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janetbrown711 · 9 days ago

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Songbirds in the City Air (i'm not gonna make it)

Prologue

Zhu Li Na was forced into servitude for her cruel step-mother and step-sisters since she was nine years old, and she craves nothing more than a night away from all of them. When an invite from the royal palace comes saying all eligible women are invited to the palace's New Years ball to meet the Princess Xiuying, she can't help but think that maybe this could be her moment.

AKA the cinderella au for my freenoodles fankid, Li Na, that literally nobody asked for

Prologue Chapter 1

Ao3 Link

Li Na laid resting with her head on her older brother’s lap, the latter combing his fingers through her hair and the former messing with the fabric of his robe. It was a quiet day on their farm, everyone moving around with hushed voices and next to silent footsteps so as not to disturb the little family of four, soon to be three– though of course Li Na didn’t like thinking about that. Frankly, no one did, but as the days passed and Pigsy only got worse and worse, everyone knew it was only a matter of time.

It almost made Li Na furious. The doctor had lied and the medicine water hadn’t worked and now her dad was– it wasn’t right! However, the flame of her anger turned into waves of sorrow and she kept her head low on her brother’s lap. She prayed this could be over like a bad dream and she could wake up with her dad just as happy as he was three weeks before.

MK used to promise her their dad would get better, but now he’s silent. He still rubbed her ears and stroked her hair, but the silence almost made her burst out into sobs. It was never this quiet around home. She was right, this was all backward, it wasn’t fair– but it was going to happen anyways. Now, the entire farm held its breath and waited.

“Li Na..?”

The girl sat up and looked at her baba standing by the hallway. His smile was so soft, but tired, and his eyes were puffy and red. He held out his hand for her, but Li Na almost wanted to keep laying here, thinking if she stayed away, this moment would never end and her dad would keep living.

MK rubbed her back encouragingly. His eyes were red and puffy too. He still didn't talk, but she could practically hear him telling her to breathe and that it'll all be okay. She hardly believed him, but got off the bench anyway, taking her baba's hand as he led her back into their bedroom, stroking her hand with his thumb the entire way there.

They stopped right before opening the door. When Li Na looked up at Tang, he looked like he was going to cry again, but instead forced a smile.

“I'll be waiting right here, okay? All you have to do is say the word and I'll be right there,” he squeezed her hand.

Li Na nodded.

“Alright. He's ready for you,” Tang kissed her head and opened the door for her, and so the eight-year-old slowly crept in.

Immediately, the girl noticed the heavy aura of the room. It was absolutely spotless for once, which Li Na was smart enough to know it hadn't been in quite some time. In fact, the only remaining signs of struggle and disease were a bowl with a rag soaking to help cool her dad– her dad.

He was laying in the middle of the bed, numerous pillows from all over the house propping him upright. He was pale– too pale– and had lost a lot of weight, his eyes looking sunken with dark circles. However, when he glanced at her, they lit up, and he smiled.

“Hey there, bao bei,” he croaked, and Li Na instantly ran and jumped up on the bed, giving him the tightest hug she could manage, already crying.

Pigsy wrapped his arms around her as best he could and kissed her head. “I've missed you.”

“Please don't go, dadsy– I don't want you to go,” Li Na pleaded, nuzzling her face in his chest.

“Oh, kiddo… you're so brave and strong…”

“I don't wanna be brave and strong, I-I want you,” Li Na cried.

Pigsy smiled sadly. “My little bao bei, I’ll always be with you.”

“S’not the same, I-I-I've missed you so much, Dadsy– please don't go,” she begged with all her might.

“Li Na, I know it’s hard… but you’ll be okay. Your baba and MK will take care of you,” Pigsy urged, stroking her hair lightly.

“I don’t care! I want you,” Li Na shook her head furiously. “I hate this! W-why didn’t the medicine work? It’s not fair, dadsy, it’s not fair.”

Pigsy sighed weakly. “I know, bao bei, it’s not. I’m sorry… I wish it was, I swear I do…”

Li Na hugged her dad tighter. “It’s too quiet without you and baba laughing all the time. I hate it here.”

“I know… but I promise you your baba’s laugh will come back one day… and you and MK will be able to laugh with ‘im too, just like old times,” Pigsy chuckled, but Li Na shook her head again.

“No, I won’t– I’ll never laugh again if you leave us, I won’t, I won’t, I won’t.”

“You will, Li Na. I know you will. You’ll find happiness after I’m gone, I promise,” Pigsy placed a weak hand on her cheek.

Li Na pressed her dad’s hand closer. “I don’ wanna be happy when you’re gone.”

Her dad chuckled again. “‘Fraid you don’t get a choice, kiddo. Good things will happen whether you want ‘em or not.”

Li Na looked away from her dad, quickly readjusting herself so her dad’s arm was wrapped around her and she was snuggled next to his chest. “How–... how do you know that?”

Pigsy kissed the top of her head once more. “I know that because… despite everything… you’ll still be the same sweet and kind girl you are now.”

“What if I’d rather be mean and bitter?” Li Na asked, bring his arm tighter around her.

“You won’t, you’re too good– like your baba and brother,” Pigsy stroked her arm with his thumb.

