A Wuxia Tale: Union

Deserving

(DAYU)

At first I couldn't believe it when Uncle Feng told me last night that Mei agreed to adopt the child he brought from SiChuan.

"Where did that child came from, Uncle?"

"Don't ask, Dayu ah. Like I told your cousin, I am not fully sure of the origin of the child...but that doesn't matter. What matters is Mei has a daughter now."

"The child is a girl, then. And are you sure Mei wants the baby?"

"Your cousin wants her. I want you to be happy for Mei, Dayu ah. Stop thinking too much about this,"

"I am not thinking too much..."

"Don't lie to me, boy. Shu was not the only one who raised you and Mei. I might be your uncle that only brought you your favorite weapons but I know you and your eyes. Stop thinking that Mei just took pity on the child because your cousin sympathized on the child's murky origin."

"But Mei did took pity on the child,"

"Maybe. But your cousin wants the baby. Badly. You didn't saw Mei's eyes when he is asking me to trust him and let him take care of the child. Your cousin is absolutely sure about his decision."

"Then I am glad, Uncle. You know I am also convincing Mei to try experiencing the joy of having a child. Now, Mei has a child he can carry and love."

"Your cousin has a big heart full of love, Dayu ah. I am proud of the two of you. After every tragedy you both had gone through, you both still have love in your hearts you are willing to share. Share in this joy with Mei. Support your cousin in this..."

"I do support him, Uncle. I promise..."

And I do. As I watch Mei coo and make funny sounds to entertain his daughter, my heart is full of joy for him.

"How was your first night?" I asked Mei.

Mei smiled at me. "Different from our other nights. I stood up and check on her at least three times the whole night. But the wet nurse Uncle Feng took here is efficient enough. Still, she will soon go back to SiChuan with Uncle Feng."

"And you will need a new wet nurse for...what is her name again?"

"ShuYin," Mei proudly said.

"ShuYin," I tried the name on my lips. "It's a wonderful name, Mei."

"It suits her," Mei gazed fondly at his daughter again.

"She is ugly," Dao equipped while peering down at the baby in her bassinet.

"Wang Dao!" Mei and I both admonished my son. The loud noise of our combined voices startled ShuYin. The baby puckered her face and proceeded to cry.

"Oh, it's okay..." Mei carefully lifted the baby from her bassinet to sway and coddle her. "Shhh, it's okay my love..."

I was about to lecture Dao about calling his cousin ugly when someone barged in the tea room in a hurry.

"What happened? Why did she cry?" Captain Jiang went to Mei frantically to check on the baby. "Why did you cry, my ShuYin? Did someone hurt you?"

I lifted an inquiring brow at Mei who silently and discreetly shook his head at me.

"She is fine, Jiang. Dao just called her ugly." Mei said with a smile at his lover.