there was a quiet companionship that needed no words.
As they disappeared into the trees, Yu Shiming glanced sideways.
"Su Yanyue."
"Hm?"
"When the time comes… I want to see where you go."
She turned toward him, surprised.
"I want to see what you become," he added, softer this time. "And I won't stand in your way."
She didn't answer, but the warmth in her chest bloomed like a wild flower.
For the first time in a long while, she felt like she wasn't walking alone.
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