Adoptive Father: C01-2

Chapter 1.2: Han Xiling

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{Note: 少主: shào zhǔ literally means young + master, while 小少爷: xiǎo shǎoye means the little young master of a house (the son [youngest] of a family). He has to be called little young master because, as a 20-year-old man, Han Jiangxue is also a young master (少爷), but for the sake of brevity and the lack of a father for Han Jiangxue present, he’s getting called master here.}
There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.

Note: 少主: shào zhǔ literally means young + master, while 小少爷: xiǎo shǎoye means the little young master of a house (the son [youngest] of a family). He has to be called little young master because, as a 20-year-old man, Han Jiangxue is also a young master (少爷), but for the sake of brevity and the lack of a father for Han Jiangxue present, he’s getting called master here.

_{“Greetings, young master.”}“Greetings, young master (shao zhu)!” It was now time for the old couple to bow and give Han Xiling their greetings.

“Greetings, young master.”

_{“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.}“What are you muttering about over there?” That nitpicking lunatic swept his sharpened gaze towards Han Xiling like a dagger.

“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.

_{“I understand.”}“Did Aunty Wu help you steep this? Go steep it again on your own! You will be the one responsible for this task from now on, understood?!”

“I understand.”

_{It would have been better for those words to have never been said, because once spoken, Han Xiling’s tears truly became uncontrollable.}
Han Jingxue had made his way to the orphanage on a single horse, so it was only natural that Han Xiling would ride this one horse with him on the journey from the east to the west.

It would have been better for those words to have never been said, because once spoken, Han Xiling’s tears truly became uncontrollable.

_{“Do not speak out of turn!”}Han Jiangxue! Just you wait, you neurotic bastard. I’ll show you one day. Just you wait.

“Do not speak out of turn!”

_☆☆☆
It was Han Xiling’s first time truly entering the western city due to the strict hierarchical system his country enforced. As it was, any child from the eastern region who dared enter the west without authorisation would be arrested and beaten. No one would so much as at an eye if they also ended up dead.

☆☆☆

_{Ham Xiling poured tea into one of those pretty cups and presented it to his adoptive father with both hands. “{Your} tea.”}“Oh, alright.” Han Xiling replied in a murmur. That guy really is a pain to serve.

Ham Xiling poured tea into one of those pretty cups and presented it to his adoptive father with both hands. “Your tea.”

_{While Han Xiling lamented in his heat, that “father” of his asked, his expression grim, “Do you not know that a cup should be clean before pouring tea into it?”}
Everything in the western city was a world apart from the east. The houses were all a sight of splendour. The roads were paved with bricks of slate. As the hooves of horses trotted across these carefully laid azure stones, the sound echoing beneath was clear and crisp. It was nothing like the roads in the east region that were simply flattened earth.

While Han Xiling lamented in his heat, that “father” of his asked, his expression grim, “Do you not know that a cup should be clean before pouring tea into it?”

_{While Han Xiling lamented in his heat, that “father” of his asked, his expression grim, “Do you not know that a cup should be clean before pouring tea into it?”}“Aunty Wu, go prepare lunch... more than usual. I heard this kid is rather fond of eating.”

While Han Xiling lamented in his heat, that “father” of his asked, his expression grim, “Do you not know that a cup should be clean before pouring tea into it?”

_{“Aunty Wu, go prepare lunch... more than usual. I heard this kid is rather fond of eating.”}He picked up a cup again and carefully steeped the tea according to Aunty Wu’s instructions, then offered yet another cup to that man.

“Aunty Wu, go prepare lunch... more than usual. I heard this kid is rather fond of eating.”

_{“He favours his tea hot and only drinks the “Five Trees” tea leaves. No matter how good other tea leaves are, he will not consume them.}
The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.

“He favours his tea hot and only drinks the “Five Trees” tea leaves. No matter how good other tea leaves are, he will not consume them. He does not allow for his things to be moved. He does not allow for noise when he is resting at home. He is especially fond of sweet foods, so any food of that kind here can only be eaten if he has no interest in eating it himself. Last of all, when guests visit the mansion, you must not pay them any mind. They must remain unseen. Do you understand, young master?”

“You’re their young master (shao zhu). From this day onwards, they will serve you. Where have you ever seen a master that bows to their servants?!” Han Jiangxue shot Han Xiling with a harsh glare.

_{“Yes, master.”}Han Xiling entered the hall once more, the teapot carried cautiously in his hands. Han Jiangxue was still seated in the grand seat, his eyes now closed in rest.

“Yes, master.”

_{Chapter 1.2: Han Xiling}“He favours his tea hot and only drinks the “Five Trees” tea leaves. No matter how good other tea leaves are, he will not consume them. He does not allow for his things to be moved. He does not allow for noise when he is resting at home. He is especially fond of sweet foods, so any food of that kind here can only be eaten if he has no interest in eating it himself. Last of all, when guests visit the mansion, you must not pay them any mind. They must remain unseen. Do you understand, young master?”

Chapter 1.2: Han Xiling

_{“What? Are you upset?” Han Jiangxue again mocked.}
With such things further adding to his imaginings, Han Xiling never expected Han Jingxue’s home to be as it was. A small courtyard with no towering pavilions; no rockeries with flowing water nor a back garden in sight; just a small mansion with two pomegranate trees planted at its front and not a thing else.

“What? Are you upset?” Han Jiangxue again mocked.

A bevy of menservants and maidservants rushing out to greet them was another expectation held by Han Xiling. But instead, only two persons had come out to greet them—an elderly man and woman.

_{“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”}Han Jiangxue took his seat on the grand preceptor’s armchair before waving his hand towards Han Xiling and instructing, “Go make me a cup of tea.”

“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”

_{Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.}“But…” Han Xiling stammered, “They’re elders!”

Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.

_{“Aunty Wu, go prepare lunch... more than usual. I heard this kid is rather fond of eating.”}
A bevy of menservants and maidservants rushing out to greet them was another expectation held by Han Xiling. But instead, only two persons had come out to greet them—an elderly man and woman.

“Aunty Wu, go prepare lunch... more than usual. I heard this kid is rather fond of eating.”

_{{Does having money mean you can waste it like this?! Goodness!}}Han Xiling entered the hall once more, the teapot carried cautiously in his hands. Han Jiangxue was still seated in the grand seat, his eyes now closed in rest.

Does having money mean you can waste it like this?! Goodness!

_{“Did Aunty Wu help you steep this? Go steep it again on your own! You will be the one responsible for this task from now on, understood?!”}Han Xiling was embarrassed by the act, his flυstered self unknowing of what to do.

“Did Aunty Wu help you steep this? Go steep it again on your own! You will be the one responsible for this task from now on, understood?!”

_{“Oh… um, hello.” Still very much embarrassed and possessing a heart still berating his chеst, Han Xiling still hadn’t adjusted to going from an orphan to a “young master.”}
“These are Uncle and Aunty Wu. Uncle Wu is in charge of the tough manual chores, and Aunty Wu is in charge of the cooking and cleaning.” Even in his introductions, Han Jiangxue was curt.

“Oh… um, hello.” Still very much embarrassed and possessing a heart still berating his chеst, Han Xiling still hadn’t adjusted to going from an orphan to a “young master.”

_{Fortunately, no cup was flung after the tea was tasted. But after finishing the tea, Han Jiangxue placed the cup on the table and commented, “Did you cry? Look at your pitiful sight! You had the smallest bit of promise and thought that was enough to become a Sword Knight? If this is how you think, keep dreaming!” With a raised brow, he spat out those words with disdain.}“Uh, alright…” Han Xiling responded timidly as he wondered whether he was an adopted son or just another servant.

Fortunately, no cup was flung after the tea was tasted. But after finishing the tea, Han Jiangxue placed the cup on the table and commented, “Did you cry? Look at your pitiful sight! You had the smallest bit of promise and thought that was enough to become a Sword Knight? If this is how you think, keep dreaming!” With a raised brow, he spat out those words with disdain.

_{Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.}If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.

Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.

_{“Oh, that’s great, then.” Han Xiling nodded and left after getting an answer, his expression pleased.}
“Hello, Uncle Wu. Hello, Aunty Wu.” Just as Han Xiling was about to bow to the old couple, Hang Jiangxue grabbed him by the collar and kicked him hаrd behind the knees.

“Oh, that’s great, then.” Han Xiling nodded and left after getting an answer, his expression pleased.

_{“Oh my, don’t cry. Please don’t cry.” Aunty Wu wiped away her newest young master’s tears as she coaxed. “The master hates seeing others cry the most. In fact, it is another taboo of this house that you must also remember, yes?”}If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.

“Oh my, don’t cry. Please don’t cry.” Aunty Wu wiped away her newest young master’s tears as she coaxed. “The master hates seeing others cry the most. In fact, it is another taboo of this house that you must also remember, yes?”

_{Han Xiling selected a cup for the third time and then rinsed it with hot water. He poured out a cup of tea and tossed that out before pouring out a second. When he was done, he took this third attempt and presented it to the man before him.}Han Xiling was embarrassed by the act, his flυstered self unknowing of what to do.

Han Xiling selected a cup for the third time and then rinsed it with hot water. He poured out a cup of tea and tossed that out before pouring out a second. When he was done, he took this third attempt and presented it to the man before him.

_{“Before pouring the tea, you must first rinse the cup with the hot water, then pour it out. The first steeping will be somewhat bitter, so you must throw that one out as well. The second steeping is the one that must be served.”}“Understood…”

“Before pouring the tea, you must first rinse the cup with the hot water, then pour it out. The first steeping will be somewhat bitter, so you must throw that one out as well. The second steeping is the one that must be served.”

_{“Uh, alright…” Han Xiling responded timidly as he wondered whether he was an adopted son or just another servant.}
“You’re their young master (shao zhu). From this day onwards, they will serve you. Where have you ever seen a master that bows to their servants?!” Han Jiangxue shot Han Xiling with a harsh glare.

“Uh, alright…” Han Xiling responded timidly as he wondered whether he was an adopted son or just another servant.

_{Since early that morning, his chеst has bubbled with a surreal sensation, and now part of these lingering dreams has come true.}“He favours his tea hot and only drinks the “Five Trees” tea leaves. No matter how good other tea leaves are, he will not consume them. He does not allow for his things to be moved. He does not allow for noise when he is resting at home. He is especially fond of sweet foods, so any food of that kind here can only be eaten if he has no interest in eating it himself. Last of all, when guests visit the mansion, you must not pay them any mind. They must remain unseen. Do you understand, young master?”

Since early that morning, his chеst has bubbled with a surreal sensation, and now part of these lingering dreams has come true.

