Children of the same age as his were laughing and smiling. Some were crying for simple things. The young Ming Zhi Yi just stared blankly as he watched them.
It was only when his father was looking for him with a dark face that he realized that he lost control over his emotions and made a very grave mistake.
Thus, when they arrived home and were led to his father's study, the 'discipline' session started again.
"Do you understand?" His father's cold voice sounded again.
The young Ming Zhi Yi lowered his head. He hid the curiosity and confusion in his lowered eyes. "I do...Father."
A cold hand patted his head. "Look into my eyes."
The child looked up.
"What matters you don't understand?"
His father's voice was cold. But for Ming Zhi Yi who grew up with such coldness could discern the difference between them. His father was asking him gently. Thus, it gave him the courage to ask what was bugging in his mind.
"...It was interesting. I wonder why I don't have those things."
"Because it's childish. It would only give you momentarily joy. But it would become useless after. When you grew up and lead the Qian family, you won't need things like that. The most important thing for you to do now is to have your surname changed into Qian. If your grandfather is not satisfied with you, you would forever be a Ming, carrying my low origin for eternity. Are you fine with that?"
The young Ming Zhi Yi shook his head. "I will be the heir like father and grandfather wanted."
Ming Zhi YI's father crouched down and have him eye to eye level.
"When you perfectly control over your emotions, no one would trample you. Even father-in-law..." The young man's voice stuttered.
He patted the child's head again. "I'm doing this all for you. You understand, right? It is because father loves you that I am doing this all for you."
The young child glanced at his father's empathetic eyes then to the case behind.
"Yes, father."
He understood. That his father loves him.
"Good, You are the only heir. And you will be a great man that I perfectly designed." His father cold hand affectionately ruffled his hair.
The child leaned his head towards his father's hand, greedily absorbing his father's rare moment of affection.
The child did not smile. But his eyes and movement were clearly yearning.
His father then glanced at his watch. "It's time for you to visit your mother. Go, check on her."
"Yes. Father."
Not once did the young man glance at the child's wounds. Nor have plans to tend it.
....
When he came out of his father's study, the Head Maid, Butler Qian's wife, treated his wounds.
She was trying to be expressionless, however, her hand would shake whenever she dabbed the cotton on his wounds.
Ming Zhi Yi stared at her shaking hands.
"Are you afraid of my wounds, Nanny Mei?"
It was a child-like voice, however, it was too dull without any emotion for it to come from a child.
Nanny Mei could only show a helpless smile. "No. I am not scared of your wounds, Young Master."
"Then...are you scared of me?"
"No."
"Then why are you trembling? Is it because it's cold?"
Even though the child in front of her was like a doll with no facial movement, the curiosity in his youthful voice just showed that this child had just passed five.
Nanny Mei lowered her head to hide the sympathy in her eyes. "...Right. It must be because this house is too cold. I am a mother who has a son the same age as you...." Nanney Mei could not continue her words.
If her son was hurt like this...she would be heartbroken.
But what about this young master?
Who would be heartbroken for him?
Even his mother--
Nanny Mei halted her thoughts. As a servant, it was rude to discern the thoughts of their masters. She bandaged his wounds and patted the child's head.
"It's done now. If it hurts, tell me right away. If the bandage turned red, tell a maid to call for me."
"Alright."
"Are you going to visit Madame now?"
The child nodded.
Nanny Mei hesitated for a moment. "...You still have wounds and it needs time to recover. Why don't you rest first?"
"I will rest later. I have to visit mother."
Nanny Mei could not say anything. She just watched the young child disappear from the hall.
....
The West wing which was located farther than any other buildings in the Qian mansion was always silent without any shadow of activity.
The servants would tread carefully whenever they took a step in the West wing. They were afraid that the witch slumbering inside would suddenly wake up and lash out at all of them.
It was only the pitiful young master who bravely approached the desolate west wing as his routine check.
The young Ming Zhi Yi walked upright despite the pain in his legs. His legs were covered in bandages.
Since he was walking, the bandage turned red. But he never showed any pain on his calm face.
The servants passed him by greeted him. But when they saw his bandaged legs, they would look at him with strange and sympathetic looks.
The young Ming Zhi Yi did not know what kind of look was that. Every time, the servants, and even Nanny Mei would look at him with strange eyes. It also made him feel strange.
What those eyes meant?
Those eyes were uncomfortable. He did not like those and even despised it. If he only had a dagger in his hand and plucked those so it would stop looking at him, he must have done so.
The child entered the west wing.
The hall was deserted. Although the place looks clean, no one wanted to stay long here.
The young Ming Zhi Yi stopped in front of the door. He waited for a few seconds. Since he did not hear any wail or crashing sounds, his mother must be in a better mood.
He knocked first and called out.
"Mother, I am here."
There was only silence.
He opeen the door expresionlessly.
The room was dark even it was daylight.