After Jiang Ran left the mountain, their already humble dwelling in the mountains seemed to grow emptier still.
They no longer heard the boy's cries as he trained at dawn, nor his calls of "Aunt" and "Master."
Deep in these remote mountain forests, Jiang Ling and Si Shuo finally learned what it meant to be "empty nesters."
Time, too, left its marks on them once again.
Si Shuo's body was no longer as strong as it had been, and he occasionally suffered aches in his back and waist.
Wrinkles began to appear at the corners of Jiang Ling's eyes, and sometimes she would stare at her reflection in a slight daze.
Every few months, Si Shuo would go down the mountain to buy supplies and ask after Jiang Ran.
Jiang Ran would also have people leave messages for them in the little town below.
In the first year, he joined the army, starting as a foot soldier at the very bottom.
In the second year, Jiang Ran returned to the mountain for the first time.
Carrying two jugs of fine wine and several pieces of jewelry, he rushed excitedly into the mountains to visit them.
"Aunt, Master! I'm back!"
That meal was a lively affair.
Jiang Ran gestured excitedly as he told them how many mounted bandits he had toppled and how many commoners he had saved with the spear techniques his master had taught him.
Si Shuo was deeply gratified, but still called him a "little brat" with a laugh, then snapped off a branch to test his martial skills.
They exchanged a dozen or so moves in the snow. Naturally, Jiang Ran was no match for him, and ended up sprawled on the ground, desperately begging for mercy, making Si Shuo roar with laughter.
Jiang Ling mended his