"You're too weak to even cry out, huh? But not so weak that you can't look around... Are you even doing that intentionally?"
A soft but gentle laugh, it wasn't hard to tell the person it came from was crying. If the dripping streaks weren't evidence enough.
"Sorry, it's been so long since I've cried that I didn't even realize it… Till it ended up dripping on you."
Laughter followed the gentle, caring, warmth that wiped away a slight irritation.
"Well there goes the confident heroic expression I wanted you to see first. And since you get to see me like this. I guess it's only fair."
After some swaying, there was a shape that was very, very still.
"See, that's your mom. She's pretty tuckered out right now, and I'm not sure… just when she'll wake up. But when she does and I promise you she will…"
***
"Does he not like it?"
"He'll smack you if you try to move it."
In one of the more personal dining rooms in the Xuan Estate. Xuan Shen, Xuan Shi and their son Xuan Yu were gathered together, seemingly around a noodle bowl.
With obvious movements Xuan Shen attempted to move the bowl and Xuan Yu smacked his hand just like Xuan Shi said. And Xuan Shen withdrew with a broad grin.
"Well, if he does like it why isn't he eating it?"
"Maybe he just likes staring at it."
Though Xuan Shi said it as a joke it was hard to tell thanks to her cold expression, but by now Xuan Shen could read her.
"Maybe he prefers cold food."
"Or maybe he likes soggy noodles."
"Ugh, does anybody like soggy anything?"
While his parents joked about what preferences he might have. Xuan Yu continued to stare into the bowl of noodles as if it was magical.
"It's too bad we won't get to see his preferences develop."
"Maybe we'll see him develop new ones."
"Maybe… Yu do you want to go see Big Brother Seung?"
Without breaking eye contact with the noodles Xuan Yu nodded in response.
***
Xuan Yu sat in the center of the Xuan Estate Common Room. A young Xuan Yi sleeping deeply in his lap. Undisturbed even as Xuan Yu poked and pulled his cheeks with a displeased expression.
For a reason unknown to Xuan Yu, Xuan Yi's attendants showed up with a half-asleep Xuan Yi, who then proceeded to gurgle at the sight of him before toddling over and falling asleep on him.
Despite it being several minutes now. None of the attendants moved to pick up Xuan Yi. And since they couldn't tell Xuan Yu's expression, they just made comments on how cute the sight was.
Then, suddenly the siblings were scooped up into a gentle hug, accompanied by the sound of a gentle laugh. And were nuzzled without relent.
Having just got back from an assignment. Xuan Shen acted like a parent who hadn't seen their child in years. Despite the fact they were only separated for under an hour.
Until a bang, rang throughout the Commons Room. And Xuan Yu and Xuan Yi were in their mother's embrace.
"You're overdoing it."
"Be honest, you just wanted to hold them."
"Tch."
Hearing Xuan Shi click her tongue, Xuan Shen raised his hand in mock surrender. But the smile never left his face.
"You should try it, Shi."
At the suggestion both Xuan Shi and Xuan Yu looked at each other. But since both of them had too much unnecessary pride. They pretended neither of them thought about it.
***
On Xuan Yu's 6th birthday, Xuan Shen and Xuan Shi left the Xuan Estate in the early morning. Unwilling to wake up their two sons they lost the chance to say goodbye.
***
Within the Xuan Estate, Xuan Yu and Xuan Yi were standing together at the top of the Common Room's servant. And though unlike Xuan Yi, Xuan Yu was looking outward. Both their gazes were unfocused, unclear, lost.
Even when the main entrance to the Common Room was slammed open. Xuan Yu was only able to barely recognize it.
And when a stranger swaggered in his home in borderline gaudy clothes. He merely regarded it all with an empty gaze. The voice the man spoke with or what he said to those around him. None of it registered in Xuan Yu.
Until that stranger came up to him and that broad smile of his turned to a kinder one. Until that stranger knelt before him and wrapped him in a hug.
