This sudden turn of events left the surrounding villagers rooted to the spot. Especially the three men who had intended to speak up for Li Wei—they stood there with their mouths hanging open, strange "heh heh heh" sounds rumbling from their throats.
All three were young, able-bodied men. When Li Yan had secretly followed hunters into the mountains as a child, they had often taken him along. Now, gazing at the youth kneeling there, who was still far taller than the old woman, they examined him closely. Before long, they vaguely saw the frail boy of years past in Li Yan's face.
"It really is Yan!"
"That's right, it's his family's fifth son."
"What has he been eating? We haven't seen him for just a few years, yet he has grown so tall and sturdy. Even Uncle Guoxin and Da Niu probably aren't as strong as him." Smiles appeared on the three men's faces.
This reversal had come too swiftly. In truth, the most shocked were Gong Chenying and Zhao Min, who had slowly approached from behind Li Yan. Watching scene after scene unfold, and hearing the old woman's sorrowful cries, a sour ache welled up in their hearts. Before they knew it, their eyes had reddened as well.
Gong Chenying looked at the people huddled together ahead. A stern face surfaced in her gaze, yet within those eyes was a thread of love that had always made her feel warm.
Father, are you well now?...
Beneath the blue gauze of her bamboo hat, Zhao Min bit her lips tightly. Faint memories and the sorrow buried within them rose in her heart as well.
Back then, did you ever consider how I felt? Was the Lineage's honor truly that important?
After a long while, Li Yan slowly rose under his