Forced Choice

After washing up, Jiang Qiru invited DouDou for a walk. The two guided each other around the Jiang manor. They strolled with a comfortable pace. The sun was high up in the sky, burning very hot, making Jiang Qiru feel a little irritated. He had tied his hair into a high pony, wanting the fresh air to circulate freely around him. The summer blue robes he now worn reduced the torture of the heat and the swishing sounds also lessened.

"Young master, how about we go greet Master and Madam. I heard they have returned from their trip." DouDou advised, his voice sounding with a joyful tune. He clasped his young master's hand as he bounced up and down whilst leading the way.

Jiang Qiru smiled and only hummed.

The duo took many turns until they arrived at the family pavilion where they heard voices coming from the shade. The blind young master could hear the splashing water at the sides and also smell some fragrant flowers close by. The cheery voices of his family couldn't escape his ears. He just wished for his family happiness to remain the same. He couldn't remember when was the last time he was able to hear them merry like this and also feel their existence.

For ten years he had maneuvered this life alone.

He was fortunate enough to be with them again. So he wanted to treasure this feeling.

He stopped his little servant from approaching them. The pair hid behind some flower shrubbery that was near the lively place. They remained standing there for almost an hour before the pit pattering sounds filled the whole area some rain hitting them on their heads, as it gradually increased making them wet.

That's when he remembered what day it was.

"No, this can't be happening. I better hurry and leave this place."

"Young master, are you okay?" DouDou asked feeling anxious when he saw him muttering to himself.  Jiang Qiru didn't bother to reply, he stood still letting the water continue to pour on them. The memory was still freash in his mind.

Just like now, it was raining on that day as well. And there was a visitor banging at the doors. The servants politely welcomed the unexpected visitor into the house. And him being clumsy he bumped into him and accidentally dirtied his noble clothes. Unfortunately no matter how much he apologised the unreasonable Lord didn't let the matter go. His parents rushed to his rescue and also tried to calm him down but to no vain.

"Please forgive him My Lord. My son, he can't see." Master Jiang begged whilst grabbing the Lord's sleeves. Madam Jiang did the same as well. The commotion brought everyone close, some kowtowed wanting to help their masters to ask for forgiveness. Almost everyone had tears in their eyes, if not some sweated nervously.

Then the Lord pushed his parents onto the ground. Jiang Qiru got very angry and started berating the rude noble. He at some time threw fists everywhere. However he regreted it when he heard heavy footsteps of people rushing into the manor.

"Seize him!" He was immediately pinned on the ground then he was dragged away, on his way being taken out he heard a sword being drawn out, "I will kill you two for not teaching him good manners. How dare he lay his hand on this Royal." His heart dropped when he realised what he had done. The sword stabbed his parents to their deaths. He also remembered that little DouDou was also implicated when he was trying to save him from these soldiers. Not only him, his other siblings and all their servants fell to the Lord's wrath.

As if fate was playing a game with him, he was the only one who managed to survive.

He became the reason he lost his family.

"I won't let history repeat itself." He muttered to himself before walking away with his little servant in toll.

"DouDou, go tell my father that he should receive the visitor at the door well. After that meet me at the back door." He ordered feeling restless. He knew he didn't have time for revenge. All he could focus on now was to change these events.

"Yes, Young master." The little servant answered before going to do what his master ordered.

Although it was difficult, the blind young master ended up returning to his room alone. He grabbed a few clothes and money in a bundle before rushing out. He had to get out of there as soon as possible. Jiang Qiru knew that even if he stayed he would at one point make things hard for his family. So he made the most difficult choice and chose to leave.

He felt sad knowing that this might be the last time he was going to see them. He wanted them to be safe and happy. And he knew very well that if he stayed a moment longer he would put them in trouble.

By each step he increased his speed. Lucky enough he managed to find his walking stick which he used to guide himself in the unfamiliar parts of the manor. It was inevitable for him not to bump into small stones. However, he managed to get to the backyard.

DouDou joined him and the two took flight not delaying even for a second.

"Young master, where are we heading?" Little DouDou asked seeming confused.

It gradually stopped raining and the ground became wet and muddy.

"Faraway from this city. But before that I need to send them a message." Neither of the two talked after that. The pair stopped by a stall and left their message before getting into a carriage and hearding west. Leaving the capital for good.

At night when he didn't hear any bad news from his friend, the blind young master breathed a sigh of relief. He had managed to prevent a calamity that would have fallen upon his family. Now they will be safe. And he will go on to start his life far away.

He had a smile on his face knowing that he could meet him now.

"Kian, I am coming."