Xiang Nanny placed the split section of locust tree on a tray, received the Sunshine Boy with both hands, gently held him aloft, and said in a low voice, "Please remain here to recuperate after childbirth, Mistress. We will take care of everything."
"Go." The huge white hand waved, then slowly withdrew into the watery black curtain.
Xiang Nanny's black-oil eye sockets spun rapidly. Holding the Sunshine Boy high above her head, she shrieked, "Greetings to the Birth-Protection Mother!"
Her voice carried beyond the courtyard, and all the villagers shouted in unison, "Greetings to the Birth-Protection Mother!"
But the Sunshine Boy pointed at Good Fortune Born and said in a babyish voice, "Why haven't you greeted the Birth-Protection Mother? Are you trying to harm me? Xiang Nanny, what should be done to someone who harms me?"
"Kill!" Xiang Nanny held the Sunshine Boy high. A white-cloth-wrapped club floated at her left, and a blood-dripping butcher's knife floated at her right as she slowly walked toward Good Fortune Born.
Good Fortune Born was so frightened that he knelt again and shouted, "Greetings to the Birth-Protection Mother!"
At the same time, the jade pendant at his waist shattered, clattering all over the ground.
The Eerie Infant revealed a strange smile and said in a babyish voice, "That's more like it."
Goosebumps rose layer upon layer across everyone's bodies. The Night Guards exchanged glances before finally looking toward Good Fortune Born.
Good Fortune Born kept his head lowered, fists clenched tight. Had the jade pendant not protected him, he would certainly have fallen prey to a Great Eerie and suffered blood-curdling misfortune.
Good Fortune Born grew increasingly uneasy. According to the plan, he was supposed to rely on the merit of holding the melon and several Fortune Characters to take the safer Uncontaminated