Chapter 2
This time Zhou YunSheng took more than ten days to recover from his wound. During this time OuYang Ya'Er came to visit him a few times however she didn't get to close again. She just stared at him afar with a longing gaze. She had inherited her mother's cleverness so how could she not see the changes that had overcome OuYang MingYue? She knew that OuYang MingYue had grown up in the countryside and definitely had a lot of negative feelings towards her family. The little fox was her pet so if she forcibly stole it, then there was a chance that OuYang MingYue would give her a corpse. That wouldn't be good.
Every day the two sisters tested each other and secretly tried make trouble for each other. In this way, the time for the Hundred Flower Festival came. Because she had been hidden in the countryside, the eldest daughter OuYang MingYue had never shown her face to the outside world. So she needed to use this opportunity to create a name for herself in order to firmly establish herself in the future.
She put on makeup carefully which made her look delicate and feminine and she wore a pretty pleated skirt with a brocade satin cloak on top. Her inky black hair was coiled up behind her head and in it was placed a very delicate and beautiful red gemstone hairpin. She was extremely eye-catching, especially because she carried in her arms a small snowy fox. Its golden and watery eyes peered left and right, extremely intelligent and cute looking. The woman was beautiful, her pet was beautiful, the image was completely like an immortal that had descended down to earth from the heavens.
The host of the Flower Festival was Dowager Concubine Shu {T/N: A concubine of the previous Emperor}. When she saw OuYang MingYue from far away she immediately liked the look of her. She ordered people to bring her over but completely ignored Madame OuYang and OuYang Ya'Er, making these two people feel humiliated.
From a young age OuYang MingYue had been subject to strict discipline and training. Not only was her martial arts good but her other talents weren't lacking either. She knew how to play the zither, play chess as well as to draw. When Dowager Concubine Shu tested her, she openly displayed her talent and drew the attention of many young men. Although the Flower Festival was ostensibly to view and admire flowers but really it was like a marriage market. OuYang MingYue's attention seeking behavior left a lasting impression in many people's hearts.
Lin WenHan and a group of other wealthy young men were sitting in a pavilion not far away drinking wine and chatting. When he saw the woman he loved putting on such a talented performance, he felt very proud. There was another young man who as he looked at OuYang MingYue was filled with obsession and regret. He didn't talk with the others but only drank furiously as though he wanted to forget his troubles.
His name was Bai Lian he was originally he was the fiancée of the female lead. However after he heard that OuYang MIngYue was weak and frail and that her appearance was only ordinary, he had hurried to cancel the engagement. Under the influence of Madame OuYang's glib tongue, he had been persuaded to change his engagement partner to OuYang Ya'Er. However now that he saw his original fiancee, he realized he had been lied to. The other person was clearly the most beautiful and talented person in the country. When the two sisters stood together, the originally above average OuYang Ya'Er was now unable to be looked at.
If he could go back in time he would definitely break his legs to prevent himself from switching a precious pearl for a fish eye. He was really blind. Madame OuYang's methods were also really ruthless. In order to promote her daughter, she had spread such lies and wasn't embarrassed at all. Bai Lian was filled with anger and hate for her.
Madame OuYang and OuYang Ya'Er were put in an awkward and embarrassing predicament. Many people looked at them with calculating gazes. OuYang MingYue pretended to converse with the various highborn ladies while at the same time keeping an ear out to listen to the talk around her. She was very satisfied. Seeing that the ladies were very interested in the snowy furball in her arms, she took him around to use him to make conversation.
"Xiao Bai, be careful of your claws. Don't hurt anyone otherwise when we go back I'll feed you to the dogs. Do you hear me?" OuYang MingYue spoke softly into the fox's ears. Her expression was extremely gentle and innocent.
She found out that since the incident with the red bean, this bastard had become more and more wild. Not only had he learnt to fight back but he would often hide from her and be unable to be found. He would only come back when he was hungry. However she didn't mind this. Because she had never wanted a pet's accompaniment but simply wanted the sensation of conquering and winning over a wild creature. Although he might not be able to understand her vicious words, however if she said it often then eventually he would learn to be obedient.
Zhou YunSheng lay unmoving in her embrace. His amber eyes had a flash of cold light.
