Chapter 5: The Inescapability of Guilt

"You still know pain; I only fear that you won't learn from it." The voice was filled with both hatred and pity

The elder brother remained silent, and the rattan whip descended with the wind. Han Wei could only feel the excruciating pain that seemed to scrape his bones and tear his flesh. He could not help but let out a miserable cry of "ah," tears and sweat streaming down in an instant, his whole body trembling

Yunying gently stroked her younger brother Hanwei's damp, soft hair, as if caressing a feeble puppy, her tender voice coaxing her husband Hancheng: "Do you still want to kill him? Just let him have a good scare instead." Seeing that her husband was still seething with anger, Yunying added, "Mom and sister are coming over for dinner tonight; you surely don't want to cause a scene and make everyone uncomfortable, do you?"

Xiao Liang was so frightened that he began to cry, but under the unyielding gaze of his father, he slowly moved to the edge of the sofa and lay on the wide armrest, waiting to be punished

On weekdays, whenever there is a guest at home, the clever little mouth of my younger brother Hanwei is the most useful, making people very happy. Therefore, my mother-in-law's family is very fond of this younger brother, even though the Ni family does not like the dull little Liang. My younger brother Hanwei is still quite close to the Ni family. Thinking of the talkative mother-in-law and the older sister-in-law, Yang Hancheng came up behind Hanwei and scolded, "Have you repented?"

This sentence indeed proved useful, while Han Chen swung the rattan without saying a word

Yang Hancheng nodded slightly and reached out to gently brush over Han Wei's wound, but just the lightest touch caused Han Wei to moan in pain

"Go back to your room!" Yang Hancheng threw down these words, tossed the rattan whip onto the brown leather sofa in front of Han Wei, and slammed the door behind him. Tears, sweat, and blood mixed together, staining the brown leather sofa. Only Han Wei remained, trembling with fear and wishing for death.

The elder brother's hand lingered on him for a moment, when suddenly, a gust of wind tightened, and the vine whip howled down with a sudden force. Accompanied by Han Wei's long, beast-like wail, the air became stagnant for a long time, as if the curtain of a grand play had fallen. After a while, in utter silence, it gradually burst forth with Han Wei's hoarse, agonized cries, as if behind the curtain, the performer in blue lamented with a sorrowful recitation, "It is so painful—"

"Minghan, are you looking for that family discipline cane? I instructed Old Cui to wash it this morning, as it had gathered a lot of dust from not being used for a long time. Who would have known you would want to show off today?" Yu Ning said

Han Wei was startled. He knew that the water-soaked rattan would cause unbearable pain upon striking the body; a single lash could at least strip away a layer of skin, and if it were more severe, it could peel off a strip of flesh. Did Sister Yu Ning have this planned when she asked Old Cui to wash the rattan at this moment? It seems likely that this water-soaked rattan was prepared for Liang Er from the very beginning.

With a dull sound of "pa," the rattan was struck against the armrest of the sofa, surprisingly tearing the sofa apart

Without waiting for him to catch his breath, the second lash came down. He gasped in pain, unable to control the surge of agony that overwhelmed him, and he couldn't help but cry out. He heard his elder brother commanding him to be quiet, but he simply could not hold it in. The sound of the whip slicing through the air was deafening, leaving him with no place to escape. He struggled with the last of his strength, rolling and tumbling to the ground.

How could she betray at this moment

Han Wei knew he was powerless to turn the situation around, and helplessly moved to the front of the sofa. He leaned down onto the wide, cold armrest of the sofa, feeling a tightening in his chest; this time, he was surely in for a beating. Han Wei covered his mouth with his fist, recalling his elder brother's family rules: no crying or begging for mercy when being punished. If one struggled or made a fuss, the punishment would only be harsher.

Liang'er clutched her collar tightly, standing in front of the armrest of the sofa, shivering and crying

Ni Yuning's feigned innocence with a seemingly ordinary question stirred up a ripple, and Han Wei immediately recalled the flaw in his lie

How could he explain to his elder brother that Li Xiaoyun was merely a shameless rogue and a good-for-nothing? How could he make his brother understand his humiliation and inner turmoil? The words were on the tip of his tongue, yet he found it difficult to speak them out of shame. Even if his brother forgave him for causing trouble outside, it would be hard to absolve him of the sin of 'redification.' Fortunately, he steeled his heart and decided to leave his life and death in his brother's hands today. However, when his gaze fell upon the menacing, dripping family punishment in his brother's hand, he felt an overwhelming sense of grievance and fear. Fortunately, he steeled his heart and decided to leave his life and death in his brother's hands today. However, when his gaze fell upon the menacing, dripping family punishment in his brother's hand, he felt an overwhelming sense of grievance and fear.

His younger brother, who had always been obedient to him, unexpectedly strayed from the path and caused trouble outside, even daring to collude with the chaotic faction that incited the student movement. Is this not rebellion? Last month, his younger brother mistakenly let a student movement leader escape, and the Central Government in Xijing made a big deal out of it. He had believed that his brother's mistake was merely a momentary lapse, but now it seems there were reasons behind it. Thinking of this, his anger surged.

