AN: I just realized that in my earlier story about MianYi (Ch6: Fate), I accidentally made Dong-er younger than MianYi, which is definitely not true based on the timeline of events in HZGG3 (though it would be true for NHZGG). Still, this is fanfiction land, so I'm going to wave my magic keyboard and ask you to pretend the Dong-er is younger for that story. Besides, that story was for MianYi, so it didn't quite matter as much. This story, however, is for Dong-er so I've taken care to correct myself. So, this chapter is more like a hybrid of the universe from Fate and the actual HZGG3 show with Dong-er about 3 years older than MianYi and 2 years younger than 15-AhGe. Hope you enjoy!

Directions – Dong-er

Dong-er was eight when he first thought to ask about his lack of siblings. The Palace had just celebrated the wedding of 7-Ge-Ge and he had enjoyed being allowed to stay up late for the festivities. When 7-Ge-Ge entered the red-adored carriage amidst the raucous sounds of cheers and firecrackers, he clapped with the other children. Only when the carriage passed beyond view did he notice the rather subdued expression on 15-Ah-Ge's face. However, the sight of new plates of wedding candy and cakes distracted him so the it wasn't until later, when he was snuggled into his father's side on their carriage ride home, that he thought to remark to his mother about 15-Ah-Ge's sadness at losing a much beloved sister. Sleepy from over-indulgence at the feast and worn out from the excitement of the day, he missed the look that passed between his parents. ErKang simply raised an eyebrow at ZiWei, seeming to say that Dong-er was definitely her son with his care for his friend while ZiWei just smiled back, telling ErKang that Dong-er had his perceptiveness. But it was Dong-er's next comment that caught the couple off guard. Halfway between waking and sleeping, Dong-er whispered, "I wish I had a sibling to miss too."

The next day, as he sat studiously watching the game of wei-qi (Go) between his parents and trying to understand the intricacies of the game, he repeated his sentiment. ErKang and ZiWei paused in their game to look at their son, who maintained his wistful expression.

ZiWei broke the silence and gently asked, "Why would you like a sibling, Dong-er?"

Dong-er shrugged but replied thoughtfully, "Well, I do enjoy playing with all the A Ge's (princes) and Ge Ge's (princesses) in the Palace. But we don't go that often to visit, and though I know I am fortunate to have such loving parents, I can't help but wish I had a companion too. I know you and Ah Ma (father) tries to spend as much time as you can with me, but you are busy too, Ah Ma with work and E Niang you with the orphanage you helped establish. And sometimes it's just a little lonely. Besides, sometimes I feel so selfish since I am so fortunate to have such loving parents; it just feels wrong that I'm not able to share that."

ErKang nodded at his son's logic, "Well, Dong-er, I am proud that you do recognize how fortunate you are. Your mother and I love each other, and you, very much. We certainly wanted to give you a little sibling, and I in particularly wanted a little girl with your mother's grace and beauty, but it was not to be. We've consulted the TaiYi's (royal physicians) and none of them are quite certain of the reason. They postulated that may some of the adventures you mother and I had when we were younger made her health rather fragile."

ZiWei smiled sadly at her son, "I grew up a rather lonely child, so I can understand some of your frustrations. I did have your Aunty Jin Suo, though she was in name my servant."

Dong-er nodded thoughtfully, "And I suppose I do have 15-Ah-Ge and, sometimes, when he can sneak away, even MianYi."

ErKang's lips twitched in amusement, "And does MianYi often sneak away?"

"Not as often as I think he wishes he could."

"Oh?"

"His mother does not seem to enjoy seeing him in my presence."

ZiWei's smile grew even sadder, "No, I don't suppose she would."

"E Niang, why doesn't Rong Qing Wang Fei like us?"

"Us, Dong-er?"

"She never says what she means; her words always have hidden meaning, most of them insults."

Dong-er's parents again exchanged a look.

Z Wei asked carefully, "Has she been unkind to you?"

"Oh no. At least, not in any way that matters. But poor MianYi…I know he is deeply unhappy."

