#tiehua

{ @wingedruin ; } — finds a strange book & reads it . . .

"If the heavenly courts find out about it," Zhuó Ān breathed, watching how the master of the soul inn was meditating, forming a full form that could be seen and touched by all mortals. Not that he would need it, the red string of fate came with its perks, like being able to see and touch the one tied to it always, even if one did not have the true eye. Humans were not meant to see all of it, something he had learned as he became like that too. Yet, here Lǐ Zhēn was, cultivating a body that would work for everyone. It must require immense spiritual energy, but then, the man could access the inn, even though his friend knew he was not exactly supposed to use it like that. "And you really have no concerns about leaving the inn for ninety-nine days?"

. . .

A deep sigh came over his lips as one eye opened. What was not to understand about not disturbing him? Zhēn eventually rose, opened his hair, and stripped, picking up the clothes he had prepared ahead of time. "It is quiet, no big names are on the list to arrive. Besides, Ruí is very experienced. If an emergency occurs, she can force me back by disturbing the barriers. It will be alright. As for the iffy people, they have been hiding for some time, no worries." He glanced up as he dressed in robes that mirrored those of a member of a respected military family, though clearly belonging to a lower branch. Acceptable enough not to have to worry, but not too high to make impressions. A story of a nephew paying respect to his uncle after a recent loss. It could not hide his height, but thanks to his athletic build and general experience with weaponry, it was fine. He was an outstanding horseback archer; in case of need, he would simply pull it out.

"What do you think?" Zhēn asked as Zhuó Ān raised his brows. "I hope you do not break too many hearts like that." With that, he grabbed the night robes and poofed. "Tch, I forgot I am older now." He grabbed the cloak and snapped his fingers, a gentle glow making the gowns look a little more travel-worn. He pulled himself onto horseback, eyes briefly glancing at the moth that landed for a moment, confirming a position. Ninety-nine days were enough to encourage her to seek out a man it had taken him centuries to track down ever since he stumbled upon the legend of that blade. He could not ask, but she could. After her soul avoided him ever since their departure, he took that afternoon as the sign he had waited for. He owed her soul as much.

. . .

While the memory of the inn had faded, it was never fully erased. The woman called Yírén should still carry that sense of familiarity once they reunited, making approaching a little easier. The roads were busy as merchants and other travelers gathered together, heading toward a small town. Human history had been turbulent again recently.

He only moved off horseback when too many people were around, patting the side of the mare as he began to lead the animal. In stories, those kinds of encounters were adored by ladies, but he was counting on a complaint. A curse, maybe. Zhēn purposefully bumped right into the woman. It was calculated and carefully done because he had spent several moments admiring the plum trees that were in full bloom before it, making him seem reckless the most.

"Oh!" he called out, and he even brought a flush to his cheek. "I am sorry. I was careless." His expression was difficult, and the horse made a soft noise when forced to stop so suddenly. "Are you alright?"

{ @wingedruin ; } — a prince you say?

Every customer of the Riverflow Book Store knew Miss Cuī Shūlán only as a woman to be complimented for her manners, elegance, and calligraphy, making her a perfect fit for such a respectable establishment. At the same time, the madams hidden behind their fans would whisper that the store owner was truly gracious to give her a place to work, considering she was still unmarried, an orphan without a meaningful family name, and lacking noteworthy beauty. The gossip was most welcome. If one were to ask about her, those were the stories told, and she worked hard to ensure it remained that way.

She did not need to be an assassin in hiding to recognize the figure who stepped inside. The advantage of princes who were not immediate heirs was that the chances of seeing them were far greater. She had caught a glimpse of him once before during one of the rites. Ah, poor soul. Did he even know what he was doing?

Shūlán picked up a copy as she walked through the rows of books. Since everyone knew she worked here, no one was alarmed, and she managed to approach without interruption. She placed the book onto a shelf and cleared her throat softly, offering a bow.

