– Let me go! Let go!
– Give back what you stole, you little rat!
– No! This is mine! You've already received your portion!
– Don't you see how many of us there are? This is not enough for all of us! Give me the food quickly or I'll gouge your eyes out!
– You, try it!
– Aye! This filth bites! Beat him!
When Wei Huan reached the scene of the fight, the brutal reprisal had already begun. The boy, who was smaller than all the others, was furiously beaten up with fists and feet of the teens. They wanted to defeat him and achieve repentance from the petty scoundrel who dared to spit on the instructions of his elders.
However, the stubborn child, even lying on the ground and taking their blows, did not think about giving up. The kid continued clutching something. Wei Huan didn't know what that was, but he did not doubt I the object was of a high value to the boy.
– Stop it at once! – barked Huan, no longer intending to be a simple spectator of the bacchanalia taking place.
The older boys stopped. They turned towards the voice and stared with frightened eyes at the approaching man. Even though the children were outnumbered, they sensibly estimated their strength and the impressive appearance of an angry adult. The scabbard hanging on Wei Huan's belt also played a role, forcing the children scatter to the sides.
The only one who left was the boy lying on the ground. He was coughing exhaustedly, pressing his hands tightly to his chest. His reddened eyes opened slightly, warily watching Wei Huan's moves. So when the man appeared next to him, squatting down, the thin body tensed, expecting a slap in the face or the usual scolding.
Seeing this, the general could not help but feel a painful prick in his heart.
– They're gone, don't be afraid, – said he calmly and measuredly, trying not to scare the child even more. – Will you let me help you?
Wei Huan saw the kid's condition, but he was in no hurry to touch the child, allowing him to decide without experiencing another strain of tension.
The unexpected question made the boy turn his head slightly to see the speaker. His beautiful mustard-honey-colored eyes glanced doubtfully over Huan's face, but there was no disapproval.
After a while, the child nodded, allowing the general to lift him and carry into the shadow of a nearby house. Huan specifically chose this place because he noticed a filled barrel of water, which he could use to wash the dirty face of the wary boy.
– You've gone through a lot of trouble, – said Wei Huan. Wiping off the dirt from the boy's clothes he noticed the bruises and abrasions on the pale skin that had appeared from the beatings. – Why would those children be so cruel?
These last words the general whispered. He did not expect his new acquaintance to answer anything, but the kid again surprised him.
– When you're hungry, you become crazy, – he quietly snorted wincing in pain, but endured it bravely. – Today there was less food, and I managed to snatch the last flatbreads, so...
The boy shrugged his shoulders and at that moment Wei Huan was finally able to see what he had been so diligently protecting all this time. In his hands there were two witches loaves, stale and unappetizing, the edge of one was even cracked and crumbled.
– Is this your food? – Huan's dark eyes seemed to become even blacker.
The boy, having made sure that the general did not pose a threat and was not going to attack in an attempt to take the food away, relaxed and allowed himself to nod with a smile.
– Mine and my sister's. The last time I hadn't managed to pass through the crowd, so we didn't get the food. But today I'll feed her properly!
The boy puffed out his chest proudly, flaring his nostrils, but his wounds caused him to groan quietly and turn away in embarrassment. Wei Huan, however, was deep in thought, not noticing the kid's timidity.
– Do they give you food? – he asked.
– Yes. A couple of times a week. The market has almost stopped working. There are few merchants left but the prices have risen too high. Most of the harvest was sent to supply the needs of the Imperial Army, so the Emperor ordered some food to be given away free.
At these words, the boy noticeably frowned, pursing his lips. When he saw Wei Huan's gaze, he lowered his head, not daring to show his disapproval. It seemed that even children of his age were aware of the situation and understood that this should not be the case.
Wei Huan held back a quiet sigh and said:
– I'll buy you and your sister some normal food. You won't be nourished with a stale flatbread.
– R-really? – brown eyes lit up with unprecedented joy, but these emotions quickly faded away and the child quietly wondered. – What will I have to... do? To pay you back?
– Nothing.
The little boy's incredulous and suspicious look made Huan smile slightly, ruffling someone the kid's tangled hair.
– I'll buy food just like that, – the man rose to his feet and extended his hand. – Consider me your friend. My name is Wei Huan, what's yours?
Trusting the first person you met was unwise, strange, and dangerous. Such kindness seemed like a trap, but for a child whose innocent heart desperately wanted some warmth and care, it was like salvation.
The boy quickly grabbed Huan's hand, clinging to it to hold on to the last. His happy smile and voice filled with gratitude enveloped Wei Huan in warmth and childlike spontaneity.
– Name's Hao Shu!
***
Painful groans coming from everywhere tolled in Wei Huan's head, causing the man to squeeze the small palm of the boy walking next to him tighter and tighter. Hao Shu looked calm and did not pay attention to the various voices mixing into one pain-filled noise. He was used to this atmosphere, not perceiving it as something heartbreaking or sad. This was the environment in which he grew up. This was the consequence of what one man's desire to rule without thinking about the torment going on under his nose led to.
The gaze of the boy was directed forward, and Wei Huan... helped clear the way for his gaze.