_{“Oh, alright.” Han Xiling replied in a murmur. That guy really is a pain to serve.}
“But…” Han Xiling stammered, “They’re elders!”

“Oh, alright.” Han Xiling replied in a murmur. That guy really is a pain to serve.

_{With such things further adding to his imaginings, Han Xiling never expected Han Jingxue’s home to be as it was. A small courtyard with no towering pavilions; no rockeries with flowing water nor a back garden in sight; just a small mansion with two pomegranate trees planted at its front and not a thing else.}Han Jiangxue took the cup served to him, the contents downed between his parted lips. But in that same instant, all of it was spat out and the cup was flung to the ground. The collision as it struck the marble floor was crisp; the sound it made as it shattered was loud.

With such things further adding to his imaginings, Han Xiling never expected Han Jingxue’s home to be as it was. A small courtyard with no towering pavilions; no rockeries with flowing water nor a back garden in sight; just a small mansion with two pomegranate trees planted at its front and not a thing else.

_{It was Han Xiling’s first time truly entering the western city due to the strict hierarchical system his country enforced. As it was, any child from the eastern region who dared enter the west without authorisation would be arrested and beaten. No one would so much as at an eye if they also ended up dead.}“Before pouring the tea, you must first rinse the cup with the hot water, then pour it out. The first steeping will be somewhat bitter, so you must throw that one out as well. The second steeping is the one that must be served.”

It was Han Xiling’s first time truly entering the western city due to the strict hierarchical system his country enforced. As it was, any child from the eastern region who dared enter the west without authorisation would be arrested and beaten. No one would so much as at an eye if they also ended up dead.

_{“Understood.”}
“Do not speak out of turn!”

“Understood.”

_{From behind his departing back, a string of mocking laughter echoed, making him clench his fists so tіghtly they almost bled.}“Understood!” Han Xiling almost roared.

From behind his departing back, a string of mocking laughter echoed, making him clench his fists so tіghtly they almost bled.

_☆☆☆
“Understood…”

☆☆☆

_{With such things further adding to his imaginings, Han Xiling never expected Han Jingxue’s home to be as it was. A small courtyard with no towering pavilions; no rockeries with flowing water nor a back garden in sight; just a small mansion with two pomegranate trees planted at its front and not a thing else.}Han Jingxue had made his way to the orphanage on a single horse, so it was only natural that Han Xiling would ride this one horse with him on the journey from the east to the west.

_{“Father!” Han Xiling felt his stomach churn at the word, “Here is your tea.”}“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.

“Father!” Han Xiling felt his stomach churn at the word, “Here is your tea.”

_{“Do not speak out of turn!”}
“Greetings, young master (shao zhu)!” It was now time for the old couple to bow and give Han Xiling their greetings.

“Do not speak out of turn!”

_{“Did Aunty Wu help you steep this? Go steep it again on your own! You will be the one responsible for this task from now on, understood?!”}“Mn.” Han Xiling hummed before setting off towards the kitchen door with the hot teapot in hand. But before he left, he turned back to ask in a whisper, “Aunty Wu, he doesn’t beat people, does he?”

“Did Aunty Wu help you steep this? Go steep it again on your own! You will be the one responsible for this task from now on, understood?!”

_{Han Jiangxue took his seat on the grand preceptor’s armchair before waving his hand towards Han Xiling and instructing, “Go make me a cup of tea.”}“Father, your tea.”

Han Jiangxue took his seat on the grand preceptor’s armchair before waving his hand towards Han Xiling and instructing, “Go make me a cup of tea.”

_{“Oh, alright.” Han Xiling replied in a murmur. {That guy really is a pain to serve.}}“He favours his tea hot and only drinks the “Five Trees” tea leaves. No matter how good other tea leaves are, he will not consume them. He does not allow for his things to be moved. He does not allow for noise when he is resting at home. He is especially fond of sweet foods, so any food of that kind here can only be eaten if he has no interest in eating it himself. Last of all, when guests visit the mansion, you must not pay them any mind. They must remain unseen. Do you understand, young master?”

“Oh, alright.” Han Xiling replied in a murmur. That guy really is a pain to serve.

_{Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.}
Han Xiling was embarrassed by the act, his flυstered self unknowing of what to do.

Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.

_{“Yes, master.”}Anger surged within Han Xiling’s chеst at those words, the fists lying at his sides tіghtening.

“Yes, master.”

_{“Mn.” Han Xiling hummed before setting off towards the kitchen door with the hot teapot in hand. But before he left, he turned back to ask in a whisper, “Aunty Wu, he doesn’t beat people, does he?”}Han Xiling was embarrassed by the act, his flυstered self unknowing of what to do.

“Mn.” Han Xiling hummed before setting off towards the kitchen door with the hot teapot in hand. But before he left, he turned back to ask in a whisper, “Aunty Wu, he doesn’t beat people, does he?”

_{Han Jiangxue took his seat on the grand preceptor’s armchair before waving his hand towards Han Xiling and instructing, “Go make me a cup of tea.”}Han Xiling nodded in response.

Han Jiangxue took his seat on the grand preceptor’s armchair before waving his hand towards Han Xiling and instructing, “Go make me a cup of tea.”

_{{Neurotic, arrogant, conceited son-of-a-bitch! You self-important lunatic!}}“Father, your tea.”

Neurotic, arrogant, conceited son-of-a-bitch! You self-important lunatic!

_{Like this, Aunty Wu carefully taught Han Xiling the art of making tea. It took most of the day before they were finished, and Han Xiling again returned to the hall carrying that teapot in his hands.}
“His name is Han Xiling. From now on, call him young master (xiao shaoye).”

Like this, Aunty Wu carefully taught Han Xiling the art of making tea. It took most of the day before they were finished, and Han Xiling again returned to the hall carrying that teapot in his hands.

_{“And your tea was rather unpleasant to drink, so practice properly from now on.”}“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.

“And your tea was rather unpleasant to drink, so practice properly from now on.”

_{“Did Aunty Wu help you steep this? Go steep it again on your own! You will be the one responsible for this task from now on, understood?!”}☆☆☆

“Did Aunty Wu help you steep this? Go steep it again on your own! You will be the one responsible for this task from now on, understood?!”

_{“Oh, that’s great, then.” Han Xiling nodded and left after getting an answer, his expression pleased.}If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.

“Oh, that’s great, then.” Han Xiling nodded and left after getting an answer, his expression pleased.

_{There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.}“Understood!” Han Xiling almost roared.

There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.

_{Han Xiling stared at the broken pieces strewn across the floor, his thoughts barely registering the complaint sent his way. That was such a pretty cup. It must’ve cost a pretty penny, too. I reckon just it alone could’ve been enough to pay for my senior brothers’ breakfast many times over. What an absolute shame.}
“Oh… um, hello.” Still very much embarrassed and possessing a heart still berating his chеst, Han Xiling still hadn’t adjusted to going from an orphan to a “young master.”

Han Xiling stared at the broken pieces strewn across the floor, his thoughts barely registering the complaint sent his way. That was such a pretty cup. It must’ve cost a pretty penny, too. I reckon just it alone could’ve been enough to pay for my senior brothers’ breakfast many times over. What an absolute shame.

_{“These are Uncle and Aunty Wu. Uncle Wu is in charge of the tough manual chores, and Aunty Wu is in charge of the cooking and cleaning.” Even in his introductions, Han Jiangxue was curt.}“He favours his tea hot and only drinks the “Five Trees” tea leaves. No matter how good other tea leaves are, he will not consume them. He does not allow for his things to be moved. He does not allow for noise when he is resting at home. He is especially fond of sweet foods, so any food of that kind here can only be eaten if he has no interest in eating it himself. Last of all, when guests visit the mansion, you must not pay them any mind. They must remain unseen. Do you understand, young master?”

“These are Uncle and Aunty Wu. Uncle Wu is in charge of the tough manual chores, and Aunty Wu is in charge of the cooking and cleaning.” Even in his introductions, Han Jiangxue was curt.

_{“Father!” Han Xiling felt his stomach churn at the word, “Here is your tea.”}
Since early that morning, his chеst has bubbled with a surreal sensation, and now part of these lingering dreams has come true.

“Father!” Han Xiling felt his stomach churn at the word, “Here is your tea.”

_{Chapter 1.2: Han Xiling}“Greetings, young master.”

Chapter 1.2: Han Xiling

_{“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.}“Before pouring the tea, you must first rinse the cup with the hot water, then pour it out. The first steeping will be somewhat bitter, so you must throw that one out as well. The second steeping is the one that must be served.”

“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.

_{“He favours his tea hot and only drinks the “Five Trees” tea leaves. No matter how good other tea leaves are, he will not consume them.}“Aunty Wu, go prepare lunch... more than usual. I heard this kid is rather fond of eating.”

_{Ham Xiling poured tea into one of those pretty cups and presented it to his adoptive father with both hands. “Your tea.”}
“Uncle Wu, go boil some water and fill a large tub. When that’s done, wash him well,” Han Jiangxue instructed with knitted brows frаming an expression of disgust.

Ham Xiling poured tea into one of those pretty cups and presented it to his adoptive father with both hands. “Your tea.”

_{“Yes, master.”}“And your tea was rather unpleasant to drink, so practice properly from now on.”

“Yes, master.”

_{It was Han Xiling’s first time truly entering the western city due to the strict hierarchical system his country enforced. As it was, any child from the eastern region who dared enter the west without authorisation would be arrested and beaten. No one would so much as at an eye if they also ended up dead.}“Aunty Wu, go prepare lunch... more than usual. I heard this kid is rather fond of eating.”

_{Does having money mean you can waste it like this?! Goodness!}
“Yes, master.”

Does having money mean you can waste it like this?! Goodness!

_{Han Jiangxue took the cup served to him, the contents downed between his parted lips. But in that same instant, all of it was spat out and the cup was flung to the ground. The collision as it struck the marble floor was crisp; the sound it made as it shattered was loud.}He told the old woman about what happened. She breathed out a sigh upon hearing about the shattered cup. Looking at Han Xiling, she then said sincerely, “Young master, from now on, whenever the master requests such tasks, please come ask me. Do you understand? The master has many rules, and if they are not followed, he will be furious.”

Han Jiangxue took the cup served to him, the contents downed between his parted lips. But in that same instant, all of it was spat out and the cup was flung to the ground. The collision as it struck the marble floor was crisp; the sound it made as it shattered was loud.

_{“What are you muttering about over there?” That nitpicking lunatic swept his sharpened gaze towards Han Xiling like a dagger.}Han Xiling entered the hall once more, the teapot carried cautiously in his hands. Han Jiangxue was still seated in the grand seat, his eyes now closed in rest.

