Days turned into weeks, and Li Wei's humble food stall gradually became a well-known fixture in the bustling marketplace. Her steamed buns and medicinal teas gained popularity among workers, merchants, and even minor palace officials. Each morning, Li Wei woke before dawn, carefully preparing her unique herbal recipes. She felt immense pride watching Xiao Ming enthusiastically help customers, and seeing her mother regain strength and hope.
One particularly busy morning, Li Wei spotted a familiar figure approaching slowly through the crowd. Her pulse quickened slightly when she recognized Jia, her old maid from their palace days. Jia hurried forward, excitement and relief clearly written across her face.
"Miss Wei!" Jia exclaimed joyfully, embracing her former mistress warmly. "I finally found you."
"Jia! How did you find us?" Li Wei smiled, genuinely happy to see a familiar and loyal friend.
"Word of your delicious food reached even the palace kitchens," Jia laughed. "I had to come see for myself."
Li Wei offered Jia a seat, quickly serving fresh buns and tea. Jia ate hungrily, praising each bite. As she finished, her expression turned serious. "I have news from the palace. There is gossip about your family's expulsion. Many think the charges were unfair."
Li Wei leaned forward, hope flickering in her heart. "Do you know why it happened? Who's behind this?"
Jia shook her head sadly. "I don't know exactly, but whispers point toward Minister Zhao. They say he convinced the Emperor your family was plotting treason."
Li Wei's stomach twisted in anger. Minister Zhao had always been envious of her father's close relationship with the Emperor. It suddenly made sense why they'd been targeted.
"Thank you, Jia," Li Wei said quietly, feeling new determination fill her. "This helps more than you know."
"Be careful," Jia warned gently, squeezing Li Wei's hand. "Minister Zhao is dangerous. But you aren't alone."
After Jia left, Li Wei spent the rest of the day deep in thought, quietly planning her next steps. She understood clearly now that survival wasn't enough; she had to find a way to clear her family's name.
That evening, while tidying up their stall, Li Wei heard a deep voice behind her. "Your food continues to impress."
She turned swiftly to find General Yan Chen standing quietly near her stall, his masked face partially hidden in shadow. Her heart beat faster, both from surprise and curiosity.
"General," she greeted politely, forcing calm into her voice. "I didn't see you arrive."
"Good," Yan Chen replied calmly, "A soldier must learn to be unnoticed."
"And why should a General need to hide?" Li Wei asked softly, holding his steady gaze.
Yan Chen paused, his dark eyes unreadable behind the mask. "Sometimes hiding is the safest strategy."
Li Wei hesitated, then spoke boldly, driven by her need to understand. "Why are you helping us, General? You were the one who cast us out."
Yan Chen's eyes softened briefly before he quickly recovered. "I follow orders," he said quietly. "But I am not without conscience."
His answer puzzled Li Wei, but before she could press further, he reached into his cloak, producing a small, intricately carved jade token. "Take this."
Li Wei cautiously accepted the token, turning it carefully in her hands. "What is it?"
"A recommendation," Yan Chen explained calmly. "There is a renowned herbalist in the city, Master Ning. He rarely accepts new students, but show him this token, and he will help you."
Li Wei's eyes widened with surprise and gratitude. "Why are you doing this for me?"
Yan Chen hesitated, turning away slightly. "Consider it repayment for an old kindness," he said softly. Without another word, he vanished into the shadows of the crowded streets.
Confused yet grateful, Li Wei clutched the jade tightly, her heart racing. She returned home quickly, sharing the news with her mother.
Lady Li examined the jade carefully, her eyes filling with hope. "Master Ning is very respected, Li Wei. Learning from him could greatly benefit our family."
The next morning, Li Wei carefully dressed in her cleanest clothes, clutching Yan Chen's jade token tightly. She walked nervously toward Master Ning's shop, nestled among elegant buildings filled with fragrant herbs and exotic medicines.
Master Ning, an elderly man with sharp eyes and a gentle smile, examined the jade closely. He glanced thoughtfully at Li Wei. "This jade belongs to General Yan Chen. How do you know him?"
"He helped my family," Li Wei replied honestly, her voice soft yet firm. "And recommended I seek you out."
Master Ning nodded slowly, his keen eyes appraising her carefully. "The general never makes recommendations lightly. You must be special indeed."
Li Wei felt warmth rising in her cheeks, surprised by the herbalist's words. "I simply want to learn, Master Ning. My father taught me to heal through herbs, but I still have much to understand."
Master Ning smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling with kindness. "Then you have come to the right place."
In the days that followed, Li Wei began rigorous training with Master Ning, absorbing his vast knowledge of healing herbs and medicines. Each lesson filled her with joy and determination, deepening her confidence and skill.
She soon found herself becoming more adept, creating new recipes that drew even greater crowds to her family's stall. Their small business began thriving, providing a steady income and renewed stability.
Despite her busy days, Li Wei often found herself wondering about General Yan Chen. His acts of kindness contrasted deeply with his cold exterior and the stern commands he'd given during their exile. She wondered about the man behind the mask, his hidden past, and the kindness he'd mentioned. Yet whenever she glimpsed him from afar in the crowded marketplace, he carefully avoided her gaze, leaving her questions unanswered.
One evening, as she carefully prepared herbs under Master Ning's watchful eye, the elderly herbalist spoke quietly, breaking her thoughts.
"You're thinking about the General, aren't you?"
Surprised, Li Wei hesitated before replying softly. "He confuses me, Master Ning. Sometimes he's cold and distant, yet other times, he shows unexpected kindness."
Master Ning smiled gently, nodding in understanding. "Yan Chen's life has not been easy. His mask hides more than just his face."
Li Wei paused thoughtfully, considering Master Ning's words. "Do you know him well?"
"I have known him since childhood," Master Ning said quietly, his eyes reflecting deep sadness. "He carries burdens few could imagine."
Li Wei felt compassion stirring within her heart, remembering the fleeting glimpses of gentleness she'd seen in the general. "He's suffering too, isn't he?"
Master Ning nodded solemnly. "He is. But perhaps, with patience and understanding, you can both find healing."
Li Wei thought carefully, hope blooming anew. Master Ning's words resonated deeply. She realized that despite their hardships, their lives were intertwined, guided by fate and hidden bonds she was only beginning to understand.
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