"Then we must be sure to be extra kind to them."

Dong-er's face took on a mulish expression, "I know I must. And yet…"

Er Kang nodded in understanding, "We Fu men must protect your mother, no?"

Dong-er nodded, "E Niang's much too kind. "

"And yet you count MianYi as your friend, do you not?"

"Oh but that's not the same at all! MianYi never did wrong. He only ever looks apologetic. I cannot make him beholden to his mother's ill-manners."

ZiWei's smile gained a touch of pride, "How wise you are, Dong-er. I fear Rong Qing Wang Fei is not as wise as you."

"But it's so simple!"

Er Kang laughed at his son's innocent exclamation, "And thus you show your wisdom again."

Dong-er shrugged, uncertain at his parents' meaning, "May I play the next round?"

And so that matter was, for the moment, set aside.

Later that year, when the court was draped in white for Rong Qing Wang Fei's passing, Dong-er again thought on the fact that he had no siblings. Although, he thought not so much of himself but more of the picture MianYi presented in his garbs of white, staring stonily at the altar holding the tablets of his parents. How lonely his friend looked!

He clutched tighter at his parents hands, ignoring their looks of their concern.

He fell into a fitful sleep on the way home, waking with a gasp when he was laid on his bed. Clutching again at his parents hands, he asked, "What is to become of MianYi?"

"He has chosen to kneel and observe the mourning. Huang Ah Ma made an exemption for his age but MianYi insisted on completing the three day fast."

"I meant afterwards, E Niang."

ErKang asked his son curiously, "What do you think should become of MianYi?"

"I think…I think he deserves a true home…" Impulsively, he added, "Actually, E Niang, Ah Ma, do you think Grandpa Ai would let him come to our home?"

"Your E Niang and I did have such an intent and we were unsure of how to tell you."

"Oh Ah Ma, really? But of course I would like to have MianYi move here! Selfishly, I would like a brother. But I also don't think MianYi deserves to be so lonely."

"Then it will be done."

MianYi proved to be a quiet addition to the Fu family. A boy of few words, he worked hard at each task his aunt and uncle gave him. His interactions with Grandpa and Grandma Fu were fraught with politeness so that they were uncertain how to show their affection for the little princeling. Only with Dong-er did he seem to show signs of his true age. Slowly, so slowly that even ZiWei felt helpless in the stirrings of her impatience, the boy began to thaw. The moment that he spontaneous hugged his adoptive parents before departing for his first day of school, running to catch up with a waiting Dong-er, ZiWei felt tears rise to her eyes.

Holding his wife in his arms, Er Kang felt his own heart settle. "I know, ZiWei, I know."

Years later, when the emperor assigned MianYi his own residence in preparation for his marriage with Fu Yi, MianYi sought out ZiWei and Er Kang.

Ignoring their protestations, he insisted on three formal kow-tows. "Aunty and Uncle, before I part from home, and this has been my home in all the ways that matter, I must tell you how grateful I am. Only from your example do I know how to love. Had you not rescued me all those years ago, I doubt I could have the happiness I do now. Yi-yi will thankfully not know the sullen child that I was. I only hope that as I set forth on this next chapter of my life, I'll be able to meet everything with the grace and kindness you two have."

With MianYi's marriage, Dong-er found Xue Shi Fu different. Certainly, with the twins still in residence, life could never be dull, but the twins seemed to have their own language, and Dong-er felt at times an outsider. So it was that he was not an infrequent guest at MianYi's manor.

Fu Yi would chide him playfully, "Ah, Dong-er, you're here again! Surely I must speak to Grandpa Ai to finalize your betrothal with Miss Li if I wish to have any time with my husband."

MianYi smiled in sympathy with his blushing friend but commented, "I still cannot see how you've avoided talks of matrimony. To think that Grandpa Ai allowed me to wed before you."

Dong-er laughed, "Ah, but you are a royal prince! Besides, my father also wed at an older age than most noblemen."

