The Bastard

Great Qian Dynasty

Longxi Border

Luo Yu stood anxiously inside the military tent, his hands unconsciously gripping his coarse linen robe, eyes darting around.

The candlelight flickered within the tent, where weapons hung on both sides, their crossed blades casting a cold, intimidating glow. His simple peasant clothing stood out starkly against the martial environment.

An orphan raised by his widowed mother in a rural village for seventeen years, suddenly learning that his real father was the current Eastern Defense General of the Empire - who could remain calm in such a situation?

"Yu'er, don't be nervous, this is something we must face."

The middle-aged man who spoke was his father, General Wu Chengliang. The woman beside him was naturally his mother, Luo Yunshu - a common peasant woman of Longxi Border.

Years ago, Wu Chengliang had fallen in love with Luo Yunshu during his campaign in Longxi, resulting in a son. Unfortunately, fate intervened, and a great battle separated them. Wu Chengliang had spent seventeen years searching before finally finding them.

Luo Yu took a deep breath to steady his nerves.

He was about to meet Wu Chengliang's only wife, Lady Chang Roshuang, the matriarch of the Wu family. If she agreed, they could finally enter the general's residence as a legitimate family.

"Yu'er, don't be afraid."

Luo Yunshu smiled at her son, her eyes conveying that no matter what happened, she would always be by his side.

Footsteps approached, and Luo Yu instinctively looked up.

Lady Chang Roshuang walked out gracefully, wearing a purple silk gown embroidered with golden cloud patterns. Her dignified yet elegant appearance and piercing gaze seemed to see through the mother and son.

Wu Chengliang, who had just told Yu'er not to be nervous, now appeared uneasy himself, awkwardly saying:

"These are the Yunshu and Yu'er I mentioned earlier."

Bringing a bastard son home to meet his legitimate wife - which man could face such a situation?

Unexpectedly, instead of the anticipated cold reception, Lady Chang approached Luo Yu warmly, affectionately patting his head:

"Such a handsome boy, you resemble your father when he was young. Can you read?"

Lady Chang's warmth caught Luo Yu off guard, and he answered honestly:

"Mother sent me to private school for a few years, where I learned poetry."

"Have you practiced martial arts?"

"I've learned some boxing from retired border soldiers in the village."

Wu Chengliang and Luo Yunshu were both stunned - the atmosphere was too peaceful.

"So you're both literate and martially skilled?"

Lady Chang chuckled and asked:

"Your father has just been promoted to Eastern Defense General, a rising star in court. However, those aristocratic families privately mock your father as a brute, a savage who only knows how to speak with his sword.

The world today is in turmoil, with seven warring kingdoms and constant warfare. Our Great Qian Dynasty's royal family is weakening, while powerful clans vie for power, creating both internal strife and external threats.

I ask you, should a ruler prioritize literature or martial prowess?"

Luo Yu knew this was Lady Chang testing him, and he answered seriously:

"In times of peace, literature should be emphasized. In times of chaos, martial prowess must be prioritized!"

"Very well said!

Your father joined the military at seventeen, fought for thirty years, and rose to Eastern Defense General.

The world is in great turmoil now, with the common people suffering like grass. You are also seventeen, born on the border, and have seen the suffering of the people. Do you have any aspirations?"

"I'll follow in my father's footsteps."

Luo Yu took a deep breath:

"Why shouldn't a man carry a sword and ride into battle to pacify the nine provinces!"

"Quite ambitious."

Lady Chang chuckled again: "At least your literary talent surpasses your father's."

Wu Chengliang was pleased, constantly giving Luo Yu encouraging looks.

Luo Yu understood and picked up the teacup, respectfully offering it to Lady Chang:

"Please, Lady, have some tea."

The tent fell silent as Wu Chengliang and Luo Yunshu held their breath. If Lady Chang drank this cup of tea, it would mean she accepted them.

A hint of amusement flashed in Lady Chang's eyes as she took the teacup but placed it back on the table:

"The tea is still hot, no need to rush. Are you planning to return to the capital with your mother and enter the Wu residence?"

