New Year's Eve was drawing near, and the Capital was brimming with a rich, festive atmosphere. Lanterns were hung high in every street and alley, painting the city in vibrant shades of red. During this most important holiday of the year, even the poorest families emerged from their homes to purchase goods and decorate their humble dwellings.
"Cough, cough, cough..." In a courtyard, a middle-aged woman coughed so hard she couldn't straighten her back.
A neighbor passing by saw this and hurried over, her eyes filled with concern. "Oh dear, what’s wrong with you? Why are you coughing so violently?"
Chapter 231