- 2 months ago
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My mom up and sell it as pork before she died. She told me to find my uncle
00:04She said he was some powerful general and he'd feed me
00:07But when I stopped him on the street, he was holding my cousin
00:10He looked down at me and scoffed trash like you should just die need money. Tell your mom to come
00:15beg me then he took my cousin
00:18And bought her gold bracelets. I'd never seen anything so beautiful on her wrists. They shined brightly
00:24My uncle glared at me. What are you looking at? Keep staring and I'll gouge your eyes out
00:29Then he walked away. I stared at his back unable to move. I held my empty stomach and lowered my
00:34head
00:34My mom was wrong. He would never feed me. He was so rich
00:38He didn't even blink buying my cousin gold bracelets
00:41But when I asked for money for a bun, he told me to send my mom
00:44But my mom was already dead
00:45My dad chopped her up and sold her as pork the streets of the capital were crowded
00:48But the sky slowly darkened it started to drizzle. I curled up under an alley awning
00:53I rolled up my sleeve and stared at the knife scars on my wrist. I thought of my cousin's gold
00:57bracelets
00:58So pretty if I wore them my dirty blood would ruin them still
01:02I wished I had one I could trade it for lots of buns mom said buns were soft and fragrant
01:07Really delicious. I licked my cracked lips and forced myself to stand. I hadn't eaten in two days
01:12I was starving. Maybe selling myself was the only way to live
01:15I tried to sell myself to a rice shop
01:16The owner drove me off before I even got to the door
01:18Where'd this beggar come from? Get out bad luck
01:21I walked through the rain numb and empty. I went to shop after shop. No one wanted me
01:25I didn't even want pay just one bite to eat
01:27In the end only the brothel would take me in a woman named miss lane pinched my cheek and smiled
01:31Nice face. You're pale and scrawny now, but give it some time
01:34You might turn into a real beauty
01:36She made me sign a page full of writing. She thought I couldn't read
01:39She tricked me into signing for food, but I knew it all
01:41My mom taught me to read
01:43It was a contract selling myself and beside it was a plate of fresh buns
01:46Miss lane tore one open. The smell hit me right away. What choice did I have but to sign?
01:51I stared at the bun and swallowed hard
01:52My hand lifted from the red ink just as I was about to sign it. Someone grabbed me. It was
01:57my uncle
01:57He glared at me disgusted
01:59You're just as cheap as serena same dirty tricks, too
02:03Disgusting. How did our family end up with someone like you selling yourself to a brothel even lower than your
02:09mom now move take me to her
02:10He shook me until my vision spun. I knew i'd starve if I didn't eat before I blacked out
02:15I bit off a piece of his flesh and swallowed it right after that. He kicked me away
02:19I slammed hard onto the ground a sharp pain hit my chest and everything went black went quiet
02:23Well, at least I got to eat meat once too bad. It tasted awful cold water woke me up when
02:29I opened my eyes
02:29I was in a beautifully built courtyard before I knew it
02:32A fierce old woman pinched my nose and forced sour porridge down my throat
02:36Then they dragged me into my uncle's study inside
02:38My uncle was talking about me with a doctor frowning
02:41My uncle said so she bit a chunk out of me because she's starving the doctor nodded
02:45Yeah, any later and she'd be dead. I was hauled in front of my uncle
02:49His face looked awful white bandage wrapped the wrist i'd bitten
02:52He looked at me like I was an ugly rat
02:54He turned his head away speaking without looking at me. You were starving and you didn't say anything or was
02:58that revenge?
02:59I looked at him quietly and softly said sir
03:02The first thing I told you was i'm starving. Could you give me some money for a bun?
03:05He froze for a moment clearly remembering then his brows knit in displeasure. Why aren't you calling me uncle now?
03:10I pressed my lips tight and lowered my head when we first met I called him uncle
03:14But now I didn't want to he lifted his foot and tipped my chin up mute
03:18He curled his lips coldly still want to eat if you want to eat take me to your mom
03:22I want to see what's so great out there that she stayed away for nine years
03:25Now she's broke and sends you back to beg
03:27I nodded and said give me white buns
03:30I'll take you to her fresh out of the oven
03:32Not like that cold sour porridge from earlier that'd mess up my stomach
03:35The old woman behind me dropped to her knees at once sir
03:38I clearly fed her hot meat porridge
03:41She's lying. My uncle looked at me with even more disgust just like your mom utterly disgraceful
03:45I looked at the old woman jammed my fingers down my throat and threw up the cold sour porridge
03:49My uncle staggered back in shock
03:52I looked at him calmly see that porridge in my stomach for a while and it was still cold
04:02My stomach isn't made of ice
04:03He looked at the mess on the floor and recoiled at the sour smell
04:06How could something she just ate go sour so fast?
04:09The old woman was already on the floor shaking all over
04:12It's clear now
04:13My uncle snorted coldly
04:15Who gave you the nerve to disobey me behind my back?
04:17The old woman trembled about to speak
04:18When a gentle voice came from outside
04:20I told her to feed it
04:21Serena's daughter should be grateful for a bowl of rotten food
04:23The voice arrived before the person
04:24Woman in fine robes walked in
04:26Servants around her
04:27When I saw her face, I froze
04:29I almost called out mom
04:31But I knew she wasn't
04:32She looked a lot like my mom
04:33But softer, more graceful
04:35My mom looked older and worn out
04:36She'd never had a good life after being sold to my dad
04:38And Aunt Clara's always had it easy
04:40She walked in with a dark face
04:41The mess on the floor made her cover her nose in disgust
04:44Yet a hint of satisfaction flashed in her eyes
04:45She looked at me and said
04:46You really do look like Serena
04:48Same little vixen face
04:49Where is that bitch now?
04:51I looked down and spoke quietly
04:53Give me food and I'll lead you to her
04:54She snorted coldly
04:56What right do you have to make demands?
04:57My uncle frowned
04:58He had servants bring in a plate of hot buns
05:00Eat, don't die in my house
05:02It's bad luck
05:03My aunt shot him in unhappy glare
05:04You feel sorry for this bastard?
05:06My uncle shook his head
05:07He said nothing
05:08But his gaze grew heavy
05:09I was starving
05:10I grabbed a bun and tore into it
05:11So soft and sweet
05:12Mom hadn't lied to me
05:13Buns really are delicious
05:15Way better than those dry corn cakes
05:16But I didn't dare eat too much
05:17I stuffed the rest into my torn sleeves
05:20My uncle watched me do it
05:21His frown deepening
05:22Your mom didn't feed you?
05:24I shook my head
05:24She saved the best food for me
05:26My uncle sneered
05:27Face full of disgust
05:28Then why do you still look so poor?
