The Qi Family courtyard gradually became lively.
The adults were already up, and although the older children got up a bit late, they helped tidy up once they were awake.
The youngest in the house were Qi Manman and Qi Shilang.
The two little ones were sleeping like two little piglets, unaffected by the adults' hustle and bustle.
"Dad, Mom, everything is packed."
Qi Dafu wiped the sweat off his forehead and came into his parents' room to say hello.
On the kang, Mrs. Qi was sitting cross-legged, wiping her tears, with Qi Manman, wrapped in a quilt, sleeping peacefully beside her.
Qi Zheng sat on the long bench by the square table, puffing on his pipe.
The light in the room was very dim and no candles were lit.
Even in the faint light coming through the window, one could see tears glistening in the old man's eyes.
Qi Dafu stood aside, not knowing what to say, feeling a heavy heart.
The occasional voices from the courtyard could still be heard outside, but the room was silent.
