(A Strange Lady, My Baby, and the Siblings)
Two days passed slowly, but for Zhang Wei, it was enough to finally let out a long, shaky sigh of relief.
"Young Master Fifth," the guards greeted respectfully, bowing as they watched the lone figure walk away. His white hair swayed gently with the wind, and his white robe fluttered like mist around him.
"What an unfortunate child," murmured an old servant, shaking his head. No one had come to collect him. Not a single servant. Zhang Wei could only keep his silence and steady his breath.
Meanwhile, in the Zhang Mi courtyard, Zhang Mi stood with a soft, serene smile as she noticed her husband walking in.
"You all may leave," Zhang Chaun ordered the maids, who bowed obediently before stepping back. He then turned his attention fully to his wife. She was dressed simply, like a scholar, her hair flowing loosely, yet her childlike expression made him smile effortlessly.
"You're early," she said casually, perching gracefully on the jade-like chair. A lock of hair fell across her cheek as she watched him reach out to smooth it aside.
"You worked hard," he replied sincerely, settling himself beside her and taking her hands into his with a relaxed smile.
"You look tired from last night's work. You should rest," Zhang Mi said softly, her steps slow and elegant as she lightly massaged his forehead.
"He's out, just as you wanted," Zhang Chaun reminded her, and she simply nodded, relief softening her expression.
"That's for the better," she murmured. "I blame myself for what he has become. If only my womb had been perfect… maybe A Ji Ya wouldn't have made such a terrible decision to harm the boy."
Years of battle and childbirth had left her damaged; she had nearly lost her life giving birth to Sang Sang. Doctors had told her she could never bear another child. Sang Sang remained the only child she could have—a fact that weighed heavily on her heart.
"Don't think too much about it," he said gently, drawing her into his lap. She sat without hesitation, resting easily against him.
"Back then, you were so shy, hiding your face whenever you saw me. Now…" He smiled softly, "you hardly even react."
"Then I will simply stand," she murmured, attempting to rise—only to feel his lips press against hers.
The kiss wasn't fiery, but it carried the warmth and sweetness of their early nights together.
"You aren't a young man anymore. Aren't you ashamed if someone sees us like this?" she scolded playfully. He simply bit the tip of her nose, making her giggle like a young bride.
"Shameless," she muttered, resting her head against his chest.
"You don't need to feel guilty. A Ji Ya had it coming the moment she poisoned you. As for her son… he's cowardly, yes, but far too naive. From what I've learned, he isn't lying entirely—but he does need to harden a little."
"I plan on bringing him to your place for the core transfer. The old man said it would be better if you were there," he added, his tone calm but firm.
She nodded. "Can I adopt him?" she asked quietly, hope lingering in her voice.
"Though he's simple-minded, he has been pledged by the Puppet Poison and the Corpse Gu Poison. His mind can be dangerous when triggered. Let's observe him first. Then we'll decide," he said, coaxing her gently. She wrapped her arms around him, holding on tightly.
"I will listen to you for now," she promised, gazing up at him and poking his chin with a playful smile.
"You should shave, at least. You can't call yourself handsome with that bushy chin," she teased.
He merely nodded—but then his smile widened, and Zhang Mi's face paled as she tried to pull away. He caught her wrist easily.
"You wish to escape?" he murmured, adjusting her collar and pressing a soft kiss to her chin, then her lips—this time deeper, leaving her breathless.
"Let's try to have another baby," he joked, lifting her hands to cling to his neck in surprise. Another kiss blocked her sight as he guided them into the inner room.
Zhang Wei straightened in his seat, fists clenched, as four figures blocked the path ahead.
"Is that him?" someone whispered, but he ignored it, keeping his focus.
"Greetings—First, Second, Third, and Fourth," he said formally, bowing deeply. Perhaps it would be enough to make them leave him alone.
"No need for formalities," Sang Sang said gently. Dressed in a light pink robe, with a white cloth covering her eyes, she seemed approachable. But Zhang Wei knew better. From the stories he had read, he knew each of these siblings was a powerhouse—figures of immense importance he could not afford to offend.
"We are siblings, after all," Ning said gracefully, earning Fei Fei's approval.
"Em…" Zhang Wei muttered, feeling the weight of being surrounded by those he barely knew.
"You must have heard of the damage the Fu girl caused, right?" Sang Sang asked calmly. His throat went dry, but he felt a flicker of relief—their visit was not casual.
"I'm quite sure you have," she continued, though her eyes could not see. Years of blindness had sharpened her other senses, especially her perception of her siblings.
"No need to worry," Fei Fei whispered quietly, mostly to herself.
"Father has already explained the situation to the elders," Ning added with a smile, though it only made Zhang Wei more uneasy about his own safety.
"Thank you," he said, bowing slightly in acknowledgment.
