As soon as she held Han Yunyi, Han Yunxi was alarmed.
Heavens, even though they were separated by a thick layer of clothing, she could feel how cold he was, and how he trembled.
In the middle of winter, Heaven knows how frigid it was!
Han Yunxi thought the child had long lost consciousness from the chill, but when she saw his tender face, she was seized with shock again. He was still awake!
His purple lips quivered as he gritted his teeth, those dark pupils contrasting within his eyeballs like clear pools in snow. Tears glimmered at the edges of his eyes but refused to fall. Han Yunxi took in all this at a glance, including the blood seeping from the corners of his lips. Just how tightly was he clamping down his jaw? He was only six years old, but his innocent face was filled with unwavering determination. At this age, how many children still spoiled themselves in their parentsâ laps? Han Yunyi already understood what was dignity and honor, what was refusing to submit!
Though heâd been stripped and laughed at, then whipped for two hours or more, he never whimpered once in pain, or cried a single peep. He didnât even beg for mercy. In that instant, this young and stubborn face branded itself into Han Yunxiâs heart as something she wouldnât forget for the rest of her life. She unconsciously tightened her grip on Han Yunyi to try and give him more warmth.
âYiâer, well done!â
On the side, Han Yuqi was about to fall apart. âHan Yunxi, the antidote! Whereâs the antidote?!â
Only now did Han Yunxi take out a small packet of antidote from her medicine pouch and toss it over. Han Yuqi hastily caught it and gulped it down. The poison had spread quickly, but the antidote worked fast as well. Soon enough, the itchiness disappeared from Han Yuqiâs face and neck, eventually reaching his arms and hand as well. But he was already in a sorry plight with both sleeves torn to shreds and his collar ripped. His arm, neck, and face were covered with scratch marks, many of which were oozing blood. Those who didnât know mightâve thought he had been attacked by a rabid dog.\nThe calmer Han Yuqi panted for breath as he glared at Han Yunxi, who held Han Yunyi tight and returned a cold stare. She didnât fear him at all.
âHan Yunxi, you dared to plot against this young master. You think Iâll let you off easily?â Han Yuqi stepped closer and closer.
âYou wouldnât. So I didnât give you the antidote,â Han Yunxi said coldly. Little Chen Xiang hadnât arrived with reinforcements yet. Sheâd finally found a chance to poison him, so why would she cure him so quickly? Han Yuqi was a beast that, once offended, could do anything. She didnât have a hole in her head so she wasnât stupid. Why would she be honest with him?
âYou!â Han Yuqi gasped for breath.
âDidnât you want to wait for the justice courtâs men to arrive? If you have the guts, wait for wangfeiâs sake! Otherwise, I promise your poison will flare up once every hour!â Han Yunxi warned. Though she was sitting down, the aura she emitted was impressive enough to shake all those present.
How could Han Yuqi take the risk when heâd already suffered once? He gritted his teeth. âThen weâll wait. This young masterâs not afraid of you!â
No matter who came from the justice courts, theyâll know he was the Ministry of Appointments magistrateâs grandson and that Han Yunxi was just some no-name, bullied wangfei. Whoâd dare cause difficulties for him!
Heâll wait!
If Han Yunxi didnât hand over the storehouse key today, she shouldnât think about taking a step out of the Han house!
Han Yuqi sat down without regard to his pathetic state and kept his eye on Han Yunxi, as if fearful the storehouse key would fly away. Han Yunxi allowed him to stare as he wished while she comforted the child in her arms. Even though he was warmer now, Han Yunyi still gritted his teeth, his entire body stretched taut with tension. He recognized Han Yunxi and knew that sheâd come to save him. But he didnât dare relax. He was afraid that if he did, heâd cry.\nHe wouldnât cry!
In this house, his mother was the most favored one, and the most patient one. Although he was his fatherâs favorite son, heâd suffered many grievances because his mother was so tolerant. Heâd never cried before, so he didnât want to cry this time, either.
âYunyi, itâs all right. Donât grit your teeth, just relax, okay?â Han Yunxi urged softly. She brushed her hand past Han Yunyiâs cheeks, warming up his cold little face. But Han Yunyi was unmoved. Though his open eyes reflected Han Yunxi in the pupils, he didnât really see her. Still, Han Yunxi controlled herself and continued to urge him.
âYunyi, be good and listen. Youâre already bleeding.â
âItâs okay. Just relax, all right? Big sister is here. Big sisterâs protecting you, so they wonât dare to try anything.â
âIn the future, big sister will always protect you. Donât be afraid. Everythingâs okay.â
âŠâŠ
Her patience and perseverance finally warmed Han Yunyiâs heart. Slowly, ever so slowly, his vision of Han Yunxi grew blurrier. Han Yunxi knew that this child had bore enough and was ready to let it go.
âGood child, donât be afraid. Big sister knows youâve been the strongest,â she lightly touched his hair, as if caring after her own child.
âYunyi, big sister knows youâre a brave man. You wonât cry because youâve never cried, right?â
âYunyi, if youâre tired, just sleep. Itâs all right. Big sisterâs here. Iâll always be here.â
âŠâŠ
Han Yunxiâs voice grew softer and softer, smaller and smaller. And Han Yunyiâs eyelid also slowly, gradually lowered. Heâd finally relaxed and fallen asleep from exhaustion. When he finally shut his eyes and relaxed his jaw, a single trail of tears streaked down from the corner of his eyesâŠ
Though Han Yunxi hadnât taken Han Conganâs directions to heart, her own was aching at this moment. She murmured, âYiâer, big sister wasnât lying to you. Big sister promised your father to protect you.â\nHan Yunxi was about to carry Han Yunyi inside the rooms when a few servants prepared to stop her. She kept them back with a single fierce glance, and the servants shot questioning glances at Han Yuqi. Han Yuqi disdainfully waved a hand to dismiss them since Han Yunxi couldnât escape, anyways.
