Chapter 6
The child soon realized he had annoyed the young master.grtztjvpnKdonPGLgyaPMzrVPIqtgo
ZZASVbjIMrHAVsHWhile he was staring blankly at a few characters, hesitating about whether to start practicing, the door was quietly locked from the outside.mwITDrQUXcpRjwfwszQLzAQSreAoZU
kRVvbeBkFkoDteWIt wasn’t until his stomach growled that he realized it was dinner time. When he pushed the door, he found he couldn’t get out.uySRfAnidsXtwaOFBmlimpaZGWYuQm
ZnqhEOgzjCDELtoThe child started to feel a bit scared. The young master often frightened him, feeding him to the big wolf dog. This time, was he really locked in, waiting for the wolf dog to start eating him?mPByeAvbYRsTixhnOxnZWvwEuLCjMG
oJeyDyWpGMlJqiIHe pounded on the door and shouted, “Who’s outside? Let me out!!”mnjNhRbppUWJbDvIfZntgaMkwrtqfY
ChJnJSBBEoCbLEf“I’m locked in, let me out!! Who’s there!!”QXvWwOqjFNLdVOBTpebvRpaDJMGSuB
FxCkYxCMyChigWcAfter shouting for a long time with no response, the child grew more and more scared and hungry, making him even more anxious.JpzXlshxzTGpxTDHOOwfAzpXSUmExv
QluJSQNwSGzVWVpHe shouted until his voice was hoarse, and finally, footsteps were heard from outside.bAyOCkmfALwPybJJinzYETEipORdxh
PqPbUsgunSAiEMNFrom the sound, he knew it was Yue Siming.KDocHbpxmCvogdgLCtRQNClLeYxnkm
jhlgipKAjmkuKXl“Master Yue, why did you lock me in? Let me out quickly.”ePuAITcVCSgwRYMtVJKnlnlTSdEhsx
oIakyqjmGqCmtlOYue Siming’s proud voice came from outside, “How’s the practice going?”vdkJydfyzFxaOMmPxMIVbvdcpADfTb
RlLjAQHtfLJJjSC“Uh…”zcgdtdbnzyzxFdrrtSkixmXOkYKEER
sZGlaoLBvRTlNYA“You didn’t practice?”JZzQPvatFSqjMtPQFUsQjwIvmJdoKG
uvVBJfHYKJittsc“Well, you didn’t say whether you would make me your little wife or not. If you’re not going to, then I practiced for nothing, right?”IPDPiBPZgHyirGVfvbcTwUdZOQYMDh
yFJhoAPqznHjsLJThe young master kicked the door hard, “Stay inside and starve!”CCcSRHjffzbWpaRLxkmZLuxylvHQjW
bKCRThPMuottcsO“Hey, don’t go! I’ll practice, I’ll practice!!”HmrqJSawJayRnqYuMSCscLRruwWVIp
jCmXGTcqcruqobx“Really, really.” The child nodded vigorously, though he didn’t realize that the person outside couldn’t see him.rqxkuEluKRUvVKvvLkYTNyDxljXOzj
SKbTzlccusKBvOs“Then copy my name ten times and show me.”PIImkPLhMmyjJkJSThHXbGEVrfODXA
hueSGIjQKLSietV“Okay, right away.”pRRNlcjpOuFdcAfBxvJPHKYohOfdsR
ZNYBJjdjZnkxXUBThe child quickly ran back to the desk, picked up the pen, and copied the three characters as the young master had taught him. He was very serious, putting a lot of effort into each stroke.VJbjkkKvKjJmeOsGANiHvcwtskIzhX
aIYctVcyaxwhrzOBy the time Yue Siming was getting impatient outside, finally, little Wang Erhu ran to the door with a few sheets of paper.bEeTUVOTLMUAJAHFxJCOqhOXFTHBtR
tUsjyUomplvFHku“Master Yue, I’m done writing.”kVWVGYEFMInQjGTotxNWFedNCElLeq
mGZgwdkTJLlfbCm“Slide it through the door gap.”GsMvLbAIwGilRByEsdcYBKtekXpNnc
gXkvTNHrOrLkisOThe child slid the paper through the gap.TnyTLyxZgmMbYQVQOMYqtPwTJOUxeC
ogcGIhVazzrffbPOutside, Yue Siming grabbed it and immediately started cursing, “Are you an idiot? What is this!! Even an earthworm writes better than this!”RmwnGwuTxZBsBXSVodvaQPrKBVFvoD
NFoShNdSaGDbdrnThe child felt very wronged, “It’s my first time writing.” Then he mumbled quietly, “Stop calling me a pig… I’m actually a little rabbit…”omaNyqGXqUzLTfoWUcbbpmqWbyjMpb
tRYWsgPNlGoMMaUYue Siming tore the paper in half, “Rewrite it!”QvxQiepVtwdGcfhpsiyGQizUlTvATc
