Chapter Thirteen- "Unknown Feelings"

Ming Ran sat on cushions surrounded by sweets, dim sum, and tea. He munched away with a complex look on his face. He understood now why married couples ran away to their in-laws when they were upset. There was no greater support form and no better place to calm down and think. Ming Cheng and Ming Quan watched their little brother munch on the sweets they stored. He was clearly very upset about something.

"So, how's your training going, A-Ran?" Ming Cheng flinched and looked away from his youngest brother's annoyed look. He sighed. 

Ask big brother. he signed, picking up another cookie. He paused before eating this one, I understand why you're always so worried about me. I was kidnapped and missing for years before we were reunited. Even then, you found out I was married to one of the people that kidnapped me. However, isn't that all the more reason why you should let me get stronger?

Ming Cheng sighed, pinching his brows. He did understand his brother's need for strength, but he also knew that there was no surer way to protect him by doing it himself. Thinking back he had taught Elle a few things too. He had taught every one of his siblings-by-bond the basics on how to protect themselves, but what good did that really do? It still was unclear: what had happened to her? He still couldn't find her anywhere. His siblings that had reincarnated here were also learning how to build up power. They needed as much power as possible otherwise they would never be able to protect those who were important to them. Who would have thought that it would take so long to build that power that they would fail to protect Ming Ran? He'd never forget the day the word finally reached the mountain peak. The biggest reason that he fought in all those battles was so he could find his missing brother, after two years of war, his family had given up on finding him. He hadn't. Even while studying in the Twelve Mountains, he did everything he could to find his brother. Who would have thought he'd show up here himself... and married to a barbarian at that..?! 

"Let me ask you, why are you married to him? Is he threatening you?" Ming Cheng asked, leaning forward. Ming Ran sighed. He had known that this question was coming. He put down his food and began to sign.

If it weren't for him, I would have been passed around as a bedwarmer by the entire tribe. The only reason I wasn't treated like a slave was because I was betrothed to a clansman. He has never forced me into his bed, nor harmed me.

"Is keeping you in that tribe and away from your family 'not harming you'?" Ming Cheng asked, coldly. Ming Ran winced, I am aware... of his crimes, however, I am also aware that I was treated very well in the tribe.

"Because you were forced to marry one of them."

If I told you that he had worked to abolish that practice for me-- because I asked him to-- would you still hate him? Ming Ran paused, allowing that information to sink in. He had been treated very well for someone who was kidnapped. He could have been sold into slavery, become a bedwarmer, or been killed. However-- because of one person-- he had been untouched, treated like a member of the tribe, and given food, shelter, clothing, and jewels. Cang Mu had worked tirelessly to find a way to free the slaves. It had put his plan three entire years behind schedule. For him. Not to mention... Would you still hate him if I told you that the only reason I was reunited with you all is because he asked the chief if he could take me with him? 

"Yes. Just because he is 'trying' to do a few good deeds here and there does not make him a good person." Ming Cheng looked away from Ming Ran, "He is just using you! You are nothing but a pawn!" Ming Ran looked down. Did he know that too? Ming Ran had already known that, but... but what? What is it he was supposed to do? Cang Mu had become a very special existence in his life, he wanted to make him happy. However, his family was also important...

"A-Ran, maybe... should brother try and find you a better match? I'm sure there are plenty of good girls out there... or maybe guys? In any case, it doesn't have to be him, does it?" Ming Quan piped up. Ming Cheng glared at his brother. The nerve of this brat! Trying to give away their little brother! The door flew open and a few disciples were flung inside. Ming Ran stood in alarm and went to check their pulses. 

"And here I was wondering where my wife had run off to... wasn't expecting to happen upon such an interesting conversation." Cang Mu stepped through the door, dusting off his hands. He allowed Ming Ran to check the pulses of the two disciples that he had put through the wringer and gave his in-laws another glance. The younger one he might be able to hold his own, but the elder...

"Ming Ran." Cang Mu kneeled down; his wife wasn't even able to lift his gaze. He cupped his chin gently, and guided him up to meet his own gaze. "Don't you think it's about time we go for that date?" Ming Ran pouted, right... this was the reason he had come here in the first place.

What? You made that girl wait outside so you could come and get me? he looked away. Cang Mu chuckled.

"Don't be silly. I lost that obnoxious wench and came to take my beloved wife out to play." Cang Mu caressed his cheek, "I'm not planning on marrying anyone else. I swear to you that you will be my one and only." Ming Ran nodded, his mind blank. "So, no more talking about leaving me." He pulled Ming Ran up and began to lead him away.

"Hold one just a moment!" Ming Cheng got up and drew his sword.

The brawl began in earnest just a few moments later. Cang Mu held on just fine against Ming Quan, but against Ming Cheng it was a bloodbath. Ming Ran was fretting about the bloodshed, and ran off quick as a mouse. 

"You come here and act like you own the place! How dare you?!" 

"Hah! Just because you study here doesn't mean this mountain belongs to you!"

"Damn it! Respect your elders, you little shit!" Ming Quan screamed, charging him. 

"Of course, I admire my brother-in-law immensely."

"Fuck! Then sound like it!"

"Don't presume to call us 'brother-in-law'! It makes me sick!"

"Then, what should I call my wife's brothers?"

"He isn't your wife, he's our brother!"

The sound of swords clashing continued for ten more minutes before a beam of light threw them all back. Ming Cheng backflipped a few times and managed to land again on his feet, Ming Quan had traded one more blow with Cang Mu and the new foe sent him straight into a pillar. As for Cang Mu, his body was left tumbling down the hill. 

"That is enough." Kang Gon looked around at the mess. Honestly, his disciples were usually so levelheaded! Ming Ran ran forward and took a look at Cang Mu first, taking out his needles and beginning to heal him. Kang Gon watched all of this and sighed, shaking his head. The only one who could make these two so turbulent in emotions was the youngest of the Ming family.