❝I am not sure if His Highness the Prince is aware, but the reason my humble employer over there is continuously turning red while speaking to Madam Guo is not because of the conversation itself. His Highness is using a secret code established among young noblemen and the owner. If one leans with a random lecture against this shelf, it indicates a wish to see our secret inventory.❞ She paused for a moment. ❝The one young gentlemen desire to read briefly before marriage to ensure a smooth performance.❞

Her words were delivered with such elegance that one might forget, for a second, the nature of the topic. ❝I do not wish to claim that you have come here to glimpse such literature, but I dare not conceal it from you should that be the reason for your visit. I would surely be chased out onto the street if the owner learned that the prince had come here and was not served what he desired. So, if you wish, I can bring you to our private collection. If not, please consider reading The Snow and the Rivers. It is a very impressive report about how the rise of the rivers continues to increase each winter, further in the mountains.❞

With that, she offered a bow once more.

The anniversary of the Disappearance, as it was called in his household, had passed but a day ago yet, with the work that he was assigned to perform, Minrui was unable to prepare the memorial rite or visit the shrine to leave prayers for his brother, and it ate away at him like a parasitic growth created to make him wither away. Had it not been for Chenyi, surely, this year would have been a disaster. The first time, he did not do everything properly.

Now, a day too late, the two of them were sitting by a specially prepared, private table, eating and drinking their fill, a separate set of bowls put away as if Jingrui would suddenly appear and join them. Minrui felt guilt toward his missing brother and that he could not perform his duty toward him this year, but he felt even worse toward Chenyi who took up the role and even, as every year, showed her loyalty and generosity to the brothers by humouring Minrui and sitting with him, even though, he knew perfectly well how much she risked her own reputation spending time alone with him like this. He leaned and poured warm wine onto both of their cups and raised his own to sip from it. The recent days had been exceptionally warm, and thus the alcohol was affecting him more than usual, making him all the more sentimental. He smiled softly at the girl beside him and sighed. "Once more, thank you for your work yesterday. I am sure that wherever my brother is, your goodness and pure heart have reached him. I do so wish he'd come and thank you for all you do for him and this wretched brother of his..."

{ @wingedruin ; } — a lady's way in the capital . . .

When Guō Shūyàn married into the Lǐ family, she was already 20 years old. Yes, in their ranks, it was looked upon as a sign of bad luck, and many had considered her cursed because during her years before she blossomed, a match had been arranged with a young and promising official. The day before the wedding, he broke off the engagement in the most uncivil way, but as custom had it, not the man was looked down on but the girl. Thus, her father found no new match for her. There were rumors of why she had lost her fiancé to a girl of lower standing. When the former patriarch of the Lǐ family appeared, he had chosen her carefully. A woman who understood her role was wary of reputation, but from a respectable household. Most of all, a woman who would take the role as a mother, and for some reason, it seemed her age was deemed a better fit for it, considering she no longer held the reckless idea of true love or wished to rise in ranks after years of waiting.

Of course, more than thirty years later, nobody thought of such stories anymore whenever the Second Madam appeared in public. She was considered a defined lady, a true role model, but since her family was one of high scholarly wealth and not as much noble blood, interest had been dim until her youngest son suddenly rose in ranks and seemed to recently enjoy the trust of the court. When she entered the Plum Blossom Tea House, ladies behind curtains whispered, but none would dare say anything loud. The spot to meet Madam Táng had been chosen with care. There were not many places outside of boutiques for women to meet, but the Empress Dowager had established this tea house herself during her own rule, and ever since, it had been a favorite. One needed to belong to a certain class to be given entrance to it, however, or, of course, receive an invitation from a regular.

Preparations had been made for her honoured guest to arrive ahead of her so they would not risk any unnecessary head turns. Guō Shūyàn was never described as a breathtaking beauty like the woman in front of her, which did not mean she did not have beauty of her own right during her youth. Now strands of grey ran through the hair that was stylishly held up, but with humbler hairpins, lacking any need for excessive accessories, but her robes spoke of wealth regardless. Then, people always said that whereas her oldest son had taken after his father in appearance, her youngest resembled her more in the sharpness of their jaws and their almost black eyes.

She smiled, and they went through the typical matters of social politeness between two women of the capital before she sat. It was not difficult to tell that the elderly maid by her side was the mother of Zhuó Ān, with the same ears and nose.

"I appreciate that you made time to meet me. I heard you only very recently returned from a business trip." A maid from the tea house moved over and bowed before pouring fine tea, sweet in scent, to match the exquisite pastries served on plates with very delicate flower patterns.

