Chunzi and Yazi struggled to carry a bundle of six rolls of Songjiang cloth, slowly making their way out of the crowd. Although the mother and daughter were exhausted, their hearts were filled with sweetness.

"Junko...Junko...wait." Junko heard someone calling her and turned around to see Kawashita Daio, who used to work as a laborer with Haruka at the docks. Kawashita Daio's second son had also gone to Otsuka to work as a mercenary, and they had met when he saw him off.

"Kawashita-kun, is there something you need?" Junko carefully found a clean spot, put down the bundle of cloth, and asked Kawashita Daio.

"Junko, you're pregnant, and Yashiko is in such a state, let Saburo and I help you carry him back!"

“Kawashita-kun… I’m currently staying with my father in the countryside, which is dozens of miles away!… I’d better not trouble you…” Junko was conflicted. The two of them were carrying such a heavy cloth and didn’t know how long it would take to get home, but accepting someone’s kindness for no reason made her feel uneasy.

"What are you looking at! Junko, Haruka and I are friends who used to look for food together at the docks. It's only right that I help you out." Without saying a word, Kawashita Daio and his son Saburo picked up the bundle of cloth and headed towards the road leading to the countryside.

Chunzi and Yazi had no choice but to hurry and catch up, wondering how they should thank them later. Should they give them a ten-foot length of Songjiang cloth? ...No, no...three feet should be enough, right? Three feet of Songjiang cloth can be exchanged for a lot of fine rice!

Just as Junko was struggling with how much to thank them for, a remark from Daio Kawashita made her realize that she didn't need to give them any thanks at all; it was only right that the father and son helped her carry her things.

"Junko! As you know, our Jiro has also gone to Daxia and is assigned to the 11th Brigade. When you reply to Haru, could you please go with Haru and take care of Jiro a little?" Kawashita Daio's face turned red, feeling very embarrassed.

"Of course, we're all from Hirado. We've come all the way to Daxia, so naturally we should help each other out!"

"Then I'll leave it to you, thank you so much!" Kawashita Daio was very happy and carried the bundle of cloth very quickly, but poor Kawashita Saburo, who was underage, almost stumbled and staggered as he ran along.