I knelt beside Master Fu, my heart heavy as I looked at the blood soaking through the cloth around his legs. This was not just pain from an old wound. The injury had torn open again.
"Fu Tong, Fu Sheng," I said firmly, "help me lay him on the ground. Slowly."
They did not question me. Fu Sheng supported his father's upper body while Fu Tong carefully held his legs. Together, they placed Master Fu flat on the ground. His breathing was rough, his face pale, and his jaw trembled as he endured the pain.
Madame Fu broke down completely. She knelt beside him, crying softly, her hands shaking as she clutched his sleeve. Fu Fei was also crying, wiping his sweat again and again, but the cloth was already soaked with blood. Fu Teng stood beside them, holding both women and quietly comforting them.
I took a slow breath and tried to think clearly.