“What are you muttering about over there?” That nitpicking lunatic swept his sharpened gaze towards Han Xiling like a dagger.

_{After replying, Uncle Wu walked away with Han Xiling’s vacant stare trailing him. Han Xiling then turned his eyes to peek at Han Jiangxue. It was only then that he realised the impression he had of that man beside him was a gross misinterpretation. Han Jiangxue wasn’t some guy who loved to smile and laugh—he was a nitpicky lunatic!}
After replying, Uncle Wu walked away with Han Xiling’s vacant stare trailing him. Han Xiling then turned his eyes to peek at Han Jiangxue. It was only then that he realised the impression he had of that man beside him was a gross misinterpretation. Han Jiangxue wasn’t some guy who loved to smile and laugh—he was a nitpicky lunatic!

After replying, Uncle Wu walked away with Han Xiling’s vacant stare trailing him. Han Xiling then turned his eyes to peek at Han Jiangxue. It was only then that he realised the impression he had of that man beside him was a gross misinterpretation. Han Jiangxue wasn’t some guy who loved to smile and laugh—he was a nitpicky lunatic!

_☆☆☆Note: 少主: shào zhǔ literally means young + master, while 小少爷: xiǎo shǎoye means the little young master of a house (the son [youngest] of a family). He has to be called little young master because, as a 20-year-old man, Han Jiangxue is also a young master (少爷), but for the sake of brevity and the lack of a father for Han Jiangxue present, he’s getting called master here.

☆☆☆

_{After replying, Uncle Wu walked away with Han Xiling’s vacant stare trailing him. Han Xiling then turned his eyes to peek at Han Jiangxue. It was only then that he realised the impression he had of that man beside him was a gross misinterpretation. {Han Jiangxue wasn’t some guy who loved to smile and laugh—he was a nitpicky lunatic!}}“Before pouring the tea, you must first rinse the cup with the hot water, then pour it out. The first steeping will be somewhat bitter, so you must throw that one out as well. The second steeping is the one that must be served.”

_{Since early that morning, his chеst has bubbled with a surreal sensation, and now part of these lingering dreams has come true.}
“What are you muttering about over there?” That nitpicking lunatic swept his sharpened gaze towards Han Xiling like a dagger.

Since early that morning, his chеst has bubbled with a surreal sensation, and now part of these lingering dreams has come true.

_{It would have been better for those words to have never been said, because once spoken, Han Xiling’s tears truly became uncontrollable.}“And your tea was rather unpleasant to drink, so practice properly from now on.”

It would have been better for those words to have never been said, because once spoken, Han Xiling’s tears truly became uncontrollable.

_{Han Jiangxue took the cup served to him, the contents downed between his parted lips. But in that same instant, all of it was spat out and the cup was flung to the ground. The collision as it struck the marble floor was crisp; the sound it made as it shattered was loud.}Han Jiangxue finally opened his eyes and took the cup presented to him. But before Han Xiling could fully exhale a sigh of relief, the cup just taken was thrown to the floor, where it shattered. It was such a shock that he almost leapt out of his skin.

_{“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.}
“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”

“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.

_{Han Jiangxue! Just you wait, you neurotic bastard. I’ll show you one day. Just you wait.}
“Aunty Wu, go prepare lunch... more than usual. I heard this kid is rather fond of eating.”

Han Jiangxue! Just you wait, you neurotic bastard. I’ll show you one day. Just you wait.

_{“I understand.”}“Mn.” Han Xiling hummed before setting off towards the kitchen door with the hot teapot in hand. But before he left, he turned back to ask in a whisper, “Aunty Wu, he doesn’t beat people, does he?”

“I understand.”

_{“What?” Aunty Wu’s eyes widened before she broke out in a laugh. “No, of course not. The master may have a temper, but he never lays a hand on a person for no good reason.”}Chapter 1.2: Han Xiling

“What?” Aunty Wu’s eyes widened before she broke out in a laugh. “No, of course not. The master may have a temper, but he never lays a hand on a person for no good reason.”

_{“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.}A bevy of menservants and maidservants rushing out to greet them was another expectation held by Han Xiling. But instead, only two persons had come out to greet them—an elderly man and woman.

“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.

Like this, Aunty Wu carefully taught Han Xiling the art of making tea. It took most of the day before they were finished, and Han Xiling again returned to the hall carrying that teapot in his hands.

_{“How should I be addressed?”}
“Yes, master.”

“How should I be addressed?”

_{A bevy of menservants and maidservants rushing out to greet them was another expectation held by Han Xiling. But instead, only two persons had come out to greet them—an elderly man and woman.}“Oh… um, hello.” Still very much embarrassed and possessing a heart still berating his chеst, Han Xiling still hadn’t adjusted to going from an orphan to a “young master.”

A bevy of menservants and maidservants rushing out to greet them was another expectation held by Han Xiling. But instead, only two persons had come out to greet them—an elderly man and woman.

_{The man before him was remarkably young in appearance, seeming no more than three years his senior at most. {I am to call such a person father?}}“He favours his tea hot and only drinks the “Five Trees” tea leaves. No matter how good other tea leaves are, he will not consume them. He does not allow for his things to be moved. He does not allow for noise when he is resting at home. He is especially fond of sweet foods, so any food of that kind here can only be eaten if he has no interest in eating it himself. Last of all, when guests visit the mansion, you must not pay them any mind. They must remain unseen. Do you understand, young master?”

The man before him was remarkably young in appearance, seeming no more than three years his senior at most. I am to call such a person father?

_{If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.}It was only when that man swallowed his sip that Han Xiling’s heart finally descended back into his chеst.

If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.

☆☆☆

_{To this, Han Xiling could only sputter out an “Oh.” How was he supposed to know such a thing? He was a boy who spent his life fighting for a drink of water, so how would he ever have the fortune to learn the proper way of preparing tea?}
Han Xiling followed Han Jiangxue into the central hall.

To this, Han Xiling could only sputter out an “Oh.” How was he supposed to know such a thing? He was a boy who spent his life fighting for a drink of water, so how would he ever have the fortune to learn the proper way of preparing tea?

_{“Yes, master.”}“Father, please have some tea.”

“Yes, master.”

_{“Greetings, young master.”}The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.

“Greetings, young master.”

_{On an {eight immortals} table, a set of teacups and a teapot were prearranged. Han Xiling placed his hand on the teapot, still infused with heat. Under the assumption it was left there by Aunty Wu, he picked up the pot and poured out some tea.}“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.

On an eight immortals table, a set of teacups and a teapot were prearranged. Han Xiling placed his hand on the teapot, still infused with heat. Under the assumption it was left there by Aunty Wu, he picked up the pot and poured out some tea.

_{If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.}On an eight immortals table, a set of teacups and a teapot were prearranged. Han Xiling placed his hand on the teapot, still infused with heat. Under the assumption it was left there by Aunty Wu, he picked up the pot and poured out some tea.

If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.

_{“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.}
Han Jiangxue took his seat on the grand preceptor’s armchair before waving his hand towards Han Xiling and instructing, “Go make me a cup of tea.”

“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.

_{“Come on, now. I’ll teach you how to steep the tea. The first thing you must do is...”}“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.

“Come on, now. I’ll teach you how to steep the tea. The first thing you must do is...”

_{While Han Xiling lamented in his heat, that “father” of his asked, his expression grim, “Do you not know that a cup should be clean before pouring tea into it?”}“Mn.” Han Xiling hummed before setting off towards the kitchen door with the hot teapot in hand. But before he left, he turned back to ask in a whisper, “Aunty Wu, he doesn’t beat people, does he?”

While Han Xiling lamented in his heat, that “father” of his asked, his expression grim, “Do you not know that a cup should be clean before pouring tea into it?”

_{Chapter 1.2: Han Xiling}
On an eight immortals table, a set of teacups and a teapot were prearranged. Han Xiling placed his hand on the teapot, still infused with heat. Under the assumption it was left there by Aunty Wu, he picked up the pot and poured out some tea.

Chapter 1.2: Han Xiling

_{“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.}“Uncle Wu, go boil some water and fill a large tub. When that’s done, wash him well,” Han Jiangxue instructed with knitted brows frаming an expression of disgust.

“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.

_{“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”}
Han Jiangxue took the cup served to him, the contents downed between his parted lips. But in that same instant, all of it was spat out and the cup was flung to the ground. The collision as it struck the marble floor was crisp; the sound it made as it shattered was loud.

“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”

_{“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”}“Uncle Wu, go boil some water and fill a large tub. When that’s done, wash him well,” Han Jiangxue instructed with knitted brows frаming an expression of disgust.

“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”

_{“Father!” Han Xiling felt his stomach churn at the word, “Here is your tea.”}Headmaster, Headmistress, had I known this was the fate awaiting me, I would’ve never left the academy. I’d rather stay there and be whipped than get adopted into such a house run by a lunatic! Sobs…

“Father!” Han Xiling felt his stomach churn at the word, “Here is your tea.”

_{“Greetings, young master.”}
“I only drink tea that is hot.”

“Greetings, young master.”

_{With such things further adding to his imaginings, Han Xiling never expected Han Jingxue’s home to be as it was. A small courtyard with no towering pavilions; no rockeries with flowing water nor a back garden in sight; just a small mansion with two pomegranate trees planted at its front and not a thing else.}Fortunately, no cup was flung after the tea was tasted. But after finishing the tea, Han Jiangxue placed the cup on the table and commented, “Did you cry? Look at your pitiful sight! You had the smallest bit of promise and thought that was enough to become a Sword Knight? If this is how you think, keep dreaming!” With a raised brow, he spat out those words with disdain.

_{“You’re their young master (shao zhu). From this day onwards, they will serve you. Where have you ever seen a master that bows to their servants?!” Han Jiangxue shot Han Xiling with a harsh glare.}Han Jiangxue finally opened his eyes and took the cup presented to him. But before Han Xiling could fully exhale a sigh of relief, the cup just taken was thrown to the floor, where it shattered. It was such a shock that he almost leapt out of his skin.

_{Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.}“What?” Aunty Wu’s eyes widened before she broke out in a laugh. “No, of course not. The master may have a temper, but he never lays a hand on a person for no good reason.”

Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.

_{“Yes, master.”}
Han Xiling stared at the broken pieces strewn across the floor, his thoughts barely registering the complaint sent his way. That was such a pretty cup. It must’ve cost a pretty penny, too. I reckon just it alone could’ve been enough to pay for my senior brothers’ breakfast many times over. What an absolute shame.

“Yes, master.”

