The next day, just as dawn broke, Liang Song rose early. He retrieved his sewing kit—an item he had always treasured—which still contained the deep green thread unique to the military. He carefully selected a thread of the appropriate thickness, threaded the needle, and began searching for a spare button that matched those on his greatcoat. Once he found one, he sat at the table and began to mend the coat in earnest.
His gaze was focused and intent; though his hands were rough from years of training and labor, he was remarkably skilled at sewing on buttons. With every stitch, he passed the needle through the eye, fastening the button tightly to the coat. The stitches were dense and uniform, as if every one of them was infused with the care he felt for his soldiers. With each stitch, he thought silently to himself that he must ensure this coat would better protect the sentries from the cold.
After finishing the mend, Liang Song folded the coat neatly and, taking advantage of the guard rotation, quietly placed it at the sentry post. When the incoming sentry saw the mended coat, he was stunned for a moment, then a look of being moved appeared on his face. He gently touched the tight, dense stitches and the familiar dark green thread, his heart filled with warmth.
Chapter 461