———

In the busy market area, Mei waded through colorful sights and sounds that were everywhere around her. Warm air brought roasted meat dumplings aroma mixed with sweet smelling jasmine rice. As she looked at stalls decorated by spices and silk cloths, a voice came from near her.

"Mei! Is that you?"

She turned to see a young woman with a gentle smile, dark hair swept back with a few loose strands framing her delicate face. Her eyes, soft yet lively, seemed to sparkle with warmth, the look of friendship between them were evident in the familiarity of her smile.

Yú Jin.

She was standing at a nearby booth, beaming with joy. The moment Mei spotted her dear friend, her neutral expression melted into a warm smile. They embraced tightly, holding on for a long time.

"It's been too long, Yú Jin. I've missed you."

"And I've missed you too. Tell me, where have you been?"

"How have you been since..." Yú Jin's smile disappeared, and her eyes showed concern. "I'm sorry about what happened. It really hurt me to hear the news."

Mei looked down. "I'm managing." 

"And have you seen Xiao since you returned?" Yú Jin asked.

Then the thought hit her, she never saw Xiao's body amongst her family's. How could she have forgotten her cousin Xiao. 

"No, I haven't seen her since I returned." 

"She's staying in the palace now, you should go visit her."

"I'll do that soon" Mei replied.

"Where do you stay now?"

"I stay at my family's manor"

Yú Jin nodded sadly. "You cannot remain there, mei, It will bring down your spirit."

"My home is open to you without condition or cost. You need only say the word."

Mei smiled warmly at her friend's generosity. "You are too kind, as always. But I cannot impose."

Her brow knit with concern. "Mei, it is no imposition. We'd want you with us."

Mei smiled, embracing Yú Jin fondly. 

"You've always looked out for me. I'll be well, Yú Jin. Do not fear for -"  but yú Jin gripped Mei's hands.

"Please mei, Stay with me and my family instead - we have ample room, and you'll find only care and comfort beneath my roof."

Mei hesitated still. "You truly are too generous, Yú Jin but..."

Seeing Yú Jin's genuine kindness, Mei started to gave in to her request.. 

"If you are certain it is no trouble then I.. I accept your offer, but only for a short while."

"It is settled then! Come, I shall help you gather your things." Yú Jin said excitedly.

"I am grateful beyond words." Mei beamed and linked her arm with yú jin's. "And i am overjoyed by your decision"

Soon their conversation turned to happy memories, lessons by the creek, playful games in moonlit orchards that no longer exist. Mei sighed. Those carefree days felt a lifetime past.

"There is more news to share, mei" said yú jin.

"While you were abroad, I wedded Liwei"

Mei gasped, delight filling her face. "Liwei? Yú Jin, I am overjoyed for you both! Please, share all the details of your union, I want to selfishly relive every moment."

Laughing, Yú Jin recounted their ceremony, first home together, every blissful moment and struggle since. Mei listened raptly as her friend glowed, recounting each treasured memory.

As they strolled the avenue, Yú Jin shared her recent endeavors, along with the happiness of her children's achievements. Mei listened closely, comforted by moments of joy in the midst of hardship.

Soon, the sun sank low, casting the sky in fiery shades, the conversation had already turned to village gossip, Yú Jin's merchant journeys and the struggles of a trader's life, along with Mei's mastery in martial arts.