Su Su wondered if she was destined to be lonely. The only person she was allowed to see other than the maids was Ye Hua's Mother, Consort Le Xu, who had no problems letting the her know that the only reason why she asked for her life to be spared was for the child growing in her womb. She would also state that neither she, nor anyone else, consider her as Ye Hua's wife.
The only upside was that she had been moved into Ye Hua's palace, something which put both her a little more at ease. It was difficult to remain positive when everyone was either dismissive or hostile to your mere presence.
She had hoped that when Ye Hua returned, she wouldn't have to deal with this loneliness. When she had heard he had returned, she was so happy. However, her beloved husband didn't rush to her side nor did he act happy upon seeing her. Instead, he was detached and quickly dismissed her. He had acted so different.
Su Su heard all the maid call out the crown prince's title which made her walk over to the door. "Who had you all come here?" Ye Hua voice drifted to her ears.
"Crown Prince, it was Consort Le Xu who sent us here to serve. To serve this new lady." One of the maid informed him.
"In the Nine Heavens, only those with rank can have palace maids serving them. She has no rank. This is a violation of Heaven's laws." Ye Hua's words were like a knife into her heart. Did he not see her as his wife? She didn't care for ranks or titles, but she couldn't help but think he was distancing himself from her, a mortal.
"Consort Le Xu is worried that this Hall of Beautiful Youth has been vacant for many years so the divine energy is so scant and won't be good for the child so she had us…" "Leave now!" Ye Hua shouted, interrupting the maid that was speaking. All the maids bowed and left. Ye Hua made over to Su Su who had just stood there staring at him, unsure of what to do. She saw a flash of relief go through his eyes as he made his way towards her. She ran into his arms and hugged him close to her body.
Su Su pulled away looking Yu Hua over for any injuries. "Are you okay? They said you were wounded." She felt relief not seeing any.
"I'm fine. But what about you? Where were you hurt? Are you alright?" Ye Hua asked. He knew that it was dangerous for her, a mortal, to be in the Heavenly Realm. Su Su rolled up her right sleeve to show him the small semi-circular shaped burn on the inside of her wrist. "You mean this?" Su Su told him. "Don't worry. It doesn't hurt anymore."
Ye Hua looked at her scarred wrist again. "The wounds left by crimson hellfire do not go away." Su Sue looked down at it. "That's okay. I can always cover it. I think the shape is nice too." It didn't look bad, just interesting.
"Su Su." Ye Hua said softly. "I am sorry for this. But now that I have returned to the palace you can rest assured I won't allow anyone to give you a difficult time anymore." Su Su looked at him, for the first time really taking in his appearance. He really looked like a prince, dressed in fine black robes and his hair half down.
He was quite handsome, which made her happy that she had been given robes, ones that looked nicer. "I understand now, why you didn't want me to meet your family. But…why didn't you tell me you were the Crown Prince?"
Ye Hua looked down briefly before looking back at her. "I am sorry. But telling you then would not have done you any good."
Su Su didn't believe that, but there was no changing the past. She did feel a little hurt that he didn't trust her with his identity. "What happens now?" Ye Hua tightened his grip on her hands slightly. "From now on, I must be careful with what I say in the palace. In front of others, I must be cold to you. But, you have to trust me. This is all to protect you." Ye Hua moved hands up to rest on Su Su's forearms. "Su Su. I only hope that you can rest in Xiwu Palace and safely give birth to the child. Avoid interacting with anyone by all means."
His words did not ease the unrest in her heart. She didn't want to be locked in here any more than the last place she was in. However, he seemed really concerned so she nodded. She felt him kiss her forehead before turning to introduce he to the maid he had brought with him. "This is the palace maid who will attend to you from now on." The maid bowed. "Your Highness, my name is Nai Nai. I am a maid the Crown Prince brought up from Deity Mountain in the lower realm. From now on, I will be staying in the Hall of Beautiful Youth to serve you."
Despite Ye Hua's promises to not let her have a difficult time that seems to be all she has had since coming to this place. Both problems and heartaches were constantly being thrown her way.
It started when Ye Hua didn't visit. She only had two visitors the next day, the Ghost Lord Li Jing and the Heavenly Lord's Consort, Su Jin. Su Jin had informed her of Ye Hua's injuries. She seemed nice, but there was something telling her to be cautious around her. Su Jin took her to see the area and while out she overheard the Heavenly Lord order Ye Hua was to marry another woman.
Later that day, during a banquet her jade flute managed to anger the Lord of Numinous Treasures' phoenix. Apparently, her jade flute was a magic artifact with power to cause storms. The phoenix injured the young princess from Qing Qiu named Bai Feng Jiu, which caused the Heavenly Lord to become enraged at her. While the Heavenly Lord did not punish her due to the Lord of Numinous Treasures taking the blame, Ye Hua did. She was forbidden from leaving Xiwu Palace. Nai Nai had apologized profusely for being tricked into bringing her jade flute out.
