Wuji: A Promise Kept

47 ⚠️

⚠️Sensitive content in this chapter. Content includes unwarranted punishment and abuse of power, and child abuse. Please read with caution.⚠️
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Sizhui noticed his best friend has been down lately. He looked tired, angry, and confused. Sizhui had never seen him lash out at his Baba before and when he saw Jingyi yell at Wuxian, Sizhui grew very concerned. Sizhui has been busy with his training and even spent time with Lan Xichen about taking over the sect one day. At the moment he had some free time and went to go see his best friend.

"Jingyi?" Sizhui asked as he approached him. He spotted Jingyi with Wangji's rabbits in the backhills.

"Hi Sizhui," Jingyi greeted.

"I was wondering what was happening to my best friend?" Sizhui asked.

"I can't really talk about it without feeling like I won't be believed," Jingyi said.

"I will believe you," Sizhui told him.

Jingyi sighed, "I do not have any issues with being Master Huizhong's assistant but when he punishes me for putting books in the wrong order by accident, it gets to be too much. It wasn't just writing either...I was flogged. I have been flogged every time I am being punished by him. I have scars on my back and I fear getting help from the healers because I will get asked and no one will listen to," Jingyi said.

"I know who will listen," Sizhui said, "my parents and Zewu Jun will never take sides."

"I know, but I'm just scared," Jingyi said.

"Want me to go with you to talk with my parents?" Sizhui asked.

"Would you?" Jingyi asked.

"Come on," Sizhui said standing up and held out his hand, "you are technically my cousin. As Zewu Jun is my uncle, and you are his son. Family helps and supports family." Jingyi smiled and left with him. Sizhui and Jingyi happened to find Wangji and Wuxian with Lan Xichen at the Hanshi. The three were discussing what happened during their lessons that morning, "A'Die, Baba, Uncle, Jingyi agreed to talk."

"Come sit," Xichen said and placed a privacy ward over the Hanshi.

"Would you believe me?" Jingyi asked.

"Why wouldn't we?" Wuxian asked, "You are a good kid, Jingyi. You are just struggling about something and it is obviously affecting you emotionally. You are taught to never lie, so just be honest with us and we will listen."

"It has to do with Master Huizhong," Jingyi said, "I don't mind doing things for him as it was my punishment, but when I mess up, he punishes me severely. He doesn't have my write like I am supposed to. He flogged me...I was recently flogged yesterday for accidentally spilling ink on his lesson plans. I haven't been to a healer because I am afraid to say anything to them. They will want to know what I did to get such a punishment."

Wuxian stood up and knelt beside him, "Can you remove your robes please?" He asked kindly. Jingyi did as he was asked and he saw the evidence on his back, "Some of these aren't just from floggings aren't they?"

"He used the discipline whip on my first day working with him. He told me I needed to be taught a lesson as to not disrespect him again, or even another elder," Jingyi said as tears fell from his eyes.

"During class today, you were in pain when we were going over drills, weren't you?" Wuxian asked.

Jingyi nodded, "I am sorry that I am not the disciple the Lan Sect expects me to be, I promise to do better, but please just help me."

Wuxian pulled Jingyi into a hug, "I do not want anything about you to change. You are a bright young disciple and I am proud to call you my nephew. Your tracking skills are the best within your peers and you work hard to achieve your goals. You do not need to change who you are. Just lighten up on the pranks in class and we will help you through this."

Jingyi nodded and cried into Wuxian's shoulder. Wuxian held him for as long as he needed it, "Jingyi, why did you wait so long to say something?" Xichen asked.

"Master Huizhong told me if I said anything it would be an unruly kid's words over a respected elder of the sect. I just felt no one would believe me," Jingyi said.

"We believe you, and I promise you we will make sure this doesn't happen again. I know we agreed to the full term but maybe we can work something out," Xichen said.

Wuxian smiled and looked at Wangji, "Lan Zhan, why don't you take him as a helper of yours. He could learn a lot from you," Wuxian suggested, "You are also strict when you have to be and lenient when it calls for it. I feel like he'd work well with the rest of his punishment with you."

"I will allow it," Wangji said, "We will speak with Lan Huizhong about this very soon. He will first need to know that you have been assigned to someone else for the remainder of your punishment. Even though Huizhong is an elder, I am ranked above him as second master. It is my word against his."

"That is why I suggested it," Wuxian said, "and I think Shufu will have the best punishment for Huizhong. As he is the most respected elder within the sect...aside from the sect leader but he isn't considered an elder...yet."

"A'Xian, watch it," Xichen warned.

"Or what?" Wuxian asked, "You are older than all of us in the room. You are technically considered an elder at the moment."

"Wangji, make sure A'Xian gets punished for this," Xichen said.

"No," Wangji said, "I am still in a bit of trouble from the last punishment I handed out. So you are on your own."

Wuxian smiled, "See, this is why being married has its benefits."

Xichen sighed and looked at Jingyi, "alright, get dressed and we can get your back treated at the infirmary."

"Okay," Jingyi said and looked at Wuxian, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Wuxian said, "When it comes to abuse, I had my fair share of it. If you ever need to talk, feel free to come to me anytime you need."

"I will, Uncle Wei," Jingyi said.

Wangji, Wuxian, and Sizhui left so Xichen can deal with Jingyi. Wuxian looked at Sizhui, "Thank you for getting him to talk to us."

"I figured he needed a friend's help," Sizhui said.

"You did good, A'Yuan."

Sizhui nodded, "it's what a best friend should do."

"Now, Lan Zhan and I have been meaning to talk to you," Wuxian said.

"About what?" Sizhui asked.

"Did Biyu really beat you today in class or did you let her win?" Wuxian asked.

"She beat me fair and square," Sizhui answered, "She is stronger than she looks."

Wuxian grinned, "Never underestimate a female, no matter how good she looks. She can use it against you," Wuxian said.

"I will keep that in mind," Sizhui said, "I wasn't planning on pairing with her today but she asked me specifically so I said yes. I felt it would be rude to refuse."

"Why would you refuse?" Wuxian asked, "Is it because she is a girl?"

"No," Sizhui said, "It's just difficult when it comes to fighting against women. Whether you are just sparring or you are fighting against one."

"Your morals tend to change when it comes to fighting women. Do not ever let your opponent get to you, no matter the gender," Wuxian said.

"Yes, Baba."