Cicadas droned on endlessly making the heat feel even more oppressive.
Beneath the great willow tree the registration clerk from the city dabbed sweat from his clothes and was clearly ready to be done.
Why has this last family not shown up he said his voice sharp with impatience.
Captain Qian the brigade leader fanned him vigorously with a large palm leaf fan. The Shen family must be caught up in their work he said with an apologetic smile.
Li Mengyao slipped two packs of Harvest brand cigarettes into the clerk’s pocket while Captain Qian was not looking.
Sir I am from the Shen family she said. If they cannot come may I represent them for the registration.
The clerk smiled sliding the cigarettes into his pocket. That will be perfectly acceptable he said.
Just then Dr. Wang walked past. He frowned and stepped forward quickly.
She does not carry the surname Shen he said. How can she represent the family.
He did not know why the rest of the Shen family was absent but something did not feel right.
The clerk turned to Li Mengyao. You are not surnamed Shen.
Li Mengyao explained briefly the circumstances of the baby swap that had taken place years before.
I am here to have my name corrected she said. I should have been born a Shen and I wish to reclaim my rightful place in the family.
She clenched her fist. This was not unreasonable. Besides everyone in the village knows the story including the brigade leader.
The clerk looked to Captain Qian. Is this true.
It is Captain Qian confirmed. Though I cannot say whether the family has agreed to this or what their wishes might be.
My parents sent me Li Mengyao put in quickly. They asked me to review the household records and formally exchange our identities.
Captain Qian nodded in understanding. I see.
Then why has Shen Qing not come Dr. Wang asked.
Shen Qing is busy drying medicinal herbs at home Li Mengyao replied smoothly.
Some of Dr. Wang’s concern faded.
Li Mengyao smoothed her fine cotton dress and turned to the clerk. May I proceed now Comrade.
You may the clerk said.
Still uneasy Dr. Wang said. It seems irregular to complete this without a single member of the immediate family present. Perhaps we should wait a little longer in case someone else does arrive.
Dr. Wang was greatly respected in the village. Everyone needed his help from time to time.
Captain Qian agreed. For the sake of thoroughness let us wait a short while longer he suggested.
Li Mengyao’s fingers tightened. Panic flickered in her eyes. She could not wait. If Shen Qing arrived now everything would be ruined.
This wretched barefoot doctor trying to spoil her plans.
Dr. Wang it is unbearably hot she said. Surely we cannot keep the Comrade waiting in this sun.
Dr. Wang nodded. Very well he said. I will go to their home and bring someone here immediately.
He turned to leave. Li Mengyao hurried forward to stop him but a voice rang out.
Here I am at last. Do not be cross with an old woman for being slow.
Old Madam Shen came hobbling over smiling broadly at Captain Qian.
Brigade Leader I have come to help my granddaughter set things right she said. Is that acceptable.
Captain Qian recognized her immediately. Since she was a close family member it seemed entirely proper. He introduced her to the clerk who agreed it was in order.
If you are all in agreement then there is no difficulty the clerk said.
Dr. Wang hesitated but with a family member present he could not very well object further.
Li Mengyao and Old Madam Shen exchanged a quick look of relief. She had been wise to enlist the old woman’s help beforehand. Without her things would not have gone so smoothly.
…
Er Laizi stared blankly caught completely off guard. How could she know.
He thought of the gifts Li Mengyao had promised him and hardened his resolve.
Li Mengyao who he said putting on a cheeky grin. Are you trying to set me up with someone else.
He leaned closer. I have eyes only for you Shen Qing he simpered.
Shen Qing understood everything clearly. Li Mengyao had bribed him to block her path and delay her. The girl intended to tamper with the registration while she was kept away.
She had to stop her.
Get out of my way Shen Qing said shoving him aside.
He stumbled back but blocked her path again.
One year ago she said her voice low and sharp. The brigade grain store.
Er Laizi froze rooted to the spot.
Seizing her chance Shen Qing darted past him and ran.
When she reached the registration site several villagers were already taking down the tables beneath the willow tree.
Li Mengyao stepped out from behind the tree her face triumphant.
You are quicker than I expected she said. But it is too late. Captain Qian and the clerk have already left for the town office.
She smiled with open satisfaction. Our identities have been restored Shen Qing. After sixteen years of being swapped I am finally where I belong.
She pointed a finger at Shen Qing. From now on you are the one descended from the politically disgraced family. Opportunities for work military service even marriage will all be closed to you not me.
Li Mengyao had escaped the burden of that false identity and achieved her true purpose. She was free and clear at last.
Shen Qing stepped forward her dark eyes steady and unyielding.
Are you so certain this is a good thing she asked.
Li Mengyao’s smile faltered. She grabbed Shen Qing’s arm. What do you mean by that.
Shen Qing brushed her hand away. You will find out soon enough she said.
Since the change was already official Shen Qing simply turned and walked away. There was no point in fretting. She would return to her work.
Li Mengyao called after her. Go ahead and cry if you must. There is no need to pretend you do not care. You are only trying to confuse me she said. It will not work.
Shen Qing walked home with a calm heart. The identities might have been swapped but she had no doubt at all. Li Mengyao would live to regret this day.