The father of the wealthy landowner is known locally as an absolute authority figure. My father was strict even with his own family and never acknowledged me, a failure, as his heir. It was as if I wasn't even his child... In order to get my father's approval for our marriage, I took Saishun back to my hometown. Then, my father showed a smile he had never shown me before. What lay behind that smile became clear soon after. 'Have Saishun give birth to my child,' my father told me.