pgpjdQAXGLAaLloThe child felt like begging, “Master, let me eat first. I’m so hungry.”ANGltboHqUJTxBvWFcrVjHgzzwlDac
TafeQGTblvzNIxg“You didn’t write well, why should you get to eat?”bbiPtNuCaHIzIEvgiPEVBJEqPpjoKt
WOmMSoPlUINwHTW“If I don’t eat, I don’t have the strength to write. Master, please let me eat.”OspnOMhszALAqPKbdMUeDzLHcgTNWN
gsKUqDDGbXuMPSlAfter hesitating outside for a moment, Yue Siming said, “After eating, you need to copy it fifty times.”NhurBXnYmPNdrwYqdZOcDPSswajtWv
gIJRyGMgzpCaUyl“Ah?!”oHbaaDYDDHuohvSuGfDgnBMEesDAHp
ZkwUlceaDnAvOYj“Then don’t eat, just copy now!”BVbsllUVaWVYAdlBKPTDrZbYUzGciy
CRIuzYqyDiqUyog“No, no, no, eat first, eat first.”cAOsigJOknrtmiMywMNweBSrNNzqDj
kqDFZyTBkyOMiqZYoung Master Yue, standing outside the door, tiptoed and unlocked it.RHVzzRYRiWLgHsrxyUtQChQDlgmfNQ
eaiwyQudizVoWRnThe child was free again, as if reborn, shaking off the earlier gloom.tijoBcVYcGXNAEVmzKvknxToFtnUap
JIQwXgQolTUjNBj“Oh, oh, oh, time to eat, time to eat!!!” He exclaimed, pulling the young master along, “Master, let’s eat!”ZrNZhOuDLSkwDMSqfpNnHUnvxtEfZA
BeXcnvlwsFyoxAu“Why are you acting like a starving ghost? The food won’t run away. Why are you so rushed?”OzqPyrbrWbURWOxACEoEruqwGiZMRp
mAFJiNacfrVdbCQ“I’m hungry.”SPoTjzUzslJfyiPFMVraKCOiRJQAZe
XKbhUfUxGuLPYXkThe child rushed into the dining hall like a whirlwind, devouring the food greedily.XEjlkWYCBNCgrRzHBFPPgmjHhkfhCO
OtrMVYHsEvJXlouYue Siming had been eating with him lately, his appetite had increased significantly, and everyone attributed this to Little Wang Erhu, so they didn’t mind his greedy eating habits.zompwfHhQYAGhQWaBuABIlgRKaVHRu
qpfuBBCMZNGkMNeAfter eating his fill, the child rubbed his round belly, burping contentedly. His mind had completely forgotten the earlier punishment of copying characters, and seeing Yue Siming’s refined eating manners, he couldn’t help but become cheeky again.xTfsRMmCFhRveBZAcYwqqSlekhnURF
xtLvyhNOUSYQqNc“Master, look, it’s already dark. Can’t we practice tomorrow?”DpeRzCWqenogPMMjkaefUfZxMArMce
KdZWdBhosloMINrThe young master looked up, “No, fifty times.”OVCrOparDhSAlcGraEexLjmNZLTusH
ioBUyBOdIFOnjtcThe child was unhappy. Normally, after dinner was the most relaxed time. At home, he would snack on seeds, chat, enjoy the cool air, swat mosquitoes, and then go to sleep. Here, he usually played for a while, chatted, had a late-night snack, and then went to sleep. Why did he have to practice writing the young master’s name today?WVkFZUAwBGJMyOePpWRZTZjpJKiJjh
QtMAwnqTHVGqbLtAlthough he thought this in his mind, he was a bit scared to say it aloud and only pouted to show his dissatisfaction.OmTDWSZEsNcUStILhXQwWhpiyIMCUg
FNbKYroShdqqPEOThe young master put down his chopsticks, “Let’s go, it’ll help with digestion.”WUxbPSZKIxEhDtJRixqPKziRFGBrLR
jTUvmewnFlzxgcEReluctantly, the child sat back at the table, picked up the brush, and struggled to copy the characters.uKOKNIUhaktbMZKrHOsRkGxAplhmCC
gTyhHgylhBHpfZtYoung Master Yue shook his head in frustration, almost wanting to smash the inkstone over him.EqgbzfonoZRBZkxDjnwJJfBNrzsOFY
RwSymLYzvVFwkTJIt seemed unreasonable to be so angry at someone writing their name poorly, but it was incredibly frustrating.YSOxyEaBLQPYMXvMbCNrilIkfqipFe
hgUVgmnXbxhOFlySeeing the jagged, uneven strokes, Yue Siming was twisted with irritation.izJmlYRNNZpwQoJATMvLgiZtwgLZcp
cIruqcRMBsnxqbqThe child finished copying ten times, proudly presenting his work, and eagerly asked, “Master Yue, how’s this? I think I’ve got it right. Can you be my little wife now?”XdezVmUojwxPJLSwqQnwktcCaYvSZq
