Mo Sang – CH 279

Chapter 279. The Yang Family

Yang Dongliang, the only son of Yang Wen, the former garrison commander of Jiangzhou City in the Southern Liang Dynasty, dressed in coarse cloth clothes with large holes in his cloth shoes, his hair disheveled, his face dark and thin, and his appearance haggard, slowly walked along the post road to Yangzhou, supported by Wu-Xin, who leaned on a cane.

Yang Dongliang and Wu-Xin, in appearance and clothing, looked no different from the hurried peddlers and laborers on the road, yet they lacked their brisk pace and vitality.

Wu-Xin, leaning on a cane and limping slightly, was Yang Wen’s trusted bodyguard, highly skilled in martial arts, and always loyal.

On the night Jiangzhou City fell, Yang Dongliang was dragged out of bed by Wu-Xin while he was asleep. Before he could even fully wake up, Wu-Xin sprayed him with blood. Terrified, Yang Dongliang was grabbed by Wu-Xin and fled in panic from the garrison commander’s residence, from Jiangzhou City, and from life.

That night, it seemed pitch black, without a glimmer of light. Wu-Xin carried him, fighting their way out, blood splattering all over his face and head time and time again.

At dawn, they finally escaped Jiangzhou City, hiding in the desolate mountains outside the city. They washed themselves clean of blood and grime with spring water.

As day broke, Yang Dongliang watched with his own eyes as the body of his father, Yang Wen, was hung high, swaying back and forth atop the city wall.

Yang Dongliang watched with his own eyes as his father, Yang Wen, was hoisted onto the city wall; he watched with his own eyes as the Southern Liang banner fell; he watched with his own eyes as the Northern Qi imperial banner and the general’s banner rose together.

From that day on, Wu-Xin protected him as they fled.

They first arrived at Yangjiaping. Wu-Xin summoned Yang Gan, telling Yang Dongliang to hide nearby. Yang Gan flatly refused Wu-Xin’s demands for a boat and his father, giving Wu-Xin only a five-tael silver ingot.

Wu-Xin felt he could not quite trust Yang Gan, and Yang Dongliang, watching and listening from the sidelines, was even more convinced of Yang Gan’s untrustworthiness; he had never liked him before!

At that time, throughout the land and waterways under Northern Qi’s jurisdiction, people were searching everywhere, carrying portraits of Yang Dongliang, so they had to be extremely careful.

Wu-Xin, leading Yang Dongliang, dared not take carriages or boats nor dared to travel on main roads, only daring to choose deserted paths or hide by day and travel by night, always anxious and fearful, like frightened birds, rushing towards Yuzhang City.

When they arrived at Yuzhang City, the Great Qi imperial flag was already flying high atop the city walls.

The two dared not enter Yuzhang City, hiding outside for seven or eight days. One day, their luck finally improved, and they boarded a boat to cross the lake. But just after crossing the lake, Yang Dongliang fell ill.

Fortunately, Wu-Xin took excellent care of Yang Dongliang, repeatedly calling physicians for him. After recovering from his illness for half a month, Yang Dongliang spent another month carefully recuperating before the two of them resumed their journey, traveling eastward along the south bank of the Yangtze River.

By the time they passed Tongling County, Yang Dongliang had become so thin and dark that he was unrecognizable even in his portrait.

Along the way, they encountered no more soldiers searching for Yang Dongliang, and his portrait was no longer posted in the notices inside and outside the cities. Yang Dongliang felt somewhat relieved, and he and Wu-Xin began to live like ordinary peddlers, traveling by day and staying at inns at night.

However, Yang Dongliang’s illness had long since exhausted the five taels of silver given to him by Yang Gan. Before they were even worried about being arrested, they were already struggling financially.

As they traveled, Wu-Xin took Yang Dongliang to perform. Wu-Xin’s martial arts skills were quite good, but precisely because his skills were too good, his performances were extremely unattractive, and he could not earn any money.

Wu-Xin had no choice but to travel, taking odd jobs along the way. He’d work for ten days to half a month at a time, saving up some money to continue their journey.

When they reached Tongling County, they heard that Changsha and Jiangdu had fallen. The Great Qi imperial flag flew atop the city walls of Tongling County.

While in Jiangdu, Wu-Xin went to the docks to look for work. There, he overheard news about Madam Meng: someone had seen her in Yangzhou, and it seemed to be her; she was also surnamed Meng.

Wu-Xin told Yang Dongliang about this vague news and asked if he wanted to cross the river to Yangzhou. Yang Dongliang immediately shook his head.

He did not want to see Madam Meng. He had never liked her; he and his father both loathed her. His father said Madam Meng was disgusting, and he agreed.

Moreover, he felt that Madam Meng did not like him either.

Although his home was gone, his clan remained. The Yang family was a prominent clan in Runzhou, and the entire family was still there. Once they returned to Runzhou, everything would be alright; everything would be back to normal.