05:30Still putting on a show?
05:31I didn't answer
05:31I just said let's go
05:33Aunt Clara snorted
05:34She told them to prepare a carriage
05:35But she wouldn't let me get on
05:37She said I made her sick
05:38Wherever I went
05:39The air turned sour
05:40I watched my nicely dressed cousin
05:42Get into the carriage
05:42Envy rose in my chest
05:44Mom rarely held me
05:45She said sometimes
05:46She wanted to strangle me
05:47Said I was a mistake
05:48But when she was locked in the cellar
05:50I was the only one who stayed
05:52And she was always kind hearted
05:53When she was in a good mood
05:54She taught me how to read
05:55She told me many stories about home
05:57She even taught me martial arts
05:58But I was useless
05:59I could never learn it well
06:00She said the women in her family
06:01Were just as strong as men
06:02She once earned merit
06:02On the battlefield herself
06:03If she hadn't been framed
06:04And had her tendons cut
06:06She wouldn't have ended up like that
06:07She tried to kill herself many times
06:09But her hatred kept her going
06:11My uncle rode ahead on a tall horse
06:13He asked if I could ride on my own
06:14I shook my head
06:15What did your mom teach you?
06:16Are you useless?
06:17Yes, I am useless
06:18I lowered my head
06:19I saw my mom being cut into pieces by my dad
06:21He even tried to make me eat it
06:23And I was too useless to save her
06:25My uncle laughed in anger
06:26How did our family end up with a coward like you?
06:28Don't call me your uncle outside
06:30I nodded
06:31He looked at me
06:32As if there was nothing he could do
06:34In the end
06:34He had a guard put me on a horse
06:35The guard couldn't refuse
06:36So he covered his nose with a cloth
06:38To block the smell
06:39But halfway through the ride
06:41He couldn't hold it
06:42And threw up
06:43My uncle frowned
06:43Asking how a girl could smell so bad
06:45At a roadside inn
06:46He got a room
06:47And had his maid clean me up
06:48As soon as she stripped off my rags
06:51She screamed
06:52My uncle thought something was wrong
06:54He kicked the door open and rushed in
06:56As soon as she stripped off my rags
06:59She screamed
07:00My uncle thought something was wrong
07:02He kicked the door open and rushed in
07:04He rushed in, calling out to Iris
07:05Asking what was wrong
07:06Iris covered her mouth and looked at him
07:08Tears running down her face
07:09Sir, please take pity on this Ava
07:11Miss Ava?
07:12She doesn't deserve it
07:14Then he saw me without clothes
07:15And froze
07:15I think my back was covered in fine knife scars
07:18But I couldn't reach it
07:18Or see it
07:19It's probably ugly
07:20Iris seemed soft-hearted
07:21She gently touched my wounds
07:23Tears falling non-stop
07:24She smells because the wounds are rotting
07:26And she's been burning with fever
07:27My uncle stared at me for a moment
07:28Then realized I was a girl
07:30He quickly turned his back
07:31He took a deep breath before saying
07:33Clean her wounds first
07:34I'll send for a doctor
07:35Iris agreed
07:36But I shook my head and refused
07:38No need
07:38A little clay will do
07:40That's how I healed before
07:41I forgot the last two days
07:42Iris stared
07:43Shocked
07:44How can you use clay?
07:45After my uncle left
07:46Iris cleaned my wounds
07:48And put some medicine on them
07:49Because treating me took extra time
07:51Aunt Clara's face darkened
07:52Why waste time and money on her?
07:54She's just like her mom
07:55Always pulling tricks
07:56My uncle was about to hug my cousin
07:58But he paused when he heard that
07:59And pulled his hand back
08:00She pouted
08:01And whined
08:02Uncle hug me
08:03She was only four
08:04She was the child
08:05Aunt Clara had long hoped for
08:06Of course she adored her
08:07Seeing her feel wronged
08:08Aunt Clara immediately got upset
08:10What are you doing?
08:11Can't you see Annie wants a hug?
08:12My uncle sighed
08:13I'm tired
08:14Then he walked toward me
08:16For the first time
08:17He crouched in front of me
08:18He was really tall
08:18If he didn't crouch
08:19I couldn't even meet his eyes
08:21Did your mom abuse you often?
08:22I shook my head
08:23Mom was good to me
08:24She got beaten more than I did
08:26My uncle froze
08:26His expression cracked
08:27How could that be?
08:28She clearly
08:29Then his brows knitted tightly again
08:30You're lying
08:31Did your mom tell you to lie to me
08:33So I'd feel sorry for her?
08:34I stared at him
08:34Remembering mom's words
08:36Her brother was a great hero
08:38A brilliant general
08:39Wise
08:39And incredibly smart
08:41My mom
08:41Was wrong again
08:43Turns out her brother
08:44Was just a fool
08:45If this was all
08:46Just to fool him
08:46Then how do you explain
08:47The old scars on my body?
08:48Was I beaten all my life?
08:49Just for this lie?
08:51Maybe the way I looked at him
08:52Pissed him off
08:53He snorted coldly
08:54He really liked doing that
08:55As if it made him feel superior
08:56Lead the way
08:57Let's see what she's up to
08:58This time
08:59He didn't make a guard take me
09:00He lifted me onto the horse himself
09:01Pressed me into his chest
09:03I sucked in a sharp breath in pain
09:04Only then
09:05Did he remember my back wounds
09:06He gently helped me sit upright
09:07Don't you have a mouth?
09:08Why didn't you say it hurt?
09:09I clenched my teeth tight
09:10It hurt too much to speak
09:11So I pretended to be mute
09:12The horse moved fast
09:13Two days journey
09:14Was done in half a day
09:15When we reached Rivermore Village
09:16My dad was still selling pork
09:17When he saw the horses in carriage
09:19He froze
09:20And didn't dare look up
09:21Everyone in the village
09:22Knew not
09:23To look up
09:24Cross someone like that
09:25And death would be the least of it
09:26But I pointed at him
09:27And told my uncle
09:28That's my dad
09:28He's selling my mom
09:32When we reached Rivermore Village
09:33My dad was still selling pork
09:34When he saw the horses in carriage
09:36He froze
09:37And didn't dare look up
09:38Everyone in the village
09:39Knew not
09:40To look up
09:41Cross someone like that
09:42And death would be the least of it
09:43But I pointed at him
09:44And told my uncle
09:45That's my dad
09:45He's selling my mom
09:46My uncle's face darkened
09:47You're saying that butcher is your dad
09:48And your mom was sold by him
09:50At your age
09:50You're already lying like that
09:51I sighed
09:52Ever since meeting my uncle
09:53I'd been sighing non-stop
09:55Talking to him was exhausting
09:56How did mom ever think he was smart
09:58I tried to get down
09:59But he held my waist tight
10:00So I shouted to my dad
10:01Dad, I'm back
10:03When my dad heard my voice
10:04He looked up fiercely
10:05But when he saw me on the horse
10:07Being held
10:07He froze
10:08He glanced at their clothes
10:10Then quickly set down the knife
10:12He smiled kindly
10:13Ava, where have you been?