mwoImhHLrbdyByxThe young master gave his head a hard knock, “Don’t you dare bring this up again. If I call you a pig, you’re a pig. You never learn!”QQrhebaiTvHJGpMyncKPfIhXgzwOBA
NKmRsnXAHcZZivUThe child rubbed his head, “Think about it…” He still wanted to argue a bit. Although he didn’t understand the principle of ‘the early bird catches the worm,’ he knew he was close to Yue Siming. Yue Siming was so good-looking, and others who couldn’t find a wife would want to compete with him. He should act quickly.RznCYCrrNugYQJyRkvlbcyEDSEHWNv
ojVIwUyJuDzVxVoYue Siming’s face flushed again. He glared at him and said angrily, “If you can remember my name, I… I’ll think about it…”hYBqYKdDcLNtlFOkrlNCVWfRXpePQK
OaAHPMtqhoMWsGLThe child’s eyes lit up, “Great! I’ll work extra hard, really!” He then focused on tracing the characters with serious dedication.PiRQVwbYSXEIpIjQTFhqROBMColtRf
ZmTjgsvgxtOkDlUYue Siming looked at his bright, clear eyes and didn’t want to tell him that marrying someone required a woman, not a man. Why wasn’t Wang Erhu a woman? If Wang Erhu came asking to marry him, he wouldn’t be so opposed…MjfaCiHXcucyPdMSUqxAuJexBVEDIM
ytxMpaEIYOitJfmDays passed by like a continuous stream.tkZHoZjuWtohqsqABYmLoXXFwKvhNm
pEvrNIXgpvBrrgQAlthough the two kids often argued and sometimes even fought, they quickly made up and stuck together.hFoWdsDTvrRnoFbhjyVcmdHdNWLRti
NrtitDfYfzQmRKNSince Wang Erhu arrived, Young Master Yue hadn’t had a single episode, and his health seemed to be improving. The adults just let them be.ODkXJomwUetWibtdAksqddMGYYKBhp
DdhdIYcKJZHhrmjSo the two children lived their carefree, happy days with plenty to eat, drink, and play with.KzVLwxYqjugwVEXcEdgdiFKDEUJWHr
hYnYFYgefhbtWicWang Erhu became increasingly audacious, sometimes privately calling Yue Xiaoshye “little wife.” Given that the child’s writing had improved, Yue Xiaoshye grew more and more reluctant to care.qZzrWGOgRzAFWOfhmyRJNcDMlKsOvI
EBAWjDsbIRfnraVEvery day, they came up with new and fun things to do, laughing and playing, with more energy than adults and never feeling bored.CXcSJVIXRjNBqWwFgiVwHSGpgiwQXl
gJGjGtEphzyWsHoThe innocent children thought their days would continue like this, forever and ever.KiwhPGERMPpgyOxRiaWPqbCeUzysQR
LGRqnchSQTuFaACThe first trouble came to Wang Erhu’s family.gyyXElrKQhwcrYDnMTYNAyzUlNhalE
GbqvKdkoNTaWaAiOne morning, Wang Erhu’s father hurriedly came to the residence to temporarily take the child back.sNpXYwNPUkggIMcCssfjdSFFFBjjJZ
vaYPejdiosryUrKYue Xiaoshye was unhappy, but after Yue Laoye whispered with Xiaoshye, Yue Xiaoshye knew that this was something that had to be done.BphMQrVpASKfzTsncqUbFHgpPuXWHY
FLfUubVdoLcDkgvYue Xiaoshye held the child’s hand and whispered, “You need to come back early.”IbxpmFaJJdtXlTblrVUpGJzdLUMCmA
tLmDMHUVwOOGnyB“Okay, I don’t know what’s happened. I’ll come back as soon as I finish.”mKWGCYzSmhTIMiKeAoSbIsChLFvkbR
vwGCOIYUfrcIxMnXiaoshye knew what had happened and, feeling a bit uncomfortable, looked at Wang Erhu, “Xiao Hu, when you feel upset, think of me and the happy times we had.”WtwLXgoHTaXTWCZqTiQLWvvVaFYMls
ZCoDcNFkBWBbvHvThe child didn’t understand, only nodding. Then he said, “Young Master, I will practice writing well at home too, every day. When I’m done practicing, you have to promise me.”ubcGJgKxxpfDaHVDevWwShEcEAnIyN
NPXDGnJmBbWkqjEYue Xiaoshye pinched his face hard, “You idiot.”WiWreNiPfbfetUicUOuKXHWROFJXza
