晨曦

The mistress was happy to leave the convincing to him. At times, a mother's effort could only go so far. By many definitions, Yìhéng was an idyllic child who presented with few challenges and even fewer troublesome behaviors. Ruòlán could not have asked for better. He aimed to please and was quite attached to his mother, trusting her decisions at every step. Yet in all other ways, he often questioned the ways of the world and wondered why it could not have been different. He understood that to enact change, he had to embody someone who could make it so. And thus, the reason for all of their paths colliding.

With each of Ruòlán's own charitable actions, she, too, never desired to be remembered. In fact, she preferred to be a masked investor in most of what she did. If she could change lives in any way, she did not need the memorial for it. Just knowing that lives were changed, healed and flourishing was enough. It was enough to know she was leaving the world a better place than when she had entered it. Better than she had encountered and experienced it.

“It's true that the children of the capital have found ways to be unkind to this son of mine. A fault of my own profession. Though, he showed them that being the underdog means little else and eventually, he found his own crowd.” Despite being a business owner, Ruòlán had never been respected as a merchant. Where merchants ranked low, she ranked lower. She was thankful for Yìhéng's resilience and though she would never admit so herself, it was most certainly something he learned from watching her.

At starting new, she stared up at him with an innocent expression. “My life has been full of new starts. For the first time, I do not fear this one. Certainly not when there is such a bright light to guide me.” She lifted his chin with just a finger, examining either side of the cheek playfully before putting on a smile. “Although, I admit I am a little nervous..” Her voice dimmed slightly. “I know your mother and father seem warm to me now but as I come to know more of your family members, I can't help but worry what others of your family may think of me.” Which was odd, as she did not usually carry such frets. But this was his family, after all. The value of their good impression meant so much more..

His compliments and spoken faith restored a fraction of her concerns, as she nodded in receipt of them. Often, it was said that couples beat as one heart and thought as one mind. Already, their hopes for a future felt somewhat aligned. She hoped to get there with him someday and accomplish something for the betterment of others.

“Then I should really sink into quiet relaxation for as long as possible!” she exclaimed cheekily. There was an undoubted thrill for all that was to come with a new role—a new entrance, really, into a part of society she had never known from his perspective. “I considered this to be an early retirement but it seems I will have to come out of it again not long after! I may have to rethink this whole magistrate's wife title..” It was only meant as a tease but she was quick to reassure him this time, before he had time to pout. A dramatic sigh instead. “I suppose if I don't take it up, though, that would mean some other woman would flock to fill the vacancy. And I'm quite a jealous mistress.” A wide smile, as she leaned closer on the table.

“Any other woman would not have half my experience in recognizing how society and economy intertwine,” she declared confidently, folding her arms over her chest. “Evidently, only I may ensure things are well in order before you arrive with your magistrate's hat on.” Enthusiasm surged then, as she thought of all the ways and meanings of starting fresh. Of becoming his connection to the town until he arrived, of establishing what would become their shared home, and perhaps best of all: of a new identity in a place that did not know her past.

Before a tearful exhibit could make way, Ruòlán peered along the hallways around them and suddenly asked, “Where's the kitchen? Will you bring me there? I should teach you about how to feed my son something from his mother's recipes. Sometimes, it isn't quite the same if you just send someone else to do it.” There was no mistaking that he was busy but if it meant she could steal another moment with him without arousing too much suspicion, it made sense to try.

The world and its ranking system were unlikely to change. Did it not survive entire dynasties that kept changing, yet there was none for those considered on the bottom? Maybe jealousy could be the reason, as they certainly continued to grow richer while the proud noble families often could be found struggling for coin. Xiǎoqí had seen it many times, and this too was unlikely to ever change. One of the core struggles of politics was simply more hidden than other problems.

“What could there be to worry about? Eldest Brother is very different from Father. While the match was arranged as well, he loved his wife dearly and refused to remarry after her passing, insisting on raising his daughter and not desiring a son. Second Brother has two, so the family will fall to him. Naturally, as the youngest of four, my siblings have a weak spot for me. How could they refuse me anything? I am merely guilty of stubbornness.” He said that with the utmost innocence in his voice. Jing had always done some soft favouring for him.