10:15I've been looking for you two days
10:16My uncle stared at his old, ugly face
10:18His expression turned dark
10:19His eyes were dark
10:21Full of something
10:22I couldn't understand
10:22He held my waist tight
10:24So I couldn't slide off the horse
10:26Is he really your dad?
10:27I nodded
10:28My dad stood below the horse
10:30Looking pleased
10:31Uh, you fancy my girl?
10:36This girl's very obedient
10:37She won't fight back
10:38Or talk back
10:39Ten tails of silver
10:40And she's yours
10:40My uncle sneered
10:41Really?
10:42Didn't you just say
10:43He was selling your mom?
10:44Dad cut in right away
10:45She's just a kid
10:46Talking nonsense
10:47No one's selling her mom
10:48I'm keeping her for myself
10:49I pointed at the meat scraps
10:51Mom's right there
10:52He cut her up and sold the pieces
10:53And boiled her bones
10:54And fed me the soup
10:55I felt sick
10:56And bolted
10:56Oh right
10:57That piece has three red dots
10:59That's her arm
10:59Mom said that's
11:00The Carter family mark
11:02When dad heard that
11:03He snapped
11:04You little brat
11:05What nonsense is that
11:06Ungrateful little brat
11:07My uncle just stared at the meat
11:08He didn't say a word
11:09For a long time
11:10But I could feel his muscles tense
11:11Hand trembling
11:12Dad saw my uncle staring at the meat
11:14He blinked nervously
11:15And tried to smile at my uncle
11:17That's musk deer from the mountains
11:18The meat's nice and tender
11:19Sir, don't listen to her
11:20Just then
11:21Aunt Clara leaned out
11:22From the carriage behind
11:23Why are we still stuck here?
11:25Or are we there already?
11:26Dad turned at the sound
11:27The moment he saw her face
11:29His legs went weak
11:30Then he took off running
11:31He was a butcher
11:31He was big and strong
11:33Plenty of stamina
11:34But my uncle's guards
11:35Were trained soldiers
11:36He barely ran
11:36Before they pinned him
11:38Only then
11:39Did my uncle help me down
11:40He walked to the stall
11:40In silence
11:41He picked up the meat
11:42Iris walked over
11:43Took a look
11:43And her eyes welled up
11:44Sir, this is human flesh
11:46Just like on the battlefield
11:48There were two slabs of pork
11:49On dad's stall too
11:50He was clever
11:51Mom's meat was chopped up
11:53For extra
11:53Most people wouldn't notice
11:55Aunt Clara came over
11:56With my cousin
11:57Looking confused
11:58At my uncle in the meat stall
11:59Are we there yet?
12:00Where's Serena?
12:01My uncle said nothing
12:02By the time dad was dragged back
12:03Hands tied by two guards
12:04I had already taken off my coat
12:05And started gathering mom's meat
12:07It was late autumn
12:08The meat hadn't spoiled
12:08But it didn't look fresh anymore
12:10After all
12:11Two days had passed
12:11My uncle watched me silently
12:12After a moment
12:13He sneered
12:14Quite the convincing act
12:15Fine
12:15Take me to her
12:16Or I'll kill you
12:17Held mom's meat and nodded
12:19Then led them into the village
12:20Along the way
12:21The women we knew
12:22Stared at us strangely
12:23Some of the braver ones
12:24Asked me
12:25Ava
12:26What's going on?
12:26Why are they pinning your dad down?
12:28I thought for a moment
12:28Then I told them
12:29He killed my mom
12:30And sold her meat
12:31If you bought any from him
12:32Please bring it back
12:33I want her to rest in peace
12:34You damn butcher
12:35How could you do that?
12:37One woman leaned on the wall
12:38And threw up
12:39God I gotta tell the old man
12:41No wonder Clark was so generous today
12:43He gave us a huge chunk of meat
12:44My dad's face darkened
12:46He shot me a vicious glare
12:47Like he wanted to tear me apart
12:48Too bad they stuffed his mouth
12:50He couldn't even curse
12:51My uncle kept his lips tight
12:53And followed me in silence
12:54My aunt seemed deep in thought
12:55Her eyes kept darting around
12:57Sometimes even sneering
12:58Like she was secretly pleased
12:59At the gate
13:00I looked back at the yard
13:01It suddenly felt unfamiliar
13:03I'd only been gone two days
13:05But something felt different
13:06I gently pushed the gate open
13:08Everything inside looked the same
13:09I tightened my grip on the bundle
13:10The cold scraps pressed to my chest
13:12Chilling me to the bone
13:13Once inside the yard
13:14I looked at Iris
13:15And told her to get something to eat
13:17We'd been walking half a day
13:18Everyone was hungry
13:19Iris didn't answer right away
13:20She glanced at my uncle
13:21Until my uncle nodded
13:23Then she headed to the kitchen
13:24I lit a candle
13:25Led my uncle and aunt
13:27To the cellar entrance
13:28I lifted the wooden hatch
13:29The smell of blood hit us
13:30I pointed into the dark tunnel
13:32Mom's down there in the cellar
13:33She usually stays there
13:34My uncle's face turned cold
13:36He had them drag my dad down the tunnel
13:38My aunt held my cousin
13:39Her eyes scanned the yard
13:40Two huge butcher tables
13:42Dark red blood everywhere
13:43She clenched her jaw
13:44And stepped into the cellar
13:45At the end of the tunnel
13:46Was a large cellar
13:48Almost every house in the village
13:49Has one
13:50But ours had a much longer tunnel
13:51The cellar wasn't under the yard
13:53It stretched into the mountain
13:55Dad said it keeps the sound out
13:56No one would hear a thing
13:58The cellar was huge
13:59There were all kinds of supplies
14:00And a carved wooden bed
14:01My mom's skeleton was hanging on the wall
14:04Her flesh was already gone
14:05Only her head still looked the same
14:08All those years of suffering
14:10Made her look nothing like her twin sister
14:12See?
14:13Mom's right here
14:14I set the minced meat by the skeleton's feet
14:16Then raised the candle
14:17So they could see her clearly
14:19See?
14:19I didn't lie
14:20My aunt quickly covered my cousin's eyes
14:22She gagged
14:22And turned to leave
14:23Then two stone slabs dropped
14:25The cellar was sealed
14:27Even the guards couldn't push it open
14:28What's going on?