"Well, Miss Yi is certainly well-matched for you, with Uncle so involved with the Ministry of Defense."

"More importantly, E Niang likes her."

"Aunty ZiWei hardly has an unkind word to say about anyone." Fu Yi commented.

Dong-er inclined his head in agreement, "E Niang and Miss Li are of similar temperament, I believe. We shall be a peaceful household, much needed when Father becomes Minister."

"Ah, so it is certain?" MianYi asked with interest.

"Certain enough." Dong-er replied.

"Should that not be a cause of celebration?" Fu Yi poked Dong-er in the arm, "why the long face?"

"Minister Wei has been grooming Ah Ma for years. This promotion is hardly surprising."

"I suppose so." Still, MianYi looked at his friend thoughtfully, "shall we go for a ride? I have been itching for a good gallop, but Yi-yi was set to visit her sister today."

"Yes, yes, you two go have fun, while I go suffer in playing the part of a proper Wang Fei."

"When have you ever been proper?" Dong-er teased.

"Hence I'm only playing the part!"

The friends thus parted in laughter.

"Dong-er," MianYi started, when the two decided to take a well-deserved rest and look up at the clouds as they used to in their youth, "what troubles you? Is Miss Li not to your liking?"

Dong-er was silent for a long moment. "Miss Li is learned and well-versed in poetry and music. She may seem dainty but, having been born of a military household, is not lacking in her ability to ride or draw a bow. Our conversations flow naturally. Yi Yi was correct. We are well-matched indeed."

"And yet…"

At MianYi's prompting, Dong-er sighed, "And yet…"

"You do not love her."

"But I could."

"Could you? Dong-er, speak truly."

Again, Dong-er was silent. "My whole life has been a straight path. Now, because of my parents' favor with Grandpa Ai, I have been given a choice."

"Oh?"

"The sword or the pen."

"Can you not choose both?"

"Surely I will need both in what I have chosen."

MianYi was silent before the answer dawned on him, "You are well-suited for diplomacy."

"Mother will rejoice that her only son is not to endanger himself on any battle ground. After what Father went through…"

"Was that the reason for your choice?"

"Oh no. Having had much practice as the peacemaker among our cousins, I knew my path was clear."

"Then?"

"I am to be sent to Burma in a year's time."

"Ah."

Having heard the stories of their elders, the two young men were not unaware of the significance that particular nation represented. Moreover…

"Does my father know?"

"E Niang has written, yes."

"Then Nan-er knows as well."

Dong-er's silence was answer enough.

"Does she know of Miss Li?"

"She wishes me great happiness."

MianYi sat up and looked at his friend's face, which was carefully kept blank of emotion. "You have never met her." He said carefully.

"No, I have not." Dong-er agreed readily.

"Dong-er…"

The Fu family heir finally turned away from the clouds overhead, "It was but a foolish thought."

"Aunty could very well adopt her."

"What good would that do? She is happy, far away in Da Li. I have no wish to cage her. Besides, she is to be married as well."

"Is she?"

"We heard, soon after my audience with Grandpa Ai."

"Dong-er…"

"He is the son of a princess."

"You can't mean…"

"Another secret to keep from Grandpa Ai."

After a moment, Dong-er broke the silence. "It was but a foolish dream. As you say, I have never met her."

"And Miss Li?"

"Miss Li is beautiful and kind. A fitting bride for the House of Fu."

"And for you?"

"The potential is there, I will not deny it."

"But the knot within your heart* has yet to be completely untied."

"Uncle ErTai's guidance has been immeasurable."

"Ah." MianYi spoke no more, but Dong-er knew his friend understood.

Reaching out a hand to help his friend rise from the grass, Dong-er smiled, "We cannot all of us carry forth our parents' stories. You know them to be the exception rather than the rule. I am not so intractable that I will not be happy. Nor am I so unrealistic that I would pine after a being of ink and paper. Miss Li is my reality, and a fair one at that."

Settling himself back in the saddle, MianYi sighed, "You have Aunty's optimism."

