Younger Sister, Ye Ming

"Brother!"

A sweet voice called out as Ye Kai stepped into the kitchen. He turned and saw a girl standing there. She was about 17 years old, with black hair that reached her shoulders. Her big, bright eyes sparkled, and her huge smile showed her white teeth.

"Ming'er, how are you?" Ye Kai asked, smiling back. This was Ye Ming, his little sister.

"Come here, you two, and eat your breakfast," Ye Nuan called from the table.

Ye Kai and Ye Ming walked over and sat down. The table was small but sturdy, with three plates of food waiting—steamed buns, some scrambled eggs, and a bowl of vegetable soup. Ye Nuan had cooked it all herself. Ye Kai picked up a bun and took a bite. It was soft and warm. Ye Ming grabbed her spoon and slurped the soup loudly, making Ye Kai shake his head.

"Slow down, Ming'er," he said. "You'll choke."

She giggled but kept eating. Ye Nuan watched them both, her hands resting on the table.

"So, what should we do today?" Ye Nuan asked. Ever since Ye Ming was born, the three of them spent their days together. At breakfast, they always planned what to do.

"I want to go to the park!" Ye Ming said, her smile growing even bigger. "I love the fountain!"

Ye Kai nodded. "Let's go to the park. Then, when we come back, we can eat pork at Uncle's Meat."

Ye Ming clapped her hands, her eyes shining. "Yes! I love Uncle's pork!"

After breakfast, they cleaned up and left the house. The village streets were narrow, with small houses on both sides. The tall trees blocked most of the sunlight, but a few rays peeked through. They walked together toward the park, passing a few neighbors who waved. The park was built by Ye Yan, their father's first wife. It was a big open space where everyone in Green City could relax. Kids played there, and older people sat and talked.

When they got close, Ye Ming shouted, "There it is!" and ran ahead. Ye Kai watched her go, her hair bouncing as she sped toward the fountain in the center. He and Ye Nuan walked slower.

"She's so full of energy," Ye Nuan said, her voice soft.

"Yeah," Ye Kai replied. "I wish I could run like that." His weak body wouldn't let him. He felt a little jealous, but mostly happy for her.

Ye Ming reached the fountain and stuck her hands into the water. It splashed around her fingers, cold and clear. She laughed, her big eyes wide with joy. Some elderly men and women sat nearby on benches, watching her.

"She's so cute," one old woman said, smiling.

Ye Kai and Ye Nuan caught up and sat down too. "Good morning," Ye Nuan said to the elders.

"Morning," an old man replied. "Your girl's growing fast."

They talked for a while about the weather and the village. Ye Kai listened quietly, glad to be with his mother. Meanwhile, Ye Ming spotted some friends and ran off to play, chasing them around the grass.

By noon, the sun was high overhead, warm on their faces. "Time to go," Ye Nuan said. They called Ye Ming, and the three of them headed to Uncle's Meat. It was a small shop with a wooden sign and the smell of roasting pork drifting out. Inside, they sat at a table and ordered plates of juicy pork with rice. Ye Ming ate fast, sauce on her chin. Ye Kai laughed and handed her a napkin.

When they finished, they walked home. It was time to study. In Green City, there was no school, so Ye Nuan taught them herself. They learned about the Dark Rigel Kingdom—its sixteen cities, how money worked, and the Martial Artist Realms. They studied important nobles and city masters too, so they wouldn't get in trouble by mistake.

Today was special. Ye Ming had a test. Ye Kai had passed his mother's lessons years ago, but now it was her turn. If she answered right, she'd graduate.

In the living room, Ye Nuan sat on a chair, her back straight, hands folded in her lap. Ye Ming sat across from her, slouching.

"Sit straight," Ye Nuan said firmly.

Ye Ming quickly sat up, copying her mother's pose. Her fingers fidgeted, and she glanced at Ye Kai. He leaned against the wall, smiling at her. He gave her a thumbs-up and mouthed, "All the best." She nodded, then faced her mother.

"Ready?" Ye Nuan asked.

"Yes," Ye Ming said.

"First question: What's our kingdom's name?"

"Dark Rigel Kingdom," Ye Ming answered.

"Good. Second question: How many cities does it have, and which ones are important?"

"Sixteen cities. The Capital City, Dark Sky City, and Flower Blossom City are the most important," Ye Ming said confidently.

Ye Nuan kept going. "Who's the king?"

"King Rigel the Third."

"How many sons does he have?"

"Seven."

"Who's the master of Green City?"

"Ye Cai," Ye Ming said. That was their father, the man who ruled the village but ignored them.

Ye Nuan asked more—about noble families, the queen, the crown prince. Ye Ming answered each one, sometimes pausing to think. Ye Kai watched, proud of her. Finally, Ye Nuan smiled.

"You passed the first test. Take a break, then we'll do the second part."

Ye Ming let out a big breath and slumped in her chair.

"Didn't I say stay straight?" Ye Nuan said, her voice sharp.

Ye Ming sat up fast, but then Ye Nuan laughed softly. Ye Ming relaxed again, grinning. Ye Kai brought her a glass of water. She drank it all, then another, before the next test began.