A little date out/ Hulijing night life..
After the Sunshot celebrations, everyone went their separate ways; heading to their sects and Jing Manor.
But Qin Cangye wanted drama. The Former Madam Qin wasn't by his side during his chat with the others, because she dislikes cultivaton drama. She also came from a generation where women don't really have a say.
Qin Cangye: Furen, I was telling the senior cultivators about A-Qing.
Former Madam Qin: A-Qing? What about her?
Qin Cangye: Do you think A-Song should reshuffle his harem? She isn't a cultivator.
Former Madam Qin: A-Song and the Mengs love her, and that's all what matters.
Is she your concubine?
Qin Cangye: Oh no no! What are you asking me, dear?!
But she is the new Madam Qin, as Rusong inherited the sect from me.
I will talk to Huangdi!
Former Madam Qin: *sigh* Cangye. Certain things are fine how they are. Don't try to change it.
Yao: Yuefu. How was your night?
Qin Cangye: Fine, Yao'er. Thank you!
Former Madam Qin: He used his night to conspire.
Qin Cangye: Not at all!
Yao: Conspiring about what, Yuefu?
Rusong: Waizumu, is Waizufu stressing you out again?
Former Madam Qin: *laughing* Is there a day when he doesn't.
Qin Cangye: Furen.
Qin Su: I told him that overthinking isn't good for his blood pressure, but he doesn't listen.
Yao: I see. Tell me what's bugging you?
Qin Cangye: Taizifei.
Yao: Taizifei.
A-Qing: Me???
Qin Su: Did she insult you or something?
Rusong: What happened to her?
Qin Cangye: *clears throat*
Uhh, she's lovely. And a quick learner too.
But would you rather a cultivator.
Rusong: She's fine how she is. A-Qing has had a tough life.
A-Qing: Am I too poor for your liking? But then I'm far from poor, because I'm married to your grandson. Then what are you really on about?
Yao: Yuefu. We prioritize Rusong's happiness. Origins don't matter.
A-Qing: And you're just jealous.
Rusong: A-Qing has developed a core, as we did dual cultivation.
Qin Cangye: Ah, ok.
But I still rather Yingying.
Rusong: I like Ning Yingying too, but as a third ranking concubine.
Yao: The second being sect leader Ouyang Zizhen, of course.
I'm the emperor, and I say it's fine.
Rusong: Everything's settled then.
Waizufu. Don't worry.
Qin Cangye: If you and A-Yao say so.
~~
Some time into the night in Pine Pavillion, A-Qing cuddles with her Rusong in their lounge area.
A-Qing: Rusong. Kiss me.
Rusong: Of course. *kisses*
A-Qing: *giggles, then caresses his chest.*
What was wrong with your grandfather? Why does he want to cause drama all of a sudden.
Rusong: I guess he was bored. Don't listen to him.
A-Qing: I don't care if anyone hates me *snuggles* As long as you love me, I'm all set.
You know, I'm not the crying type.
Rusong: True. You're a strong person.
A-Qing: *props her head up on his shoulder* Rusong, you know. We're alone now.
Rusong: *embraces her* Yes, beloved. But.
A-Qing: But?.
Rusong: I want to take you on a date, in the city.
A-Qing: Ooo, Rusong!!*wraps her arms around him* That sounds so fun! And romantic!
Rusong: *cups her face* Also, I would love to show you the night life of fox spirits in Shanxi.
A-Qing: Are we going in disguise??
Rusong: Nop.
A-Qing: Ahh, you want us to be the it-couple,
Rusong: I have to show you off, dear.
Tuo Qi, please put some hairpins in her hair.
Tuo Qi: *smiles* Yes Taizi!
A-Qing: In a moment, Rusong. *blushing*
~
Other than Jingjing's imperial city, Shanxi's Luoyang province came alive during the night. Hong is known to dazzle with gold and red lanterns, red fabrics and peach blossoms. The colour red was always the favourite colour of the hulijings all across the fox spirit realms. Luoyang city bustles, as if there were a party, but in reality, it was just its alluring charm. Residents and passersby wear fox spirit masks as an oriental fashion statement and a sense of strong self identity.
They're neither bad nor good, but they're beautiful and well protected.
