Little Xiaoba, even though you're only a bell toller for now, I still have high hopes for you. If the day ever comes when you can read and write, then this letter will not have been written in vain.
First off... well... thank you for keeping me company all these years. Ever since Zhang Wanshi and the others vanished, I've turned into a bit of an odd soul, always drifting off into my own strange thoughts. Talking to you has been my only real comfort, even if you don't understand a single word I say.
But enough of the mushy stuff. Time for some encouragement!
First, when I'm away, watch over Aloft Abode for me. But don't actually hurt anyone who comes by. Just give them a scare. My mechanisms do go wrong all the time, but after hearing me ramble on every night, you must have picked up something by now, right?
Second, I'm giving you a task: learn how to speak. Everyone says it's impossible, but I think of you as a friend, so of course I want to hear what you think. Don't worry. I'll keep working on your inner mechanisms until you can make your own voice.
Third, I've planted lots of flowers and herbs for you, so you won't get bored while guarding the house.
Fourth, don't forget to keep the night watch. Plenty of people count on you to tell the time.
Little Xiaoba, if you never do learn to read this letter, that may not be such a bad thing. That way, there will only ever be one odd little head like Xiaoba in this world.
But if one day I really do manage it, and you can understand this letter at last, then please remember this one final thing: Xiaoba and Little Xiaoba are best friends.
Letter