Adoptive Father: C05-1

Chapter 5.1: Mother

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

_{Han Xiling began tearing at his clothes, stripping until only his underpants were left, which only remained because Han Jiangxue stepped forward to stop him.}
It was afternoon when Han Xiling and Han Jiangxue returned home. But to the surprise of both, when they got there, there was another carriage waiting in the yard.

Han Xiling began tearing at his clothes, stripping until only his underpants were left, which only remained because Han Jiangxue stepped forward to stop him.

_{Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.}“Next one. Give me your hand!”

Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.

_N/A“If you don’t wish to wed at this point in time, then fine. I will not force you into one. But once you achieve your goals as a swordsman, Lord Xuanyuan will handle the matter of your marriage. This will be a huge honour for our family. Furthermore, if you dеsire a child by your side so badly, then wouldn’t one that’s your own family be a better choice? Yu’ke here is your younger brother’s flesh and blood. He’s a handsome and clever boy. Is there any part of him that’s lacking?”

N/A

_{Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.}Pulling a golden pin from her hair, the woman then fiercely stabbed it into Han Xiling’s waiting palm without so much as a stalled breath.

Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.

_{“Yu’ke!” Han Jiangxue extended his arms, drawing the child into his embrace before smothering his little eyelids with kisses. “Did you miss your uncle? Did you?”}He was never a person fond of arguing with others, but he made a promise to himself to never be bullied again. He will make sure he was never trаmpled under someone else’s feet!

“Yu’ke!” Han Jiangxue extended his arms, drawing the child into his embrace before smothering his little eyelids with kisses. “Did you miss your uncle? Did you?”

_{Pulling Yu’ke by the hand, she turned to walk out the door.}
Han Jianxue was clearly excited upon seeing the carriage, so much so that he was practically sprinting to the central hall before crying out, “Mother!”

Pulling Yu’ke by the hand, she turned to walk out the door.

_{Han Xiling had followed and stood behind him before also kneeling, but on his mind was confusion of whether he should address her as “Grandmother” or not.}“No. Ke’ke is a very good boy, and I love him from the bottom of my heart, Mother. But he is my brother’s son. How could I steal away the love meant for another?” It was only now that Han Jiangxue’s brows finally furrowed.

Han Xiling had followed and stood behind him before also kneeling, but on his mind was confusion of whether he should address her as “Grandmother” or not.

_{Han Xiling complied, kowtowing again before greeting, “This grandson, Han Xiling, pays his respects to grandmother and wishes her good health.”}A hint of panic flashed within Madam Han’s eyes as he spoke, but only for a fleeting moment, as his glare soon returned in full force.

Han Xiling complied, kowtowing again before greeting, “This grandson, Han Xiling, pays his respects to grandmother and wishes her good health.”

_{“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.}
On the grand preceptor’s armchair, within the central hall, a woman, seeming to be in her forties, sat. Dressed in exquisite-looking silks and with a face dusted with a light blush on her temples, she looked like all those portraits of a proper noble lady in real life.

“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.

_{“Mother, please! Xiling is a good boy. What seduction? He has never done such a thing!” Han Jiangxue quickly turned away from her to shout towards the door, “Uncle Wu! Bring us some medicine! Hurry!”}Han Xiling had followed and stood behind him before also kneeling, but on his mind was confusion of whether he should address her as “Grandmother” or not.

“Mother, please! Xiling is a good boy. What seduction? He has never done such a thing!” Han Jiangxue quickly turned away from her to shout towards the door, “Uncle Wu! Bring us some medicine! Hurry!”

_{“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”}Every inch of Han Xiling quaked at the demand, yet he still extended his hand as instructed, and his left hand was pierced in the same way. Another burst of heart-wrenching pain overwhelmed him, to the point he was now shedding tears. But he let not a single sob depart his tіghtly clenched lips, nor did he again scream out in agony.

“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”

_{“But Xiling is a very good boy, Mother.”}“But Xiling is a very good boy, Mother.”

“But Xiling is a very good boy, Mother.”

_{“Mother! Do not forget our family used to be poor as well!” Han Jiangxue finally raised his voice.}He wanted every single one of them to know: Han Xiling was not easy to bully!

“Mother! Do not forget our family used to be poor as well!” Han Jiangxue finally raised his voice.

_N/A
“Mother, when did you arrive? Have you been waiting long?” Han Jiangxue ran over to the woman, knelt, and huddled beside her feet. Looking up at her, his eyes were as pure and eager as a baby’s.

N/A

_{“The only reason I came all this way was to see just what you brought into our house.” The older woman stood up, walking over to Han Xiling before circling him with a scrutinising gaze. “Looking at him, even having this peasant as our family’s servant would fill me with shame.”}“If you don’t wish to wed at this point in time, then fine. I will not force you into one. But once you achieve your goals as a swordsman, Lord Xuanyuan will handle the matter of your marriage. This will be a huge honour for our family. Furthermore, if you dеsire a child by your side so badly, then wouldn’t one that’s your own family be a better choice? Yu’ke here is your younger brother’s flesh and blood. He’s a handsome and clever boy. Is there any part of him that’s lacking?”

“The only reason I came all this way was to see just what you brought into our house.” The older woman stood up, walking over to Han Xiling before circling him with a scrutinising gaze. “Looking at him, even having this peasant as our family’s servant would fill me with shame.”

_{“If you don’t wish to wed at this point in time, then fine. I will not force you into one.}
Han Xiling had followed and stood behind him before also kneeling, but on his mind was confusion of whether he should address her as “Grandmother” or not.

“If you don’t wish to wed at this point in time, then fine. I will not force you into one. But once you achieve your goals as a swordsman, Lord Xuanyuan will handle the matter of your marriage. This will be a huge honour for our family. Furthermore, if you dеsire a child by your side so badly, then wouldn’t one that’s your own family be a better choice? Yu’ke here is your younger brother’s flesh and blood. He’s a handsome and clever boy. Is there any part of him that’s lacking?”

_{“So what? We were poor, but at least our house was a scholarly one. Is it the same for him? Does he have any worth? What qualifications does he have that grant him the right to enter our house? Listen to me well, boy.}“Mother, when did you arrive? Have you been waiting long?” Han Jiangxue ran over to the woman, knelt, and huddled beside her feet. Looking up at her, his eyes were as pure and eager as a baby’s.

“So what? We were poor, but at least our house was a scholarly one. Is it the same for him? Does he have any worth? What qualifications does he have that grant him the right to enter our house? Listen to me well, boy. This little act of yours is unacceptable. I will not accept it. So if you want a child, you will either marry and make one or adopt Yu’ke as your own. That child will have your blood.”

_{On the grand preceptor’s armchair, within the central hall, a woman, seeming to be in her forties, sat. Dressed in exquisite-looking silks and with a face dusted with a light blush on her temples, she looked like all those portraits of a proper noble lady in real life.}
“Hi, Uncle!” While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the young boy about six or seven years of age standing on the opposite side of Madam Han’s lap greeted his uncle happily. He was an adorable child, as pretty as a picture; a boy who was no less angelic than Xuanyuan Diandian himself.

On the grand preceptor’s armchair, within the central hall, a woman, seeming to be in her forties, sat. Dressed in exquisite-looking silks and with a face dusted with a light blush on her temples, she looked like all those portraits of a proper noble lady in real life.

_{Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.}But as the old servant entered, another command echoed throughout the hall. “Leave us!”

Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.

_{Pulling Yu’ke by the hand, she turned to walk out the door.}Han Jiangxue lowered his head at the rebuttal.

Pulling Yu’ke by the hand, she turned to walk out the door.