PmPupibLCaZQnWo“Will you? Okay, promise me.”jvvqYtBqQdYWLUHGNsfLRGSfOgXFSU
uIrRZdcdAFJhsxAYue Xiaoshye’s eyes flickered slightly, “If you practice well, I’ll… reluctantly agree.”PHDSaaqrvYsJoCJYTwdLUPqReWfewH
QgtAXZbllGsVFiL“Really! Young Master, you’re the best!” The child excitedly hugged Yue Xiaoshye, dancing with joy.efxGGwFcszHrCTHIAAOhDFQhdQffxU
ymlpHIIgTZpCyrGYue Xiaoshye rarely refrained from scolding him. Instead, he comforted him by patting his head, feeling deeply reluctant.gojODWhUftywjMQNNJojZjSLrULNfx
wiwuavJiImAbdHbHe didn’t know why, but just the thought of parting made him so uneasy, as if he might never see him again. This feeling wasn’t unfamiliar. When his mother was ill, each visit to see her, seeing her growing weaker, the feeling became more intense, until her death.hqDvwsyAqOoTUlsCcNuRGJIZtweybG
etxTVbXFykpoCZwHe feared Xiao Hu would be like his mother, promising not to leave, to stay and accompany him, only to leave regardless.tiuRYfaGpmhnFmOkCnEtYICxPhKdhK
fypqkiseqevFHPJAfter Xiao Hu was taken away, Yue Xiaoshye cried. He was deeply distressed, unable to stop the tears.WKqzwttOzayDgLIHWPcWrALinQJizp
ZmjsGQUmqnvYstxAlthough his father tried to comfort him, saying Xiao Hu would return in a few days, and he knew Xiao Hu would probably return in a few days, the intense unease made it hard for him to breathe, and he couldn’t help but be sad.iCdyNuYTNCTWPsgWhGOHQyjUxgRMAZ
GwsVJeRtxtfTDfSXiao Hu was taken back and didn’t understand why. On the way, he kept asking his father what had happened and when he could return to Yue’s residence.JQqLoTdhxQGSatQrebUnzeFwcKCfpB
PWdLxIfCsolZVRwHe missed Yue Xiaoshye so much, feeling that it was no fun without him.VTkrDeFdnhJHArHECxVjRWFnTdaiZc
nyLnRZxcCvfgTNTHis father didn’t dare to tell him on the way, fearing he would cry and make a fuss. It wasn’t until they got home that he told him that his grandfather in the countryside had fallen while working and passed away.GzzmNjxoOriVMaYlMWYywxQzGbYjEK
qXsCtXNSUGZfMoLThe old man, in his seventies, had such an accident, which wasn’t a strange occurrence. Adults had a certain level of psychological preparation.IHdUQdkmwEhcTJVDkdtljoOoaBhckr
gFzoqaIatDBUJcoBut children were different. They had been close to their grandfather since childhood, visiting him frequently. To suddenly say he was gone was something they couldn’t accept.OiIqZvFLTfVtMVHLSgvmvmttpeSapf
ZRUzRrcEIxVWdeLThe Wang family’s three children, the eldest being eleven and the youngest three, cried uncontrollably, and their cries were heart-wrenching to hear.IgqDalmDGcKWSrqGlDgIUeMXxETowq
ejFrimwyKFZSVXgAccording to rural customs, family members had to keep vigil for seven days.ZFnhZlzUPEubRdqplwdbJktElxDHBf
OdJkFbAcqgjtcKEWang Erhu was the closest to his grandfather. Perhaps the shock was too great, or the surrounding environment was too gloomy, but he fell ill with a fever after two days of vigil.GGThSykBJmdhRqJxHHAmKxRHVSdlGC
KokoplDKGgAItHrA neighbor said it was the grandfather missing the child and wanting to take him away.cDbetXeShRLwbbQHGqojaMgGapsDJC
PZYMxPWmmrcxyPWThis frightened his parents, who hurriedly sought experts, who examined and performed rituals, spending quite a bit of money.IFRDmBXHtALMFheIbEUgJtLOgodVRA
pUjOwfaCMeQZtsDWith all the delays, it took over half a month before the child was well enough to get out of bed.fybqZSCWozGGOUwolSOVzMuCGSYzKC
COCXAOIVNcljjVzAfter a serious illness, the pain of losing a loved one finally eased a bit.hcEzVKYcKEMWMinFyHoyoSSReTnsZq