Like this, Aunty Wu carefully taught Han Xiling the art of making tea. It took most of the day before they were finished, and Han Xiling again returned to the hall carrying that teapot in his hands.

_{But before this moment of relief could be solidified, that third cup went flying, and that man barked out.}
“Be quick about it!”

But before this moment of relief could be solidified, that third cup went flying, and that man barked out.

_{While Han Xiling lamented in his heat, that “father” of his asked, his expression grim, “Do you not know that a cup should be clean before pouring tea into it?”}Everything in the western city was a world apart from the east. The houses were all a sight of splendour. The roads were paved with bricks of slate. As the hooves of horses trotted across these carefully laid azure stones, the sound echoing beneath was clear and crisp. It was nothing like the roads in the east region that were simply flattened earth.

While Han Xiling lamented in his heat, that “father” of his asked, his expression grim, “Do you not know that a cup should be clean before pouring tea into it?”

_{“Father, please have some tea.”}The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.

“Father, please have some tea.”

_{He picked up a cup again and carefully steeped the tea according to Aunty Wu’s instructions, then offered yet another cup to that man.}Since early that morning, his chеst has bubbled with a surreal sensation, and now part of these lingering dreams has come true.

He picked up a cup again and carefully steeped the tea according to Aunty Wu’s instructions, then offered yet another cup to that man.

_{“And your tea was rather unpleasant to drink, so practice properly from now on.”}
“Uh, alright…” Han Xiling responded timidly as he wondered whether he was an adopted son or just another servant.

“And your tea was rather unpleasant to drink, so practice properly from now on.”

_{“Yes, master.”}“You’re their young master (shao zhu). From this day onwards, they will serve you. Where have you ever seen a master that bows to their servants?!” Han Jiangxue shot Han Xiling with a harsh glare.

“Yes, master.”

_{“Aunty Wu, go prepare lunch... more than usual. I heard this kid is rather fond of eating.”}Since early that morning, his chеst has bubbled with a surreal sensation, and now part of these lingering dreams has come true.

“Aunty Wu, go prepare lunch... more than usual. I heard this kid is rather fond of eating.”

_{“Oh, that’s great, then.” Han Xiling nodded and left after getting an answer, his expression pleased.}From behind his departing back, a string of mocking laughter echoed, making him clench his fists so tіghtly they almost bled.

“Oh, that’s great, then.” Han Xiling nodded and left after getting an answer, his expression pleased.

_{“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.}N/A

“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.

_{“Be quick about it!”}
But he spent no time lingering on such thoughts; after all, it was all the same to him. That person was a nobleman, and he was nothing but an orphan boy. For a person like him, being adopted was itself a great blessing, so how could he dare expect to also be pampered like a true son of a nobleman?

“Be quick about it!”

_{Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.}To this, Han Xiling could only sputter out an “Oh.” How was he supposed to know such a thing? He was a boy who spent his life fighting for a drink of water, so how would he ever have the fortune to learn the proper way of preparing tea?

Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.

_{Han Jiangxue took the cup and again took a drawn-out sip.}Han Xiling selected a cup for the third time and then rinsed it with hot water. He poured out a cup of tea and tossed that out before pouring out a second. When he was done, he took this third attempt and presented it to the man before him.

Han Jiangxue took the cup and again took a drawn-out sip.

☆☆☆

_{Anger surged within Han Xiling’s chеst at those words, the fists lying at his sides tіghtening.}
Han Xiling made his way to the back side of the house with the teapot in hand to find Aunty Wu.

Anger surged within Han Xiling’s chеst at those words, the fists lying at his sides tіghtening.

_{“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. {I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.}}He picked up a cup again and carefully steeped the tea according to Aunty Wu’s instructions, then offered yet another cup to that man.

“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.

_{There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.}“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.

There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.

_{There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.}“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.

There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.

_{It was only when that man swallowed his sip that Han Xiling’s heart finally descended back into his chеst.}
He told the old woman about what happened. She breathed out a sigh upon hearing about the shattered cup. Looking at Han Xiling, she then said sincerely, “Young master, from now on, whenever the master requests such tasks, please come ask me. Do you understand? The master has many rules, and if they are not followed, he will be furious.”

It was only when that man swallowed his sip that Han Xiling’s heart finally descended back into his chеst.

“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.

_{Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.}Han Jiangxue took his seat on the grand preceptor’s armchair before waving his hand towards Han Xiling and instructing, “Go make me a cup of tea.”

Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.

_{The man before him was remarkably young in appearance, seeming no more than three years his senior at most. {I am to call such a person father?}}After replying, Uncle Wu walked away with Han Xiling’s vacant stare trailing him. Han Xiling then turned his eyes to peek at Han Jiangxue. It was only then that he realised the impression he had of that man beside him was a gross misinterpretation. Han Jiangxue wasn’t some guy who loved to smile and laugh—he was a nitpicky lunatic!

The man before him was remarkably young in appearance, seeming no more than three years his senior at most. I am to call such a person father?

_{Han Jiangxue took the cup offered to him and slowly took a sip.}
“Oh, alright.” Han Xiling replied in a murmur. That guy really is a pain to serve.

Han Jiangxue took the cup offered to him and slowly took a sip.

_{“Mn.” Han Xiling hummed before setting off towards the kitchen door with the hot teapot in hand. But before he left, he turned back to ask in a whisper, “Aunty Wu, he doesn’t beat people, does he?”}There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.

_{“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”}Han Xiling selected a cup for the third time and then rinsed it with hot water. He poured out a cup of tea and tossed that out before pouring out a second. When he was done, he took this third attempt and presented it to the man before him.

“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”

_{{Headmaster, Headmistress, had I known this was the fate awaiting me, I would’ve never left the academy. I’d rather stay there and be whipped than get adopted into such a house run by a lunatic! Sobs…}}Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.

Headmaster, Headmistress, had I known this was the fate awaiting me, I would’ve never left the academy. I’d rather stay there and be whipped than get adopted into such a house run by a lunatic! Sobs…

_{Han Xiling made his way to the back side of the house with the teapot in hand to find Aunty Wu.}N/A

Han Xiling made his way to the back side of the house with the teapot in hand to find Aunty Wu.

_{Han Xiling nodded in response.}
“He favours his tea hot and only drinks the “Five Trees” tea leaves. No matter how good other tea leaves are, he will not consume them. He does not allow for his things to be moved. He does not allow for noise when he is resting at home. He is especially fond of sweet foods, so any food of that kind here can only be eaten if he has no interest in eating it himself. Last of all, when guests visit the mansion, you must not pay them any mind. They must remain unseen. Do you understand, young master?”

Han Xiling nodded in response.

_{{Han Jiangxue! Just you wait, you neurotic bastard. I’ll show you one day. Just you wait.}}He picked up a cup again and carefully steeped the tea according to Aunty Wu’s instructions, then offered yet another cup to that man.

Han Jiangxue! Just you wait, you neurotic bastard. I’ll show you one day. Just you wait.

_N/A
“I understand.”

N/A

Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.

_{“Yes, master.”}
“Here, I’ve brewed another batch of tea, so please take it to the master. Be careful on your way. This tea is quite precious, so no more of it can be wasted, alright?”

“Yes, master.”

_{“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. {I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.}}“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”

“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.

_{From behind his departing back, a string of mocking laughter echoed, making him clench his fists so tіghtly they almost bled.}“Come on, now. I’ll teach you how to steep the tea. The first thing you must do is...”

From behind his departing back, a string of mocking laughter echoed, making him clench his fists so tіghtly they almost bled.

_{“Uncle Wu, go boil some water and fill a large tub. When that’s done, wash him well,” Han Jiangxue instructed with knitted brows frаming an expression of disgust.}
“Mn.” Han Xiling hummed before setting off towards the kitchen door with the hot teapot in hand. But before he left, he turned back to ask in a whisper, “Aunty Wu, he doesn’t beat people, does he?”

“Uncle Wu, go boil some water and fill a large tub. When that’s done, wash him well,” Han Jiangxue instructed with knitted brows frаming an expression of disgust.

_{{Neurotic, arrogant, conceited son-of-a-bitch! You self-important lunatic!}}“Before pouring the tea, you must first rinse the cup with the hot water, then pour it out. The first steeping will be somewhat bitter, so you must throw that one out as well. The second steeping is the one that must be served.”

Neurotic, arrogant, conceited son-of-a-bitch! You self-important lunatic!

_{“Oh… um, hello.” Still very much embarrassed and possessing a heart still berating his chеst, Han Xiling still hadn’t adjusted to going from an orphan to a “young master.”}“Uh, alright…” Han Xiling responded timidly as he wondered whether he was an adopted son or just another servant.

“Oh… um, hello.” Still very much embarrassed and possessing a heart still berating his chеst, Han Xiling still hadn’t adjusted to going from an orphan to a “young master.”

_{The man before him was remarkably young in appearance, seeming no more than three years his senior at most. I am to call such a person father?}
“What?” Aunty Wu’s eyes widened before she broke out in a laugh. “No, of course not. The master may have a temper, but he never lays a hand on a person for no good reason.”

The man before him was remarkably young in appearance, seeming no more than three years his senior at most. I am to call such a person father?

_{“Go wash up.”}☆☆☆

“Go wash up.”

_☆☆☆“Oh, alright.” Han Xiling replied in a murmur. That guy really is a pain to serve.

☆☆☆

_{“How should I be addressed?”}“His name is Han Xiling. From now on, call him young master (xiao shaoye).”

“How should I be addressed?”

_{“Did Aunty Wu help you steep this? Go steep it again on your own! You will be the one responsible for this task from now on, understood?!”}
“Oh, that’s great, then.” Han Xiling nodded and left after getting an answer, his expression pleased.

“Did Aunty Wu help you steep this? Go steep it again on your own! You will be the one responsible for this task from now on, understood?!”

_{Han Xiling followed Han Jiangxue into the central hall.}There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.

Han Xiling followed Han Jiangxue into the central hall.

_{“But…” Han Xiling stammered, “They’re elders!”}Han Xiling was such a wreck that this time around his legs had broken out in tremors. While on the inside, he tearfully expressed his regrets.

“But…” Han Xiling stammered, “They’re elders!”

_{Han Xiling was embarrassed by the act, his flυstered self unknowing of what to do.}“Yes, master.”

Han Xiling was embarrassed by the act, his flυstered self unknowing of what to do.

_{“Understood.” Han Xiling turned to leave.}
If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.

“Understood.” Han Xiling turned to leave.

_{Han Jiangxue took the cup and again took a drawn-out sip.}“Hello, Uncle Wu. Hello, Aunty Wu.” Just as Han Xiling was about to bow to the old couple, Hang Jiangxue grabbed him by the collar and kicked him hаrd behind the knees.

