The sun rose in the east.
But the official road was deserted.
After all, the new year was fast approaching, and with the world in chaos, traveling merchants and guests had long since returned home.
Whether they had made a profit or not, it was always better to be home with their wives and children.
This led to bleak business for the inns and eateries along the road, many of which had closed up early to go home for the new year.
But Chen Er hadn't left.
In truth, he had nowhere else to go.
His parents had died young, and he had yet to marry. He had long since come to see this little tavern and eatery as his home.
Thankfully, these few ramshackle rooms were the only inheritance his parents had left him. Not having to pay rent meant he could just barely scrape by.
So, even though he knew it was nearly impossible for customers to show up at a time like this, he opened the shop door out of habit. Then he curled up behind the counter, dozing by a small stove.