14:29My aunt screamed
14:30Then she realized something
14:32And glared at me
14:33You lured us in here on purpose
14:35What are you planning?
14:36Before she finished
14:37She got dizzy
14:38Her legs gave out
14:39She collapsed
14:40My cousin hit the ground hard
14:41She burst into tears
14:42My uncle rushed to pick her up
14:44But before he reached her
14:45His legs gave out
14:46He could only watch
14:47As her crying faded away
14:49He and my aunt stared wide-eyed
14:51Their eyes filled with terror
14:52I looked at them
14:53Faint smile curled on my lips
14:54Relax
14:55She just took too much
14:56She's just knocked out
14:58I looked at the three on the floor
14:59The candle flickered on the damp wall
15:02Stretching the shadow of mom's skeleton
15:03Like a lone bird with its wings spread
15:05Guarding this dark corner all these years
15:07I crouched down
15:08And brushed my fingers over her wrist
15:10There was a faint mark there
15:12Mom carved it when she taught me my name
15:14With a small knife
15:15Ava
15:15My name is Serena
15:17It means peace
15:18All I want is peace in this life
15:20Why is that so hard?
15:21I was just a kid back then
15:22I didn't see the sorrow in her eyes
15:24I only knew her hands were warm
15:25The mark she carved on the bone
15:26Was like a tiny flower
15:27Now that flower stays with her bones
15:29Weeping silently
15:30In this cellar
15:31I turned to my passed out dad
15:33When he chopped mom up
15:34Did it hurt so bad
15:35She couldn't even scream
15:36I remembered every time dad beat her
15:38She'd hold me
15:39Her voice hoarse
15:41Ava
15:41Hang in there
15:42When I get the chance
15:43I'll take you away
15:44We'll go find your uncle
15:45He'll help us
15:45But he never did
15:47I stood up
15:47And walked to the corner
15:49A small wooden chest
15:50Was hidden there
15:50Mom treasured it most
15:52I dragged it out
15:53It was locked
15:54But I knew where the key was
15:56Mom hid it in a crack
15:57Under the bed
15:57She said it was all she had left
15:59I dug out the key
15:59And opened the chest
16:00Inside was a layer of blue silk
16:02A few yellowed letters lay on it
16:04And a silver hairpin
16:05A magnolia was carved on it
16:06Just like mom taught me to draw
16:08Picked up a letter
16:09And read it by candlelight
16:10It was from mom
16:11To my uncle
16:11The writing was neat
16:12But trembling
16:14Felix
16:14I know you resent me
16:15But I never touched Clara's husband
16:16Clara set me up
16:17She was jealous
16:18Dad said I was the most promising one
16:20And you always protected me
16:21So she got Peter drunk
16:22Then put me next to him
16:23To make dad think I wasn't pure
16:25Felix
16:25I wasn't promiscuous
16:26Dad drove me out
16:27He said I shamed the Carter family
16:29He even wanted my legs broken
16:30I had no choice
16:30I could only run
16:31I ran to Rivermore Village
16:32And traffickers sold me to the butcher Clark
16:34He's a devil
16:35He beat me every day
16:36But I couldn't die
16:36I have Ava now
16:37I'll raise her myself
16:38Let her return to the Carters
16:39Let her know her mom wasn't a slut
16:41My tears fell and blurred the ink on the letter
16:43So mom was telling the truth
16:44She wasn't the loose woman uncle called her
16:46Or the homewrecker aunt claimed
16:48She was framed
16:49Driven away by her own sister and dad
16:51And my uncle
16:52This so-called hero
16:54Hated her for nine years
16:56Over a few words
16:57Never even giving her a chance to explain
16:59Ugh
17:00Dad groaned softly
17:01His eyes slowly opened
17:02He had just woken up
17:03His gaze was still foggy
17:04But when he saw the skeleton
17:06His face turned pale
17:07Like he'd seen a ghost
17:09Ghost!
17:09There's a ghost!
17:10He struggled to get up
17:11But I stepped on his chest
17:13Dad, look closely
17:14That's no ghost
17:15That's mom
17:15My voice was soft
17:16But ice cold
17:17The same mom you chopped up
17:19And sold as pork
17:20Dad started shaking
17:22His eyes filled with fear
17:23No, that's not true
17:25Ava, don't listen to them
17:26She...
17:27She died of illness
17:27He's still lying
17:29Just like before
17:29When he made me drink mom's bone broth
17:31Not a hint of shame
17:31She died of an illness
17:33I laughed through tears
17:34Then tell me
17:35Why is mom's skeleton here?
17:37Why do the scraps on the meat stall
17:38Have the Carter family's
17:39Three red dots?
17:40And why does your soup
17:41Smell so foul?
17:43It reeks
17:43I crouched down
17:44And grabbed his hair
17:45I shoved his face
17:46Toward mom's skeleton
17:47Look
17:47You'd better look carefully
17:49His screams echoed in the cellar
17:50He shook his head wildly
17:51His teeth rattled
17:52I didn't mean to
17:54She wouldn't listen
17:54She kept trying to run
17:55Wanting to find the Carters
17:57I beat her
17:57But she never gave in
17:59I had no choice
18:00I let go
18:01He crashed onto the ground
18:02So you killed her?
18:04Is it because she wanted to escape you?
18:05Because she wanted me to live?
18:07Enough
18:07A shout came from behind
18:09Uncle had woken up
18:10He struggled to get up
18:11But the drug hadn't worn off yet
18:12His legs gave out
18:13He collapsed back down
18:14His eyes were full of shock and anger
18:16Staring at me
18:17Ava
18:18What are you doing?
18:19He's your dad
18:19I turned to my uncle
18:21A mocking smile on my lips
18:23I turned to my uncle
18:25A mocking smile on my lips
18:27General
18:27Don't forget
18:28My so-called dad
18:29Killed your own sister
18:30Chopped her up
18:30And sold the meat
18:31Back then
18:32You hated my mom
18:32And said she shamed the Carters
18:34But now look who really brought shame
18:35It's you, uncle
18:36You never even knew the truth
18:37That aunt
18:38Who framed her own sister
18:39And this beast of a father
18:41My aunt woke up too
18:41She covered her nose
18:42Looking into the cellar
18:43Her face twisted with disgust and fear
18:45You little bastard
18:46How dare you treat your dad like this?
18:48And Serena
18:48Even dead
18:49She's still causing a mess
18:50Look at this disgusting mess
18:51What a curse
18:52Curse?
