1.4

"Ouch! Gentle Rou Mei, gentle,"

Wen Ning whines out as Rou Mei applies a salve to his bruising waist. The bruise on his chin has already faded to a dark blue with the help of the salve he had made (he had even made Rou Mei cover it up with powder) but the bruise on his waist was still daunting to the eye. Wen Ning could still see the handprint on his white skin. "How many times do I have to tell you, child? You have always been easily bruised, please take better care of yourself," the old woman shakes her head and clicks her tongue in disapproval as she slaps the salve on his skin. Wen Ning shrieks out in pain and bit his lips to hold in the sharp pain.

Rou Mei then moves on to his right wrist. The swelling from being grip by Liu Li Feng that time when he woke up had already reduce but it was now swelling a bright red due to yesterday's drama. A solemn expression appears on the woman as she looks at the bruise while reapplying new bandages on his wrist after applying salve on it. She gives a satisfying nod and begins setting up dishes for todays breakfast.

Wen Ning looks at his bandaged wrist and could not help but gently touch it. Liu Li Feng, does he not know his own strength? How many bruises will he put on Wen Ning before he is satisfied. Accident it is but still, don't just put your hands on someone if you know you will hurt them. Rough, muscle headed brute! Insensitive, handsome idiot! Stupid, considerate husband! That…hmm, I should have my priorities straight.

A small paw pats his hand, trying to catch his attention. He looks at his lap to see A-Jia biting on a jujube berry. "Mawter, doew it stiw huwt?" it asks as it munches on the berry, the juices dirtying the fur on its face. No one was able to see the sugar glider, therefore A-Jia needed someone to look after him. As much as the little creature could handle the things Wen Ning had ask it do, A-Jia is still childish and naïve.

Wen Ning took a cloth from the bedside table and cleans the juice off his fur. "You, don't eat so messily. Also, yes, it doesn't hurt anymore," he finishes cleaning, puts A-Jia on his shoulder and walks to the table when Rou Mei calls him for breakfast. He nearly salivates in front of Rou Mei as he sees the dishes being prepare for breakfast today. Congee topped with pickled vegetables and small chopped chicken meat, egg pancakes with scallions, dim sums, boiled egg, steam buns and fragrant tea to wash off everything. This…is a lot. Wen Ning admits he can be a glutton (yesterday was prove enough with Liu Li Feng's comment) but even he can't finish all of this.

He gives a nervous glance to Rou Mei who puts a bowl of congee in front of him to start off his breakfast. He hesitates but ask the old woman nicely since he didn't want to offend her hard work. "Rou Mei, this is a lot. I don't think I can finish all of this," he shyly tells her which he then earns a giggle. "Of course, you cannot finish all of this young master. Your brothers will be joining you for todays breakfast," "Oh, my broth…what did you say?" he drops the spoon on the table as he was about to eat. The sharp sound surprising Rou Mei and even him. He quickly takes a cloth and cleans the table before the congee soaks into the table and Rou Mai hands him another new spoon.

Bai Yujin's brothers, coming to visit him? Why so suddenly. This, he isn't ready! From what A-Jia told him, his brothers are quite formidable in the royal court especially since their father is the kingdom's general.

Bai Yujin has never been in the spotlight and he has always felt inferior, comparing himself to both of his talented and gifted brothers who have achieve many things in their line of work. And Bai Yujin, he was the only ger in the family who also has a weak body and has never done anything that could make their strict and silent father feel proud of him. The only look that Bai Yujin remembers of his father is a non-existence smile and cold eyes that always brought chills to him. At least he'll only be meeting Bai Yujin's brothers but Wen Ning doubts he can act properly in front of them. From what little memories Bai Yujin has, there is not much Wen Ning can work with. Well, fake it till you make it, that's what Lan Jingyi always say.

Rou Mei looks at her dispirited charge. She sympathizes with her young master who has always been alone and lonely. The visits from Elder Master Bai and the two masters were rare and when there was a visit, Bai Yujin was left awkward and uncomfortable. But still, this was an opportunity for her young master to get close to his brothers. The trick is to always have a positive outlook and it would not hurt to always try again and again until finally you achieve it. Yes, Bai Yujin just has to be patient. If all fails, well Rou Mei and her husband would be there for him.

"Your brothers, they are visiting. Didn't Rou Yao tell you they would be visiting this week?"