If there was no worry, then it came with his brothers. While their relationship had its ups and downs, there had never really been envy or competition among them, maybe thanks to the way they were raised.

“While it will be far less work than what I am facing now, it still comes with many responsibilities. I won't deny that,” he replied with a softer voice. “But I know Fūrén will be of great help and my eyes and ears to find out what the people really desire. Naturally, I will share all the fruits of hard labor, and who knows? Maybe you'll host a much better annual celebration than...” He looked at her playfully, hinting at a certain noble lady in this little town.

“I fully entrust all matters into your hands and will have Zhuō Ān prepare access to my funds. As it is our home, while I cannot assist just yet, I'll ensure that it comes together well.” He leaned in, now placing a kiss on top of her head. “I am very content that Madam will keep all the overly confident and hidden ambitious women far away from home. Thankfully, it's common knowledge that the Li family practices a humble life with no need for giving any other ideas.” Ironically, there indeed had not been any concubines for several generations. “Then I'll constantly brag about my Fūrén naturally being the prettiest and possessing endless skill.”

He sighed a little as they walked. “I do still hope you may see those months ahead as a small vacation. You've worked just as hard.” He tilted his head to look at her. “I can introduce you to the madam who prepares the meals. She's quite old but still quick. The magistrate kicked her out, so I took her in. She's quite skillful and cooked for many households, but she's not the fastest anymore. A small one does work well for her.” He nodded with a smile. “You'll have to send some treats, too. Nothing can still replace your cooking, not even the same recipe.”

He had known the chances to find this friend of a friend were slim... but just like his friends, Rónán was stubborn. And even though 'stubborn' and 'feeling lost' combined did not improve his situation much, he knew he had to try. On top of everything, the person he was looking for liked Chinese food... but this could be said about all of his friends. It was not much help at all.

On the bright side, at least the trail hadn’t gone completely cold.

“I see.” He gave a nod. So Reilly had passed through here, after all. That at least was useful to know. “Thank you for the information, though.” In that moment, his stomach gave a small growl.

“There are almost no customers yet; why wouldn't there be?” he asked casually as he tilted his head slowly. There was no reason for the immortal to play overly polite when it was much easier to meet guests who seemed to have more thoughts a little more casually without giving them the impression he was after their money.

“Left by the window is nicest if you want to be alone while watching the street outside. Right next to the kitchen door is the best if you prefer to keep an eye on everything and everyone. Choose your favorite. Consider it on the house today, deeming I was not able to offer you any help today. We have some regulars, so if you feel bold, you might go ahead and try your luck with them.”

The sweet curiosity to see if he would go for it or not. A human's true nature shows when pushed to a limit.

It might have been easy for an immortal being to say death was part of life but somehow, Gin experienced death still quite... vividly. The people who took care of him after he broke free from his cell were gone, ashes to ashes. And even in another life, Gin would once again outlive them. But nothing would make him regret this encounter, not when these two people had brought so much joy and love into his life. Hence why the dragon prince nodded, a small smile adorning his features as he was listening to the other. While Gin would not pry, he seemed to sense that Zhuō Ān's story took deeper roots than simply being born into immortality like the dragon. Souls were a precious thing, no matter what or who you were. "Yes, I think I see it the same way."

Zhuō Ān learnt that time was a concept one could not easily explain, but also not take for granted. After dying for the first time and learning what had become of Zhěn, he then understood that the times in which he was able to meet him in the underworld were precious and that whenever the immortal came to visit him was not a given. Instead of worrying so much about how often or how long it lasted, or how to design it, simply being was the way to go in his eyes. In the end, was it not about the chance to have time spent together anyway? Who cared if it was just a few minutes and not done with great planning and effort? Death was just a pause too; time spent was not less worth it, and grieving it was not really needed. You had it, and if you wanted to, maybe in a way, you even could reencounter their next reincarnation.

