Fortune: a companion piece to Luck
"I am sorry, furen." The maid carefully lowered her mistress to the ground before taking up the sword.
She then looked at the old housekeeper, "Liushu, take them both to YunNan; they should not be separated. LaoYe was framed, I know he was. FuRen will think of it when her grief lessens. She will ensure justice for the family. Meanwhile, I cannot allow shaoye and xiaojie to become orphans."
"Mei-er…"
"I will dress in fu ren's clothes. With the fire the way it is, no one will be able to tell the body is not hers."
"Mei-er…"
But the maid set her chin stubbornly, "FuRen took me in, and LaoYe defended me from my brute of a husband. I owe them my life. I will pay my debt."
The sound of distant shouts alerted them that the fire was drawing attention from the townspeople.
"Go!"
The old housekeeper wiped at his eyes but nodded determinedly.
"Mei-er…"
The maid smiled down at the young master of the household, "shaoye. I hope this sword finds its way back to you someday. For now though, for the ruse to work, I must borrow it."
FangYan's eyes were wide but he nodded, "thank you."
"Take care of your mother and your sister. Tell them...tell them I will be watching over them from beyond."
FangYan would always think of that day as the day his childhood ended. Despite his father's death and his mother's near suicide, however, his memories of the burning of his childhood home would always be colored by admiration at Mei-er's courage.
He had always thought that he took after his mother in temperament, but as the years passed, he learned to temper his hasty tendencies with forced meditation. In part because his sister was so much like their mother. It hurt sometimes, particularly when his mother's grief proved too much a burden and she disappeared one day from their new home. XiaoCi's wide smiles and precocious ways were too much a reminder of his mother's spirited nature before their family's fortunes changed.
His godparents were kind folks and never treated him and his sister differently than their own children. In gratitude for their generosity, he did all he could to excel in his lessons. He also did his best to reign in XiaoCi and found her to be a dedicated student in learning martial forms. The same could not be said for her interest in poetry and literature. Still, despite her grumblings, she tried to do what she could for the brother who she considered the pillar holding up her world. It was humbling really, to have someone depend on him so much. But perhaps that was why his mother felt it was reasonable to leave.
He hated his mother sometimes, for leaving him with such a large responsibility. It may have been a show of faith in his abilities, but surely she should have considered that he also needed his mother.
He tried to ignore such thoughts as much as he could. Did not his master say that holding on to such resentment was caustic? Such anger only served to hurt himself.
The years passed, but he never forgot Mei-er's words. He meant to seek out the truth of her conjecture but when he expressed such a plan to his godparents, they had exchanged a significant look with one another. They tried to dissuade him, but he remained unmoved. Only then did they reveal to him where his mother had gone.
And then, his mother returned and handed him a sword. His father's sword. She told him of her investigations, of the evidence she had managed to compile over the years. His father's case never made it to the capital. Ma Da Ren did have authority to order the beheading and with circumstances as they were, saw little reason not to. The attempted jailbreak was doomed from the start and served as the impetus for the decision. But she had no knowledge of it. His father might have written the poem, but the rest of the crimes of which he had been accused were false.
XiaoCi found him before his boat left the shore and charmed her way on board despite his protests. There was peace to be found drifting on the water. And he was sorely in need of peace.
"You're leaving, aren't you?" She asked him in an uncharacteristically subdued voice.
"Yes," he had ever sought to be honest with her.
"It has to do with father's death, doesn't it?"
He nodded. She had always been clever.
"You and mother will never tell me, will you?" her voice was resigned.
"I would much rather preserve your carefreeness."
"I don't remember father," she told him.
He knew what she truly meant to say. "It's alright."
"Even though I ought to miss him for the sake of filial duty?"
"Even then."
They drifted in silence before she said, "it's not fair that you have put your life on hold."
"I have not…" he fell silent at the look she gave him.
"After this task, this plan you and mother have concocted, will you finally be able to live a full life?"
"I have lived a full life."
She shook her head, "you are nice to everyone but you make no true attachments."
"I have you."
"It's not the same. I know you have a heart in there somewhere," she poked at his chest, "why must you wear loneliness like armor?"
"I am not an extrovert like you."
"Excuses."
"It's not just about father." he finally admitted.
"Why must it be you?"
"There is no one else."
She sighed.
He smiled at her, "I'll come back and then you can show me how to live my life fully?"
She rolled her eyes at him, "What do you think I've been trying to do?"
"Ah, so you are intentionally being troublesome?"
"You have to let yourself feel, you have to let the rest of the world through the barrier you have erected around yourself."
"Have you been chatting with shifu again?"
She scoffed, "I am perfectly capable of coming to my own conclusions."
He smiled at her, "I know."
She leaned her head on his shoulder, "I'll miss you, big brother."
"You'll have mother."
"It's not the same."
"She loves you."
"I know." She sighed again, "I know."
"Did you hear about the zhuangyuan for this year?"
"Should I have?"
