Chapter 1: Old Su’s Family Welcomes a Baby Girl

The village of Big Willow Tree was buzzing with excitement!

The villagers, eyes alight with curiosity, ran from house to house spreading the news:

"Old Su’s family has a daughter!"

"Really?"

"Of course it’s true!"

"Oh my goodness—this is no small thing!"

"You said it! After all these years, that stubborn old rock finally bloomed!"

"So… this means—"

Suddenly, Second Auntie snapped her fingers, as if struck by lightning.

"They’re about to get rich!"

At that very moment, the Su household was alive with joy. Every corner of the home shimmered with anticipation, from the front hall to the back courtyard.

In the main room, Old Su stood beaming, his face glowing like a lantern, teeth flashing in a wide grin.

"First son’s wife—go borrow two liang of white flour from the village. Make your mother a bowl of dumpling soup!"

"On it, Dad!" The eldest daughter-in-law dashed toward the door.

"Oh—and grab two eggs too, for poaching into the soup. Good for her blood and strength!"

"Got it, Dad!"

She didn’t even slow down, practically flying out the door like she had fire wheels under her feet.

Old Su nodded approvingly. His satisfaction showed clearly.

Then he turned to his second daughter-in-law.

"Second daughter-in-law, go borrow one liang of brown sugar. Make your mother a sweet drink—helps replenish her blood."

She didn’t budge.

"Dad… sugar’s so precious. Who’d lend us any?"

And even if we did, how would we ever repay them?

Our pots are empty, our rice bins bare—what could we possibly give back?

It’s just a bottomless pit!

Hmph. Always borrowing. Just plain broke!

Her face twisted in silent protest.

Old Su glanced at her, said nothing, then turned to his second son.

Su Erhu glared at his wife. "You heard Dad. Go. Now."

She flinched.

"O-Okay, I’m going… right now…"

She bolted out the door like a startled rabbit.

Old Su knew full well his second daughter-in-law looked down on their poverty. But at least Su Erhu could keep her in line. So the old couple just pretended not to notice.

Now both daughters-in-law were gone, and Old Su, like a general surveying his troops, turned to his sons.

"Eldest, go down to the foot of the mountain. See if you can catch a wild chicken. We’ll make your mother a nice chicken stew."

"Right away, Dad!"

Su Dahu was quiet and obedient—just like his father always said.

"Second son," Old Su continued, "take the little ones down to the river. Try to catch some crucian carp. That fish helps with milk production."

"Pa, the river’s been picked clean already. Even tiny shrimp and minnows the size of a fingertip have been scooped up. You want *crucian*? That’s just wishful thinking!"

Su Er’er scratched his head, exasperated. His dad was living in a dream world.

Old Su narrowed his eyes.

*Smack!* A sharp slap landed on Su Er’er’s head.

"Damn fool! What are you yapping about? I said go—go now!"

"Ow! Okay, okay—I’m going!"

He mumbled the words, but didn’t move an inch.

Neither did Su Dahu.

In fact, both brothers leaned forward, craning their necks toward the inner room, trying to sneak a peek.

"Still standing there? What’s wrong with you?!" Old Su growled.

"Dad… can we just look at the baby first?" Su Er’er dared to ask.

"Yeah," Su Dahu added weakly. "Just one quick look."

"Get out! What kind of nonsense is this? You’re all big, clumsy oafs—scare my little girl to death!"

The boys froze. They felt suddenly like weeds—useless, forgotten, crushed underfoot.

*Stepfather!* This man was definitely a stepfather!

"Dad," Su Erhu clutched his chest, wounded. "We’re your real sons."

"Real sons or not," Old Su shot back, unflinching, "does a boy smell sweeter than a girl?"

The brothers stared, hearts shattered into a thousand glittering shards.

"Move it! Get to work! And don’t even think about seeing her until after three days!" Old Su waved a hand dismissively, as if granting a royal pardon.

Though their minds burned with curiosity—like cats clawing at a closed door—the brothers obeyed. Under the shadow of their father’s authority—no, let’s call it his fist—they trudged off.

One went hunting for chickens. The other headed to the river to fish.

Whether they’d actually catch anything? Well, that was up to fate.

The mountain slope? Usually barren—no sign of even a single feather.

The river? So clean, it looked like someone had dragged a net through it twice.

Once the last of his sons and grandsons were out the door, Old Su took a deep breath.

Ah—finally, peace. The air felt fresher, cleaner.

He straightened his collar, smoothed his hair, patted down the patched front of his shirt, then pulled back the curtain and stepped into the inner room.

His little daughter was waiting.

For Old Su, this moment felt sacred—like a pilgrim entering the palace gates.

Would she be pretty?

*Pfft!* No way she wouldn’t be.

She was the most beautiful girl in the whole world.
No question.