18:52I walked up to her
18:53And threw mom's letter to uncle in her face
18:55Aunt, take a good look
18:56See how you framed my mom
18:58See how you made uncle hate her for nine years
19:00Mom believed till her dying day
19:02You were her sister
19:02She always hoped the truth would come out one day
19:04But you?
19:05You wanted her dead
19:06My aunt picked up the letter
19:07The more she read
19:08The paler she became
19:09No, that's not true
19:11Serena was the shameless one
19:13She seduced my husband first
19:14This letter is fake
19:15She kept arguing
19:16Like someone cornered and losing it
19:18Fake?
19:18I pointed at my mom's skeletons
19:20Can her skeletons be faked?
19:21Can dad's confession be faked?
19:23Can the villagers be faked too?
19:24You thought your plan was flawless
19:26But you forgot
19:26Mom had three red marks on her arm
19:28A sign only the Carter's bears
19:29You forgot my dad sold meat
19:30With her skeletons mixed in
19:32My uncle picked up another letter
19:33It was written to the Carter ancestor
19:34It detailed how my aunt framed her
19:37And the suffering in Rivermore Village
19:39The more he read
19:40The darker his face became
19:41His hands clenched the letter
19:42And his knuckles turned white
19:44Clara, it really was you
19:45His voice was hoarse
19:46Filled with shock and pain
19:47No, it wasn't me, Felix
19:49Don't listen to this bastard
19:50She's turning us against each other
19:52And getting revenge on us
19:53My aunt screamed and rushed at me
19:55But I easily dodged
19:56Mom taught me some basic skills
19:58I was never very good
19:59But dealing with a pampered woman like her
20:01Was easy
20:01My cousin woke up too
20:03Seeing everything
20:04She burst into tears
20:05She ran into my aunt's arms
20:06Mom, I'm scared
20:07I want to go home
20:08I want uncle to hold me
20:09My aunt held her tightly
20:10Tears streamed down her face
20:12Not from regret
20:12But from fear
20:13Annie, don't be scared
20:14I will take you home
20:16We'll go home right away
20:17She looked up at my uncle
20:18Felix, let us out
20:19This little bastard is crazy
20:21She wants to kill us
20:22My uncle said nothing
20:23He walked over to mom's skeleton
20:24And slowly knelt down
20:25Serena, I was wrong
20:26His voice choked
20:27Tears fell onto the cold skeleton
20:29I believed others too easily
20:30I never looked for you
20:31And I let you suffer for so long
20:32He knelt and bowed three times
20:34Each bow was hard
20:35His forehead soon swelled red
20:36Serena, don't worry
20:38I will avenge you
20:39I will clear your name
20:40He stood up
20:41His eyes turned firm
20:42He looked at dad and aunt
20:43Clark, you killed my sister
20:45Cruelly
20:46I will make you suffer
20:47Before you die
20:48Clara, you framed your own sister
20:49You ruined her life
20:50I will send you to the clan temple
20:52You will live there as a nun
20:53Dad collapsed in fear
20:55He couldn't say a word
20:56And my aunt screamed
20:57No, Felix
20:58You can't do this
20:59I'm your sister
21:00Annie is still so young
21:01She can't lose her mom
21:02You still remember
21:03Annie can't lose her mom
21:04I said coldly
21:05What about me?
21:06I grew up without a mom
21:06Dad abused me
21:07Uncle despised me
21:08You called me a bastard
21:09What did I ever do wrong?
21:11Just then, loud banging came from the cellar door
21:13My uncle's men had arrived
21:14General, are you inside?
21:16We're here to save you
21:18My uncle took a deep breath
21:19He shouted toward the entrance
21:20I'm fine
21:21Wait outside
21:21Without my order
21:23Do not come in
21:23The banging stopped
21:24My uncle turned to me
21:25Ava
21:26I know no matter what I do
21:28I cannot make up for what I did to you and my sister
21:30But I hope you can give me a chance
21:31Let me do something for you
21:32What do you want?
21:33Wealth?
21:34Or status?
21:35Or the Carter's inheritance?
21:36I can give it all to you
21:37I shook my head
21:38Looking at mom's skeleton
21:39I said softly
21:39I want nothing
21:40I just want my mom to rest in peace
21:42And those who hurt her?
21:43To pay the price
21:44All right
21:45My uncle nodded
21:46I'll give my sister a proper burial
21:48Clark and Clara will face the harshest punishment
21:50Then will you come back to the Carters with me?
21:52I will treat you like my own daughter
21:54Give you the best education
21:55You will be the real Miss Carter
21:57I hesitated
21:58Mom's greatest wish was for me to return to Carter's
22:00To know I was not a bastard
22:02But a member of the Carters
22:03But when I thought of the Carters
22:05Of my uncle's past indifference
22:06And my aunt's cruelty
22:07I felt uneasy
22:08I want to keep vigil by my mom's grave
22:10So in the end
22:11I refused
22:12After mom's matters are settled
22:13I'll decide where to go
22:14My uncle didn't force me
22:15He nodded
22:16All right
22:17I respect your choice
22:18Whenever you want to return
22:19You'll always be welcome
22:20In the following days
22:22My uncle sent people to handle the cellar
22:23Dad was thrown into the county jail
22:25My uncle ordered no food for him
22:27Let him starve to death
22:28Just like what he did to mom and me
22:30My aunt was sent to the Klan temple
22:32She shaved her head
22:33And became a nun
22:34She would never stir trouble again
22:35Mom's remains were carefully collected
22:37Uncle had a fine coffin made
22:39Her skeleton and the scattered flesh
22:41Were placed inside
22:42When the villagers knew the truth
22:43They all pitied her
22:44Many came to her funeral
22:45Miss Jane held my hand and cried
22:48Ava, your mom had a hard life
22:49Now she can finally rest in peace
22:51Mom was buried on the hill behind Rivermore
22:53The view there is beautiful
22:54I can see the whole village
22:56My uncle personally set up her headstone
22:57It bears her name
22:58Serena Carter
22:59Beside it are smaller words
23:00Sister Clara
23:01Brother Felix
23:01In mourning
23:02I stayed by my mom's grave for three months
23:03During those months
23:04My uncle often visited me
23:05He brought food and supplies
23:06He had tutors teach me reading, writing
23:08And martial skills
23:09He said mom was the Carter's
23:10Most talented daughter
23:11Skilled in both arts and combat
23:12He hoped I would carry on her legacy
23:14So I studied very hard
23:15Because I knew this was what mom wished to see
23:17When mom first taught me to read
23:18She said
23:18Ava, girls must study too
23:20Learn many skills
23:21Only then will no one bully you
23:22Now I finally have the chance
23:24To fulfill her wish
23:25Three months later
23:26Someone from the Carter's arrived
23:27He was my uncle's dad
23:28And mom's own dad
23:29He was already very old
23:31His hair and beard were white
23:32He leaned on a cane
23:33But his eyes were sharp
23:34When he saw me
23:35Tears filled his eyes
23:36Girl, you've suffered
23:37Your mom suffered too
23:38It was my fault
23:40I wrongly believed, Clara, back then
23:41Your mom was wrong
23:42He brought me a Carter token
23:43A jade engraved with Carter
23:45Only heirs of the Carters may carry it
23:47He asked me to return to the Carters
23:48Reclaim my place
23:49And inherit everything
23:50I looked at mom's grave
23:52Softly, I said
23:53Mom, grandfather came for me
23:54Should I go back to the family?
