3.25 [P] [Bai Menxiang's] [1]

TW: R*pe and Torture.

Bai Menxiang stared at the lovely sparrow in the opposite side of the table. His eyes flashed a deep glint of darkness, seeping through the memories he recalled.

It was an understatement that he was grateful at the person in front of him. Moreover, he was intensely indebted to Qiao Chen and the fourth prince. Without them, Bai Menxiang will surely forever trap in this endless cage.

A scent of lingering bitter aftertaste of the tea assembled, the beginning of his worst nightmare.

Bai Menxiang was a wise child. Although, he was only a son of a famous courtesan and an unknown man, his wisdom was equal to the noble one. His mother lives in a brothel ever since she was sold by her parents. The owner of the brothel was kind enough to let the mother and his two children live with them.

Bai Menxiang was talented in terms of calligraphy, poetry and strategy. At young, he already displayed outstanding skills that can rival to a professional one. The owner of the brothel was kind enough to let Bai Menxiang join the class of his son. At first, Bai Menxiang's talent was being nourished. However, his identity was always lacking, and was always used against him.

"His mother was a prostitute, my mother said that I should stay away from him." A young child's voice melted under the tree.

Another child replied, "My mother also said that he had a disease that he got from his mother. I don't know why teacher still wants to teach that bastard."

Hearing this, Bai Menxiang's hands paused, clenching underneath the sleeves of his fabric. Though, he was far away from the other children, he was able to heard them. His innocent eyes turned a darker shade of red, but only for a short time, as he continued writing again.

He was used to it. He has known that his mother don't have any kind of talent and that, he had no father. Fortunately, though his mother already had children, she was still beautiful as ever, and many costumers came just for her service.

And most likely, some of them were his fellow student's father.

"You sick bastard!" He was forcibly pushed by one of the young child.

Bai Menxiang coldly ignored him and stood up, as he patted the dust on his clothes.

Giving a lack of response, the child who pushed him grew angry and ruthlessly pulled the sleeves of his clothes, and dragged him in the ground.

"Your mother destroyed our family! She seduced my father! You piece of shit!" He grabbed his hair and threw shallow punches on his face and body.

The innocent face of Bai Menxiang's turned fierce, he threw the materials he was holding and instantly fought back.

He was tired. He was really tired. Why can't they just leave him alone?

"Look! Bai Menxiang dare to fought back!"

"Men Shin, quickly let go of that monster!"

"Look at his face! Scary!"

Immediately, some students called the teacher hurriedly. On contrary, Bai Menxiang had the upper hand. His opponent was underneath his body, and was screaming in despair. Seeing this, the other students who had the same situation with the yelling child, who's fathers were also seeking for Bai Menxiang's mother's service, in a flash joined the quarrel.

Two students grabbed Bai Menxiang's hair and others tried to remove him from the young child. He groaned and put all his strength to pushed all those children. Even though, he was weak looking, he knew how to fight because of his older brother. Those kids were no match for him.

Because of the extreme force he gathers in his attack, one of the children slammed his back into a rock. He screamed in pain.

This what the teacher saw in particular.

Obviously, Bai Menxiang was expelled from the class. The brothel's owner can't do anything to help him return to the class, and his mother did not dare to request anymore. Although, his teacher was kind and nice, he had no choice but to force Bai Menxiang to drop in the class due to the complaint of the other's parents.

Once again, Bai Menxiang was helpless. He had no strength to prove that it was not his fault and was not deserving for those retributions.

"My child, you are excellent and outstanding the way you are. It's a pity that your mother had no knowledge and was naive enough to trust your father. It was your mom's fault that your fate had been sealed in this lowly house." His mother's sweet voice that carried a deep bitterness sounded in his ears. The soft and gentle touch of his mother from behind made him believe that destiny was really unfortunate.

"Mother does not need to blame herself. Menxiang will do anything to save and change the fate of mother and Menxiang's fate, even Sheng-ge." He replied with a deep ambition, earning a sweet chuckled in his mother.

To begin with, he did not blame his mother for their poor life. He only blames his unknown father, who broke the promises he had with his naive mother. If he had a chance, he will avenge his mother to that bastard man. But now... those chances don't have any function at all.

He clenched his fist, vowing to stand tall and proud to all the person who mistreated him.

Suddenly, there was a man with a huge aura seeking the comfort of his mother. The man was handsome and though old, this didn't decease his sexual appeal. Bai Menxiang was a sheltered boy, he doesn't like going outside and was only staying and studying at the brothel's extra room. So, he had no idea who's this man was.