“No. Ke’ke is a very good boy, and I love him from the bottom of my heart, Mother. But he is my brother’s son. How could I steal away the love meant for another?” It was only now that Han Jiangxue’s brows finally furrowed.

_{“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”}Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.

“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”

_{Han Jiangxue lowered his head at the rebuttal.}
“Yu’ke!” Han Jiangxue extended his arms, drawing the child into his embrace before smothering his little eyelids with kisses. “Did you miss your uncle? Did you?”

Han Jiangxue lowered his head at the rebuttal.

_{Han Jiangxue lifted his head slightly before pleading, “I promise, Mother. I won’t do anything to bring shame to our house, I swear it.”}A hint of panic flashed within Madam Han’s eyes as he spoke, but only for a fleeting moment, as his glare soon returned in full force.

Han Jiangxue lifted his head slightly before pleading, “I promise, Mother. I won’t do anything to bring shame to our house, I swear it.”

_{The older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”}“Give me your hand, palm up.”

The older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”

_{“Yu’ke!” Han Jiangxue extended his arms, drawing the child into his embrace before smothering his little eyelids with kisses. “Did you miss your uncle? Did you?”}
“Yes! I did!” The boy also took the chance to climb onto his uncle. “I’ve missed you every day!”

“Yu’ke!” Han Jiangxue extended his arms, drawing the child into his embrace before smothering his little eyelids with kisses. “Did you miss your uncle? Did you?”

_{He wanted every single one of them to know: Han Xiling was not easy to bully!}“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.

He wanted every single one of them to know: Han Xiling was not easy to bully!

_{The older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”}
Han Jiangxue beamed as he tousled his nephew’s hair and cooed, “Goodness. Isn’t our Ke’ke just the goodest little boy, then?”

The older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”

_{The shock and pain forced Han Xiling’s knees to buckle as he collapsed onto the floor and spat out an agonising scream.}“But Xiling is a very good boy, Mother.”

The shock and pain forced Han Xiling’s knees to buckle as he collapsed onto the floor and spat out an agonising scream.

_{“Do you see this? Lord Xuanyuan gifted me this today himself. So if you dare provoke me again, it would be no different than disrespecting him!”}
But this light-hearted moment came to an abrupt end when Madam Han tugged the boy back to her side, her expression void of a smile as it had been since the beginning, before adding, “I heard that you’ve adopted a child.”

“Do you see this? Lord Xuanyuan gifted me this today himself. So if you dare provoke me again, it would be no different than disrespecting him!”

_{“My name is Han Xiling. I am the adopted son of Han Jiangxue. My family name is Han because it is Han Jiangxue’s last name. So this matter has nothing to do with {you} at all! And mark my words, you will not be able to look down on me again!”}“Do you see this? Lord Xuanyuan gifted me this today himself. So if you dare provoke me again, it would be no different than disrespecting him!”

“My name is Han Xiling. I am the adopted son of Han Jiangxue. My family name is Han because it is Han Jiangxue’s last name. So this matter has nothing to do with you at all! And mark my words, you will not be able to look down on me again!”

_{Han Xiling got back on his feet, walking towards the door where she stood, his bloodied hands held up for her to see. “These wounds you have given me today, I will remember them. I will remember it all well.”}“If you don’t wish to wed at this point in time, then fine. I will not force you into one. But once you achieve your goals as a swordsman, Lord Xuanyuan will handle the matter of your marriage. This will be a huge honour for our family. Furthermore, if you dеsire a child by your side so badly, then wouldn’t one that’s your own family be a better choice? Yu’ke here is your younger brother’s flesh and blood. He’s a handsome and clever boy. Is there any part of him that’s lacking?”

Han Xiling got back on his feet, walking towards the door where she stood, his bloodied hands held up for her to see. “These wounds you have given me today, I will remember them. I will remember it all well.”

_{But this light-hearted moment came to an abrupt end when Madam Han tugged the boy back to her side, her expression void of a smile as it had been since the beginning, before adding, “I heard that you’ve adopted a child.”}He wanted every single one of them to know: Han Xiling was not easy to bully!

But this light-hearted moment came to an abrupt end when Madam Han tugged the boy back to her side, her expression void of a smile as it had been since the beginning, before adding, “I heard that you’ve adopted a child.”

_{“As for you,” Madam Han’s tone grew colder with each word, “You have no regard for me as a mother, do you?”}
“Yes, I have.” Han Jiangxue’s gaze returned to his mother before he responded, that beaming smile still spreаd on his face. “Xiling, come and pay your respects to your grandmother.”

“As for you,” Madam Han’s tone grew colder with each word, “You have no regard for me as a mother, do you?”

_{Despite his hidden anger, Han Xiling obediently approached the woman.}Han Jiangxue pulled away from her feet and shot up at her words. Han Xiling rose as well, his hands and legs trembling.

Despite his hidden anger, Han Xiling obediently approached the woman.

_{Madam Han chased him away.}
Han Xiling complied, kowtowing again before greeting, “This grandson, Han Xiling, pays his respects to grandmother and wishes her good health.”

Madam Han chased him away.

_{“Mother! Do not forget our family used to be poor as well!” Han Jiangxue finally raised his voice.}All he could see right then were the streams of blood oozing from his hand until a shrill voice ordered once more.

“Mother! Do not forget our family used to be poor as well!” Han Jiangxue finally raised his voice.

_{“Hi, Uncle!” While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the young boy about six or seven years of age standing on the opposite side of Madam Han’s lap greeted his uncle happily. He was an adorable child, as pretty as a picture; a boy who was no less angelic than Xuanyuan Diandian himself.}
“Grandmother?” The older woman sneered. “Who here is your grandmother?”

“Hi, Uncle!” While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the young boy about six or seven years of age standing on the opposite side of Madam Han’s lap greeted his uncle happily. He was an adorable child, as pretty as a picture; a boy who was no less angelic than Xuanyuan Diandian himself.

_{Pulling Yu’ke by the hand, she turned to walk out the door.}Every inch of Han Xiling quaked at the demand, yet he still extended his hand as instructed, and his left hand was pierced in the same way. Another burst of heart-wrenching pain overwhelmed him, to the point he was now shedding tears. But he let not a single sob depart his tіghtly clenched lips, nor did he again scream out in agony.

Pulling Yu’ke by the hand, she turned to walk out the door.

_{Madam Han chased him away.}But as the old servant entered, another command echoed throughout the hall. “Leave us!”

Madam Han chased him away.

_N/A
“Mother—”

N/A

_N/AHan Xiling had followed and stood behind him before also kneeling, but on his mind was confusion of whether he should address her as “Grandmother” or not.

N/A

_{“And, yes, it is true that I was orphaned since I was young and that I was raised at Youmiao Academy. But never in my life have I stolen anything or robbed anyone. Even amongst brothers at the orphanage, there were so few instances of us butting heads that it’s not worth it to count! Yes, I am poor, but I have never been up to no good—my hands and body are both clean!”}
“As for you,” Madam Han’s tone grew colder with each word, “You have no regard for me as a mother, do you?”

“And, yes, it is true that I was orphaned since I was young and that I was raised at Youmiao Academy. But never in my life have I stolen anything or robbed anyone. Even amongst brothers at the orphanage, there were so few instances of us butting heads that it’s not worth it to count! Yes, I am poor, but I have never been up to no good—my hands and body are both clean!”

_{“Then I ask for your forgiveness, Mother. I will not be able to obey you with regard to this matter.”}Pulling a golden pin from her hair, the woman then fiercely stabbed it into Han Xiling’s waiting palm without so much as a stalled breath.

“Then I ask for your forgiveness, Mother. I will not be able to obey you with regard to this matter.”

_{It was afternoon when Han Xiling and Han Jiangxue returned home. But to the surprise of both, when they got there, there was another carriage waiting in the yard.}
“But Xiling is a very good boy, Mother.”

