Chapter 27: Nearly Dead
The words “Second Brother” made Yu Haojie’s body stiffen. He turned back, looking at Yu Zhengqing standing just a step behind him as if he were a monster, eyes full of shock.
“Did you just call me Second Brother? I’ve lived for over thirty years, and I think this is the first time!”
Yu Haojie was surprised, not because his disguise had been seen through, but because of the unexpected way Yu Zhengqing addressed him. His reply left Yu Zhengqing’s ears burning red.
After a long pause, Yu Zhengqing collected himself and spoke again, keeping his tone steady.
“In the past, I really didn’t pay much attention to you. But after this incident, I’ve truly realized what it feels like to have the whole family intact. I’m sorry for the grievances you’ve suffered before. From now on, I’ll take good care of you.”
Yu Haojie scoffed at his words.
Not everything can be forgiven with a simple “sorry.”
Those were three lives we’re talking about. There was no way he could forgive these legitimate sons so easily on behalf of the original owner.
“So, you didn’t come down here sincerely. You just wanted to find an opportunity to reconcile with me?”
Having his thoughts exposed, Yu Zhengqing’s face turned even more unnatural.
He never realized that his timid, cowardly brother—known by everyone for being a useless wimp—could be so sharp-tongued.
Seeing Yu Zhengqing’s awkward expression, Yu Haojie smirked slightly, a hint of sarcasm in his eyes.
“Some things can’t be resolved with a few words. This kid seems seriously injured. He’s still unconscious. I’m more worried about him right now—I don’t have time to talk nonsense with you.”
Looking at the gash on Yu Xiaofeng’s forehead and his slightly unfocused pupils, Yu Haojie felt a bit worried.
This path of exile was not as easy as they had imagined. It was just the beginning, and even then, Wu Dahai, a capital official, was in charge.
More or less, Wu Dahai was still showing some leniency towards them, considering that the Yu family still had a few old friends and daughters left in the capital.
Just like Yu Yingying said, no matter what, her eldest sister was still the prince’s concubine.
Not to mention Yu Hui’s eldest daughter, Yu Chuman—her husband was the Minister of Revenue, a powerful position indeed.
Even if they didn’t want to be associated with the Yu family, someone with such influence could easily make things difficult for Wu Dahai. That’s why the path of exile wasn’t as terrifying as the stories said—at least, not yet.
The real nightmare would begin when they reached the point where Wu Dahai would hand them over to another group of guards.
Those guards specialized in escorting prisoners to the remote wastelands. Far from the capital, they didn’t have to fear anyone.
On that part of the journey, they would do as they pleased, treating the convicts less than human. That would be the true beginning of their nightmare.
Looking at Yu Xiaofeng, Yu Zhengqing’s expression finally showed a trace of sympathy.
“Death might be a relief on this path of exile. It’s just the beginning. The most terrifying thing is to want to live, to keep going until we reach the wasteland, holding onto the hope of a pardon one day.”
He shifted his gaze back to Yu Haojie.
“So, between us brothers, we should let go of old grudges and work together. You have martial skills, and your wife knows medicine. That’s a good thing. As long as we make it to the wasteland and combine our strengths, we’ll surely establish ourselves there.”
In the end, all Yu Zhengqing wanted was to persuade him to let go of his hatred. Yu Haojie found it utterly ridiculous!
Yu Haojie didn’t know much about medicine. He couldn’t tell how serious Yu Xiaofeng’s injuries were or what to do.
All he could do was wait for the guards above to come down and handle the situation. He didn’t dare touch Yu Xiaofeng for fear of aggravating his injuries if there were broken bones.
Fortunately, the guards Wu Dahai had sent down arrived shortly after.
Yu Zhengqing finally stopped his tiresome babbling, giving Yu Haojie some much-needed peace and quiet.
“This kid seems to be out of luck—he’s bleeding from his mouth, and his pupils are unfocused. Looks like he won’t last long.”
After a quick examination, the two guards shook their heads regretfully.
Seeing such a young child lying on the ground, dying, Yu Haojie felt a pang of sadness.
In his previous life, he lived in a lawful society where no one would just stand by and watch someone die right in front of them. Besides, he had always liked kids. But now, there was nothing he could do.
Not long after, the rest of the group finally made their way down cautiously. As soon as the third branch of the Yu family spotted Yu Xiaofeng lying on the ground, they started wailing in despair.
In their eyes, he was already a corpse.
“Xiaofeng! Xiaofeng, wake up! Don’t scare your mother—Xiaofeng!”
Tied together, Wang Ying, Yu Yongcai, and Yu Qiaoer threw themselves at Yu Xiaofeng’s unmoving body, crying uncontrollably. Even Yu Yongcai, a grown man, couldn’t hold back his tears at the sight of his son.
“Wait, don’t move him yet!”
Seeing Wang Ying about to lift Yu Xiaofeng, Yu Haojie quickly stopped her.
With tear-filled eyes, Wang Ying glared at Yu Haojie, her eyes full of anger.
“My child is already like this! The guards let you down here, and all you’ve done is let him lie on the ground? Truly heartless—you really are one of those from the main branch of the Yu family! And now you won’t even let me touch him? Who do you think you are? Get out of my way!”
In the agony of losing her son, Wang Ying had completely lost her reason and screamed at Yu Haojie in a frenzy.
“You misunderstand. He seems to be seriously injured. If you move him now, it might worsen his condition. My wife knows medicine—let her take a look first.”
Knowing they were all innocent in this, Yu Haojie didn’t get angry at Wang Ying’s outburst.
If he were in her position, he’d have lost his mind too.
Hearing his explanation, the grieving members of the third branch immediately fell silent, eyes wide with disbelief as they turned to look at Ye Jiamai.
“Commander Wu, may I examine the child?”
Since her husband had already offered her help, and seeing that it was just a child, Ye Jiamai’s compassion as a doctor couldn’t allow her to refuse.
Wu Dahai nodded. “Since you saved me before, I’ll give you this chance. Go ahead.”
Normally, prisoners on the road to exile wouldn’t be allowed medical treatment, no matter the circumstances.
But Wu Dahai was a far-sighted man. He had a feeling that this family of three might eventually return to the capital one day.
It wouldn’t hurt to do them a favor now—after all, having a doctor as a friend could come in handy.
“Y-you really know medicine?”
Yu Qiao’er, Yu Xiaofeng’s aunt, was already a mess of tears. Watching Ye Jiamai kneel down and open Yu Xiaofeng’s eyelids, she couldn’t believe her eyes.
“All of you, step back a bit. Xiao Luo, come here!”
The members of the third branch had surrounded Yu Xiaofeng so tightly that they were getting in the way of the treatment.
