1 A New Beginning in the Li Family: Fu Bao's Arrival

In March, as the grass grew and warblers took flight, and trees began to sprout, casting the village in a verdant hue, signaling the arrival of spring plowing season. Amidst the usual midday lull, most villagers had returned home after completing their morning farm chores. However, today, a crowd had gathered outside the Li family's courtyard, curiosity piqued by the commotion within.

"Deep breaths, exhale... That's it, push! You've been at it for hours; keep going, you can do this, you'll birth that baby, push!" "Uh-ah!"

Faintly roused by the sounds, Fu Bao regained consciousness. Blinking her eyes in the darkness, she struggled to orient herself.

Where am I?

Before she could comprehend her surroundings, she was thrust into the world.

"It's born, finally! Blessed be the bodhisattva! We thought the child would never come, but here she is, safe and sound. The heavens have smiled upon her!" The elderly midwife exclaimed joyously as she cradled the newborn, her rough hands patting the baby's back. Fu Bao winced at the sensation and instinctively began to cry.

Why was she crying like an infant?

Only then did Fu Bao grasp the situation.

Once a carefree little lucky star in heaven, she had encountered trouble with a powerful demon, intervening to help him escape heavenly pursuit. Breaking celestial rules, she was banished to the mortal world to gain experience and redemption. Life in heaven had grown tedious, with little change aside from trendy language shifts. Thus, her demotion was a welcomed adventure.

Now reborn as a helpless infant, completing her earthly mission was her only path back to the celestial realm.

"Is it a boy or a girl?" The exhausted woman on the bed, her body weakened from childbirth, eagerly inquired, her pale face mirroring anticipation.

"It's a girl, a beautiful one at that, taking after her mother!" The midwife announced with a smile.

Relieved, the woman reached out eagerly, "Let me see...""Patience, dear, let me clean her first," the midwife gently intervened, whisking the newborn away to be washed and swaddled.

As the household bustled with activity, a concerned man anxiously awaited news, his dark, handsome features etched with worry. Beside him, a gray-haired woman, her frame stooped with age, mirrored his concern. Four young boys trailed behind, their faces anxious as they awaited news of the newborn.

With a nod and a smile, the midwife delivered the long-awaited news, "It's a baby girl, both mother and daughter are safe!"

"A girl?!"