kLmDAENUCxZAmiAIn the middle, the Yue residence had sent people several times to urge him, but the child wasn’t well and couldn’t go back.FEyYQsIHALdelDpkhogYeXlNyPlpdS
vOZQQsVxLiPAEiHNow that he’s better, he wants to return. Even when he was ill, he missed Yue Siming a lot and still remembered he promised Yue Siming to practice calligraphy and show him the results once he got better. But he never had the chance.OFCJtaBugcPxTybXWCFsHaHDaidYaO
bTyPnjtYvRczBJYSo, while his mother packed his things, he sat at the table and wrote calligraphy diligently, thinking at least he could write a piece to show the young master.gRznUcbomApUfqigbROytxluVPjIAJ
bfYlUWBioFAQQBXHe had practiced so many times that he could remember it without tracing now. The thought that Yue Siming might praise him made him very excited.HoUSqTVXEMYYcHWHzzgYxZBvZOhDQE
vQLlgCEWCZKeIGQAfter finishing, he carefully tucked the piece into his clothes. His mother had also packed his things, and they were waiting for his father to return and take him to the Yue residence.CKMDpqmiKlUOADOGxvKmNTeIsdMWhu
MaLBUBQicmrhdaFBut time passed, and no one came.LRrPHFQiFPhvSBLeofMMkXJvhvwrNM
qOPPhrWLqbhFWPFAfter a long wait, his father stumbled into the room, sweating and looking panicked. He collapsed onto the bed, breathless.TksAdFPiBWqERgNxjbiBFwJeDDlPRi
sKjKkaCPgGOfLhX“Father? What’s wrong?” The child’s mother went over and poured him a glass of water, puzzled.QHQrXioYGgNyOeKZmVwvuKDKGCecQy
VeOufxoApUFFSHzThe father downed the water in one gulp, panting heavily to calm down, and said to the child, “Don’t go, don’t go, you absolutely can’t go. General Yue is in trouble.”qoScoPQoHjwPUFvCLgELgGbNcCEecj
TDqfskPTqImHjAiThe child’s mind couldn’t keep up and stared blankly at his father.sxxypDRfTuRZvIQtsaurcAyFSgkwqx
YLZgstZDHqFMKPv“What happened?” the mother asked anxiously.bttvEHQRhjlKlClmAnmRgzQXolGQSi
osYjrXsRgZkzuiQ“Oh, this is bad. Everything was fine before, and we hadn’t heard anything. Suddenly today, it spread that General Yue is accused of treason. The evidence is said to be conclusive, and now the officials are raiding the house to arrest people. They say he’s going to be executed, and his entire family is to be wiped out!”yvdDbXnqWDrAVqOSnqHSCuVbocDcVx
hXjNknjEuGzRrLAThe child’s mind went blank. He didn’t understand much, just that General Yue was going to be executed.gmjhLbQhbejiiAZtJCfXDbvfupELTO
JLdBQcufFyPkHUxExecuted? Even a tall, strong, and majestic man like that could be executed?ZBrlSpOdimXcHljQouTKWVEtXnUCYk
iCOSMtqWRkOKKOrHe is the young master’s father. The young master doesn’t have a mother anymore, and now his father is going to be executed? What will happen to the young master?xyiYLdWKHWAesROvzsMCFGslOnIioK
cdZJWXzvdDwAADgThe mother was so scared her voice changed, “What… what should we do… what should we do… Will we be executed too? Erhu has been staying in their residence for almost half a year!”NnZjMtmevxhnpmvtHmlFGKmGyRWYoz
silVSerXNvmGFth“How would I know! I’m scared too! When the child went there, the General’s residence said it shouldn’t be publicized, so besides our family, no one knows. Maybe the officials don’t know either, but I’m afraid the General’s residence might have revealed us.”MdozyhewmuizivKgDnKpYoGbeKfKgA
ahqxGBOXXCnRMHY“What would the General’s residence say about us? They shouldn’t, right?”aarLFNdnjYgvUbnRYpDvsTmVgFarZe
XBBcvBomuLcPpuG“How would I know! Oh, this… this… being implicated means death!”EesBommUXzohzBDOmWKBEGAzAVvONV