"He did but don't they rarely follow through,"

"You have no trust in your brothers, do you young master. That's almost too sad for this old woman to hear,"

"…are you trying to be funny?"

"You cannot imagine me crying?"

"This from the woman who made Rou Yao cry by feeding him beans and rice for a week as punishment for coming home drunk? Yes, I definitely can imagine the ever so brutal Rou Mei crying,"

"Cheeky brat, lets see how you handle yourself after this. Don't come running to me when your brothers arrive,"

"Noooooo, Rou Mei don't leave me to the devils,"

"What devils?"

A playful voice chimes in from the door. Wen Ning looks at the source of the voice and is face with two of the most good-looking man he has ever seen (Liu Li Feng is more attractive but Wen Ning can still appreciate beauty where it deserves). One of the men was smiling brightly at Wen Ning, an air of frivolous around him and the other man, an inch shorter than the man, standing behind impatiently as he was block by the man from entering the room. "Young Master Bai Shirong, Young Master Bai Zian, welcome. Please have a seat, breakfast has just been served," Rou Mei bows to the two men and swiftly prepares their dishes.

Wen Ning gives a nervous gulp and calms himself, avoiding looking at the men before they notice how red his face is. Why, why did no one tell him how handsome Bai Yujin's brothers were?! A-Jia, you little brat, can't you describe their appearance properly when telling me about them? 'They look good' isn't an explanation! This really isn't good for his heart.

Said creature is munching on its third dim sum under the dining table.

"Yujin, aren't you going to say hi to us? Are you still feeling unwell?" Wen Ning looks up at the concern tone coming from the second master of the Bai Family, Bai Zian. The previous playfulness was still there but Wen Ning could see the sincereness coming from those bluish-grey eyes. Wen Ning felt grateful for the concern and surprise since this is coming from the 'always having fun' socialite.

Bai Zian is 24 years old and often travel from one kingdom to another. He travels to those kingdoms since he was appointed by the emperor as a representative for Zhenbou at the age of 19. He has an outgoing and sunny personality while also being able to attract others with his wittiness and confidence. To put it simply, an extrovert person who knows his way in the crowd. Sharp cheekbones with dimples showing when he smiles, arched eyebrows and a sly and flirtatious lip. He has black short hair that was style messily but this was done on purpose to give concentration on those eyes. Very manly. So very different from Bai Yujin's soft looks and submissive attitude. Wen Ning notices the well build muscles hiding under the blue-white robe and the small scars on his knuckles as he holds the chopsticks. This man…was hiding something. From what he can observe from his experience as a corpse, this man was clearly strong but he hid it well behind that sunny and bright facade. Hmm, curious.

"Of course he is unwell. He drowned Zian, not fall on himself," Bai Shirong says as he ignores Bai Zian's false hurt expression as he dips the steamed bun in his bowl of congee and enjoys his breakfast. "Shi-ge, stop being mean to me! Didi, look what ge said to me" Bai Zian crys out but Bai Shirong pushes his face away when the younger one tries to hold his arm. "Its too early for your attics,"

Bai Shirong is 27 years old and the advisor and right-hand man of the first prince. He has been childhood friends with the prince ever since they could talk and the council looks highly to him despite his young age. This is due to him being a prodigy tactician and this is proven when he successfully eliminated the rebels from secretly infiltrating the castle and ended two battles upon Zhenbou without sacrificing soldiers. His icy and serious exterior has earn him enemies among the important people who work for the royal family but no one dares to step on him as the last person who did that was accuse of stealing the kingdom's treasure and he was sentenced to hang despite the plea of not doing so. Evidence that should have never been surface had been thrown out there during the court session and no one knows how it appear but rumors say it was Bai Shirong. Bai Shirong did not deny or admit, his mouth silence throughout the session. His facial features are similar to Bai Yujin's father in his younger days. An oval face with a sharp chin, sword like dark grey eyes, thin lips that is in a constant line and delicate eyelashes that put Wen Ning to shame. His hair was similar to Wen Ning's, long reaching his waist but Bai Shirong ties it up in a half bun ponytail. Not a wrinkle can be seen on his green-yellow robe. A very tidy and well dress man. Wen Ning could also feel that Bai Shirong was hiding behind a façade and he too was strong but in an agile way. His eyes were constantly looking at Wen Ning and Wen Ning felt small under his gaze.

These two are hiding something and Wen Ning wants to know…isn't that kind of thinking dangerous though?

