There was no time for Yin Su to think further. Later that day she found herself standing next to a man who appeared much older. The Great Lord had simply said, “This is your new husband.” And she was now a wife.

Her new husband seemed as nervous as she was unprepared. He had looked at her and nodded at the Great Lord’s pronouncement. Maybe a small grunt. Yin Su had been afraid to meet his gaze. She lowered her eyes and said nothing.

Her mother gathered her few clothes and put them in a bundle. The bronze pot shone brightly, out of place next to her modest bundle of clothes. Yin Su had her herb-cutting knife. Her mother wrapped a few bits of food for the journey. There was little time for good-byes. Sad faces all around the kitchen and household staff.  Soon, Yin Su was in an oxcart heading out of the city.

Her husband did not initially speak. The gates to the Great House swung open as her husband walked beside the lumbering ox and with the aid of a stout stick prodding the animal, guided the oxcart to the streets of the city. What a strange sensation. She had always walked to the market to help carry supplies back to the kitchen. Sometimes she would go to the fields around the city to dig wild yams and cut herbs. She had never ridden anything.

The streets looked different from atop a cart. After a few moments, her new husband stopped the animal and turned to her.

“Which way to the market?”

Yin Su was startled. For the first time, she heard his voice. She looked up and met his eyes. He looked directly at her, surprised that she met his gaze. Quickly, she looked down. But something was exchanged between them without words. What was happening? Yin Su felt her stomach flutter. Who was this man who was her husband?

“That way.” She pointed to the right. “A short distance.”

Her husband grunted and prodded the reluctant beast in that direction.

At the market, Yin Su understood the need for the oxcart. Not only would it transport her meager possessions, but it would transport supplies for wherever they were going. Her husband bought large quantities of rice and millet. He indicated she should purchase herbs and spices she would need for cooking. He purchased bowls and storage pots. A small table and chair cost more than he expected and he bargained for quite some time with the carpenter. He walked away, purchased sleeping mats, then came back to bargain once again. Finally, both he and the furniture maker gave a little in their negotiations and the table was added. The oxcart was now full. Yin Su, her husband, and the ox would walk to their destination.

The sun had started its downward angle as the newly made couple reached the city gate. Yin Su stood behind her husband as they approached the checkpoint. There was a line of people, carts, and animals waiting to get through. She watched as officials checked the carts for merchandise. Merchants were charged a tax on goods they carried to foreign places. The silk, spices, bronzes, and horses leaving the city were taxed according to some magical calculation that Yin Su could not figure out. When their turn came, the official noticed the one lone bronze cook-pot. “Oh ho, what is this? Did you steal this from a vendor in the market?” He stared at Yin Su.

“I did not.” She did not quite meet his gaze, but stood tall in defense of herself. She was not used to being accused of theft.

“She did not.” Her husband came to her defense. “We are newly married and this is a gift from the Great House of this city. My wife was a cook there.”

Her husband got the attention of the questioner and continued, “We are on our way to Hangu Pass where I have been appointed Gatekeeper. These are our provisions.”

The mention of Hangu Pass caused everyone around to look at the speaker. The workers at the gate stood a little taller. The merchants milling around smiled and nodded in his direction. They might require his favor in the future.

The questioner shifted his demeanor. “Well then, it is best you be on your way. Safe journey to you. And your new wife.”

“Let them pass.” He shouted to no one in particular. Merchants and other travelers moved their carts to the side providing a clear route out of the city.

Yin Su fell in step behind her husband. He was obviously respected by the workers at the gate. And the merchants had taken note. Maybe this new life would prove to be interesting.

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