The sun hung lazily in the sky. The youth’s eyes remained closed.

She laid on the sunlight-filled mat as several other sitting children pretended to read. She had a complexion darkened by the sun, black hair short enough to scatter about, and eyes a piercing hazel. She hummed a folk tune as time passed too slow for her liking.

The other children in the large open room were talking to each other behind their bamboo scrolls.

"My mother was talking about it."

"Lucky."

"So was my dad. Making a fuss."

"What are they talking about now?

"It's because you are so stupid."

"When will he go?"

"Say that again!"

The girl finally got up. The flapping of her gray tunic attracted the attention of the children. Silence hung in the air. The young ones’ eyes diverted, while even the ones her age stayed quiet.

"Teacher He said to review characters. Little Hao, recite chapter one. Little Pei, recite chapter two," she said.

A fidgeting boy and nervous girl quickly straightened their backs and began reciting even as their voices overlapped the other.

"Heaven and Earth is dark and yellow; space-time is vast and limitless. Sun and Moon full and decline; stars of Lunar Mansions arrange openly… Extra days added to the calendar; tune to the sun’s changes."

"Dragon Teacher, Flame Emperor; Bird Official, Man’s Sovereign. Begins establishing written script; thereupon dressing in clothes… Presiding over court to ask The Way; respectfully discussing peace and order."

The girl waved her hand at another small boy. "Recite chapter three, Little Xuan."

"You are not Teacher He!" the small boy stammered.

The small girl said nothing. She reached for her cup of tea and wondered which family supplied the leaves.

Another boy whispered in Little Xuan's ear. "You are new so you don’t know. Sister Hei is really vindictive. She’s already thinking up a million ways to make your life horrible. You may regret this later."

Little Xuan paled. "But I haven’t learned it yet," he said in great distress.

The door to the back room opened. A broad-shouldered man who connected the sleeves of his old brown robe walked over.

"Teacher He!"

"Teacher He!!"

"Teacher He!!!" the children all called.

Lanzhou was situated between two green mountains and one clear river. Starting from the bustling county center at the river port, houses, villages, and fields, scattered in each direction.

West of the river, at the edge of a village, was a simple open-windowed building. At the empty building, the once outsider He Bai began to teach any child who came woodcraft and writing, practically opening a village school. Even families from town and the nearby villages sent their children to the building on the outskirts of Three Manor Village.

"Qiyang will need to study on his own from now on," Teacher He told everyone.

The girl tilted her head. "I can still study with him, can’t I? I don’t come here often anyway."

Teacher He first sighed which irked the girl. "Go ahead, Ruidie."

Feeling better, Ruidie grinned before she carried a book into the other room. Inside, besides two low shelves of scrolls and books, a simple youth wearing a well-worn shirt sat before a table.

The girl dropped down on the other end of the table and rested her face on the surface.

"How accurate is what they said outside?" Ruidie asked.

The youth’s expression scrunched up. He delicately set his brush down, but it seemed like he would have preferred to drop the brush instead. "Before that, let's talk about what you did to Liaofei," he solemnly said.

The girl fidgeted. "What? I didn’t do anything. I've been good over the winter. Even Grandma says so."

"He was practically crying when I came back. He somehow thinks praying mantises have a secret civilization and is conspiring to overthrow humanity. You've made him delusional!"

Ruidie stared at the youth motionlessly for an entire breath. Then, she cracked and fell onto the floor in a fit of laughter.

"It’s not funny!"

"It is hilarious! Imagine it! Every time he sees a mantis, he is going to think that it's scheming to do him in because he discovered their secret!"

The youth’s frown pulled tighter.

The girl shrugged. "Don't worry, he isn’t insane, trust me. He’s completely healthy. Ask Little Cui about him yourself, Qiyang."

The youth, Qiyang, clenched his teeth. "If you're admitting that Little Cui has become one of your little spies, then obviously I can't trust any little thing that comes out from his little mouth." He placed his palm over his eyes. "I come back from Luoyi and the first thing I hear from someone isn’t them asking me how the trip went, it's about you! Why do you do this to them?"

"They are unreasonable. The adults are never unreasonable."

"They’re children"

"I'm a child as well!"

Qiyang was silenced.

"And so are you," Ruidie whispered.

"Fine. But, I’m always the one they come to complain to."

"But it's over now, isn’t it? You don’t have to deal with me anymore."

Qiyang couldn’t quite react to that, he diverted. "I just came back this morning! Does everyone know already?"

Ruidie smiled. "Gossip travels. The entirety of Lanzhou knows by now, and it’s not my fault."

"Teacher He was able to convince them to let me stay in the school, so I’ll have the books I need to study."