The general felt pain in his dry throat but did not attach any importance to such a trifle. Moreover, he wanted to torture himself with his own hands for the pain indirectly caused to these unfortunate people. If only a demonstrative flogging could alleviate the suffering of others.
The only thing Wei Huan was now sure of was his goal had to be. Negotiating on peace to put an end to this nightmare became a necessity. This was the only way he could avoid further irreparable consequences.
– They are doing that again.
Hao Shu's voice, filled with naked disgust and displeasure, made Wei Huan raise his eyebrows in surprise and look at the boy next to him. His gaze was directed to the side and the general looked in the same direction, wanting to know what caused negative emotions in such a smart child.
The answer was found almost instantly. The expression on Huan's face became unreadable, almost indifferent, in contrast to Hao Shu's vivid emotions. The man only squeezed the kid's small palm tighter, watching the action taking place not far from them.
A small group of people gathered around the altar. Everyone stood on their knees, praying desperately. From time to time they raised their hands to the sky and then bowed low to the ground. In their incoherent mutterings, Wei Huan recognized the familiar chants – prayers to the Eight.
And indeed, on the altar there were eight carvings surrounded by various offerings were placed. Mostly food: fresh meat buns, fruits, even sweets and wine. Considering the current state of the capital, such luxury was comparable to an Imperial Feast.
– It would have been better to give this food to those in need, and not break their foreheads.
A mutter from Hao Shu caused Wei Huan to touch the top of his head with his palm. This child no longer hesitated to express his sincere indignation next to the general, completely trusting him.
However, with such harsh words, he still involuntarily stepped back, clutching Huan's hanfu, as if he was afraid of punishment for such insolence and was looking for protection.
– This is the divine worship to the Eight, right? – in the soft voice that came out there was no condemnation or censure, only a statement of fact. – You don't seem to like it much.
Realizing that the kind person he met was not going to go mad over the issue, Hao Shu became completely bolder.
– I don't understand the meaning of it, – the kid nodded. – This amount of food can feed several people and even families, but they waste it! – he exhaled sharply. – Why do we pray to the Gods, if they are indifferent to our troubles? We'd rather do something ourselves!
The boy's words pierced Wei Huan's heart, but he only smiled at Hao Shu, pinching his sunken cheek.
– You are quite critical of the Gods. Be careful to say such things out loud.
– What's the point of this? I can't do anything with this blind faith. The Eight don't care about the lives of ordinary people. But when I talk about this, they start throwing stones and sticks at me! – Hao Shu pouted, remembering all those moments when he received beatings for his incontinence. – If they are so omnipotent, can't they at least alleviate the suffering of those who call on them every day?
– Shu-er.
Wei Huan tried to stop the boy, but the erupting emotions spilled out of the child in a verbal, emotional stream that he had been holding back for too long.
– They do nothing! They caused all this trouble when they allowed a tyrant to occupy the throne! – the boy clenched his palms into fists, biting his lip. – Do they even care?!
His raised voice began to attract attention, but Wei Huan, who noticed this in time, pulled the child along with him, leaving people immersed in prayers behind. Only when they had moved a sufficient distance the general gave his answer to Hao Shu.
– I understand your indignation, but faith in the Eight is unshakable. People are afraid to make their own decisions, even the Emperor calls on Heavens blessing.
– I know, – Hao Shu sighed. – I also know that I am helpless. People's ears will be closed for a long time. I can't even imagine how long it will take until everything changes. Maybe ten years, maybe a hundred, maybe even several centuries... but one day, something will change! And I'm sure, even if not me, but my descendants will have a hand in this!
– You are an incredibly smart child.
– Don't underestimate children! – the boy proudly lifted his nose, ran his finger under it, and smiled.
He was trying to seem cheerful, but Wei Huan saw the truth in his reddened eyes and quiet sniffling.
– I didn't even think about it.
The rest of their journey passed in silence, for each was thinking about something different, but Hao Shu's mood did improve noticeably when they finally reached the half-empty market. His eyes immediately began to look for something edible on the few counters.
Wei Huan allowed the boy to choose, so Shu approached this with great care. This behavior was both amusing, but also frustrating due to the realization of how quickly Hao Shu had to grow up.
– Big brother, this is it! – having made his choice, the boy tugged at Huan's sleeve and pointed to the side. – For me and my sister!
Hao Shu pointed to one of the stalls, behind which an elderly man was slowly preparing another portion of snacks. Without further ado, the boy carefully pulled Wei Huan along with him. His steps became light and bouncy, expressing the child's sincere impatience.
– Greetings, my Lord. – the seller greeted, deftly turning over the thin flatbread. – You came up just on time. I'm just finishing a new batch.
Wei Huan nodded, looking at the squawking dough in the cast iron frying pan, and asked Hao Shu.
– You want puff pastry with onions? Are you sure?
– Yes! Yes, Big brother please! – the boy swallowed and shook his head, but did not forget to remind him. – Two! For my sister too!
– I remember, – Wei Huan's lips involuntarily stretched into a smile, and he turned to the seller. – I'll take ten.