Hmm…nah.

"You've been fidgeting non stop. Is there something you need to tell us?" Bai Shirong puts a dim sum on Wen Ning's plate as he gives a brief glance to him then continues his breakfast. Wen Ning looks at the small dim sum. From what he knows in Bai Yujin's memories, dim sums are one of Bai Yujin's favorite food and also Bai Shirong. For the picky Bai Shirong to give his food to Wen Ning, is this a peace offering? Brother, you are suddenly so kind! He feels touch by this gesture and looks at Bai Shirong with glistering eyes feel with admiration.

Bai Shirong gives a weird look to his youngest brother but nevertheless, lets him be. He gives another dim sum and Bai Yujin eyes are sparkling. This…is he doing this right?

"Not fair Shi-ge! I also want to spoil Yu-di," Bai Zian exclaims loudly, not wanting to be left out in the rare reaction Bai Yujin is giving and starts putting tons of food on Wen Ning's plate. Wen Ning's eyes turn big and he hesitates to stop Bai Zian good gesture but before he could, Bai Shirong had slapped the back of Bai Zian's head. "Idiot! He can't finish all of that. Don't make me kick you out of this room," "Ge no!"

This…is this really the icy and cold Bai Shirong and the spiteful Bai Zian that Bai Yujin knows? This isn't what Bai Yujin memories has shown him? Isn't the difference too much! From what he has seen so far, despite Bai Shirong serious looks, the eldest is attentive towards his siblings and he is very observant to the point that he notices how Wen Ning has been eyeing those dim sums which was strategically place near Bai Shirong by Rou Mei and Bai Zian, he had been trying to catch Wen Ning's attention ever since he entered the room. Asking questions, trying to make him laugh (which was a success) and just trying to get a reaction out of Wen Ning. Bai Yujin, were you wrong or am I the one going crazy?

Wen Ning keeps quiet, still looking at both brothers in front of him who were playfully mocking each other. He should take this opportunity to say something. Didn't Bai Yujin want a close relationship with his family? Then here is his chance!

"G-Ge!" he says, voice loud due to nervousness. There it is again, Bai Yujin's emotions overwhelming Wen Ning. Deep breaths Wen Ning, you can do this! Wen Ning looks up again and notices two sets of eyes on him. One has his mouth open in surprise and the other has his eyes focus on him, both not moving an inch. Wen Ning felt the itch to run away but he sat there, firm with his resolve. "Sh, Shi-ge, Zi-ge, thank you for visiting Yujin. Yu-Yujin is very happy that both of you were able to visit despite your busy schedules. Umm, thank you," he looks at them, emitting nervousness. The two men still keeps silent as they keep staring at Wen Ning. "Um ge, I'm sorry if-," "Sniff,"

Suddenly, Bai Zian was sniffling and then tears start to pour from his eyes. He hunches his body and places both of his palms on his eyes as his body shakes from uncontrol crying. Besides him, Bai Shirong just gently smiles at Wen Ning, eyes glistering with unshed tears. He puts his hand on his forehead and lets out a sigh of relief. "You are finally looking at us. Yujin, you kept us waiting for a long time," Bai Shirong sadly laughs out, his voice sounding raspy, trying to keep in control from embarrassing himself like the idiot beside him. Bai Zian was now hiccupping from all the crying he was doing.

Wen Ning felt distress with the crying and walks over Bai Zian with a handkerchief in his hand. He gently lifts Bai Zian's face and was unhappy to see the red eyes and tear tracks. He wipes his face and shushes the older man who, Bai Shirong thinks was whimpering pathetically. "Now, now Zi-ge, you're ruining your handsome face with all that crying. You are going to make yourself sick and I'm the sick one here," Wen Ning attempts to lighten the atmosphere, trying to cheer up Bai Zian but the man's lips start to wobble and he suddenly hugs Wen Ning, surprising him. "Yujin! My cute brother Yujin!" Bai Shirong tightly hugs Wen Ning, squishing him in his embrace. Wen Ning could hardly breath from the hug this man was giving him and taps his back repeatedly as a sign to let him go. 'Brother, your arms! Your arms!' Wen Ning inwardly complains. Even the child in him was moving erratically noticing that their mother was in distress.

