Xiaoman

“Just like Sister-in-law Peng, right, A-Fu? You’ve seen her, haven’t you? The little sister-in-law who loves to eat meat. Her husband is considered the best catch around here. Back before we were married, we all hoped every day that he’d come ask for our hands, but he wouldn’t look twice at any of us. Then, when Sister-in-law Peng was sixteen, he went to her father to ask for her hand... I’ll tell you a secret: she was even rounder back then than she is now, like a ball. She used to roll from one end of the street to the other, and somehow rolled right into Mr. Peng’s heart. Ah, what can you do? He just likes her...”, Yu Qing, Heaven Official's Blessing

Yu Qing’s books have always been above par. Heaven Official's Blessing was written a long time ago, and I don’t remember much about its two main characters. But I’ve remembered this very unremarkable passage above to this day. I’ve been itching to write for ages, and finally got started.

Of course, Big Yu, I’m only borrowing the setup. The story and characters are all my own invention, purely to indulge my personal brand of mischief. Please don’t take offense.

Dear readers, you’re welcome to come have some tea if this interests you. This is a short story with a happy ending, and it won’t get in the way of me filling my current plot holes... probably?

I forgot to mention: I’m hopeless with historical settings. I’m only borrowing the framework, so if I make any obvious factual errors, please point them out and I’ll fix them, but don’t face-slap me. Thanks.

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