eBJVTdcTGvzowTCThe child didn’t hear a word of the adults’ subsequent conversation. He only knew he had to go back immediately. He needed to find the young master.uRSsVLzfgWJadBVztqYclWvnayElul
isgeKivVQmSXKEQWhile the adults were still debating, the child jumped up and rushed out the door, leaving his parents’ exclamations far behind.VFyKaGchmmrePUCSOUeRNQEQAqfqFO
EOcleiwifkVeBqbUsed to playing in the fields, he ran extremely fast, even more recklessly now, with the wind howling in his ears.EdUtyHyESnSKVPaVtXfkbVcUYkulhg
pbSxQNqESkQkqYN“Young master, young master, I’m coming back now. Please wait for me. I’m just a few days late. Don’t leave without me.”bmAodlwntvSPTbZrqOrwFXNgjoCfTH
UJLuiHDlsPNaywoHe ran breathlessly toward the Yue residence, but as he got closer to the market, he couldn’t run any further.EIhrgocVzGRqsHadgFoTxafIaUlydJ
nrrdEqVTJydONRPThe usually bustling street was now packed with people, completely congested.lCWYLHfvHtHsZIjUvFBhYPvxXoEMtw
dYWqXhmXldmtCZVThe child’s keen eyes spotted the prison carts from afar. The towering man, General Yue, was especially conspicuous in the first cart. Although his demeanor was despondent, he still carried his imposing presence, standing upright and staring straight ahead.zpFRXSjIZuUxLssStQohDTQsNgaQQL
wVCijxnPoCKlOMiThe child’s heart sank.YTZYaJTJHVTtZDIflSJkOXnmaGXPxj
InwILrghzLAwVBRGeneral Yue was really going to be executed, and the carts were full of Yue residence people he recognized—stewards, guards, senior maidservants… What to do? What about the young master? Would he be executed too?CeORjvWnbQvXbbZJTKlkqZxAAzYDRO
zbmWltPXJXltnRgHe looked at each cart. Some people were standing, others sitting, but he could only see bits of their hair or clothing. His heart pounded. Was the young master inside?hBGhyZAISugbiKwmQdbATWEYvcImVZ
DDIUdxtnYErPomvIn the distance, he heard his father’s frantic curses, and he turned to see his father running toward him.bZYjvkUxtLvafhcQLkLPHWHlVZcgsm
ELyRCFQEokDgxkMHe darted into the crowd, his small frame weaving through the people.WTtpCrXRtFuQclHNyhvOxzrQoHcunK
FmrXQfMYgMmViSOStruggling through the throng, he squeezed forward with great effort. Everyone saw he was just a child and didn’t pay much attention.ixFRGUbluapmXnTQOTUIERjpoOerQV
jcrXYbSMXlieMFVAs he pushed forward, the surrounding voices flooded his ears.xAkIIqKNZYljBpMlQkCebsgphNlcwp
tCVSAwxFYkpiJMJ“Wasn’t General Yue a great hero? How could he be accused of treason?”NsIuEsVXrqrlmwDDPLwfDYdivmkiRz
gZGlWRWeMLfACzY“Who knows? I heard he wasn’t forced to resign willingly, but was pressured. Maybe he made enemies with the court?”GtQZRTlJbJSOcNaqpEMUlvbtciptMq
qEWsCcICwFxxMUs“I heard General Yue was framed. He was such a good man, highly respected in this area. I don’t believe he really committed treason.”gUViGmRXRpiAcJTFZBxEuNCOgFxMhw
FAEkjXpSTXIhakG“Shh, don’t say such things out loud. Keep it down.”WNeYtWtkVmemNMkMDSKicUznbAHWQN
BcAPXhuzHgSNYKs“General Yue is finished this time. Not only will his entire family be executed, but they’ll also punish his nine clans. Only those under eight and over eighty will be spared the death penalty, but they’ll be exiled to the borderlands.”FKrznMkzfxGQHMKWliKjOPwMNhyPDP
TvlNkjMNEPjRNKq“That’s just a way to kill everyone. How can old people and children survive out there?”rzLVjCjynNVCOKoznwkxYzFLtAgfJx
yTWQygeNneUfXkG“Exactly.”BfpMvTxplajeMjKDkIFJSMtrQFChly