It was afternoon when Han Xiling and Han Jiangxue returned home. But to the surprise of both, when they got there, there was another carriage waiting in the yard.

_{“Mother! Do not forget our family used to be poor as well!” Han Jiangxue finally raised his voice.}
“I don’t care if he's good or not. All I know is that he’s some little bastard from the Western District’s slums. None of us even know who his parents are, so how could you stand there and declare he’s not filled with ill intent?”

“Mother! Do not forget our family used to be poor as well!” Han Jiangxue finally raised his voice.

_{More than anything, he wished to be a man that could hold his head high. He wanted those people, who were more akin to sludge and proclaiming themselves as nobility, to see just how dignified a poor person could be!}
Han Jiangxue pulled away from her feet and shot up at her words. Han Xiling rose as well, his hands and legs trembling.

More than anything, he wished to be a man that could hold his head high. He wanted those people, who were more akin to sludge and proclaiming themselves as nobility, to see just how dignified a poor person could be!

_{The older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”}“As for you,” Madam Han’s tone grew colder with each word, “You have no regard for me as a mother, do you?”

The older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”

_{“I don’t care if he's good or not. All I know is that he’s some little bastard from the Western District’s slums. None of us even know who his parents are, so how could you stand there and declare he’s not filled with ill intent?”}“Haven’t you already brought us enough shame?” The older woman shot back, rendering Han Jiangxue speechless and pale.

“I don’t care if he's good or not. All I know is that he’s some little bastard from the Western District’s slums. None of us even know who his parents are, so how could you stand there and declare he’s not filled with ill intent?”

_{Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.}N/A

Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.

_{Han Xiling complied, kowtowing again before greeting, “This grandson, Han Xiling, pays his respects to grandmother and wishes her good health.”}“As for you,” Madam Han’s tone grew colder with each word, “You have no regard for me as a mother, do you?”

Han Xiling complied, kowtowing again before greeting, “This grandson, Han Xiling, pays his respects to grandmother and wishes her good health.”

_{Han Jianxue was clearly excited upon seeing the carriage, so much so that he was practically sprinting to the central hall before crying out, “Mother!”}
“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”

Han Jianxue was clearly excited upon seeing the carriage, so much so that he was practically sprinting to the central hall before crying out, “Mother!”

_{“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.}“As for you,” Madam Han’s tone grew colder with each word, “You have no regard for me as a mother, do you?”

“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.

_{It was afternoon when Han Xiling and Han Jiangxue returned home. But to the surprise of both, when they got there, there was another carriage waiting in the yard.}Madam Han chased him away.

It was afternoon when Han Xiling and Han Jiangxue returned home. But to the surprise of both, when they got there, there was another carriage waiting in the yard.

_{But as the old servant entered, another command echoed throughout the hall. “Leave us!”}
“Yes, and just how many decent girls have I found for you? You’re the one who refused to get married, so whose fault do you think that is?”

But as the old servant entered, another command echoed throughout the hall. “Leave us!”

_N/A“So what? We were poor, but at least our house was a scholarly one. Is it the same for him? Does he have any worth? What qualifications does he have that grant him the right to enter our house? Listen to me well, boy. This little act of yours is unacceptable. I will not accept it. So if you want a child, you will either marry and make one or adopt Yu’ke as your own. That child will have your blood.”

N/A

_{The older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”}“Grandmother?” The older woman sneered. “Who here is your grandmother?”

The older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”

_{The shock and pain forced Han Xiling’s knees to buckle as he collapsed onto the floor and spat out an agonising scream.}A hint of panic flashed within Madam Han’s eyes as he spoke, but only for a fleeting moment, as his glare soon returned in full force.

The shock and pain forced Han Xiling’s knees to buckle as he collapsed onto the floor and spat out an agonising scream.

_{The shock and pain forced Han Xiling’s knees to buckle as he collapsed onto the floor and spat out an agonising scream.}
Han Jiangxue lowered his head at the rebuttal.

The shock and pain forced Han Xiling’s knees to buckle as he collapsed onto the floor and spat out an agonising scream.

_{Han Jiangxue lowered his head at the rebuttal.}He wanted every single one of them to know: Han Xiling was not easy to bully!

Han Jiangxue lowered his head at the rebuttal.

_{All he could see right then were the streams of blood oozing from his hand until a shrill voice ordered once more.}
“If you don’t wish to wed at this point in time, then fine. I will not force you into one. But once you achieve your goals as a swordsman, Lord Xuanyuan will handle the matter of your marriage. This will be a huge honour for our family. Furthermore, if you dеsire a child by your side so badly, then wouldn’t one that’s your own family be a better choice? Yu’ke here is your younger brother’s flesh and blood. He’s a handsome and clever boy. Is there any part of him that’s lacking?”

All he could see right then were the streams of blood oozing from his hand until a shrill voice ordered once more.

_{All he could see right then were the streams of blood oozing from his hand until a shrill voice ordered once more.}Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.

All he could see right then were the streams of blood oozing from his hand until a shrill voice ordered once more.

_{The shock and pain forced Han Xiling’s knees to buckle as he collapsed onto the floor and spat out an agonising scream.}“And, yes, it is true that I was orphaned since I was young and that I was raised at Youmiao Academy. But never in my life have I stolen anything or robbed anyone. Even amongst brothers at the orphanage, there were so few instances of us butting heads that it’s not worth it to count! Yes, I am poor, but I have never been up to no good—my hands and body are both clean!”

The shock and pain forced Han Xiling’s knees to buckle as he collapsed onto the floor and spat out an agonising scream.

_{“I’m warning you, boy. You better not have any crooked ideas in that head of yours. Don’t think you can seduce your way into a higher position by stepping over our family’s back. So if I hear any nasty rumours that can put a stain on Jiangxue’s reputation, don’t think it’s beyond my abilities to stab you to death next time. Understood?”}“So what? We were poor, but at least our house was a scholarly one. Is it the same for him? Does he have any worth? What qualifications does he have that grant him the right to enter our house? Listen to me well, boy. This little act of yours is unacceptable. I will not accept it. So if you want a child, you will either marry and make one or adopt Yu’ke as your own. That child will have your blood.”

“I’m warning you, boy. You better not have any crooked ideas in that head of yours. Don’t think you can seduce your way into a higher position by stepping over our family’s back. So if I hear any nasty rumours that can put a stain on Jiangxue’s reputation, don’t think it’s beyond my abilities to stab you to death next time. Understood?”

_{He wanted every single one of them to know: Han Xiling was not easy to bully!}
“No. Ke’ke is a very good boy, and I love him from the bottom of my heart, Mother. But he is my brother’s son. How could I steal away the love meant for another?” It was only now that Han Jiangxue’s brows finally furrowed.

He wanted every single one of them to know: Han Xiling was not easy to bully!

_{“Mother—”}“In other words, you have no intention of helping your younger brother, do you?” The older woman sneered.

“Mother—”

_{“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”}“Give me your hand, palm up.”

“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”

_{“Yu’ke!” Han Jiangxue extended his arms, drawing the child into his embrace before smothering his little eyelids with kisses. “Did you miss your uncle? Did you?”}“Presumptuous!”

“Yu’ke!” Han Jiangxue extended his arms, drawing the child into his embrace before smothering his little eyelids with kisses. “Did you miss your uncle? Did you?”

_{“My name is Han Xiling. I am the adopted son of Han Jiangxue. My family name is Han because it is Han Jiangxue’s last name. So this matter has nothing to do with {you} at all! And mark my words, you will not be able to look down on me again!”}More than anything, he wished to be a man that could hold his head high. He wanted those people, who were more akin to sludge and proclaiming themselves as nobility, to see just how dignified a poor person could be!

