Chapter 11: The first step forward.

The First Step Forward

Jian Yiling woke up early the next morning, the faint light of dawn spilling through the cracks in the wooden walls. Her children were still fast asleep, curled up together like kittens under the thin quilt. Smiling, she carefully tucked it around them and slipped out silently.

Today was important. Yesterday's discovery of the mysterious gold coin troubled her, but it also spurred her to action. If someone—or something—had left that coin, then the mountains held more secrets than she realized. Secrets that could secure a future for Zhi'er and Yun'er.

Packing lightly, she prepared to climb to the higher peaks in search of rare herbs—items worth their weight in gold in the nearby towns. Perhaps she could find the elusive Lingzhi mushroom or another ginseng root to sell.

Before stepping outside, she checked the knife secured at her hip and the small pouch tied at her waist. The memory of the wild boar tracks kept her wary. But more than that, she couldn't shake the feeling that eyes had been on her as she worked in the mountains the day before.