And that warm, no by that point any warmth. Reminded him of the warmth that just up until a short while ago. He never went a day without. And Xuan Yu began to cry, uncontrollably.
And as that stranger wrapped Xuan Yi who had begun to cry as well in his embrace also. A small part of Xuan Yu made him aware that he had been in shock up until now. And that knowledge only made him cry harder. Leaving him oblivious to the strangeness of the Qi infused words he would hear next.
"Don't worry, leave everything to me."
***
A bang rang out in the dining hall as Ong Zhou's hand came down with power. Turning a portion of the table to dust. Anger, frustration and disappointment was the mask he wore.
Li Jun who sat beside was completely unperturbed looking at her plate looking for secrets within half-empty plate. Though to others it just looked like she was scared. Just like the target of Ong Zhou's rage, the Xuan siblings, who were now standing. Xuan Yu in front of Xuan Yi, his arm outstretched, defensively as Xuan Yi clung to him.
Despite his apparent fear and trembling Xuan Yu didn't back down.
Ong Zhou snorted sharply and his visage turned calmer.
"Indeed, you're being fed less. Your parents are dead after all."
Seeing Xuan Yu get angry, Ong Zhou laughed.
"You feel it's unfair or do you think me a villain now?"
Hearing the pained sigh Ong Zhou gave, confusion spread momentarily on Xuan Yu's face. But he remained guarded.
"Your parents died unexpectedly and there are lots of problems that come up with unexpected deaths. Especially when we're talking about two influential people with many assets and connections. My hands are full trying my hardest just to ensure that the two of you will be able to inherit the hard-earned legacy of your parents. Something, I gave up my own holdings for! Something I've poured all my resources into because I understand and admire the work of both your parents! Listen, here! I spend so much of my day fighting off unscrupulous schemers who are trying to steal from you, not me! The last thing I want is to come home and be met with suspicion. When I'm just trying to have a warm meal…"
The exhaustion he placed in his last sentenced dampened the anger and suspicion of Xuan Yu immensely. And remembering they had no real familial connection. That Ong Zhou was helping him and his little brother purely out of "good will." Xuan Yu softened his tone.
"Uncle Zhou, I'm not trying to accuse you. You've shown nothing but care for us over the past half-year, never hesitating to give us your time. And actively involving yourself in the Xuan Family affairs. We're grateful, but this is enough to fit in my hand."
To prove he wasn't exaggerating Xuan Yu did exactly that. And the small hand of a 6-year-old was indeed enough to hold his dinner.
"Even if I'm fine, Yi, is only three. Having more food is important to his growth."
Ong Zhou was silent for a while but then he gave a sigh laced with disappointment.
"No. It has become clear to me that you don't understand hardship. That you're spoiled. Before long you will probably be asking me to use a palanquin because the estate is too large. And all the walking will harm you or your little brother."
The faintest of blushes coated Xuan Yu as he had indeed thought of that. After all, the estate was so large that it was common to stop for rest whenever you had to go somewhere. But hearing what came next embarrassment gave way to trepidation.
"A punishment is in order one, that will teach you to understand hardship. Something to temper your endurance... Even if it hurts my heart to do such a thing, I must. Otherwise I will be unable to face your parents."
***
In a shed made for a purpose yet to be known. The argument of two brothers over a bowl of food was coming to an end.
"Come on, Yi, you have to eat."
"Big Brother, too."
"No, I'm fine. You're still growing you need to eat. And I really am fine… um, oh yeah, a servant passed me some food earlier."
Finding it hard to look in Xuan Yi's eyes after his blatant lie. Xuan Yu turned his head to the side. Though his impassive face hid his embarrassment. It didn't stop Yi from catching onto his lie. Looking at Yi who was showing him a rare sign of defiance. Xuan Yu pleaded and promised.
"Please Yi eat, I'll be fine, I promise."