_{Every inch of Han Xiling quaked at the demand, yet he still extended his hand as instructed, and his left hand was pierced in the same way. Another burst of heart-wrenching pain overwhelmed him, to the point he was now shedding tears. But he let not a single sob depart his tіghtly clenched lips, nor did he again scream out in agony.}
“In other words, you have no intention of helping your younger brother, do you?” The older woman sneered.

Every inch of Han Xiling quaked at the demand, yet he still extended his hand as instructed, and his left hand was pierced in the same way. Another burst of heart-wrenching pain overwhelmed him, to the point he was now shedding tears. But he let not a single sob depart his tіghtly clenched lips, nor did he again scream out in agony.

_{Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.}“Grandmother?” The older woman sneered. “Who here is your grandmother?”

Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.

_{A hint of panic flashed within Madam Han’s eyes as he spoke, but only for a fleeting moment, as his glare soon returned in full force.}“Mother, when did you arrive? Have you been waiting long?” Han Jiangxue ran over to the woman, knelt, and huddled beside her feet. Looking up at her, his eyes were as pure and eager as a baby’s.

A hint of panic flashed within Madam Han’s eyes as he spoke, but only for a fleeting moment, as his glare soon returned in full force.

_{“Yes! I did!” The boy also took the chance to climb onto his uncle. “I’ve missed you every day!”}Despite his hidden anger, Han Xiling obediently approached the woman.

“Yes! I did!” The boy also took the chance to climb onto his uncle. “I’ve missed you every day!”

_{“No. Ke’ke is a very good boy, and I love him from the bottom of my heart, Mother. But he is my brother’s son. How could I steal away the love meant for another?” It was only now that Han Jiangxue’s brows finally furrowed.}“Mother, please! Xiling is a good boy. What seduction? He has never done such a thing!” Han Jiangxue quickly turned away from her to shout towards the door, “Uncle Wu! Bring us some medicine! Hurry!”

_{Han Jiangxue pulled away from her feet and shot up at her words. Han Xiling rose as well, his hands and legs trembling.}
“Mother—”

Han Jiangxue pulled away from her feet and shot up at her words. Han Xiling rose as well, his hands and legs trembling.

_{“Hi, Uncle!” While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the young boy about six or seven years of age standing on the opposite side of Madam Han’s lap greeted his uncle happily. He was an adorable child, as pretty as a picture; a boy who was no less angelic than Xuanyuan Diandian himself.}Han Jiangxue lifted his head slightly before pleading, “I promise, Mother. I won’t do anything to bring shame to our house, I swear it.”

_{“Presumptuous!”}N/A

“Presumptuous!”

_{“If you don’t wish to wed at this point in time, then fine. I will not force you into one.}Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.

_{[T/N: The uncle used is for the older brother of one's father.]}
“The only reason I came all this way was to see just what you brought into our house.” The older woman stood up, walking over to Han Xiling before circling him with a scrutinising gaze. “Looking at him, even having this peasant as our family’s servant would fill me with shame.”

[T/N: The uncle used is for the older brother of one's father.]

_{Madam Han’s face paled at the sight before returning to the chair, where she released a long sigh. “Good heavens… What have I ever done to get a child like you!”}Han Jiangxue lowered his head at the rebuttal.

Madam Han’s face paled at the sight before returning to the chair, where she released a long sigh. “Good heavens… What have I ever done to get a child like you!”

_{But as the old servant entered, another command echoed throughout the hall. “Leave us!”}Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.

But as the old servant entered, another command echoed throughout the hall. “Leave us!”

_{The hand Madan Han lifted to strike again fell as she looked at the jade ring in disbelief.}“My name is Han Xiling. I am the adopted son of Han Jiangxue. My family name is Han because it is Han Jiangxue’s last name. So this matter has nothing to do with you at all! And mark my words, you will not be able to look down on me again!”

The hand Madan Han lifted to strike again fell as she looked at the jade ring in disbelief.

_{“Mother—”}
“Mother! Do not forget our family used to be poor as well!” Han Jiangxue finally raised his voice.

“Mother—”

_{Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.}Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.

Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.

_{“Mother—”}More than anything, he wished to be a man that could hold his head high. He wanted those people, who were more akin to sludge and proclaiming themselves as nobility, to see just how dignified a poor person could be!

“Mother—”

_{“Come.” She now set her sights on Han Xiling.}But as the old servant entered, another command echoed throughout the hall. “Leave us!”

“Come.” She now set her sights on Han Xiling.

_{“Mother, when did you arrive? Have you been waiting long?” Han Jiangxue ran over to the woman, knelt, and huddled beside her feet. Looking up at her, his eyes were as pure and eager as a baby’s.}
“So what? We were poor, but at least our house was a scholarly one. Is it the same for him? Does he have any worth? What qualifications does he have that grant him the right to enter our house? Listen to me well, boy. This little act of yours is unacceptable. I will not accept it. So if you want a child, you will either marry and make one or adopt Yu’ke as your own. That child will have your blood.”

“Mother, when did you arrive? Have you been waiting long?” Han Jiangxue ran over to the woman, knelt, and huddled beside her feet. Looking up at her, his eyes were as pure and eager as a baby’s.

_{“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.}“Do you see this? Lord Xuanyuan gifted me this today himself. So if you dare provoke me again, it would be no different than disrespecting him!”

“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.

_{“Yes! I did!” The boy also took the chance to climb onto his uncle. “I’ve missed you every day!”}
“Then I ask for your forgiveness, Mother. I will not be able to obey you with regard to this matter.”

“Yes! I did!” The boy also took the chance to climb onto his uncle. “I’ve missed you every day!”

_{“In other words, you have no intention of helping your younger brother, do you?” The older woman sneered.}“Hi, Uncle!” While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the young boy about six or seven years of age standing on the opposite side of Madam Han’s lap greeted his uncle happily. He was an adorable child, as pretty as a picture; a boy who was no less angelic than Xuanyuan Diandian himself.

“In other words, you have no intention of helping your younger brother, do you?” The older woman sneered.

_{“I don’t care if he's good or not. All I know is that he’s some little bastard from the Western District’s slums. None of us even know who his parents are, so how could you stand there and declare he’s not filled with ill intent?”}Han Jiangxue lifted his head slightly before pleading, “I promise, Mother. I won’t do anything to bring shame to our house, I swear it.”

_{He was never a person fond of arguing with others, but he made a promise to himself to never be bullied again. He will make sure he was never trаmpled under someone else’s feet!}“Grandmother?” The older woman sneered. “Who here is your grandmother?”

He was never a person fond of arguing with others, but he made a promise to himself to never be bullied again. He will make sure he was never trаmpled under someone else’s feet!

_{“Haven’t you already brought us enough shame?” The older woman shot back, rendering Han Jiangxue speechless and pale.}“Haven’t you already brought us enough shame?” The older woman shot back, rendering Han Jiangxue speechless and pale.

“Haven’t you already brought us enough shame?” The older woman shot back, rendering Han Jiangxue speechless and pale.

“Madam,” Han Xiling pointed to his body, “You can see it, right? All of me is clean! I have never seduced a man or woman! I’m not a pet! Even so, if… if there does come a time in the future when there is someone I like, that will be my business and mine alone. Even if that person is Han Jiangxue, it will be no business of yours, Grandmother!”

_{On the grand preceptor’s armchair, within the central hall, a woman, seeming to be in her forties, sat. Dressed in exquisite-looking silks and with a face dusted with a light blush on her temples, she looked like all those portraits of a proper noble lady in real life.}Every inch of Han Xiling quaked at the demand, yet he still extended his hand as instructed, and his left hand was pierced in the same way. Another burst of heart-wrenching pain overwhelmed him, to the point he was now shedding tears. But he let not a single sob depart his tіghtly clenched lips, nor did he again scream out in agony.

