Broken Armor

It was the end of the first month of the lunar calendar. Signs of the cold winter slowly retreated from the mountains and the streams of the Sichuan region. Before anyone knew it, sprouts of fresh greens had already occupied the branches, albeit somewhat shyly. The greens greedily and curiously painted the earth with youthful liveliness.

Nine Peaks Mountain was a scene of happiness as everybody was merrily minding their business.

The womenfolk were in high spirits. Under the direction of a few old grannies, they sewed nuptial dresses, embroidered dragons and phoenixes, cut red paper, brewed Qimei wine…

The abled craftsmen gathered in the village. They built a large house with three courtyards next to Grand Elder Wen's house. When Po Tu started the construction work, the four elders personally placed a jade of conjugal bliss into the foundations…