Five days later.
Near Qingshan County, Western Regions of the Great Han.
Amid howling cold winds, a caravan slowly made its way across the hard frozen ground. A man wrapped in heavy clothing narrowed his eyes at the distance. Beneath the dim setting sun, the outline of a city was drawing ever closer.
"This damned weather... it's freezing me to death." The man hugged a hand warmer to his chest and could not help cursing.
"Hang in there, everyone! Qingshan County is just ahead!"
"Once we finish this trip, we can enjoy a few days of comfort! Beautiful women, fine wine, good food—Qingshan County has everything!"
The man shouted as he quickened his pace toward the city. Just then, a voice came from beside him.
"Brother, isn't there someone lying in the snow over there?"
The man froze and looked in the direction he pointed. Sure enough, there was a faint silhouette in the snow some distance away. It was impossible to tell whether she was dead or merely unconscious; she lay completely still.
"Where did this beggar come from? Dressed so lightly in weather this cold, and she dared beg outside? It'd be a miracle if she didn't freeze to death." The man snorted. "You lot, go take a look. See whether she's alive or dead. If she's still breathing, bring her into the city with us. Consider it a good deed."
Several figures hurried into the snow. After one of them checked her breathing, he slung her over his back and rushed back.
"Brother, she's alive. It's a woman."
"She's lucky. Throw her onto the cart carrying the goods."
They immediately tossed her onto the wagon, and amid the caravan's jolting progress, she entered Qingshan County with them.
The caravan traveled expertly through the streets, found someone to