Winter in Anyang City

That winter, all the men in Anyang City left. There are only women, children, old people, and a few old soldiers left in the city who can't walk. Later, the enemy troops came. Five thousand cavalrymen surrounded them. Later—— Chun Niang carries water throughout the city every day, and she remembers the door of every house. Grandma Zheng sat by the well, basking in the sun for one day and losing one day of sunshine. Mrs. Liu's blacksmith's shop was clanging, and sparks splashed onto the wall, leaving black scars. Chen Sanniang got into the culvert and was covered in mud. No one knew where she went. Hong Luan stood at the top of the city beating the drum. He broke his hand and the drum sound continued. Shen Caiwei dug out a box of old books from under the bed, which were left by her husband. Liang Yining opened a grain book and scratched it with his fingers. Shouting began outside the city. Shouted many times. The drums at the top of the city kept ringing. That winter, Anyang City was very cold. But until the snow melted, the city gate remained closed.