A gaggle of young women surrounded OuYang MingYue. They used their fingers to play with the small and soft fox, some prodding his tail and others his ears. They were extremely diverted and filled with laughter. This scene gathered a lot of people's looks and attention.
At this time, a man wearing a royal gold mangpao {T/N: Court robe belonging to the highest rank official} came striding into the Hundred Flower Garden. Surrounding him for seven or eight attendants as well as two fierce looking imperial guards in full dress. When he passed, the people went silent. When they recovered their wits they immediately showed an intimidated and frightened expression. They wanted to kneel down but he waved his hand to stop them. "There's no need, go and appreciate the flowers." His voice was low and deep and it carried with it an even more intimidating aura. The people didn't dare to disobey. They immediately respectfully gave their leave and went stood at some distance to pay tribute.
Not only was the man's figure tall and imposing but his appearance was also handsome beyond compare. He had a pair of thick brows, deep-set dark eyes, a high nose bridge and thin lips. A simple glance from him made people have the feeling of being pierced and being seen through to their bones. Even people who were usually steady trembled and stammered when met with him. He was the kind of person that would suffer no mistake. He was the person who dominated and controlled the power in the country, its current Lord Regent, Zhao Xuan.
Seeing that in front of him was a group of laughing girls, he stopped his steps and changed his direction.
At this time, Zhou YunSheng who had been lying lazily in OuYang MIngYue's arms suddenly jumped up and ran in the direction that was resonating inside his soul. OuYang MingYue froze then immediately tried to grab him. The group of girls all gave startled cries and all of them starting running after him, frightening that the little fox would be trodden by some unsuspecting person.
Zhao Xuan had originally walked some distance away but hearing the commotion, he turned and saw a small snowy white ball hurtling towards him. The fluffy tail was shaking in an extremely excited manner.
He looked and saw it was quite a small little white fox, not even one chi long. It had a pair of round and large amber eyes that were as radiant as crystal. They were staring at him unblinkingly as though gazing at the only light in a dark place. A servant rushed forward to shoo the little fox away so as to avoid him disturbing the Regent but a stern cry stopped him. "Don't touch him!"
In the space of these words, the little fox had already run over. The two little claws grabbed the gold robe. His small butt wiggled and he jumped as though he wanted to climb up. His round animal eyes were very bright, almost as though tears would fall out. Zhou YunSheng really was so overcome he wanted to cry however bitterly he was unable to say any words. He could only wiggle his pink nose and make a "ying-ying-wu-wu" noise to act spoiled,
Are you stupid ah? Don't you know to pick me up?
It was only at that time that Zhao Xuan was able to recover his wits and tear his eyes away from that pair of beautiful beyond compare eyes. He bent over and cuddled the animal, picking him up in his arms. His movements were extremely careful and his mouth curved into a tender smile. "Do you want me to cuddle you?"
His group of attendants all had their jaws on the ground.
They had been serving the Regent for many years and understood the other person's personality very well. He loved to be clean, don't even talk about getting close with an animal, even if the Emperor accidentally touched him, he would feel disgust. This little fox had run the whole way here, his claws were filled with dirt and he had already left quite a lot of black paw marks on the golden robes. However their Lord didn't seem to care at all. Instead he even held him and lovingly stroked him. What was going on?
Zhou YunSheng lay inside his lover's embrace. He finally released the tension that had been ever present in his heart for the last few months and was able to relax for the first time since coming to this world. He stretched out his tongue to lick his lover's sexy jaw, and his nose moved to and fro, sniffing his scent.
This was the method in which an animal would use to get close to someone. Right now he was in the body of a fox so he could also not control his animal instincts. When he saw his lover he just wanted to lick, lick and sniff, sniff. It would be good if he could also bite.
Just as this notion crossed his mind, he could not control himself and opened his mouth and bit his lover's throat.
"My Lord!" The group of attendants were so scared their eyes were about to fall out of her heads. The fox was small however its teeth were sharp. The throat was also the human's weak spot. It only needed to penetrate a little to take his life. How could they not panic?