Su Su sighed. Now she didn't even have a flute to play as Ye Hua had taken it. Not only did she feel lonely, she felt hated. The morning after the banquet incident, Su Su awoke to Ye Hua beside her bed. "Ye Hua.." Su Su started. "I'm sorry. Ever since becoming pregnant I have been dealing with mood swings." She only wished all of her emotions could be blamed on the pregnancy. Ye Hua grabbed her hand and reassured her. "This isn't your fault. There are just too many regulations in the Celestial Palace. We can't be as carefree as we were in Mount Junji." Ye Hua paused briefly. "Yesterday…" "Don't worry about it." Su Su interrupted. "The Heavenly Lord doesn't like me because you married me without his permission."
Su Su sat up and leaned her head against Ye Hua's shoulder. "I want to spend more time with you. Much like how we were back on Mount Junji." He made a sound that sounded like an agreement. "Will you visit tonight?" She asked. "No." Su Su's heart plummeted but she didn't let it show. "I understand. You are the Crown Prince and have duties to attend to. If I am too greedy, I will become the woman to topple a kingdom much like the stories." She joked which made Ye Hua let out a slight laugh. "I have to go now." She nodded and watched as he left. Nai Nai came in shortly later with food and tea.
Su Su felt herself slipping away. Everyday she became less and less like her usual strong self. She felt Nai Nai walk over to her. She was the only person in the heavens that treated her kindly.
"Your Highness, wait here." Nai Nai said kneeling in front of Su Su. "I sent someone to fetch a bowl of tonic from the kitchen. When it gets here, you can personally deliver it to Zichen Hall. His Highness will surely be pleased. " Su Su felt happy that Nai Nai wanted to do something to cheer her up, but at the same time she was afraid. "But.. I thought I couldn't leave."
"The Crown Prince said not to step foot outside of Xiwu Palace. Your Highness would just be delivering the tonic within the palace. His Highness will not scold you." For the first time in days, Su Su let a small smile graced her lips. "Thank you, Nai Nai." Nai Nai smiled happily with appreciation. "I was brought here by the Crown Prince to serve Your Highness. There is no need to thank me. I'll be going now."
It didn't take long for the soup to arrive. Su Su smiled as she stepped out of the Hall of Beautiful Youth. She hoped that Ye Hua would be happy to see her.
However, she hadn't made it very far before her copper mirror flared to life. "Ye Hua." Consort Su Jin's voice sounded. "I pleaded for leniency on her behalf. Why do you still not understand? If not because she is carrying your child, why would your mother barge into the Grand Hall to beg for forgiveness? And why would I risk my life to protect her? I know you married a mortal…to get back at me for betraying you by marrying the Heavenly Lord." Su Jin's voice now sounded tear filled as she continued to speak. "But what could I do? What could I do? Of all the women in the world who can ward off the Heavenly Lord's favor? Tell me, Ye Hua. You still love me, don't you? You gave her the name Su Su only because there is a Su in my name right?"
The tray Su Su was carrying fell to the ground. She barely managed to pick up the copper mirror before she had to lean on the wall for support. Nai Nai must have heard the crash because she came rushing out to help her. "Nai Nai. Help me back to my room." Su Su asked, her voice quivering slightly. Nai Nai seemed to know not to ask her anything and just nodded. She had made her some tea before she left to clean up the mess on the ground.
The sounds of light footsteps reached Su Su's ears. "Nai Nai, you are back ….." Instead of their loyal maid behind her it was Ye Hua. Ye Hua made his way over to Su Su who was resting on the bed. She had yet to look up from her stare. "What is wrong?" Ye Hua asked. After she didn't respond he became a little more concerned. "Did something happen? You can tell me."
Su Su debated on whether or not to tell him, but ultimately decided not to. "Nothing happened. Why are you here?"
Ye Hua still was concerned. Su Su had not moved much and her voice sounded distant. He decided not to press her though and let out a breath before speaking. "I have to go defend the Far North for half a year."
Su Su took in a deep breath, as if trying to fill the emptiness inside her. "A half a year?" she finally asked. "At least half a year. But we can do what we did before and use the copper mirror to communicate." Su Su finally looked up at him which gave him a little comfort. "If anything happens or you want to talk to me, you can tell me through the copper mirror."
There was a pause. Su Su wondered if Ye Hua expected her to protest more. "Be safe." She finally said. "I hope you don't mind me not seeing you off. I am feeling a bit off." Ye Hua looked at her a little concerned. "Are you unwell?" He went to reach for her hand but she pulled it away. "I am fine. You don't need to concern yourself." She paused before speaking again. "You should probably go." Ye Hua stayed there for a few seconds, taken aback by her words. He either didn't care or just thought she was being overly emotional because he left shortly after.
Months passed and Su Su's stomach continued to grow. It was quiet and peaceful, but lonely. No one came to visit, save for a small red nine-tailed fox. She did manage to learn a little more about what Ye Hua was like before. Apparently he didn't smile or talk much. Hearing that made Su Su feel a little special because while living with them he did both. She also was feeling better now that she got to talk to Ye Hua more. She spent nearly every night talking to Ye Hua as night, telling him about the baby and how it was moving. However, after the calls she would cry, missing him and the way things were.