Li Na went quiet, tears still streaming, but completely out of words. Despite everything, it was good to snuggle with her dad one more time, so instead of talking she worked to memorize the feeling as best she could. She memorized how warm his skin was against hers, how soft his cotton robe was, how it felt for him to breathe normally, how his thumb stroked her hands, how she could feel him relax when her tears lessened, and how he shook with the effort to express his love. She embraced it all, pressing it deep in her mind so that she’d never, ever lose this feeling.

Her dad was quiet too, except for the occasional harsh breath and weak cough. It scared Li Na every time, but she would just hold her dad’s hand with both of hers and squeeze tight, and when the coughing fit was done, he’d squeeze right back. It made her cry harder, thinking about all the pain he was in and then how he wouldn’t be in pain soon but only because he’d be gone, and then–

“It’s just… it's not fair,” Li Na croaked.

“I know, kiddo… I’m so sorry,” Pigsy apologized and Li Na leapt up to hug him again.

“I-I’m gonna miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too, bao bei.”

“...You promise not to go to the spirit realm too soon..?”

“I'll always be with you, kiddo. I promise.”

Li Na slowly nodded, sitting upright and wiping her face with her sleeve. Her dad instantly tried moving his arm up to her cheek, which Li Na helped him with.

“I love you, Li Na.” Her dad smiled, tears of his own streaking down.

“I love you too, dadsy.” Li Na tried her best not to break again, though she certainly leaned into his touch as best she could, trying to memorize this feeling too.

It was quiet again for a minute, before her father slowly croaked, “C-could you get… your baba and MK for me, sweetie?”

Li Na nodded and hopped off the bed, opening the door for Tang. He didn't hesitate to burst in, meanwhile the girl lingered at the door.

“Honey? What is it? How are you feeling?” Tang rushed to his husband’s bedside and grabbed his hand, kissing it twice and stroking his forehead.

“Get MK, please?” The demon asked.

“Of course. I'll be right back,” Tang bent to kiss his husband's head before running and calling for MK.

While he did, Li Na slowly made her way back onto the bed to hold her dad’s hand again, which made him smile ever so slightly.

“So sweet… so kind, my Li Na…” he whispered.

Li Na kept her eyes low. “Thank you, dadsy… I-... I won't change that, I promise.”

“That's my girl.” His smile grew when MK and Tang returned.

“Dad, You– you said you needed me?” MK asked, hand going to the demon’s shoulder.

Pigsy’s eyes could barely stay open at this point, but he looked at MK with quiet relief. “Son… I’m so proud of you…”

MK stepped closer. “I-I know, dad, you told me earlier–”

“I love you, son.”

“I love you too, dad,” MK assured, squeezing Pigsy’s shoulder tight.

Pigsy’s eyes wandered to his left, where Tang was now standing. “Tang…”

“I’m right here, Pigsy, I’m right here,” Tang held onto Pigsy’s other hand.

“I love you too, Tangy,” the demon said.

“I-I love you too, Pigsy.” Tang sniffled before kissing his forehead, allowing Pigsy to finally close his eyes.

“I’m lucky… I love you all… m’so lucky…” His voice grew even quieter.

“W-we’re lucky to have you, Pigsy,” Tang insisted, laughing and crying harder.

“M’lucky… love you…”

Tang didn’t say anything back this time, just kissing his cheek long and soft, while time slowly but surely came to a stop.

The first thing Li Na noticed was her father letting go of her hand. The second was how his shoulders sagged, his head rolling back ever-so-slightly. The third was when Tang pulled away, her dad’s smile didn’t grow like it always did, his face completely still. The fourth was that his chest exhaled and stayed, and stayed, and stayed. The fifth was that his chest never rose back.

“No… no– dad– dad wait– stop! No– please– I’m not ready– Dadsy please!” Li Na begged, going to shake her dad’s shoulders, before she felt a pair of arms wrap around her midsection and pull her away.

“Let me go! Let me go! Dadsy!” Li Na shrieked, kicking and flailing but never once looking away from Pigsy, whom her baba was now draped against and sobbing on. Whoever was holding her had a strong grip though, as even with her clawing and scratching and shrieking and kicking, they managed to hold strong and drag her into the hallway. She protested even stronger out there, shrieking and shrieking and kicking and wailing and hitting the arms holding her back until the futility of it crashed over her and she broke down.

The person holding her sank to their knees instantly, quickly wrapping her in a hug, and– MK– MK hugged her tight before letting out a loud sob of his own. Li Na collapsed in his arms, trying to hug him but every inch of her body ached and burned with emptiness. Thankfully her brother was stronger than her, hugging and holding her close and tight, like he was afraid to let go.

Li Na hoped he never did.

Li Na’s whole body shook and shuddered until she suddenly felt another pair of arms wrap around her and MK– Baba…

“I-It’ll be okay, you two… one day, it’ll be okay, I promise,” he croaked, kissing both MK and Li Na’s heads before he squeezed them tighter.

Li Na couldn’t disagree more. She had so many things she still wanted to do and say to him, but now she can’t and it just– it hurt, it hurt so bad, and—

Pigsy was dead, and nothing was going to change that.

.o0o.