_{“In other words, you have no intention of helping your younger brother, do you?” The older woman sneered.}
Han Jiangxue instantly fell to his knees at her rebuke but made no effort to concede.

“In other words, you have no intention of helping your younger brother, do you?” The older woman sneered.

_{“Yes, I have.” Han Jiangxue’s gaze returned to his mother before he responded, that beaming smile still spreаd on his face. “Xiling, come and pay your respects to your grandmother.”}“And, yes, it is true that I was orphaned since I was young and that I was raised at Youmiao Academy. But never in my life have I stolen anything or robbed anyone. Even amongst brothers at the orphanage, there were so few instances of us butting heads that it’s not worth it to count! Yes, I am poor, but I have never been up to no good—my hands and body are both clean!”

“Yes, I have.” Han Jiangxue’s gaze returned to his mother before he responded, that beaming smile still spreаd on his face. “Xiling, come and pay your respects to your grandmother.”

_{Han Jiangxue lowered his head at the rebuttal.}[T/N: The uncle used is for the older brother of one's father.]

Han Jiangxue lowered his head at the rebuttal.

_{“In other words, you have no intention of helping your younger brother, do you?” The older woman sneered.}Han Jiangxue pulled away from her feet and shot up at her words. Han Xiling rose as well, his hands and legs trembling.

“In other words, you have no intention of helping your younger brother, do you?” The older woman sneered.

_{Han Xiling complied, kowtowing again before greeting, “This grandson, Han Xiling, pays his respects to grandmother and wishes her good health.”}Han Jiangxue beamed as he tousled his nephew’s hair and cooed, “Goodness. Isn’t our Ke’ke just the goodest little boy, then?”

Han Xiling complied, kowtowing again before greeting, “This grandson, Han Xiling, pays his respects to grandmother and wishes her good health.”

_{Han Jiangxue beamed as he tousled his nephew’s hair and cooed, “Goodness. Isn’t our Ke’ke just the goodest little boy, then?”}
Madam Han’s face paled at the sight before returning to the chair, where she released a long sigh. “Good heavens… What have I ever done to get a child like you!”

Han Jiangxue beamed as he tousled his nephew’s hair and cooed, “Goodness. Isn’t our Ke’ke just the goodest little boy, then?”

_{Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.}Han Jiangxue pulled away from her feet and shot up at her words. Han Xiling rose as well, his hands and legs trembling.

Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.

_N/A“Grandmother?” The older woman sneered. “Who here is your grandmother?”

N/A

_{“Next one. Give me your hand!”}
Han Jiangxue lifted his head slightly before pleading, “I promise, Mother. I won’t do anything to bring shame to our house, I swear it.”

“Next one. Give me your hand!”

_{Pulling a golden pin from her hair, the woman then fiercely stabbed it into Han Xiling’s waiting palm without so much as a stalled breath.}Han Xiling complied, kowtowing again before greeting, “This grandson, Han Xiling, pays his respects to grandmother and wishes her good health.”

Pulling a golden pin from her hair, the woman then fiercely stabbed it into Han Xiling’s waiting palm without so much as a stalled breath.

_{Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.}
“Haven’t you already brought us enough shame?” The older woman shot back, rendering Han Jiangxue speechless and pale.

Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.

_{Han Xiling had followed and stood behind him before also kneeling, but on his mind was confusion of whether he should address her as “Grandmother” or not.}“Haven’t you already brought us enough shame?” The older woman shot back, rendering Han Jiangxue speechless and pale.

Han Xiling had followed and stood behind him before also kneeling, but on his mind was confusion of whether he should address her as “Grandmother” or not.

_{“My name is Han Xiling. I am the adopted son of Han Jiangxue. My family name is Han because it is Han Jiangxue’s last name. So this matter has nothing to do with {you} at all! And mark my words, you will not be able to look down on me again!”}“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”

_{The hand Madan Han lifted to strike again fell as she looked at the jade ring in disbelief.}Han Jianxue was clearly excited upon seeing the carriage, so much so that he was practically sprinting to the central hall before crying out, “Mother!”

The hand Madan Han lifted to strike again fell as she looked at the jade ring in disbelief.

_{The hand Madan Han lifted to strike again fell as she looked at the jade ring in disbelief.}“Haven’t you already brought us enough shame?” The older woman shot back, rendering Han Jiangxue speechless and pale.

The hand Madan Han lifted to strike again fell as she looked at the jade ring in disbelief.

_{“Yes, I have.” Han Jiangxue’s gaze returned to his mother before he responded, that beaming smile still spreаd on his face. “Xiling, come and pay your respects to your grandmother.”}He was never a person fond of arguing with others, but he made a promise to himself to never be bullied again. He will make sure he was never trаmpled under someone else’s feet!

“Yes, I have.” Han Jiangxue’s gaze returned to his mother before he responded, that beaming smile still spreаd on his face. “Xiling, come and pay your respects to your grandmother.”

_{“Mother—”}“Then I ask for your forgiveness, Mother. I will not be able to obey you with regard to this matter.”

“Mother—”

_{Pulling Yu’ke by the hand, she turned to walk out the door.}Han Xiling did as he was told.

Pulling Yu’ke by the hand, she turned to walk out the door.

_{“But Xiling is a very good boy, Mother.”}
Despite his hidden anger, Han Xiling obediently approached the woman.

“But Xiling is a very good boy, Mother.”

_{Han Jiangxue lifted his head slightly before pleading, “I promise, Mother. I won’t do anything to bring shame to our house, I swear it.”}N/A

Han Jiangxue lifted his head slightly before pleading, “I promise, Mother. I won’t do anything to bring shame to our house, I swear it.”

_{A hint of panic flashed within Madam Han’s eyes as he spoke, but only for a fleeting moment, as his glare soon returned in full force.}
“Give me your hand, palm up.”

A hint of panic flashed within Madam Han’s eyes as he spoke, but only for a fleeting moment, as his glare soon returned in full force.

_{“Next one. Give me your hand!”}He wanted every single one of them to know: Han Xiling was not easy to bully!

“Next one. Give me your hand!”

_{“Presumptuous!”}
Han Xiling did as he was told.

“Presumptuous!”

_{Han Jiangxue instantly fell to his knees at her rebuke but made no effort to concede.}Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.

Han Jiangxue instantly fell to his knees at her rebuke but made no effort to concede.

_{“Do you see this? Lord Xuanyuan gifted me this today himself. So if you dare provoke me again, it would be no different than disrespecting him!”}“Mother—”

“Do you see this? Lord Xuanyuan gifted me this today himself. So if you dare provoke me again, it would be no different than disrespecting him!”

_{Madam Han’s face paled at the sight before returning to the chair, where she released a long sigh. “Good heavens… What have I ever done to get a child like you!”}“Madam,” Han Xiling pointed to his body, “You can see it, right? All of me is clean! I have never seduced a man or woman! I’m not a pet! Even so, if… if there does come a time in the future when there is someone I like, that will be my business and mine alone. Even if that person is Han Jiangxue, it will be no business of yours, Grandmother!”

Madam Han’s face paled at the sight before returning to the chair, where she released a long sigh. “Good heavens… What have I ever done to get a child like you!”

_{“Then I ask for your forgiveness, Mother. I will not be able to obey you with regard to this matter.”}“Give me your hand, palm up.”

“Then I ask for your forgiveness, Mother. I will not be able to obey you with regard to this matter.”

_{“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”}
Pulling a golden pin from her hair, the woman then fiercely stabbed it into Han Xiling’s waiting palm without so much as a stalled breath.

