The light rain drizzled down all night, finally stopping before dawn.
Xie Ying pushed open the window, took a breath of fresh morning air, and smiled contentedly.
She turned to look at her husband and daughter sleeping soundly, showing no signs of waking up. So, she closed the window, lifted the curtain, stepped out the door, and headed toward the kitchen.
Soon after, wisps of smoke rose from the kitchen chimney, accompanied by the faint clanking of pots and pans.
Ye Feng's eyelids fluttered a few times before slowly opening. After contemplating for a moment, he forced himself to sit up, put on his clothes, and drew the sword hanging at the bedside to gently wipe it clean.
Xie Ying finished preparing breakfast, steamed the buns in a bamboo basket, and walked back to the main room.
Lifting the curtain, she saw her husband was already awake. At first, she was pleased, but when her gaze fell on the sword, her joy was replaced by shadows of sorrow.