"And Ah Ma's resolute nature."

"Miss Li knows not her fortune."

"Miss Li deserves a chance."

MianYi looked at his friend shrewdly, "As do you, my brother."

Dong-er nodded, "The path can only be forward. Come, my decision is made."

The courtship of the only daughter of the house of Li and the heir to the house of Fu was a quiet one. At least, Dong-er had intended it to be quiet. Mindful of his words to MianYi, Dong-er did his best to be attentive to his future bride. He was thankful that at least YuHuan was not a complete stranger; his father's position did necessitate social interactions with many of the military families. What he had forgotten to consider was a certain Wang Fei.

Fu Yi was used to the noise and activity that came from a big family. Though happy in her new home, she felt restlessness stir. She had never been one for the company of the other courtly ladies, but at MianYi's quiet suggestions, decided to make an effort with her cousin's future wife.

"Miss Li, thank you for accompanying me today. Aunty ZiWei would much rather make the delivery herself, of course, but Uncle Er Kang would not hear of her stirring when she is just beginning to recover from her illness."

YuHuan looked alarmed, "Oh, is MingZhu Ge Ge ill? I must pay my respects!"

FuYi snorted in a distinctively unladylike manner, "'Tis but a trifling cold, Uncle is being merely overprotective again. Like father, like son, so I expect you shall bear the brunt of such behavior once you and Dong-er are wed."

Miss Li blushed but it did not deter FuYi. "Really, you will learn that all the Fu men, and MianYi is a Fu in all but name, are thus."

Their arrival at their destination kept Fu Yi from continuing but did nothing to save Miss Li from further embarrassment.

"Why, it's Yi Yi!"

"Aunty LiuHong! Aunty ZiWei sends her best."

"My dear girl! Marriage must suit you, you're more beautiful each time I see you! I am glad to see that MianYi is treating you well!"

Fu Yi rolled her eyes, "He would never dare to do less!"

LiuHong laughed at her honorary niece, "Oh but who have you brought with you today?"

"Oh! This is Miss Li… Dong-er's Miss Li."

Yu Huan blushed but curtsied, "YuHuan is honored to meet Madam."

"Madam?! My goodness child, you must call me Aunty, just like this little troublemaker here. Now, Yi Yi, as glad as I am to see you, it's assessment day later this week, so I fear I do not have the time to be an adequate hostess. You know the children train especially hard this week."

"Oh it's no bother, I'll just give YuHuan the grand tour."

"Quietly?"

"Don't look so doubtful, Aunty! I can be quiet when I want to be!"

LiuHong chuckled at her petulant expression. "There now, I will not embarrass you in front of your friend. I'll take the basket from you and leave you to it. Miss Li, welcome!"

Fu Yi turned towards her companion, "There, now you've met Aunty LiuHong. She's not blood related of course, but Aunty ZiWei always said that family is born of the heart."

"Wang Fei, forgive me, but where are we?"

"Oh goodness, must you be so proper? Call me Yi-Yi, the whole family does."

"I…"

"I was never one for propriety anyways. You must get used to it."

"I…"

Fu Yi finally took pity on her companion and smiled, "YuHuan, you are to become one of us. You should know that in our family, we make our decisions not on the principles of rank but on what is right. I did not ask you to accompany me today solely to appease MianYi's insistence that I not venture out alone, but also to explain things to you."

Miss Li nodded.

"We're at the Children's Home, Aunty ZiWei special project. Though all the children receive preliminary training in a skilled trade, Aunty ZiWei and Uncle ErKang are insistent that the children learn at least the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The boys who show a propensity for it are also taught a little martial arts to help prepare them for positions as guards around the various estates in the city. Assessment days are held to identify the ones who show the most promise."

"To stave off hunger, 'tis better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish." Miss Li said thoughtfully.

"Just so" Fu Yi nodded in approval.

The ladies continued to tour the facility, Miss Li listening attentively to her guide. At the sound of fighting in the distance, Fu Yi paused.