Her dad ended up being right, Li Na didn't like being mean. It wasn't like she didn't try, she wanted to hate all the doctors and medical scholars that stopped by the farm or she saw in the village, but she just couldn't do it. She knew they tried their best, but it just wasn't good enough. After all, she could've done and said more, but she wasn't enough either, so…

Tang made sure the funeral was held on the most auspicious day possible, and found the best monks and scholars for the procession and rituals. Li Na clung to his side whenever she could, but when he was busy, she was immediately glued to MK. The funeral was beautiful with white everywhere, and with beautiful music. It was quiet, like it had been before, but now it seemed like even heaven and earth were mourning, as even the plants and animals hung their heads low in respect. It was too dreary for spring, but her baba said it wouldn’t last forever.

He was right too, in a way. It took weeks, but eventually the flowers started blooming and the chickens started clucking, and the ducks started quacking. But… still. It was more muted than before, like it was covered in mist and haze.

It didn’t help that with her dad gone, Tang had to run the place, and while he certainly tried his best, Pigsy had always been more suited for managing it all– especially the rougher seasons. While her baba never said anything, Li Na knew money was tight, evident by the shrinking meals and struggling staff and the chicken coop never getting repaired.

She couldn’t cling to her baba as much during those days, but MK wasn’t much better. There was something weird with him– this kind of energy he couldn’t seem to shake. He was on high alert at all times, constantly observing the area around him and going out back to practice with his old wooden sword from ages ago. Sometimes Li Na would watch as he slashed and hacked away at the target, but other times it was just too much and she’d rather find her baba.

She hated being alone. If her baba or MK weren’t in her line of sight, an uneasy feeling would start consuming her until she’d suddenly burst into unstoppable tears that none of the staff could fix. She could only be soothed by MK or Tang picking her up and hugging her tight, and she’d fall asleep in their arms.

She dreamt of her dad often, almost every night. She could hear his gruff voice, feel his gentle touch, and would be consumed by his warm hugs that disappeared into nothingness when she woke. At first it made her weep, but now it was more of a weight in her chest that she had to carry as she moved on. It was hard to keep up her chores like this, but after a few months she managed to press on.

However, one winter morning, everything came crashing down.

“MK… Li Na… I–... I've been thinking,” Tang spoke up around the dinner table.

MK furrowed his brows but said nothing.

“...The harvest was obviously less than ideal this year, a-and well– you both know I wasn't raised in this kind of environment and without–... without him here, I just… I don't think I can manage this place on my own,” he confessed, and Li Na saw MK's posture stiffen.

“So what're you suggesting?” He asked sharply.

Tang looked towards the fireplace. “I… I can't bear the thought of selling this place. It’s been in your father's family for generations, it should be yours one day… but I am not the person who should be running this place in his absence.”

MK's shoulders relaxed. “Okay… then what? You're gonna hire more help? Where are we going to get the money?”

Tang clenched his eyes shut tight.

“I… I was thinking I should remarry.”

Li Na's eyes widened. “Wh-what?! What about–”

“The matchmaker informed me of a widow with two daughters who lives nearby, says she needs a husband to help support her family and she has ties to the schools in Chang'an. If I can get hired to teach there, it would give us enough money to keep the farm and hire all the help in the world,” Tang explained with a tone of desperation.

“B-but what about Dadsy? I-It hasn't even been a year, a-and– You said you loved him a-and that you'd never love anyone else, you promised,” Li Na started to sob so MK dragged her into a hug.

“I know, Li Na, but trust me when I say this is strictly a marriage of convenience and the only way I can think to help preserve his memory.” Tang reached forward across the low table, but Li Na stayed curled to MK. “I loved and still love your father with all I am, bao bao… but for your sake and for MK's and this farm, I have to.”

Li Na wanted to refuse, of course, but one look at her baba showed her just how heartbroken and desperate he was, so she glanced up at MK before making her decision.

“I… I think you should do it,” MK said. “It'll be good for you two to have someone else to help you take care of things,” he looked up at Tang, who looked like a boulder was lifted off his back.

“Yes, of course. Did I mention she has two daughters? They're just a bit older than you, Li Na, and I've heard tons about how polite and sweet they are. I'm sure they'll be great friends for you,” Tang rambled.

Li Na got a little closer to MK. “I don't need friends, I have you two…”

MK sighed and stroked her hair. “Everyone needs friends, Li-Li. Plus, one day soon I'm gonna be out on my own, ‘making it as a man’ as they say. What will you do then?”

Li Na stiffened. “You– you wanna leave..?”

MK winced. “Not too soon! Like– not this year, but… but maybe after baba's married again and you're all settled into your new life, you know?”

“What?! That's not fair!” Li Na protested.

“Li Na, I'm sorry but– but I have to do this. I need to find a way to make it on my own, but I promise you I'll write every week– every day if I can, alright? You aren't going to lose me too, I swear.” He hugged her closer.

“No! I don't want you to go! It's not safe out there!” The girl shook her head feverishly.

“Li Na, it's okay, I'll be safe, I just–... I gotta do this.” MK glanced at their baba, who was obviously shocked by the revelation too.

“MK, I… I don't know what to say…” Tang sank down slightly. “Goodness, you really are eighteen, aren't you?”

“Tell him he can't go, baba! Please,” Li Na begged.

Tang and MK looked at each other in a way that made Li Na feel worse.

