That evening the family gathered at home. Liu Cuihua Shen Ru and Eldest Brother prepared the meal together in the kitchen. When it was ready they all sat down to eat.
Little Tiedan and Li Mengyao soon fell into an argument over a wooden stool.
You cannot sit there Tiedan said clutching the stool and scowling. That is Second Sister’s seat.
Li Mengyao did not seem offended. She smiled and said But I am your Second Sister.
You are not Tiedan insisted glaring at her.
Why am I not Li Mengyao raised an eyebrow. The commune registration has been completed. The records show clearly that I am the second daughter of the Shen family.
What Everyone stared in shock. Shen Ru gasped aloud.
Father Shen turned to Shen Qing. Qingqing what is the meaning of this he asked his voice tight. If that is so then whose daughter are you now.
Before Shen Qing could speak Li Mengyao cut in. My household registration has been restored to the Shen family she said. Naturally that means Shen Qing belongs to the Li family again.
Father Mother please do not look at me like that she added. Shen Qing simply did not appear so I went in her place. And I could not have managed it all on my own of course Grandmother helped me greatly.
Liu Cuihua turned anxiously to Shen Qing. Why did you not go child.
Shen Qing told them how Er Laizi had blocked her way.
Shen Ru’s face hardened as she turned to Li Mengyao. Did you send that man to stop her she demanded.
All eyes turned toward her. Li Mengyao’s lip trembled and her eyes filled with hurt.
I did not she said.
How can it be mere coincidence Shen Ru retorted angrily that she is prevented from going and you seize the chance to change everything. Even if Qingqing failed to appear you had no right to alter the records.
Tears spilled down Li Mengyao’s cheeks. I only wanted what is rightfully mine she sobbed. I only wanted to belong here with all of you. Why are you all so cruel to me. She turned and ran weeping to her room.
Father Shen puffed slowly on his pipe then stood up abruptly. I will speak to the brigade leader he said. Perhaps there is still a way to set things right.
Go quickly Liu Cuihua urged.
Eldest Brother Shen Chang’an and Shen Ru exchanged a look. We are coming with you they said.
Shen Qing stepped forward. There is no need she said. It cannot be undone.
Father Shen sank back looking old and weary. It is we who have failed you Qingqing he sighed.
Liu Cuihua’s eyes brimmed with tears. Mengyao has done wrong she said. I I apologize to you on her behalf. She made as if to kneel.
Mother what are you doing Shen Ru protested catching her arm. You make this harder for Qingqing.
I do not know what else to do Liu Cuihua sobbed. I am ashamed for what she has done and I do not know how to make it right.
Shen Qing helped her up gently. Mother it is only a piece of paper she said. Nothing truly important has changed. As long as you still look upon me as your daughter I do not care whose name appears in the records. In my past life you gave your life for me how could I ever hold this against you.
Qingqing Liu Cuihua embraced her. You are my daughter and I will love you as always.
They sat down to eat again. Li Mengyao remained in her room yet the meal felt warmer and more joyful than before.
Afterward Shen Chang’an drew Shen Qing aside.
That Er Laizi is an idle good for nothing and he preys on girls he said anxiously. Did he harm you in any way.
Shen Qing shook her head. I frightened him off she said.
Shen Chang’an smiled. That is my brave clever sister. Then his expression grew serious. You do not care for the likes of him I hope.
Of course not Shen Qing replied firmly.
She saw the worry in his eyes. Brother you need not fret she said. I have far better taste than that.
Good he said with a quiet laugh.
Qingqing he continued I too bear some responsibility for what has happened. I should have paid closer attention. Had I insisted you go earlier this might have been prevented.
Shen Qing shook her head. She had already made up her mind to stop me she said. Nothing would have deterred her.
It is unfair Shen Chang’an said his voice tight. Li Mengyao enjoys all the good things this family offers then leaves you to bear the hardship and disgrace alone. Do you truly intend to let this pass.
A glint of resolve shone in Shen Qing’s eyes. I will not she said. By my reckoning the person I have been expecting will arrive very soon.
She looked up at him. Brother if I choose to stand up for myself and make her answer for this will you be displeased with me. After all Li Mengyao is your blood sister. Would you side with her.
Shen Chang’an rested his hand gently on his legs. People say blood is thicker than water he said. But the bond we have built over all these years is real and precious to me. You have cared for me and stood by me when no one else would. That counts for more than any tie of birth. If I must choose between you and her I choose you.
He looked toward the window where a flock of swallows glided peacefully above the earthen roof. And besides she has acted without honor or gratitude. Whatever you do to set things right is fully deserved.
Qingqing he said softly with quiet strength do what you must. Do not hold back for my sake. If I cannot yet stand beside you physically my heart stands firmly with you.
Shen Qing’s eyes glistened. Brother she whispered.
In the days that followed Li Mengyao walked with a lighter step and a brighter smile.
Early one morning Shen Qing made her way to the edge of the village. Before long a tractor came into view carrying a neatly dressed woman in a cotton dress black leather shoes and a satchel slung over her shoulder.
You must be Aqing the woman said looking her up and down. Her gaze lingered on Shen Qing’s rough patched clothes and sun darkened skin and a faint look of disdain crossed her face.
I am Zhao Renjie’s mother she announced.
Shen Qing’s mind went back to the memories of her past life. Zhao Renjie was Li Mengyao’s intended fiancé promised to her since childhood. When word spread that the Li family had fallen on hard times and were being sent to the countryside Zhao Renjie’s mother had feared being tainted by association. She had sought her out instead and Zhao Renjie had tricked her into signing a paper to end the engagement. When Li Mengyao found out she had beaten Shen Qing badly breaking one of her legs.
It is I Shen Qing said her voice turning cold.
Zhao Renjie’s mother produced a grain coupon. Poor child she clucked. You were meant for so much more yet you have suffered all these sixteen years. This five jin grain coupon will ensure you have a proper meal. Would you like to have it. Let us not waste words. If you want it simply press your thumbprint to this paper.