When everyone saw their favourite couple, they froze to admire them. They saw how Rusong romantically helped her out of their caravan, then how they happily glide through the streets.
"Aww! They're adorable together!"
"I'm still in love with Rusong Taizi. He's so dreamy!
"Yea Rusong Taizi is incredibly handsome, but i have a crush on Taizifei instead."
"Agreed! She's so cute!"
"I think I should try being a concubine for Taizi. I won't marry. Anyone else.
A-Qing: Beautiful!!! I'm so tempted to run through the streets.
Rusong: This is the allure of the city, dear. I dare you.
A-Qing: you know I'll drag you with me.
But what if I actually run through the streets?
Rusong: Everybody would part the walkway! What else?
Rusong and A-Qing then stopped at a vendor who was selling Hebao pouches. However, there was a variation of the pouch that was only known to fox spirits.
Vendor: *becomes flusteted, when saw such a famous couple* Ahahah.....T....Taizi. it's you?
Rusong: *playfully looks around* Taizi? I want to see him too!
Vendor: Rusong Taizi, what, a surprise!!!
I'm Shuoying. I have four children, a daughter-in-law, and a wife. Heh. Huangdi is amazing at what he does.
Rusong: That's lovely. Nice to meet you.
I'll tell Huangdi. And yes, it was a spontaneous trip.
A-Qing, let's exchange Hebaos.
A-Qing: Aww. How romantic! Taizi.
Shuoying: And it gets more romantic!
There's a tiny mirror tied to it, that's believed to show you your soulmate in the reflection.
A-Qing: Really?!!
Rusong: It is a belief in our culture.
A-Qing: Does it work? *looks at him*
Rusong: Hulijings are always precise.
*buys it* Here you go.
A-Qing thereafter looks at the mirror for a few seconds, then when she thought of Rusong, his reflection appeared in the mirror.
A-Qing; Rusong!! Rusong!! It's you!!
Rusong: Aww, so sweet!!
A-Qing: You try.
Rusong: As expected! It's your reflection. We were meant to be together, huh.
A-Qing: *emotional* Yes!
Shuoying: I'm glad you two love it. May you be prosperous.
A-Qing: Was he having a stroke in the beginning? And why did he mention his family?
Rusong: They get stunned when they see a Meng. It's also a mixture of patriotism and being overwhelmed. Older generations are accustomed to greeting their leaders like that.
A-Qing: *laughs* But we just wanted to buy their stuff.
Rusong: Exactly. Anyways, i find it quite wholesome.
A-Qing: *wraps her arms around his* But Rusong, Luoyang is such a beautiful, bustling city.
Have you tried street food?
Rusong: Yea, I eat them sometimes. When I'm on the move.
A-Qing: I used to have fun stealing from them. Hehehehehe.
And giving the vendors a sad story while they see my blind amd vulnerable state.
Rusong: Ah, you were quite the mischief maker, weren't you.
A-Qing: Mhm. If i did that now, there would be a scandal.
Rusong: *laughs* I can see the headlines already. Taizifei pretends to be blind, then fled with 50 steamed pork buns.
A-Qing: And don't forget the chewy noodles!
Rusong: Do you want some?
A-Qing: Oh my goodness! Yes I dooo! But I want to go to a restaurant. During my days on the streets, I used to be chased away. So I've never experienced it.
Rusong: That's awful.
A-Qing: Is that where people get drunk? In many cases, I saw people stagger out of these places with red faces and their clothes torn.
Rusong: *shakes his head fondly*
A-Qing: They would whisper ugh, this vagrant girl again. She's here for money and food.
Idiots, am I right! Obviously I want food and money. I'm on the streets.
Rusong: I hate how they treated you! But rest assured, my darling wife, none of that is going to happen again. *holds her hand* I'll give you all the love, honour and respect you deserve.
A-Qing: You already do! I'm much better off.
*Stops*
You give me so much. Sometimes I wonder what should I give you in return.
Rusong: Nothing. You're enough.
A-Qing: I love you, Rusong.
Rusong: *kisses her hand* I love you too.
The fox spirits on the other hand, caught nosebleeds, screamed in excitement and fainted. They love this sort of thing, especially when it's Rusong.
Rusong: Looks like we've turned heads.