“Li Na, I won't go until you're good and ready, okay?” MK held her head in his hands and made her look at him. “Until then, I'm not going anywhere.”

“But… why?” Li Na sniffled.

MK sighed. “I can't explain it… it's like… destiny is calling me and I've been itching to answer.”

“You’ll get to experience that one day for yourself, bao bao,” Tang added, finally going to her other side to join the hug.

“Besides, you’ll have two new sisters to get to know and bond with. Plus, I’ll be writing letters to you whenever I can to keep in touch.” MK smiled softly.

“What if my step-sisters hate me?” Li Na asked, picking at her nails.

MK laughed. “They won’t, don’t worry. You’re too nice to hate.”

Li Na snorted a little, before her eyes fell low. “What if I’m never ready for you to go..? Would you stay?”

MK rested his head on top of his sister’s. “I’ll stay as long as you need, Li Na.”

Li Na let out a long sigh, because despite that being what she wanted to hear, it certainly didn’t make her feel any better.

“Li Na, I know this is a lot of change, but you aren’t alone,” Tang spoke up, tucking a strand of her hair back before cupping her cheek. “I’ll be adjusting to this new life right there with you, okay? I’ll always be here for you.”

Immediately, Li Na winced, a dark thought crawling into her mind.

“But… what if you get sick..?” She looked at both of them.

MK and Tang both froze a moment, eyes wide and jaws agape before they suddenly snapped out of it to embrace Li Na tightly.

“We’ll take it one day at a time, Li Na,” Tang whispered. “One day at a time.”

Li Na melted into the embrace of her family, her mind full of uncertainty but her heart wanting desperately to believe them. As much as it felt like everything sucked, she wanted to believe it could get better. If MK and Tang were telling her it was possible, she’d do her best to believe them.

“Okay, baba.” She nodded, glancing at MK. “I’m sorry for yelling, I didn’t mean to–”

“It’s okay, Li-Li, it’s okay,” MK insisted, hugging her tighter. “I didn’t mean to drop it on you right now. I’m not going anywhere for a long, long time.”

“Good.”

.o0o.

The wedding was set for the second week in spring, with them only meeting up in person one day before the ceremony for paperwork. Tang admitted the arrangement was less than ideal, but Lady Zhang Jenai, as they came to know her, was a very busy woman. It meant they got to spend the anniversary of their father’s passing alone as a family though, which was something Li Na was very grateful for. However, shortly after that, most of their things were packed to be moved to Lady Jenai’s large estate in the city, meaning she had to say goodbye to the only home she’d ever known.

Tang constantly assured her Lady Jenai’s place was better, that it was bigger and there were many children she could meet and mingle with out there, but she strongly disagreed. She had only ever gone into the city once with her baba, and she hated all the noise and shouting. The farm was quiet and peaceful, with rivers and ponds in abundance for her to relax and play in after all her chores were done. Tang said Lady Jenai had a duck pond in her courtyard, but Li Na doubted it would feel the same.

In better news, Li Na had stopped crying whenever MK or Tang were gone, though the loneliness and anxiety she felt still lingered. She managed to cope with housework and picking up where staff and servants dropped off. Granted, being nine-years-old meant she was hardly skilled, but it was worth it if it helped her get over her separation anxiety.

Of course, she wasn't perfect, as the closer it got, the more nervous she got about meeting her future step-family. Nobody really knew anything about them other than they were around her age and very proper, which made her wonder if her own etiquette skills would be lacking compared to theirs. She wondered if they'd look down on her for being from the country instead of the city. She sometimes even worried they'd dislike her for being a demon (although technically she was only half, but she didn't look like it). MK told her not to worry, that she’d win them over eventually, and before she knew it the day had arrived.

Li Na did her best not to, but ultimately she cried once the carriage was pulled away from the farm, which got her a side hug from Tang.

“It’ll be okay, bao bao, we’ll be back someday soon,” he assured, rubbing her arm up and down.

Li Na slowly nodded. “Yeah… you’re right, baba. We’ll be back.”

Her baba seemed satisfied at that, and so Li Na curled up to his side and let him stroke her hair until she fell asleep, wiped out from all the packing and with quite a few hours ahead of them.

It was a quiet journey, up until they reached the city, where the hustle and bustle of guards and markets and horses and shouting disrupted Li Na’s little nap, and she grumbled back to life. It still took some time to reach Lady Jenai’s home, having to pass through several grand city walls before they arrived.

The moment the carriage stopped, servants dressed in red immediately approached and offered a hand to help the three of them down, before more people in red came and took their trunks of goods into the truly formidable home.

It was taller than any she was used to seeing, not to mention stretching wide with beautiful trees and landscaping to boot. It made Li Na’s eyes sparkle as she noticed the birds and other wildlife, before her baba suddenly spoke.

“Lady Jenai, thank you for allowing us into your home.” Tang quickly bowed, MK and Li Na short to follow.

The lady in question was standing right by the grand door, her face covered by a fan. The woman was tall and grand in her stature, her face was as pale as porcelain and hair as black as the night. In her hair was a bright gold qixiong ruqun that sparkled like the sun, so elegant Li Na briefly wondered if her baba got engaged to a princess and forgot to tell them. Jenai also wore bright red paste on her lips, rouge on her cheekbones, and a red plum blossom on her forehead, giving a soft and heavenly look to her face– if it weren’t for her eyes, which were dark and sharp as they looked towards her baba.