"Here, take this," Sang Sang stepped forward, holding out a small white bottle.
"This is…?" he asked cautiously, reluctant to accept it.
"Spring pills," she said. "They help heal internal injuries. Even though you lack a spirit core for now, these can aid in repairing the damage to your Mind Sea."
Zhang Wei paused, stunned, his mind numb. Something about their sudden concern felt… off.
"And we noticed you've been limping," Fei Fei continued, her tone frank. "It's subtle, but the physician clearly failed. Sister Sang decided to give you her last spring pill."
Zhang Wei's attention shifted to Fei Fei. Dressed in gold robes that gleamed in the light, she looked wealthy and imposing. Yet it was her face—so familiar—that made his breath catch.
"A Ji Ya…" The words slipped out before he could stop them. His expression twisted with guilt, relief, and a faint longing.
The siblings stood silently. Fei Fei instinctively covered her face. They had all heard of the famous concubine A Ji Ya, who had eloped with a monk, leaving Wei behind. Though they knew their birth mother, none had cared to reunite with her—Zhang Mi had been the one to raise and love them. Deep down, they knew they were lucky. But Zhang Wei… he had nothing.
Ning bit his lip, recalling their father's words after pleading for a physician to treat Zhang Wei's wounds:
"You wish to save him? Then remember this—he is now your responsibility from this day forth."
He sighed, narrowing his eyes at his youngest brother's cautious behavior. It felt natural; after all, Zhang Wei's pale hair and eyebrows softened his appearance, giving him a naive impression. Unlike the bold siblings, Wei's posture looked weak, especially now that his martial arts were destroyed and his complexion ghostly.
"Wei, I have something for our nephew," Fei Fei announced, shaking off the awkwardness as she held up a small jade box.
:
(The Jade Box and Zhang Wei's Fate)
Zhang Wei's hands trembled slightly as he reached for the jade box. Its surface was cool, polished, and carved with intricate patterns that seemed almost alive in the morning light. He glanced up at Fei Fei, who gave him a faint, reassuring nod.
"Open it," she said softly.
His fingers hesitated over the clasp. Something about this moment felt… heavy. He could feel the weight of their gazes—the curiosity, the expectation, and something unspoken, almost like judgment. Slowly, he lifted the lid.
Inside lay a small, shimmering stone, pulsing faintly with a soft, golden light. It radiated warmth, yet carried an unmistakable aura of power. Zhang Wei instinctively drew back, uncertain if it was a blessing or a trap.
"Do not be afraid," Fei Fei said calmly, sensing his unease. "It is a Spirit Seal Stone. It will help stabilize your Mind Sea and protect your body while your injuries heal."
Zhang Wei stared at the stone, numb. His martial arts destroyed. His spirit core dormant. And now, in front of him, was a tool that could either save or endanger him further.
"Why… why me?" he asked quietly, barely above a whisper.
Sang Sang's voice cut through the tension, soft but firm. "Because you are part of this family, Wei. Your survival affects more than just yourself. We are siblings. And family looks out for each other—even if the world does not."
Her words struck him harder than any blow in combat. Family. He had none. Not truly. Not until now. And yet, he felt a strange flicker of warmth, almost hope.
Ning stepped closer, his expression serious. "This is not a gift given lightly. If anything happens to you while this is in your possession, you will bear the responsibility. Understand?"
"I understand," Zhang Wei said, his voice steadier than he felt.
"Good," Ning said, nodding once. "Then it is decided. You will stay here for now. The siblings will help you train again once your injuries are stable. And remember…" His gaze lingered on Zhang Wei, sharp and piercing. "…you are no longer alone. But neither are you untouchable. Every step must be careful."
Zhang Wei swallowed hard, feeling the weight of both their protection and their expectations.
Fei Fei, sensing his tension, added softly, "This is the first step, Wei. You cannot rush recovery, and you cannot hide. Learn from us. Observe. And in time, you will regain what you have lost."
He nodded, clutching the jade box tightly. It was small, but it felt like holding a lifeline—a tether to something he had never truly known before: family.
For a moment, the room was silent, save for the faint pulsing glow of the stone. And in that silence, Zhang Wei felt something he hadn't felt in years: a sense of belonging.
"Rest now," Sang Sang said, stepping back. "Tomorrow, we will begin carefully. There is much you need to recover, Wei. And much for us to prepare."
Zhang Wei lowered himself onto the mat in the corner, still clutching the stone. His mind raced—questions, fears, and cautious hope all intertwined. And as he closed his eyes, he felt, for the first time in a long while, that perhaps he might survive this cruel world… not alone.
But outside the courtyard walls, shadows stirred. Not all who knew of Zhang Wei's plight were pleased by his sudden protection. Somewhere, eyes watched. Calculating. Waiting. And the world outside was not as forgiving as the sanctuary he had just been granted.
😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