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After taking care of everything that morning, Han Yan wiped his hands on his sleeves and stepped out of the courtyard as he made his way toward the old gate. The early sunlight spilled across the stone path, glinting off the dew that still clung to the leaves. Behind him, Lin Xin followed silently, his soft steps barely disturbing the quiet.
His expression was slightly calm, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes as he trailed a few paces behind. When they reached the gate, Lin Xin finally spoke, his voice gentle but carrying a note of concern.
"Take care" he said, his eyes lowering slightly. "Come home early, alright?"
Han Yan turned back, meeting Lin Xin's gaze. He stood there in simple robes which fluttered lightly in the breeze, the morning light tracing a faint glow along his features. Lin Xin raised a hand and waved at him, a small, almost shy gesture that made Han Yan's lips lift in a faint smile.
Little Dong Hai was nowhere to be seen. After stuffing himself full at breakfast, the boy was likely sprawled out in the shade somewhere, too full to move.
Han Yan chuckled softly. I'll be back before sundown," he said "and both of you don't wander off while I'm gone."
Lin Xin's lips twitched into a brief smile. "Mn."
He watched as Han Yan closed the creaking gate behind him. The sound lingered for a moment before fading into the morning stillness. Lin Xin remained there, standing by the gate, eyes following Han Yan's retreating figure until he disappeared down the road. Only then did he turn and head back into the courtyard.
The sun as not shining bright but Hangul village was already bustling with life. Thin trails of smoke rose from crooked chimneys, and the air was filled with the dull rhythm of hoes striking the ground. Farmers moved slowly along the fields, bent-backed and barefoot, working the poor soil that barely yielded enough to fill their bowls.
Han Yan walked past them with steady steps, empty-handed, dressed simply in worn but clean clothes. A few villagers paused in their work to glance his way.
"Isn't that the Han household second son Han Yan, that's him right?" one man muttered, leaning on his hoe as he continued gossiping. "He left the Han household with nothing. Not having a single thing to his name."
"Hah, serves him right," another said with a smug look. "All those years working for the Han household and Madam Wei, yet he just walked out empty-handed. Too soft in the head, isn't that plain foolishness."
An old man resting by the roadside lifted his pipe and exhaled slowly. "You're all too harsh. That lad's got a good heart, just… too obedient. He's better off now that he's out of that household. Madam Wei would've squeezed him dry sooner or later."
Silence followed his words, broken only by the sound of distant chickens clucking.
Han Yan heard them, though he didn't look their way. Their words rolled off him like dust in the wind he couldn't be bothered to care. If the villagers thought he was a fool, so be it.
His steps slowed as he took in the scenery, the dirt path crunching softly beneath his worn shoes.
Ahead, the road curved toward the edge of the village, where Wei Jun lived. The memory of that place surfaced in his mind, faint yet familiar. The original Han Yan had exchanged only a few words with Wei Jun, yet in this small villagers, everyone knew each other, even if they seldom spoke.
The wind shifted, carrying the scent of tilled earth and the low murmur of voices fading behind him. Han Yan didn't look back. The day had only just begun, and there was still more work to be done.
The dirt path wound past a narrow field before opening into a small clearing at the edge of the village. A modest house stood there, its thatched roof patched in places, smoke curling faintly from the chimney. The repaired fence by the yard caught Han Yan's eye.
He paused by the gate, brushing the dust from his sleeves before stepping inside. The faint scent of boiling herbs drifted through the air, mingling with the earthy smell of damp wood and smoke.
Before he could call out, the door creaked open.
"Ah… H–Han Yan?"
Liu De stood in the doorway, sleeves rolled up, a wooden ladle in hand. His face was soft and pale from staying indoors, the corners of his eyes slightly upturned, giving him a naturally gentle look.
Wisps of hair had come loose from his knot, brushing against his cheeks as the wind stirred. He blinked in mild surprise, then quickly lowered his gaze, a shy smile tugging at his lips.
"I… I didn't expect you to come so early," he said quietly, his words careful and slightly halting. "Please, come in."
Han Yan gave a small nod. "Thank you. I hope I'm not disturbing you."
Liu De shook his head quickly. "No, not at all. Wei Jun's inside. He went hunting yesterday, so he's been home since morning."
Inside, the little house was warm from the hearth. A pot of herbs simmered gently, filling the air with a bitter yet soothing fragrance. Near the fire, a small boy lay curled beneath a patched blanket. His cheeks were pale, his breathing light but even.
Liu De's gaze softened as he adjusted the blanket around his son. "He's… still not too well," he murmured. "The medicine helps, b–but it takes time."
Han Yan nodded quietly as he looked at the little boys face.
From the corner of the room, Wei Jun looked up. He sat by the table, cleaning a hunting knife with slow, practiced movements. When he saw Han Yan, a faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Han Yan," he greeted, voice low and steady. "It's been a while. Please do sit down."
Han Yan did so before speaking out going straight to the point. "I came to borrow your bow and one of your large bamboo baskets," he said evenly. "The one you use for carrying game. I'll return them once I'm done."
Wei Jun raised an eyebrow, setting the knife aside. "Huh you're asking for my bow and a big bamboo basket? Planning to hunt again?"
Han Yan gave a small hum. "Something like that. I want to bring back a few things before the next market day. I can't afford new supplies yet."
Wei Jun's smile widened slightly. "You don't need to explain. If you're the one asking, of course you can borrow them."
Liu De turned from the hearth, his soft brown eyes brightening at the mention. "That's right. Y–You helped me that day… with Su Su," he said, voice trembling just slightly. "I… I never forgot. If not for you, she'd be gone for sure."
Han Yan's lips curved faintly. "I only did what anyone should've done."
Wei Jun stood, walking over to a wooden chest in the corner. He lifted the lid and pulled out a well-kept bow and a large woven basket. Both showed the marks of long use but had been carefully mended.
"Here," he said, handing them over. "The string's new it won't snap easily. And the basket's sturdy. It'll hold whatever you bring back."
Han Yan accepted them carefully. "I'll take good care of them." He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Do you know where I might buy a new bow? Mine broke some time ago. I'll need one of my own sooner or later."
Wei Jun thought for a moment, rubbing his chin. "There's a bowyer in the next town named Old Guo. He used to make mine, though he's getting on in years. His prices are fair if you bring something to trade. But if you want, I can ask around for you when I head out later."
Han Yan inclined his head gratefully. "I'd appreciate that. I'll have to save up whatever I can."
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