Bai Shirong annoyed with the crying pulls Bai Zian from the back of his collor, nearly choking him. "Shut up Zian. Do you not notice how uncomfortable you're making Yujin?" Bai Shirong whispers harshly to Bai Zian's ears. Bai Zian glances at Bai Yujin, who was actually not scare but curiously looking at them while rubbing his belly. The baby!

"Di-didi, I didn't hu-hurt them right?" Bai Zian comes near, eyes on the bump and fingers nearly touching on Wen Ning's belly. Wen Ning didn't understand at first but noticing their eyes on his belly, he finally understood. "Ah, Zi-ge don't worry, they're fine. I was just surprise by your hug and the baby could sense it. They are moving actively now, that's why I'm rubbing my stomach. With all the kicking this kid is doing, my body gets soar quickly," Wen Ning laughs and gasp as another strong kick surprises him. Bai Zian seems frighten with Wen Ning's reaction. He hesitate to comfort Wen Ning, afraid if he would hurt Wen Ning with one wrong move. Wen Ning decided that he should disperse this awkwardness by putting Bai Zian's hand on his belly. Bai Zian was clueless with Wen Ning's act until a soft hit to his hand was felt.

Bai Zian eyes turn wide in amazement. He gives a childish look to Wen Ning, starts grinning as he felt another kick. Bai Zian was about to let out a new set of tears until he felt dagger like stares at the back of his head. He smirks inwardly and turns his head to Bai Shirong, a sly grin at the fuming eldest sibling. "I got to feel the kick first!" Bai Zian gloated. "Shut up and fix your face, idiot!" Bai Shirong shouted back, blushing in embarrassment from getting caught jealous for not being the first one to feel the baby's kick.

As first son, he deserves to feel his nephew or niece kick. Idiot Zian.

Wen Ning giggles and moves to sit in between the brothers. He sits there, snuggling between the two, loving the warmness and put each of their hand on his belly. Within a few seconds, the baby gives a hard kick that made Wen Ning groans out in pain but the delighted look on the two full grown men from just that single kick makes up for his discomfort. 'Good job baby!'.

Bai Shirong looks in amaze. "They are…very active," "I think its because I'm giving my attention to ge and they feel lonely," Wen Ning murmurs. Bai Zian gasps in surprise and looks at the belly in disbelieve. "Baby! Don't hurt Yujin, this time your uncles will give you tons of attention. We WON'T leave the both of you lonely anymore," Bai Zian exclaims seriously to the belly as if the child inside could understand his words. Silly Zi-ge.

But that exclamation made the room turn silent, as if a door that was suppose not to be open has finally been unlock. Even Bai Shirong understood what Bai Zian really meant.

An apology for leaving him alone since childhood. An apology for the loneliness he felt. An apology for the unsaid words that were difficult to be said even for adults. An apology to begin a new phase in their life.

There might have been misunderstanding between Bai Yujin and his brothers since Bai Yujin thoughts were often negative and he constantly blames himself for a lot of things he shouldn't have been blame for. The feeling of inferiority had made Bai Yujin think that others look down on him when maybe it could have been his imagination. And Bai Shirong was right, in the memories he always had his face to the ground, avoiding looking at peoples' faces and this might also be why his view of others is distorted. Wen Ning sighs. Bai Yujin if you had just been braved enough and look up, you would have seen the adoration your brothers have for you. But this is also not all of Bai Yujin's fault. His brothers has some explaining to do and a lot of begging for forgiveness. That's okay, Wen Ning has enough time and patience. He will have fun making these two feel guilty and pamper him. Hehe, isn't that what he deserves.

"Yes, we won't be lonely anymore, right?" Wen Ning shyly glances to the two brother who quickly nods their head. "Of course!" "You're right," They continue rubbing Wen Ning's belly until Rou Mei from outside the door scolds them to finish their breakfast. The belly rubs stop not before they give a last forlorn look and continue eating their breakfast.

Wen Ning feels quite satisfy. He was finally able to somehow resolve the relationship with the brothers. Now he can finally move to the father. Speaking of Lord Bai.

"Will father be able to visit soon? I, I miss him," Wen Ning shyly mumbles, his blush charms the two older men. "He will! Don't worry, he just got back from routine surveillance outside the kingdom. No doubt he wants to see you too since its been a month since he last saw you," Bai Zian reassures Wen Ning. "He is probably reporting back to the emperor right now. Don't worry, lets continue breakfast," Bai Shirong explains as he pats Wen Ning's head and Wen Ning hums happily. "Okay!" Wen Ning continues eating the dim sums that were given to him. The brothers look adoringly at their little brother and enjoy theirs too.