“The honor is mine, Lord Tang.” She bowed, her long silky gown flowing with pure elegance as she did. “Come. Let me introduce you to my daughters.”

“Of course.” Tang nodded, and Li Na quickly grabbed his hand before they headed in.

Immediately, the girl was struck by the opulence of her new home, jade and gold decorating every wall and pillar. There was all sorts of artwork everywhere, whether it be expensive looking vases or paintings of nature or of Lady Jenai’s family. She couldn’t wait to get an official tour, as they were moving way too fast toward the courtyard for her liking. Then again, she was going to live here, so she’ll have all the time in the world to get to know the place. She could tell it made her baba excited too.

The courtyard was stunning. It was everything Tang had described and more– a pond with little ducks swimming, a gorgeous, large peach tree ripe for the taking, stone paths to hop along, a small stream to meditate by, and a bench to sit and enjoy the breeze. Li Na was so lost in the lavishness, she practically forgot about her step family until Tang squeezed her hand and her eyes landed on the two girls in front of her.

The first was taller than her, and thin as paper. She wore the same makeup as her mother and sister, though had a flame instead of a flower marked on her forehead. Her dark raven hair was twisted into four buns, two on each side of her face, and were decorated with golden flowers. She wore a dark blue hanfu with red accents and scarves, likely to match the red in her makeup. If Li Na had to guess, she would figure this sister was three or four years older than her since, while she looked more mature, she clearly hadn’t had her coming of age ceremony yet.

The other sister was roughly the same height as Li Na, and while her face wasn’t white, she still had a little red lotus on her forehead. Her hair was split into three sections and twisted into buns that resembled chain loops that were remarkably well kept. She wore a hanfu similar to her sister, except green with red accents instead. If Li Na had to guess, she was a year and a half older.

“These are my daughters: Sujia and Peili,” Lady Jenai announced, the girls bowing when their name was spoken.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you girls.” Tang and company bowed. “These are my children, Xiaotian and Li Na.” He gestured.

When Li Na finished bowing, she immediately noticed both sisters were staring at her with wide eyes, the younger with a raised eyebrow that made her face turn dark red until their mother spoke up.

“It’s a pleasure to have you join our family,” Jenai looked at MK and Tang. “Come now, we have a lot to discuss for the ceremony tomorrow, and there’s tea waiting in the library,” she told Tang. When they started to go, Li Na naturally followed, until the woman suddenly stopped in her tracks and looked at her.

“This is an adult matter. The children should stay in the courtyard,” She spoke to Tang, not even so much as glancing at Li Na.

Tang and MK looked down at her with pitiful smiles that told her all she needed to know, and she let go of her baba’s hand.

“Thank you, bao bao. We’ll find you as soon as we’re finished,” he vowed, and before she knew it, he and MK were both gone.

It was okay, though. She was okay if they were gone. She was okay. She was just going to go relax by the pond and–

“Wow, your skin really is pink, huh?” A voice from behind made her jump.

“I– uh– yeah!” Li Na laughed nervously and turned around, finding Sujia and Peili staring at her. “It's what you get being half a pig demon.”

Sujia laughed. “That is what you get. You like mud too?”

Li Na laughed too, though her stomach was kinda tight. “No, no mud for me, just water.”

“That must be the human half,” Peili added with a giggle.

“What else do you do, little piggy?” Sujia asked, circling her.

“Oh, well, I mostly help baba around the farm–”

“Farm? Isn’t that confusing?” Peili interrupted.

“Well, they would have experience raising pigs, it makes sense,” Sujia snickered, while Li Na shifted awkwardly.

“We don’t have pigs on the farm, just cows and birds and stuff,” Li Na spoke up.

“Good, then there’s no mix ups,” Sujia patted her shoulder. “What else?”

“W-well, I help pick apples, when they’re in season. I also do a lot of sweeping and cleaning where our workers can’t since I got ‘young joints’ and all,” she explained further.

“Ever been to the city's Lunar New Year festival?” Peili questioned next.

“Oh– uh, no. Baba and I don’t really like the noise,” Li Na admitted.

Sujia snickered. “Really? That’s too bad. The celebration is just about to die for. But then again, I can see how it can be too much for simple people like you.”

“Yeah, I– I guess so,” Li Na half agreed, confused by her tone.

“So have you ever done anything cool or fun?” Peili cut in again.

“Oh, well MK and I play a lot games together and practice sword and staff fighting sometimes–”

“Really? Isn’t that kinda boyish?” Peili raised an eyebrow.

“Not for her, dummy.” Sujia elbowed Peili with a snicker.

“Right! Yeah, I like sword fighting, I think it's cool.” Li Na smiled and both girls laughed.

“You're really cute, aren't you?” Sujia tilted her head in a way that made Li Na blush.

“I… I've been told.” She looked at the ground.

“You are cute! You look like a fat little piglet,” Peili snickered, getting her another elbow from her older sister.

“She is a piglet, Peili.” Sujia rolled her eyes, before suddenly snapping her fingers. “You should let me give you a makeover some time, I can make you totally beautiful.”

Li Na took a step back. “Oh, I don't know–”

“Oh c'mon! It would be so fun,” Peili insisted.