Zhao Xuan waved his hand to indicate he was fine. Not only did he not throw away the fearless fox in his arms but even laughed lowly in a sound filled with joy. He saw from the amber eyes of the little fox: yearning, joy, love, dependence. The one thing he did not see was any intent to harm him.
He didn't at all dislike this kind of audacious behavior. On the contrary it made him feel intoxicated with joy, unable to remove himself from his shuddering feelings.
Just one look and he had already loved this little thing. The love was so deep it went straight into his bones.
"Why are you crying? Has someone bullied you? Which family do you belong to? I'll take you from them okay?" With one hand he supported the little fox's soft butt and with his other hand he gently stroked the fur on his back. His voice had a never before heard tenderness.
OuYang MingYue hurried over just in time to hear the last sentence. She immediately bowed. "Great Lord, this is my pet Xiao Bai." She didn't say anything about whether or not she was willing to give him away. Of course it was not as though she could bear to give him up, it was only that she didn't want to be too over-eager. It might make people think she was too shallow.
It was better if the Regent asked her personally. That way he would at least owe her a favor.
Zhao Xuan bent down and kissed the little fox's round little head. He didn't even look at OuYang MingYue properly in the face. He said in an extremely forceful voice, "This Lord likes him so will be taking him. Yu Bao, give a reward."
An attendant Yu Bao came forward. After the Regent left, he looked at OuYang MingYue whose face was frozen, threw his sleeves aside and said, "Come with this eunuch for your reward."
He hadn't asked which family's daughter she was. He didn't even ask her for her opinion and just took the little bastard and left?!
OuYang MingYue gritted her teeth and felt like she had been robbed. She silently made a mark in her heart against the Regent. After receiving her reward she was sent away immediately. She laughed coldly and said, "These days even beasts know how to cling to high branches, I really have seen everything."
Her maids kept their heads down and were silent. They didn't dare say what was in their hearts: seeing how badly you treat Xiao Bai, it's no wonder he wants to run away.
Zhao Xuan held the little fox and entered the pavilion where the young noblemen were sitting. Everyone stood up and bowed respectfully towards him.
"What are you talking about it?" He said in the main seat. He saw that there was water all around the pavilion and everywhere the early spring cool wind was blowing. He was afraid that the little fox would get cold so he opened his crossed collar and placed him inside. The little fox only showed a pair of claws and a round little head.
The stern and intimidating Regent had a fluffy little ball on his breast. The image was very strange.
The group of noblemen couldn't help showing a shocked expression.
Li WenHan was the first to recover his wits. He said in a manner that was neither too humble nor too arrogant, "We were just having a debate over the new policies at court."
"Is it regarding lifting the embargo? Let me know your thoughts." Zhao Xuan didn't look at the people around him. He only paid attention to the little fox that was shuffling around against his chest. He saw him reach out a little claw and try in vain to reach a plate of salted chicken and couldn't help laughing lowly.
Zhou YunSheng felt the movement of his lover's chest and he couldn't help going red with embarrassment. There wasn't a single day at OuYang MingYue's that he was able to eat his fill. Also this body still had a strong animal instinct. When he smelt the scent of meat his stomach could barely take it. He wanted to immediately open his mouth and eat it all.
However he only reached out his claw. This was already a lot of self control.
The group of noblemen had come to the Flower Festival for two reasons. One was to gaze at the beautiful noblewomen. The other was to see the Regent and try to demonstrate their abilities to him. Everyone knew that the Regent admired talent and intelligence. There was no use trying to go through a back door, he only admired real ability. Right now was a good opportunity to show off in front of him, they definitely couldn't miss it.
One nobleman couldn't wait and impatiently began to express his opinion. Everyone immediately began to hotly debate again.
Zhao Xuan listened with one ear and at the same time ripped the salted chicken into small pieces, slowly feeding it to the little fox. The corners of his eyes had a gentle smile. Around him the young men argued until they were red in the face, it was quite inspiring.
"My Lord Regent, can you please enlighten us as to your thoughts." Li WenHan didn't mind to suck up a little bit. However Zhao Xuan didn't even look at him properly in the eyes, he was worried that the last piece was too big and would make the little fox choke. He hurried to help him drink a little bit a tea water. He fed him half the cup and then under the thunderstruck eyes of the crowd, drank the other half himself.