"These steps are so tiring." Su Su said walking alongside Nai Nai. "You should have just refused the invitation. Why would you insist on coming?" Nai Nai asked her as she helped her climb some more stairs. She had been invited to admire the flowers at the Lotus Pond with other female members of the family. "I am getting restless couped up in the palace." She felt trapped. She always hated staying in one place for too long.
"Su Su." Consort Su Jin approached the young women. "How unfortunate. I heard that Ye Hua has just returned to the palace. The Heavenly Lord has just canceled the gathering. Everyone has gone to welcome Ye Hua." Su Jiao couldn't stop the smile when she heard of Ye Hua's return. "He's back already?"
Su Jin nodded. "Exactly. I'm waiting right here to bring you over to him." Su Su was so excited to see Ye Hua she didn't question her motives. "Please take me to him." Su Jin moved to take Nai Nai's place and help escort Su Su.Su Jin escorted the pregnant woman up a long flight of stairs. It didn't take long for Su Su to realize that something was off. The only thing on the terrace was a circular vortex in the middle of it.
Su Jin looked over to the pregnant woman with a smile on her face. "Do you know that the Heavenly Lord is hosting a conferring ceremony for Ye Hua?" Su Jin's grip on Su Su's hand tightened as an evil look appeared in her eyes.
Realizing that she was probably in danger, Su Su yanked her hand. "Let go of me."
"Ye Hua and I share mutual affections. The Nine Heavens were never meant for a woman like you." Su Jin finally let go. "After you give birth to the child, jump off Zhuxian Terrace." Su Jin gestured to the vortex on the floor. "Head back to where you should."
The buried emotions and fear that Su Su had managed to bury resurfaced, but she tried to not let it show "I am Ye Hua's wife. I promised to stay by his side." Su Jin laughed. "You really think so?"
Another evil look passed over Su Jin's face. She suddenly grabbed Su Su's hands and made it look like they were fighting before she jumped off the terrace. Su Jin cried out and wounds appeared on her face. Before she fell completely in Ye Hua pulled her out.
"Ye Hua" Su Jin cried as she gripped onto the prince. Blood trickled down from eye sockets. "Don't blame her. I don't think she meant to push me. It's just that they heard about the Heavenly Lord's decision to give me to you. Su Su became too agitated." Su Su eyes were big as she shook her head feverishly. "Liar." She mumbled before garnering her strength again. "I didn't push her. Believe me." Su Su repeated until Ye Hua yelled. "Enough. I only believe what I saw." Su Su dropped to her knees in devastation. Eventually she was escorted back to the Hall of Beautiful Youth.
One of the palace's physicians came and ensured that the baby was not harmed in any way. Su Su stood up as Ye Hua entered the room but was unsure if she should approach him. "Ye Hua. I promise I didn't push her." she told him softly. He knew she didn't take promises lightly and hoped that this would prove her story. "Step out." He told them all. They all left, leaving only Ye Hua Su Su in the room.
"Ye Hua?" Su Su questioned. He had been staring at her since he entered the room with a stoic expression. "You believe me right?" Su Su grabbed his hand hoping he would believe her. After a long silence Ye Hua finally spoke. "I believe you. You didn't push her. She jumped down by herself." Ye Hua paused to take Su Su's hands in his. "However, Su Jin's eyes were burned. She's now blind. The only way to spare you from death…" Ye Hua's voice cracked and his eyes teared up as he spoke "Is to take your eyes to replace hers. Only then will the Heavenly Lord be appeased."
Su Su jerked away from Ye Hua in disbelief. No, this could not be. Tears flowed down Ye Hua's face as he watched Su Su back away from him in fear. "Why? I didn't do anything wrong!" Su Su cried before collapsing to the bed unable to hold herself up. Ye Hue moved and kneeled in front of her. "Su Su. This is all my fault. It's my fault." Ye Hua told her. "I can't protect you…Su Su." Ye Hua grabbed Su Su's hands and tried to be very comforting. "Su Su. I will marry you. From now on, I will be your eyes."
"Please don't do this! It's not fair!" Su Su cried as her heart broke.. Ye Hua held up his hand and quickly took her eyesight. The pain, both physical and emotional, caused her to pass out.
She awoke to darkness and the sounds of Nai Nai crying next to her asking her to forgive her. Su Su didn't feel like crying. In fact, she seemed to be unable to feel anything now. She had been given a blindfold and Nai Nai now spent a good part of the evening washing off the scrapes and bruises she got from bumping into things. Su Su wasn't even upset when Su Jin had come to gloat about her new eyes.
However, she wasn't sure how to act when Ye Hua finally visited. He sat down next to her as she laid on the bed, something that was common for her. "I will soon be officially conferred the title of Crown Prince. We will be able to marry very soon. Once you are Crown Princess we will no longer have to consider other people's opinions and we can begin living the life we want." Ye Hua grabbed Su Su's hand causing her to flinch and pull it back like it was burned.
"I am tired and you probably have more important duties to attend to." She spoke as she started to lay back down. He helped her pull the covers up. "I heard from Medicine King that you have been feeling lethargic lately." Su Su just nodded her head yes. "Go to sleep then." Ye Hua stood up and left the room.
