-Ehy don't let go of my hand, got it?- says Hua toward HuChang -Mhn!- she nods happily, he smiles and then turns to face the older man -It's oddly crowded around here- a lot of beggars walk around carrying improvised bags with food inside it and some faint smiles can be seen on their faces
-If my sister was still living here I would say it was her fault... But this is weird- he frowns at the situation before him -While we're here I might as well ask what's happening-
-Are you sure you want to meet your parents?- worries the younger man -It's ok, my mother lost her head since a while so she probably won't even recognize us-
...
The three of them enters the household and nobody comes to greet them -No servants...- presses his lips PeiZhi -You think they got sent away?- the older one shakes his head -Probably dead- PeiZhi looks around the hall and feels a chill run down his spine.
A place that was once filled with life was now cold and empty, saying it was a happy place would be an hypocrisy but still this is far from what he imagine would happen as a young boy... He remembers the dozens of servants going around carrying on with their duties, all those peoples who's families were depending on such duties. His sister walking around elegantly and the crazed mother yelling orders at everyone.
He sighs recalling the long lost past and heads for the office of his father, he knocks a few times before finally receiving a reply -There's nothing more... We can share for... Today- the faint voice of his father reaches his ears.
Peizhi enters the room -Not even a welcome for your son?- he says and the man's eyes enlightens -P p pei...? What a joyful sight, it's been years now... Wait, let me go and get your... Moth... Cough cough!- he tries to stand up from his chair but some strong coughing stops him
His son rushed to his side and tries to help him but the father pushes him away, reaching for a handkerchief instead to cover his mouth. Peizhi catches a glimpse of red into the soft fabric -Father?! What is that blood?- he asks panicked -Don't worry... I told you I had some troubles with the weather-
-Still lying now, I know you're ill but I had no idea it was this severe... Have you seen a doctor?-
-Yes I did, don't worry son. It just looks worse than how it actually is- he sighs -When I don't drink enough and cough repeatedly my old throat gets scraped... That's all- he pats his hand -Now let me go an get your mother out of bed-.
...
-Are you sure I can attend?- asks nervous Hua -Don't worry it will be fine, but I fear that telling them the whole truth might trouble their old hearts so let's not say it- the young man looks at him with ready eyes -The situation is that bad?-
-I fear so... I caught him coughing out blood so... Let's just not anger them further when in such a state- they both nods and the little girl comes over -Dad... I don't understand what's happening- she shivers
Peizhi kneels down and hugs her shoulders -I know, I'm sorry for getting you involved little one... This is actually daddy's house from when he was as little as you. I'm here to meet your grandparents, but they're quite old now and sick... So be a good girl for me, will you?- she nods with a smile and goes to hide behind Hua's arms.
Steps approach them from behind and immediately a yell can be heard from the mother -Ah!!! Pei, Peizhi! What what's he doing here?!- she asks toward her husband.
Peizhi takes a breath in and Hua caresses his arm as a consolation before he could turn around. The appearance of the women is much worse than he thought... The hair have somehow turned completely gray in less than 2 years since he last saw her, she became skinnier than a skeleton and the skin appears thin and transparent. Her eyes are out of focus and the lips all dry and wounded.
-Where is your sister? Are the kids safe?! My grandchildren, oh my little ones... Surely they aren't having troubles at the Palace?-
Peizhi remains silent for a bit due to the shock -Uhm... Yes, the kids are healthy but they can't leave the Palace for their own safety, you surely understand mother- he looks at the father who helplessly shrugs his shoulders -Let's seat down and have a cup of warm water shall we? I was on duty nearby with a... Colleague of mine- he says and the father nods, silently agreeing with him about not talking about the truth in front of his mother.
...
After a some time spent chatting over a warm cup of plain water, the mother begins to play with the little girl and leaves peizhi to talk with his father -I saw some people with sacks of food... Is that your doing?-
The man nods -I thought that we had so much yet needed none of it so I did was was best for everyone... Before they could come in and take it themselves at least. Ah that is your sister's way of thinking that rubbed off on me in my old years haha- he laughs with a raspy voice -I'm sure that if she was here with us she would have been out in those streets distributing food and sewing clothes for everyone, that's just how much she's willing to give for others-
-She's giving much more that that actually-
-What do you mean?- he asks confused -Lai'Er is... Being called a hero, father. Everyone acknowledge her strength, even at the Palace... It's thanks to her that we haven't been hurt yet. She's been conquering victories upon victories and covered a lot of land, pushing back the invading forces. I'm sure she will come back as a General once the War is finished-
-Is that true? I'm happy... I'm really happy, you don't understand how much...- The man starts to tear up -Gods, I cannot believe it- he covers his face to hide away the emotions -Ah look at me now, I'm really getting old... I was afraid, I haven't received news since that incident with the Prince. To think my little girl is out there fending off enemies with her own hands-
He sniffles -He had to bear so much when living here, I'm happy that she's now finally able to stand for herself against others... To think what I... Did, to her- he cries down in regret -All because I wanted to force her into a future that could have killed her from the inside... If I ever succeed, if she wasn't as strong... She would have been one of those hundred of ladies who got raped and killed in our land, instead she can slaughter the evil from our land now and help to bring salvation...-
-Father... Stop now, there's no use in blaming yourself after all these years-
He nods a few times and slowly recollects himself -Mhn mhn, I'm just happy to have such splendid news at my age... Both my children are alive, that is all that matters. I don't care about anything such as grandkids or marriages, being alive is a blessing these days...- he smiles and pats his son's hand -Anyway, what were you doing around here?-
-Well... We were going to Hua's house, he wanted to check in his father and sisters so I thought we might come and say hi to you too-
-Oh that's gonna be a long journey by foot, sleep here tonight and depart tomorrow morning... I'll get you a room for your family-
-Family?- blinks ashamed Peizhi and the father winks -Isn't that my granddaughter afterall?- he laughs and the young man sighs in resignation -Yes, She is...-
-Perfect, introduce us once your mother is resting in her room- he smiles, squeezing tenderly the son's hand.