The winter festival arrived with laughter, music, and bright colors.
For the first time in years, the villages surrounding the capital were overflowing with happiness.
The harvest had been good.
The plague had ended.
Trade had increased.
And thanks to the policies introduced by the Empress and the support of the imperial treasury, many villagers were living better than before.
Throughout the village streets, people smiled proudly.
Men wore new cotton-padded robes.
Women displayed colorful dresses embroidered with flowers.
Children ran around with wooden toys and sweet cakes in their hands.
Old villagers sat outside tea stalls smiling as they watched the younger generation enjoy themselves.
One elderly man laughed loudly.
"Look at us now."
A friend nodded.
"Four years."
"We have enough grain stored for four years."
The old man patted his thick winter coat proudly.
"And for the first time, I don't fear winter."
Nearby, a woman smiled while holding her daughter's hand.