"Now, what aren’t you saying?"

Qiyang gave a self-mocking smile. "After their test, they said I can only study there for two years without paying tuition. They won’t teach me, but I can sit in class. I’ll need to eventually pass the Prefectural Exam to officially join."

Ruidie rose, folded her arms, and closed her eyes. The girl did not appear any more intelligent, but comical. It was a common occurrence when she was thinking, but Qiyang shifted uneasily when he saw it. She stood and opened her eyes finally to fervidly pointed a finger down at the youth. "So they won’t take you on as a student, but when you prove that you can

pass the Prefectural Exam in two years, without their help, and sure to pass the Palace Exam in the future, they will suddenly come to take the credit? No wonder Teacher He didn’t want to go back there."

As pleasant as it was hearing her use ‘when’ and not ‘if’, Qiyang could only maintain a shallow smile. It was his only path forward because of his family’s limited finances. Where else was there a better deal?

The girl smacked her fist into her open palm. "Do you know what you should do? You should use their books to study for the entire Imperial Examination. After passing the Prefecture Exam in Luoyi, travel to Taiping and pass the Palace Exam. Obtain Top Thesis Author and you would have had no need to form ties with the school. You could mock them for their terrible foresight in broad daylight."

Passing the Prefecture Exam by sixteen wasn’t impossible, but passing the Palace Exam by seventeen definitely was. It is a pleasant dream for sure, but aiming for too much can lead to getting nothing at all. "Then why don’t you try studying more," he wondered out loud.

"What are you talking about? You are better at studying than me."

"But you never study."

"Exactly."

Qiyang shook his head. "You know, no one else besides you can even understand what Teacher He lectures to me anymore."

"Again, I just have to ask Teacher He which books you’ve already read. It’s not that hard. And that’s only because it's somewhat fun to compete with you. You forget that I can’t take the exams anyway. I won’t memorize any more of these Confucian Classics. It will be boring enough once you are in Luoyi."

"Staying in a small town like Lanzhou does seem boring."

"Right I definitely won’t stay."

"You won’t?" Qiyang responded by reflex. "Where do you want to go?"

"I won a wager from Grandma to visit the south, where her hometown is."

"They say there are monsters hiding behind every mountain in the south."

Ruidie spun around. "You’re right, I should go west instead. I can probably become a caravan merchant right?" Ruidie only saw Qiyang’s blank face.

"This is the part where you say you’re joking."

"I’m joking."

"You just lied!"

The girl ignored him and found a spot at the back of the room where the sun shined. She carefully patted the ground to make sure it was warm before falling onto it. In her hands was one of the more interesting books He Bai had collected. She sighed.

Qiyang saw the title of the book and shook his head. He returned to writing.

The morning marched on.

…

Nothing interrupted Ruidie who passed the houses along the river, least of all the three youths by the riverside that had scrambled to bow towards her.

She eventually arrived in front of a small courtyard style home. Outside, she took some feed and threw them into the fish pond and chicken pen. As she passed the first room, she noticed a walking stick by the wall.

At the inner courtyard, a cry signaled a large brilliant brown hawk that flew down onto a perch.

"Kui, I’ll feed you later," Ruidie said absently.

At the side garden which took up half the yard, the girl made sure none of her beetles overstepped into mantis territory. She counted each beetle meticulously as her stern face treated the procedures with vital importance. Good, Kui finally learned not to eat them anymore.

A voice came from the backroom. "Your ants were making a line to the pantry again."

"Grandma, they are just trying to find food. Just don’t disturb the vinegar wall and they can’t get in."

The aged woman braided her white hair and wore an old gray dress. Although she had many wrinkles on her face, her large frame was still healthy. Even so, her broad face remained stern in front of the girl.

Seeing no other way, Ruidie placed a bright smile and jumped into the old woman’s arms. "Grandma! Let’s make lunch!"

Grandma sighed. Her arms went to pinch Ruidie’s cheeks and she smiled doing so.

"What’s wrong with you too?" Ruidie asked.

"Oh? Who else is troubled?"

"Qiyang."

"The Yuan kid. I remember He Bai showing me his essays. Even if he can’t enter the officialdom, he’s guaranteed to have a literary career. But, what do you want to do? I’m getting old."

Ruidie thought that Grandma was playing dirty by reversing the question. How did deflecting somehow backfire on her? The problem wasn’t that she was unsure of the future, but that she was too sure of many futures. She could predict every day of it.

She had already learned how to meticulously take care of the vegetable and herb species in the valley, she did so every morning. If she did nothing, she could live as well as Grandma by inheriting her courtyard, garden, and connections. If she married, she would still live well, like the wives that chat at the town center every morning. She can imagine the future day by day. So painfully repetitive.