But seeing all the people bowing and respecting him, Bai Menxiang knew that the man had a great identity.

There was one time that he saw the man up close.

"Mother?" He called confusingly.

He pushed the door and slowly entered the room. A deep incense quickly penetrated his nose. A frown formed on his face. The window in distance reflected the moon from the sky, with stars accompanying itself and the chilly breeze seeping through. It was already night. And his mother did not go out in her room which was unusual. Nonetheless, Bai Menxiang was worried.

He scanned the room and instantly saw a two silhouettes reflecting in the white curtain.

His face reddened, "I-I apologize... my mother had not eaten anything all day. Menxiang was only concern, Menxiang did not dare disturb the master." Although, low-born, Bai Menxiang knew proper etiquette.

This gained a soft laughed from the shadow. The man lifted the curtain and his intense aura almost made Bai Menxiang fainted.

The man was only wearing a thin fabric, revealing a hard muscle chest constantly shining from the sweats. His face held a smile that feels not happy at all. Only his dark eyes was filled with interest.

Bai Menxiang quickly bowed and sighed in relief when his eyes saw his mother beside the man, sleeping peacefully. He was about to leave when a voice sounded from behind.

"Say, child. Does you not recognize who this master was?"

It was a voice that sounded stern and powerful, but also bear a faint playfulness and interest. It was not a tone that was usually come from an arrogant officials nor ignorant noble masters. This tone in particular suited for a man in the highest authority.

Bai Menxiang gulped and turned around. Eyes deeply scanned the rough yet handsome features of the man. But Bai Menxiang still couldn't identify the man, even using his memories. He had no idea who this man was. But one thing for sure, this man was dangerous.

Instantly, Bai Menxiang paled and quickly bowed, "P-Please forgive this servant, this servant doesn't know the identity of the master." He closed his eyes in nervousness.

The man's guffaw seems like a deadly weapon waiting for Bai Menxiang. His hands were sweating and there were an intense chills in his pores. Being distracted by the extreme anxiety, Bai Menxiang had no idea how did the man come in front of him.

A rough and filled with calloused hands touches his bare face, gently lifting his face and meeting the gaze of the man.

"Interesting, you look like your mother child, even more delicate and beautiful." He licked his lips while his eyes stayed at him, "How old are you?"

Bai Menxiang blushed from his compliment. However, he long knew that he was pretty for a man, and he was used by those words describing him. The surprise did not show on his face, "Twelve."

"Hmm." The man let go of his face and obviously observing his overall features. A deep flashed of darkness appeared on the man's eyes, only for a short time before it regain its original color. "Do you want to be my sparrow?"

This time, the calmness in Bai Menxiang's face seems distorted. Eyes that usually held tranquility carried a glimpse of surprise. He stared deeply at the man in front of him.

Sparrow?

The only one who was qualified to call people like that was the... his eyes widened.

Although, Bai Menxiang was sheltered, he had knowledge about the circumstances in the country. He heard that the only ruler of the dynasty had been collecting young beauties who was bound to accompany himself.

Could it be?

Perceiving the astonishment in his eyes, the man grinned amusingly. "That's right child." He leaned his face close enough to felt his breath. "This master is the ruler of the golden dragon, the emperor of this dynasty and the master of the Empire."

"T-This servant greet his m-majesty!" He instantly kneeled.

How can the Emperor be here? And how can such a big title became the customer of his mother?

His mother is very beautiful, there is no doubt about it. But he also knew that the Emperor had countless more beautiful and young beauty beside him. Then how can his mother serve such a man?

"You don't look like your father at all." The Emperor commented.

Bai Menxiang knitted his eyebrow, "Does his majesty know this lowly one's father?"

The Emperor chuckled, "Of course. Your father is a great friend of mine." He then, again, gave Bai Menxiang a look that was wicked, "Quickly, become my sparrow. And this Emperor will help you find your father."

"This servant was thankful for his majesty's kindness. However, this servant humbly refuse his majesty's offer."

"Does you want to become a great scholar?" The Emperor asked. "I heard from your mother that you wish to take an exam in the imperial palace. This Emperor surely like beauties, but this Emperor also acknowledge talented peers."

Bai Menxiang was hesitant. The words were great, and the offer was magnificent. However, he knows how mind can turn around just for a slight mistake. Like the time he was expelled.

He forcibly put a smile, "This servant's answer will be the same."

The Emperor did not convince him anymore and instantly left the room with his cunning smile.

Bai Menxiang was aware of his poor situation. Nonetheless, he was not like his brother, who left their mother and followed the fourth prince. He will not be like those people. He will stay together with his mother, if really fate was against it, he will gladly oppose it.