He was going to Runzhou to go home. He would not seek out Madam Meng.

Even though Yang Dongliang had fallen on hard times and seemed to have no chance of recovery, Wu-Xin remained loyal. He did whatever Yang Dongliang said. When Yang Dongliang said he would not go to Yangzhou, would not seek out Madam Meng, and would go to Runzhou, Wu-Xin immediately bowed his head in obedience.

Wu-Xin had already earned some travel expenses, and that very day, they set off for Runzhou City.

Jiangdu City was not far from Runzhou, and the route from Jiangdu to Runzhou was all territory now under the control of the Great Qi Dynasty. Wu-Xin and Yang Dongliang traveled smoothly, arriving in Runzhou City in just a few days.

Seeing the two characters “Runzhou” on the city gate, Yang Dongliang breathed a long sigh of relief, his steps light, and a smile blooming on his face.

After a long and arduous journey, he finally returned home.

Yang Dongliang had only returned to Runzhou twice in his life, both times in a carriage, surrounded by guards, attendants, and maids. Both times were when he was very young; he did not even know how he got into the city then. Naturally, he did not know where the Yang family mansion was this time.

Wu-Xin asked around and, with Yang Dongliang, quickly found the Yang family mansion, the residence of Old Master Yang.

The gatekeeper, hearing Yang Dongliang announce that he was General Yang’s son, curiously announced his arrival and let him in. A moment later, a steward rushed out.

Yang Dongliang recognized the steward; he was someone Old Master Yang relied on greatly.

Over the years, Old Master Yang had stayed at their house for one or two months each year. He was very familiar with Old Master Yang and those around him.

The steward greeted Yang Dongliang with a forced smile, and after taking about ten steps, hurriedly beckoned Yang Dongliang and Wu-Xin inside.

The steward led Yang Dongliang and Wu-Xin not to the main courtyard where Old Master Yang lived, but after entering through the second gate, they went around to the far west side, following a winding path all the way to a secluded courtyard in a corner of the back garden.

The courtyard was small, its purpose unclear, with a deep well in the center of a square courtyard.

Old Master Yang stood at the entrance of the main house, hands behind his back, his face gloomy, watching Yang Dongliang and Wu-Xin follow the steward in.

Upon seeing Old Master Yang, Yang Dongliang’s pent-up grievances burst forth, and after a soft “Grandpa,” tears streamed down his face.

Although this Grandpa was not his biological grandfather, he loved him more than any biological grandfather. His grandfather often said that he was his lifeblood and that he would give his life for him.

Grandpa Yang, his face grim, watched Yang Dongliang rush towards him, hands behind his back, motionless.

Yang Dongliang, halfway through his charge, sensed something was wrong.

After a moment of stunned silence, Yang Dongliang suddenly realized what was happening and hurriedly laughed, “Grandpa, you did not recognize me, did you? It’s me! Little Liang! Do you not recognize me? Grandpa, look again, I am just a little darker and thinner.”

“Uncle Wu and I have had a very difficult journey here, and I was even sick for a while. You really do not recognize me? Grandpa, look again.”

“Look, it’s me, Little Liang!”

Grandpa Yang, his face still grim, looked at Yang Dongliang but remained silent.

“Grandpa?” A strange unease welled up in Yang Dongliang’s heart. He took two more steps forward. “Grandpa, it’s me, Dongliang! I am not dead. Uncle Wu protected me and helped me escape. My father died; they hung him on the city wall. Uncle Wu and I, after countless brushes with death, have finally returned.

Grandpa, it’s me, Dongliang.”

“I know it is you,” Old Master Yang finally spoke, his tone cold. “I recognized you the moment you walked in.”

“Then you?” Yang Dongliang froze, his steps halting.

“Your father died for his country; he was a loyal minister and a valiant general. You should not be alive.” Old Master Yang’s voice and his person were both icy.

“Grandpa?” Yang Dongliang was stunned.

“Runzhou City is already under the rule of the Great Qi. Before long, this world will belong to the Great Qi.

If Southern Liang unifies the world, you can inherit your father’s legacy and add another golden brick to the glory of the Yang family.

But Southern Liang is about to fall, and Great Qi is about to unify the world. Then, your death will be more useful to the Yang family than your life.”

“Grandpa, what are you saying?” Yang Dongliang stared straight at Old Master Yang, muttering.

He was completely bewildered; he felt utterly confused.

“Young Master, he wants you dead. Let’s go.” Wu-Xin reached out and grabbed Yang Dongliang.

“The world is vast, but there is no place for you.”

“Little Liang, you are doing this for the Yang family. Do not worry; I will remember you, and the Yang family will remember you, too.” Old Master Yang’s gaze shifted from Yang Dongliang; he sighed and waved his hand. “Throw him into the well.”

