Chapter Seven: The Bringer of Good Fortune

That evening’s tea gathering ended amidst the childish chatter of Liu Qing. The others took it as an evening full of amusing anecdotes, but only the old madam was left deep in thought, worry clouding her countenance. Master Liu naturally noticed this. Once the two had returned to their bedchamber and found themselves alone, he took her hand and sat her down at the table, asking, “Madam, is something on your mind? Did Master Tianyuan say something to trouble you?”

At the mention of Master Tianyuan, a hint of relief flickered across the old madam’s face. “No, not at all. Master Tianyuan said our three children are all very well.”

“Then what is it you’re worrying about?”

“Master, do you ever feel that our Qing girl… she’s not like the other children?” The old madam hesitated, but finally spoke her mind. “Before, I just thought her clever, speaking earlier and walking sooner than the others—nothing too unusual. Even when she was mischievous, dressing in Haige’s clothes, I put it down to childish curiosity. But tonight, just listen to what she said—wanting to do great things like a boy. She’s not even five yet! Is that something a five-year-old should say? And what’s more, after generations, the Liu family finally has a daughter, and she doesn’t even want to be one. Master, could it be… could it be that she was born into the wrong body?”

“Don’t speak nonsense,” Master Liu rebuked sternly, only to realize he’d been too harsh. He quickly softened his tone, comforting her, “Madam, Qing’er is our child, our only daughter. Whether she’s clever or slow, like the other children or not, what does it matter? All that should concern us is that I am her father, and you are her mother.”

The old madam, both ashamed and embarrassed by his rebuke, listened further and felt deeply remorseful. She lowered her head and murmured, “Master, I just worry that I’ve spoiled her, let her nature run too wild. What if she cannot be properly guided? How will we ever find her a good match?”

Master Liu took her hands in his, offering further comfort. “Madam, have you forgotten? When you conceived at such an advanced age, I was both startled and overjoyed, anxious every day. Just before you were due, a terrible drought struck Jiangnan—two months without a drop of rain, right in the season for spring planting. I was beside myself with worry. When you went into labor, I was busy with drought relief at the yamen, and only rushed home upon hearing the news. As I entered the courtyard, I heard our child’s first cries—at that very moment, rain began to fall from the sky. Madam, do you know what I felt then?”

“All I could think was that this child was a gift from the heavens, a blessing sent to the Liu family. In all these years, I have never doubted it. So, Madam, you must believe it as well—since Qing’er is our lucky star, she will surely live a safe and happy life, just as we have.”

“Master…” The old madam gazed at the man who had been by her side for nearly thirty years. Her husband had shielded her from the filth and pettiness of household intrigue, treated her with sincerity every day for three decades. He was there in times of joy, and in times of sorrow; he was her anchor, her sky, her peace of mind. And in return, she gave him all her trust and her lifelong devotion.

Moved, Master Liu sighed softly, pulled his wife close, and let her lean against his shoulder, gently stroking her now graying hair just as he had in their youth. “As for Qing’er’s marriage, you needn’t worry. The Liu family has no need to use a daughter to seek wealth or status. With our family’s standing, we need not pursue power or riches. Finding her a decent, honest family will be no trouble at all.”

“Yes. But Master, our Qing’er is growing up. Shouldn’t she start learning proper conduct?”

“She’s still young. Let’s wait a little longer.”

“Master…”

Liu Qing was unaware of her parents’ conversation. But the next morning, as she skipped to the main rooms, she found her mother’s face bright and clear once more, no longer shadowed by worry or guilt, her eyes full of sunshine, just as before. Her mother swept her up in her arms, showering her with affection as she always had.

Burying her face in her mother’s embrace, Liu Qing hid a smile. Clearly, her father’s late-night persuasion had worked wonders. Liu Qing had never feared her mother; her mother was simple-minded, prone to needless anxiety, but easily soothed. A few wise words from her father, coupled with her own feigned innocence, always left her mother dazed and agreeable, nodding at whatever was said.

Half a month passed in a blink, and soon it was Liu Qing’s fifth birthday. Though the household did not hold a grand celebration, the atmosphere was festive, and everyone who saw her—maids and matrons alike—offered their congratulations.

Liu Qing herself felt no different. Birthdays meant little to a child who already had everything she wanted. It was just another occasion for everyone to gather, eat, and drink. The only thing that excited her was the prospect of receiving gifts. Liu Qing had been a little miser since she was small; at her first birthday grab, she’d seized two large gold ingots, making everyone laugh for years.

That day, Liu Qing still wore boys’ clothes, specially made for her, striding through the manor with head held high. By now, everyone in the household had grown thoroughly accustomed to her unusual attire and behavior; it was considered perfectly normal. In fact, if the young miss ever donned a dress, it might surprise everyone. Such is the power of habit—frightening, but when used wisely, it can help you achieve your heart’s desire.

This was precisely the effect Liu Qing wanted. To live a freer life in the future, she needed to become, in everyone’s eyes, an unconventional person whose ways were perfectly ordinary for her.

On this day, Master Liu announced that since Haige had turned five, he would be moving to the front courtyard to live independently. For the sake of the children’s future, Master Liu had spent a great sum to hire a renowned and talented scholar named Zhang Xiaoxian to serve as their tutor.

Poor Haige—so young, yet already consigned to a mountain of books. Before Liu Qing could finish feeling sorry for him, her father called her by name. “Qing girl, do you want to begin your studies?”

He fully expected his famously clever daughter to be eager for knowledge, and looked at her with anticipation. But Liu Qing, recalling the years of arduous schooling in her previous life—lugging a schoolbag to class for more than a decade—felt a chill run down her spine. Still, she understood that the written language here was different from her past life, so learning it was essential for the life of freedom she planned ahead.

But could it wait a little longer? Could she have just one more year to play?

She threw her father a pleading look, wrapped her arms around his neck, and coaxed, “Papa, take Qing’er out to play. I don’t want to study, studying isn’t fun.”

Amused by her childish sweetness, her father laughed heartily. “Very well, we’ll do as you wish. When I’m free, I’ll take you out to play.”

With her father so easily persuaded, Haige had no choice but to head off to his lessons alone, forlorn and aggrieved.

Suddenly, Liu Qing found herself without her two usual companions. Haige was gone, and she had no patience for little Chao, the youngest brother. Who could fill the vacancy? After some thought, she remembered the young servant she’d met at the temple—Er Dan. The name was distinctive and easy to recall. Liu Qing quickly sent Cuiyu to fetch him.

Er Dan turned out to be great fun, skilled at all sorts of things: climbing trees for birds’ nests, catching fish in the river, weaving cricket cages, telling stories and jokes. Liu Qing found it all fascinating and he often made her laugh out loud.

Er Dan also introduced her to two friends from his village who worked in the manor—Little Six and Little Shun, both about his age. At first, they were shy around Liu Qing, but in time grew comfortable, and after their chores would often gather to share jokes and stories with her.