As the City Defense Commander of Gu County, Yan Shuangfei held military authority over the region and had been allotted an exceptionally grand residence within the city.
Its vermilion gates stood tall and broad. Pavilions and terraces dotted the courtyard, while bluestone paths wound their way to the various side chambers. It was imposing indeed.
Thinking of his newlywed wife, Murong Feiyan, he simply brought his father-in-law Murong Zhi and his wife over to live with them as well.
Murong Zhi and his wife had originally been ordinary mountain folk, living their entire lives off a few meager plots of land. When had they ever seen such a residence of carved beams and painted rafters?
Every day, they would touch the smooth corridor pillars and gaze at the precious flowers and trees planted in the courtyard, unable to stop themselves from exchanging sighs. "To live in a place like this in our lifetime—it has truly all been worth it!"
Only six-year-old Murong Xiao understood none of the adults' sentiments.
Like a little sparrow let loose, he would dart out of the residence before dawn each day, racing east and west through the county city's streets and alleys.
He watched peddlers shake their rattle-drums and cry out their wares, stared at sparks flying from the blacksmith shop, and chased the big yellow dog at the alley entrance all the way down the street. He played until he was drenched in sweat, and even when the servants found him and brought him back at dusk, he still shouted that he had not had enough fun.
While the child was having the time of his life, the newlyweds were sweeter than honey mixed with oil.
Yan Shuangfei and Murong Feiyan were still in the flush of their newlywed bliss, steeped in deep affection.