Chen Qing pushed open the door to their home. "Mother, the deed has been signed. Pack up—we're moving."
Madam Han nodded. "All right, I'll start packing now."
Madam Han brought only a few bundles, filled with changes of clothes and a handful of old belongings she could not bear to throw away.
Aunt Gao from next door heard the commotion and poked her head out. "Sister-in-law Chen, you're really moving?"
At her words, Madam Han unconsciously straightened her back a little, her smile blooming across her face. "Yes, we're moving near the academy where A Qing practices martial arts. It'll be more convenient from now on."
"Little Qing has really made something of himself!" Aunt Gao's eyes were full of envy.
Among the dozen or so children of Yazi Bay, Chen Qing was the most capable, letting his old mother live a good life.
Madam Han smiled. "Come visit the new house when you have time."
Aunt Gao nodded. "That's for certain!"
Mother and son soon finished packing. Zhao Laosan had someone deliver a handcart.
The handcart creaked all the way through the bustling market on Changping Street before turning into deep, tranquil alleyways.
As they pushed open the heavy camphor wood main door, afternoon sunlight filtered through the lush branches of the old locust tree, scattering flecks of light across the blue bricks.
Madam Han stood in the courtyard, taking in the spacious grounds and the solid well platform. She murmured, "This is a good place."
Her rough hands carefully brushed across the cool rim of the well, then touched the heavy door bolt. A sense of steadiness filled her heart.
Chen Qing silently carried his mother's bundles into the east room. Then he turned and went to the well, lowered the wooden bucket, and listened as the rope