A heavier snowfall brings the year's end closer. From afar, the fields look clean and undisturbed, with furrows rising and falling like gentle waves. Every household has stored enough grain, and in their courtyards, cured meats are hung, awaiting the celebration of a good year.
Two official horses walked side by side, slowly treading the muddy path winding through the farmlands. Pebbles fragmented under their hooves, and wild grass lined the road. In the distance, one could see a village, thin wisps of smoke curling up into the sky. Children wielding branches chased each other from the village entrance to the very last homestead, shouting as they reenacted duels, vying to be the "greatest hero" in the village.
"Quite tranquil." Min Ning remarked softly as she took in the scene.
Chen Yi snapped out of his thoughts and asked, "What's the matter?"
