Mysteries of the Great Zhou Dynasty

Chapter 188 Extra: Yan Mingzhang (5)

It turns out his parents' deaths weren't caused by bandits! What kind of bandits burn scrolls and books without taking anything? And who were those men in black with knives? Once the gates of memory were opened, a jumble of memories flooded out, and Yan Mingzhang was instantly overwhelmed by this massive and terrifying information. He stood there, frozen, tears streaming down his face, and then he broke down in tears, screaming and wailing.

Three-year-old Rong Wanyin was terrified. Although she was mischievous, she had never seen anything like this before.

Rong Wanyin grabbed Yan Mingzhang's sleeve and shook him a few times, then softly called out in a tearful voice, "Big brother, what's wrong?"

Seeing that Yan Mingzhang was not getting better, Rong Wanyin turned around and ran out to call for help.

Rong Wanyin only remembered that the house was very noisy that day, and no one paid attention to her. Her older brother cried for a long time, and he only calmed down after his mother came.

"Yin'er, don't be afraid, your older brother is just sick," Grandfather comforted Yin'er as he held her.

Rong Wanyin protested with a dissatisfaction, "I'm just young, not stupid. How can illness be like this? Why didn't you tell me!"

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Yan Mingzhang was held in Wang Shi's arms, gently patted, and Wang Shi hummed a lullaby softly, as always. Yan Mingzhang gradually calmed down and fell asleep in Wang Shi's arms.

When Mr. Rong came in, he saw Yan Lize and Mrs. Wang looking worried and at each other, not knowing what to do.

“Sir…” Yan Lizhe and Madam Wang greeted Mr. Rong politely as he entered.

Mr. Rong didn't seem to care about any of that. He waved his hand and asked, "What did the doctor say? What's wrong with the child?"

Yan Lizhe and Wang Shi exchanged a glance before speaking, "This child has a hard life. He was originally my second brother's child, but was later adopted by us. My second brother and sister-in-law took him back to the capital to report on their duties, but they encountered bandits on the way. The child was lucky and survived. He was originally a smart child, but since then, he hasn't spoken. I guess he was frightened. The doctor just said that the child probably remembered something. He has a good memory, and I'm afraid he might remember the scene before my second brother and sister-in-law died very clearly."

Mr. Rong nodded thoughtfully: "I had heard about these things before, but I never expected to hear them today. This child has such a hard life."

Yan Lize and Wang agreed and took the sleeping Yan Mingzhang back home.

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When Yan Mingzhang woke up again, it was already broad daylight. He could hear someone speaking in a low voice outside the house. Upon closer listening, he realized it was Wang Shi's voice.

"Prepare all this porridge so Zhang'er can eat it when he wakes up... Keep the soup simmering on the stove, don't let it get cold... And the medicine, make sure to keep an eye on the heat!"

Yan Mingzhang felt a warmth in his heart, and his nose tingled slightly. He was mature beyond his years, and these experiences had given him a clearer understanding of the fickleness of human relationships. His uncle and aunt were truly sincere towards him. Although he couldn't speak, he saw it all, and the distance between them slowly disappeared. Wang Shi lifted the curtain and entered, seeing that Yan Mingzhang was already sitting up. Overjoyed, she smiled and said, "Zhang'er, are you feeling better? Would you like some chicken porridge?"

Seeing that she was busy and her face was slightly flushed with sweat, Yan Mingzhang had a sudden thought and naturally called out, "Mother!"

Wang froze, somewhat incredulous: "You, you can speak now, what did you just call me?"

Yan Mingzhang stood up and kowtowed three times to Madam Wang: "Mother, I can see the depth of your love for me. It is my good fortune to have met you, Father and Mother. I am deeply grateful and thank you for your care. I am unfilial and have caused you grief."

Tears welled up in Wang's eyes, and the fatigue and anxiety of the past few days vanished. She trembled as she reached out to help Yan Mingzhang up, pulled him into her arms, and replied with a smile, "Oh... good child, such a good child."

Seeing the flowers bloom makes all the past suffering seem less painful.

That evening, Yan Mingzhang gestured for Yan Lize to dismiss everyone, and he took out the jade flute from his bosom.

This was his second brother's favorite jade flute, Yan Lizhe knew that there was a mark on the originally warm and smooth jade flute that had been cut by a sharp weapon.

Yan Mingzhang, his face grave, handed the jade flute to Yan Lizhe and said, “I remember the events of that day clearly. It wasn’t a bandit encounter. A group of men did come down that day, at least five or six of them, judging from their voices. My mother told me to hide under the chair and not to make a sound. I only heard the sounds outside getting quieter and quieter. Then the man in black lifted the curtain and came in, dragging my mother out. But he found me. Our eyes met, and I could clearly see the veins on his hand gripping the broadsword, and the blood dripping from the blade. I don’t know why he didn’t kill me; he just knocked me unconscious with the hilt of his sword and left. The man’s face was covered with a black cloth, and I could only see his eyes, but I will never forget those eyes. He had a mole on his left eyebrow.”

Yan Mingzhang choked up a little, and his body trembled involuntarily. The fear and suffocation almost drove him crazy, but he still managed to calm himself down.

Wang held his hands tenderly, tears welling up in her eyes.

Yan Mingzhang smiled slightly, pretending to be strong, and continued, "That group of people was strange. They seemed to be looking for something, but they didn't want any gold or silver treasures. They just threatened my father and mother to hand over the things. You all know what happened after that. When I was found, I was probably frightened, or maybe it was because of what my mother said, but I couldn't speak and didn't remember any of these things. Until yesterday, this matter was like a floodgate opening, and everything rushed in."

Wang was already in tears, heartbroken, and hugged Yan Mingzhang tightly: "Poor child."

Yan Lizhe also looked grief-stricken: "Who exactly are these people? What are they looking for? Zhang'er, no matter what they are looking for, none of us can tell anyone about this. The more people know, the more dangerous it will be for you, including your master. And for those who know, it's also a danger. Don't go to your master's place for the next few days. We'll tell everyone that you're sick. In a few days, we'll slowly figure out a way to cure your muteness. Absolutely do not let anyone know that you've regained your memory."

Yan Mingzhang nodded obediently and bowed down, saying, "Your son will heed your teachings, Father."

Yan Lizhe seemed surprised that Yan Mingzhang would call him that. He paused for a moment, met Wang's eyes, and asked excitedly, "What did he just call me?"

Wang wiped away her tears, and Wan'er smiled, "Zhang'er is calling you father! What else could he be calling you!"

Yan Lizhe seemed to jump up like a child, beaming with joy, and hugged the child tightly: "Good child, such a good child."