Chapter One: The Birth of Fortune's Child

The Holy Dynasty had only just emerged from the ravages of war. News of victory spread like wildfire, and the entire nation rejoiced. Everywhere, people were eager to rebuild what had been lost. Lin Family Village, however, nestled deep in the mountains and far from the heart of the conflict, had been spared the devastation of battle. The villagers lived in peaceful harmony.

"Will this weather never end?" grumbled Old Madam Wu, wife of the village chief, as she sat idly beneath the great tree at the village entrance with several other elderly women. "It hasn't rained all year! How are the crops supposed to survive? They're withering right before our eyes."

The Lin surname was common here—half the villagers bore it. Hearing Wu's complaint, Old Madam Lin chimed in, "Exactly! If this drought continues, there'll be no harvest. How are people supposed to live?"

Sighs and murmurs of agreement rose and fell among the group.

Old Madam Wu's sister-in-law, a younger woman from the Lin family, changed the subject, "By the way, sister, isn't it about time Third Son's wife gives birth? It's been months now."

This pregnancy was a precious one for the young Mrs. Lin—not just for her in-laws, but her own family in town, the wealthy Mengs, had been sending eggs, brown sugar, and chicken every day. The in-laws might be poor, but the maternal family had money to spare. And being the youngest daughter of the Mengs, many men in the village were green with envy—how much good fortune must Third Son have accumulated in his past life to marry such a beautiful and wealthy wife?

"Not yet," Old Madam Lin replied. "By all rights, it should be any day now, but there’s been no sign. Third Son hasn’t been eating or sleeping well these past few days—he’s so anxious he paces half the night. I’m so worried, I can’t eat or sleep either. It’s enough to drive a person mad."

"Don’t fret," Old Madam Wu said kindly. "It’s nothing for the birth to be delayed a couple of days. Maybe your little grandson just isn’t in a hurry to come out—he’s enjoying a bit of leisure inside. Just make sure to prepare good food and drink for your grandson and nourish your daughter-in-law. Childbirth is hard enough as it is."

Hearing this, Old Madam Lin relaxed a little and laughed, "You always know what to say."

Just then, Little Wolf, Old Madam Lin’s second grandson, came running up, sweat streaming down his face. "Grandma, you’re still sitting here? Auntie is about to give birth!"

"What? Your aunt is in labor?" In a flash, she was gone. Little Wolf could hardly believe his eyes—his grandmother was so impressive.

At that same moment, Third Son Lin was out hunting, but his heart was restless and uneasy. His mind kept wandering, and after letting several rabbits escape, his eldest brother, First Son Lin, noticed something was wrong. He cast a worried glance at his brother. "Third, what’s the matter today? Didn’t sleep well? You look terrible."

"I’m fine, big brother. I just feel unsettled," Third Son Lin replied, pressing a hand to his chest.

"Worried about your wife, are you? Don’t worry. Both your sisters-in-law are at home—they’ll take good care of her."

"Thank you, big brother. I’m all right."

"Good. Let’s get back to work," First Son Lin said, patting his brother on the shoulder and picking up his knife.

"All right."

Back at Old Madam Lin’s house, things were lively and tense. The young daughter-in-law was in labor, her screams echoing from Third Son’s room. The whole Lin family had gathered outside, save for Father Lin, who lay ill in bed. Three little children, hearing their aunt’s cries, shrank back in fear.

Unable to sit still, Old Madam Lin paced anxiously. Seeing her mother-in-law’s distress, the eldest daughter-in-law, Mrs. Wu, tried to comfort her. "Mother, don’t worry. Sister-in-law will be fine. Why don’t you sit down and rest for a bit?"

"How can I possibly sit still? It’s been so long—how can I not be anxious?" Old Madam Lin snapped, not listening at all. Just as she was about to ask at the door, a sudden rumble of thunder rolled across the sky. Dark clouds gathered and, in no time, a heavy downpour burst forth. At that very moment, the wailing of a newborn came from inside the house—the young daughter-in-law had given birth.

News that Third Son Lin’s wife had delivered a baby girl spread quickly throughout Lin Family Village. Some of the women, jealous of Meng Yun’s status, couldn’t help but sneer, "So much for her being so precious—she gave birth to nothing but a girl."

Despite the murmurs and sour words from outside, the Lin family showed no sign of displeasure at all.