Unknown to Li Mei, as she reveled in the joy and warmth of recent moments, dreaming of a bright future with Wei Ming, a looming danger lurked. But for now, her heart was full. She pictured herself marrying the man who made her feel alive, who made her smile in ways no one else could. Unlike her mother's first marriage, filled with turmoil and regret, her life would be different—full of love and happiness.
Strolling through the bustling market, Li Mei allowed herself to savor the vibrant energy around her. The clamor of merchants, the smell of freshly baked buns and spiced meats—it was all familiar and comforting. Yet, even in the midst of the commotion, her mind wandered, daydreaming of her future.
That was when something caught her attention. A small, dirty-faced girl, no older than eight, was carefully slipping a bun into her sleeve with movements that were swift and far too practiced for a child her age. Li Mei's brow furrowed. She had seen beggars and thieves before, but something about this girl stirred her curiosity—and concern.
Instinctively, she followed the girl, watching as she weaved through the crowded market like a shadow. The child's feet were bare, her clothes tattered, but her steps were quick and nimble.
Li Mei's heart sank as she saw the girl disappear down an alley. Quietly, she followed, and what she saw nearly broke her heart.
In the shadow of a crumbling building, seven more children huddled together—most of them sick, their faces pale and thin. The girl knelt beside them, pulling the stolen bun from her sleeve. She ripped it into small pieces and handed it to the others, her own stomach growling as she gave away her only food.
"Take it," the girl whispered urgently. "Eat. It's all I could get today."
The younger ones—boys and girls, none older than eight—looked at her with wide, hollow eyes as they took the pieces of the bun. One of the boys, coughing weakly, hesitated before nibbling on the bread.
Li Mei felt a lump form in her throat. This wasn't just poverty; this was pure survival.
Stepping forward, Li Mei spoke softly, not wanting to startle them. "Why didn't you take something for yourself?"
The young girl froze, her eyes widening with fear. She looked up, her face a mixture of defiance and dread, expecting to be scolded—or worse.
"I-I didn't mean to steal," the girl stammered. "I… they needed food."
Li Mei knelt beside her, her tone gentle but firm. "I'm not here to punish you. You did what you had to do. But why are you all out here, alone? Where are your parents?"
The girl swallowed hard, her eyes brimming with tears. "Gone. All of them. We're all that's left."
One of the smaller boys spoke up, his voice thin and raspy. "My mama got sick last winter. She never came back."
Another child, a little girl clutching a ragged doll, nodded. "My papa went to the city to find work. He didn't come back either."
The weight of their words pressed on Li Mei's chest like a heavy stone. She looked at their frail bodies, the hollow look in their eyes, and she could feel their desperation.
The first girl spoke again, her voice wavering. "We've been hiding here for months. I… I try to get food when I can. But they're getting worse."
Li Mei's throat tightened, and she reached out to gently touch the girl's shoulder. "What's your name?"
The girl hesitated, then whispered, "Lian."
"Well, Lian," Li Mei said softly, "I want to help you. Not just today. I want to make sure you and your friends never have to steal again."
Lian stared at her, disbelief written across her face. "But why? No one ever helps us."
Li Mei smiled gently. "Because no one should have to live like this. You've been so brave, taking care of everyone. But you shouldn't have to do it alone."
Turning to one of the guards who had followed her, Li Mei's voice took on a commanding tone. "Take these children to one of the empty houses on the edge of town. Make sure they're fed and looked after."
The guard nodded, his face somber. "At once, Lady Li Mei."
But Li Mei wasn't done. "Lian," she said, her voice softening again as she turned back to the girl, "I'm not just going to give you food and money. I'll teach you all how to take care of yourselves. You'll learn skills that will help you for life."
Lian's eyes filled with tears. "You… you'd do that? For us?"
Li Mei nodded firmly. "Yes. I believe in cutting the root, not just the branches. Giving you money will only help for a little while. But if I teach you how to survive, you'll never have to steal again."
One of the boys, who had been silent until now, whispered, "Will you teach us how to fight too? So we can protect ourselves?"
Li Mei smiled warmly. "Yes. I'll make sure you learn how to defend yourselves."
She called over the guard again. "You'll train them in martial arts," she instructed. "Boys and girls alike. They should be able to defend themselves if the need arises."
The guard nodded once more. "As you wish, Lady Li Mei."
As she stood to leave, Lian tugged on her sleeve. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible through the tears.
Li Mei knelt down once more and embraced the girl gently. "You're welcome, Lian. You're safe now."
Suddenly, an idea struck her. "Wait," she called out to the guard, who was already preparing to take the children to their new home. He turned back, his brow raised in curiosity.
"They need more than food and fighting skills," Li Mei said, her voice resolute. "Bring them books as well. Make sure they're taught how to read and write. It's not enough just to survive—who knows, one of these children might grow up to be a great scholar someday."
The children, who had been listening quietly, suddenly perked up at the mention of books. Their wide eyes, filled with sadness moments before, now sparkled with curiosity.
Lian furrowed her brow in confusion. "Books? But… we're just beggars. What do we need with books?"
Li Mei knelt down beside her once more, her eyes warm and full of kindness. "Because being a literate person gives you power. Knowledge opens doors. You don't have to remain like this forever. Maybe one of you will become a scholar, and your life will change for the better."
One of the smaller boys, who had been silent all this time, stared at Li Mei intensely. He couldn't have been more than six years old, but there was something in his gaze—something driven, as if her words had ignited a fire deep within him. His clothes were little more than rags, and his small frame was frail, but the determination in his eyes was unmistakable.
He didn't say anything, but in his heart, he made a promise to himself.
"I'll be the best scholar in the kingdom," he thought, clenching his fists. "No one has ever cared for us, but this woman… she's different. If she believes in me, I'll make sure I never disappoint her. One day, if she ever needs help, I'll repay her kindness. Even if I have to give my life for her."
Li Mei, oblivious to the promise the young boy had just made, stood up and turned to the guard once more. "Make sure they have a proper education. No child should grow up without learning how to read."
The guard nodded, slightly taken aback by her thoughtful command. "I'll see to it, Lady Li Mei. They'll be provided with books and lessons."
As the children began to follow the guard, Lian hesitated, turning back to Li Mei with tears glistening in her eyes. "Why are you doing this for us? No one's ever helped us like this before."
Li Mei smiled warmly. "Because everyone deserves a chance to be more than what they are. And you, Lian—you deserve more than this life."
With that, she watched as the children were led away, her heart full of hope for their future. Little did she know, her simple act of kindness would plant the seeds of greatness in the young boy's heart.
Little did Li Mei know, someone had been watching the entire scene from a distance.
Han Cheng, the fearsome general, stood in the shadows, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. He had seen nobles give alms to the poor before—usually just a few coins or leftover food—but this… This was different.
"Strange..." he muttered to himself, watching her as she left. She was different. She wasn't just trying to soothe her conscience—she was trying to change the lives of those children forever.
For a brief moment, admiration flickered in Han Cheng's heart—a feeling so unfamiliar to him that it almost startled him. But just as quickly as it came, he dismissed it. He couldn't afford to care. Not now. Not with the life he led.
And yet, as he turned away to leave, something about Li Mei lingered in his mind.