The rain had ceased by the second day after ascending the mountain. Sunlight spilled across the courtyard, warming the bluestone until it gleamed a lush, deep green.
He Yan woke with the third rooster crow. Qingmei, startled at first, soon let out a relieved sigh upon finding her young mistress sitting quietly on a stone pier, lost in thought.
"Why are you up so early, young lady? Are you cold? Was the quilt too thin?" Qingmei asked.
"Nothing… I just couldn’t sleep," He Yan replied calmly.
She had never slept late. In the barracks, even at night, she remained vigilant, alert to enemy raids. Martial arts training had instilled in her a habit of rising at dawn. Even after marrying into the Xu family, old routines clung stubbornly. After her blindness, time had blurred, but she still awoke at cockcrow, waiting for the household to stir before moving. Today felt less alien because of that.
"Where’s Father?" she asked.
"The master has gone to the parade grounds. The young master just got up. Young lady, change your clothes and come for breakfast," Qingmei said, then hurried to the kitchen.
One maid could barely handle the workload, leaving much for the family themselves.
When He Yan reached the hall, He Yunsheng was already seated, eating. Dressed plainly like a peddler, he glanced at her, then averted his gaze to his bowl.
Breakfast was modest: simple porridge with side dishes, a plain plate of dim sum prepared for her. He Yan picked up her bowl and drank quickly, surprising both Qingmei and He Yunsheng. In her past life, she had been picky and slow, finishing meals reluctantly. Today, she ate briskly, but didn’t reach for the snacks—these were meant for her alone, and Qingmei certainly wouldn’t.
He Yunsheng placed his bowl down and stood. He Yan asked, "Where are you going?"
He paused, noticing the marks on her palm. Yesterday’s incident hadn’t prompted complaints. His voice softened slightly. "Going up the mountain to chop firewood."
He expected her to retreat, perhaps fuss over her appearance. But He Yan’s eyes sparkled. "Really? I’m coming too."
Before he could protest, Qingmei intervened, worry in her voice. "Miss, it rained in the mountains; the roads are muddy and dangerous. What if you fall?"
He Yunsheng quickly added, "Don’t get yourself into trouble."
They assumed she was acting on impulse. But He Yan looked at Qingmei earnestly.
"Father is at the martial arts arena all day, and you have work to do. He Yunsheng, if you don’t take me, I’ll go by myself."
"Hey!" He Yunsheng exclaimed, furious.
"Is there a third person here to watch me?" she asked calmly.
No one could control He Yan’s temper, not even He Yunsheng. Only Master Fan had wielded such influence.
"Fine," he growled, "if you go with me, but if you fall and cry, I won’t send you back."
He Yan shrugged, unbothered.
He Yunsheng stormed off, baffled. His sister, once delicate and ladylike, had grown mischievous and untamed after her illness. Truly, she was his eternal adversary.
…
The path to Longhuan Peak was rugged, trodden mostly by the poor gathering wood and herbs. Wildflowers dotted the roadside, but the trip was no leisurely stroll—sharp rocks clung to the cliffs, and looking down made legs tremble.
He Yunsheng knew the path well. He expected complaints, yet He Yan stayed silent, walking steadily beside him.
How could it be? This route challenged even men, yet his delicate sister kept pace shoulder to shoulder.
"What are you staring at me for?" He Yan asked curiously. "Aren’t you going to keep going?"
He Yunsheng turned silently, pressing forward. Surely, she would collapse soon.
He Yan’s legs ached for the first time in a long while. Strength had faded; she would need time to adjust.
"Here," He Yunsheng said, stopping and taking an axe from his waist. He chose a cluster of small, lonely trees for easier chopping. Pointing to a stone, he instructed, "Sit here for a while. I’ll chop for an hour."
"Right here?" He Yan asked, nodding, removing the cloth bag from her back.
He Yunsheng stared. "You… what are you doing?"
Inside the bag wasn’t water or supplies—it was an axe. She had carried it all the way!
The next moment cemented his disbelief.
His fragile sister swung the axe with effortless precision, chopping a pile of branches in swift, fluid movements.
"Let me help you," she said, smiling. "It’ll be quick."
Her strength, skill, and determination shone. He Yunsheng, watching silently, felt a mix of awe and apprehension. This was no longer the delicate girl he had known.
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