Chapter: The Strange Lady and the Baby
The walls of the Dawn Pavilion were made from the finest jade, each panel carved with meticulous craftsmanship—a space reserved only for the main bloodline of the Zhang family.
Seated upright in deep blue robes, the Zhang elders' presence was commanding and ancient, their eyes sharp with scrutiny. Today, however, all attention was fixed on a fragile figure with white hair and robes. Though the clothing was simple, it carried an air of nobility. But his posture betrayed a profound loneliness, a quiet weight that none could ignore.
Floating above them, a large orb-like artifact captured every movement of Zhang Wei. All fifteen elders' eyes followed him as he moved cautiously, steps measured and precise. Despite the tortures he had endured over the past week, his back remained straight, unbent, his presence quiet yet firm.
To some, he was a waste of space. His mother's betrayal was irrelevant—the clan had never fully acknowledged her—but the broken meridians and lost core sea branded him as "useless."
"What a waste of space," Elder Li muttered, frustration tight in his chest. "Why hasn't the clan leader done something about him?"
"Not only is he useless, but his martial arts are destroyed," another elder added, voice low with simmering rage.
"What do you think?" Elder Li prompted, and the others voiced their disappointment freely.
"However… he is psychologically strong. I must give him credit," said an elder on the right, surprising the others with his change in tone.
"I once read through ancient scrolls," the elder continued, eyes bright with fascination, "and I can tell you, he's a walking miracle. Damaging a core is lethal—even kings once used this method to eliminate enemies instantly. Yet he survived, gave up his core willingly for his son, and endured pain that could drive a man mad. That proves something far beyond the physical. At least he is better than his mother. Unfortunately…"
He let the pause hang, heavy in the air.
"Though the child may appear like a walking corpse to some, he is still a remarkable miracle. He must be studied closely," he said firmly, determination shining in his gaze.
"He truly is a miracle… but also a danger to the clan. He brought a Fu into our territory, caused countless deaths, and is infected with Fu Puppet Poison. Keeping him alive would invite disaster," another elder warned sharply.
"Silence!" Elder Mi's voice thundered, cutting through the room.
"The clan leader has already ordered his release," Elder Mi continued, voice calm but commanding. "He will return to Snow Manor, watched closely by Zhang Ning. Though he may be infected, he is no threat—he has lost both martial arts and core. Right now, he is simply a man struggling to survive… for his child."
He gestured toward the orb. On the screen, Zhang Wei was welcomed by the Snow Manor servants, cradling a giggling child in his arms. The warmth, the loyalty, the small laughter of the child—it was a scene the elders could not ignore. Even the hardened hearts of those who had lost sons and daughters felt the tug of nostalgia, remembering tiny hands clinging to legs, annoying yet irreplaceable.
Yet amidst the scene, a flicker of unease lingered in the back of some elders' minds. They did not yet know of the mysterious woman who had recently appeared near Zhang Wei—a figure draped in light pink robes, her eyes covered by a white cloth, her presence gentle yet impossibly precise. Rumors whispered that she moved like a shadow, aware of everything, yet leaving no trace. Even in the warmth of reunion, some sensed the potential storm she carried.
The moment Zhang Wei heard about the gift, his pupils widened.
"Another gift for Little White?" he asked, voice trembling—not from joy, but something else entirely.
"Little White?" Ning asked, confused. Zhang Wei's expression softened at the thought of the little master—the baby of his household.
Though his past memories had returned, they did not erase the present: he was already a father.
"It's his nickname," he replied calmly. "Mr. Tang gave it to him the moment he was born."
"So he doesn't have a proper name yet?" Fei Fei asked, puzzled.
"It's a tradition," Zhang Wei explained. "Every child born within the Zhang Clan must be named by the clan leader himself. Otherwise… the child faces tribulations worse than blades and must serve as a servant for four years."
Zhang Wei's eyes sharpened at the mention of the rule, but he was too exhausted to ponder a proper name now.
Sang Sang teased Fei Fei lightly. "Sister Ning is smart. I'll just focus on reading when we get back," she said, laughter in her voice. Giggles followed from the others.
But Zhang Wei felt something stir within—a protective instinct for this tiny, fragile life.
"Here, you can hand it to him," Ning said, offering a blue box. Zhang Wei took it with a slight bow, suspicion lurking in his eyes.
"What's inside?" he asked cautiously.
"Open it, and you'll see," Ning replied with a soft smile.
His hands trembled slightly as he unlocked the box. What if this is a trap? I'm already too weak… no martial arts, no core… how could I defend myself if this turns against me?
Despite his fear, he opened it. His pupils widened at the sight of gold and silver piled inside, glittering almost painfully in the light.
"Take this gold and silver as gifts for our nephew," Ning said. "We wanted something fun, but we weren't sure what to buy."
The others straightened with pride. They had learned from the maids and servants that Zhang Wei enjoyed money—just like their uncle.
Yet Zhang Wei pushed the box back to Ning.
"This is too much. I cannot accept it. Little White is too young to know what to do with this," he said firmly, bitterness threading his voice. What if this is a trap, or… worse?
"Yet… I do feel regret giving up such a sum," he murmured silently. Memories of selling treasures for Little White's treatment came flooding back. The clan had only sent ten silver pieces for the servants, leaving barely anything for necessities. Compared to the young masters and princesses, he had been destitute.
"Wait… you don't want it?" Fei Fei asked, doubt shadowing her face.
"Yes. If you want to gift Little White something, try toys instead," he advised. The siblings were left stunned, ashamed.
"Okay. We will visit Snow Manor within three days to present a proper welcome gift," Sang Sang said, saving their pride.
"Little sister is right. It was wrong to bring such… excessive gifts," one admitted.
Wealth isn't vile—it's enjoyment… and a lesson in caution, Zhang Wei thought. Exhaustion and strain weighed on him. All he wanted now was rest.
"Wait… did you say Snow Manor?" he asked Ning, glancing at Zhang Lin.
"Yes. Didn't the guards inform you?" Zhang Lin replied.
"Snow Manor?" Zhang Wei repeated, suspicion twisting his features.
"Yes. Father has allowed you back into the clan. Mother even had the maids move your belongings there," Zhang Lin explained.
Zhang Wei blinked, wary, yet the truth was undeniable.
"Snow Manor…" he whispered, letting the weight of the news sink in. If this is the place the clan watches me… I need to be careful. I cannot let anyone use Little White as leverage. I must survive… for him.
As he cradled Little White, Zhang Wei's thoughts drifted back to the strange lady he had glimpsed during his brief return—a figure whose soft steps and hidden gaze seemed to follow him wherever he went. Who was she? Friend or foe? Her presence was gentle, almost protective, yet something in her aura hinted at secrets he could not yet understand.
I have to remain vigilant, he thought, tightening his grip on the child. Every ally may hide a threat… every smile may conceal danger. But I will not fail. Not for Little White.
A small giggle echoed in his ears, the innocent sound of his son, and Zhang Wei's resolve hardened. The path ahead would be treacherous, but for his child, he would face it head-on. Shadows might lurk, threats might gather, but he had no choice. Survival, cunning, and protection—
✅
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