Chapter 8: Deep Bonds of Brotherhood

Han Chen smiled and said: "I still do not know you; who can out-argue you with your twisted logic? He, the Fourth Master, certainly cannot gain any advantage. If your mouth feels good, then it is only right that you suffer in your flesh."

Don't move! The older brother's hand glided over his skin and the scars, causing a ticklish sensation. Fortunately, most of the wounds have already scabbed over, alleviating the initial pain. Aside from a few festering wounds that have turned into bedsores, the others no longer hurt.

"What did Xiao Ye have for lunch?" Yu Ning asked again

Can Yier see his uncle? Yuning asked as she held him. Today, Xiaoliang took Xiaoyier to the military camp to visit his uncle

However, both Yu Ning and Han Chen understood that Han Wei, who is usually neat and clean, would not neglect his appearance unless he were utterly exhausted

Han Wei felt an even greater pang of sorrow in his heart, crying even more fiercely

Elder Brother!" Seeing Han Wei's veins bulging in anxiety, Han Chen scolded again: "Do you think your nonsense can fool Elder Brother? Let's not talk about the lies you spun for Liang Er. Who was it that stripped the clothes off that young master of the Blue Gang and threw him on the mountain to be bitten by dogs? And who led troops to attack people in broad daylight? What is the law of Longcheng? And you dare to glare at Elder Brother while telling lies!"

Yang Hancheng threw the newspaper onto the sofa and walked towards the study. After taking two steps, he turned back and said to Xiaoliang: "Come here!"

Han Wei lowered his head, awkwardly smiling in silence as the lie was exposed. He thought to himself that these matters had indeed not escaped his elder brother's keen eyes, and he leaned closer to his brother, choosing not to speak further

Han Wei lay on the bed reading the newspaper and complained upon hearing the sound of the door opening, "Why does it take so long just to get some clothes?"

Think about how that day, the elder brother deliberately struck those belts on the table; Han Wei also understood that it was meant for others to hear

"Not bad," Xiao Liang replied perfunctorily, "You seem much more spirited than at home."

Yu Ning was unaware of the scene where her husband Han Chen reprimanded his younger brother at the provincial office. She only thought that it was because she had been a bit too harsh on Han Wei last time, which frightened the younger brother into making an excuse to hide away. Thus, she murmured softly, "Look at how formidable you are; you’ve scared the younger brother so much that he doesn’t even dare to come home."

After dinner that day, Han Chen was browsing through newspapers and books on the sofa in the hall, with entire pages dedicated to reports on the military's efforts to protect the dikes against flooding in Songzhuang

Xiao Liang appeared flustered and hurriedly interjected, "My younger brother has eaten half a bun and drank some millet porridge. My uncle is not feeling well today, so he only had some porridge broth. My younger brother insisted on trying it, but he couldn't get used to it"

"So much delicious food, the cafeteria is really big," said Xiao Ye

Yunying knows that her husband is actually most concerned about his younger brother Hanwei, but he always puts on a stern face. She tentatively asked, "That little guy has been staying outside for five or six days, hasn't he?"

We went to the cafeteria for a simple meal, not wanting to make it too complicated..." Xiao Liang hurriedly explained

"Weier," Han Chen felt a pang in his nose, holding back tears, "Do you really hate your elder brother this much?"

The excited little Ye was bouncing and talking about all the new things he saw today

As soon as he entered the study, Father pointed to the door and instructed Xiao Liang to lock it from the inside. Xiao Liang, frightened, trembled and fell to his knees, his terrified gaze fixed on his father, tears welling up in his eyes, for he knew what misfortune awaited him. "Father, Liang'er should not have deceived you..."

That's good, " Yu Ning responded while embracing Xiao Ye, asking: " Uncle Xiao has gained quite a bit of weight since the last time we met, hasn't he? Xiao Ye should also eat well, no picky eating allowed, so that he can grow strong and healthy."

Let me take a look

"Brother, I truly did not scold him; I was merely reasoning with him." Han Wei spoke in a very weak voice, lacking in strength.

"Mommy." The little son, Xiao Ye, who had just returned from abroad, approached obediently. Over five years old, Xiao Ye had only returned from England with his uncle the night before. Yu Ning, fearing the instability of the domestic situation, had sent Xiao Ye abroad to live a year ago, but she could not help but miss her son. Yu Ning had brought Xiao Ye back home for a short visit.

Han Chen suddenly realized that the memorial day for his wife of humble beginnings had slipped his mind. He embraced his younger brother Han Wei, swallowing his tears and nodding slightly.

Han Chen patted his younger brother's soft hair and scolded him, "Still trying to show off and act tough? Big brother just went to Shanghai and sorted things out for you"

Han Chen cast a disdainful glance at Yu Ning and said, "Are you still worried that Han Wei will let them go hungry?"