A-Qing: More like cause concussions.
Rusong: Ehem. My people. Please continue with your night life.
I just wanted to kiss Taizifei in public.
A-Qing: *laughing*
Suddenly, Rusong heard a familiar voice.
Guzi: Hey sexy.
Rusong: Fancy meeting you here.
Guzi: Huh. I thought you were in your palace.
So have you reconsidered on having your very own assassin who makes his own poison in a cave, yet?
A-Qing: dude. Stop harassing Rusong! You're not a part of team dimple 2.0.
Rusong: When I need your help then I'll summon you.
Guzi: summon? Are you an exorcist? Ahahahahaha. You ruling classes and your words.
Come on, I'll be your third wheel.
Rusong: Sorry, this isn't the time. I'm on a date with A-Qing.
Guzi: And you think that will stop me.
Rusong:*claps twice, signaling hulijing spies to jump out of nowhere*
Guzi: *looks around* where did they come from?
Rusong: *opens fan* It was a pleasure bumping into you, but I must leave.
We'll keep in touch?
Guzi: *rolls eyes*
I knew I should've caused some sort of crime.
Then only dimples would pay attention to me.
Guzi: So you aren't going to let me see him?
One of the hulijing spies: No. Now go back home.
Guzi: You can't tell me what to---
*dodges some fox spirit fire that was launched at him*
...
After two hours of walking around and shopping, they settled in Changyue Fanglin, an eatery, winery, teahouse and an area of entertainment wrapped in one. Much like other restaurants.
In addition, there was a hotel upstairs.
The owner and manager, Xu Jianxin, a former writer himself, greeted the couple to his facility.
And as expected, his customers all stopped to look at Rusong and A-Qing amd whisper among themselves.
Xu Jianxin: *escorts them to their seat* I'm so happy to see you amd Taizifei! You two make such a nice couple, and very popular.
Rusong: Thank you!
Xu Jianxin: Please have a seat.
Rusong: Perfect. *closes fan*
Thereafter, a quarter of Fanglin's staff all came to serve him.
Xu Jianxin: Taizi, you could've rented out the entire restaurant, you know.
Rusong: No, I rather be a normal customer, among the rest.
A-Qing: Is that the norm?
Rusong: Yea, sometimes I rent out the restaurant when I'm with my sect members. So that we can have quick and confortable service.
*puts his hand on hers*
I don't intend for this date to be quick at all.
A-Qing: Aww! Rusong.
Xu Jianxin: That's quite ideal!
Now, may I take your order?
Rusong: Hawthorne beef, stir fry and a side of fried rice. Some snowskin mooncakes for dessert and Menghuang wine.
A-Qing: MengHuang?
Rusong: One of the most popular wines.
Staffer: It's believed to be invented by a sommelier who once served the emperor.
A-Qing: Ah.
I would like to have clear spicy noodles, sweet and sour pork. And for dessert, give me your most unique option.
Staffer: You both will be served right away.
Rusong: Thank you very much.
While they waited, A-Qing observed her surroundings.
There were musicians and poets working together and a unique dance native to Hulijings.
The dancers would cover their hands with long sleeves, showing only their long red nails. Whereas the masked backup dancers utilise flowy fabric.
Rusong: It's called Hong Zhijia.
It symbolizes how beautiful we hulijings are.
They're known to pour tea for anyone on stage or who approach them. It shows how we help others, practically feed the Jianghu and lead the Jianghu to peace
A group of people afterwards came to convey their greetings.
Dianxia's dimples!
He's smoking hot!
Dianxia, you're so adorable.
Taizifei, may I ask Taizi something?
A-Qing: Go ahead. I already know what it is.
Hmm, Taizifei is smart. Meng Taizi, will you marry me? I'm Murong from Yunmeng. I'm a fox spirit.
Rusong: Well you are pretty, Murong. Perhaps you can try the concubine selection process.
Yet, I don't know anything about you.
Murong: *screams with glee* Did you just say I'm pretty?!
Rusong: Mhm.
Murong: *kneels* You Mengs are truly beautiful.
They began to mumble among themselves, whereas Rusong's magnetic charm caused more customers to admire him.
Aww another Meng Dianxia!
Rusong: *curious* Who else is here?