Later that day, lightning started filling the sky. Every time the sound reached Su Su's ears she flinched. Slowly she moved to sit up. With every strike a wave of pain crashed through her body. The sounds of running feet echoed through the room as Nai Nai came frantically running in. "Your Highness! Your Highness! Crown Prince's investiture is today. I heard the maids of Xiwu Palace say Heavenly Lord had already issued a decree that after the investiture, Consort Su Jin is to be…" Nai Nai paused not wanting to believe the next words herself. "bestowed to the Crown Prince."
Su Su's voice was emotionless as she spoke. "It was bound to happen." Nai Nai was extremely worried though. "But Consort Su Jin and Your Highness have an outstanding grudge. I'm afraid if she enters Xiwu Palace, she will make your life difficult."
"Why should she care, I am not really part of Xiwu Palace." Nai Nai looked saddened at her mistress's comment. "Your Highness, if the Crown Prince heard that, he would be displeased. Don't say it in the future." Su Su flinched when another loud sound of thunder filled the air. "Nai Nai, why do I hear thunder?" She had never heard thunder in the Celestial Palace before, it was always sunny. "That is… in celebration for the Crown Prince." Nai Nai hesitated before noticing that Su Su was sweating and had a death grip on the arm of the bed. "Your Highness, what is the matter?" Su Su gasped as pain shot through her body. "The baby is coming." Nai Nai leaped up. "I'll find the Crown Prince!"
Delivering a baby was painful. Nai Nai was on one side of her holding a hand, while she tried hard to push even though she was so tired. She had yet to hear Ye Hua's voice. She wondered if he even cared that his child was being born. Finally, how what seemed like hours a baby's cry sounded in the room.
Su Su felt like passing out. She faintly hears the maids, Nai Nai congratulate her on the birth of the son. Finally she gave into the exhaustion and fell asleep. When she awoke, she could tell that someone was sitting on the bed by her. The body was too big to be Nai Nai, which meant that it was Ye Hua. She felt as he set the baby down next to her. "He looks very much like you. Here hold him." Ye Hua went to grab her hand, but she just turned away. She was too exhausted to deal with him. Which a heavy sigh Ye Hua left, hoping that Su Su would bond with the baby and it would cheer her up.
When she was certain he left, Su Su sat up and gently reached out to feel her son. Gently she touched her baby's face. "Do you really look like me?" She asked softly while running a finger down her son's cheek. He felt so small. She hoped that he would grow up to be a happy young boy.
Nai Nai came in soon after to take the young prince away to be fed. She knew that her son was only going to be able to spend a little bit of time with her. She was under no illusion that she would be allowed to raise her son if she stayed. The idea of being alone in this place, a place where nearly everyone hated her, was agonizing. With a firm resolution she decided to leave.
Su Su could tell that something big was happening within the Celestial Realm. She now had far more maid servants to attend to her. She still primarily interacted with Nai Nai, who was now the caretaker for the young prince. The Hall of Beautiful Youth had become more lively, though its residents did not. Su Su was sitting on the bed when she heard maid enter and set things down on the bed next to her.
She could hear the familiar footsteps of Ye Hua as he moved to sit down on the bed, the clothes lying between them. "What are they like?" Su Su asked as she felt the fabric. The fabric was very soft and she imagined it looked beautiful. "It is a plain color, just like you like." Ye Hua finally spoke as he watched Su Su touch the clothes. "However, when the time comes, the wedding outfit can't remain with you."
"Wedding outfit?" Ye Hua looked at Su Su's slightly confused face and gave her a faint smile. "Didn't I say before that I would marry you?" Thankfully, Nai Nai came running in calling for her and Ye Hua decided to bid farewell to her.
"Your Highness, were these all bestowed by the Crown Prince?' Nai Nai had come to tell her mistress the rumors going around and couldn't help but notice the beautiful clothes on the bed. At Su Su's nod, Nai Nai smiled big happy that the news she heard was correct. "As expected, it is true. Your Highness, everybody in Xiwu is saying the Crown Prince will be marrying you soon."
The reaction that Nai Nai saw was not the happy or joyful one she had expected. "Your Highness, are you not delighted?" Su Su hadn't felt anything in a long time and delighted even longer. "His Highness is marrying me now is merely due to pity."
Nai Nai looked a little horrified that her mistress thought so and knelt down to grab her hand. "Your Highness, don't think such nonsense." Su Su realized that perhaps it would be wiser to play along with the role handed to her. At least, until they left. "I am just joking. Nai Nai will you walk with me to Zhuxian Terrace?" Su Su had been going to the Terrace a lot. She wanted to get a feel for the trip so she wouldn't get lost when she finally left.
"How come you and Your Highness have been going to Zhuxian Terrace so often lately? It is...an inauspicious place." Nai Nai asked her. "I want to smell the fragrance of flowers along the way."
Nai Nai agreed to take Su Su for a walk to Zhuxian Terrace. Su Su was getting better at navigating the paths, feeling her way with the railings. She had stumbled a few times and had to remind Nai Nai that she wanted to walk on her own should she ever want to venture without her. She was happy to hear that the restrictions on Xiwu palace had been lifted. "Because Your Highness also gave birth to Crown Prince's first son you can go wherever you wish to within the Celestial Palace." Su Su nodded and thought that since her son was born, the people had been nicer to her.