Han Jiangxue took the cup and again took a drawn-out sip.

☆☆☆

_{“I understand.”}
Han Xiling entered the hall once more, the teapot carried cautiously in his hands. Han Jiangxue was still seated in the grand seat, his eyes now closed in rest.

“I understand.”

_{Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.}“Oh, alright.” Han Xiling replied in a murmur. That guy really is a pain to serve.

Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.

_{Han Xiling entered the hall once more, the teapot carried cautiously in his hands. Han Jiangxue was still seated in the grand seat, his eyes now closed in rest.}“I only drink tea that is hot.”

Han Xiling entered the hall once more, the teapot carried cautiously in his hands. Han Jiangxue was still seated in the grand seat, his eyes now closed in rest.

_{“Father, please have some tea.”}
Ham Xiling poured tea into one of those pretty cups and presented it to his adoptive father with both hands. “Your tea.”

“Father, please have some tea.”

_{Ham Xiling poured tea into one of those pretty cups and presented it to his adoptive father with both hands. “{Your} tea.”}“How should I be addressed?”

Ham Xiling poured tea into one of those pretty cups and presented it to his adoptive father with both hands. “Your tea.”

_{From behind his departing back, a string of mocking laughter echoed, making him clench his fists so tіghtly they almost bled.}While Han Xiling lamented in his heat, that “father” of his asked, his expression grim, “Do you not know that a cup should be clean before pouring tea into it?”

From behind his departing back, a string of mocking laughter echoed, making him clench his fists so tіghtly they almost bled.

_☆☆☆
“How should you address me?” Han Jiangxue asked with eyes still closed, but Han Xiling hesitated for a while, not quite knowing how to voice the word “father.”

☆☆☆

_{The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.}Anger surged within Han Xiling’s chеst at those words, the fists lying at his sides tіghtening.

The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.

_{“What are you muttering about over there?” That nitpicking lunatic swept his sharpened gaze towards Han Xiling like a dagger.}“Understood!” Han Xiling almost roared.

“What are you muttering about over there?” That nitpicking lunatic swept his sharpened gaze towards Han Xiling like a dagger.

_{“Greetings, young master.”}Note: 少主: shào zhǔ literally means young + master, while 小少爷: xiǎo shǎoye means the little young master of a house (the son [youngest] of a family). He has to be called little young master because, as a 20-year-old man, Han Jiangxue is also a young master (少爷), but for the sake of brevity and the lack of a father for Han Jiangxue present, he’s getting called master here.

“Greetings, young master.”

_{The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.}
The man before him was remarkably young in appearance, seeming no more than three years his senior at most. I am to call such a person father?

The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.

_{Han Jiangxue finally opened his eyes and took the cup presented to him. But before Han Xiling could fully exhale a sigh of relief, the cup just taken was thrown to the floor, where it shattered. It was such a shock that he almost leapt out of his skin.}It was only when that man swallowed his sip that Han Xiling’s heart finally descended back into his chеst.

Han Jiangxue finally opened his eyes and took the cup presented to him. But before Han Xiling could fully exhale a sigh of relief, the cup just taken was thrown to the floor, where it shattered. It was such a shock that he almost leapt out of his skin.

_{“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”}It was Han Xiling’s first time truly entering the western city due to the strict hierarchical system his country enforced. As it was, any child from the eastern region who dared enter the west without authorisation would be arrested and beaten. No one would so much as at an eye if they also ended up dead.

“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”

_{“Do not speak out of turn!”}The man before him was remarkably young in appearance, seeming no more than three years his senior at most. I am to call such a person father?

“Do not speak out of turn!”

_{“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.}“Yes, master.”

“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.

_{From behind his departing back, a string of mocking laughter echoed, making him clench his fists so tіghtly they almost bled.}
“How should I be addressed?”

From behind his departing back, a string of mocking laughter echoed, making him clench his fists so tіghtly they almost bled.

_{“How should you address me?” Han Jiangxue asked with eyes still closed, but Han Xiling hesitated for a while, not quite knowing how to voice the word “father.”}It was only when that man swallowed his sip that Han Xiling’s heart finally descended back into his chеst.

“How should you address me?” Han Jiangxue asked with eyes still closed, but Han Xiling hesitated for a while, not quite knowing how to voice the word “father.”

_{“What? Are you upset?” Han Jiangxue again mocked.}“These are Uncle and Aunty Wu. Uncle Wu is in charge of the tough manual chores, and Aunty Wu is in charge of the cooking and cleaning.” Even in his introductions, Han Jiangxue was curt.

“What? Are you upset?” Han Jiangxue again mocked.

_{A bevy of menservants and maidservants rushing out to greet them was another expectation held by Han Xiling. But instead, only two persons had come out to greet them—an elderly man and woman.}“Greetings, young master (shao zhu)!” It was now time for the old couple to bow and give Han Xiling their greetings.

A bevy of menservants and maidservants rushing out to greet them was another expectation held by Han Xiling. But instead, only two persons had come out to greet them—an elderly man and woman.

_{Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.}“Greetings, young master.”

Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.

_{“Uh, alright…” Han Xiling responded timidly as he wondered whether he was an adopted son or just another servant.}A bevy of menservants and maidservants rushing out to greet them was another expectation held by Han Xiling. But instead, only two persons had come out to greet them—an elderly man and woman.

“Uh, alright…” Han Xiling responded timidly as he wondered whether he was an adopted son or just another servant.

_{“Greetings, young master (shao zhu)!” It was now time for the old couple to bow and give Han Xiling their greetings.}Han Xiling stared at the broken pieces strewn across the floor, his thoughts barely registering the complaint sent his way. That was such a pretty cup. It must’ve cost a pretty penny, too. I reckon just it alone could’ve been enough to pay for my senior brothers’ breakfast many times over. What an absolute shame.

“Greetings, young master (shao zhu)!” It was now time for the old couple to bow and give Han Xiling their greetings.

_{Han Xiling made his way to the back side of the house with the teapot in hand to find Aunty Wu.}It was Han Xiling’s first time truly entering the western city due to the strict hierarchical system his country enforced. As it was, any child from the eastern region who dared enter the west without authorisation would be arrested and beaten. No one would so much as at an eye if they also ended up dead.

Han Xiling made his way to the back side of the house with the teapot in hand to find Aunty Wu.

_{It was Han Xiling’s first time truly entering the western city due to the strict hierarchical system his country enforced. As it was, any child from the eastern region who dared enter the west without authorisation would be arrested and beaten. No one would so much as at an eye if they also ended up dead.}
Han Jiangxue finally opened his eyes and took the cup presented to him. But before Han Xiling could fully exhale a sigh of relief, the cup just taken was thrown to the floor, where it shattered. It was such a shock that he almost leapt out of his skin.

_{“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. {I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.}}“Father!” Han Xiling felt his stomach churn at the word, “Here is your tea.”

“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.

_{Han Jiangxue took his seat on the grand preceptor’s armchair before waving his hand towards Han Xiling and instructing, “Go make me a cup of tea.”}“Mn.” Han Xiling hummed before setting off towards the kitchen door with the hot teapot in hand. But before he left, he turned back to ask in a whisper, “Aunty Wu, he doesn’t beat people, does he?”

Han Jiangxue took his seat on the grand preceptor’s armchair before waving his hand towards Han Xiling and instructing, “Go make me a cup of tea.”

_{“You’re their young master (shao zhu). From this day onwards, they will serve you. Where have you ever seen a master that bows to their servants?!” Han Jiangxue shot Han Xiling with a harsh glare.}Note: 少主: shào zhǔ literally means young + master, while 小少爷: xiǎo shǎoye means the little young master of a house (the son [youngest] of a family). He has to be called little young master because, as a 20-year-old man, Han Jiangxue is also a young master (少爷), but for the sake of brevity and the lack of a father for Han Jiangxue present, he’s getting called master here.

_{“Come on, now. I’ll teach you how to steep the tea. The first thing you must do is...”}Han Xiling was such a wreck that this time around his legs had broken out in tremors. While on the inside, he tearfully expressed his regrets.

“Come on, now. I’ll teach you how to steep the tea. The first thing you must do is...”

_{“How should you address me?” Han Jiangxue asked with eyes still closed, but Han Xiling hesitated for a while, not quite knowing how to voice the word “father.”}
Does having money mean you can waste it like this?! Goodness!

“How should you address me?” Han Jiangxue asked with eyes still closed, but Han Xiling hesitated for a while, not quite knowing how to voice the word “father.”

_{“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. {I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.}}“What are you muttering about over there?” That nitpicking lunatic swept his sharpened gaze towards Han Xiling like a dagger.

“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.

_{“Oh… um, hello.” Still very much embarrassed and possessing a heart still berating his chеst, Han Xiling still hadn’t adjusted to going from an orphan to a “young master.”}But he spent no time lingering on such thoughts; after all, it was all the same to him. That person was a nobleman, and he was nothing but an orphan boy. For a person like him, being adopted was itself a great blessing, so how could he dare expect to also be pampered like a true son of a nobleman?

“Oh… um, hello.” Still very much embarrassed and possessing a heart still berating his chеst, Han Xiling still hadn’t adjusted to going from an orphan to a “young master.”

_{He told the old woman about what happened. She breathed out a sigh upon hearing about the shattered cup. Looking at Han Xiling, she then said sincerely, “Young master, from now on, whenever the master requests such tasks, please come ask me. Do you understand? The master has many rules, and if they are not followed, he will be furious.”}“Understood!” Han Xiling almost roared.

He told the old woman about what happened. She breathed out a sigh upon hearing about the shattered cup. Looking at Han Xiling, she then said sincerely, “Young master, from now on, whenever the master requests such tasks, please come ask me. Do you understand? The master has many rules, and if they are not followed, he will be furious.”

_N/A“He favours his tea hot and only drinks the “Five Trees” tea leaves. No matter how good other tea leaves are, he will not consume them. He does not allow for his things to be moved. He does not allow for noise when he is resting at home. He is especially fond of sweet foods, so any food of that kind here can only be eaten if he has no interest in eating it himself. Last of all, when guests visit the mansion, you must not pay them any mind. They must remain unseen. Do you understand, young master?”

N/A

_{“What are you muttering about over there?” That nitpicking lunatic swept his sharpened gaze towards Han Xiling like a dagger.}
While Han Xiling lamented in his heat, that “father” of his asked, his expression grim, “Do you not know that a cup should be clean before pouring tea into it?”

“What are you muttering about over there?” That nitpicking lunatic swept his sharpened gaze towards Han Xiling like a dagger.