A single sentence struck at the heart of the matter, and Han Wei no longer dared to be stubborn. ... A gentleman may be killed but cannot be humiliated, yet now ... . ... He could only obediently endure the pain, sobbing as he lay back on the sofa.

Xiao Liang was wearing his school uniform. He also mentioned that Xiao Liang was sick and did not go to school today. In his heart, he couldn't help but curse Sister Yu Ning for being so cunning; this move was executed without leaving a trace. Meanwhile, the elder brother's face turned pale and gradually became cold. Han Wei knew that the situation was already beyond redemption, all because of his own oversight.

Yu Ning hurriedly stopped her husband, exclaiming in frustration: "Ming Han, you said not to hit the child on the face. How can he face others now?"

Yang Hancheng kicked away the little brother who was clinging to his legs and begging for mercy. The rattan whip swung down again, each strike tighter than the last, clearly not giving the little brother a chance to catch his breath. Han Wei cried out in pain, his hoarse voice unable to shout any longer, and as darkness enveloped him, he fainted.

Han Wei once vowed to protect Xiao Liang before his elder sister-in-law passed away. He stepped forward confidently and said: "Elder brother, you have wronged Liang. Liang is inherently timid; even if he had the intention of rebellion, he would not have the courage. It was Han Wei who insisted on taking Liang to witness the patriotic student movement in the square, allowing him to feel the sentiment of 'When the country is in peril, every individual has a responsibility.' Elder brother, what crime is there in being patriotic? A march is merely a form of expression!"

Sister Luo was the maid of honor accompanying Han Wei's late elder sister, Xianru. She had been with the elder sister for many years and was very fond of him and Xiao Liang.

"Elder brother... Wei Er does not know," Han Wei hurriedly defended, only to be kicked down by his elder brother.

At this moment, Sister Luo's unusual behavior immediately made Han Wei understand that Sister Luo must also feel that Xiao Liang could not withstand this beating. Therefore, she ruthlessly fanned the flames, urging him to take the fall for Li.

"Xiao Liang, get up!" Han Wei pulled his nephew Xiao Liang, who was trembling and shaking on the sofa. Han Wei cast a sorrowful glance at his stern-faced elder brother, feeling an overwhelming sense of panic within.

Upon waking again, Han Wei felt as if his legs no longer belonged to him, the pain nearly rendering him numb. He could hear Sister Yu Ning's sorrowful plea: "Just let it go, it's already this bad, it's too heavy."

Han Chen scrutinized him without speaking, gesturing with his hand and the vine from the book for Old Cui to take the stunned Xiao Liang away. He glanced at Han Wei and pointed to the large, cool sofa.

I see that you have no desire to live! Yang Hancheng showed no signs of stopping, while Han Wei looked up at his brother's ashen face in despair on the ground.

"What are you doing here? Get out!" Yang Hancheng said irritably, "No one is allowed to plead for this ungrateful child today!"

Han Wei was so angry that his teeth itched, and he was so tense that his fingers were about to dig into his flesh

The ancients said, "The big stick makes one obey!" Han Wei thought to himself, disregarding the pain, and pleaded in a spoiled manner, "Brother, Wei'er can't take it anymore, please... spare Wei'er this time." His handsome face was as if washed with water, sweat and tears mingling together, as he sobbed and gasped in pain

Seeing the thin figure of his younger brother stained with blood, Yang Hancheng felt a twinge of compassion in his heart

Han Wei let out a sigh, his entire body slumping down as he finally endured until his elder brother was willing to stop

Han Chen reached down to retrieve the rattan stick hidden under the table, but he could not find it. He had a good idea of what was going on; it was highly likely that Han Wei, aware that the uncle and nephew were in dire straits, had hidden it away. His gaze, filled with anger and humiliation, shot towards his younger brother Han Wei

The sound of knocking on the door broke the stalemate, and Sister Luo entered tremblingly. Han Wei's eyes widened immediately as he saw that Sister Luo was holding the stack of flyers he had given her to destroy.

Although Han Chen was furious, he still listened to his wife's advice and ordered Xiao Liang to lie down properly on the large leather sofa by the wall

Han Wei pressed his lips tightly together, lowering his head in silence, fearing that his elder brother would punish him with a "double penalty".

"Liang'er, you really are something. Wasn't it Driver Lao Wang who took your father to the provincial office this morning before dropping you off at school? How did you manage to run back from school when you were dressed so neatly in your uniform?"

***

Han Chen's cold and piercing gaze clashed with his younger brother's calm and composed eyes, grinding his teeth as he suppressed his anger

Yang Hancheng shook the whip and took a few steps, coldly gazing at Han Wei, and asked in a deep voice: "Tell me, what is the surname of the law in Longcheng?"

"Will you speak or not?" Yang Hancheng grabbed the little Liang on the ground and swung his hand to deliver another slap.