"Nai Nai. Has Ye Hua given the young prince a name yet?" Had hoped that she would be able to leave her son with a name she chose, but figured Ye Hua was the one that got to choose. "No. I've asked His Highness. He said that the young prince is to be named by Her Highness." Su Su was pleased to hear that.
"I want his name to be A-Li." She stated. She thought it was fitting. "That sounds like a nice name, but which Li is her highness speaking of?"
"Li as in separation." She spoke softly. "That doesn't seem very propitious." Nai Nai wondered why her mistress would want to name her child that? "Is it not allowed?" Su Su asked. This place had many rules and perhaps there was one that prevented it. Nai Nai made an apologetic bow. "I have made an indiscreet remark." Su Su shook her head. "I like how honest you are. Don't worry. I won't get upset."
Su Su continued her walk, feeling her way along the railings. However, one of the stairs threw her off balance. "Be careful." A male voice said as Su Su felt a hand on her arm to help her steady herself. "Thank you, kind sir." Su Su didn't know who he was to know how to properly address him. "Miss, you…" The man stopped talking after a moment moved his hand away. "High God Zhe Yan." Su Su heard Ye Hua say from behind her. "Crown Prince." Zhe Yan said seeing the dark figure approach. "Has Su Su offended you?" Ye Hua asked bowing slightly to the high god. "Su Su? Her name is Su Su?" Zhe Yan asked looking over at the young woman whose lower face bore a striking resemblance to Bai Li's. He would have sworn it was her if it hadn't been for the moral aura. "Yes. She resides in Xiwu Palace."
"Just now, I had nearly taken this one for an old friend." Zhe Yan motioned to the blind woman. "She is just a mortal. She has never been to Ten Mile Peach Tree Woods. I'm afraid you are mistaken." Ye Hua said honestly. "Ten Mile Peach Tree Woods?" Su Su remembered her visit and felt saddened at the thought that she would never be able to see it again. Ye Hua at the time was going to plant a grove of peach trees for her, so she could admire its beauty.
"Miss, do you know of Ten Mile Peach Tree Wood?" Zhe Yan asked. Su Su knew that Ye Hua had lied to the kind man, so she played along and shook her head. "I don't know of it. The name just sounds unique." She did like its name, there was something familiar in the way it rolled off her tongue. "You can visit when you have the chance." Previously she would have been excited at the high god's offer, but the only thing she could enjoy about the place was the fragrance. "Visit? I hope there will be a chance."
"Su Su." Ye Hua gently took her arm. "Let me walk you back to Xiwu Palace." With a bow, they left and made their way back to the Hall of Beautiful Youth. No one talked the entire trip. In the past, Su Su couldn't bring herself to speak her heart. The pain was too much.
Ye Hua guided her to sit on the chair next to the bed. "Ye Hua. I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I just wanted to go out for a walk by myself and smell the flowers along the path." Su Su explained not wanting to make him upset.
"Su Su, you don't have to explain to me." He knew that Su Su always liked the smell of flowers and enjoyed walking that trail. "Ye Hua, don't worry. I won't do anything or go anywhere that would cause you trouble. I promise." Su Su said.
Ye Hua kneeled down to look at Su Su and poured her some tea. "Su Su. We'll be getting married in ten days." She paused mid sip. "I can't see. I am bound to mess something up and cause even more trouble." Su Su lied. She didn't plan to stick around till then, but she didn't want to give Ye Hua any reason to doubt her. "You won't." Ye Hua reassured. "I will be there."
Ye Hua didn't stay long, just long enough to see Nai Nai come in with the young prince. "You Highness, I brought the young prince to see you." The maid gently handed the bright eyed boy to his mother.
Su Su hummed the song she wrote for Ye Hua to her son. It was a song of love and sadness during separation. Some part of her hoped that he would remember the tune, but knew it was impossible since he was so young.
Over the next few days, Su Su spent a lot of time with A-Li. He stayed by her bedside. It made her heartache knowing that she will leave never knowing what her son looked like, but it was for the best. The palace maids had decorated the Hall of Beautiful Youth for her upcoming marriage to Ye Hua. A wedding that would never happen.
Su Su set the small silver baby rattle in the empty crib before heading over to the door. "It's time to go home." She whispered before slowly making her way to Zhuxian Terrace. As she walked along the path, she couldn't help but reminisce about the good memories she had with Ye Hua. It made her eyes water for the love that could never be. She was no longer able to stay by his side, just as he was unable to stay by hers.
She stopped a few feet from the windy vortex and pulled out the small copper mirror to speak to Ye Hua one last time before she left. "Ye Hua." She spoke softly. "Su Su." Ye Hua's voice finally was heard. "I am leaving now. Please don't look for me. I will be fine. Please take good care of A-Li." She paused thinking about her son. "I had once dreamed of taking him to see the peach trees blossoming, to read books before putting him to sleep and to watch the two of you together. However, it seems that I won't be able to do any of that now. Don't tell him that his mother was a despised mortal." Su Su tried hard not to let her voice quiver on the last few words. "Su Su, tell me where you are. I'll come to you." Ye Hua's panicked voice came through the mirror. Su Su didn't say anything for a bit but decided to tell him. "Zhuxian Terrace. Su Jin told us that if we jump off, we will be able to return to where we belong." There was a pause before the words continued. "Ye Hua. There are no longer any promises between us. So please let me go."