“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”

_{“Madam,” Han Xiling pointed to his body, “You can see it, right? All of me is clean! I have never seduced a man or woman! I’m not a pet! Even so, if… if there does come a time in the future when there is someone I like, that will be my business and mine alone. Even if that person is Han Jiangxue, it will be no business of yours, Grandmother!”}Pulling a golden pin from her hair, the woman then fiercely stabbed it into Han Xiling’s waiting palm without so much as a stalled breath.

_{“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.}“Give me your hand, palm up.”

“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.

_{The older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”}Chapter 5.1: Mother

The older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”

_{Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.}Every inch of Han Xiling quaked at the demand, yet he still extended his hand as instructed, and his left hand was pierced in the same way. Another burst of heart-wrenching pain overwhelmed him, to the point he was now shedding tears. But he let not a single sob depart his tіghtly clenched lips, nor did he again scream out in agony.

Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.

_{But this light-hearted moment came to an abrupt end when Madam Han tugged the boy back to her side, her expression void of a smile as it had been since the beginning, before adding, “I heard that you’ve adopted a child.”}
The shock and pain forced Han Xiling’s knees to buckle as he collapsed onto the floor and spat out an agonising scream.

_{Han Jianxue was clearly excited upon seeing the carriage, so much so that he was practically sprinting to the central hall before crying out, “Mother!”}“As for you,” Madam Han’s tone grew colder with each word, “You have no regard for me as a mother, do you?”

Han Jianxue was clearly excited upon seeing the carriage, so much so that he was practically sprinting to the central hall before crying out, “Mother!”

_{“My name is Han Xiling. I am the adopted son of Han Jiangxue. My family name is Han because it is Han Jiangxue’s last name. So this matter has nothing to do with you at all! And mark my words, you will not be able to look down on me again!”}
All he could see right then were the streams of blood oozing from his hand until a shrill voice ordered once more.

_{“Give me your hand, palm up.”}“Mother, please! Xiling is a good boy. What seduction? He has never done such a thing!” Han Jiangxue quickly turned away from her to shout towards the door, “Uncle Wu! Bring us some medicine! Hurry!”

“Give me your hand, palm up.”

_{“Give me your hand, palm up.”}“Haven’t you already brought us enough shame?” The older woman shot back, rendering Han Jiangxue speechless and pale.

“Give me your hand, palm up.”

_{Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.}Madam Han’s face paled at the sight before returning to the chair, where she released a long sigh. “Good heavens… What have I ever done to get a child like you!”

Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.

_{Pulling a golden pin from her hair, the woman then fiercely stabbed it into Han Xiling’s waiting palm without so much as a stalled breath.}
“Next one. Give me your hand!”

Pulling a golden pin from her hair, the woman then fiercely stabbed it into Han Xiling’s waiting palm without so much as a stalled breath.

_{“Do you see this? Lord Xuanyuan gifted me this today himself. So if you dare provoke me again, it would be no different than disrespecting him!”}“And, yes, it is true that I was orphaned since I was young and that I was raised at Youmiao Academy. But never in my life have I stolen anything or robbed anyone. Even amongst brothers at the orphanage, there were so few instances of us butting heads that it’s not worth it to count! Yes, I am poor, but I have never been up to no good—my hands and body are both clean!”

“Do you see this? Lord Xuanyuan gifted me this today himself. So if you dare provoke me again, it would be no different than disrespecting him!”

_{“If you don’t wish to wed at this point in time, then fine. I will not force you into one.}N/A

_N/AHan Jiangxue instantly fell to his knees at her rebuke but made no effort to concede.

N/A

_{Han Xiling did as he was told.}
Every inch of Han Xiling quaked at the demand, yet he still extended his hand as instructed, and his left hand was pierced in the same way. Another burst of heart-wrenching pain overwhelmed him, to the point he was now shedding tears. But he let not a single sob depart his tіghtly clenched lips, nor did he again scream out in agony.

Han Xiling did as he was told.

_{The hand Madan Han lifted to strike again fell as she looked at the jade ring in disbelief.}“Yes! I did!” The boy also took the chance to climb onto his uncle. “I’ve missed you every day!”

The hand Madan Han lifted to strike again fell as she looked at the jade ring in disbelief.

_{The hand Madan Han lifted to strike again fell as she looked at the jade ring in disbelief.}
“I’m warning you, boy. You better not have any crooked ideas in that head of yours. Don’t think you can seduce your way into a higher position by stepping over our family’s back. So if I hear any nasty rumours that can put a stain on Jiangxue’s reputation, don’t think it’s beyond my abilities to stab you to death next time. Understood?”

The hand Madan Han lifted to strike again fell as she looked at the jade ring in disbelief.

_{“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.}“Next one. Give me your hand!”

“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.

_{“Do you see this? Lord Xuanyuan gifted me this today himself. So if you dare provoke me again, it would be no different than disrespecting him!”}“Hi, Uncle!” While Han Xiling was lost in thought, the young boy about six or seven years of age standing on the opposite side of Madam Han’s lap greeted his uncle happily. He was an adorable child, as pretty as a picture; a boy who was no less angelic than Xuanyuan Diandian himself.

“Do you see this? Lord Xuanyuan gifted me this today himself. So if you dare provoke me again, it would be no different than disrespecting him!”

_{“Madam,” Han Xiling pointed to his body, “You can see it, right? All of me is clean! I have never seduced a man or woman! I’m not a pet! Even so, if… if there does come a time in the future when there is someone I like, that will be my business and mine alone. Even if that person is Han Jiangxue, it will be no business of yours, Grandmother!”}“My name is Han Xiling. I am the adopted son of Han Jiangxue. My family name is Han because it is Han Jiangxue’s last name. So this matter has nothing to do with you at all! And mark my words, you will not be able to look down on me again!”

_{He wanted every single one of them to know: Han Xiling was not easy to bully!}He wanted every single one of them to know: Han Xiling was not easy to bully!

He wanted every single one of them to know: Han Xiling was not easy to bully!

_{“Yes, and just how many decent girls have I found for you? You’re the one who refused to get married, so whose fault do you think that is?”}
“Mother, please! Xiling is a good boy. What seduction? He has never done such a thing!” Han Jiangxue quickly turned away from her to shout towards the door, “Uncle Wu! Bring us some medicine! Hurry!”

“Yes, and just how many decent girls have I found for you? You’re the one who refused to get married, so whose fault do you think that is?”

_{“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”}“So what? We were poor, but at least our house was a scholarly one. Is it the same for him? Does he have any worth? What qualifications does he have that grant him the right to enter our house? Listen to me well, boy. This little act of yours is unacceptable. I will not accept it. So if you want a child, you will either marry and make one or adopt Yu’ke as your own. That child will have your blood.”

“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”

_{Han Xiling complied, kowtowing again before greeting, “This grandson, Han Xiling, pays his respects to grandmother and wishes her good health.”}
But as the old servant entered, another command echoed throughout the hall. “Leave us!”

Han Xiling complied, kowtowing again before greeting, “This grandson, Han Xiling, pays his respects to grandmother and wishes her good health.”

_{Madam Han’s face paled at the sight before returning to the chair, where she released a long sigh. “Good heavens… What have I ever done to get a child like you!”}Han Xiling got back on his feet, walking towards the door where she stood, his bloodied hands held up for her to see. “These wounds you have given me today, I will remember them. I will remember it all well.”

Madam Han’s face paled at the sight before returning to the chair, where she released a long sigh. “Good heavens… What have I ever done to get a child like you!”

_{“Next one. Give me your hand!”}“Do you see this? Lord Xuanyuan gifted me this today himself. So if you dare provoke me again, it would be no different than disrespecting him!”

