"Yes, it wasn't just a dream."
Prefect Ma's eyes were empty as he muttered to himself, "During the day, I gnawed on tree bark and ate wild vegetables on the mountain, becoming so hungry that I felt dizzy. But at night, I dreamt of being the legitimate young son of a noble and wealthy family, enjoying all the splendors and riches, without a worry of hunger or cold.
"The dream was so vivid and perfect that I couldn't tell what was sleep and what was reality."
Ma Bonde pursed his lips. "Regardless, the dream of being the legitimate son of a noble family really gave me the courage and motivation to keep living. I struggled on the mountain for a few days, waiting until the refugees at the foot of the mountain finally left before sneaking off to follow the team's pace to another city.