Su Su let the mirror drop to the floor as she slowly approached the vortex cause her to finally see the injustice of the heavens before it ultimately robbed her of her sight. Feeling the edge she let out a deep breath before jumping. Faintly, Su Su heard Ye Hua calling her name. Memories flooded her mind, Ye Hua's broken promises and then of the past she had forgotten. Despite all the heartache she had just experienced, she would choose to do it all again if it meant Bai Qian didn't have to. This was supposed to be her sister's heavenly trial, but she ended up doing it for her. She closed her eyes as her emotions and the surge of memories took its toll on her causing her to drift off into a dreamless sleep.
The familiar sight of peach blossoms was the first thing that Bai Li noticed upon waking. She felt familiar hands help her to sit up before finally noticing Zhe Yan crouch next to her. "Fortunately, you are not in any critical danger. You only have some minor wounds. " Zhe Yan's familiar voice spoke. Bai Li didn't say anything for a bit. "Zhe Yan. Where is Bai Qian?" She paused for a brief second. "And do you have any wine?"
Zhe Yan looked over at the young woman covered in scrapes. Her familiar white dress was covered in blood. "Huh…..There is wine. But first, you have to tell me what happened. Ever since Little Five sealed away Qing Cang, your parents and brothers have been searching for you like madmen. Even I have not had a good night's sleep for a while. Your eyes and the injuries all over your body…. What exactly happened?" Whether it happened as a result of the trial being done or if Zhe Yan did something, Bai Li's sight seemed to have returned. As she slowly looked around.
"What's the matter? Did you do something shameful and are afraid I'll tell your Fourth Brother?" Zhe Yan joked when the young girl didn't speak
"Both Bai Qian and I faced Qing Cang. He sent out a spell to Qian Qian to seal away her memories and powers. I intercepted the spell. It left me on Mount Junji." Bai Li said finally deciding to speak. "I was wondering if you went with her." Zhe Yan knew that Bai Qian went to go seal Qian Cang since Lord Dong Hua had brought the unconscious woman back when he went to investigate the bell. However, there was no solid indication that Bai Li was with her. "I knew Bai Qian would be facing another Heavenly Trial." Bai Li paused "I ended up taking her trial for her. How is she?"
Zhe Yan glanced over at the mature young woman next to him. "She has been asleep since facing Qing Cang. After hearing what you said, I believe that her long slumber is tied to you taking the trial for her. Now that the trial is over, she will probably be waking up."
"Zhe Yan." Bai Li looked over to the old high god. "I want to take the medicine that will allow me to forget what I want to forget." Zhe Yan let out a big breath. He could see that whatever trial she went through it took its toll on her. "These past few years must have been very depressing for you… Whether to remember or to forget is your own choice. However, I must warn you in advance. There is no way to undo the effects of this medicine of mine. Once you use it the past events will truly be of no more concern to you."
With weak legs, Bai Li stood up. She didn't know what was in more pain her body or her heart. "These last few years was just a heavenly trial for someone else. Now that it has passed, it is best to be forgotten."
Zhe Yan just shook his head. In some ways she had grown, but in other ways she was still very much the same. "Alright, alright. I will get the medicine."
After Zhe Yan handed them the small cup containing the medicine, he left her alone to think. "It was a romance not meant for me. I just want to wake up from this bad dream and let Su Su of Mount Junji disappear from the world." Bai Li finally brought the cup to her lips and in one big gulp swallowed the medicine. "Now to rest so I can wake from this nightmare." It was time for her to finally get her happy carefree life back.
Bai Li woke up when she felt the bed move. Her arm came up to block the strong light from her eyes. "Qian Qian?" she asked looking for her sister. She tried to think about the last thing she remembered. Qing Cang. Her and Bai Qian tried to reseal Qing Cang, but what happened after that? The bedding dipped slightly again as Fourth Brother sat down next to them. "You have been sleeping well." He chided. "Fourth Brother. Why do I feel like I can't see clearly? The light is dazzling." Bai Li asked, still trying to adjust to the light. "Don't get worked up. Zhe Yan is also worried about your eyes. It'll be fine after a while. But you can't look at anything too bright." Bai Zhen told her. "Why is that?" She would have narrowed her eyes, had they not already been squinting.
Bai Zhen proceeded to tell her the lie that he and the family came up with so she wouldn't question her injuries. "You were born with this illness. When Mother was pregnant with you Heavenly Lord Zheng Feng created a huge flood to punish the people of all the realms. After the flood, there wasn't anything to eat. Since Mother couldn't eat anything, she was weak. So when you were born you were just a wrinkly little fox. You had a weird eye disease." Bai Li flinched as her eyes ached from the light. "How come I've never had this happen to me before?" she asked not remembering ever having an eye disease. "The disease was dormant for thousands of years. It lived in harmony with you for years. But when you were injured, it took the opportunity to break out. But fortunately, Father went to the Yellow Springs to get this white silk that blocks intense rays for you. When you go to places that are really bright, it will come out naturally. It'll only block off the intense rays and won't affect what you see."
