The Anklet

Ming and Xinyi met people going back to Niú fāng Village, a rice farmers' village. The villagers recognized him and greeted.

"Oh my, Governor, why are you here?" the village chief asked, walking toward them with hunched back and hands behind. He was an old man with a long beard up to his chest.

"Sire, I'm here to inspect the farms after the war."

"Oh my, you need not worry, Sire. We're thankful that the war ended soon. As you can see, the rice heads are now ready for harvesting. It's our pleasure if you'll come during the harvest feast that will be two days from now."

"I'll be here. Just go on with your harvest. My wife and I will walk around and meet the other villagers." 

"As you wish, Sire." The man bowed to the couple and pulled a sickle from a barn. The villagers also bowed regarding them but went on with their task.

At this moment, Xinyi felt a burning heat on her chest. "Ming?" She clasped Ming's arm.