And after sometime Xuan Yi, nodded, reluctantly. But the next day he wouldn't give in no matter what Xuan Yu said.
***
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Spoiler: Brown Ribbon Warning (Child Abuse)
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"Young Masters, this way, now! Quickly, go with him."
Xuan Yu and Xuan Yi were pushed towards a younger guard by a grizzled older one. As 3 masked assailants came down on them. Drawing his blade the older guard severed the head of one of the assailants and clashed with the other two in a quick flurry.
While the other guard scooped up the Xuan siblings and ran off the main road. Straight into an alleyway as another 5 assailants rained down upon the older guard.
The moment they had reached some distance from the older guard. The younger one threw Xuan Yu and Xuan Yi to the ground. As an assortment of 10 men showed themselves. All dressed as roughly as they appeared.
"So, how about it boss? I did pretty fate damned good, didn't I?"
Said the younger "guard" with a grin. As Xuan Yu rose to his feet protecting Xuan Yi with his body and looking around wearily. For an escape route while trying to analyze the men.
"Yeah, whatever, shut your mouth. Ten Hells is this really the brat? Ain't you something? Instead of sucking your dead moms' tits. You're up there smearing your shit on our plans."
The "boss" of this group spoke as he made his way over to Xuan Yu, who was glaring fiercely at him. Of course that man didn't care and when he stood in front of Xuan Yu, he grabbed a fistful of his hair and pulled. Forcing Xuan Yu to look up at him.
With all his might Xuan Yu sent a kick at the man's crotch, but though he scored a hit. The man didn't flinch or react. Instead he just looked at Xuan Yu's face. And similarly, ignored the ineffectual attempt Xuan Yu made at scratching downward from his wrist.
"Fate! Would you look at this face. Either make you hard or uncomfortable. Hells if my wench gave birth to a brat like this, I would ruin his face myself. In fact that gives me an idea."
"Nah, boss, face like that would go for a good price. Plus if the son of their hero got sold. It would be a major slap in the face to those Cultivator bastards."
"... We'll go with that."
Seeing his brother in pain, Xuan Yi tried to help but was easily caught and pressed down into the ground. Then Xuan Yu began struggling fiercely but it did nothing to hurt the "boss."
After making up his mind to follow through with his word his foot. The "boss" stuffed his foot so hard into Xuan Yu's stomach the only thing that kept him off the ground was the vice grip on his hair. And all his thoughts crumpled and the little Xuan Yi escaped from the grip holding him, crying out, only to be wrestled back into the ground.
"-…"
Xuan Yu tried to speak but before any proper noise came out. The "boss" stepped on his face and pressed down.
"I don't like brats. I don't like smart brats. And I don't like people shitting on my plans. So, listen close. Don't talk or we'll cut your tongue out. They won't care too much about it at your new job. Next stay down take your beating and we'll leave your brother alone. We're trying to take a piss on you Cultivators not drive you lot into a frenzy. Finally, remember this is what you Cultivator bastards deserve.
Alright kiddens you heard the plan. Vent all you want. Just make sure his face is in sellable condition."
With that their "boss" walked off and the other ten closed in on Xuan Yu.
Xuan Yu on the other hand rose to his feet. And looked at Xuan Yi who was crying. He wanted to say or do something but couldn't figure out the right thing to do and before he could.
Deep pain radiated through him before the shock set in. And as Xuan Yu's body crumbled he saw his leg now twisted at an odd angle. Feel the wrongness of it as the pain radiated out. Then as he hit the ground he caught the glimpse of the smiling thin faced man who snuck up on him. But the burning ache was enough to make him forget to be angry.Then blow after blow rained down on him.
Xuan Yu curled up as best as he could, bit his lips bloody raw and sunk his nails into his palm. He was determined not to scream out not to make a peep. To not give them not even the slightest satisfaction. To hold out and wait for that guard to come and rescue them.
