Village

"Elder, it's like this..."

9

Li Nianru quickly stepped forward and briefly explained the situation to the old woman, then swiftly pulled a small piece of broken silver from her sleeve pouch and slipped it into her hand.

"Could you let us stay the night?"

A flicker of joy appeared on the old woman's wrinkled face. That single piece of broken silver was enough for a village household to live well for quite some time.

"So you're travelers from out of town seeking shelter. Come, come!"

The old woman led the group to the largest dilapidated residence in the village. Its wooden gate was rotten, and even the lock was covered in rust.

More than a dozen sallow, skinny children in cloth shirts emerged from the alley, curiously watching Lin Nan's group.

"This is the largest house in our village. You may have to squeeze in here tonight."

Leaning on her cane, the old woman pushed open the gate.

Inside was a courtyard house, with rooms along three sides. There were seven or eight small rooms in total, and a well stood in the middle.

"That's no problem. Thank you, Elder. May I ask how we should address you? Could you prepare some hot water and food for us?"

Li Nianru stepped forward and slipped her another piece of broken silver.

The old woman immediately beamed. "No problem, travelers. Just call me Granny Zhou. The food and hot water will be brought over soon."

99

With that, Granny Zhou hunched her back as she left through the gate, hurriedly arranging for several young villagers to make preparations.

It was nearing the evening hour. The sun hung low over the mountains, and the evening glow had gradually spread across the sky.

Everyone slumped down in different parts of the courtyard, their