Chapter 3: The Birth Of Liu
In the heart of the mighty Weiji Mountains lay a hidden gem, a small village of only a few hundred souls. Nestled in a clearing amidst the rugged terrain, it was a place of solace and refuge for those who had endured great hardship.
Legend spoke of a time when a terrible scourge ravaged the land, leaving the founders of the village with no choice but to flee their former settlement. Driven by the unrelenting desire to survive, they traveled East, braving the treacherous mountains and unforgiving weather until they finally reached their new home.
Life was far from easy in the mountains. The biting winds of the East and the harsh topography of the region posed constant challenges. The struggle to grow crops and find solid ground to build their homes was daunting. But the people of Weiji were determined, and they refused to give up.
With unyielding spirit, they fought against the harsh weather and chiseled away at the mountains to make them habitable. They toiled endlessly until the settlement that now stood proudly atop the mountain was born. Despite the initial struggles, the people slowly began to thrive.
Over time, the people of Weiji learned to live in harmony with the land. They cultivated crops that could withstand the harsh mountain climate and domesticated animals that could survive in such a wild and desolate place. Though life was solitary, it also had its blessings. The natives of the mountains were already tamed by the ancestors, leaving the settlement in peace.
As a result, the people of Weiji lived out their days in a tranquil existence, far from the tumultuous world beyond the mountains. They enjoyed a sense of security that many could only dream of, free from the threat of invasion or attack.
Despite their humble circumstances, the people of Weiji were content with their simple lives. They found joy in the small pleasures of life, and their hearts overflowed with gratitude for the peace and serenity they had found in this isolated corner of the world.
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"Did you hear? Mei is finally going into labor!" exclaimed a man dressed in a tattered robe, beaming at his neighbor.
The clear sky of Weiji Village provided an unobstructed view of the Eastern Mountains, where the cliffs were fenced off. The two farmers stood at the edge of their farms, surrounded by fields of the village's staple crop—the Great Weiji Potatoes. These special potatoes were one of the few crops that could grow at such a high altitude, and they constituted a significant portion of the villagers' diet. Thus, the farmers, Haofu and Nong, were busy with important business.
However, the quiet life in the village would have been too uneventful without the occasional gossip and idle talk that pervaded the community.
"I heard too. Everyone is talking about it. My wife even went to support her," replied Nong.
Haofu and Nong were known as the inseparable farmer duo, always seen together in the village. Even while tending to their farms, it was not uncommon to find them chatting.
"I wish Mei a safe delivery. Tai will be thrilled to finally become a father," Nong said, his face beaming with joy.
Of the two friends, Nong was closer to Tai.
"What do you think? A boy or a girl?" asked Haofu, mischief sparkling in his eyes.
"Why would I make a wild guess? Why don't we make a bet?" Nong suggested.
Haofu grinned. "Sounds interesting. What are the stakes?"
Life in the peaceful village was mundane, and the closest they came to excitement was during special ceremonies, like the Night of the Great Ancestors' Homage, when alcohol could be consumed. So, small bets like these were a way to pass the time.
"How about a dozen potatoes when harvest arrives if I'm right, and I give you a dozen if I'm wrong?" Nong proposed.
"You cheapskate. Why not go for double?" Haofu teased.
Nong grumbled, "You think I'll go that far? Tell my family to starve, why don't you?"
A dozen potatoes could sustain a family for a week, perhaps even ten days if managed wisely. For these simple villagers living in the mountains, this was a significant sum. However, as inseparable friends, neither of them would go hungry if it were the other who won the bet.
Nong was adamant about not letting his wife nag him about his reckless habits, especially with the 24 potatoes already weighing on his shoulders. Haofu, his sworn brother, was curious about Nong's thoughts on Tai and Mei's newborn and playfully asked if Nong preferred a boy or a girl.
After some consideration, Nong replied, "Considering the trouble this child has caused even before coming into this world, I can already tell that it is going to be a rascal. One must not wish ill upon Tai's family and say the child will be a girl. As a result, I can only say a boy shall emerge."
Haofu chuckled in agreement, "Hoho! You speak wisely. You are right in that reasoning."