23:55A gentle wind passed
23:56Leaves rustled softly
23:57As if she was answering me
23:58Ava, return to the family
24:01And live with dignity
24:02Make me proud
24:02I nodded
24:03Then followed grandfather and uncle back
24:05The Carters are a powerful family
24:07The estate was enormous
24:08Even grander than uncle's general mansion
24:10Grandfather arranged a grand ceremony
24:12For my return
24:12So everyone would know
24:13I was Serena's daughter
24:14A true young lady of the Carters
24:16On the day of the ceremony
24:17The Carters was decorated in celebration
24:19Many guests arrived
24:20They looked at me with curiosity
24:22Scrutiny
24:22And even awe
24:23I wore a splendid dress
24:25And a jade hairpin from grandfather
24:26Standing before everyone
24:28I still felt uneasy
24:29I was used to the rough clothes of Rivermore
24:31Used to the damp darkness of the cellar
24:33This kind of wealth
24:34Felt unfamiliar to me
24:35Grandfather held my hand
24:37And introduced me
24:37This is my granddaughter, Ava
24:39Her mom was my daughter, Serena
24:41From today on
24:42Ava is the eldest lady of the Carters
24:44No one may bully her
24:45Everyone voiced their agreement
24:46But I could feel some looks of disdain
24:48And contempt
24:49They still remembered
24:50I was the girl from the countryside
24:52The little beggar abused by dad
24:54And scorned by uncle
24:55But I didn't care
24:56I only wanted to live well
24:57And live a wonderful life for mom
24:59During my days in the Carters
24:59Every day I studied and trained
25:02The teacher who taught me
25:03Was a learned old scholar
25:04He taught me the classics
25:05Poetry and painting
25:07The one who trained me
25:08Was my uncle's officer
25:09He was highly skilled
25:10And very strict with me
25:11At first I struggled
25:12When studying
25:12The difficult texts drove me crazy
25:14And the training left my body sore
25:17But I did not give up
25:18I remembered what mom told me
25:20In the cellar
25:20The suffering she endured for me
25:22And I found the strength
25:23To keep going
25:24My uncle often visited me
25:25He was no longer cold
25:26There was guilt and care
25:27In his eyes
25:28Sometimes he trained me himself
25:29And told me stories about mom
25:31Your mom was once
25:32The pride of the Carters
25:33My uncle sat beside me
25:35His eyes lost in thought
25:36She followed your grandpa
25:37To war at 15
25:38And won great victories
25:39Even I could not match
25:40Her swordsmanship
25:41But she was framed by Clara
25:43And she ended up like that
25:44Listened quietly
25:45My admiration for mom
25:47Grew even more
25:47So my mom was an amazing woman
25:50Ava, I'm sorry
25:52My uncle suddenly spoke
25:53His voice was full of guilt
25:54Back then I shouldn't have
25:55Believed Clara
25:56I shouldn't have been
25:57So cold to you and your mom
25:58If I had found you earlier
25:59Your mom wouldn't have died
26:00And you wouldn't have
26:01Suffered so much
26:02I looked at him
26:02And gently shook my head
26:03It's in the past
26:04But deep down
26:05I still resented him
26:06If he had believed mom
26:07Back then
26:07If he had given me
26:08Just one meal
26:09Mom wouldn't have died
26:10And I wouldn't have
26:11Endured so much suffering
26:12But I also knew
26:13Hatred solves nothing
26:14It only brings more pain
26:15The days went by
26:16I gradually grew used
26:17To life in the Carters
26:18My knowledge deepened
26:19My martial skills improved
26:21Grandpa was very pleased with me
26:22He said I had mom's spirit
26:23My uncle saw me
26:24In a new light
26:25He said I was
26:25The Carter family's future
26:26But I knew
26:27I did all this for mom
26:29I will live
26:30A wonderful life for her
26:31Would prove
26:32That Serena's daughter
26:34Wasn't worthless
26:35But a person who stood tall
26:36One day
26:37My uncle told me
26:37Dad starved to death in prison
26:39He died miserably
26:40Like trash
26:40I felt neither sad
26:42Nor happy
26:42It was simply
26:43His fate
26:44A few years later
26:45I grew up into
26:46A graceful young woman
26:47Grandpa entrusted me
26:49With part of the business
26:49I managed it well
26:51Everything in perfect order
26:52Even better than uncle
26:53Grandpa often said
26:54If mom were alive
26:56And saw me like this
26:57She would be very proud
26:58I often returned to Rivermore
26:59To visit her grave
27:00Every time I went
27:01I brought fresh
27:02Steamed buns
27:03It's mom's favorite food
27:04And what I once longed for most
27:06I would sit by her grave
27:07And tell her how I'd been lately
27:09What I had learned
27:09And how kind the Carters were to me
27:11One time
27:12I returned to Rivermore
27:13I met Mr. Taylor
27:14Who once bought the meat
27:15When he saw me
27:16His face filled with guilt
27:17He dropped to his knees
27:18Ava, I'm sorry
27:19I didn't know it was your mom
27:21If I had known
27:22I would never have bought it
27:23I helped him up
27:24And said softly
27:25It's over
27:26My mom wouldn't blame you
27:27In truth
27:28The villagers were innocent
27:30They were deceived by my dad
27:31I asked them to return the meat
27:33Only so my mom could rest in peace
27:35After returning from Rivermore
27:36I heard some news
27:37My aunt had gone mad
27:39In the family hall
27:39Every day she muttered my mom's name
27:41She said mom came for revenge
27:42I never went to see her
27:43I felt this was her fate
27:45She ruined mom's life
27:47In the end
27:47Her guilt drove her mad
27:48Years later
27:49Grandpa fell gravely ill
27:51He held my hand and said
27:52Ava, my time is up
27:54The Carters will depend on you
27:56Remember this
27:57No matter what happens
27:58Be as strong and brave as your mom
28:00I nodded
28:01Tears ran down my face
28:03Grandpa, don't worry
28:04I will
28:04He smiled
28:05Then he slowly breathed his last
28:07After grandpa passed away
28:08My uncle handed the power to me
28:10Became the head of the family
28:11Took charge of everything
28:13I launched a series of reforms
28:14The Carters' businesses flourished
28:16I also formed a women's army
28:18So women who suffered like I did
28:20Can learn to protect themselves
28:21My reputation grew
28:22People began to say
28:23The Carters now had an amazing female leader
28:25But I knew everything I achieved
28:27Came from mom's strength
28:28One day
28:28I received a letter from the frontier
28:30It was from my uncle
28:31He said the border was in danger
28:33He would lead the army himself
28:34Asked me to guard the Carters
28:36Keep things stable
28:36At home
28:37I agreed without hesitation
28:38I wrote back to him
28:39Leave things at home
28:40To me
28:40Go fight without worry
28:42After my uncle left for war
28:43I managed the businesses
28:44While keeping an eye on the frontier
28:46I knew the burden on him was heavy
28:48I couldn't let him worry
28:49A few months later
28:50Good news came from the frontier
28:51My uncle had won the battle
28:53I led the Carters to greet him
28:54Seeing him return safely
28:56I finally felt relieved
28:57When he saw me
28:58His face was full of pride
28:59Ava, you've worked hard
29:01I smiled
29:01Uncle, it's what I should do
29:03That night
29:03The Carters held a victory banquet
29:05At the feast
29:06My uncle raised his cup
29:07Today I want to toast my niece
29:09Ava
29:10If it weren't for her
29:11Running the household
29:11I wouldn't have won
29:12Ava, you are the pride of the Carters
29:14And your mom's pride too
29:15Everyone raised their cups to me
29:17I stood up
29:18Lifting my cup toward the distance
29:20It felt like I saw my mom's smile
29:22Mom, can you see?