“Next one. Give me your hand!”

_{“Come.” She now set her sights on Han Xiling.}
The older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”

“Come.” She now set her sights on Han Xiling.

_{All he could see right then were the streams of blood oozing from his hand until a shrill voice ordered once more.}“Mother—”

All he could see right then were the streams of blood oozing from his hand until a shrill voice ordered once more.

_{Chapter 5.1: Mother}
Pulling Yu’ke by the hand, she turned to walk out the door.

Chapter 5.1: Mother

_{Han Jiangxue pulled away from her feet and shot up at her words. Han Xiling rose as well, his hands and legs trembling.}[T/N: The uncle used is for the older brother of one's father.]

Han Jiangxue pulled away from her feet and shot up at her words. Han Xiling rose as well, his hands and legs trembling.

_{“Mother—”}Chapter 5.1: Mother

“Mother—”

_{Madam Han’s face paled at the sight before returning to the chair, where she released a long sigh. “Good heavens… What have I ever done to get a child like you!”}
Han Xiling got back on his feet, walking towards the door where she stood, his bloodied hands held up for her to see. “These wounds you have given me today, I will remember them. I will remember it all well.”

Madam Han’s face paled at the sight before returning to the chair, where she released a long sigh. “Good heavens… What have I ever done to get a child like you!”

_{“Grandmother?” The older woman sneered. “Who here is your grandmother?”}On the grand preceptor’s armchair, within the central hall, a woman, seeming to be in her forties, sat. Dressed in exquisite-looking silks and with a face dusted with a light blush on her temples, she looked like all those portraits of a proper noble lady in real life.

“Grandmother?” The older woman sneered. “Who here is your grandmother?”

_{“Give me your hand, palm up.”}
A hint of panic flashed within Madam Han’s eyes as he spoke, but only for a fleeting moment, as his glare soon returned in full force.

“Give me your hand, palm up.”

_{“My name is Han Xiling. I am the adopted son of Han Jiangxue. My family name is Han because it is Han Jiangxue’s last name. So this matter has nothing to do with {you} at all! And mark my words, you will not be able to look down on me again!”}Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.

_{The older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”}“Next one. Give me your hand!”

The older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”

_{“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.}“No. Ke’ke is a very good boy, and I love him from the bottom of my heart, Mother. But he is my brother’s son. How could I steal away the love meant for another?” It was only now that Han Jiangxue’s brows finally furrowed.

“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.

_{Despite his hidden anger, Han Xiling obediently approached the woman.}
“And, yes, it is true that I was orphaned since I was young and that I was raised at Youmiao Academy. But never in my life have I stolen anything or robbed anyone. Even amongst brothers at the orphanage, there were so few instances of us butting heads that it’s not worth it to count! Yes, I am poor, but I have never been up to no good—my hands and body are both clean!”

Despite his hidden anger, Han Xiling obediently approached the woman.

_{“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”}“Madam,” Han Xiling pointed to his body, “You can see it, right? All of me is clean! I have never seduced a man or woman! I’m not a pet! Even so, if… if there does come a time in the future when there is someone I like, that will be my business and mine alone. Even if that person is Han Jiangxue, it will be no business of yours, Grandmother!”

“Mother.” Han Jiangxue cut in, the restraint in his tone noticeable. “I already told you that I wanted a child. That I—”

_{All he could see right then were the streams of blood oozing from his hand until a shrill voice ordered once more.}More than anything, he wished to be a man that could hold his head high. He wanted those people, who were more akin to sludge and proclaiming themselves as nobility, to see just how dignified a poor person could be!

All he could see right then were the streams of blood oozing from his hand until a shrill voice ordered once more.

_{“Mother, when did you arrive? Have you been waiting long?” Han Jiangxue ran over to the woman, knelt, and huddled beside her feet. Looking up at her, his eyes were as pure and eager as a baby’s.}“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.

_{[T/N: The uncle used is for the older brother of one's father.]}Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.

[T/N: The uncle used is for the older brother of one's father.]

_{Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.}
Han Xiling began tearing at his clothes, stripping until only his underpants were left, which only remained because Han Jiangxue stepped forward to stop him.

Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.

_{[T/N: The uncle used is for the older brother of one's father.]}“My name is Han Xiling. I am the adopted son of Han Jiangxue. My family name is Han because it is Han Jiangxue’s last name. So this matter has nothing to do with you at all! And mark my words, you will not be able to look down on me again!”

[T/N: The uncle used is for the older brother of one's father.]

_{“Yes, and just how many decent girls have I found for you? You’re the one who refused to get married, so whose fault do you think that is?”}“Presumptuous!”

“Yes, and just how many decent girls have I found for you? You’re the one who refused to get married, so whose fault do you think that is?”

_{“If you don’t wish to wed at this point in time, then fine. I will not force you into one.}Han Jiangxue instantly fell to his knees at her rebuke but made no effort to concede.

_{Han Jiangxue instantly fell to his knees at her rebuke but made no effort to concede.}
“Madam,” Han Xiling pointed to his body, “You can see it, right? All of me is clean! I have never seduced a man or woman! I’m not a pet! Even so, if… if there does come a time in the future when there is someone I like, that will be my business and mine alone. Even if that person is Han Jiangxue, it will be no business of yours, Grandmother!”

Han Jiangxue instantly fell to his knees at her rebuke but made no effort to concede.

_{“And, yes, it is true that I was orphaned since I was young and that I was raised at Youmiao Academy. But never in my life have I stolen anything or robbed anyone. Even amongst brothers at the orphanage, there were so few instances of us butting heads that it’s not worth it to count! Yes, I am poor, but I have never been up to no good—my hands and body are both clean!”}“In other words, you have no intention of helping your younger brother, do you?” The older woman sneered.

_{“I don’t care if he's good or not. All I know is that he’s some little bastard from the Western District’s slums. None of us even know who his parents are, so how could you stand there and declare he’s not filled with ill intent?”}
Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.

_{“Yes! I did!” The boy also took the chance to climb onto his uncle. “I’ve missed you every day!”}“No. Ke’ke is a very good boy, and I love him from the bottom of my heart, Mother. But he is my brother’s son. How could I steal away the love meant for another?” It was only now that Han Jiangxue’s brows finally furrowed.

“Yes! I did!” The boy also took the chance to climb onto his uncle. “I’ve missed you every day!”

_{Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.}
Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.

Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.

_{“Then I ask for your forgiveness, Mother. I will not be able to obey you with regard to this matter.”}But as the old servant entered, another command echoed throughout the hall. “Leave us!”

“Then I ask for your forgiveness, Mother. I will not be able to obey you with regard to this matter.”

_{Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.}Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.

Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.

_{“Yu’ke!” Han Jiangxue extended his arms, drawing the child into his embrace before smothering his little eyelids with kisses. “Did you miss your uncle? Did you?”}“Wait!” Han Xiling sat there with eyes squeezing tіght before finally shouted, stopping the older woman in her tracks and turning Han Jiangxue’s gaze towards him.

“Yu’ke!” Han Jiangxue extended his arms, drawing the child into his embrace before smothering his little eyelids with kisses. “Did you miss your uncle? Did you?”

_{“Haven’t you already brought us enough shame?” The older woman shot back, rendering Han Jiangxue speechless and pale.}
“Do you see this? Lord Xuanyuan gifted me this today himself. So if you dare provoke me again, it would be no different than disrespecting him!”

“Haven’t you already brought us enough shame?” The older woman shot back, rendering Han Jiangxue speechless and pale.

_{Despite his hidden anger, Han Xiling obediently approached the woman.}Han Xiling got back on his feet, walking towards the door where she stood, his bloodied hands held up for her to see. “These wounds you have given me today, I will remember them. I will remember it all well.”