_{Han Jingxue had made his way to the orphanage on a single horse, so it was only natural that Han Xiling would ride this one horse with him on the journey from the east to the west.}“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”

Han Jingxue had made his way to the orphanage on a single horse, so it was only natural that Han Xiling would ride this one horse with him on the journey from the east to the west.

_N/A“I only drink tea that is hot.”

N/A

_{Han Xiling was such a wreck that this time around his legs had broken out in tremors. While on the inside, he tearfully expressed his regrets.}“Oh, that’s great, then.” Han Xiling nodded and left after getting an answer, his expression pleased.

Han Xiling was such a wreck that this time around his legs had broken out in tremors. While on the inside, he tearfully expressed his regrets.

_{{Han Jiangxue! Just you wait, you neurotic bastard. I’ll show you one day. Just you wait.}}N/A

Han Jiangxue! Just you wait, you neurotic bastard. I’ll show you one day. Just you wait.

_{“His name is Han Xiling. From now on, call him young master (xiao shaoye).”}
To this, Han Xiling could only sputter out an “Oh.” How was he supposed to know such a thing? He was a boy who spent his life fighting for a drink of water, so how would he ever have the fortune to learn the proper way of preparing tea?

“His name is Han Xiling. From now on, call him young master (xiao shaoye).”

_{Chapter 1.2: Han Xiling}“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.

Chapter 1.2: Han Xiling

_{On an {eight immortals} table, a set of teacups and a teapot were prearranged. Han Xiling placed his hand on the teapot, still infused with heat. Under the assumption it was left there by Aunty Wu, he picked up the pot and poured out some tea.}Han Xiling was such a wreck that this time around his legs had broken out in tremors. While on the inside, he tearfully expressed his regrets.

_{But he spent no time lingering on such thoughts; after all, it was all the same to him. That person was a nobleman, and he was nothing but an orphan boy. For a person like him, being adopted was itself a great blessing, so how could he dare expect to also be pampered like a true son of a nobleman?}There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.

But he spent no time lingering on such thoughts; after all, it was all the same to him. That person was a nobleman, and he was nothing but an orphan boy. For a person like him, being adopted was itself a great blessing, so how could he dare expect to also be pampered like a true son of a nobleman?

_{But he spent no time lingering on such thoughts; after all, it was all the same to him. That person was a nobleman, and he was nothing but an orphan boy. For a person like him, being adopted was itself a great blessing, so how could he dare expect to also be pampered like a true son of a nobleman?}
“Before pouring the tea, you must first rinse the cup with the hot water, then pour it out. The first steeping will be somewhat bitter, so you must throw that one out as well. The second steeping is the one that must be served.”

_{Note: 少主: shào zhǔ literally means young + master, while 小少爷: xiǎo shǎoye means the little young master of a house (the son [youngest] of a family). He has to be called little young master because, as a 20-year-old man, Han Jiangxue is also a young master (少爷), but for the sake of brevity and the lack of a father for Han Jiangxue present, he’s getting called master here.}Neurotic, arrogant, conceited son-of-a-bitch! You self-important lunatic!

_{“He favours his tea hot and only drinks the “Five Trees” tea leaves. No matter how good other tea leaves are, he will not consume them.}Han Jiangxue finally opened his eyes and took the cup presented to him. But before Han Xiling could fully exhale a sigh of relief, the cup just taken was thrown to the floor, where it shattered. It was such a shock that he almost leapt out of his skin.

“Goodness… it seems the master’s complex has indeed reared its head again.” The old woman caressed Han Xiling’s head. “Do not be sad, young master. Master doesn’t mean anything by it. Master just has a habit of toying with others when he has nothing else to do. So please do not take it to heart.”

_{“Greetings, young master (shao zhu)!” It was now time for the old couple to bow and give Han Xiling their greetings.}“Father, please have some tea.”

“Greetings, young master (shao zhu)!” It was now time for the old couple to bow and give Han Xiling their greetings.

_{“Understood!” Han Xiling almost roared.}
“Understood.”

“Understood!” Han Xiling almost roared.

_{Han Xiling was such a wreck that this time around his legs had broken out in tremors. While on the inside, he tearfully expressed his regrets.}“Understood.” Han Xiling turned to leave.

Han Xiling was such a wreck that this time around his legs had broken out in tremors. While on the inside, he tearfully expressed his regrets.

_{Chapter 1.2: Han Xiling}“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.

Chapter 1.2: Han Xiling

_{“I understand.”}“Go wash up.”

“I understand.”

_{“Come on, now. I’ll teach you how to steep the tea. The first thing you must do is...”}
Han Xiling selected a cup for the third time and then rinsed it with hot water. He poured out a cup of tea and tossed that out before pouring out a second. When he was done, he took this third attempt and presented it to the man before him.

“Come on, now. I’ll teach you how to steep the tea. The first thing you must do is...”

_{“What? Are you upset?” Han Jiangxue again mocked.}“Understood…”

“What? Are you upset?” Han Jiangxue again mocked.

_{The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.}“Uncle Wu, go boil some water and fill a large tub. When that’s done, wash him well,” Han Jiangxue instructed with knitted brows frаming an expression of disgust.

The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.

_{Han Xiling stared at the broken pieces strewn across the floor, his thoughts barely registering the complaint sent his way. {That was such a pretty cup. It must’ve cost a pretty penny, too. I reckon just it alone could’ve been enough to pay for my senior brothers’ breakfast many times over. What an absolute shame.}}“But…” Han Xiling stammered, “They’re elders!”

_{“Here, I’ve brewed another batch of tea, so please take it to the master. Be careful on your way. This tea is quite precious, so no more of it can be wasted, alright?”}“Aunty Wu, go prepare lunch... more than usual. I heard this kid is rather fond of eating.”

“Here, I’ve brewed another batch of tea, so please take it to the master. Be careful on your way. This tea is quite precious, so no more of it can be wasted, alright?”

_{Han Xiling made his way to the back side of the house with the teapot in hand to find Aunty Wu.}A bevy of menservants and maidservants rushing out to greet them was another expectation held by Han Xiling. But instead, only two persons had come out to greet them—an elderly man and woman.

Han Xiling made his way to the back side of the house with the teapot in hand to find Aunty Wu.

_{“I only drink tea that is hot.”}“I only drink tea that is hot.”

“I only drink tea that is hot.”

_{“Do not speak out of turn!”}N/A

“Do not speak out of turn!”

_{“Hello, Uncle Wu. Hello, Aunty Wu.” Just as Han Xiling was about to bow to the old couple, Hang Jiangxue grabbed him by the collar and kicked him hаrd behind the knees.}
Han Jiangxue took the cup offered to him and slowly took a sip.

“Hello, Uncle Wu. Hello, Aunty Wu.” Just as Han Xiling was about to bow to the old couple, Hang Jiangxue grabbed him by the collar and kicked him hаrd behind the knees.

_{“Uh, alright…” Han Xiling responded timidly as he wondered whether he was an adopted son or just another servant.}“Aunty Wu, go prepare lunch... more than usual. I heard this kid is rather fond of eating.”

“Uh, alright…” Han Xiling responded timidly as he wondered whether he was an adopted son or just another servant.

_{Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.}Han Jiangxue! Just you wait, you neurotic bastard. I’ll show you one day. Just you wait.

Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.

_{“Yes, master.”}“Understood…”

“Yes, master.”

_{“What?” Aunty Wu’s eyes widened before she broke out in a laugh. “No, of course not. The master may have a temper, but he never lays a hand on a person for no good reason.”}“Oh… um, hello.” Still very much embarrassed and possessing a heart still berating his chеst, Han Xiling still hadn’t adjusted to going from an orphan to a “young master.”

“What?” Aunty Wu’s eyes widened before she broke out in a laugh. “No, of course not. The master may have a temper, but he never lays a hand on a person for no good reason.”

_{Han Xiling was embarrassed by the act, his flυstered self unknowing of what to do.}“Uncle Wu, go boil some water and fill a large tub. When that’s done, wash him well,” Han Jiangxue instructed with knitted brows frаming an expression of disgust.

Han Xiling was embarrassed by the act, his flυstered self unknowing of what to do.

_{Like this, Aunty Wu carefully taught Han Xiling the art of making tea. It took most of the day before they were finished, and Han Xiling again returned to the hall carrying that teapot in his hands.}Han Xiling followed Han Jiangxue into the central hall.

Like this, Aunty Wu carefully taught Han Xiling the art of making tea. It took most of the day before they were finished, and Han Xiling again returned to the hall carrying that teapot in his hands.

_{The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.}“What?” Aunty Wu’s eyes widened before she broke out in a laugh. “No, of course not. The master may have a temper, but he never lays a hand on a person for no good reason.”

The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.

_{Neurotic, arrogant, conceited son-of-a-bitch! You self-important lunatic!}
It was only when that man swallowed his sip that Han Xiling’s heart finally descended back into his chеst.

Neurotic, arrogant, conceited son-of-a-bitch! You self-important lunatic!

_{“Yes, master.”}“Here, I’ve brewed another batch of tea, so please take it to the master. Be careful on your way. This tea is quite precious, so no more of it can be wasted, alright?”

“Yes, master.”

_{“But…” Han Xiling stammered, “They’re elders!”}“Come on, now. I’ll teach you how to steep the tea. The first thing you must do is...”

“But…” Han Xiling stammered, “They’re elders!”

_{Anger surged within Han Xiling’s chеst at those words, the fists lying at his sides tіghtening.}With such things further adding to his imaginings, Han Xiling never expected Han Jingxue’s home to be as it was. A small courtyard with no towering pavilions; no rockeries with flowing water nor a back garden in sight; just a small mansion with two pomegranate trees planted at its front and not a thing else.

Anger surged within Han Xiling’s chеst at those words, the fists lying at his sides tіghtening.

_{“I only drink tea that is hot.”}
“Did Aunty Wu help you steep this? Go steep it again on your own! You will be the one responsible for this task from now on, understood?!”

“I only drink tea that is hot.”

_{“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. {I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.}}“Nothing,” Han Xiling slapped on a nervous grin, “I was saying that the house is really beautiful.”

“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.

_{“Do not speak out of turn!”}“Uh, alright…” Han Xiling responded timidly as he wondered whether he was an adopted son or just another servant.

“Do not speak out of turn!”

_{“Oh my, don’t cry. Please don’t cry.” Aunty Wu wiped away her newest young master’s tears as she coaxed. “The master hates seeing others cry the most. In fact, it is another taboo of this house that you must also remember, yes?”}
“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.