"Yes."

Luo Yu replied:

"Mother raised me alone through hardships. I believe the Wu family should give Mother a proper status.

Moreover, Mother has suffered greatly in her youth, leaving her with health issues. Her condition is worsening, and she often coughs up blood. The doctors here can't help her, but there are renowned physicians in the capital who could cure her.

Lady, with your kind heart, I hope you'll accept us."

"Is that so."

Lady Chang neither agreed nor refused, her reaction surprisingly calm:

"It's not that I'm unwilling to accept you, as you are after all the Wu family's blood. However, the Wu family is a prominent noble family in court. Suddenly bringing a bastard son back to the capital would inevitably invite criticism.

Many eyes in court are watching the Wu family. One misstep could cause trouble for your father, so we must carefully consider this matter."

Luo Yu's heart sank at her lukewarm response.

"Ah, the tea has cooled again. Let's take it away."

Lady Chang smiled and changed the subject:

"Your mother is unwell and shouldn't stand for too long. Please help her rest. We'll discuss this matter again in a few days."

With that, Luo Yu had no choice but to bow:

"Junior takes his leave."

As they walked out of the tent, Luo Yunshu sighed in relief: "Lady Chang seems kind and gentle, with no ill will toward us."

"Perhaps."

Luo Yu glanced back:

"But she never drank that cup of tea."

…

Several military tents stood in the vast desert, surrounded by fierce soldiers patrolling with swords at their waists. As personal guards of the Eastern Defense General's residence, these soldiers were all battle-hardened veterans.

Luo Yunshu, weakened by illness, coughed up blood several times and lay down early. Luo Yu sat by her bedside, lost in thought.

As Lady Chang had said, the world was divided into seven kingdoms, with constant warfare and suffering.

Born and raised in Great Qian's territory, Luo Yu lived on the western border of Longxi. The Qiang cavalry often raided across the border, causing great hardship to the border people.

His mother had raised him alone through years of hardship, sacrificing her health. He had secretly sworn to bring her into the Wu residence, to give her a proper status.

Though only seventeen, he was far more mature than his peers, thanks to a special memory that had appeared in his mind a year ago.

This memory came from another world called Earth, belonging to a ruthless mercenary.

This memory subtly changed him in many ways. If not for having to care for his mother at home, he would have long left the small village to explore the wider world.

"Yu'er, do you resent your father?"

Luo Yunshu's weak voice pulled Luo Yu from his thoughts:

"Your father didn't abandon us back then. We were separated in the chaos of battle. He has been searching for us all these years without giving up."

"I know, Yu'er doesn't blame Father."

Luo Yu smiled and held his mother's hand:

"I just want Mother to live in the capital with a proper status, to enjoy her remaining years."

"Ah, such a filial son you are."

As they chatted, Lady Chang suddenly entered, carrying a bowl of medicine, which puzzled Luo Yu.

Luo Yunshu struggled to sit up, politely asking:

"Lady, what brings you here?"

"Chengliang said you're very ill, and I'm worried."

Lady Chang smiled kindly and offered the medicine bowl:

"Fortunately, I know some medicine. I brought some soothing herbs with me. Drink this medicine first; it should help your condition."

Luo Yu sniffed and detected the scent of herbs, feeling warmth in his heart - Lady Chang was indeed kind.

"Thank you, Lady."

Luo Yunshu took the medicine and drank it in a few gulps. But the next moment, the medicine bowl shattered on the ground, and Luo Yunshu collapsed unconscious beside the bed.

"Mother!"

Luo Yu's face changed dramatically, suddenly realizing something, and stared at Lady Chang:

"What did you give Mother to drink!"

"You're truly foolish."

The previous kindness and warmth vanished from Lady Chang Roshuang's face, replaced by a cruel and mocking expression:

"Two outsiders want to enter the Wu residence as legitimate family members. Why should I serve you?

What your mother just drank was poison!"