Several hours prior to the unfolding chaos, Ye Yinan had brought Li Yu back to the manor.
He cleans his younger brother, clothes him, and brews him medicine; a tea that not only helps one heal but also helps one forget.
Time passes so utterly slowly. The sun crawls over the horizon but Ye Yinan moves as though in a trance. His mind feels stuffy with emotions that war. His fingers tremble as he pulls the thin sheets over Li Yu's body.
The servants have already begun to rouse, milling back and forth as they tend to the yard and the kitchens. It's almost time to rise.
Ye Yinan quells his emotions, lets them simmer just beneath the surface. He wordlessly retreats from Li Yu's quarters when he bumps into a surprised servant. The servant, flustered, quickly ducks his head and mumbles a hurried greeting to the young master before scurrying off. Or at least he tries, but Ye Yinan stops him.