"I can do nothing, anything, or everything,” Ruidie said. “What does this have anything to do with the people who came?"

"You know?"

"You forgot to hide the cane you use when people come over."

"A carriage arrived this morning. They are a servant and a student of your father." Grandma peered at the girl’s small face to see if there was any reaction. "Aren’t you surprised?"

"No, but since Mother never mentioned or even acknowledged his existence, I always assumed he was some forgettable scum," Ruidie recited tonelessly.

Grandma chuckled. "He is a respectable man and an official in the capital. I cannot comment on the relationship between him and your mother."

Ruidie turned her face. "What do they want?"

"For the time being, their plan is to take you back to their manor in the capital and enroll you in one of the Capital Schools. Once you’re a lady, you can decide your own life."

Ruidie's head tilted. "Capital Schools?"

It made no sense. Why would she need schooling? It’s not like she could pursue the path of a scholar beating down incompetent officials that only got there by nepotism. Even those court ladies, working as secretaries in the Outer Palace, were taught privately.

"Grandma, do they want to send me to a nunnery?" She really hoped they weren't.

Grandma shook her head. "That’s not what they want, but in a way, it isn't completely different."

"What’s your plan?" she said while pacing around the room.

"We do nothing. If they make trouble, we chase them away. The entirety of Lanzhou is on our side."

"Are there legal repercussions?" Under Zhao Code, Grandma would find it difficult to protect her from her legal father, especially since Grandma had originally adopted Ruidie’s mother.

"The capital is far away in both physical and bureaucratic distance. Even if someone influential enough to attend court and wanted to reach their hands out, they will inevitably have to involve the provincial and prefectural governments. And, even if your father has enough pull to take action, I’ll just return to the Rivers and Lakes with you."

Ruidie nodded. "Then there’s nothing to worry about."

"What is your plan?"

"I’m being offered travel to a distant province and board in the capital. This is something to be taken advantage of."

"So, the opposite of nothing. How do you feel about your supposed father?"

"You can’t feel anything for people you don’t know, Grandma. I’m sure I’ll learn something."

"Good. There is so much hidden in this world." Grandma paused. "I know you love this world as much as your mother."

"I love you more, Grandma."

"That’s what I’m worried about."

…

Lanzhou only had one inn located at the town center. At a nearby restaurant, on the second-floor balcony overlooking the busy market, two men drank tea.

One wore a brown cloth hat to match his gray shirt and black dress. He was a servant in the late prime of his life and he just could not stop tapping his feet. "How long do you think we will wait here?"

The other man wore a black headdress, a cyan robe, and the sash of a court official. He was a young man in his twenties who attempted to maintain a calm demeanor. "We are doing this carefully. Stop worrying, we are basically halfway done."

"Yes, it's already too late, but even you would worry when both of us are here and not at the manor."

At first, the young scholar was going to deny the claim, but then the statement sunk in. His expression depressed slightly before he corrected it. He took a quick gulp of tea. "I am sure Lo Fuzhe and Bi Tong won’t let anything go wrong. We should focus on the job at hand. This is Teacher’s child! Has Teacher ever even mentioned relatives? Much less a lover in the countryside or a child for that matter!" he said, breaking his soft tone when he mentioned his teacher.

The servant rigorously shook his head. "I still hope we return soon."

"They would obviously need time to prepare. We’ll return there to check on them tomorrow," the scholar laid out.

"That’s not true. I’d rather go now," a high pitched voice said.

Both the servant and the scholar turned their heads away from outside to see a small village girl with bright hazel eyes standing by their table. There was still some baby fat in her cheeks, but she was tall enough to be older than ten, however it was difficult to tell by how many years. A pale purple belt tied a gray long-sleeved tunic over baggy white pants that were suitable for travel.

While the scholar was silent, the servant connected his sleeves and looked around the empty second floor before turning to face the young girl. "What house is this young miss from?" he asked with a frown.

The girl’s lips and brows creased in what was almost a pout. "Didn’t you hear me? I’m from your house."

The servant was taken aback. What? My house?

The scholar’s hand shifted closer to his loose mouth. He saw the resemblance. "You are Teacher’s child..."

The servant spun his head to lock gazes with the scholar. "She could easily be any eavesdropping child playing. If not, how could she even find us?"

"I’m still right here. And there are only so many outsiders in a restaurant near Lanzhou’s only inn," the girl said.

The scholar felt the girl was somewhat odd, but couldn’t grasp what.

"Let’s not waste time. Grandma is already outside with my luggage."