From the side rooms, a dozen burly men rushed out and pounced on Yang Dongliang.

“Young Master, do not be afraid; I am here!” Wu-Xin stepped forward, shielding Yang Dongliang behind him, drawing his sword and holding it horizontally in front of him.

“Wu-Xin, you’ve already done more than enough by bringing Liang’er back. This is a family matter of the Yang family; you should not interfere. You should leave,” Old Master Yang said slowly, looking at Wu-Xin.

“With me here, no one will harm the young master!” Wu-Xin declared resolutely, his sword held high, protecting Yang Dongliang.

“Then do not blame me for being impolite.

Wu-Xin, although you are skilled in martial arts, even the strongest can be overwhelmed by a multitude of hands!

If you insist on this, then do not blame me for being impolite.

Throw them both into the well,” Old Master Yang coldly ordered.

A dozen burly men charged forward, wielding clubs. Wu-Xin, one hand protecting Yang Dongliang, swung his sword with the other.

“Fire!”

Before a scream had even faded, a burst of flames suddenly erupted outside the courtyard wall. The flames, as if guided by instinct, surged towards the small courtyard where the fight was taking place.

“Master, run! A few people come! Quick! Protect the Master!” the steward cried out in alarm.

Taking advantage of the chaos, Wu-Xin, protecting Yang Dongliang, rushed out of the Yang family mansion and out of the Runzhou city gate through a corner of the suddenly burning and collapsing garden. They had not run far when Wu-Xin collapsed by the roadside.

Yang Dongliang followed suit, immediately scrambling to his feet, then lunging at Wu-Xin. Seeing Wu-Xin’s leg covered in blood, he cried out in alarm.

“Do not scream!” Wu-Xin sternly silenced Yang Dongliang’s terrified cries. “I am fine, just a few scratches. Do not be afraid; I will be alright after a rest. Go, find me a stick to lean on.”

Yang Dongliang, flustered, broke off a tree branch for Wu-Xin. Wu-Xin tore open his trousers, bandaged his wound, and, using one hand to support himself and the other to hold Yang Dongliang, slowly made his way forward. With their meager few dozen coins, they checked into a large inn.

That very night, Yang Dongliang fell ill again. Wu-Xin’s injury, though superficial, was deep, rendering him unable to walk.

Fortunately, the innkeeper was a kind man. He not only waived their room and board but also assigned someone to take meticulous care of them. He also arranged for a physician to visit both Wu-Xin and Yang Dongliang regularly.

A month later, Wu-Xin’s injury healed completely, and Yang Dongliang’s illness was fully cured.

After recovering, Yang Dongliang became extremely taciturn, often sitting alone, staring blankly out the window.

“Young Master, yesterday a porter at the inn told me that there is indeed a Madam Meng in Yangzhou. She sounds remarkably like your mother. What do you think?” Wu-Xin remained respectful.

“Uncle Wu, even the Yang family does not want me anymore, Madam…” Yang Dongliang could not finish his sentence before tears streamed down his face.

“Your mother is different from Old Master Yang. Let’s go see her. Besides, your mother is in Yangzhou, and your biological mother is probably there too.” Wu-Xin offered this rare word of advice.

“Alright.” Yang Dongliang remained silent for a long time before giving a soft reply.

“Hey! Have you heard? The Yang family, the once prestigious Yang family, has suffered a terrible fate!” The attendant who had been taking care of them knocked urgently on the door and poked his head in.

“What happened?” Wu-Xin asked in surprise.

“A terrible thing!”

“They say an imperial envoy has arrived, and he claims the Yang family is utterly wicked and devoid of conscience. I do not know what evil deeds they’ve committed, but they say the entire Yang family has been banished to the lowest social class!” The attendant clicked his tongue repeatedly.

“Are you not going to see? Lots of people are going to watch the spectacle! They say they’ve all been driven to that area outside the south city. Tsk, it is really tragic. Are you not going to see?” the attendant asked, his face full of gossip.

Wu-Xin looked at Yang Dongliang, whose face was ashen. After a moment, Yang Dongliang looked at Wu-Xin. “Uncle Wu, let’s go.”

“Alright,” Wu-Xin nodded in agreement, then smiled at the attendant. “Could you please prepare some dry rations for us? We are leaving now.”

“Alright! I will go right away.

Sigh, this Yang family… I do not know what heinous things they did to deserve this retribution, tsk!” the attendant agreed, clicked his tongue a few more times, and ran off to the kitchen to prepare the food for them.

“Let’s pack up and go.” Wu-Xin gestured to Yang Dongliang.

Yang Dongliang, head down, picked up the items one by one, handed them to Wu-Xin, and put them into his bundle.

After they finished packing, the attendant came over with some dry rations and food. Wu-Xin took a large bag of food, slung it over his shoulder, and, with Yang Dongliang in tow, left the inn and headed to the dock to cross the river.