What they didn't notice was Wen Ning had move his finger around the table and the sugar glider flys outside, his body heading towards the castle where the emperor resides.

*****

The throne room that is usually quiet and empty is fill with angry voices, shouting at one another. Emperor Liu looks down at his subjects from his throne, silently watching and waiting for the shouting to cease. Imbeciles all of them. He should have them kill for ruining his hearing with all that shouting and crude remarks.

The only ones who have the decency to stay quiet and respect him is Bai Chao, who has been kneeling in front of the emperor ever since he reported back the news that had the room act in disarray. His son, Liu Li Fei stood beside him looking bored and somehow annoy. His son's advisor, who the emperor has never seen strayed far from the prince, is nowhere to be seen. His other son, Liu Li Feng was kneeling beside Bai Chao, waiting for the emperor's commend.

Crash!

The room turns quiet as the sound surprises the occupants of the room. A goblet was thrown to the floor near where the angry council members were shouting to each other. Some of the wine from the goblet had splash on the few members. They look up at the throne to see Liu Li Fei pouring another cup of wine to himself and ignores the disbelieve stares he receives when he drinks it. Emperor Liu massages his forehead and sighs at his eldest son's act. "Was that necessary?" "It was either the floor or their faces. Which would you rather me throw it at?" Liu Li Fei replies back, gulping down the remains of his wine.

"A simple 'quiet' would have suffice,"

"And that has work well for you huh,"

"Quiet brat,"

"Yes your highness," Liu Li Fei replies sarcastically.

Emperor Liu chooses to ignore his eldest and face his court. He inhales a deep breath, calming himself before repeating the news that has made his blood boil. He looks at Bai Chao who still kept himself quiet despite the noise just then. "So Bai Chao, Hwasou Kingdom is starting to make their move?" he asks again the question that had started all of this.

Bai Chao lifts his face to the emperor, his facial features impassive as ever. "Yes your highness. I have sent three of our scouts to the towns nearest Hwasou who are under our leadership. It seems the lords governing the towns have been paying the tax money to Hwasou. I thought they were threatened at first but it seems the lords have been acting on their own after they receive huge payment from a representative of Hwasou. That is why we have received less amount than the usual tax money from those towns. They have been punished accordingly. One of our spies has also reported to me that Hwasou has begin to recruit a huge number of people in the army and their weapon production has suddenly increase based on the steel merchants sales report that I receive. We actually found two groups of their soldiers entering into our borders under the guise of training. I have scouts monitoring their movement," he gravely answers to the emperor. Liu Li Feng, who was kneeling beside him, was shaking in anger as he hears this. His hands itching to slash something.

"Those greedy Hwasou pigs! After all the times our kingdom has help them, they return our good aid with daggers behind our backs. Such disrespect!" one of the council members shouted out in anger and the others murmur in agreement to his words. The emperor keeps quiet, his eyes close and the exhaustion settling in his old bones. Of all the centuries a kingdom has to make trouble for them, it has to be during his reign. "I thought the peace treaty between our two kingdoms was still in place?" the emperor continues. Bai Chao nods "It is but according to my son Bai Zian, during his last visit there he has found evidence that suggest that Hwasou's advisor has been in contact with a few mercenary groups, paying them to disguise as Zhenbou soldiers to destroy a few villagers in their kingdom so they will have reason to retaliate back. We were able to act fast with Liu Li Feng leading a small group of our soldiers before they could carry out their work," Bai Chao nods his head to Liu Li Feng who begins to talk. "We were able to capture the leader of the group and brought him in for interrogation," "And what did you get from that leader?," "Enough to know Hwasou's intentions," "The leader?" "Disposed,"

Liu Li Fei whistles, looking impress as he lands his eyes on his sibling. "As heartless as ever little brother," "I was only doing my duty as a soldier," "Of course you were," Liu Li Fei's smirk made Liu Li Feng annoyed but he disregarded his older brother. This act between them was getting old.

The emperor regarded the information they have. There wasn't enough prove to declare war for treason on Hwasou. They haven't broken any treaty rules or act upon Zhenbou in any way. The only thing the kingdom could do was to take precautions and be careful with circulating their informations.

