The days Dai Youheng spent with his mother in the little mountain village were peaceful and warm, but he knew the turmoil in Star Luo City would not subside simply because he was absent. It was time to leave.
On the eve of his departure, Bai Wanning called her son inside and carefully took a newly sewn robe from the cupboard. Its stitches were fine and even. Though the fabric was nothing expensive, it was thick and durable. She had hurried to finish it by lamplight during the few days he had been away from home.
"Youheng." She handed him the robe, her eyes filled with a tangled mixture of pride and reluctance to part. "I know you have grand designs in your heart, and your ambitions reach far beyond this place. Your brother and I are doing well here. It's peaceful, and you needn't worry about us. Once you return, you'll have nothing holding you back. Go boldly and do what you want to do. Walk the path you ought to walk."
Dai Youheng accepted the robe and nodded solemnly. "Rest assured, Mother. Once I've settled everything, I'll bring you and Luo Li back in grand style. You'll never have to hide your names or live in fear again."
Bai Wanning smiled in relief. Then, as though something had occurred to her, a trace of hesitation and faint hope crossed her face. Her voice softened. "There's one more thing, Youheng. If-if your father seems terribly saddened by the news of my death, could you-could you find a chance to quietly tell him the truth? Tell him I'm still alive, tell him we're here, so that when he has time, he can come and see me-"
Her voice carried an almost abject longing. All her life, her heart had belonged