Chapter 515

The following days passed uneventfully, peaceful and serene. Willow devoted every moment to preparing for her college entrance exams. Meanwhile, Aiden took over her duties of inspecting the workshops. He renovated all the aging structures in the courtyard and reinforced the roofs and walls of the houses. Villagers often dropped by to visit, but except for Willow’s closest friends, Aiden turned everyone else away, insisting they shouldn’t disturb her studies. One evening, under the dim moonlight, the two little ones had just fallen asleep, and Aiden and Willow were about to retire for the night when urgent knocking erupted at the door. A choked, tearful voice pleaded in hushed tones, "Third Brother, Sister-in-law... Please, I beg you, have mercy and help me!" Willow and Aiden exchanged startled glances—they recognized the voice as Martha’s. Aiden strode to the gate and swung it open. In the pale moonlight stood Martha, shivering in thin clothing, her hair disheveled, lips blue with cold