BNLyDNYwghoGCdA“Look at that little child. Must be General Yue’s son. How pitiful.”liEWnTxrRZVLQNqTqDGvwRgWdxVulB
khRaXTNbWptkDVw“Yes, General Yue had this son late in life. It’s such a shame.”MtzqnvUXVhiqPBdZpXvGOdQMROBoEH
ptVmDvdMdpfOwpIThe child gritted his teeth and finally made his way to the front of the crowd. There, he saw a small, curled-up figure in the cart.THJdpSYtPGyvGzQHtCaorgKwzvvvkQ
obiMJYqWfbfxEVETears instantly filled his eyes. He ran forward, shouting, “Young master! Young master!!!”QGFwROsdHwxzbZjAUOiInxVWiUdGXh
gtrpRQuGWdjxjvPThe noise of the crowd drowned out his weak voice.ZGxzpqCxObsfGddjvHKBOKtlsrMsLe
IROAdrPnLImjMHpHe could only run desperately and call out.XpTIkITreqQQhBXLjnJwoTYoiiCsFX
iJgjPSCAWXYDtgDFinally, he reached the cart where Yue Siming was. The young master’s small back trembled, and he slowly turned his head.nKqDtzgEwlUDmujSMiomrygGItoPcF
CvmGmQlxiOQjAyy“Young master!! Young master!!! I’m back!!! Young master!!” The child’s face was covered in tears, chasing the cart and calling out.HWEYCKIrtqyTYclSHwCLmgGiJDrADE
GRxsUiOEKrjutAAYue Siming’s face was as pale as paper. At first, he looked happy, then shocked. He glanced around in disbelief and then angrily said, “Are you an idiot? What are you doing running over here now? Get lost quickly!”PQAANrXrITpZbGTWMCDsczwfqRFSAQ
jjIxWJIELTyFJtEThe child’s face was smeared with snot and tears. As if he hadn’t heard, he cried while running, “Where are they taking you? Why did your father commit treason? What is treason? Don’t leave! Don’t go! Where are they taking you?”AcUIUteGwmsaPsGLGvnJYUunBXeNyn
aoGntlRBkGDvOruYue Siming’s eyes were also red, and he continued to scold persistently, “My father didn’t commit treason, you fool! Get out of here quickly; this isn’t a place for you. Get lost already!”GSJjONGJMzrpidoTCeWItyjTrrNaLs
UCZSDnFECDfgWvMThe child cried out, “Young master!! Didn’t you say you’d wait for me? I was sick! I didn’t mean to stay away! My grandfather died!! My grandfather died! Where are you going?? Don’t leave!!”vggZsNTZOyFEQLepQbBifabXYtXxcL
MGcKMJGrtoJdxAcYue Siming fought back tears, “You idiot, who even knows you!! Hurry up and leave!”DsFKWlbXLJbFPfGRehonKmQjiKyaGl
dUylnlEEbVuQjDc“Young master!! How can you not recognize me? It’s Xiao Hu!! Young master!!! I can write your name now! Really!! I practiced hard!! Look, I’ll show you!!” The child’s small hands trembled as he pulled out the neatly folded square paper from his chest and unfolded it to show Yue Siming.DIpjPNuArbDbtdZGmUzBTyIqQGnxjX
LrjNXhMbhThFDMyIt was written with the characters “岳斯铭” (Yue Siming) in a crooked, uneven manner.yFyMfnhZOleRvHQtqEryayaxnkRnbm
itcPlXinlVkoHTh“Young master, look!! I can write it now! I can write it! Didn’t you say you’d be my little bride!!! Don’t go!! You have to be my little bride!! I can write your name now!! Don’t leave!!”TrVXGrjjrywSqmNiSWJmZjrqwGTFdw
nPkCxEuCRbASTMEYue Siming bit his lip, glanced at the paper, and quickly turned away, his whole body shaking uncontrollably, unable to bear looking back.fNJupXVXMaSQIgLnJUHFbltqVRLPOy
BKHzijyTbEswuxwThe child, undeterred, continued to chase the cart, crying out, “Young master!! Don’t leave!! Don’t leave!! Where are you going!! I’ll go with you! You promised you’d be my little bride!! I can write your name now!! You must keep your promise!!! Young master!!! Waaaahhh—”TrLgrTVQoEWsCVPfvTWzMmLktmOAIw
TMmAJhxFsxxmVyYThe child suddenly tripped and fell, his face covered in dirt, his knees and elbows scraped and bleeding, no longer able to keep up with the cart.YBLDpNLdGuvWdPlRZphgRktSRTdHDT