"My child, I knew that the Emperor was dangerous. But trust me, he will never put harm to you and to me. The Emperor and I was friends to begin with." His mother confessed, honestly.

He was aware that his mother came from a fallen noble family and becoming friends with the Emperor, it was not all words. But seeing the situation right now, with the Emperor being associate with his mother, how can such men didn't help her? And was instead used as a plaything. Is that called friend at all?

He frowned, "No mother. I will never leave you."

His mother chuckled, "My child. Your talent was destined to be shared and recognize in this dynasty. How can you soar high with you, being trapped in this cage? I know you are worried about me, but be like your brother. Don't limit yourself just for this worthless mother."

Bai Menxiang pursed his lips and didn't give a reply.

However, he doesn't know that those words was the last thing he will heard from his mother.

He was awakened by the call of his mother. "Menxiang, Quickly! Wake up!"

His eyes were misty, and his mind was still in his confusing state. He had no idea what was going on as his mother forcibly pushed him in one of the cabinet.

"Mother? What's going on?" There was screaming and yelling everywhere. Bai Menxiang even discern that those yells were he was familiar with.

What's going on? Why is his fellow sisters screaming?

"M-Mother—" The door of the cabinet was closed.

"No matter what, do not make noise!"

Tears started to pooled down on his white cheeks. It was dark and it was suffocating. The only light seeping through was the small hole on the compartment. He took a peek and saw the messy state of their room. The scream did not stop and was even getting louder. His eyes swiftly shifted to the weak figure of his mother. He saw that his mother was packing something in a small bag, in a minute his mother took a peek in a small hole and was instantly met his gaze. Both were crying and helpless.

"Menxiang, wait for your brother and do not make a noise. I swear if you do, I will never forgive you." Her words were threatening, but the emotions on her eyes was the opposite, unfair and powerless.

Bai Menxiang choke a sobbed and hesitantly nodded. Heart's reek of despair and sensation of a weak young man. Though, he can't let his mother do something like this, he was also scared.

With his trail of thoughts traveled in the corner, the door of their room was forcedly opened. His mother instantly covered the small hole, and his vision was straight away filled with darkness. He covered his mouth and swallowed his silent cries.

"Who are you?! What are you doing here?!" It was his mother's voice.

"Indeed. No wonder the Emperor still likes her services. She was gorgeous as ever."

"It's a pity, Concubine Xu was a jealous one. Let's have fun for a while before we disposed her body."

The Emperor? Concubine Xu?

Why? Why did this happened to them? Could he get help from the Emperor? Estimating the voices of those men, it was surely three of them. Can he fight them, head on?

Then he remembers the reminder of his mother. He cried again. Why would this happen to them?

"Stop! Don't touch me! The Emperor will punish you!"

"Are you stupid? Do you think the Emperor was concern about you? If you are pregnant with his child, maybe. That's why Concubine Xu was worried and thinks that you are a thorn in her eyes. No one will care about your death!"

"N-No please! No—Ah!"

There were noises of clothes being dismantled. Her mother's pleads and helpless shout. Those man wicked laughed that turned into pleasure.

He hates it all. He hates it. The Emperor... The Concubine... Everyone will die!

Seconds...minutes...hours had passed. The voices slowly become quiet. Her mother sweet voice that turned hoarse was long gone. His eyes were filled with anger, glowing in the darkness. He will avenge it, her mother. He swore that those evils will get their retribution!

Another hour had passed, those voices was nowhere to be found. The door itself was gently opened, revealing the cold face of his brother.

"Menxiang..." His brother called slowly.

He turned his eyes and saw how much mess those bastard created here. Their bedding that his mother usually talk about the stories that he visually created. Those scenarios that was filled with innocence slowly turned into vengeance. His eyes drifted to the open window where his mother normally embraced him as they stared at the sky, chuckling and dreaming of leaving the life of this cage. And finally, his eyes bore on the body on the floor. Covered.

His emotionless face distorted. His brother embraced him as he shed his tears.

His poor mother, who was naive at the cruelty of this world. His mother, who was sweet even if her life was full of despair. How could they do this to her?

"Mother left this for you. Brother was sorry that he was late." The comforted voice of his brother seems no avail at all.

He stared at the small pouch in his hands. This pouch was the last thing his mother protected. He opened it and saw some gold coins and a small letter.

His eyes were swollen and red, it looks like it cannot produce any tears. He softly opened the letter and his body break down.

He knew that his mother doesn't know how to write and the message, written on this, was ugly and disarray. However, those message was clear.

"Minister Bai Menxiang."