Spring Sprout

I happened to find an injured general. Years later, he returned victorious and brought me before His Majesty. The emperor praised my kindness and asked what reward I wanted. Everyone thought I would ask for a marriage match, marrying gloriously into the general’s household and becoming the envy of every woman in the land. Instead, I said, “May the realm be at peace, the weather be kind, and may no one go hungry or cold. May all the children grow up safe and sound.”

“As for me, the wheat is ripe. I should be going home.”