Who else, Taizi? San Dianxia is upstairs!
Surrounded by beautiful hulijing women, Xiaobao looks over the indoor balcony.
Xiaobao: *waves his hand* Song ge! Song ge!
*smiles*
Rusong: As expected of you, A-Bao. How did you manage to sneak out?
Xiaobao: I told Huaien that I'm going to meet up with some friends, and take notes.
Rusong: Ahh. So this is your "taking notes"
Xiaobao: Yea.
Heyyy Saozi!
A-Qing: Do you and Rusong plan this?!
To seduce everyone in Luoyang?
Xiaobao: We always do, Saozi. But this time it was a coincidence.
Rusong: You mischievous little thing.
Xiaobao: Hulijings, why don't we go downstairs. I can't be looking down at Song ge. It's improper.
Yes San Dianxia. He's the future emperor.
A very sexy future emperor!
Xiaobao: Song ge. *bows*
So you want to take all the spotlight to yourself?
Rusong: Dear, i don't even try. They started trailing me.
Xiaobao: Excuses! *playful*
Rusong: Meng beauty.
Xiaobao: Exactly.
Let me give you two your privacy then. And as a representative of the Meng clan, I must commend the dancers on their performance.
Rusong: You can just say you're gonna flirt. No need to be so diplomatic.
Xiaobao: *hiccups* I have to be diplomatic. Because you're the future emperor.
Rusong: *rolls eyes* what to do with you.
Xiaobao: See you tomorrow.
~~
Afterwards, Rusong and A-Qing were served their dinner, where they lovingly fed each other and enjoyed each other's company. Despite the RuQing craze, Fanglin's customers respected their privacy.
Then they both had a few cups of that Menghuang wine.
A-Qing: *hiccups* Rusong. *Hiccups* I'm so full. And in the mood to cuddle.
Rusong: *hiccups, causing his ears and tails to appear*
A-Qing: *scoots nearer to him* You're a cute fox.
Rusong: *kisses* And you're quite the prettiest thing.
A-Qing: *hugs him tightly* Rusong!
Is your head spinning too?
Rusong: *caresses her cheek* Yes, my beloved. *hiccups* but I can't let anyone know. They may kidnap me. *hiccup*
A-Qing: That's illegal Rusong.
You're mine.
Rusong: I'm absolutely yours!
A-Qing: Where are you taking me after?
Rusong: Where do you want to go?
A-Qing: Somewhere with you.
Rusong: *hiccups* How about upstairs. We can rent a room.
A-Qing: Heyy! That sounds romantic!
Rusong: Of course it is.
Rusong: *opens fan* Xu Jianxin. Prepare a room for us. And I hope you have top notch security.
Xu Jianxin: *nervous* Y...yes Taizi!
The room was quickly prepared for them romantically. A-Qing laid on the bed filled with yellow peonies while Rusong lovingly towered over her in bed.
Rusong's beautiful golden eyes were fixed on her while she was giggling and blushing. He continued to stroke his fingers through her hair.
Rusong: *raises his brow* What?
A-Qing: Nothing! I just can't believe that I'm yours!
Rusong: Feels like a dream, right? *laughs*
Both: Are you still feeling---
Rusong: You go first.
A-Qing: Are you still feeling dizzy?
Rusong: No, what about you?
A-Qing: *caresses his face* Nop.
I just want to have you to myself.
But I was dizzy before.
Rusong: *kisses her fondly*
A-Qing: Tell me, Taizi. Do you want to secure your Meng line here?
Rusong: I rather do it in our mansion, dear. *kisses her hand* But for now, we can be a little romantic here.
A-Qing: You're fancy.
*kisses his dimple* As you wish.
Rusong: *lays down, then puts her in his arms. Then he pulled the curtains with his power.*
A-Qing: What a beautiful view.
Rusong: It's relaxing, isn't it?
A-Qing: I rather look at you instead.
You and your beautiful golden eyes.
*puts her hand in his*
Rusong: Aww!
*kisses* well I'm all yours.
A-Qing: So is this what a restaurant is like? Does everyone have a handsome fox spirit sweep them off their feet?
Rusong: *chuckles* If they're lucky enough.
A-Qing: *cuddles him more* I consider myself very lucky.
