The Phoenix embraced the Sun

Welcome, little Ghost

That day the skies were darkened by black clouds. Their shadows stretched to the earth, like a snake enveloping its prey, and spread out to frighten away small rodents. The wind swirled mercilessly over Yiling, tearing down old tree roots and unsteady roofs, and the lightning that often brightened the darkness of the sky drove people into panic. They prayed to the gods that the inclement weather would leave their lands, that the wrath of nature would not take away their dearest treasures, and that the birth of the young mistress would be successful.

The news that the head of the Wei clan would have a grandson or granddaughter any minute now spread quickly amongst the people of Yiling. Everyone rejoiced and shouted their best wishes to the family that had been protecting them for years. However, not even an hour later, bad weather struck everyone. The citizens had never experienced anything like that before and they began to feel as if they had fallen out of favour with the High Ones.

Excitement was replaced by fear.

The people were afraid that the child of Wei Changze would bring them endless trouble.

As their prayers ended, they looked towards the mountain. The palace that had been built there was just as gloomy and cold and it looked as if it was the haunt of demons. The sounds of anxious ghosts came to their ears, and the people worried along with them, sensing something was going wrong.

Was everything alright with the child?

Suddenly colorful lights were lit in the palace and the darkness that enveloped Yiling was gone, the wind died down and there was only a drizzle of light rain. The sun shone brighter and blazed the world with its white light. A few minutes later, the whole of Yiling exploded with claps of fireworks and shouts of joy.

Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren was born with a healthy and beautiful daughter.

***

The first thought crossed her mind as her parents took her in their arms and rocked her finely, singing a lullaby. She could feel the familiar warmth spreading through her body, and Wei Ying couldn't help but let out a happy giggle. Even if she couldn't see or hear, the gentle touch of her dearest people was enough for the girl. Those who had been her parents in every cycle.

Those she might lose early.

Bitterness and sorrow darkened her heart for a moment, but once her mother kissed her on the forehead and lovingly said how beautiful she was and brought happiness to this house, Wei Ying shut those feelings inside her.

"Wei Ying, my little ghost, I'm glad you came into this world."

Wei Changze's voice was steady and calm, yet so much love was put into his quiet words. Her father gently stroked the little one's head and admired her sleepy face.

"Oh, how many hearts she will break when she grows up! Look, A-Ze, isn't she beautiful?"

"Yes, our daughter is a true beauty."

Cangse kissed her little girl again, and for a second her face turned to sadness.

"Your father was clearly expecting a grandchild. He even arranged our child's room in a boyish fashion."

"Don't worry, my love. Father will not give up his own blood just because he wanted a boy. He will love A-Ying."

"I believe you. My father-in-law is sometimes harsh, but he won't hurt our girl for anything. I'll make sure of that."

"We will."

As the door to the chambers swung open, a man not much older than Wei Changze, who was dressed in the black and red robes, came into view. A slight crease in his forehead made the man look old, but even this shortcoming could not mask his beauty. He was tall and lean, his face untroubled, and there was wisdom in his steely eyes.