Yet, Ān's character was a little lighter as a supernatural being. The burdens of social rankings had fallen off him, allowing him to now simply interact as he desired. There was a tilt of his head as he looked at the man in front of him. “Are you asking to meet more often? I thought you were quite busy with your travels! Mh, my lair is not too far from here, and I have no intentions of traveling again before autumn.” It was one of his ways of saying that, certainly, he'd not mind meeting again.

Buwei thought about what was said before, wondering how long the man had been here to have lost his humanity in such a way - perhaps Li Zhen never was like most humans to begin with. It was not a bad thing by any means, the prince could not feel but think that living in a place between time, between lives, seeing emptiness as a way to pass on had to have altered whatever outlook on life he'd had before. Surely, the fact that Buwei was still somehow a living soul made him the odd one out. There was surely something to learn here, a virtue of serenity.

The gardens of his host were truly a sight to behold. All but a few flowers were blooming many were species he'd not seen before, and while the Prince was lacking when it came to knowledge and appreciation of such things, even he found himself a child, taken by wonder at the beauty of it all. In the back of his head, a thought of his dear mother surfaced, and he could not help but hope that before she entered her next cycle, she got to see and walk among this beauty. She did so love flowers...

As they reached a small pavilion, tea ready and waiting as if it had known them coming, Buwei stood by the steps that led to the table and looked at his host. "Who takes care of the gardens? I must commend them for their skill and true eye of beauty. These..." his hand moved to sweep across the scenery. "Even the royal gardens pale in comparison. Do..." he paused, unsure how to ask his question. "Do the souls come here before they move on?"

It would make no difference anymore, he was sure she'd already passed, he could not even know if she ever made it to this place but the idea of him walking where she'd walked felt intimate and the lonely Prince could not help but hope that in a way, he could imagine this as a small reunion with her.

Slowly, he moved to sit by the table and took in a breath, allowing the fragrant tea to mix with the soft sweetness of the greenery around them. "Is there even anything to want here?" In his eyes, the Realm of his host felt perfect.

The power to shape and change every inch of the inn was in his hands, but there were limits to it. Maybe one could compare it to a homemade meal: the recipe could be handed out, but it would never be the same. Only the person who knew what the original once tasted like held the power to continue doing so until one found the true, perfect balance to recreate that taste. Flowers were the same. Sure, he could have still done so, but after all, most of those held a memory, honoring a soul long gone who liked a particular flower. An old soul could excuse it as sentimental in that regard.

“These are all flowers from the mortal world I have cultivated to bloom in the night. The cost is that if you were to bring one of them back to sunlight, they'd instantly wither. It takes a few generations of crossbreeding and understanding the soil to have them prosper. Patience always pays off. The earth here is potent, thus they largely care for themselves, but I do have souls who work here who offer a hand in it.” The world of the dead and the living should indeed not be the same.

The immortal leaned forward and plucked a single wild rose. “If the sea of flowers is all souls, the one I plucked is the chance for them to come here. The answer is, most never come here. Souls naturally walk the path, just as they should. To the next life, and we never should hope they linger.”

He placed the flower inside the vase on the table with the others. “I was once born in the dynasty you people believe is but a myth. I, too, had family, friends, and a woman I once loved. I also carry a mortal soul that longs to move on.” There was no reason to give this prince difficult truths in learning that a soul could be too damaged to be reborn. “The Innkeeper is forced into the role and has to serve until time is up. I find it easier simply to exist and go on rather than to think of it. Maybe it is not unlike your brother. He, too, was born to become king, although maybe in his heart, he has other desires, but one cannot always change fate.”

“I will order you something I like then, but not something that reminds me of you. After all, how could I use the excuse then to keep you around longer tonight to get to know you better?” His voice was leisurely as he used this simple flirt and leaned over to talk to the bartender. He picked the crowd favorites to come and serve at the special events, but made sure to give a tip to all those who did not work tonight to avoid bad feelings about preferences.

“Let's go with the Afterimage then. It's inspired by a Negroni, but we swap the dry vermouth to reduce the sweetness.” Naturally, it wasn't only the drink that needed to look pleasant to the eye, but the preparation did too, which is why many worked tonight. “Are you enjoying the silence?” he teased jokingly, considering music was playing, but the younger man would understand. “I put extra effort in tonight to impress, but do not let the other guests know,” he whispered after leaning a little closer, ignoring the two drinks being placed in front of them.

