Summary
After my grandfather lost the battle, he fled with my father and uncles, leaving only the women behind to wait for death.
Looking at the courtyard full of daughters-in-law and granddaughters gasping for breath from starvation, my grandmother hung red lanterns by the gate and turned our home into a brothel.
That night, many men entered the courtyard. My mother and aunts welcomed them into their rooms.
The next day, we finally had food to eat.
Later, Grandfather fought his way back with my father and uncles.
Someone came to deliver the news, saying they would arrive tomorrow morning and telling us to flee quickly.
Grandmother asked us, “Shall we run?”
Everyone said we wouldn’t run anymore.
Grandmother nodded. “Then put on your makeup and prepare to welcome our old guests.”