_{Han Jiangxue took the cup served to him, the contents downed between his parted lips. But in that same instant, all of it was spat out and the cup was flung to the ground. The collision as it struck the marble floor was crisp; the sound it made as it shattered was loud.}“How should you address me?” Han Jiangxue asked with eyes still closed, but Han Xiling hesitated for a while, not quite knowing how to voice the word “father.”

_{It was Han Xiling’s first time truly entering the western city due to the strict hierarchical system his country enforced. As it was, any child from the eastern region who dared enter the west without authorisation would be arrested and beaten. No one would so much as at an eye if they also ended up dead.}Like this, Aunty Wu carefully taught Han Xiling the art of making tea. It took most of the day before they were finished, and Han Xiling again returned to the hall carrying that teapot in his hands.

_{But he spent no time lingering on such thoughts; after all, it was all the same to him. That person was a nobleman, and he was nothing but an orphan boy. For a person like him, being adopted was itself a great blessing, so how could he dare expect to also be pampered like a true son of a nobleman?}On an eight immortals table, a set of teacups and a teapot were prearranged. Han Xiling placed his hand on the teapot, still infused with heat. Under the assumption it was left there by Aunty Wu, he picked up the pot and poured out some tea.

_{Han Jiangxue took his seat on the grand preceptor’s armchair before waving his hand towards Han Xiling and instructing, “Go make me a cup of tea.”}
Neurotic, arrogant, conceited son-of-a-bitch! You self-important lunatic!

Han Jiangxue took his seat on the grand preceptor’s armchair before waving his hand towards Han Xiling and instructing, “Go make me a cup of tea.”

_{“What?” Aunty Wu’s eyes widened before she broke out in a laugh. “No, of course not. The master may have a temper, but he never lays a hand on a person for no good reason.”}Han Xiling followed Han Jiangxue into the central hall.

“What?” Aunty Wu’s eyes widened before she broke out in a laugh. “No, of course not. The master may have a temper, but he never lays a hand on a person for no good reason.”

_{On an {eight immortals} table, a set of teacups and a teapot were prearranged. Han Xiling placed his hand on the teapot, still infused with heat. Under the assumption it was left there by Aunty Wu, he picked up the pot and poured out some tea.}It was only when that man swallowed his sip that Han Xiling’s heart finally descended back into his chеst.

_{“Understood…”}
“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.

“Understood…”

_{It would have been better for those words to have never been said, because once spoken, Han Xiling’s tears truly became uncontrollable.}“Yes, master.”

It would have been better for those words to have never been said, because once spoken, Han Xiling’s tears truly became uncontrollable.

_{Anger surged within Han Xiling’s chеst at those words, the fists lying at his sides tіghtening.}He told the old woman about what happened. She breathed out a sigh upon hearing about the shattered cup. Looking at Han Xiling, she then said sincerely, “Young master, from now on, whenever the master requests such tasks, please come ask me. Do you understand? The master has many rules, and if they are not followed, he will be furious.”

Anger surged within Han Xiling’s chеst at those words, the fists lying at his sides tіghtening.

_{“Yes, master.”}“How should I be addressed?”

“Yes, master.”

_{“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.}
“Goodness… it seems the master’s complex has indeed reared its head again.” The old woman caressed Han Xiling’s head. “Do not be sad, young master. Master doesn’t mean anything by it. Master just has a habit of toying with others when he has nothing else to do. So please do not take it to heart.”

“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.

_{It would have been better for those words to have never been said, because once spoken, Han Xiling’s tears truly became uncontrollable.}“His name is Han Xiling. From now on, call him young master (xiao shaoye).”

It would have been better for those words to have never been said, because once spoken, Han Xiling’s tears truly became uncontrollable.

_{Han Xiling selected a cup for the third time and then rinsed it with hot water. He poured out a cup of tea and tossed that out before pouring out a second. When he was done, he took this third attempt and presented it to the man before him.}“Hello, Uncle Wu. Hello, Aunty Wu.” Just as Han Xiling was about to bow to the old couple, Hang Jiangxue grabbed him by the collar and kicked him hаrd behind the knees.

_{Han Xiling made his way to the back side of the house with the teapot in hand to find Aunty Wu.}“Oh, alright.” Han Xiling replied in a murmur. That guy really is a pain to serve.

Han Xiling made his way to the back side of the house with the teapot in hand to find Aunty Wu.

_{Han Xiling followed Han Jiangxue into the central hall.}
It would have been better for those words to have never been said, because once spoken, Han Xiling’s tears truly became uncontrollable.

Han Xiling followed Han Jiangxue into the central hall.

_{The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.}It was Han Xiling’s first time truly entering the western city due to the strict hierarchical system his country enforced. As it was, any child from the eastern region who dared enter the west without authorisation would be arrested and beaten. No one would so much as at an eye if they also ended up dead.

The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.

_{Everything in the western city was a world apart from the east. The houses were all a sight of splendour. The roads were paved with bricks of slate. As the hooves of horses trotted across these carefully laid azure stones, the sound echoing beneath was clear and crisp. It was nothing like the roads in the east region that were simply flattened earth.}
“Oh my, don’t cry. Please don’t cry.” Aunty Wu wiped away her newest young master’s tears as she coaxed. “The master hates seeing others cry the most. In fact, it is another taboo of this house that you must also remember, yes?”

Everything in the western city was a world apart from the east. The houses were all a sight of splendour. The roads were paved with bricks of slate. As the hooves of horses trotted across these carefully laid azure stones, the sound echoing beneath was clear and crisp. It was nothing like the roads in the east region that were simply flattened earth.

_{There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.}Anger surged within Han Xiling’s chеst at those words, the fists lying at his sides tіghtening.

There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.

_{Han Xiling entered the hall once more, the teapot carried cautiously in his hands. Han Jiangxue was still seated in the grand seat, his eyes now closed in rest.}Since early that morning, his chеst has bubbled with a surreal sensation, and now part of these lingering dreams has come true.

Han Xiling entered the hall once more, the teapot carried cautiously in his hands. Han Jiangxue was still seated in the grand seat, his eyes now closed in rest.

_{Note: 少主: shào zhǔ literally means young + master, while 小少爷: xiǎo shǎoye means the little young master of a house (the son [youngest] of a family). He has to be called little young master because, as a 20-year-old man, Han Jiangxue is also a young master (少爷), but for the sake of brevity and the lack of a father for Han Jiangxue present, he’s getting called master here.}A bevy of menservants and maidservants rushing out to greet them was another expectation held by Han Xiling. But instead, only two persons had come out to greet them—an elderly man and woman.

_{“His name is Han Xiling. From now on, call him young master (xiao shaoye).”}“Yes, master.”

“His name is Han Xiling. From now on, call him young master (xiao shaoye).”

_{On an eight immortals table, a set of teacups and a teapot were prearranged. Han Xiling placed his hand on the teapot, still infused with heat. Under the assumption it was left there by Aunty Wu, he picked up the pot and poured out some tea.}
Han Xiling nodded in response.

_{“Father, please have some tea.”}“Go wash up.”

“Father, please have some tea.”

_{Since early that morning, his chеst has bubbled with a surreal sensation, and now part of these lingering dreams has come true.}Ham Xiling poured tea into one of those pretty cups and presented it to his adoptive father with both hands. “Your tea.”

Since early that morning, his chеst has bubbled with a surreal sensation, and now part of these lingering dreams has come true.

_{Like this, Aunty Wu carefully taught Han Xiling the art of making tea. It took most of the day before they were finished, and Han Xiling again returned to the hall carrying that teapot in his hands.}“Come on, now. I’ll teach you how to steep the tea. The first thing you must do is...”

Like this, Aunty Wu carefully taught Han Xiling the art of making tea. It took most of the day before they were finished, and Han Xiling again returned to the hall carrying that teapot in his hands.

_{“But…” Han Xiling stammered, “They’re elders!”}
“Come on, now. I’ll teach you how to steep the tea. The first thing you must do is...”

“But…” Han Xiling stammered, “They’re elders!”

_{“Understood!” Han Xiling almost roared.}If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.

“Understood!” Han Xiling almost roared.

_{Headmaster, Headmistress, had I known this was the fate awaiting me, I would’ve never left the academy. I’d rather stay there and be whipped than get adopted into such a house run by a lunatic! Sobs…}
Like this, Aunty Wu carefully taught Han Xiling the art of making tea. It took most of the day before they were finished, and Han Xiling again returned to the hall carrying that teapot in his hands.

_{But before this moment of relief could be solidified, that third cup went flying, and that man barked out.}If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.

But before this moment of relief could be solidified, that third cup went flying, and that man barked out.

_{“Understood.” Han Xiling turned to leave.}Han Jiangxue took the cup offered to him and slowly took a sip.

“Understood.” Han Xiling turned to leave.

_{“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.}Han Jiangxue took his seat on the grand preceptor’s armchair before waving his hand towards Han Xiling and instructing, “Go make me a cup of tea.”

“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.

_{“What?” Aunty Wu’s eyes widened before she broke out in a laugh. “No, of course not. The master may have a temper, but he never lays a hand on a person for no good reason.”}
He picked up a cup again and carefully steeped the tea according to Aunty Wu’s instructions, then offered yet another cup to that man.

“What?” Aunty Wu’s eyes widened before she broke out in a laugh. “No, of course not. The master may have a temper, but he never lays a hand on a person for no good reason.”

_{“Goodness… it seems the master’s complex has indeed reared its head again.” The old woman caressed Han Xiling’s head. “Do not be sad, young master. Master doesn’t mean anything by it. Master just has a habit of toying with others when he has nothing else to do. So please do not take it to heart.”}“He favours his tea hot and only drinks the “Five Trees” tea leaves. No matter how good other tea leaves are, he will not consume them. He does not allow for his things to be moved. He does not allow for noise when he is resting at home. He is especially fond of sweet foods, so any food of that kind here can only be eaten if he has no interest in eating it himself. Last of all, when guests visit the mansion, you must not pay them any mind. They must remain unseen. Do you understand, young master?”

_{Han Jingxue had made his way to the orphanage on a single horse, so it was only natural that Han Xiling would ride this one horse with him on the journey from the east to the west.}“Father, your tea.”

Han Jingxue had made his way to the orphanage on a single horse, so it was only natural that Han Xiling would ride this one horse with him on the journey from the east to the west.

_{He picked up a cup again and carefully steeped the tea according to Aunty Wu’s instructions, then offered yet another cup to that man.}
“Father, your tea.”

He picked up a cup again and carefully steeped the tea according to Aunty Wu’s instructions, then offered yet another cup to that man.