The white piece of cloth disappeared when Bai Li placed it over her eyes. "Fourth Brother, where is Qian Qian?" Bai Zhen sighed and stood up. "You two have slept for years after your battle against Qing Cang. I don't really remember everything that happened in between very clearly. But our dear High Goddess Bai Qian is in Qing Qiu having woken from her slumber.." Bai Li looked over at her brother. "High Goddess? She ascended in her sleep?"
Fourth Brother laughed off the questions saying that Bai Wian was lucky, but something about brother's story was off. He was hiding something from her. "Fourth Brother." She spoke, the tone of her voice demanding the truth. However, before anyone else could speak, Bai Qian suddenly ran into the small hut and grabbed her sister's hand. "Little Six, we've been asleep all these years. Master…Without blood from your heart, Master…." Bai Li noticed her sister's distress and quickly moved to put on her shoes and once they were on her feet, Bai Qian was pulling her towards Yanhua Cave. They barely interacted with Zhe Yan, just brushing past him.
Bai Qian fell to her knees beside her master's body. "Master, your unfilial disciple has come to see you." she reached out and gently touched his hands. "I've been asleep all these years." Bai Li turned to Zhe Yan who entered the cave. "His body hasn't changed at all. Does that mean that he will wake up soon?" Zhe Yan nodded. "From the looks of it." Tears sprung in Bai Qian's eyes and a big smile crossed her face. Bai Li too had a smile. She knew that Mo Yuan would keep his promise, just like she has been keeping hers.
Protecting her sister. She wondered if she had managed to save her sister from experiencing a difficult heavenly trial. Or did her sister really ascend while sleeping? Either way, that was one less thing she had to worry about. Now she just needed to ask about her sister's engagement. "Fourth Brother. Zhe Yan." She spoke as they left Bai Qian to comfort their upset niece. "What happened to Fifth Sister's engagement?" The two men paused and looked at each other before they both turned to look at her. "Let us discuss this over some wine." Zhe Yan offered.
They all sat around the common area in the Fox den while Migu quickly brought out the wine and cups. After they all had some sips, Zhe Yan spoke. "The marriage between Little Five and Heavenly Second Prince, Sang Ji, has been cancelled." Bai Qian looked positively thrilled, but Bai Li knew there was more to this story. "I doubt the Heavenly Lord allowed it to be cancelled that easily." Zhe Yan shook his head. The king was just as if not more stubborn than the Bai family females. They don't easily alter from the path they chose. "No, he insisted on a marriage union between the Heavenly Tribe and the Nine-Tailed Fox Tribe." he told her. "So you arranged for Bai Qian to marry someone else?" Bai Li had hoped for some good news.
"The Third Prince of Heaven, Lian Song, suggested a marriage to the Crown Prince, Ye Hua." Zhe Yan wondered if the marriage agreement he arranged was done hastily. The Crown Prince was very popular among females and now has a child. "You engaged her to the Crown Prince?" Bai Li wondered how she was going to help her sister get out of this one. Mo Yuan looked like he would wake up soon. She just needed to buy some time. "That was his proposal…" Zhe Yan started but was interrupted by Fourth Brother who had enough of this beating around the bush. "You are engaged to marry the Crown Prince."
Bai Li choked on the wine she was sipping on. Her eyes locked on her brothers. She couldn't have heard that right. "Huh. Me?" Zhe Yan tossed Bai Zhen a disapproving look. "You sister has been unreasonable in regards to marriage. At the time, your rank of High Goddess gave you just as much standing as Bai Qian. It made more sense to propose you to be the bride instead of her. Especially since you seemed particularly unhappy the last time we arranged Bai Qian's marriage." She just blinked trying to process this new information. "But he is the Crown Prince…"
"And you reached High Goddess status at a mere 70,000 years old, a time when most haven't even reached a high immortal status. You have also built a strong reputation of being a compassionate, well-versed, wise and beautiful woman." Zhe Yan interrupted. "Despite your reclusive behavior."
Bai Li debated about skipping the wine glass and going straight for the jug. She wasn't sure if she was happy or mad. She was happy that her sister was free, but at the same time she didn't believe in marrying someone you didn't love. However, what Zhe Yan said was true. She probably was the better choice. "But the Crown Prince…." She might not be as wild as her sister, but she still was a free-spirit. She too didn't care for the strict rules of the heavens.
Nobody said anything as the attention turned to Migu who rushed passed them and into the room where Bai Qian and Feng Jiu were. Shortly, later Feng Jiu walked out of the cave. Bai Qian too exited the room but she didn't follow her niece. Instead she walked over to three sitting at the table drinking wine. "Does she know?" Bai Qian asked looking at Zhe Yan and Fourth Brother. "Know?" Fourth Brother asked, a little perplexed. "About her engagement." Bai Qian glanced at her sister to see what her reaction to her statement was. Bai Li just let out a deep sigh, dropped her head and slumped her shoulders. "I just found out."