Zhou YunSheng saw that he wasn't even slightly prejudiced against him and felt very emotional. His two front claws rested against his lover's chest and he immediately raised himself up to lick his sexy lips. His little nose made a "yi-yi-wu-wu" noise. It was clear from one glance that he was acting spoiled.
Zhao Xuan was in love with his clingy actions. Even though his lips were licked until there was a sheen of wetness, however he didn't feel even the slightest bit untoward. Instead he stuck out the tip of his tongue and fleetingly touched the little fox's tongue tip. His heart was at the same time soft and boiling hot.
The group of noblemen felt that this man and beast's interaction seemed a little bit too intimate however they also couldn't think of anything to say. Hence they only averted their eyes and changed the subject. The atmosphere became slightly awkward.
At this time an attendant came rushing forward. He said, "Great Lord, young masters, the Dowager Concubine says the hour is at hand to pick the flowers."
The group of noblemen broke out into smiles. They immediately got up together and moved towards the garden.
This was an old custom of the Hundred Flower Festival. Each nobleman had to pick the flower that they thought was the most beautiful and give it a girl whom they also thought was the most beautiful in their heart. The noble young lady who received the most flowers would be crowned as the Flower Immortal and would receive a large reward as well as win a lot of renown. All the previous Flower Immortals were top beauties in the capital city, and had all married into illustrious families or become a concubine in the Imperial Palace. So many people would fight for this position.
Zhao Xuan didn't move. He took out the little fox from inside his clothes and originally wanted to place him on the table. However he was scared that he would catch a cold so he ordered an attendant to find some soft towels.
Zhou YunSheng had eaten and drunk his fill and his heart was also feeling very relaxed. Thus he began to feel sleepy. His eyelids opened and closed and his head raised and lowered, it was clear he was nodding off. However he only liked being in his lover's warm embrace, so he could only raise up his little body from the towel and shuffled back towards his lover's chest before rubbing himself lovingly.
"I knew that you're clingy however I didn't realize how much. You can't even leave my side for a second." Zhao Xuan pretended to scold him but his eyes were filled with deep joy. Actually he couldn't help but wish that this little fox could grow on his body.
Ever since he was young he had a cold personality. Don't talk about animals, he even found humans extremely disgusting. He never thought he thought he would one day love a little fox so much.
Although his heart knew it was strange however he didn't even have the slightest feeling of rejection. He took out a handkerchief and lightly helped the little fox rub his mouth and nose. He said tenderly, "If you clean it properly then you'll be able to sleep comfortably. This name Xiao Bai isn't very good. I'll give you a new name. I'll call you Yu Li." {T/N: Means jade glass}
Zhou YunSheng made a few sounds to express his agreement. After his face was cleaned he immediately snuggled into his lover's embrace. He used this claws to cling tightly onto his gold robe and used his fluffy large tail rubbed against his face and neck to express his feelings of love and trust.
Zhao Xuan enjoyed these motions very much. He held him underneath his little butt and placed him back inside his clothes. The thread of the embroidery on his collar was all tangled up but he didn't care at all. Slowly he went out from the pavilion to pick a flower.
"Master, you intend to pick a flower today?" The head eunuch Yu Bao asked curiously.
The Regent had attended seven or eight Flower Festivals but he had not once picked a flower to give. It made all the young ladies of the city feel very disappointed. But this time who would have such a great honor of receiving the first flower? Could it be that young lady from before with the unparalleled beauty?
Zhao Xuan smiled and didn't say anything. He walked around the garden for a few times then under the intent gaze of the large crowd, he finally picked a red china rose. He removed all the thorns and then walked towards young women gathered inside the Lin Shui Pavilion.
The noblewomen saw the Regent walking towards them. They all opened their eyes wide and straightened their backs. Some of them began to fuss with their hair, pretending that they didn't care, and some smiled joyfully. Others hurriedly lowered their heads, their faces extremely red. The Lord Regent was 27 this year. Not only did he have unparalleled power but he was also beautiful beyond compare. However there was no wife or concubine in his household. Thus he was the most desired bridegroom among all the young noblewomen.
