The knife was still embedded in Lu Xingzhou’s arm. Blood streamed steadily down the blade, quickly soaking the sleeve of his green military uniform. Yet he didn’t utter a single groan. He stood firmly in front of Tong Layue, shielding her behind him, his eyes fixed on Song Dalong, who was writhing on the ground… Read more: Chapter 5: Injured

After walking for more than two hours from Gengle Town, Tong Layue finally caught sight of Dawa Commune in the distance. Once she crossed the stone bridge ahead, she would be back in the village. Dawa Commune lay deep within the Taihang Mountains. Back in the Ming Dynasty, widespread famine and unrest had driven many… Read more: Chapter 4: A Brutal Beating

The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, Tong Layue set out with a small basket containing the Huangqin she had dug up the previous day. After walking more than a dozen li along the mountain roads, she finally arrived in Gengle Town. There was a clinic in town run by an elderly traditional… Read more: Chapter 3: Trouble Brews

Chapter 2 – Making a Living The medicinal herb Huangqin (Baikal skullcap) had a well-developed root system, especially its thick main root, which resembled ginseng. A smaller plant could yield two or three liang of medicinal root, while larger ones could produce over half a jin. Moreover, Huangqin was quite valuable, and wild Huangqin was… Read more: Chapter 2: Making a Living

Chapter 1 – Refusing the Marriage At Dawa Commune in Gengle Town, at the foot of the Taihang Mountains. In a small courtyard near the mountainside stood three old adobe houses that had long fallen into disrepair. Tong Layue woke with a splitting headache. Dazed, she stared blankly at the rain-leaking roof for a long… Read more: Chapter 1: Refusing the Marriage