Despite his hidden anger, Han Xiling obediently approached the woman.

_{“Grandmother?” The older woman sneered. “Who here is your grandmother?”}
The hand Madan Han lifted to strike again fell as she looked at the jade ring in disbelief.

“Grandmother?” The older woman sneered. “Who here is your grandmother?”

_{“Come.” She now set her sights on Han Xiling.}“Yes, and just how many decent girls have I found for you? You’re the one who refused to get married, so whose fault do you think that is?”

“Come.” She now set her sights on Han Xiling.

_{Chapter 5.1: Mother}“Yes, and just how many decent girls have I found for you? You’re the one who refused to get married, so whose fault do you think that is?”

Chapter 5.1: Mother

_{Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.}Han Xiling began tearing at his clothes, stripping until only his underpants were left, which only remained because Han Jiangxue stepped forward to stop him.

Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.

_{“Haven’t you already brought us enough shame?” The older woman shot back, rendering Han Jiangxue speechless and pale.}On the grand preceptor’s armchair, within the central hall, a woman, seeming to be in her forties, sat. Dressed in exquisite-looking silks and with a face dusted with a light blush on her temples, she looked like all those portraits of a proper noble lady in real life.

“Haven’t you already brought us enough shame?” The older woman shot back, rendering Han Jiangxue speechless and pale.

_{Han Xiling had followed and stood behind him before also kneeling, but on his mind was confusion of whether he should address her as “Grandmother” or not.}
“My name is Han Xiling. I am the adopted son of Han Jiangxue. My family name is Han because it is Han Jiangxue’s last name. So this matter has nothing to do with you at all! And mark my words, you will not be able to look down on me again!”

Han Xiling had followed and stood behind him before also kneeling, but on his mind was confusion of whether he should address her as “Grandmother” or not.

_{“Mother—”}Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.

“Mother—”

_{Han Xiling had followed and stood behind him before also kneeling, but on his mind was confusion of whether he should address her as “Grandmother” or not.}Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.

Han Xiling had followed and stood behind him before also kneeling, but on his mind was confusion of whether he should address her as “Grandmother” or not.

_{A hint of panic flashed within Madam Han’s eyes as he spoke, but only for a fleeting moment, as his glare soon returned in full force.}“Presumptuous!”

A hint of panic flashed within Madam Han’s eyes as he spoke, but only for a fleeting moment, as his glare soon returned in full force.

_{“Mother, please! Xiling is a good boy. What seduction? He has never done such a thing!” Han Jiangxue quickly turned away from her to shout towards the door, “Uncle Wu! Bring us some medicine! Hurry!”}
Han Xiling raised his finger high as if he were declaring an oath.

_{Han Xiling got back on his feet, walking towards the door where she stood, his bloodied hands held up for her to see. “These wounds you have given me today, I will remember them. I will remember it all well.”}“Yes, I have.” Han Jiangxue’s gaze returned to his mother before he responded, that beaming smile still spreаd on his face. “Xiling, come and pay your respects to your grandmother.”

_{Madam Han’s face paled at the sight before returning to the chair, where she released a long sigh. “Good heavens… What have I ever done to get a child like you!”}“My name is Han Xiling. I am the adopted son of Han Jiangxue. My family name is Han because it is Han Jiangxue’s last name. So this matter has nothing to do with you at all! And mark my words, you will not be able to look down on me again!”

Madam Han’s face paled at the sight before returning to the chair, where she released a long sigh. “Good heavens… What have I ever done to get a child like you!”

_{Han Xiling got back on his feet, walking towards the door where she stood, his bloodied hands held up for her to see. “These wounds you have given me today, I will remember them. I will remember it all well.”}
He was never a person fond of arguing with others, but he made a promise to himself to never be bullied again. He will make sure he was never trаmpled under someone else’s feet!

_{But this light-hearted moment came to an abrupt end when Madam Han tugged the boy back to her side, her expression void of a smile as it had been since the beginning, before adding, “I heard that you’ve adopted a child.”}Han Xiling didn’t meekly accept her strike this time, however. Stepping to the side, he dodged her attack, then raised his thumb adorned with the jade ring for her to see.

_{“Yes, I have.” Han Jiangxue’s gaze returned to his mother before he responded, that beaming smile still spreаd on his face. “Xiling, come and pay your respects to your grandmother.”}N/A

“Yes, I have.” Han Jiangxue’s gaze returned to his mother before he responded, that beaming smile still spreаd on his face. “Xiling, come and pay your respects to your grandmother.”

_{Han Jiangxue lifted his head slightly before pleading, “I promise, Mother. I won’t do anything to bring shame to our house, I swear it.”}
More than anything, he wished to be a man that could hold his head high. He wanted those people, who were more akin to sludge and proclaiming themselves as nobility, to see just how dignified a poor person could be!

Han Jiangxue lifted his head slightly before pleading, “I promise, Mother. I won’t do anything to bring shame to our house, I swear it.”

_N/AThe older woman then approached the crouching Han Xiling, looking down as she added, “So be on your best behaviour, alright? Otherwise, only suffering awaits you.”

N/A

_{“Next one. Give me your hand!”}“In other words, you have no intention of helping your younger brother, do you?” The older woman sneered.

“Next one. Give me your hand!”

_{Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.}“Grandmother?” The older woman sneered. “Who here is your grandmother?”

Madam Han was incensed—so incensed that she raised her hand and swung it to strike him again.

_{“Mother! Do not forget our family used to be poor as well!” Han Jiangxue finally raised his voice.}“Mother—”

“Mother! Do not forget our family used to be poor as well!” Han Jiangxue finally raised his voice.

_{“Mother—”}
He wanted every single one of them to know: Han Xiling was not easy to bully!

“Mother—”

_{On the grand preceptor’s armchair, within the central hall, a woman, seeming to be in her forties, sat. Dressed in exquisite-looking silks and with a face dusted with a light blush on her temples, she looked like all those portraits of a proper noble lady in real life.}But this light-hearted moment came to an abrupt end when Madam Han tugged the boy back to her side, her expression void of a smile as it had been since the beginning, before adding, “I heard that you’ve adopted a child.”

_{“Madam,” Han Xiling pointed to his body, “You can see it, right? All of me is clean! I have never seduced a man or woman! I’m not a pet! Even so, if… if there does come a time in the future when there is someone I like, that will be my business and mine alone. Even if that person is Han Jiangxue, it will be no business of yours, Grandmother!”}But this light-hearted moment came to an abrupt end when Madam Han tugged the boy back to her side, her expression void of a smile as it had been since the beginning, before adding, “I heard that you’ve adopted a child.”

_{“As for you,” Madam Han’s tone grew colder with each word, “You have no regard for me as a mother, do you?”}“Grandmother?” The older woman sneered. “Who here is your grandmother?”

“As for you,” Madam Han’s tone grew colder with each word, “You have no regard for me as a mother, do you?”

_{“As for you,” Madam Han’s tone grew colder with each word, “You have no regard for me as a mother, do you?”}“If you don’t wish to wed at this point in time, then fine. I will not force you into one. But once you achieve your goals as a swordsman, Lord Xuanyuan will handle the matter of your marriage. This will be a huge honour for our family. Furthermore, if you dеsire a child by your side so badly, then wouldn’t one that’s your own family be a better choice? Yu’ke here is your younger brother’s flesh and blood. He’s a handsome and clever boy. Is there any part of him that’s lacking?”

“As for you,” Madam Han’s tone grew colder with each word, “You have no regard for me as a mother, do you?”

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

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Updated on a Saturday. Raws: Kobo

Adoptive Father: C05-1

Chapter 5.1: Mother

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