Before the salesman could show his surprise, the general felt himself being pulled down sharply. Hao Shu's wide eyes expressed genuine misunderstanding and concern.
– Gege, this is too much! Please don't waste your money.
– I want you and your sister to eat normally and not starve in the near future.
– No! – the boy frowned. – I won't take it even if you buy them. That's shameful. – Hao Shu lowered his gaze. – And dangerous. If someone finds out that I brought such delicious food into the house, bad things shall happen. My sister and I live alone, so... – he took a deep breath. – You'd better not.
Wei Huan looked at the lowered head for a while, and then affectionately ruffled someone else's hair, squatting down in front of the boy.
– Then how about four? You will eat two now, and two for dinner. We'll hide the food and I'll walk you home. I'm good at spotting surveillance, so I can guarantee that you and your sister will be safe, no one will find out anything about the bread.
Hao Shu silently looked up, looking into Wei Huan's eyes and not answering him for a long time. He was weighing the pros and cons, once again demonstrating his tenacious mind and amazing insight.
– Okay, big brother. I'll believe you.
***
Hao Shu's house was located on the outskirts of the city: dilapidated, sloping to one side, littered with some kind of boards and cobblestones. The entrance to the house was completely blocked, but Shu calmly explained to Wei Huan that this was done on purpose because all this prevented adults and older children from coming closer. He and his sister use another entrance, deftly avoiding all obstacles.
After listening to the boy's story, Wei Huan sincerely praised him, saying that Shu would make an excellent army strategist. The little genius's reddened ears expressed his timid joy at the praise.
– Big brother, wait here, please. I'll be right back.
When Hao Shu brought Wei Huan behind the house, he looked around vigilantly a couple of times and, taking out the wrapped cakes from his bosom, quickly disappeared with them under a pile of fallen boards. The child's actions were dexterous, agile, and nimble. Looking at him, Huan involuntarily remembered himself, but unlike Shu, his childhood was carefree and happy.
The man's palm lay on the hilt of the sword, and his gaze was directed to the gray, cloudy sky. A storm of emotions bubbled in my chest, not allowing me to calm down and sort out my feelings. Coming out into the city, Wei Huan wanted to find answers, see the truth, and understand what to do next, however... he only became more confused.
His belief in the all-powerful Gods was shaken; his view of the Emperor's good intentions became distorted; his own decisions turned into mud.
Everything Wei Huan knew turned out to be of the opposite result to the one he thought. Only the hope of being able to stop what had not yet happened kept him going.
The man took a deep breath. Soon he will need to return to the palace to continue to bear the cross of the intrepid general. His personal feelings will not become an obstacle to his assigned duties: Huan will see the matter through to the end. But he also decided what he would do after fulfilling his duty to the Emperor.
– Gege, – Hao Shu's voice from behind was filled with embarrassment and uncertainty. – I brought you something.
Wei Huan turned to the standing boy, who was rocking from heel to toe, holding his hands behind his back and squeezing something in them.
Having caught the gaze directed at him, Hao Shu, uncharacteristically for him, completely disappeared.
– My sister is very grateful for the treat, but she is too afraid to show herself, so she did not dare to go out. However, together we decided to thank you for your help.
– Shu-er, you don't have to...
– Do not say anything! – the boy shook his head. -I knew you would try to refuse, but please take it. This is our family's talisman and we want it to protect you. I immediately realized that you are a warrior... and constantly risk your life on the battlefield. – Hao Shu sadly pursed his lips. – I'm still too young to fight shoulder to shoulder with you and I don't believe in the power of the Eight, but I know that good thoughts and support can be a force that helps to continue any fight.
The boy extended his arms, opening his palms and showing off the fan lying on them. It was old but still retained its original beauty.
– Looking at this fan, please remember that my sister and I are waiting for you to come back. Wherever you go, whatever awaits you along the way... be sure to come back!
At the end of the frank words, Hao Shu's voice completely died down, but Wei Huan gratefully hugged the thin body, taking the gift.
– I swear that I will protect you until the very end. I will do everything to make your childhood happy, -He gently touched the back of Hao Shu's head with his palm. – I can not change the past, but I will fight for your future.
Wei Huan felt a weak nod and quiet sobs, carrying faith in someone else's words. Allowing Hao Shu to cry out all the stress he had experienced, the man said nothing more, only slowly stroking his hair, calming him down. With his free hand, he slowly opened the fan, examining the faded, but skillful and delicate drawing of a fragile plum.
After some time, Wei Huan had to leave the boy and return to the palace because of the evening Imperial Divine Worship to the Eight, which he was forced to attend by order of the Emperor.
A mask of coldness and detachment appeared on the general's face again. Mechanical actions during the chants did not reveal his true emotions, but throughout the entire ceremony the only words that echoed in his mind were:
"Why do we pray to the Gods, if they are indifferent to our troubles? We'd rather do something ourselves!"
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Er is a word-forming suffix in a diminutive meaning. Often used with the names of children, friends, relatives, when the elders address to the younger ones, and between lovers to emphasize devotion.
Gege – 哥哥; gēge: older brother