Han Wei slowly raised his head, and on Yu Ning's face was a trace of gloating satisfaction, completely devoid of the anxiety she had shown when pleading for him.

"Being overly clever and full of lies, one day you will find yourself trapped in the snare you set, and your elder brother won't even know where to rescue you from" The angry gaze seemed to want to devour this useless younger brother.

Yang Hancheng flipped through the flyers, looking at his younger brother with a pained expression, feeling an inexplicable hurt within. He feared that this younger brother, who usually acted impulsively, might truly dare to engage in such rebellious acts.

"Father, I beg you... please..." Xiao Liang pleaded with a sense of grievance. At fifteen years old, he was still being treated by his father as if he were an eight-year-old mischief-maker, especially in front of his stepmother. He wished he could just disappear into a crack in the ground.

Yang Hanwei, this is a bad habit that is hard to change!" A stern voice reverberated, shaking the floor beneath.

"Brother, please spare Wei'er, Wei'er will never dare again, brother..." Han Wei murmured, her clear eyes veiled with a thin mist, her delicate brows lowered in a sorrowful and submissive manner, presenting a pitiful appearance that stirred the heart of anyone who beheld her

Han Wei gasped in surprise and said with difficulty, "Brother, Wei'er won't dare anymore"

Yu Ning went out to fetch a rattan stick, while Han Chen pointed to the sofa in the corner without saying a word. Xiao Liang knew that the situation was dire, and in fear, he felt as if his soul had left his body. Trembling, he stripped down and lay on the armrest of the sofa, crying. His frail body, with legs as thin as hemp stalks, shivered in the wind.

Han Wei, in order to protect Liang Er, did not hesitate to fabricate a lie and take on all the blame. The fact that the provincial governor's son was involved in the student movement indeed crossed the elder brother's bottom line. Han Wei bit his lip, knowing that the elder brother's authority in this family was beyond challenge, yet there were some words that were stuck in his chest, making it impossible to remain silent.

The air was still, and Han Wei could hear his own heartbeat

Han Chen glared at his wife, seemingly resentful that she was also helping Han Wei cover up. Han Chen knew that his wife did not get along with her stepson Liang Er, but she was still extremely fond of her clever and smart younger brother, Han Wei

"Weir is not teaching properly; it will be too late to regret later. He is too outrageous; he has gone too far!" The voice of the elder brother was filled with indignation

After the death of their parents, this younger brother, who is fourteen years younger, has always stayed close by his side without leaving. In daily life, he dotes on his younger brother Hanwei even more than on his own son Xiaoliang. Hanwei is intelligent and quick-witted, excelling in both his work and personal conduct. Moreover, he bears a striking resemblance to his deceased biological mother, the beautiful yet ill-fated young woman whom their father extravagantly brought back from Yangzhou.

Yunying, with a faint smile, asked from behind: "Is the taste of suffering on behalf of others pleasant?"

"Does it hurt?" Han Chen pressed, clearly asking a question he already knew the answer to. Despite feeling wronged, Han Wei could only comply and replied, "It hurts. Brother, spare Wei this time."

Her hand continued to caress his forehead, sweeping the damp hair back behind his head, and she softly reminded him: "Little brother, last night sister made a mistake; it was not the west gate that was cut off by the flood, but the north gate."

The door opened, and Old Cui brought over the dripping wet rattan.

Sister Luo, in a panic, handed the items to Yang Hancheng and said: "Sir, is this the reason you searched the young master's room? This is what the young master instructed me to take and burn when he was not here just now. I noticed the young master looked anxious, and fearing he might conceal something from you and do something wrong, I didn't dare to..." Sister Luo's eyes, filled with panic, avoided the furious gaze shot at her by Han Wei. In that moment of lowering her head, a hint of sorrow and helplessness was revealed.

"Weier, how dare you talk back to your elder brother?" Ni Yuning entered again at some point and said softly, "Don't you know your brother's temper? If you provoke him, he will drag you to the hall to be punished, and with so many servants coming and going, wouldn't that be even more embarrassing?"

Han Wei was taken aback; how did his elder brother come to know of this? Could it be that his elder brother had already learned about the matter concerning Li Xiaoyun, but had not yet had the chance to settle accounts with him? As he pondered this, Han Wei felt a twinge of guilt, his tongue rolling between his teeth, leaving him speechless

"Elder brother, this matter has nothing to do with Xiao Liang; it was I who instructed him to arrange it this way." Han Wei hurriedly defended Xiao Liang, but Yang Hancheng shot him a cold glare and said, "You cannot escape either; go kneel over there and face the wall."

Han Wei stared in shock at his elder brother. After their father's passing, his elder brother had raised him. He had been mischievous and willful, often receiving beatings from his brother. However, today, his brother's strikes were particularly severe, as if he were punishing a thief, rather than merely correcting a naughty sibling

"Sister Luo, you..." Han Wei pretended to look flustered and at a loss. Sister Luo, with a face full of shame, said: "Young master, we servants truly do not dare."

***

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