So, with every body-shaking blow he took, he bit down harder. With every new fount of pain, he dug deeper. Till blood ran freely from his own mouth. Till when he could no longer move his hands, they were still in a death grip. Till he weakly chucked up bloodied vomit as he no longer had the energy to clench his jaw.
Holding out like that turned out to be a mistake. Not that his actions were a mistake per say. It's just there are people who enjoy trying to get a turtle out of its shell.
And so each of his assailants took turns trying whatever they could think of to get a response. Xuan Yu didn't notice when he passed out. He only notice waking up to some hot liquid pouring on his face. A ringing in his hair. Overwhelming pain and aches all over and the sound of laughter that rang in his ears like too many, too loud bells. And cheers as they got him to wake up again.
Then there was a piercing pain that Xuan Yu's overwhelmed brain could barely recognize. And for a moment he was concerned about making noise. But by then not only had he made several, he was too weak to make any more.
But somehow through his current state he heard;
"Oi, for fate's sake this brat just won't stop. Hell should I do with him?"
"Huh, how should I know. If no one wants to take care of him. Just break his limbs or something."
Accompanied by the ringing and screaming of Xuan Yi crying and screaming in his ear. Xuan Yu couldn't tell if they were hurting his little brother. Sounds weren't that clear to him but thinking they were he dug deep and managed to open his mouth, tilt his head then close it. By luck catching a foot that was aimed at his chest in his mouth. With all his might he bit down, and his victim screamed. While the other men laughed and joked. The one who had intended to harm Xuan Yi included.
Despite being hit over and over Xuan Yu didn't release his jaw. But that could only last for so long. Xuan Yu body flew into a wall and crumbled lifelessly.
As the men grew worried that he kicked the bucket a childish scream louder than any the owner made before filled the alleyway. As Xuan Yi's eyes became like a deep dark ocean. And 10 men became splashes of dark water across the walls and floor of the alleyway. While Xuan Yu coated in the same waters was cleansed and healed.
Despite being confused Xuan Yu gathered himself up as soon as he could and rushed to Xuan Yi. Only to notice that the latter was unconscious. A small puddle of the same dark water on the floor beside him a trail revealing it as a kind of vomit.
Scooping up his little brother he realized that not only Xuan Yi was cold, but his heartbeat was weak and growing increasingly weak.
But when Xuan Yu clutched Xuan Yi tight and turned to run.
"Ten Hells ain't this some fate wrecked shit?"
The "boss" returned and though his tone was light, his glare was murderous.
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Brown Ribbon's End
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***
"Look it's Xuan Yu and his little brother."
"If the father is a tiger, the son certainly can't be a dog."
After hearing that Xuan Yu didn't bother to listen anymore. It was probably some common gossip or typical praise he could hear anywhere. And he was tired, very tired.
Sitting in an Upper Mortal Ring tea shop that his "aunt" had told him about in passing. He tried to relax, but even the luxuries around him or the praise of others was no help. And he couldn't feel any connection to his mother in that place.
Since the incident Ong Zhou had given him one difficult task after another. Though his uncle claimed it was to help him get familiar with managing the Xuan Family. Xuan Yu learnt a lot about the world he was currently living in from that incident.
One of those thing was that Ong Zhou wanted him and his little brother dead. But for a reason he had yet to grasp. Wouldn't act overtly against him. At most his plan to kill them was restricted to making the two of them getting sick. And whenever they did to delay any doctors from seeing them for as long as reasonably possible. Tough Xuan Yu had been weary of him and Xuan Yi being poisoned or assassinated. It never happened and Ong Zhou personally increased the number of people in charge of protecting him.
Being constantly on guard, being constantly tasked with solving problems eventually wore him out and the pressure of constantly having to prove his intellect. Wore him out and he grew cold to everyone around him. Fed up with being here Xuan Yu rose to his feet.
"Yi, let's go."
Without another word or properly looking at his younger brother Xuan Yu left the tea shop. His cup untouched and Xuan Yi's half-finished.