Setting:
A remote mountain village in Northern Yue Province, surrounded by bamboo forests and lotus-filled ponds. The story is set during the late Tang dynasty, known for mysticism, clan politics, and ancient traditions.
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🌧️ Scene 1: A Cursed Birth
The village of Qinghe was cloaked in shadows as a thunderstorm tore across the sky. Raindrops lashed against tiled rooftops and paper windows trembled in the wind. It was the hour of the dog — around 8 PM.
In the courtyard of the prestigious Li Clan, the household servants ran frantically through the rain, holding up lanterns that barely withstood the wind. From the back chamber of one manor house came cries of labor and muffled voices.
> "Madam Li, bear down! The child is coming!"
"Heaven help us…"
Suddenly, a newborn's cry pierced the howling storm.
A healthy baby boy, wailing like thunder itself.
But just moments later, from another chamber, a cold silence spread. Then came the whispers—
> "Elder Li Yuan… his pulse has stopped…"
"The Patriarch's second son is… dead."
Wails of women erupted, mixing joy with grief.
A child was born — and a noble son was lost.
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🏯 Scene 2: Shadows Over Joy
By morning, the rain had stopped. Mist clung to the courtyard stones like ghosts reluctant to leave.
The newborn, swaddled in crimson silk, lay in his mother's arms. His father, Li Shen, stood beside them — silent, grief-stricken.
But peace was fleeting.
From across the courtyard, Madam Wei — the wife of the deceased second son — approached with red-rimmed eyes and clenched fists.
> "The moment this cursed child came into the world, my husband was taken! Is this not a sign from the heavens?!"
Her voice cracked through the morning fog like a whip.
Other clan members, elder cousins and distant aunts, began whispering:
> "Born under a thunderstorm… such omens cannot be ignored."
"He carries the shadow of death…"
The Family Elder, Li Taizu, stepped forward — his white beard swaying, his eyes grim.
> "The Li Clan has always followed the will of Heaven. This child's birth has brought misfortune…"
"From this day forward, Li Shen, you and your household are no longer under the Li Clan's roof."
Gasps echoed.
The mother's eyes widened in disbelief.
Li Shen said nothing. He bowed low — a man broken by duty and grief.
Wrapped in silence and shame, the family gathered what little they had.
As they passed beneath the ancient plum tree by the gate, the baby opened his eyes for the first time — crimson like dying embers.
> A cursed child? Or a destiny yet unseen…