Wheelchair

'Wang and Min, both the brother and sister pair, became a part of our small household. Wang was a year older than me but was small in stature.' Their family was a refugee from the neighbor country called the Empire. Their parents ran away from clutches of slavery while they were born in the Shang Dynasty. Their parents were persecuted by the slave traders and were killed. Min, the oldest sister, seemed to have realized the threat they were under and escaped while carrying the baby Wang. They were fortunate enough to settle in this town present in the Fenan region with the help of a few merchants. Xu Nian looked at Wang who was giving him a massage with medicinal oil concocted by his sister. He felt relieved that the boy was eager to do things for him. He was quick at his feet. " Do you know my name? " To which Wang immediately answered, " Master Xu Nian. "

" What about my sister? " Wang answered, puzzled by his obvious questions, " Miss Xu Li... She is eighteen years old. " Xu Nian asked him numerous questions. He deliberately mixed some dumb ones to make it seem like he was testing Wang's knowledge.

He came to know many things after the interview session. His sister's name was Xu Li. They belonged to an offshoot family of 'Xu'. The Xu family was from an aristocratic background who had roots even in the previous Dynasty. They became a persecuted bunch after the current emperor's reign, who feared their growing power. Moreover, the way the Yamen runners treated them showed how the current government were disgruntled by their presence. He seemed to understand that their plan of fleeing from the kingdom had deep underlying meaning and importance. The Xu family now remains scattered. The patriarch family was captured and now remains behind bars in the capital. Xu Nian felt lucky that he didn't just transmigrate straight into prison.

Xu Nian felt relaxed after his tensed muscles were massaged. He made a few grunting noise and complimented Wang from time to time. He smiled, looking at Wang's chest inflating with pride.

" Can you read and write? " Xu Nian said in a hurried tone. "Yes.... do you perhaps want me to do something?" Wang looked at him sitting upright. " I will instruct you to write a few things for me. Go and buy a dozen paper and good quality ink. You can ask for money from my sister." Wang got up while nodding, "I'll do so." Xu Nian was eager to teach martial arts not only to his sister but also those who would serve them. He wanted to make a strong fortress before anyone would dare lay a hand on him. His inability to perform basic movements worried him deeply.

"Thud....thud..." Xu Nian heard a loud noise coming from outside the hut. He remained quiet after a few minutes his sister came in with a girl similar to her height following her. 'She must be Min, Wang's sister.' They were carrying large sacks one after another. " Sis... what are these," Xu Nian looked at her, worried. "Many of those corrupted officials' houses were set on fire. We looked for an opportunity to sneak in to take whatever was valuable onsight. Don't worry, we aren't hurt." Xu Li hinted Min to go out for a bit.

When both of them were left alone, Xu Li said, " Little brother, the market here isn't in a good condition. So I need to resort to thievery to collect as many things as possible. I hope you are not disappointed in me. I have come to the conclusion that I Xu Li shall resort to any means necessary to keep our brethren's last hope alive and well. Xu Nian, I'm older than you. I will carry this family's burden. The Xu patriarch's family was executed this morning. We don't have much time left before they get a wind of our location. We are lucky since Fenan is quite far from the capital. In a month, we will set out towards southwest. I have hidden two horse carriages in the forest. They are already loaded with everything we will need in the journey. Don't look at me with skeptical eyes. Min has been of great help. She was the one who made the list of all the necessities."

"Sis, I'm not disappointed. I only have you. So please be sure not to be harmed in any way. I'm worried at the pace you are doing things someone or the other would come after you. That would be the last thing I want." Xu Nian made sure she realized the risk she was putting both of them on. She said, " Fine, I shall lay low for now."

There was a knock in the door, after which Min entered while making a creaking noise. She brought a wheelchair that looked expensive. She said, " I bought it from the merchants that I'm familiar with. But looking at it now, it may not suit the young master. Since he would be sitting in it for a long period of time. A few cushions need to be installed.

Xu Nian was happy looking at the wheelchair. At least these would make him look around this world with ease. ' Looks like I met my soulmate early on. ' Xu Nian looked at Min and said, "Thank you, you are being of great help." Min smiled at the pitiful boy similar to her brother's age while saying, " I'm glad that you think so. Your wheelchair will be ready by tomorrow morning."