The Illegitimate Child

Da Qian Dynasty

Longxi Frontier

Luo Yu stood anxiously inside the military tent, subconsciously tightening the robe around him and glancing around.

The candlelight in the tent flickered. On both sides hung weapons, the cold gleam of swords and knives casting a chilling atmosphere that made his coarse linen garments feel out of place.

Having lived in a rural village as an orphan with his mother for seventeen years, it was hard for anyone to remain calm upon learning that their biological father was the current Eastern General of the realm.

"Yu'er, don't be nervous. You have to face this sooner or later."

The middle-aged man who spoke was his father, General Wu Chengliang, known as the Eastern General. The woman beside him was his mother, Luo Yunshu, an ordinary peasant woman from Longxi Frontier.

Years ago, Wu Chengliang had fallen in love with Luo Yunshu while on campaign in Longxi and had a son with her, but fate had separated them during a battle. It took him seventeen years to find them again.

Luo Yu took a deep breath to steady his nerves.

He was about to meet the wife of Wu Chengliang, Lady Chang Rushuang. If she accepted them, they could formally move into the General's residence.

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

Luo Yunshu smiled at her son, her eyes conveying that she would always stand by him, no matter the circumstances.

Footsteps approached, and Luo Yu instinctively looked up.

Chang Rushuang stepped in, clad in a purple silk gown, the hem adorned with golden-threaded cloud patterns. Her dignified appearance radiated understated elegance, and her penetrating gaze seemed to see right through the mother and son.

Wu Chengliang, who had been encouraging Luo Yu, now felt awkward himself, stammering, "This is my Yunshu and Yu'er, as I mentioned before."

No man would dare to face such a scenario, having an illegitimate child and bringing them home to meet his rightful wife.

To their surprise, rather than the expected icy reception, Chang Rushuang warmly approached Luo Yu and affectionately ruffled his hair.

"You are quite handsome, resembling your father when he was young. Have you learned to read?"

Chang's unexpected warmth left Luo Yu a bit dazed. He answered honestly, "Mother has provided me with a few years of private schooling; I have studied poetry."

"Have you practiced martial arts?"

"I practiced some boxing with uncles and brothers who retired from the Border Army."

Both Wu Chengliang and Luo Yunshu were taken aback. Was it really so peaceful?

"So, you are quite accomplished in both literature and martial skills?" Chang laughed lightly and continued to question, "Your father has just been promoted to Eastern General, a newly risen figure in the court. Yet, many noble families disdainfully call him a brute who only knows how to use swords and view him with contempt.

With the seven kingdoms in turmoil and constant warfare, the royal family of Da Qian is weakening while the noble families contend for power, creating internal and external troubles.

I ask you, in governing a country, should we prioritize culture or strength?"

Luo Yu understood this was Chang's test. He answered earnestly, "In times of prosperity, we should govern with culture; in times of chaos, we must emphasize strength!"

"Well said!

Your father joined the army at seventeen, fought for thirty years, and attained the position of Eastern General. Now that the world is in disorder and the common people suffer, you are also seventeen, born on the frontier, and have witnessed much hardship. Do you have ambitions?"

"I want to be like my father."

Luo Yu took a deep breath and declared, "Why should a man not bear a mighty sword, galloping over the battlefield to unify the land?"

"Quite a bold sentiment," Chang laughed again. "At least your literary talent surpasses your father's."

Wu Chengliang was pleased, constantly exchanging glances with Luo Yu.

Luo Yu understood and respectfully offered a cup of tea to Chang: "Please, madam, enjoy some tea."

Silence fell in the tent, and both Wu Chengliang and Luo Yunshu's hearts raced. If Chang accepted the cup of tea, it would mean she acknowledged them.

A glimmer of mischief flashed in Chang's eyes as she took the cup but then set it back on the table. "The tea is still hot; there's no rush. Do you wish to join us in the capital and move into the Wu family?"

"Yes," Luo Yu replied. "My mother has endured hardships alone to raise me. I believe the Wu family should give her a proper status. Moreover, she has suffered too much over the years, and her health has declined—she coughs up blood frequently. The local doctors can't cure her, but the capital has renowned physicians who can definitely treat her.

Madam, you are kind-hearted; I hope you will accept us."

"I see."

Chang revealed no consent or denial, her response calm. "It's not that I am unwilling to accept you both; after all, you are flesh and blood of the Wu family. However, the Wu family is a prominent family in the court. Bringing in an illegitimate child could attract criticism. There are many eyes in the court watching the Wu family; one misstep could cause trouble for your father, so we must consider this matter carefully."

Luo Yu's heart sank; this was not a good sign.

"Ah, the tea has gone cold again; let it be taken away."

Chang shifted the topic with a smile. "Your mother is unwell and shouldn't stand for too long. You should help her rest. We can discuss this matter again tomorrow."

Having said that, Luo Yu bowed and said, "I will take my leave."

As the mother and son stepped outside the tent, Luo Yunshu sighed in relief. "Lady Chang appears kind and amiable; she shows no hostility towards us."

"Perhaps," Luo Yu replied while glancing back. "But she never drank the tea in the end."

…

Several military tents were pitched in the vast sandy grounds, with soldiers at the Eastern General's side patrolling, each one a battle-hardened warrior.

The frail Luo Yunshu coughed up more blood, lying down early while Luo Yu watched over her bedside, lost in thought.

As Chang had said, the current world was beset by strife, with constant wars and suffering amongst the common people.

He was a native of the Great Qian Dynasty, born and raised in the frontier, where the local populace often suffered from the incursions of the Western Qiang tribes.

His mother had raised him through thick and thin. For over a decade, she endured hardship to mold him into who he was. Thus, he vowed to bring his mother into the Wu residence and secure her a legitimate status.

Though he was only seventeen, his maturity surpassed that of his peers. This was due to an unusual memory that had appeared in his mind a year ago, belonging to a man from an alternate world called Earth, a decisive mercenary.

This memory had subtly changed him. Were it not for his duty to care for his mother, he would have left their small village long ago to explore a broader world.

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

Luo Yunshu's weak voice awoke Luo Yu from his reverie. "It wasn't your father's fault that he left us. The battlefield was chaotic, and we were separated. For all these years, he has been searching for us and has never given up."

"I know, I don't blame father."

Luo Yu chuckled softly, holding his mother's hand. "I just want mother to go to the capital, to have a legitimate status and enjoy her later years in peace."

"Hehe, Yu'er is still so filial."

As mother and son chatted, Chang suddenly lifted the curtain and entered, carrying a bowl of medicinal soup, causing Luo Yu to feel puzzled.

Luo Yunshu struggled to sit up and politely asked, "Madam, what is this?"

"Chengliang said you were very ill, and I was worried," Chang replied with a kind smile as she offered the medicine.

"Fortunately, I have learned some medicine and brought some soothing herbs along. Drink this soup, it should ease your condition."

Luo Yu sniffed; indeed, there was a herbal scent, filling him with warmth. Chang seemed to possess a kind heart.

"Thank you, madam."

Luo Yunshu received the medicinal soup and hastily drank it. But the next moment, the bowl slipped from her hands, shattering into pieces as she collapsed beside the bed, unconscious.

"Mother!"

Luo Yu's expression changed dramatically as he realized something, suddenly glancing at Chang: "What did you give my mother to drink?!"

"How foolish you are," all warmth faded from Chang Rushuang's face, replaced by malice and ridicule. "Two outsiders daring to enter the Wu family so boldly; do you expect me to serve you with care?

The drink your mother just consumed was poison!"