The night sky dimmed under the gentle glow of the moonlight, with stars scattered like shimmering pearls across the heavens. The wind blew with a sorrowful howl, rustling through the trees that moaned as though mourning.
Li Cheng knelt silently before his mother's grave, unmoving beneath the moonlight and the glistening stars. His heart felt hollow, his world shattered. The pain of her departure was heavier than the heavens above.
Not long after, Madam Zhou returned, holding a small folded note in her hand.
"Li Cheng," she said softly, her voice trembling, "take this. I suppose it contains your mother's last words. She would've wanted to tell you herself, but fate gave her no such chance. These are her thoughts, written in her final moments."
She handed him the note, her fingers brushing his trembling hand. He accepted it with a subtle nod, his hand shaking. Madam Zhou patted his back gently in consolation before stepping away, giving him the space he needed.
Li Cheng slowly unfolded the note and began to read.
"Chang'er… if you are reading this letter, it means Mama is no longer by your side. I'm truly sorry, my son. I would have loved nothing more than to be with you always, to guide you and watch you grow. But Mama couldn't go on any longer. Forgive me.
Please, be strong. Do not let the cruelty of others break your spirit. Find a kind-hearted girl, get married, and build a happy family. Live in peace with those you love. Do not walk the same bitter path your father and I did.
Stay away from the Li family from now on. Do not hate your father—he is lost in the fog of power and pride.
Stay safe, and stay out of trouble.
Chang'er, Mama loves you so much"
Tears flowed freely from Li Cheng's eyes, his chest tightening with unbearable grief.
"Mo… Mother…" he choked out, his voice breaking. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there with you in your final moments."
He collapsed to the ground, pressing the letter to his chest as his body trembled.
"But don't worry. Rest in peace. I've grown up now. I will take care of myself. I will be strong, and I will fulfill all your wishes."
He paused, his expression hardening, a storm brewing in his eyes.
I'm sorry, but I will never forgive the Li family for all the pain and humiliation they have caused us," Li Cheng said, his eyes red with fury as he clenched his fists tightly. Suddenly, his body trembled with an overwhelming surge of anger.... Mmhatred coursing through him.
He carved a nameplate and placed it before her grave. Upon it, he inscribed:
THE GRAVE OF MY DEAR MOTHER, ZHAO WEI.
"Mother, don't worry about me anymore. I promise to take care of myself from now on," he said, bowing deeply. Then, he turned and walked away, his steps slow, heavy.
...
Li Family Mansion – Inside the Lady's Chambers
Yang Xin paced calmly in her room, her robe trailing softly behind her. Her fingers tapped against her side with subtle impatience. She seems to be waiting for someone.
Moments later, a man entered silently, dressed in a black cloak that concealed most of his face. Only the lower half of his features was visible—this was her personal guard, Xu Zihan.
"My Lady," he greeted, bowing respectfully.
"Speak," Yang Xin said, her tone sharp and laced with impatience.
"My Lady, as instructed... Zhao Wei is dead," Xu Zihan reported.
Yang Xin's eyes widened in delight. A slow, twisted smile crept across her lips, and her shoulders began to tremble. Then, she burst into a wild, manic laugh.
"Hahaha... Hahaha... HAHAHA!"
"Finally! She's dead. I won... I finally won!"
She laughed again, louder and more wickedly.
But when she noticed Xu Zihan staring at her with a wired smile....
Humm!!!!
she cleared her throat, quickly regaining her composure.
"What about her bastard son, Li Cheng?" she asked coldly.
"My Lady, he is still at home, mourning his mother," Xu Zihan replied.
Yang Xin's expression darkened. "The last time that brat came here,I saw a lot of emotions in Li Qiang's eyes, it seems he still have soft spot for that Li Cheng..It was as if he was looking at him with pity.
Her eyes flickered with menace.
"Zihan!"
"Yes, My Lady," he responded immediately.
"Help the young boy reunite with his mother... I can't bear to see his painful tears any longer," Yang Xin said with a mocking sweetness.
Her words dripped with hatred.
"And make sure not to leave any traces behind."
"Yes, My Lady. I'll take care of it at once." He bowed and exited the chamber without another word.
...
On the Streets of the Town
Li Cheng wandered the streets like one who have lost his soul. His steps were aimless, his expression vacant. Grief clung to him like a shadow. He walked with no destination, only sorrow in his heart.
As he passed a nearby tavern, a sudden commotion broke out.
Two people burst out from the tavern, an old man with wild white hair chased by a young man in waiter's clothes.
"Come back here!" the waiter shouted.
"You old geezer! You think you can drink on credit forever? If you don't pay today, I won't let you off!"
The old man cackled and suddenly darted behind Li Cheng, using him as a shield.
"Out of my way, brat," the waiter growled, but the old man shifted sides, dragging Li Cheng with him to avoid the waiter's grasp. Li Cheng said nothing, allowing himself to be moved about.
"You won't escape today!" the waiter continued. "You've been coming here every day, drinking without paying. Today, you're settling your debt!"
"Boy!" the old man suddenly pleaded, clinging to Li Cheng's sleeve. "Help me out, will you? Just a bit of money to calm this mad lad."
Without a word, Li Cheng reached into his robe and pulled out a few coins, handing them to the waiter. It was all he had, money once intended for his mother's medicine. The pharmacist had rejected it, saying it wasn't even half the debt his mother owed.
The waiter snatched the coins and grumbled, "This is barely half! Do you think you're doing charity here?"
Li Cheng didn't respond. He simply turned and walked away.
"Half?!" the old man barked, scoffing. "Young people are so poor these days. Tsk...he clicked his tongue in disappointment."
"Hey, old geezer, he only paid half. You still owe the rest!" the waiter yelled.
"Hold on, hold on! I'll pay the rest next time, alright?" the old man said with a sheepish grin.
"Next time, if you don't pay up, don't think of leaving with your legs intact!" the waiter growled before storming back into the tavern.
The commotion finally over, the old man let out a long breath and started walking off as he took a sip from his win gourd in his hand.
After a few steps, he paused.
His brows furrowed.
"That boy... he looks familiar. Where have I seen him before?"
A flash of memory surged through him—
A boy wearing a bamboo straw hat…
His eyes widened.
"What is he doing here?" the old man muttered, and without hesitation, he turned around and chased after Li Cheng.