"We will not be declaring war. I wish to avoid that choice as much as possible. Bai Chao, keep your eyes on Hwasou's movements and find more evidence to support any claim that Hwasou will use to accuse us. Liu Li Feng, order the soldiers to be more caution when patrolling outside and strengthen the security especially hidden passages within the kingdom's wall. Everyone here listen, no news of this should escape from this room. We do not want people to panic and creating other problems for us. If someone dares to spread this, know that actions will be taken," the emperor lets out an intimidating aura that made everyone step back. He nods, satisfy that they understood his warning. "We meet again the following week to discuss more or if anyone has heard of anything. I know you have your concerns so please forward it to Liu Li Fei or my advisor. Court now ends. Dismiss," the emperor stood from his throne as he descends down the stairs. Everyone bows down to him until he leaves the room together with the head eunuch and servants following him from behind.

Everybody lets out a sigh of relief and begins to move. Some decide to leave immediately and some charge towards the king's advisor, telling them of their concern. A few try to talk to Liu Li Fei but the intimidating presence he was releasing made them all gulp in fright and stay away from him. With a goblet of wine in his hands, he walks down the stairs, disregarding his sloppy appearance and head towards Liu Li Feng and Bai Chao who were silently talking to each other. They turn quiet as Liu Li Fei got closer to them.

Liu Li Fei pushes his long hair back as he gives a sordid smile to his little brother who still kept that expressionless face of his. Liu Li Feng avoids backing up his body as the strong smell of wine assaults him. Such an unpleasant scent. "It seems we will be going to war," the first prince says in a teasing tone as he sips his wine. Liu Li Feng narrows his eyes and tries to control his anger. The apathetic attitude of his brother has been on his nerve since he could remember.

His brother Liu Li Fei may be the heir of the throne but he treats that title as if it was a joke and uses it to get his way. Liu Li Feng might not have mind if his brother acted responsibly with that title but after one scandal after another, even their father had trouble trying to control his wayward son. Bai Yujin's eldest brother, Bai Shirong had to clean up many of the mess that his brother got into and Liu Li Feng felt bad for it. Despite that, no one could deny that Liu Li Fei would make a great future emperor as he had come out with many plans to help the citizens and together with Bai Shirong, they have cleaned up many of the underground activities within the kingdom including opium usage. His elder brother is manipulative and devious but he has a good heart to make this kingdom prosper and Liu Li Feng just hopes it continues this way. He just has to keep an eye on his brother, as ordered by their father emperor.

But still, Liu Li Feng still cannot get use to that devil may care personality.

"We should avoid war as much as possible brother,"

"Of course, but don't you think we'll be able to handle this little issue quickly if we go to war,"

"War isn't a little issue,"

"Your attitude also isn't,"

"Are you suggesting…we make needless sacrifices?"

"Not needless, necessary. 'For the better of the kingdom', isn't that what you soldiers are taught?"

"That…,"

"We can always send an envoy to make peace. Maybe that little soldier who has been sticking to you ever since I can remember. He seems like he can get the job done, in more ways I can imagine,"

"You disgusti-!"

Bai Chou pulls Liu Li Feng back before he could get his hands around his brother's neck. The older man stands in front of Liu Li Feng, a calm expression on his face while the first prince ignores his younger brother's outburst. "My prince, I would like to discuss with you regarding the plan to ambush the black market. Bai Shirong has told me some of it but your input would be gladly appreciated," Bai Chou fixed his gaze on the half-drunk prince.

The prince gives a long look back and shrugs his shoulders. "Sure, not like I have anything else to do," he walks a few steps to the exit but stops. "Li Feng, you have been keeping a little sparrow away from me haven't you. Such a waste, to keep a beauty to yourself," this sentence shocks Liu Li Feng. What did his brother mean? Don't tell me he saw Bai Yujin somewhere. That gold black coat Yujin was wearing yesterday, don't tell him… "Your youngest is beautiful General Bai, why haven't I seen him before the marriage? Have you been keeping him hidden too? That's such a shame," Liu Li Fei rubs his chin, face in deep thoughts. He claps his hand suddenly and grins towards the two men behind him. "Li Feng, tell the little sparrow to come meet me. He does have an item of mine and I would gladly like to get to know my sister in law. Now General Bai, let us be on our way,"

Liu Li Fei walks out waving his hand goodbye to Liu Li Feng. General Bai follows behind the prince with his eyes down but Liu Li Feng notices the pissed off look he had when his brother spoke of Bai Yujin. General Bai, he looks like he wanted to murder his brother and Liu Li Feng almost wants him to. Liu Li Feng himself wanted to hurt his brother. He wanted to disregard that order but he couldn't. This was his brother, there were other ways he could get things done and mostly it was worse than the former. Liu Li Feng just has to be there when they meet. He will be there.