Bai Qian let out a laugh. "How is it that you go in to cancel an engagement and leave with a new one?" Bai Zhen waved his hand at his snickering sister. "You should be happy. You almost ended up engaged to him." Despite chidding his sister for her teasing, he decided to add to it. "At least now we don't have to worry about Mother arranging a marriage for us. She will have too much to do worrying about Little Six's." Bai Li set her cup down and grabbed the jug. She wasn't sure what was worse, the engagement or the teasing she was going to get from her siblings.
"What did the Crown Prince want from you?" Bai Qian asked, seeing her niece return was a worried look. She also couldn't help but let out a chuckle after noticing her sister's pale complexion. "He asked me about Si Yin and Si Lan. If I knew where they were." Feng Jiu twisted her hands as she spoke. The four high gods in the room looked at each other. "Why would he come here?" Bai Zhen asked his face carrying the same worried puzzled look as everyone else. Feng Jiu just shook her head not really having an answer. "You two might want to keep a low profile for a while." Zhe Yan said looking at the two sisters. "At least until the Crown Prince ceases his search." Bai Li nodded her head in agreement. It's not like she was in any hurry to meet her future husband.
Later that night, Bai Li and Bai Qian found themselves wide awake. After sleeping for so long neither could bring themselves to fall asleep. "Are you going to go into seclusion?" Bai Qian asked off-handedly as she brushed Mo Yuan's hair. Bai Li turned, her eyes softening as she caught sight of her sister's tender care for the high god hidden in the cave. "Why would I go into seclusion? Unlike you, I don't run away from my problems." Bai Qian tossed her a dirty look while giving her witty reply. "No, you marry them."
Bei Li let out a soft laugh. "That has yet to be seen. What are you going to do when he wakes up?" The brushing stopped as her sister thought about the answer. "I don't know. I…What if he doesn't feel the same?" Now that there were signs of her master waking up, Bai Qian felt a little anxious. She didn't know if she could go back to the way things were. Not when she now realized her affections for the God of War.
Bai Li stood and walked over to her sister before hitting her on the back of her head. "Silly girl. Of course he feels the same." She then dropped her knee in order to look her in the eye. "When he wakes up, I am going to tell him that he can never let you suffer like this again. If he does, God of War or not, I will find a way to make him regret it." Even though she said that, she knew Mo Yuan well enough to know that he will never do anything to make her sister suffer this heartache twice. After all, he was a man of his word.
"Want to go with me to return a jar of wine to Master's cellar?" Bai Qian asked pointing to the jug next to her. Bai Li had wondered why her sister took a jar that big without any cups, but now it made sense. She nodded and helped her sister stand.
Kunlun Mountain was untouched. Dust covered the floor and shelves. No matter how many times she visited, Bai Li couldn't get over how empty the once lively temple felt. "Before sealing Qing Cang, I once stole a bottle of wine. Now I'm returning it." Bai Qian let out a sorrowful laugh. "Ninth loved coming here to find me. He was the one who always came here to clean even though he didn't drink." Bai Li didn't know if her sister was talking to her or to the mountain itself. "He would probably be sad to see it like this." she said watching her sister examine the dust she had on her finger tips.
Bai Qian turned towards her sister. "Want to play us a tune?" Bai Li was about to tell her sister that it would be a bad idea when she realized something. "Where is my Jade Dragon Flute of Kunlun? The last time I remember them was when we resealed Qing Cang." She quickly moved her hands to summon her weapon, praying it would answer her call. Luckily, it appeared. Bai Li twirled her flute in her hands with a smile on her face. "That was close. I thought I almost lost it." She twirled it one last time before looking back towards her sister. "Let's go. We are supposed to be keeping a low profile and staying long at a place so closely tied to our hidden past is probably not wise." The two quietly left the cellar.
Morning had arrived in Qing Qiu by the time the two goddesses returned. However, Bai Li decided not to stay at the Fox Den. She didn't want to chance an encounter with the Crown Prince. Instead she hugged her sister goodbye and left with Fourth Brother and Zhe Yan to head back to Ten-Mile Peach Tree Forest. She felt more at home there, having spent most of her life living within the forest.
They hadn't made it far into the forest when a strong gust of wind wrapped itself around her and peach blossoms started swirling up into the sky. She looked over to the two just behind her. They were staring up at the sky, watching as the blossom rose higher and higher in a spiral formation. Bai Li soon realized that she was at the center of the spiral. All of the blossoms were spinning around her before continuing upwards. She also felt a pulling sensation on her soul, like something was calling for her. After several minutes everything stopped, including the call she felt. "What was that?" She said walking over to the two men.
"Why ask me?" Bai Zhen gave her a bewildered look. "I have never seen anything like that. Zhe Yan?" The two turned their attention to the older male, who was still looking up at the sky, deep in thought. "Very strange." was all he said before he continued into the forest. He paused briefly to look over at the two siblings who had yet to move. "Are you two coming or not?" Bai Li gave her brother a side look and he just shrugged his shoulders before following after Zhe Yan. "He knows something or at least some of his ideas on what just happened." Bai Li huffed realizing that Zhe Yan probably would never tell her. He really could be infuriating. She shook her head in frustration before running to catch up to her companions.