29:23I did it
29:23I lived a brilliant life for you
29:25And proved your innocence
29:27After the banquet ended
29:28I walked into the courtyard alone
29:30Moonlight fell over me
29:31Soft and bright
29:32Rolled up my sleeve
29:33And looked at the scars on my wrist
29:35Like rings of time
29:36They're etched on my body
29:37And in my heart
29:38These scars hold every hardship I've endured
29:40They also mark how far I've come
29:42They are my greatest treasure
29:44They remind me
29:44Never to forget the past
29:46To cherish the present
29:47And face the future bravely
29:48Memories of my childhood returned
29:50I remembered how my dad butchered my mom
29:52My uncle's cold gazes
29:53My aunt's cruel words
29:54And the sickening smell of blood
29:56In that dark cellar
29:57Those memories are scars too
29:58Etched into my life
30:00Never to fade
30:00But I no longer hate
30:02Hatred solves nothing
30:03It only brings pain
30:05So I chose to let it go
30:06And move forward
30:07Carrying my mom's hope
30:08And my scars
30:09I will live well
30:10And make a life of my own
30:12Another late autumn came
30:14I returned to Rivermore
30:15Weeds covered mom's grave
30:16I knelt down
30:17And slowly pulled the weeds away
30:18Then I placed fresh magnolias there
30:20They were mom's favorite flowers
30:21Just like the one on her hairpin
30:23The wind rustled through the leaves
30:25As if mom were smiling at me
30:27I stood up
30:27And looked into the distance
30:28Sunlight fell over me
30:30Warm and bright
30:31I know I still have a long way to go
30:33But I was no longer afraid
30:35Because I knew
30:35Mom would always be with me
30:37In my life
30:37And in my heart
30:38Never leaving
30:39I turned and walked away
30:41My steps steady and calm
30:42Knew I would grow into a woman
30:43As strong and as brave as my mom
30:45Will make something of my life
30:47People who hurt us
30:48Would never dare
30:49To look down on us again
30:50That winter
30:51A rare heavy snow fell
30:52The city was wrapped in silver
30:53The rooftops of the carters
30:55Were heavy with snow
30:55From afar they looked frosted white
30:57I was checking the accounts in my study
30:59When Iris spoke from outside
31:00Her voice hesitant
31:01Miss Carter
31:02A girl is asking to see you
31:03She says she's from Rivermore
31:04I sat down my pen
31:06My fingers brushed over the crowded lines in the ledger
31:08Rivermore
31:09Always stirred something soft inside me
31:11Let her in
31:12Moments later
31:13A thin girl
31:14Followed Iris into the room
31:16She looked about thirteen
31:17Her hair was dull
31:18And a bruise still marked her forehead
31:20Her eyes were full of fear
31:21Her hands clutched her clothes tightly
31:23Shivering from the cold
31:24Miss Carter
31:25My name is Mina
31:25Miss Jane told me to come
31:27At the mention of her
31:28I remembered the kind woman in Rivermore
31:30So I asked gently
31:31Did Miss Jane send you here for help?
31:33Tears instantly filled her eyes
31:35My dad
31:36My dad lost money gambling
31:37Now he'll sell me to an old bachelor to his debt
31:40Miss Jane said you're a good person
31:41Who might save me
31:42Her voice faded
31:43It trembled with despair
31:44I don't want to marry him
31:45I want to study
31:46I want to live
31:47Looking at her
31:48I saw the girl I once was
31:49Huddled under a cold eve
31:50Hungry and freezing
31:51The same helplessness
31:53The same hope
31:53For one chance to survive
31:54I stood and walked to her
31:56Taking off my fur cloak
31:57And placing it on her shoulders
31:58It was a gift from Grandpa
31:59The warm fur wrapped around her frozen body
32:02She flinched slightly
32:03And looked up at me
32:03Eyes full of surprise
32:05Don't be afraid
32:05I said softly
32:06Now that you're in the Carters
32:07No one will force you again
32:08I arranged a room for Mina
32:10Called a doctor for her wounds
32:11And hired a tutor
32:12To teach her reading and writing
32:13But a few days later
32:14The steward came to report
32:15That several elders were displeased
32:17They said I shouldn't have taken in
32:18Some stray girl
32:19Wasting the money
32:20They said I was still too rough
32:22Not fit for the family
32:23That afternoon
32:24Several white-haired elders
32:25Blocked the hall
32:26Leading them
32:27Was my second grand uncle
32:28The most senior of the family
32:30Leaning on his cane
32:31He said grimly
32:31Miss Carter
32:32We are a noble family
32:33How can you take in a stranger
32:34We don't even know her
32:35If trouble comes
32:36Who will be responsible
32:37I stood on the steps
32:38The cold wind lifted my skirt
32:40And the scars on my wrist
32:41Began to ache
32:41I looked at them
32:42In their eyes
32:43I saw doubt
32:44And the same disdain
32:45I had seen years ago
32:46From those who called me a bastard
32:47But I was no longer
32:48That helpless beggar girl
32:50I said calmly
32:51Grand uncle
32:51Iris is not a stranger
32:53She is a child from Rivermore
32:54She has suffered all her life
32:56Like me
32:56The Carter's wealth
32:57May come from our generations
32:58But our family creed
33:00Has always been
33:01To help those in need
33:02If someone had helped my mom
33:04When she fell on hard times
33:05It wouldn't have ended this way
33:06I know what it's like
33:07To go hungry
33:07And be bullied
33:08I know the despair
33:09Of having nowhere to go
33:10Now that I have the means
33:11I just want to give girls like me
33:13A way out
33:14Isn't that what the Carters
33:15Should stand for?
