The Fallen Consort

In a remote secular village, a baby's cry pierced the stillness of the late night. Yu Feng, drenched in sweat, looked at the most beautiful baby she had ever seen. Her skin was as white as a pearl, her eyes shone brightly, and her hair was as dark as the night sky. Yu Feng couldn't believe her eyes as she gazed down at her daughter. The delicate features, the soft curve of her cheeks, and the tiny perfect nose made Yu Feng's heart swell with love and awe.

Her husband, Yi Wen, stood beside her, equally astonished. How on earth did they manage to create such a beautiful baby? Both he and his wife had ordinary faces. Yi Wen, born into the Yi family of hunters, had rough skin and a tough build from years of outdoor labor. His wife, Yu Feng, was the daughter of the village doctor Yu Fang, known for her ability to cure small ailments but nothing more extraordinary. Yet, here they were, marveling at their beautiful daughter. They named her Yi Ling, a name befitting her delicate and dainty appearance.

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Five years passed, and Yi Ling grew into the jewel of the village. Her beauty and grace captivated everyone. Her skin remained as white as porcelain, her eyes shone with intelligence and curiosity, and her hair, long and lustrous, flowed down her back like a waterfall of midnight silk. Even at such a young age, Yi Ling's beauty was remarkable. She possessed an ethereal quality that made her seem almost otherworldly.

Villagers often stopped to admire her as she played or helped her mother. They would comment on how such a young girl could look so strikingly beautiful. Her delicate features were accentuated by a natural grace that made her movements appear almost dance-like. At just five years old, she already had an air of elegance that belied her tender age.

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Yi Ling was a prodigy in every sense. Despite her youth, she had an innate understanding of the world around her. She learned quickly, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. Her grandfather, Yu Fang, took pride in teaching her the secrets of herbal medicine. Each morning, they would venture into the forest to gather herbs, Yu Fang explaining the properties of each plant. Yi Ling listened intently, her eyes wide with fascination.

Yu Fang's teachings extended beyond herbal medicine. He taught Yi Ling about the cycles of nature, how to observe the changing seasons, and how to read the signs of the weather. "Understanding nature is key to becoming a good healer," he would say. "It's not just about knowing the plants, but also understanding the environment they grow in."

In addition to herbal medicine, Yu Fang also introduced Yi Ling to basic first aid. He showed her how to clean and dress wounds, set broken bones, and prepare salves for burns and cuts. Yi Ling watched carefully, her small hands mimicking his precise movements. Yu Fang was patient and thorough, ensuring that Yi Ling grasped each concept before moving on to the next.

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Yi Wen also played a significant role in Yi Ling's upbringing. Believing that his daughter should be well-rounded and capable of defending herself, he taught her the art of hunting. Every afternoon, after her lessons with Yu Fang, Yi Wen would take Yi Ling into the forest. He showed her how to move silently through the underbrush, how to track animals by their footprints, and how to set traps.

Yi Ling proved to be a quick learner. Her small frame and agile movements made her an adept hunter. Yi Wen crafted a small bow for her, teaching her how to draw the string and aim with precision. "Remember, Ling'er, patience is key," he would say, guiding her hands. "Wait for the right moment."

Their hunting trips were also filled with bonding moments. Yi Wen would tell her stories of his own childhood, the lessons he learned from his father, and the adventures he had in the wild. Yi Ling treasured these moments, feeling a deep connection with her father. She admired his strength and wisdom, and she aspired to make him proud.

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One day, a middle-aged man sipping tea in a village restaurant saw her walking by. Her dazzling presence and silky black hair caught his attention. The way her eyes sparkled in the sunlight, how her laughter sounded like the sweetest melody, and the way she moved with an almost ethereal grace left a lasting impression.

"There goes Yi Ling again," sighed one villager. "I wish I had a child like her."

"She's so talented and beautiful at such a young age," another agreed. "She will bring this village to new heights one day!"

The middle-aged man lifted an eyebrow, a sinister smile curling on his lips. He leaned over to a companion and whispered, "Such beauty is rare. She could be useful."

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That night, twenty men dressed in black suits appeared at the village entrance. The night erupted with the sound of screams and cries for help.

"Assassins!" villagers shouted. "Help us!"

Yi Wen woke up, startled by the noise. He quickly woke his wife and daughter, urging them to run through the forest to his hunting hut, where he skinned his prey.

"Feng'er, you must take Ling'er to the hut. Run as fast as you can. I will join you soon, but I need to see what's happening and lure any danger away from you," he whispered urgently, kissing his wife's forehead.

"Brother Wen, you must come back to us alive. Your daughter and I will wait for you," Yu Feng replied, tears streaming down her face.

Yi Ling trembled, frightened by the screams outside. Seeing her fear, Yi Wen hugged his wife and daughter tightly.

"Yi Ling, you must be brave. Follow your mother and stay silent. I love you both," he said, pushing them out the back door. He watched as they fled into the forest, not knowing it would be the last time he saw them in this lifetime.

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The village was in chaos. Yi Wen, armed with his hunting bow, ran towards the screams. He saw the black-suited men ruthlessly attacking his fellow villagers. He fought valiantly, trying to protect his home and buy time for his wife and daughter to escape.

Meanwhile, Yu Feng and Yi Ling ran through the forest, the sound of their footsteps blending with the distant cries from the village. Yu Feng clutched her daughter's hand tightly, her heart pounding with fear and hope. She whispered words of comfort to Yi Ling, who despite her fear, showed remarkable resilience and determination.

When they reached the hut, Yu Feng barricaded the door and held Yi Ling close, whispering soothing words to calm her. They waited, the silence around them almost unbearable, broken only by Yi Ling's occasional sobs.