Han Fei quickly hid the money pouch back under the pillow and straightened his clothes before stepping outside.
"Han Fei," Father Han called anxiously, his voice tight, "your brother is in labor."
Han Fei froze for a second before nodding. "Wait," he said quickly. He rushed back inside, grabbed a few copper and silver coins, then picked up some clean fabric. After locking the door, he hurried back out.
Father Han was already waiting, holding a basket filled with eggs and vegetables. Without another word, the two of them set off.
Han Wei had married into a nearby village, about an hour's walk away. The dirt path felt longer than usual, the air heavy with tension. Neither of them spoke much, each lost in their own thoughts.
By the time they arrived, the courtyard was already crowded with anxious relatives. Father Han handed the basket to Han Fei and rushed inside.
From behind the wooden door, muffled cries echoed through the house. Han Fei stood stiffly in the yard, clutching the basket. Each passing moment made his heart pound harder.
Time dragged on.
Then suddenly, a loud voice broke through the noise.
"It's a boy!"
Han Fei's tense shoulders finally relaxed. He let out a quiet breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
But when he glanced toward Han Wei's mother-in-law, he saw a shadow cross her face—just for a moment, but it was enough. Her lips tightened before she forced a polite smile.
Soon after, the man who had helped deliver the baby stepped out, wiping his hands.
"Congratulations," he said cheerfully. "It is a healthy boy."
The mother-in-law handed him a few copper coins with a stiff expression. The atmosphere felt awkward, but no one dared speak.
Han Fei stepped into the room.
Han Wei lay on the bed, his face pale with exhaustion, but his eyes softened when he saw Han Fei.
"Brother, are you okay?" Han Fei asked quietly.
"I'm fine," Han Wei said, managing a weak smile.
Father Han quickly took a boiled egg from his sleeve, peeled it, and held it to Han Wei's lips. "Eat this," he said firmly. "You need strength."
Han Wei obeyed, though his eyes looked distant.
Father Han hesitated before speaking again. "It would have been better if your first child were a daughter."
The room fell silent.
Han Wei's smile faded. Han Fei frowned. "Father…"
"What?" Father Han snapped, then sighed. "I only mean… I don't want you to suffer like I did."
Han Wei looked away. "It's fine," he said softly. "We're still young."
But Father Han's eyes were full of worry.
When Han Wei was younger, their family had struggled endlessly. They worked harder than anyone, yet were still looked down on. The words of their grandfather still echoed painfully in their minds:
Father Han was here only to end Mother Han's bloodline.
Those words had never left them.
Just then, Han Wei's wife entered, carrying the baby. Her face was glowing with pride and joy.
Han Wei's eyes immediately softened. He carefully took the tiny bundle into his arms.
"He looks just like his mother," Father Han exclaimed, finally noticing the child properly.
Han Fei leaned closer, studying the red-faced newborn. He couldn't see any resemblance at all, but he kept silent.
The baby wriggled slightly, making a soft sound. Han Wei smiled gently, as if all his worries had faded for a moment.
After ensuring everything was settled, Father Han and Han Fei prepared to leave. The walk back felt quieter, heavier.
As they reached home, dusk had already fallen.
Han Fei went inside the house, feeling strangely empty without Bo Xi. He sat on the bed for a while before forcing himself to move.
Bo Xi sat quietly in the carriage, watching the scenery pass by outside the small window. Mountains, fields, and distant villages blurred together as the wheels rolled forward. Her hands rested on her lap, but her mind was far away.
Has Han Fei found the silver? Did he eat? Is he lonely right now?
Thought after thought filled her heart. Even though they had only been apart for a short time, she already missed him deeply.
Their meals were simple—mostly dry flatbread and preserved vegetables. They dared not cook in the open during the day, afraid of drawing attention. The road was not safe. Along the way, they had already encountered wandering strangers who pretended to beg but used threats like bandits. Sometimes danger did not come with knives, but with false smiles.
By the time night fell, they finally stopped to rest.
They chose a hidden area between trees and lit only a small fire. No one dared roast meat or boil soup. The scent could attract trouble. Instead, they ate in silence, chewing the dry food slowly.
The driver and the bodyguard were both hired from the city. They were experienced men, quiet and alert. That night, they decided to take turns keeping watch. Tomorrow, Bo Xi would guard with the bodyguard while the driver rested. They would rotate each night.
Bo Xi sat near the fire, lost in thought, barely tasting her food.
"What's the matter?" the driver asked suddenly.
"I was just thinking about my husband," Bo Xi replied without realizing.
The driver and bodyguard exchanged a knowing glance.
"Newlyweds, hm?" the bodyguard said with a chuckle. "It must be your first time leaving home."
Bo Xi nodded softly.
"Don't worry too much," the bodyguard said. "I still remember the first time I left my family. It felt the same."
They spoke quietly for a while before lying down to rest.
Bo Xi slept lightly, waking at every sound. Yet even in her half-dreams, she did not forget her space. Inside it, crops continued to grow and be harvested, silently supporting her journey.
Their destination was still far away.
It would take at least a week to reach it.
Han Fei was also worried about Bo Xi.
After returning home, he cooked a simple pot of porridge and ate alone. The house felt too quiet without her. Every sound seemed louder, every corner emptier.
He lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts drifting between Bo Xi and his brother.
Families with better conditions could afford to let their son-in-law rest properly after childbirth. But although Han Wei had married into a slightly better household, they were still far from wealthy. He would likely have to return to work very soon.
Han Fei wanted to help, but he knew it would not be appropriate. It could harm both Han Wei's reputation and his own. In a small village, people's words were sharper than knives.
Father Han could have gone to help as well, but his hands were already full with farm work. Everyone was struggling in their own way.
Han Fei turned from side to side, unable to fall asleep. His heart felt heavy, filled with worry and longing.
Only when the faint light of dawn crept through the window did his eyes finally close.