33:16Grand uncle froze
33:17The other elders exchanged looks
33:18I continued
33:19Mina is bright
33:20And eager to learn
33:20In just days
33:21She memorized over 1,000 words
33:22One day
33:23She may become someone useful
33:24Money is never wasted
33:25When it's spent where it matters
33:26As for trouble
33:27If anyone dares bring it to the Carters
33:29I'll handle it
33:30My voice was calm
33:31But unwavering
33:33Years of sword training
33:34Had strengthened my body
33:35And given me the courage
33:36To face whatever comes
33:38The elders fell silent
33:39Grand uncle sighed
33:40Leaning on his cane
33:41He turned away
33:41You are the head of the Carters now
33:43This decision is yours
33:44After they left
33:45Iris handed me a cup of hot tea
33:47Softly she said
33:48Miss Carter
33:48You looked just like your mom
33:50From years ago
33:50Holding the warm tea
33:52My fingers felt its heat
33:53But my heart ached
33:54Mom do you see?
33:55I can finally protect others
33:57Just like you protected me back then
33:59Days passed
34:00Mina grew more cheerful
34:01She studied hard
34:02And even learned bookkeeping
34:03From the accountant
34:04She improved quickly
34:05Before long
34:06More suffering women came
34:07Some were abused by their husbands
34:09Others abandoned by family
34:10I took them all in
34:11I placed them in the women's guard
34:13And trained them to fight
34:14So they could defend themselves
34:16And serve the Carters
34:17When spring arrived
34:18I brought Iris
34:19And several sisters
34:20Back to Rivermore
34:21Before mom's grave
34:22The magnolias had bloomed
34:23White petals against green grass
34:25Pure and graceful
34:26I placed steamed buns
34:27By the grave
34:28And said softly
34:29Mom
34:29I brought the sisters to see you
34:30They were once like me
34:31But now they have peace
34:32And the strength
34:33To protect themselves
34:34Mina said
34:34Miss Serena
34:35Deeply before the headstone
34:36With tears in her voice
34:37Iris said
34:38Miss Nina
34:38Thank you for your daughter
34:40She gave us a second life
34:41A gentle breeze passed
34:43Petals drifted down
34:44Like mom's soft reply
34:45I crouched down
34:46And traced the words
34:47On the stone
34:47My fingers felt cold
34:49I remembered mom
34:50Teaching me to write
34:50I remembered her holding me
34:52And saying
34:52Ava, be strong
34:53I remembered her last wish
34:54To find my uncle
34:55Now I had not only survived
34:56I had become the person
34:58Mom hoped for
34:58I was not consumed by hatred
35:00Instead, kindness
35:01And mercy
35:01I did not forget the suffering
35:03I turned it into the strength
35:04To move forward
35:05After returning from Rivermore
35:06News came again from the frontier
35:08The northern enemy had returned
35:09My uncle's army
35:10Was trapped at Yanel
35:11The news
35:12Threw the Carters into panic
35:13Some elders panicked
35:15Some proposed peace
35:16Others suggested moving the capital
35:17I sat at the head of the hall
35:18Watching them argue endlessly
35:20Yet inside
35:21I was completely calm
35:22I remembered what my uncle said
35:23Before he left for war
35:24Ava, leave things at home to me
35:25I trust you
35:26Remembered mom's bravery
35:27On the battlefield
35:28And our daughters
35:28Are just as formidable
35:30Everyone, please
35:31Stay calm
35:31I stood up
35:32My voice was clear
35:33And steady
35:34Yanel is easy to defend
35:35My uncle is resourceful
35:36Being trapped
35:37May not be a bad thing
35:38What we need now
35:39Is not panic
35:40But supplies
35:41And reinforcements
35:42For my uncle
35:42I immediately ordered
35:44Half of the granaries
35:45Opened and carts
35:46Sent to Yanel
35:46From the women's guard
35:47I selected a hundred
35:49Of the most skilled
35:49Would lead them
35:50To the frontier myself
35:51Before leaving
35:52I returned to mom's grave
35:53And bowed three times
35:54Mom, I am going to aid uncle
35:56Do not worry
35:57I will protect myself
35:58I will protect the carters
35:59And our homeland
36:00The day we departed
36:01The sun shone bright
36:02The convoy rolled out
36:03Of the capital
36:04I rode at the front
36:05Wearing the armor
36:06My mom once wore
36:07It was found among
36:08Her belongings
36:08The armor still carried
36:09The faint scent of gunpowder
36:11I traced the patterns
36:12On the armor
36:13It felt like mom's presence
36:14The scar on my wrist
36:15Ached with every jolt
36:17Of the horse
36:17It was a mark of growth
36:18A source of strength
36:19I knew the road ahead
36:20Would not be easy
36:21The battle at Yanel
36:22Would be fierce
36:23But I was not afraid
36:24Because I knew mom
36:25Was watching from above
36:26Our ancestors were watching too
36:28And the women I had helped
36:29Were watching as well
36:30I, Ava, am no longer
36:31That helpless beggar
36:32I am the one
36:33Who leads the carters
36:34I will stand
36:35For my homeland
36:36The road ahead is long
36:37And the journey won't be easy
36:38But I will carry mom's love
36:39And her hopes
36:40Along with my scars
36:41And strength
36:41I will keep moving forward
36:42I will show the world
36:43That the women of the carters
36:45Are never weak
36:45I will also show mom
36:46That her daughter
36:47Did not fail her last wish
36:48I will live with honor
36:50And walk in the light
36:51Wind swept the grasslands
36:52Hooves thundered
36:53I look toward Yanel
36:54With unwavering eyes
36:56I will give everything
36:57To protect my country
36:58And the carters
36:59And to protect women like me
37:00Who long for light and freedom
37:02So they will never again
37:03Be bullied or suffer
37:04Andиз 더 forget the law and fear
37:05However when they are
37:05Thousands of children
37:05They find themselves
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