“I do not like the idea of how recklessly people like to gossip if invitations to homes are given, so I hope you do not mind that we meet in public. We have nothing to hide, so why should we not come to enjoy the tea? I heard this one came from India, very fashionable. You are my guest, so please, no reason to be too humble. The thought you hold is not the reason why I have sent the reputation. Furthermore, it was more an invitation between women rather than mothers, with the benefit of the other not being excluded from it.”

{ @wingedruin ; } — the most anticipated wedding to be done with . . .

Who would believe her if she claimed that Wú Zhéyuǎn could be deeply unsettling if you met him under his fake persona? There was an eerie beauty about the appearance of Master Monkey, fully dressed in white garments, his long hair open, framing the mask of a white ape that had its mouth wide open, a white oiled paper umbrella in his left hand; he somehow felt much taller. A king of the hell court who has come to the mortal realm.

Shūlán's mask was plain, but she had preferred it that way, an odd contrast to the expensive fabrics she wore today, a deep green, and her hair styled with several pins. “Today, the capital celebrates a long-awaited wedding, yet I'd say you may steal the show, lady mouse.” She clicked her tongue before fighting with the sleeves for a moment as she sat down, trying not to dirty the expensive gift. “If one has to wear so many layers for a wedding, I might not want to wed after all.”

There was a soft chuckle as a bottle of wine was offered out of white sleeves, one she did not hesitate to reach for. “Are you toasting the end of my freedom tonight?” Shūlán teased, lifting her mask just enough to take a long sip. “Rivers of endless red adorned with gold, as the royal family comes together to celebrate a wedding that is but a political act to His Majesty, it is more so the desire of Her Majesty to see her beloved second child fully be granted all the extravagant matters of a royal wedding. Among the consorts, it will be gossiped that this princess marries too late because she is no longer deemed the great beauty she was as a young child, a curse. After all, it was how the Empress had picked her among the many daughters of the Sū king. Her brother, now the Crown Prince, she will find herself in an awkward position soon. As we drink and speak, they walk the long path, music and flowers, even the commoners have received gifts to win their favor. A calm princess who finally escapes the claws of the inner palace, and a husband who wonders if he will ever be able to love her. He wants it desperately from the heart, but he has never seen her as a woman. Can it change?”

The assassin played with one of the strands of loose hair. “At least, neither of them will ever find guilt about the marriage, because it wasn't their choice.” There was a low hum coming from the master. “So, who would you choose then?” Maybe in that regard, she was not so different from a royal pair. “In my world, there is only the difference between those who would never wish to wed a woman with the surname Cuī and the ones who would desperately want it only because the name might be Yuán. Why bother to think which one it will be?”

At the wish of the Empress, the wedding was held in the palace, breaking custom. Her employer would remain to celebrate, but the princess was sent ahead. A woman was to wait for the marriage to be consummated. “I will pick you somebody nice, one you will not go after either then.” Master Monkey's voice was sharp like a knife as the woman rose. “It seems a little cruel that you are asking another Master to give up his life for it, after his family lost their standing for it under his grandfather.”

The man's mask lifted to take a sip as well. If his smile was a bitter one, she couldn't see it. “Master Ox questions loyalty, but sometimes, I wonder if I should be the one questioning hers. If you deem him fit, he may be it. If you do not wish for it, who would I be to be able to force you?” She had given a promise, so it was time to leave. “Too bad, I always trusted you so when do I reject.”

. . .

He feared no death or enemy but the glares of Rén Guāng for the rest of the season. Tàixīn stood up slowly, clearing his throat as he unfolded the paper he had prepared. He was no man of a poetic mind; this was rather pitiful, but he tried. He cleared his throat and attempted to mirror the speaking pattern of those scholars reciting poems to win over the hearts of their in-laws.

“I, Mǎ Mànzǐ, firstborn son of Mǎ Guózhōng, would like to use this prince and cousin gathering today to speak of my first cousin's handsomeness, which proves heaven's wise balance of all there is! Unlike other princes, he understands that one must showcase oneself proudly without depending on others! Zhànhào knows himself; he needs no expensive fabrics, fragrances, garments, or the constant admiration of his Wángfēi to know he is a man of elegance. He embraces himself: that gives him a true imperial handsomeness that will be mentioned in historical records to come! A man who serves his people further carries good looks that one who is idle and spends more time in nature can never achieve. His lofty scholarly air is not that of a simple gentleman but one who has studied and mastered all fields, which no simple prince could ever acquire.