He was at a loss for words regarding the embarrassment and the books, his face flushed with anger, muttering: "If they dare come again, I will not spare them!"

"I also saw the IV drip, with such a long tube," Xiao Ye said excitedly. "If Xiao Ye listens and doesn't play in the rain anymore, he won't end up like Uncle, unable to get out of bed for an IV drip." Yu Ning exchanged glances with Han Chen, and Han Chen finally understood why Yu Ning insisted that Xiao Ye visit Han Wei at the military camp.

"No, how could that be?" Han Wei retorted, forcing a smile as he attempted to rise, but was firmly held back by his elder brother.

Han Wei raised his head, his lips twitching a few times, tears flowing down in grievance. He gazed at his elder brother's deep yet gentle eyes, and after a long while, he said: "On the anniversary of sister-in-law's passing, Wei took Xiao Liang to pay respects at the grave. Elder brother may have forgotten, but Wei cannot forget, and Xiao Liang certainly cannot forget. Can this be known to Sister Yu Ning?"

Xiao Ye said: "Uncle hasn't recovered from his illness yet. He said that next time Xiao Ye comes back, he will definitely take Xiao Ye to hunt wild rabbits."

"Brother, why did you come here? It's quite chaotic here." Han Wei, in a fluster, attempted to rise but was embraced by his elder brother.

Yu Ning also raised her eyes to look at the flustered Xiao Liang, having pierced through his lie, which filled her face with joy and pride

If he has the ability, then he should never come back in his lifetime! Han Chen replied casually without even raising his head

"No! Uncle is not eating well and is getting thin. He is bad and even poked my face with his beard." Little Ye spoke without reservation, and Xiao Liang began to worry, casually replying, "Uncle is a bit thin, probably because he has been tired these days."

Seeing Han Wei sobbing pitifully, Han Chen affectionately ruffled his hair and chided, "You're about to get married, yet you're still so weak. How can a big lad like you keep crying? Where did that heroic spirit of yours go from a few days ago on the embankment, when you even scolded Old Fourth Chong? If it weren't for the family rules in my hands to keep you in check, you would truly be out of control."

Xiao Liang's anxious expression could no longer be concealed, and his legs began to tremble

Han Chen took out several photos from his pocket and handed them to Han Wei. Upon seeing them, Han Wei was taken aback; they were photos of Xiao Liang distributing flyers at school, both distant and close-up shots, all very clear. "Big brother, what happened to Xiao Liang?" Han Wei asked anxiously as he stood up. Han Chen's expression darkened as he replied, "What do you think? Shouldn't he be punished?"

After listening to Xiao Heizi's "testimony," what shocked and pained Han Chen the most was hearing that Han Wei had been surviving for five days solely on rice soup and intravenous drips. Han Chen felt an indescribable heartache and anger.

Xiao Liang was so nervous that his temples were tense; the lies taught by his uncle were surely seen through by his father. It was all because of this child Xiao Ye's loose tongue

Yang Hancheng kicked up and scolded, "Why didn't you say it earlier?"

This is a placeholder text.

Wei Er, listen to your elder brother. Our parents passed away early, and at the end of their lives, they entrusted you to me for care, to raise you and guide you into adulthood. I bear a responsibility towards you, and my discipline is for your future well-being. If you find this painful, once I help you find a wife and establish your own family, you can separate and live on your own, and I will no longer discipline you.

After a moment of silence, Yu Ning asked with concern, "How is your uncle's complexion?"

Four days have passed, and occasionally Hanwei would call home, but most of the calls were made to Yuning

Is this how you serve your young master

Han Wei's haggard and pale face deeply saddened Han Chen. The usually clean and tidy younger brother had become unkempt, with stubble and a disheveled appearance, likely too ill to care about anything else. His gaunt face had sunken cheeks, and his normally indistinct cheekbones appeared prominent, while his bright eyes were now sunken and devoid of color. His body was so emaciated that his ribs were clearly visible, resembling the starving people on the streets. Most terrifying were the numerous needle marks left on both arms from intravenous drips, as clear as a sieve.

Han Wei looked at his elder brother with concern and angrily exclaimed, "That Zhao San is nothing but a scoundrel, he ... ... "

Brother! Han Wei saw that his elder brother's serious expression was no joke, and he felt both surprised and desolate. After a moment of silence, tears streamed down Han Wei's face uncontrollably, and he cried so hard that he could hardly speak. He curled up next to his elder brother, weeping loudly, his sorrow deepening with each sob. The grievances, injustices, and humiliations of the past few days all flowed out with his tears. Han Chen wrapped him in a blanket and books, gently patting him as he used to when he was a child, saying: "Elder brother, how could I not know that you opposed Chong Ji Min to protect the dam for my sake? The dam is about to burst, and I fear the troubles it will bring you in the future." He curled up next to his elder brother, weeping loudly, his sorrow deepening with each sob. The grievances, injustices, and humiliations of the past few days all flowed out with his tears. Han Chen wrapped him in a blanket and books, gently patting him as he used to when he was a child, saying: "Elder brother, how could I not know that you opposed Chong Ji Min to protect the dam for my sake? The dam is about to burst, and I fear the troubles it will bring you in the future."

