Li Wei's days were filled with learning and hard work. She woke before dawn to prepare herbs and steamed buns, spent afternoons with Master Ning mastering medicinal recipes, and evenings carefully counting coins earned from their stall. Slowly, their family's situation improved, and Li Wei began feeling secure again.
One afternoon, as she returned home from Master Ning's lessons, Li Wei heard loud voices coming from the marketplace. Curious, she quickened her pace, her heart uneasy. She found Xiao Ming standing anxiously at the stall, confronted by two angry merchants.
"What's happening?" Li Wei demanded sharply, quickly stepping protectively in front of Xiao Ming.
One merchant scowled angrily. "Your brother ruined my merchandise! He knocked over my spices and herbs!"
"It was an accident," Xiao Ming protested, tears welling in his eyes. "I slipped!"
Li Wei turned calmly to the angry merchant. "We will repay you, sir. Please tell me how much the damages cost."
The merchant grumbled but seemed satisfied with Li Wei's respectful tone. "Two silver coins."
Li Wei took a deep breath, handing over nearly half of their day's earnings. "Please forgive my brother's mistake."
As the merchants departed, Xiao Ming burst into tears. "I'm sorry, sister! I didn't mean it!"
Li Wei knelt beside him, gently wiping away his tears. "It's alright, Ming. Mistakes happen. We learn and become better."
Xiao Ming sniffled, nodding bravely. "I'll work harder, I promise."
"I know you will," Li Wei reassured him with a gentle smile. "Now, go help Mother inside."
As Xiao Ming ran off, Li Wei sighed deeply, worry gnawing at her heart. They had enough money to survive, but accidents like these could easily threaten their fragile stability.
Later that evening, unseen by Li Wei, a young soldier approached General Yan Chen, carefully saluting before speaking. "General, the merchant caused trouble for the Li family again today. It was minor, but they lost half their daily earnings."
Yan Chen paused, his eyes narrowing behind his mask. "Continue observing. Ensure they come to no serious harm."
"Yes, General," the soldier replied, bowing before disappearing into the night.
Days passed, and Li Wei noticed that whenever her stall faced small problems—missing ingredients or disputes with difficult customers—they were mysteriously resolved by the next day. Goods she lacked suddenly appeared at her doorstep, and troublesome merchants mysteriously stopped harassing her.
Confused yet grateful, Li Wei discussed these odd occurrences with her mother. "It's strange, Mother. It feels as though someone is helping us secretly."
Lady Li nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps we have a guardian watching over us. Your father always believed in kindness and good people."
Meanwhile, Yan Chen listened quietly as his assistant reported each detail of Li Wei's improving circumstances. Though he maintained a stern exterior, a sense of quiet satisfaction grew within him. He did not dare involve himself openly but felt responsible for their safety, fulfilling a silent promise he had made to himself.
One evening, after a particularly busy day, Li Wei was cleaning up her stall when Master Ning approached her, eyes twinkling with warmth.
"You're doing well, Li Wei. I've noticed your skill improving quickly. You truly have a gift for herbal remedies."
Li Wei smiled humbly. "Your teaching is why I'm succeeding, Master Ning."
Master Ning chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No, Li Wei. Your resilience and determination come from within. Remember, strength isn't about never falling; it's about rising each time you do."
His words filled her with renewed confidence. Li Wei felt encouraged, determined to continue working hard, no matter the obstacles.
Unbeknownst to her, General Yan Chen stood quietly in the shadows, silently observing her determination and growth. Beneath his mask, his expression softened momentarily before returning to the stoic countenance that masked his true feelings. He knew his help needed to remain hidden, but seeing Li Wei's courage renewed his own resolve to protect her discreetly.
As night fell and the marketplace emptied, Yan Chen moved quietly away, blending into the darkness. Li Wei, unaware of his silent support, returned home feeling hopeful and stronger than ever. Their journey was still long and uncertain, but she felt confident they could overcome anything that lay ahead.
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