Wei Lian woke before the sky fully brightened.
The village was still quiet, wrapped in a pale blue hush. Roosters had not yet crowed, and only the faint rustle of leaves and distant footsteps broke the silence.
She opened her eyes slowly.
For a moment, she didn't move.
Three familiar breaths rose and fell beside her.
Her daughters were still asleep—curled close, tangled together like kittens who had found warmth in the night. Their faces were peaceful, lashes resting softly against pale cheeks.
Wei Lian's heart softened.
She carefully slipped out from the bed, adjusting the blanket so the early morning chill wouldn't reach them.
Today, she was going to town.
She freshened up quietly, washing her face and hands with cool well water. The cold cleared the last traces of sleep from her mind.
Then she moved to the kitchen.
Breakfast first.
She cooked simply but carefully—rice porridge thickened just enough to be filling, with bits of vegetables stirred in and a light seasoning to give it warmth. She also prepared extra food, packing it neatly so her daughters could eat later if she returned late.
When the food was ready, she set the bowls on the table and covered them.
Only then did she return to wake the girls.
"Mama?" the eldest murmured as her eyes opened.
"Good morning," Wei Lian said softly. "Mama has to go out today."
Instantly, three heads lifted.
"Go where?"
"Mama coming back?"
"Mama don't go long…"
Wei Lian sat beside them and stroked their hair.
"Mama is going to town with Aunt Shen Yi," she explained patiently. "I'll come back before dark. I already cooked food—eat when you're hungry."
She pointed to the door.
"Don't open it for anyone. Don't go outside. Just play inside the house, understand?"
The girls nodded quickly.
"We listen."
"Wait Mama."
"Don't open door."
Satisfied, Wei Lian stood and went to the wall.
She reached into the hidden pouch and took out two silver taels, weighing them in her palm. Enough to buy necessities—but not enough to waste.
She placed them carefully into her sleeve, then picked up a large woven basket, slinging it over her arm.
Just then—
Knock. Knock.
Wei Lian turned.
She opened the door to find Shen Yi, already dressed and smiling, a basket of her own hanging from her arm.
"Ready?" Shen Yi asked.
Wei Lian nodded and turned back once more.
"Be good," she told her daughters again.
They rushed forward, hugging her waist and arms.
"Mama come back soon."
"Mama bring things."
"Mama safe."
Wei Lian kissed their foreheads one by one, then stepped outside and closed the door gently behind her.
The road to town stretched long and dusty.
As they walked, Shen Yi spoke casually, but there was a trace of pride in her voice.
"My family's doing well these days," she said. "My husband works at the post office in town now. He earns seventy-eight silver every month. Stable work."
Wei Lian listened quietly.
"My younger brother-in-law is a scholar," Shen Yi continued. "He teaches at the village school. His pay is good too. In this village, almost every household earns well now."
Wei Lian nodded.
Shen Yi sighed softly.
"Honestly, after the war ended, things changed fast. Vegetables became scarce. Prices shot up. Non-vegetarian food, though? Cheap. Everyone raises chickens and pigs now. Meat is easier to get than greens."
Wei Lian's steps slowed slightly as she absorbed that information.
No wonder vegetables would be valuable.
Shen Yi glanced at her and hesitated before adding, "You know… even your husband—when he was alive—earned well."
Wei Lian's fingers tightened around her basket.
"He had the carpenter shop. And the sweet shop too. Your family wasn't poor at all."
She didn't continue, but the meaning was clear.
After his death, everything changed.
The stepmother-in-law took control of the shops.
And Wei Lian was thrown out.
Given an old house.
Left with mentally challenged sisters-in-law.
Forced to work as a laborer to survive.
Wei Lian said nothing.
But her heart was calm.
That life was over.
By the time the town came into view, the sun was fully up.
The gates bustled with people—vendors shouting, carts rolling, the smell of cooked meat filling the air. Compared to the quiet village, the town felt alive.
Shen Yi stopped near the entrance.
"I need to buy medicine and a few things," she said. "Why don't we meet back here after shopping?"
Wei Lian nodded.
"Yes. That works."
They exchanged a quick smile and parted ways.
Wei Lian adjusted the basket on her arm and stepped into the crowd.
Her eyes were clear.
She had money.
She had a plan.
She had daughters waiting at home.
This town—
was where her new life would truly begin.