Her eyes shone bright as stars, reflecting the rosy little face in the swaddling clothes. From time to time, she looked up at Su Yang, her lips curved in a radiant smile, full of anticipation.
Su Yang gently placed the infant in the crook of her arm and said with a faint smile, "This child is no ordinary one. You and I have dwelt among mortals for several centuries now, and the fortune of the Zhou Dynasty has long been on the verge of collapse. In the future, she is destined to become the pivotal piece that stirs the powers of the realm—she can neither be kept nor raised."
At his words, Feng Yanran's heart tightened, and her fingers curled unconsciously. Though she called him "Husband," they had neither the name nor the reality of husband and wife. Yet deep in her heart, she had long hoped for a tiny figure of her own, holding her hand and calling her Mother.
"Someone's coming, Yanran. Put the child down."
Her lashes trembled. As instructed, she released her hold and gently laid the infant upon a bluish stone by the riverbank. When looking up again, Su Yang had already Taken Hold Of her wrist. Their sleeves fluttered lightly, and the two vanished like smoke into the depths of the morning mist.
Only then did the man learn that his wife had long since died. Staggering, he rushed into the desolate wilderness. After looking around and finding no one, he finally dared to throw himself to the ground and choke out sobs, shedding several scorching tears—then he let out a breath of relief, secretly rejoicing that he had escaped disaster. He strode off at a swift pace. After roughly ten li, he suddenly saw hundred birds circling above the Clearwater River, their cries