Yáng Tiānxī preferred to be on the safe side, away from most troubles but she was not one to abandon friends and whatever reason he had in the end, the bigger part of her trusted Xiǎoqí. She did not mind the establishment, work was work in her eyes. Granted, the apothecary had no desire in being put into danger but she wouldn't be here if the owner cared only little about her life. And strangely enough, Tiānxī wished to help in whatever the hidden worries might be. Perhaps he had none which would also be fine yet for one reason or another, she would remain here. It was her friend she had come for, then the money. Was she curious? Beyond measure. Would she inquire about it? Only if needed.

"An awfully terrible one," she completed, slight grin showing. Tiānxī never considered herself noble nor did she exactly strive for said glory or power. Perhaps that was the reason why she fit in right there, where nobody cared about her gender nor position as long as Tiānxī treated you. Some grateful, others not so much. "You know I am without ambitions unless it's what I'm passionate about. No rank or title, yet I am very much aware I am somewhat priviledged to still be able to do what I want." Fingers delicate yet marked by tiny burns or cuts reached out for the sweets again, facial expression making her delight quite obvious. Only after did Yáng Tiānxī speak up again, careful yet comfortable enough around the man. She ought to be cautious but Xiǎoqí never lied to her. Omitted things maybe, some the apothecary wondered about yet understood, everyone had secrets. "I never promise things. Usually. But what I can promise is that my expertise and skills are yours for the duration of our contract, as long as it states. I know what I signed up for."

“Somebody will give you a proper rundown of our rules. Just make sure not to break them too much, as if you do, I'd still have my hand forced. I cannot make too many differences between you and the other staff. I am sure you understand that, regardless of our friendship.” It was said casually, but with the hint that he would prefer for them not to go there. As for staff, there was plenty, and those he had chosen to be in charge of different sections would do a good job of showing her around so she could follow them comfortably.

He had plenty of thoughts and matters to handle, so Xiǎoqí was a little quiet for some time as he leisurely used the golden fan like a regular hand fan, looking for the desk that held plenty of work waiting to be taken care of. “I believe this is all for now. We shall have a further discussion another time. No need to begin work for another two days.” It was more or less an order, not so much a suggestion. Xiǎoqí still had matters to handle before then, down there.

“He will show you around before you can retire to your lodging.” His smile was casual and smooth when Zhuó Ān entered, almost as if it were planned, as if his friend had simply splendid timing. He had sensed him already through their bond. The other man blinked in confusion, looking from the immortal to the young woman, before a lazy smile slipped onto his lips. “Ah, new personnel! I got you. I can show you the rooms! Did you see the baths? Very nice.” Xiǎoqí only chuckled. There was a black butterfly to lead them around. With that, he vanished.

“Shall we go?” the beast asked, tilting his head like an owl, grinning. There was indeed a black butterfly already waiting for them. “I shall be your guide.”

The prince listened, following behind Li Zhen as they began to walk and fell into deep thought. He wanted to ask questions about the other, he wanted to know more about what he remembered and for the reasons he was stuck in this place between when he seemed to be speaking so fondly of re-entering the circle, yet... it seemed too private, too invasive. Instead, Buwei kept silent, taking in every tidbit shared by his host.

The world around them was dark but not unwelcoming, there was a soothing quality to their surroundings. Buwei found that he rested well in this place and grew more and more comfortable, finding this calm world more amiable than the one he came from. Yet... he knew he would eventually return and that his presence in this world would make no impact. For one who was raised to be proud and with the expectation of leaving a mark, there was a humbling realisation in that fact.

"Tell me... were there any cases of living people staying here? What happens then?" While he knew better than to want to stay -- he would never abandon his family, after all -- this was the one point that he felt, his curiosity was allowed to seep through.

