A New Member Joins

"Old Great-Uncle, if not for all the years you looked after us, my son and I would never have been able to make a home in Long'ao."

Most villages were much the same, and Long'ao was no exception. They distrusted outsiders and did not welcome people from other villages settling there.

When outsiders settled in Long'ao, the villagers had to give up a share of their fields, forests, and other benefits. When Liu Mei arrived with little Zhang Yang, the villagers opposed it. Only Old Great-Uncle stood up for them. He was the village chief then, and his word carried weight, so mother and son were allowed to stay.

Liu Mei and Zhang Yang had never forgotten that kindness. Whenever Liu Mei faced something she could not decide on her own, she would discuss it with Old Great-Uncle.

"That's all in the past. No need to bring it up. You two have done right by Long'ao, too."

Old Great-Uncle smiled again.

"That's why I came to ask your advice. Could you help me pick an auspicious time? The sooner, the better."

Liu Mei already had a large red envelope in her pocket. It was customary. Though Old Great-Uncle generally refused people's money, she did not want to be the one to break with tradition.

"Hmm. Let me see."

Old Great-Uncle knew his craft. Without consulting an almanac or any other reference, he raised his hand, calculated on his fingers, and smiled. He had his answer.

"Three days from now, the Zi Hour and Chou Hour are best. Try to time it for then."

Liu Mei was educated, and she understood at once. Zhang Yang had chosen the right time: one in the morning fell at the transition between the Zi Hour and Chou Hour.

"Oh, so it is an auspicious