gCpqZoSawLibLgyHe could only scream desperately at Yue Siming, his voice hoarse, “Young master, young master—Waaaahhhhhh—young master—”zJgcssmtWGOAzQtTDTjnhuvSfkEwuf
IcJAAnqGAgIkxUBThe child lay on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.EWxJdpkcHVQZxBYqNznbGhaYYZQiiO
iBbUdgfjAkMsCeiYue Siming suddenly turned his head, tears streaming down his face, his expression twisted in anguish, “Xiao Hu!! Don’t forget me!! I don’t know where I’m going, I’m so scared!! Don’t forget me, please don’t forget me!! When you grow up, come find me. If you find me, I’ll be your little bride!! Don’t forget me!!”DvUtFsXgdYUDEkwcRbhFaSVxGYDVGX
vyXqKBykDWNdpHpThe child couldn’t make out what Yue Siming was saying, but seeing him turn around and cry so much made him feel as if his heart was being torn apart, just like when he first learned of his grandfather’s death. He cried and struggled to get up, determined to continue chasing.ZYPYthDKFBhNbVdBHLTiHkJSfbLkOP
CKmFUwKlEbEqoDEThe commotion finally caught the attention of the escorting soldiers. One of them came over and, seeing the dirt-covered child, shouted, “What’s going on here??”HGeQDnpolrIPxrxwerMIHlIfEUclhV
jEnojOpOGbLMAGEThe child seemed not to notice and tried to run forward. The soldier blocked him with a foot, “Where did this child come from? What’s the matter? Why are you shouting??”ZCqIHDyEwbwekOtdUUealCdyCybUjF
MEIeDyHUrICzHZbYue Siming, crying desperately, signaled for him to leave quickly.QKtXkUURyxjcSpGukZYOiHqarMRKMb
ugagJQAVtcZYXVeThe child refused, still crying out for the young master, and tried to push the soldier’s leg. When that didn’t work, he bit down.zHtCOlGAqiIQLknCaTWzNLcqEwhkJY
GvHlKtyQDknFFxWThe soldier cried out in surprise, kicked the child to the ground, and scolded, “Whose crazy child is this? Don’t you know it’s dangerous!!”xoMmbhzdEXYngBqjoInHbGTphBwxOY
YAaPxMsfqgIAUULYue Siming screamed, “Xiao Hu—” but his weak voice couldn’t reach over.gLSdklLZOctLZRzdrKphzRNHWTZRia
XXvKIpbQylNjkDrThe child was suddenly lifted off the ground effortlessly. Behind him, a person with a pleasant fragrance and a soothing voice said, “Sir, I’m sorry. My father just passed away, and the child was very close to his grandfather. The shock was too much for him. He had a fever and his mind was confused. I’m really sorry.”XYvNnlDLJmKcToFMBeWYJqotVVTmkF
okQYBUGPSTPzhHQThe child struggled desperately, not caring who the person behind him was. He only wanted to chase after the young master.wBTVggyIsfYdSExLppGbVgCWwzriEY
UZiqFnomIqlRBZVThe soldier, stunned by the beauty of the person—who was a man—took the silver coin handed to him and, not wanting to argue with a child, left after a few lingering glances at the beautiful figure.VoWDWYoXiIavBNPmtfeTtjZeMwnCku
KmzkJOhBTilfeSDYue Siming’s figure was nearly out of sight. He clung to the bars of the cart, staring at the person holding Xiao Hu, his eyes wide with rage. He screamed, “Yu Mingjing!! Don’t touch him!! I’ll kill you!! Yu Mingjing!! I’ll kill you—”wTSvnfhYTfxEvvFFccUJkOndDKzzXL
yMBKWPkwUqXqOFoThe child’s tears obscured his vision. He could see nothing, only instinctively trying to break free to pursue the young master.sZkTeYEGeJQWBPwhBsgtkGrCCaznNd
fUfibOYAJGhaQPKA gentle voice whispered, “Such a foolish child.” Then everything went black, and he lost consciousness.xmpScmCCPZVfChDjZvdWqGCgyxySEK
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