「Gaoling Village.」
"It's early in the morning, and the magpies have been CHIRP CHIRP CHIRPING away up in the branches. I wonder what good tidings are coming our way today." Gu Sanbu looked up at the tree again, his tone full of anticipation.
"Father, the magpies are probably just tired from flying and stopped here to rest.
"What kind of good news could possibly reach a desolate backwater like ours?" Dai Ling was clearing dirt from the corner of the courtyard, preparing to plant the orchids Gu Shulin had dug up from the hillside.
"That's not necessarily true. Ever since we settled down here, it's been exhausting work, but at least we have something to look forward to. Isn't that a joyful thing in itself?"
Gu Sanbu beckoned his grandson over. "Gu Yi, are you six years old this year?"
"Grandpa, I'm already seven," Gu Yi replied.
"Is that so?" Gu Sanbu patted his grandson's head. "You've suffered a lot with us these past few years. Do you want to go to a private school?"