Han Yunxi carried Han Yunyi into the house and took advantage of his unconsciousness to treat the wounds on his back. She applied the best medicine and studiously bandaged the injuries. After finishing her careful treatment, she tucked him in under the covers. At this point, a clamor rose outside the door as Han Yuqi shouted gleefully.
âHan Yunxi, Han Yunxi, you get out! Show yourself for this young master!â
Were the justice courtâs people here? And he was still so arrogant?
Filled with doubts, Han Yunxi hastened out the door and saw nobody but little Chen Xiang gasping for breath by the door to the courtyard.
âWhere are they?â Han Yunxi asked.
âMistressâŠmistressâŠOuâŠâ little Chen Xiang panted, unable to speak clearly.
When she ran to report to the justice courts about Qin Wangfeiâs situation, Official Ouyang was reverent and respectful. Heâd immediately rode over in a carriage to the nearby Han Family. Little Chen Xiang thought the carriage was too slow and rushed right back, so tired that she couldnât string together a single sentence.
Seeing this, Han Yuqi could only laugh. âHahaha, you were frightened to death, right? Did the justice courts drive you out?â
But his words had hardly landed when a little pageboy announced in alarm, âEldest young master, Official Ouyang from the justice courts has personally arrived! He says he wants to see you!â
The justice courtâs Official Ouyang came in person?
He thought theyâd just send some lackey, but the official had come himself. Han Yuqi didnât expect this, but he felt more smug than anything else. Official Ouyang had been recommended to the post by his grandfather, so of course heâd make an appearance here. That was good. The justice courts could personally teach Han Yunxi a lesson. Thatâll show the woman who didnât know the height of the heavens or the depths of the earth[1] the power of the Han Family!\nHe gave Han Yunxi a mocking smile, forgetting how pathetic he looked, and strode boldly out the courtyard to greet the official. At this time, Official Ouyang had just arrived, his face flurried and flustered to match his quick steps. Heâd been old friends with Magistrate Xu Xiangguang[2] for years and heard of his grandsonâs temper.
He was really afraid that if he came too late and made Qin Wangfei suffer, heâd get more trouble than he bargained for. After all, the last justice court official had been punished by the Board of Civil Offices because theyâd offended Qin Wangfei and angered His Highness Duke of Qin! Even though that fact had never been publicized, the magistrate and him were very clear that Qin Wangfei wasnât someone to be trifled with.
Seeing Official Ouyang approach, Han Yuqi grinned and bowed with his hands cupped before him. âOfficial Ouyang, such a small matter has inconvenienced you to personally appear, itâs reallyâŠâ
Han Yuqi didnât finish before Official Ouyang walked right past him into the courtyard. He got ignored? Han Yuqi was dumbfounded, what was the meaning of this?
âThis official greets esteemed wangfei. Many fortunes to esteemed wangfei! This officialâs assistance came late, may esteemed wangfei forgive me!â
After hearing Official Ouyangâs respectful words, Han Yuqi was startled. He turned back to see the man kneeling on one leg before Han Yunxi, cupping one hand in the other before his chest with head lowered. He couldnât look any more respectfulâin fact, he even looked timid.
ThisâŠ
Han Yuqi couldnât help but rub his eyes. Heavens, this couldnât be a dream, right? What happened to Official Ouyang?
âOfficial Ouyang, Han Yuqi offended his superiors and raved that heâd threaten this wangfei. Tell me, what is his punishment?â Han Yunxi asked coldly.
Of course she knew the relationship between the high official and this newly appointmented one. But this new official should also be very aware of her own temper.\nâOf courseâŠof course itâsâŠâ Official Ouyang hesitated.
âWhat?â Han Yunxi pressed coldly.
âOffending the superior means fifty beatings, while threatening the wangfei isâŠa capital offence!â Official Ouyang replied honestly.
These words finally allowed Han Yuqi to recover his wits. âOfficial Ouyang, youâre really treating this slutty woman seriously? What are you afraid of? Sheâs just aâŠâ
âShut your mouth!â Official Ouyang roared. At the same time, Lady Xu started making a fuss.
Those present saw a woman in her thirties of uncommon bearing rush in from outside, dressed in luxurious clothes.
âI didnât expect to be honored by esteemed wangfeiâs presence, excuse me for not going out to meet you! I implore esteemed wangfei for forgiveness!â Lady Xu paid her respects as soon as she entered the doors.
Seeing this, Han Yuqi was dumbfounded once again. He remembered just yesterday how his mother had been cursing Han Yunxi as a good-for-nothing after hearing the rumors from outside. Today sheâd gone to her father, the magistrateâs house, and returned a completely different person!
Lady Xu had been bustling about recently to figure out a way to visit the prisons. Sheâd tried again and again to visit the high officialâs house to ask her father for help, but was refused each time. Today sheâd gone again and just gotten news of the truth behind North Court Official He Zeâs affair. He also added that the only reason the Han Family members couldnât visit the prisons was because Han Yunxi had specifically forbidden it.
Lady Xu knew things werenât good as soon as she heard the news. She and her son had bullied Han Yunxi plenty in the past, so on the way back she was thinking of ways to make amends. Who knew that sheâd run into disaster as soon as she returned?\n-o-
[2] Xu Xiangguang (ćŸćć ) â the Ministry of Appointments/Board of Civil Officeâs magistrate. Father of 2nd Consort Lady Xu and grandfather to Han Yuqi. Xiangguang can mean âtowards the light.â\n