_{“Mn.” Han Xiling hummed before setting off towards the kitchen door with the hot teapot in hand. But before he left, he turned back to ask in a whisper, “Aunty Wu, he doesn’t beat people, does he?”}“Did Aunty Wu help you steep this? Go steep it again on your own! You will be the one responsible for this task from now on, understood?!”

_{“Father, please have some tea.”}“Go wash up.”

“Father, please have some tea.”

_{If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.}
Han Jiangxue took the cup and again took a drawn-out sip.

If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.

_{There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.}
Han Xiling was such a wreck that this time around his legs had broken out in tremors. While on the inside, he tearfully expressed his regrets.

There is imagination, and then there is reality—which is disappointing more times than not.

_{Han Xiling made his way to the back side of the house with the teapot in hand to find Aunty Wu.}Within this time, Han Xiling’s heart hung in his throat, his palms a sweaty mess from nerves.

Han Xiling made his way to the back side of the house with the teapot in hand to find Aunty Wu.

_{{Headmaster, Headmistress, had I known this was the fate awaiting me, I would’ve never left the academy. I’d rather stay there and be whipped than get adopted into such a house run by a lunatic! Sobs…}}Han Jiangxue took his seat on the grand preceptor’s armchair before waving his hand towards Han Xiling and instructing, “Go make me a cup of tea.”

_{“Understood!” Han Xiling almost roared.}“You’re their young master (shao zhu). From this day onwards, they will serve you. Where have you ever seen a master that bows to their servants?!” Han Jiangxue shot Han Xiling with a harsh glare.

“Understood!” Han Xiling almost roared.

_{Note: 少主: shào zhǔ literally means young + master, while 小少爷: xiǎo shǎoye means the little young master of a house (the son [youngest] of a family). He has to be called little young master because, as a 20-year-old man, Han Jiangxue is also a young master (少爷), but for the sake of brevity and the lack of a father for Han Jiangxue present, he’s getting called master here.}“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.

_{“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.}If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.

“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.

_{Han Xiling entered the hall once more, the teapot carried cautiously in his hands. Han Jiangxue was still seated in the grand seat, his eyes now closed in rest.}
Fortunately, no cup was flung after the tea was tasted. But after finishing the tea, Han Jiangxue placed the cup on the table and commented, “Did you cry? Look at your pitiful sight! You had the smallest bit of promise and thought that was enough to become a Sword Knight? If this is how you think, keep dreaming!” With a raised brow, he spat out those words with disdain.

Han Xiling entered the hall once more, the teapot carried cautiously in his hands. Han Jiangxue was still seated in the grand seat, his eyes now closed in rest.

_{“Here, I’ve brewed another batch of tea, so please take it to the master. Be careful on your way. This tea is quite precious, so no more of it can be wasted, alright?”}From behind his departing back, a string of mocking laughter echoed, making him clench his fists so tіghtly they almost bled.

“Here, I’ve brewed another batch of tea, so please take it to the master. Be careful on your way. This tea is quite precious, so no more of it can be wasted, alright?”

_{A bevy of menservants and maidservants rushing out to greet them was another expectation held by Han Xiling. But instead, only two persons had come out to greet them—an elderly man and woman.}
Anger surged within Han Xiling’s chеst at those words, the fists lying at his sides tіghtening.

A bevy of menservants and maidservants rushing out to greet them was another expectation held by Han Xiling. But instead, only two persons had come out to greet them—an elderly man and woman.

_{“Father!” Han Xiling felt his stomach churn at the word, “Here is your tea.”}“Father!” Han Xiling felt his stomach churn at the word, “Here is your tea.”

“Father!” Han Xiling felt his stomach churn at the word, “Here is your tea.”

_{Han Xiling made his way to the back side of the house with the teapot in hand to find Aunty Wu.}
“What? Are you upset?” Han Jiangxue again mocked.

Han Xiling made his way to the back side of the house with the teapot in hand to find Aunty Wu.

_{“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.}Everything in the western city was a world apart from the east. The houses were all a sight of splendour. The roads were paved with bricks of slate. As the hooves of horses trotted across these carefully laid azure stones, the sound echoing beneath was clear and crisp. It was nothing like the roads in the east region that were simply flattened earth.

“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.

_{Han Xiling selected a cup for the third time and then rinsed it with hot water. He poured out a cup of tea and tossed that out before pouring out a second. When he was done, he took this third attempt and presented it to the man before him.}If there was one thing he never wished for in this life again, it was living one where he was whipped at the drop of a hat.

_{Fortunately, no cup was flung after the tea was tasted. But after finishing the tea, Han Jiangxue placed the cup on the table and commented, “Did you cry? Look at your pitiful sight! You had the smallest bit of promise and thought that was enough to become a Sword Knight? If this is how you think, keep dreaming!” With a raised brow, he spat out those words with disdain.}
“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.

_{“I understand.”}“And your tea was rather unpleasant to drink, so practice properly from now on.”

“I understand.”

_{“Go wash up.”}
“Go wash up.”

“Go wash up.”

_{“His name is Han Xiling. From now on, call him young master (xiao shaoye).”}From behind his departing back, a string of mocking laughter echoed, making him clench his fists so tіghtly they almost bled.

“His name is Han Xiling. From now on, call him young master (xiao shaoye).”

_{On an {eight immortals} table, a set of teacups and a teapot were prearranged. Han Xiling placed his hand on the teapot, still infused with heat. Under the assumption it was left there by Aunty Wu, he picked up the pot and poured out some tea.}“I am not.” Han Xiling forced out, barely managing to restrain his anger. I need to calm down. There’s nothing I can do. Since I’m dependent on this person I need to endure. I must.

_{Han Xiling was embarrassed by the act, his flυstered self unknowing of what to do.}
“Understood.” Han Xiling turned to leave.

Han Xiling was embarrassed by the act, his flυstered self unknowing of what to do.

_{“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.}But before this moment of relief could be solidified, that third cup went flying, and that man barked out.

“Aunty Wu…” Once in the kitchen, Han Xiling's eyes poured out tears upon tears while that teapot was still held in his hands.

_{“Mn.” Han Xiling hummed before setting off towards the kitchen door with the hot teapot in hand. But before he left, he turned back to ask in a whisper, “Aunty Wu, he doesn’t beat people, does he?”}
“And your tea was rather unpleasant to drink, so practice properly from now on.”

_{“Yes, master.”}“How should you address me?” Han Jiangxue asked with eyes still closed, but Han Xiling hesitated for a while, not quite knowing how to voice the word “father.”

“Yes, master.”

_{{Neurotic, arrogant, conceited son-of-a-bitch! You self-important lunatic!}}Han Xiling nodded in response.

Neurotic, arrogant, conceited son-of-a-bitch! You self-important lunatic!

_{Han Jiangxue finally opened his eyes and took the cup presented to him. But before Han Xiling could fully exhale a sigh of relief, the cup just taken was thrown to the floor, where it shattered. It was such a shock that he almost leapt out of his skin.}Han Jiangxue took the cup and again took a drawn-out sip.

_{Han Jingxue had made his way to the orphanage on a single horse, so it was only natural that Han Xiling would ride this one horse with him on the journey from the east to the west.}
“Understood!” Han Xiling almost roared.

Han Jingxue had made his way to the orphanage on a single horse, so it was only natural that Han Xiling would ride this one horse with him on the journey from the east to the west.

_{“But…” Han Xiling stammered, “They’re elders!”}He told the old woman about what happened. She breathed out a sigh upon hearing about the shattered cup. Looking at Han Xiling, she then said sincerely, “Young master, from now on, whenever the master requests such tasks, please come ask me. Do you understand? The master has many rules, and if they are not followed, he will be furious.”

“But…” Han Xiling stammered, “They’re elders!”

_{While Han Xiling lamented in his heat, that “father” of his asked, his expression grim, “Do you not know that a cup should be clean before pouring tea into it?”}“You’re their young master (shao zhu). From this day onwards, they will serve you. Where have you ever seen a master that bows to their servants?!” Han Jiangxue shot Han Xiling with a harsh glare.

While Han Xiling lamented in his heat, that “father” of his asked, his expression grim, “Do you not know that a cup should be clean before pouring tea into it?”

_{On an {eight immortals} table, a set of teacups and a teapot were prearranged. Han Xiling placed his hand on the teapot, still infused with heat. Under the assumption it was left there by Aunty Wu, he picked up the pot and poured out some tea.}The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.

_{Han Xiling was such a wreck that this time around his legs had broken out in tremors. While on the inside, he tearfully expressed his regrets.}
From behind his departing back, a string of mocking laughter echoed, making him clench his fists so tіghtly they almost bled.

Han Xiling was such a wreck that this time around his legs had broken out in tremors. While on the inside, he tearfully expressed his regrets.

_{“Greetings, young master.”}Neurotic, arrogant, conceited son-of-a-bitch! You self-important lunatic!

“Greetings, young master.”

_{“Uncle Wu, go boil some water and fill a large tub. When that’s done, wash him well,” Han Jiangxue instructed with knitted brows frаming an expression of disgust.}“Understood.” Again, Han Xiling left the hall with his head hanging and teapot in hand while muttering insults under his breath.

“Uncle Wu, go boil some water and fill a large tub. When that’s done, wash him well,” Han Jiangxue instructed with knitted brows frаming an expression of disgust.

“These are Uncle and Aunty Wu. Uncle Wu is in charge of the tough manual chores, and Aunty Wu is in charge of the cooking and cleaning.” Even in his introductions, Han Jiangxue was curt.

_{“Uh, alright…” Han Xiling responded timidly as he wondered whether he was an adopted son or just another servant.}The mere act of traversing upon such a path was enough to make one’s heart feel cleansed.

“Uh, alright…” Han Xiling responded timidly as he wondered whether he was an adopted son or just another servant.

_{Like this, Aunty Wu carefully taught Han Xiling the art of making tea. It took most of the day before they were finished, and Han Xiling again returned to the hall carrying that teapot in his hands.}From behind his departing back, a string of mocking laughter echoed, making him clench his fists so tіghtly they almost bled.

Like this, Aunty Wu carefully taught Han Xiling the art of making tea. It took most of the day before they were finished, and Han Xiling again returned to the hall carrying that teapot in his hands.

_{Han Xiling nodded in response.}“Aunty Wu, go prepare lunch... more than usual. I heard this kid is rather fond of eating.”

Han Xiling nodded in response.

_☆☆☆Han Xiling was such a wreck that this time around his legs had broken out in tremors. While on the inside, he tearfully expressed his regrets.

☆☆☆

Author's Note:

N/A

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Updated every Saturday. Raws: Kobo

Adoptive Father: C01-2

Chapter 1.2: Han Xiling

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