Nong reminded Haofu to begin gathering a dozen potatoes for his reward, relishing in the speculation that arose from the birth of a very special child. But what made this child special, one might ask? It wasn't due to the status of its parents, for Tai and Mei were simple villagers, just like everyone else in Weiji.
Yet, Mei's pregnancy and childbirth were met with much amazement and intrigue among the villagers, for never before had any conception taken longer than nine months. Mei's pregnancy lasted a full twelve months, which led to much speculation and anticipation for the birth of the child.
Haose, another comrade of Nong and Haofu, rushed towards them with news, "Have you heard? Mei has finally given birth to a child. Tai is the father of a healthy baby boy. Praise be to the heavens!"
Nong and Haofu looked at each other, knowing that the heavens had answered Nong's request for a boy. According to Haose, the child gave a powerful roar and a stubborn scream when it emerged from his mother's bosom, signifying that he would be a fearsome warrior or at least a little rascal who would trouble the village for sure.
The three men chuckled at the thought of Tai and Mei dealing with a troublesome child, but Haofu reminded them that a child like that would be a burden for the entire village, not just the parents.
As they laughed and completed their farming tasks, the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and red. The warm breeze rustled through the fields, carrying the scent of freshly plowed soil. The birth of this child was just the beginning of an intriguing tale, one that would be retold for years to come.
Despite how grim it sounded, the men could not disagree.
"It seems you have traded those twelve tatoes for more trouble, my brother." Haose chuckled, quickly picking up on the bet and what had happened before he arrived.
Still, despite their jokes and careless words, neither of the men could say they were not happy with the first child of Tai and Mei. After all, those two had sought a baby since their ten years of marriage.
Troublesome child or not, the boy was certainly a gift from the heavens.
"Come on, let us go and give them our good wishes." All three men concurred to this wise suggestion, and they went their way—leaving the farmland which they were yet to completely tend to.
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Tai gently stroked his wife's hair, admiring her strength and resilience. Mei lay exhausted beside him, her face pale and sweat-drenched, but with a serene expression of relief on her features. She had just given birth to a healthy baby boy, and the relief was palpable between them.
In the warmth of their stone home, they were finally able to rest and bask in the intimacy of the moment. The midwives had left to give them privacy to decide on their newborn's name, as was the custom of their people. They could hear the sounds of the village bustling outside, waiting eagerly for the announcement of the new arrival's name.
Mei looked down at the tiny, wriggling bundle next to her, wrapped snugly in the finest clothes they could afford. He was unlike any other newborn she had ever seen. His eyes were wide open, and he let out a fierce, almost ferocious cry. He struggled against his swaddling, as if eager to break free and start fighting his way through life.
"Doesn't he have so much energy?" Mei laughed, both tired and amused at her son's feisty nature. "Our little Liu is going to be a fighter, that's for sure."
Tai couldn't help but smile at his wife's fondness for their newborn son. "Liu," he repeated, trying out the name on his tongue. "It's a beautiful name. An ax, a symbol of strength and power."
Mei nodded, her eyes shining with love for her child. "Yes, it is. And it suits him perfectly. Liu is destined for greatness, I can feel it in my bones."
As they gazed down at their son, they could see the fierce determination in his eyes, as if he were already plotting his next move. His tiny fists were balled up, ready to strike out against any obstacle in his path. Mei and Tai knew that their little fighter would grow into a strong and resilient young man, ready to take on the world.
Tai's rational mind couldn't help but consider the potential consequences of having a fighter in their small, peaceful village. Weiji was known for its tranquility, and its residents had no need for violence or conflict. A few villagers may have occasionally left the community in search of adventure, but such departures were rare, occurring only once in a generation.
Tai couldn't help but worry about the dangers his son could face if he became too much of a fighter. The outside world was a harsh and unforgiving place, and those who ventured beyond the mountains were often never seen again. As a father, Tai couldn't bear the thought of his son meeting such a fate.
Despite these concerns, Tai saw the joy and satisfaction on Mei's face when she suggested the name Liu for their son. He knew that her intuition was often spot-on and that Liu was indeed the perfect name for their little fighter. Tai took a deep breath, and with a warm smile, he agreed.
"Very well, my dear. Liu it is. May our little one grow up to be as strong and resilient as his name suggests."
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[A/N]
The story of Liu, the one who will eventually shake the whole world, is just beginning!
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