Xu Changhuan’s childhood nickname was Xinxin. She had just two siblings. Her family wasn’t highborn, but they had plenty to eat and wear and a modest amount of wealth. By chance, she went to Qingshui Village to keep her grandmother company. There, in a pear tree, she met Qinghe. The young man had a face as flawless as jade and skin fairer than snow. In the days that followed, pear trees filled her courtyard. She would gaze at them for ages, touching her jade hairpin as she drifted into thought. May all go smoothly in Chang’an, and may joy fill a lifetime.
(This is a short story, so please proceed with caution if that’s not your thing. It is told in first person from Xu Changhuan’s (Xu Xinxin’s) point of view. The bonus chapters are told from other protagonists’ perspectives. The story starts at a gentle pace, with a tranquil countryside feel, so please proceed with caution if that’s not your thing. The inspiration came from a pear tree the author once dreamed about. Any similarities to events in the book are purely coincidental! There’s no rivalry between women, and Jiajia is a good Jiajia.)