"Oh good! We didn't miss it!"

Turning around the corner, Miss Li was met with an unexpected sight. There was the heir to the house of Fu, looking every inch the teacher as he corrected the stance of a group of youngsters.

"Their responsibilities prevent them visiting as often as before, but neither MianYi nor Dong-er ever forgets about these children."

At that moment, Dong-er completed his instructions and with a smile dismissed his students. Turning, he saw the two young ladies and walked over to greet them.

"Yi Yi, Miss Li."

"Oh good, Dong-er, I'm going to help Aunty Liu Hong, why don't you help me complete the tour?" Without waiting for a response, Fu Yi skipped away.

"Yi Yi!" Dong-er yelled, but to no effect.

"Am I truly such a burden?"

Dong-er turned, "Of course not! Miss Li, I apologize."

Miss Li smiled, "Surely you can call me by name. Yi Yi made it clear that titles have no place in this family."

"And what think you on our unorthodox views?"

"Unorthodox? Yes, I suppose they are. And yet, how freeing they must be. I must admit to envy."

"Envy?"

Miss Li sighed a little, "My E Niang passed when I was born. My Ah Ma never truly recovered. Though his triumphs on the battlefield gained our family much favor and privilege, he carried his strict bearings home. My brothers, all so much older, never had time for their little sister. Though I grew up with rong hua fu gui **, surely the children here have more true wealth. Your views, unorthodox though they are, have surely brought you much happiness."

"How is it that in all our interactions, you never said?"

"I never had cause to."

Dong-er was silent.

"You need not pity me. Am I not to be part of your family? I look to your E Niang as my own mother. Princess SaiYa especially invited me to practice archery with her. Even 15-Fu-Jin summoned me into the Palace to welcome me to the family. And now, Yi Yi in her own way has also extended a hand in welcome. I believe I shall be quite happy."

"Truly?"

She nodded, "I only wish you could have true happiness as well."

"How are you certain that I am unhappy?"

"Who does not know your parents' story, of the affection they share? Your decision to accept HuangShang's decision truly surprised me."

"Do you have so little confidence in yourself that you are certain I will be unhappy?"

"I will be a filial daughter-in-law and a dutiful wife, but…"

Dong-er shook his head, "YuHuan, thank you for your bravery. I must also return your honesty in kind. My parents' story is truly one for the ages, but they went through so much, too much, for its happy ending. I wish for a more peaceful life. You and I, we have a chance. We are yet acquaintances but with your honesty, I think we have a promising start to a friendship. As for anything more, why do we not let time decide?"

She studied him carefully, "You really mean it."

Dong-er smiled, "A lifetime is a long time. To pass it alone is surely a waste. Since we can only ever move forward, why not seek a partner to help alleviate the loneliness?"

"A partner?"

"My Ah Ma and E Niang, Mian Yi and Yi Yi, even 15-Ah-Ge and Xi-er…they have affection, yes, but mutual respect also lies at the core of their happiness."

She was silent a moment more. Looking at him, she could tell he was in earnest. Yes, she truly was to marry into an unconventional family…but… 嫁鸡随鸡，嫁狗随狗. Besides, she suspected that within this family, she truly could be happy. She could tell that Dong-er was waiting patiently for her reply. Well then…

She smiled, a true, wide, open smile. "Will you show me the way to the kitchen?"

"The kitchen?"

She decided that he was quite adorable with that look of puzzlement on his face. "But of course! The children deserve a treat for working so hard this week, no?"

"Yes…but…"

"If we are to be friends, then what better way to start than with honesty? I may be a lady, but the place I have always felt most comfortable was the kitchen. I'm not very good with proper meals, but I'm not too shabby with treats and desserts."

When he continued to stare at her, she arched an eyebrow, "Well?"

He considered her a moment more before a grin also broke out over his face, "Right this way…YuHuan."

*心结: literally, heart knot. Figuratively, a preoccupation, something to be pondered over

**榮華富貴: high position and great wealth