“It would be so cute to see you walk around like that,” Sujia added. “I bet Mama would even let you go with us to New Years.”

“I don't know, Baba says I shouldn't worry about makeup til I'm 15.” Li Na scratched her arm.

Sujia rolled her eyes. “What would he know about makeup and fashion and society?”

Li Na looked back at the ground.

“I think you should think about it since it would be totally fun.” Peili shared a look with Sujia. “And it would be a good way for us sisters to bond.”

Li Na lit up. “R-really? You want that?”

Sujia smiled sweetly. “Of course we do. We're going to be family tomorrow, after all, so the least we can do is teach you how to be pretty.”

“Besides, you really can't go out in public like that,” Peili added.

“Right, yeah.” Li Na blushed again.

“You should dance for us some time, it would be fun,” Peili suddenly suggested.

“Oh– I don't really know how to, though.” Li Na shook her head.

“That's half the fun.” Sujia smiled with her arms crossed. “I can get all of the girls from the area and we can all watch you dance for us.”

“Wait– Just me?” Li Na blinked. “That's kinda… weird, isn't it?”

Sujia and Peili laughed.

Li Na would've asked more, but right the door opened and MK returned.

“Li Na, did you know Jenai's husband w– oh, hello you two,” MK realized his sister wasn't alone and bowed.

“MK,” Li Na smiled and hugged him tight. “Why're you back so soon?”

“It was all just boring financial talk, don't worry, Li-Li.” MK waved off.

“MK… Didn't Lord Tang say your name was Xiaotian?” Peili asked, head tilted.

“Oh, yeah, but I prefer to be called MK,” he explained with a grin.

“I see,” Sujia nodded. “Well, welcome to the family, MK. Care for a tour of our home?”

“Oh-! Sure, that sounds fun, right?” MK looked to Li Na, who nodded (getting a grimace from Peili).

“Let’s go then.” Sujia turned on her heels, and the tour began.

The rest of the day went off without a hitch, Li Na feeling much braver and safer with MK by her side. They reunited with Tang at dinner, and things were finally starting to feel good by nighttime.

Li Na was unfortunately not part of the wedding procession, since she wasn't allowed to be with the men and wasn't considered family to the bride, which was fair. Besides, MK told her she’d just get bored at all the rituals and that she could be with them at the dinner. She did catch a glance at her baba briefly as he went across a hall, and gave a small wave he returned before he disappeared once again.

Thankfully, MK was right and she joined the family at dinner, which was truly magnificent. Granted, the noodles were nothing compared to how her dad used to make them, but the rest was delicious. There was shark fin and fish roe soup, roasted duck, crab, sea cucumber and abalone, and sweet buns– she felt like a princess having it all laid out in front of her. It was great to sit and talk to her brother and Baba again too, and while it made her wish she could have seen the ceremony, she was perfectly happy to be at the dinner.

And so the day ended, and the Zhang and Zhu families were now one.

…And one month later, MK had packed his bags and was ready to venture out on his own.

“Alright, the boat’s here, I guess we know what that means,” Tang laughed nervously as MK picked up his bags.

“I'll be okay, Baba, I promise.” MK smiled softly. “And you will be too, with your job and your books and your studies.”

Tang's eyes filled with tears. “I know, MK, I know… just make sure to write, okay?” he wiped his face.

“Of course,” MK gave his baba a quick hug before turning to Li Na, who immediately hugged him.

“Do you really have to go?” she whispered.

“I know, I know, I'm sorry but I do.” MK stroked her head.

“Just checking,” she sighed.

“Hey, you've been doing okay with Sujia and Peili, right? You'll be just fine,” MK assured softly.

“Still.” Li Na sniffled. “It won't be the same.”

MK knelt down. “Well then, it's a good thing I got you something then, hm?”

Li Na perked up, making MK laugh as he turned around. He teased her for a moment, hemming and hawing and searching through his bags before he suddenly turned around with a tiny blue kitten in his hands.

“What?! Where did you get that?” Li Na jumped and immediately started flapping her hands in joy.

“Found him at the back end of a street yesterday, and I think he'll be the perfect pet to keep you company while I'm gone,” MK grinned, handing the kitten over.

“Oh he's so cute, MK!” Li Na fawned. “B-but–”

“I know he's no me, but I hope you two can be friends.” MK's smile went sad.

“Thank you, MK, I– I'll take good care of him,” Li Na promised, and the kitten in her hands meowed.

“Cute little guy, isn't he?” Tang chimed in, giving the kitchen a scratch under the chin.

“He needs a name though,” MK pointed out. “Li Na?”

Li Na thought about it long and hard, studying the little thing up and down, taking in its orange stripes and white spots with much thought.

“What about… Mo?” She proposed.

“I love it! It's perfect for him,” MK ruffled her hair, and she giggled.

“Sir? Are you getting on?” asked the captain.

“Right, yes! Be right there!” MK swore, but right before he was going to pick up his bags, he gave Tang and Li Na another hug.

“I'll write at least every month, I promise,” he whispered.

“I love you,” Tang and Li Na whispered back.

“Love you guys too,” MK sniffled. “Take care.”

“You too,” Tang laughed sadly.

MK squeezed them tighter before he grabbed his bags and ran onto the boat.