And there is nobody else among the imperial sons who has gained the level of a mature aura that all esteem, as one can only do so with a wife and children. And I dare to call out for proof that cousin Zhànhào is indeed the most handsome man of this generation among the imperial sons by pointing out those adorable children of his,” he pointed at them with a gasping face: “And one day, noble ladies and young lords alike will fight to marry them! Lastly, Cousin,” he folded the paper together, giving serious nods, “this humble man envies your height greatly! May you never know the burdens of hitting your head while visiting many places, as one should never grow as tall!”

He bowed again before emptying that cup of tea. At least, his daughter was clapping enthusiastically for her father.

Zēng Wǎn’ér offered soft sounds of displeasure. Maybe in the end, the handmaiden had to admit she had been too excited about the idea of seeing her lady finally receive the admiration she deserved. Of course, she never would speak ill of her madam's late husband. After all, he at least managed to climb to the ninth rank to receive permission to marry the daughter of the now former Hé Zǐyè. If anything, Zēng Wǎn’ér had been happy for her lady to have wed for love back then, but why should she hide away now in a manor, unable to raise her own child, when she came from old and respectable blood? Even though the thought of having her move so far away was quite painful, she would have to leave her father in the care of her cousin. Then again, the young Hé Zǐyè had also been a pleasant surprise.

“Madam, it has been many hours since we arrived, and while the servants have delivered the most pleasant foods and kept you comfortable, I start to fear they have had a change of heart. Why else not simply send one of his own men to announce his arrival is delayed? Especially after you were looked at like a young animal to determine whether or not you still can bear children.”

Unlike her maid, Míngzé was not too concerned about the family itself. When she received a letter of invitation to visit the Luò family in the East, she had doubted it had been an easily made offer following much research, although the traces suggested the acceptance came from relatives rather than the young master himself. Her age was not a secret, nor that she was a widow with a child. Ironically, perhaps it was the fact that she had a daughter rather than a son, who was easily married away and would never inherit anything, that aided her here. She was still in good health. If anything, bearing a son would be the guarantee of remaining the lady of this household. She was not a reckless young girl anymore who would not consider the possibility of marrying another military man only to find herself a widow in the next war. If she could win him over and receive a child... Too far.

“Luò Jiāngjūn is a man of great importance. If sudden business held him back, why would he waste precious time sending one of his men here? If anything, I would not find him respectable if he would place entertaining a lady above all else.” Míngzé finally spoke as she elegantly lifted the cup of tea again. She had taken note of the awkwardness of the maid who delivered more of it earlier, assuming his delay indeed was unexpected. However, she was not willing to seem too desperate, and many incense sticks had burned since. It was late, and it would be deemed unfit to remain much longer.

“Wǎn’ér, go and thank the Madam for her kind hospitality, but it is late, and I deem the Young Master's return it will be quite late, and he should rest. I will take my leave for today. Send for our carriage.”

Her maid bowed before stepping away, leaving Míngzé to gently glare at her own reflection. She had been reckless to be so hopeful, and now even regretted she had spent so many coins to have new garments prepared for her trip. When was the last time she spent so much time showcasing the beauty of a winter flower? Maybe one that the East did not even find appreciation in. She rose upon hearing steps, assuming the carriage was ready, carefully fixing robes that were graceful but surely not comfortable to quickly move in. At least she would leave as elegantly as possible. This was still the household of a future relative, considering her cousin's future relation with the Luò family, she would not bring ill words to him after he even guaranteed to prepare her a small dowery whenever she was to find a husband she deemed worthy. Men, taking consorts was so easy for them.

She made careful steps to not have her hairpins get stuck as she slowly lifted the curtain.

When Yùlán insisted on remaining, there was no reason for the man to make attempts at forcing her to leave. She had been lingering all evening until guests were sent home before the curfew. His men brought back little to work with for the night. If there was no animal to purchase, he had them buy leftover meat from the butchers. There was no disgust in his eyes when he began to work the pieces into smaller ones. Not a lot of good meat, but nothing would be wasted. “You are a little too tall to be an orphan to come here and be fed. You also have been a terrible customer, purchasing only one pot of tea for an entire evening. What is it that you wish to discuss with me?”