The scholar had to admit the girl was likely his Teacher’s daughter. He directed a hand towards the servant. "Guo Yi, please."

The servant, Guo Yi, got up and gave a slight bow before quickly rushing downstairs while avoiding the gaze of the girl.

"I am Sun Ming, a student of your father." The scholar stood straight. His face was neutral but tensed to reflect seriousness. His eyes meanwhile sized up the child.

Seeing this, the girl properly cupped her hands and bowed with one leg bent. "Hei Ruidie greets Official Sun Ming."

Sun Ming felt his tongue tie. Where did she think this was? In front of the Dragon Chair? Although the posture of the girl was imperfect and rigid, it intensified the odd feeling he had at the back of his mind. Sun Ming swore he heard the stifling of a laugh, however, he wasn’t sure.

"Then let’s go," he said. He would continue observing Teacher’s daughter before making any judgment.

…

Ruidie and Grandma with her walking stick waited in the lobby of the inn for that servant, Guo Yi, and that scholar, Sun Ming.

"Grandma, how long did you know they would arrive?"

"This was something your mother expected. I received a letter some time ago, but I wanted to avoid giving you time to plan something bad."

"Is there anything hidden in these truths."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Ruidie glanced out the window. "These people haven't known about my existence for twelve years, so how did they suddenly find me in Lanzhou when the highest number of people that they can move is two? It makes no sense."

"Hei Ruidie, it isn’t right to push your suspicions onto other people. It makes Grandma very sad."

Ruidie rolled her eyes. "You are the only person who knew the identity of my father the entire time. You sent a letter to him!"

"Fine, I admit it."

"Do you trust him?"

"No. I trust your mother to have killed him after you were born if there was any chance he would ever take advantage of you."

"Then, that’s good enough."

"But you certainly move fast."

Ruidie shrugged.

"You are such a whimsical child, but I expected you to at least give yourself a couple of days." Grandma laughed.

"I will miss you. You really can't come? You really won’t be sad?"

"I already saw your mother grow up and leave to travel the world. It isn’t much harder the second time."

"But it's still hard. And what if I don’t want to leave you for the capital?"

"I think we both know your answer to that." "I will miss you," Ruidie repeated.

"Jingyue came back. Why can’t you?" "Grandma is always right."

"You only say when you’re leaving. Just remember the etiquette I taught you and don’t get arrogant."

"Please, Grandma. If I wanted to, I can easily make my etiquette even better than Taiping’s most famous courte- Ouch! Grandma, stop pinching me!"

...

Sun Ming appeared before the pair. "Madam Hei, Miss Ruidie, the carriage is ready."

They exited the inn and met Guo Yi who sat at the driver’s seat of the one-horse carriage.

Besides the carriage, a large crowd gathered. A youth suddenly broke through the wall of spectators.

"Yuan Qiyang?" Ruidie muttered as the boy arrived.

The boy tried to wryly smile as he caught his breath. "Gossip does travel."

"Surprised?"

"Understatement."

"I am going to the capital."

"I see," the boy said distantly. "I’ll do it."

"Do what?"

"Pass the Prefecture Exam in two years and the Palace Exam in three years. Not just pass, you’ll see my name on the top of the announcement scroll."

All the townsfolk were staring at Qiyang with knowing gazes. Seeing their wry smiles and the annoying laughter of the housewives, he frowned but he didn’t look away.

Sun Ming made a mental note to remember his name.

Ruidie only waved her hand and beamed a smile. "Let’s meet again in Taiping."

She climbed into the carriage after another hug with Grandma. Many more people gathered on each side of the road to see the carriage rolling pass. Ruidie spent the entire time waving and yelling out the names of everyone they passed without mistakes.

Sun Ming pulled his lips up when he saw so many people. It would not be wrong to think the whole of Lanzhou came to say farewell. They were giving warmhearted goodbyes and seemed saddened, though the young people appeared to be celebrating. Sun Ming mistook it as happiness for the girl, Ruidie, as he could not hear them.

There was a sudden cry which startled Sun Ming and Guo Yi. A hawk landed on top of the carriage.

"He’s mine," Ruidie said.

"Is it trained?" Sun Ming asks.

"He listens to me," was all she replied.

Ruidie also noticed a black butterfly, struggling to catch up with the carriage. More black butterflies appeared in the distance. Years ago this color would never be found. However, a year ago, a single egg that came from afar hatched and Ruidie ensured it had children. Today, the sight was common in Lanzhou.

Mother, was it worth it?

The lone carriage left Lanzhou onto the mountain path. Lanzhou was a quiet place like many other towns. The adults all felt emotional when youth left to thrive in the world. The world was such a large place. How could someone live in a small town all their lives?