As Li Na watched, Tang placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it tight.

“He'll be alright… he's a smart boy, he'll be fine,” he said, his eyes distant.

“Yeah, MK'll be okay,” Li Na agreed, and Mo once again meowed, taking her attention away from the boat. “Hey, little guy. Let's get you nice and cozy before we go home, hm?” She brought him closer to her chest.

“Yes, yes, let's go home.” Tang seemed to snap out of his trance, gently guiding Li Na away from the dock and back to the carriage.

However, just as she was about to obey, a voice shouted from the boat. The pair spun around to find MK waving as big as he could while the boat sailed away. Li Na and Tang immediately waved back, and continued to do so until MK was a blip on the horizon and they had no choice but to go home.

.o0o.

Life without MK was as lonely as Li Na had expected, though Mo was a nice distraction. He was a fierce little guy, constantly pouncing on any suspicious shadows or bugs or mice– though he was too little to win his fights with the latter. He was also very loyal, preferring to stick by her side whenever possible, or else he'd just stand at the door and cry until she came back.

Lady Jenai didn't like Mo very much, though. She agreed to keep him because he'd one day be able to hunt mice and rats, but in the meantime she asked for “it” to be out of her sight.

Sujia and Peili were similar, though a bit mean about it. They called Mo names and made jokes about throwing him out. One time Peili even tried to pick him up, but stopped when he hissed. Li Na tried to not let it bother her, since maybe they were just jealous that MK got her a cat and didn't give them anything.

It was… hard, though. She felt like she barely saw her baba anymore except at dinner due to him working all the time in the city. It left her with very little to do except practice her embroidery and writing.

The best days were when MK's letters arrived. She treasured each of them dearly and kept them in a box under her bed. When one would arrive, she'd read all about his adventures over and over again until she found the time (and paper) to write. She’d then write about all the little things Mo had done recently, about how the summer heat was starting to get to her, how she thought of him every time she ate a peach, and how she'd look forward to his next letter. Then it was off to the postman, and she'd return back to her day-to-day routine.

It wasn't all bad though. Sometimes Sujia and Peili actually wanted to hang out with her and it would be fun. She didn't quite get them or their jokes yet, but she liked them and wanted to know them better, since they were now sisters and all. Granted, it was a little weird they were always asking her to clean up whatever mess they'd all make, but she was happy to help. Plus, it was worth it when one day the girls said they were thinking of actually taking her out to the city.

“Sit still, we need a lot of this stuff to make you pretty,” Sujia warned, putting on more white rice powder all over Li Na's face.

“Sorry.” Li Na blushed and closed her eyes again.

“Wow, you really are using a lot of mama's makeup,” Peili commented.

“That's the plan,” Sujia replied, dabbing on more.

“Oh– I don’t want to use all of your mama’s stuff–”

“It’ll be fine, you’ll see,” Peili interrupted, rummaging through the drawers for more makeup.

“O-okay, if you’re sure,” Li Na gave a weak smile.

“Close your eyes, I need to get the eyelids,” Sujia snipped, and she obeyed.

“Found it!” Peili then announced, slamming a drawer shut.

“Just set it on the counter,” Sujia huffed, applying the makeup a tad more aggressively, hurting Li Na’s eyes. She kept quiet though, not wanting to make it worse.

“Oo! Can I do her lips? I got a plan to make em really–”

“No. We're sticking to how I planned it,” Sujia immediately shut down, practically hitting Li Na with the bristles full force.

“Ow,” Li Na let slip.

“Oh shut up already!’ Sujia snapped, setting down the rice powder and switching to the rouge, startling Li Na.

“Peili stop, you're upsetting her,” Peili whined.

“It's fine, calm down.” Sujia rolled her eyes and started applying the red makeup to her cheeks and nose. It stung, but Li Na endured, since “pretty hurt” or something like that.

“Ugh, fine. But if she cries, that's your fault,” Peili huffed and slumped on a chair.

Sujia huffed, but managed to apply the rest of Li Na's makeup with ease, stepping back with a grin.

“You look… special, real special,” Sujia said, dusting her hands off.

Li Na couldn't help but smile. “You really think?”

“Oh yeah,” Peili giggled. “Like a real–”

“Wait here, okay? We'll be back after we get mother to agree,” Sujia interrupted.

“Oh! Okay,” Li Na agreed, sitting up properly.

“We'll be right back,” Peili grinned too as Sujia took her arm and they quickly left the room.

A wave of anxiety washed over Li Na as she sat there, and she immediately started fidgeting with her sleeves. She knew she wasn't really supposed to go in Lady Jenai's room, especially alone, but she was invited here! So it was okay!

Besides, when she looked into Lady Jenai's big polished mirror, Li Na thought she looked beautiful– like a fairy or a princess. Her baba would be so proud to see her all dolled up and ready to go shopping in the city. The only thing she was missing was a fancy hair comb, and her hair to be all done up.

With a smile, Li Na took her dark brown hair out their simple buns and ran a brush through them, giggling at the fancy feeling of the much nicer brush. She brushed her hair until it was all nice and neat before she attempted to do her hair like Sujia– or even Lady Jenai. She really wanted to impress her, and prove she could be high society like her too. Maybe if she proved herself worthy, Lady Jenai could mentor her in manners and such– and maybe she could even be like a mother to her, like MK said she could be.

