Protectorate of the Western Regions.
Marquis of Unshuang State.
Lengths of gauze hung down inside the room, where the light was dim. A pale-faced, skeletal woman lay on the bed. She was Luo Shi's wife.
"Tap, tap, tap."
Slightly hurried footsteps came in from outside. Luo Shi's son and daughter lifted the gauze and entered, their faces bright with delight. "Mother, Father won a great victory on the grasslands and slew the Xiongnu Chanyu in battle. He'll be returning to the Central Plains soon."
Hearing this news, the woman on the sickbed slowly let out a breath, as though a great weight had lifted from her shoulders. Then she smiled weakly. "As long as he comes back safely. I can rest easy now."
After she said this, her vitality seemed to drain away in an instant. She slowly closed her eyes and fell asleep, very peacefully.
Unease stirred in Luo Lan's heart, and she called softly, "Mother, would you like to write Father a reply? Father may have to go to Chang'an first. We can send a messenger to take the letter straight there."
"Mother?"
When the woman said nothing, the brother and sister called softly again. The shadow of unease in their hearts had completely engulfed them.
Trembling, she reached out to feel the woman's breath, only to touch an expanse of icy coldness!
"Mother!"
A grief-stricken cry rang out.
Beneath the clear blue sky, after a brief rest and replenishing ample provisions and fodder, Luo Shi led the Han Army back toward the Central Plains.
After marching all that way, just as he crossed the Yin Mountains, he suddenly felt a pain in his chest. An overwhelming sense of panic swept over him, and an ominous premonition rose in his heart.
Ahead lay Great Han's northern commanderies.