“This place is a means for cleaning a soul so it may move on into another life. All those who come here have already stepped through hell, and with that, this is the final neutral step of your soul before you leave behind your memory and face karma. Everything here is to nurture the very base form of a soul that only holds the shape you see, caused by memory. The living do not belong here.”

It was simple, but he reflected on how, for many, it seemed to be hard to understand or why they would not find here what they hoped. The truth was that the number of souls who decided to remain was far lower than those who crossed. One soul in ten thousand, if one may do a rough calculation in years without cruel wars.

“But if you want to be precise, anything longer than a year starts to disturb your soul. You still carry life, yet the world here is to preserve it. The longer you stay, the more your soul is strained. Then, if you remain for too long, you will not be able to rejoin the cycle of reincarnation. Damaged souls are included in it, but you are no longer a living being. You cannot return to the mortal world either. Neither of those is worth trying to find out how long you can stay, so I ensure to send everyone back after a year.”

Unintentionally, the eyes of Hán Jìngyí began to narrow as the young lady before her spoke the good word of this Hé family of which she was unfamiliar. Even staring back at Niè Yùwén, it could not be helped that there was some level of skepticism—something innately whispering to her that the truth being shared was not whole. It might have been helpful if the Niès and Luòs had kept in better touch over the years but dredging up the past could-have and would-haves would have done so little for them then.

A performative smile was drawn, as she inhaled through her teeth and began in her own line of questioning toward the opposing female. “I find it interesting is all that you should choose to spend your wealth on a family your grandfather pitied.. Are there not greater institutions you would want to put all of that toward? What does this man have to do with supporting scholarship, as your family is known for?” The question was not meant to challenge the woman as much as it was to help the mother make better measure of her. There was no second guessing that indeed the familiarity existed but whether she had a good enough reason to be was what struck the matriarch's curiosity. Yíhán appeared much like a mirror of his mother in terms of expression, equally weighing the suspicion that had been voiced.

And then there was the relief from the constricting again by Luò Mín. “That is indeed so very tragic,” he hummed, nodding along, “We express our condolences for your family as well, Niè Fūrén. You seem to be managing your household well. Should you need aid in any places, feel free to speak up at anytime. Our families have been close for generations. It is my regret that I did not carry the torch for it.” Handling his wife was usually plenty as a handful but then he also had his three children's matters to manage. At least, Yíhán was always less of a concern than the other two.

Another kick under the table. “But yes, do tell us why you're so interested in the Hé heir.” He was a dutiful husband first and foremost.

· · ·

Hé Wěi's gentle plead brought great comfort to her, as that same grin she always wore became apparent. “You did?! …a carriage? Is he returning with us to camp?” What all had she missed in her slumber? Despite his insistence, Yírén sat upright and leaned against the bed frame. She must have been lying there too long; her whole body was stiff and aching. “Eurgh.. How long have I been like this?” Her hand moved to the back of her neck, as she craned it for a stretch.

Her fingers helped him along with the huff he made, moving the loose strands away. And then her touch lingered. His skin was warm against her chilled hands and she found another comfort in it as she moved her hand to cup his face. “Don't sit like that anymore. Come sit with me on the bed,” she urged weakly, feeling bad that she was taking up all of the room while he was clearly exhausted himself. From the looks of it, it could not have been very comfortable for him. And besides, how long was he like that? Maybe selfishly, she also hoped he would wrap his arms around her to feel even closer…to have more of his warmth.

Her parents.. Ah yes, there would be that to answer to. Sometimes, it did not seem that Yírén much considered the repercussions as clearly as she did after the fact. Her grin became a grimace at the thought. She could convince her father of her intentions, sure. But her mother? She should have realized.. Her eyes were downcast as a result, feeling guilty about how her mother was likely to treat them if she ever came to know what happened. But if no one said anything or betrayed Yírén's trust, then no one would know…right..?

“I…did have a dream,” she mused, carrying them away from the more stressful thoughts of dealing with her parents. “I was in the stables and could not leave it. There was a figure in the distance that I swear, it almost looked…” ‘Like you,’ she wanted to say but she didn't. “Never mind! It was just strange is all.” Her sights finally returned to meet his, as she took the offered cup and drank.