Li Na's never had a mom– at least, not in the traditional sense. Tang was certainly more feminine than Pigsy, but he wasn't exactly an expert in etiquette and fashion and makeup. Li Na knew he came from a fancy background like Lady Jenai, but he always said he was “too shy” for big social events, and “too awkward” for etiquette. As for Pigsy..? He may have been born a girl, but he was a farm boy through and through, always joking about how lost he would've been at formal events. He taught her things like how to recognize a good radish, how to successfully collect chicken eggs without getting pecked, and how to catch crickets with her bare hands– which, while very cool, weren't exactly helpful in high society.

Lady Jenai could teach her how to adapt in this new life– how to be pretty like her step-sisters and maybe even be someone worth admiring. She could adapt to this new life with her help! She could make MK and her dadsy proud! She could almost see it now, her in a silk robe and fan attending court at the palace–

A loud gasp sent Li Na scrambling up, and she was startled to see her stepmother's face so repulsed.

“You,” she seethed. “What on earth do you think you're doing here?”

Li Na looked around, confused. “I-I– Sujia a-and Peili– they said–”

“See, mother?” Sujia interrupted. “I told you she was a little thief.”

“I should have known,” Lady Jenai sighed. “Now I have to get the room inspected for ticks and lice and any other parasites your kind carries around.”

Li Na stepped back, heart pounding in her chest. “M-my kind?”

Sujia laughed. “Wow, you really are stupid, aren't you?”

“You're a halfling, chun zhu,” Peili snickered. “You're not like us.”

“Wh-what? No! I– Lady Jenai, they said– I'm still a person!” Li Na shouted.

“Please,” Lady Jenai rolled her eyes and slowly walked towards her. “You may wear clothes and tie your hair up however you like, but you will always be nothing more than a farm pig.”

“A chun zhu!” Peili cackled. “That can be her new name– Chun Zhu the fat, dumb pig girl.”

“Chun Zhu– why didn’t I think of that?” Sujia laughed right along.

Li Na shook her head and stepped back against the wall, tears threatening to spill. “N-no! Sujia– she said– I-I can be pretty! I-I just– I need some help learning, I promise.”

Lady Jenai raised an eyebrow. “And what on earth makes you think I'd want to waste my time on something like that? Especially to a bratty little thief such as yourself,” she snatched the comb from Li Na's hair.

“I-I didn't steal anything! Sujia put it all on! She said it was okay! I swear– I-I would never–”

Lady Jenai slapped Li Na across the face. “You really are a pest, you know that? And a foolish one too, expecting me to believe you over my own daughters.”

Li Na froze with shock. She desperately tried to scramble words to defend herself– to make her stepmother see reason and explain her innocence, but the stinging in her cheek broke something in her.

“Quiet now?” Lady Jenai huffed. “Good. First order of business is to take that whorish makeup off. Then you will go to your room, where your bedding will be stripped and your personal possessions– every toy, every book, every ink pot– will be taken away.”

Li Na's eyes widened. “W-wait–”

“From there–” Lady Jenai shot an icy look– “you will be given servants' clothes and you will work in this house as a servant for a month as a punishment for your lies and thievery, is that understood?”

Li Na couldn't believe what she was hearing– this couldn't be real, right? This– this was just a nightmare– one she would wake up from any moment now.

“I said, ‘is that understood’?” Lady Jenai yanked Li Na's ear, making her cry out.

“M-my baba won't stand for this,” she protested with what little courage she had left.

Lady Jenai just laughed though, the sound making ice run through Li Na's veins.

“You really think that yutao of a man is in charge here?” She pulled on Li Na's ear harder. “He will be thanking me to no longer have such a hideous creature every day.”

“No!” Li Na cried. “M-my– baba–”

Her stepmother twisted her ear so hard she yelped, before dragging her out and down several hallways before she was thrown into a dark, damp stone room with bits of straw strung about, somewhere nearby the servant’s quarters.

“You will be locked in here for the remainder of the day. Keep up your attitude if you wish to make your stay longer,” she seethed.

Again, Li Na's mind scrambled for a defense– any defense, but the way the woman she had wanted so desperately to approve of her glared down like she was a filthy animal. It made her want to break down and apologize so things could go back to the way they were.

Instead, she curled up and held her sides, choking out a weak, “B-baba–”

“Your father cares nothing for you,” Lady Jenai snapped. “He will be delighted to find you rotting away in here, as will I and every other person who has had the misfortune of looking upon your face.”

Before the girl could even think to speak up, the door slammed shut, the lock turned, and Li Na was left alone in the dark.

Immediately, Li Na let out a loud sob, begging for someone to let her out and that she promised to never bother any of them ever again. She went on like that for hours, and hours, and hours, but either nobody heard or nobody cared (Li Na wasn’t sure which one was worse). Eventually she was too overcome with weakness to continue crying, her stomach tight with hunger. However, even then nobody came.

She tried speaking up whenever she thought she heard steps, but nothing ever came of it (other than the lonely feeling crawling up her throat). Li Na was alone now, just like Lady Jenai promised. Her baba– wherever he was– wasn’t coming for her. Her brother was gone. Her dadsy was dead.

She was alone.

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