In an instant, he felt a familiar large hand pressing down on his back, forcing him down onto the bed, and the sheet behind him was also lifted. Han Wei was startled and called out, "Elder brother!"

It is not tasty, not as good as milk, even harder to drink than soybean milk, yet Uncle likes it. Uncle said that when Xiao Ye grows up, he should not learn from him, and must not be picky, only drinking rice soup

Humans sustain themselves on a variety of grains, and my younger brother is overly concerned about his health

"Little Black" did not respond and quietly approached him

"Why didn't you prepare some broth for him to nourish his body?" Yang Hancheng asked reproachfully

Seeing his elder brother, who hurriedly arrived at the camp in a long robe late at night, Han Wei felt much of the resentment and grievance he had harbored over the past few days dissipate. He no longer wished to stubbornly hold a grudge against his brother.

Xiao Heizi Nono said: "It seems he hasn't eaten meat for a long time. The day before yesterday, I made him drink some egg soup forcefully, and he started to vomit, probably even bringing up bile. So I dared not give him any more to eat"

Upon reflection, he thought that the matter had concluded with Li Xiaoyun and Zhao San's hasty retreat back to Shanghai, not realizing that there were still these subsequent troubles. He tentatively asked his elder brother: "Elder brother, are those people causing trouble for you? Han Wei is not afraid of them"

Han Chen felt a surge of anger, thinking that his younger brother was unwilling to return even until Xiao Ye left. It seemed that he would have to stay outside for good.

The aide, Xiao Heizi, occasionally returns to help Han Wei fetch some clean clothes. Xiao Heizi, Hu Yi, is the second son of the steward, Hu Bo. He has grown up with a robust build since childhood and, having played together with Han Wei from a young age, became his aide after Han Wei graduated from military school.

"Mommy, Uncle is not behaving well; he is picky and only eats rice soup." Little Ye's casual remark caused Xiao Liang's expression to change dramatically. He saw his father slowly put down the newspaper, glance at him, and then gently ask Little Ye: "What is rice soup?"

Commander, Xiao Heizi has done his best, but it is truly not working on my side. The doctor has no effective methods or remedies left; ever since the last beating, he has been suffering from a high fever. It took countless antipyretic injections for him to improve, and now being drenched by the rain has made it even worse. Xiao Heizi knows he is certainly doomed; either he will be killed by the Commander for lying, or he will be executed by Young Master Hanwei for leaking information, silently lamenting his fate.

Please help me set up the IV drip. Han Wei said this while beginning to adjust his position

Mr. Zhao from the Blue Gang has issued a bounty for your head, offering a reward of 100,000 for anyone who brings it to him. In pursuit of momentary pleasure, can you guarantee that you will never leave Longcheng for the rest of your life?" the elder brother scolded.

Looking at his younger brother, with his fair and tender skin, it was evident that he had inherited the qualities of his mother, known as the "most beautiful woman in Jiangnan." His broad shoulders and narrow waist reflected the physique typical of the Yang family men. The thought of his younger brother's tragically deceased mother brought a sense of sadness to Han Chen's heart, and he sighed, "Eldest brother is also reluctant to hit you, but what you did has indeed violated the rules, and eldest brother must provide an explanation to everyone." Han Chen gently tended to his younger brother's wounds.

Seeing the young master being beaten in the study, Xiao Heizi realized the situation was dire. The commander had sharp eyes and would surely see through any lies, so now he could only speak the truth.

Xiao Liang stood respectfully to the side and said: "Everything is fine on Uncle's side, just busy. He asked me to convey his apologies to Father and Mother, saying that he has been busy in the army these past few days and will return to pay his respects to them. After the flood, there are many matters that need to be addressed. He also mentioned that when Xiao Ye leaves, he will go to see him off."

Seeing his father reading the newspaper without saying anything, Xiao Liang felt at a loss, unsure whether to leave or if his father had more to say. He could only stand there with his head bowed, waiting for instructions

Han Wei wanted to ask more, but his elder brother no longer brought up the matter, scolding him: "How many times have I reprimanded you for this habit of lying? Have you changed at all? Where did you take Xiao Liang to have fun last week? He skipped two days of classes, and you made excuses for him. Don't think that just because I was away for a few days, I wouldn't know about the mischief you two are up to. You came home only after the curfew, and then you put on an act—one of you said you were catching up on homework, and the other claimed to be returning from camp. When I got home and found out, I nearly wanted to drag you out of bed to give you a beating, but it was your sister-in-law who stopped me.