Nameless Creek was somewhat terrifying to most villagers in Siyang Village, and young girls were especially afraid to get close as soon as the sky darkened. Yet, the spot was picturesque, exceptionally serene and quiet.
Perhaps because Chiang Songhai was a brave man who often went up Bai Gu Mountain to gather herbs, and had spoken of the mountain's wild fruits, wildflowers, spring water, and the tranquility of Nameless Creek since Chiang Xiao was little, Chiang Xiao did not harbor the same fears as others did.
Chiang Xiao's mother, Chiang Qingzhu, was the only daughter of Chiang Songhai and Ge Liutao and was renowned for her beauty throughout the neighboring villages. In that era, not having a male in the family was cause for gossip and disdain, and daughters had very low status at home, yet Chiang Songhai still doted on Chiang Qingzhu like a precious gem.
