The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo

Chapter I

In a small town of Nanjing, the only girl of eight siblings was born. She is born under Polaris, the brightest star in the constellation. Her star will bring good luck to her surroundings and to the people close to her. Her parents were mere peasants yet the heavens has bestowed to them a lucky charm; and they named her Xiao Xing- The Morning Star.

Xiao Xing is much loved by her parents, Zheng Wu her father, and Li Mo her mother. She is given the best meat every meal; the best dress and footwear every festival; the best cotton mattress every bedtime.

Her brothers even adore her more. They would catch butterflies for Xiao Xing for they knew that it will make her eyes twinkle and each of them would receive a kiss from her. They would build her a swing from the oldest Kokomin tree near the river, for they knew she loves the feeling of flying through the air.

Xiao Xing is growing up to be a lovely young girl inside and out. This was apparent by how many times that she found favour and grace with all that saw her. Xiao Xing gave honour where honour was due. She was not only fair and beautiful, but obedient as well.

On the fourth day of the Seven Dragon Feast, Xiao Xing risked her life for her third brother, Yi Xing. Yi Xing was captured by the Emperor's guard stealing three basketfull of raisin and chia seed breads. He was brought to the court and was sentence to death by cangue. Upon hearing this, Xiao Xing run as fast as she can to plead for the life of Yi Xing. She approached the Emperor on the street parade when she was not called for. She did not hesitate for a moment. Xiao Xing knew that she could lose her own life by doing so.

As a mere fourteen year old girl, the Emperor found her to be attractive, her physical appearance even dressed in a peasant clothing was quite unflattering. Something is oozing from that child, the Emperor told one of his wise men. She had a "thread of grace" upon her. Xiao Xing whose mind, body, soul and action affected the Emperor so much that she was given the permission to sit at the foot of the Emperor.

It was what the Emperor didn't see that attracted him to her.