The grey ribbon, moving along the wind, catches his eyes. He holds it between his fingers and images of Bai Yujin's eyes appear. He closes his eyes and sighs out tiredly.

Its only been a day and he misses Bai Yujin.

*****

"We'll be a bit busy for a while but we promise to come visit as soon as possible," Bai Zian exclaims as he holds both of Wen Ning's hands with promising eyes. Wen Ning just laughs at this big lug and nods his head in understanding. Bai Shirong stood beside Bai Zian, yet again annoyed with his second sibling but he nods in affirmation. "We'll be around the palace mostly. If you want to visit, tell Rou Yao to send us a message so we'll be able to set a time and place so you won't run around getting lost," his tone serious as if he didn't want Wen Ning to stumble across somewhere or someone. Nevertheless, Wen Ning nodded. "I understand Shi-ge," Wen Ning says.

The two brothers were reluctant to walk away from their younger sibling but they had to. There are still things left undone. They both smile to Bai Yujin but before they could go, Bai Yujin had both his arms around their necks and tightly hug them, both of his feet of the ground. Bai Zian quickly embrace Bai Yujin's waist to avoid him from falling off and Bai Shirong hold onto his back to support their younger brother sudden hug.

Both were in a state of shock as Wen Ning was oblivious to their predicament. Because, because…

This was their first hug initiated by Bai Yujin!

Didi, why are you so precious?!

Before the two men could return the hug, Wen Ning let go of their necks and step back slowly, his eyes downwards but shyly glancing up through his eyelashes, charming the two adult males.

Wen Ning waves at them and runs inside to his room leaving the two men gaping in disbelieve.

Upon reaching his room, Wen Ning lets out a relieve sigh. "That went well," he says to himself and sits on his bed. "Masterrrrrrrrr!," A-Jia comes flying in, charging to his chest with an oomph. The sugar glider slides down forward and ends up on his designated place, Wen Ning's lap. It lifts its little head and he has a frighten look on him. "Bad news master. Bad news!" the sugar glider's alarm state made Wen Ning take notice. "A-Jia calm down. Take a deep breath and speak slowly," the sugar glider does so while Wen Ning patiently waits.

"Alright? Now, what has you so frighten?"

"Master, the kingdom, there's a chance its going into war!"

"Huh?"

*****

Bai Shirong and Bai Zian walk quietly towards the castle, both in deep thought. They were finally able to have a proper talk with Bai Yujin and their relationship, awkward at first, is slowly but surely mending itself. They cannot mess this up. Bai Yujin seems happy and was smiling but there was just something bothering them throughout the breakfast. Bai Shirong eyes sharpen in agitation as he recalls it.

"You saw it right?" he continues walking while not looking at Bai Zian who was unreadable at the moment.

"Bandage on his right wrist, blue bruise on his chin cover with powder and probably bruising on his waist judging from how he flinches when I held onto his waist during the hug,"

"Someone is hurting him,"

"Unintentional I'm guessing. He wasn't hiding it properly. I'm guessing because it wasn't a big deal for him,"

"There's only one person who can do that without Yujin making a big fuss out of it,"

"Liu Li Feng. We should put a leash on that brat,"

"I have already made his life hell with the military orders. I can't do more since father scolded me for separating them a month after their marriage,"

"You did that because the bastard was sleeping with another person behind our little brother's back, even after they got married. I don't understand why father is letting it go on this long,"

"The emperor, we can't disobey him no matter how much we want. Plus, Yujin loves the brat and I don't understand why,"

"Of course, and Yujin just had to accidentally attract that other bastard huh,"

"Liu Li Fei's coat, it was just…hanging there. Yujin is so oblivious. He caught the attention of that narcissistic prince and he doesn't even know who it belongs to,"

"You're the babysitter, make sure the prince doesn't get near Yujin,"

"Are you questioning me? How long do you thing I've been doing just that?"

"I know, I know. We just have to do what we promise to do ever since he was born,"

"Protecting Yujin, even if we have to hurt him and ourselves,"