And today he was coming over with a china rose. Could he have fallen for some family's daughter and want to get married at last?
Among the group of noblewomen filled with anxiety and desire, only OuYang MingYue was different. She had been sitting with her face averted the whole time and even her gaze had never once looked towards the Regent. She only stared out of the window as if her entire thoughts were sunk into a beautiful dream of spring.
When Zhao Xuan passed her he slightly paused. From the blue vein on the back of her hand which was placed over her knee, he could see she was only acting. In his heart he couldn't help laughing. Then he continued on until he reached the Dowager Concubine. He raised his hands respectfully, "Thank you Dowager Concubine for your hospitality. This Lord still has some matters to attend to so I will take my leave."
"Ah, Lord Regent please wait. You came holding a flower just to say goodbye to this concubine? This isn't following tradition." Dowager Concubine Shu couldn't bear the looks of disappointment around her and hurried to try and remind him.
The young noblewomen dropped their act and all looked over longingly. Even OuYang MingYue turned around to look, looking vaguely inquiring. Although she didn't like the Lord Regent's arrogance however she also wished to receive his flower. This way she could increase her importance in the eyes of Grandfather OuYang and her father. Also she couldn't help but desire the Lord Regent's exceptional looks as well as his strong body. Although she didn't want to marry into the Regent Manor and live under its oppressive rules, however she was willing to participate in a passionate and intense romance with him.
Zhao Xuan laughed lowly. "I won't lie to the Concubine, actually this flower already has an owner." He then lightly placed the flower behind the already sleeping little fox's ear. Then he lowered his head and lovingly kissed his furry little head. The little fox seemed to vaguely feel something. He used to claws to grab the flower then hugged it in his arms, before falling fast asleep again.
His Lord had painstakingly picked this flower only to give it a beast. Yu Bao thought he could hear all the hearts of the girls in the pavilion shatter.
Zhao Xuan waved his hand at the shocked looking Dowager Concubine, then strode away.
From that day onwards, everyone in the capital knew that the Lord Regent was raising a cute little snowy white fox that he loved into his bone marrow. He wished he could give all the good things under the sun to it and even beautiful women could not enter his eyes.
As expected, with her great beauty and incomparable talent, OuYang MingYue had received the most flowers from the young noblemen and was crowned the "Flower Immortal". Under the envious gaze of everyone, Li WenHan left hand in hand with her. He waited until there was no one around before asking in a low voice, "Is the little fox in the Lord Regent's arms the same one as yours?"
"Yes."
"That's good. It's your fortune that the Lord Regent can take a liking to it. If it can remember you that's even better. If it comes back to look for you, then you and I get use the opportunity to get close to the Regent."
How could OuYang MingYue not have thought of this? However she was very clear that she had never treated the little beast well, instead often hitting and scolding it. The fox wasn't a cold blooded animal, its intelligence was very high. If she had treated him well then probably it would be close to her. However back then she had only treated him as a plaything to pass the time. Now it was too late to regret her actions. The beast wouldn't come back to her, it couldn't even wait to get away from her.
Of course OuYang MingYue couldn't let Li WenHan know about these things. He liked her supposed kindness, determination and endurance. Not her cruelty or her ruthlessness.
"It's up to fate ba. It doesn't matter to me as long as the Lord Regent treats him well. Back to the matter at hand, did you manage to get the Lord Regent to notice you today? Has your position at court been confirmed?" OuYang MingYue changed the subject nimbly. Thinking about the fact that Zhao Xuan hadn't even given her one look, she felt restless.
Lin WenHan smiled in a satisfied manner. "The Lord Regent's impression of me was very good. He already mentioned to Teacher that he intends to give me a position in the civil ministry."
"En. Since your matter is already settled, then it's time to talk about our matter. Have you gone to my father to propose yet?" OuYang MingYue couldn't wait to leave the cage that was the OuYang family manor.
It wasn't that she couldn't defeat her stepmother, it was that she couldn't be bothered. Her ambitions were far greater than just that household and she instead wanted to look towards the outside heavens and earth.
"There is an auspicious day in three days time. Wait for me." Li WenHan leaned forward and pressed his mouth against her red lips.
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