“What all happened? How's Xiǎoyàn? She was not happy in the stables for some reason..” That was the last she remembered before she fell into the peculiar dream. There were other questions she had, too. About Hé Wěi himself. Did he also feel like their lives were intertwined somehow, in some way far beyond their control? Like, every choice she made could not have defied that they were indeed destined to find each other? That they were inevitable? It felt like a silly thought, so she did not pursue it with any intentions to bother him about it. Perhaps it was all just that coincidental.

“This young miss thanks you for this kind offering of aid. I hope to honour our old friendship again, going forward.” There was a hint of pity that she knew to conceal from them because Madam Niè was very much aware of the growing tension between the Imperial Family and the ever-growing military nobles who held too much power and only kept rising. It was even worse in the years of peace because, in the minds of rulers, that was the best time to consider moving.

“Luò Fūrén is greatly admired for having gained her position without anyone’s help. Yet most are not as fortunate. Why not give them a chance as well? I am the last of my family; for me, there is nothing left to lose, and the reason why there never was a match between the Niè and the Luò family, despite our long friendship, I deem maybe so, Luò Lǎoyé is aware of, feels less of a concern to me.” It would have been suicidal for two families who both aided the founding of their nation to come together in a marriage alliance. “There also have been attempts on my life; I might selfishly desire to bring up one that is indebted to me, who will grow enough in name to have people reconsider if they dare to test the alliance forged from it.”

The woman performed a bow: “I shall not take more of this family’s time. I thank you for your kind hospitality. Shall the heavens bless your further efforts to protect our nation.” Yǔwén turned around, her eyes meeting Kǒng Xī, who had awaited in silence at the edge of the tent, opening it for her lady, who paused.

“My consort aunt mentioned that Huánghòu Niángniáng hopes Luò Fūrén also thinks humbler matches would not bring any shame to the family name. A mother shouldn’t strive too high.” With that, she left. She slightly lifted her skirt as she stepped through the mud. “I don’t think the Luò family cares much for political warnings,” the aide spoke by her side. Yǔwén didn’t comment.

. . .

“Just all of the evening and the night. It is not very late, but we likely will need longer to return to camp in a carriage. However, there is no way to argue about it. The physician strictly refused the idea of letting you sit on horseback.” He had considered sharing a saddle, but then he forgot that it was still considered an offense even in this generation; a lady must not sit with a man on horseback unless they were wed. While the realms of hell had ridiculous laws too, he found many of its younger generation to be more rebellious to uphold all of them.

Lǐ Zhěn moved slowly to sit by her side, and while he dared not to embrace her, it was still closer than proper for a man and a woman who held no official ties other than a self-proclaimed devotion of love. His fingers brushed over her soft hair, and he placed a small kiss on top of it. Why was it that he always chose the forbidden love stories?

“Mh, dreams often speak of something we are thinking about. I found you in the stables, maybe that is why you dreamt of it.” In the end, not even the immortal would be able to make sense of dreams. Their meanings were often hidden from those who ventured into them. “Mh, she is quite alright. I take it maybe she just sensed the storm and, being in unfamiliar surroundings, did not like it too much.”

“Do not worry about it, there are no injuries at all. I will lead her down carefully. Once we are back, it will be wiser for me to withdraw. I decided to accept Hé Fūrén's offer. She originally invited me to remain within the family estate, but I felt it would have been distasteful how she buried her brother and asked the man to inherit her home next to be at one spot.” An excusable story, and not quite a lie; she did offer, and he rejected.

“I will not be able to stay much longer anyway. Dà Jiāngjūn gave me those months off because of a minor injury, but I know he also hoped I might reconnect with the family here. I know the Southern Hé branch gives him a hard time; they cannot wait for him to die to take his place. If this swordsman can cut the ill fate for him, I must find out.” He couldn't get back from that story he told her, or it would be suspicious. “I also hope to return before I fear your parents might write him off their displeasure. I know if I make him know my feelings, he will understand and not be harsh for me to have left such an impression on his men with the Northern Army.” He kissed her nose.