"I heard that he turned down appointments in the capital and asked only for a private audience with HuangShang."
"Did he cite any reasons?"
Qing-er shrugged, "not any that I'm aware of."
ZiWei looked up from the list she was compiling in preparation for their trip with LaoFoYe. "Why are you so curious?"
"Is it not curious? For him to turn away the fortune he had worked so hard to gain. It's no easy task to score so highly. JiShiFu had said he had not seen such excellent exam papers in all the years that he's been in charge of the National Exam."
"Maybe riches and power hold no meaning for him."
"Don't be ridiculous. Why else would he have participated?"
"Maybe just to show that he is capable? Maybe just to validate his own skills?"
Qing-er rested her chin in her hands thoughtfully, "and you don't find that curious?"
ZiWei smiled, "I choose to believe that people can be motivated by more than material goods."
"Hmm." Qing-er shrugged and the matter passed out of her mind.
FangYan was amazed at the emperor's generosity. Not only did the man grant him an audience, but he also assigned one of his most trusted advisers to the case. FangYan was treated as an honored guest at XueShiFu as he collaborated with Fu Da Ren to return honor to the Fang family name.
"We are most impressed at the level of evidence that has been compiled," the emperor told him when all data was verified and presented.
"My mother never doubted my father's innocence." FangYan shared.
"You must have inherited her meticulousness then."
FangYan inclined his head in recognition of the complement paid him.
"You're certain you wish to return to YunNan? We could use someone like you."
"I promised my sister I would return home."
"Why do you not bring her to BeiJing?"
At the look from Fu Da Ren, FangYan sensed that the emperor's words were less a suggestion and more a subtle command.
"I will consider it," he offered as a compromise.
The emperor smiled, "good."
He found a good friend in FuErKang. He had rolled his eyes when XiaoCi informed him that she was proud of him but admitted to himself that it was actually rather nice. So, it did not escape his notice that ErKang seemed preoccupied with something on his return from his errand. But ErKang did not seem to know how to put his thoughts into words until a year later. Standing with the rest of the court to greet the returning dowager empress and the two princesses under her care, FangYan noticed the looks that passed between ErKang and HuanZhuGeGe and felt that he understood.
He offered his sincere congratulations when ErKang told him of the betrothal. "I can only assume that is the matter you have been mulling over for the past year."
ErKang looked chagrined, "have I been that obvious?"
FangYan smiled, "not really, but I am no less observant than you."
"I had not thought I could be so happy. Even though she does not yet fully return my feelings, I have reason to hope."
"I am happy for you, my friend."
When XiaoCi found out the news, she was quick to ask, "and when will you be getting married, brother?"
"XiaoCi," he protested.
But his sister was undaunted, "you're not getting any younger, you know."
His mother looked at him with sparkling eyes, "she's not wrong, my son."
He fidgeted under their attention. "I…"
"I shall ask FuJin, I think," his mother said thoughtfully, "of any recommendations she might have."
"Please don't," he pleaded.
"You have no need to be so embarrassed." his mother said, her amusement obvious.
"Must I marry?" he asked plaintively.
"And have the bloodline die with you?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
He sighed. He knew what she meant. He had an obligation...and when had he ever been irresponsible?
"Cheer up, big brother," XiaoCi patted his shoulder reassuringly, "We'll make sure I have a good saosao."
"We?"
"Well of course," XiaoCi said in a matter of fact tone, "we know you best, after all."
"I…" he fought the urge to sigh again, "I've got some paperwork to get through."
He didn't miss his family's laughter as he beat a strategic retreat.
He heard them before he saw them. Indeed, he hadn't known who to expect, had only let the music guide his actions as he pulled out his xiao to join in the melody.
The silence was finally broken when he heard a distinctly feminine voice call out, "It's not polite to keep hiding."
He rounded the hedges and saw the two princesses sitting in the clearing. At once, he made his apologies even as he gave the proper greetings.
"ErKang has made mention of you." HuanZhuGeGe said kindly when they coaxed him to sit and join them at their table.
"All lies and exaggerations," he said with a slight smile.
She laughed before shaking her head, "HuangAhMa has also mentioned you."
"HuangShang is generous with his praise."
"ZiWei made no mention of praise." Qing-GeGe commented.
He inclined his head, "HuangShang is the reason I stayed."
"Oh?"
"I never planned to stay."
"Why not?"
"I had no connections to the capital."
The princesses exchanged a look before Qing-GeGe returned her attention to him, "will you settle a debate for us?"
He blinked, "Me?"
"HuangShang has made mention of your sound judgement," she offered.
"I will try."
"ZiWe believes you took the exam to test your own skill. I believe you had ulterior motives."
"Qing-GeGe was right."
"Oh?"
He saw no point not to tell them the truth.
"I see," Qing-GeGe looked thoughtful, "why then did you choose to stay?"
"One does not easily disobey a command from the emperor, even if it was in the guise of a request."
She inclined her head in understanding.
"And how have you adjusted to life in the city?"
"It is very different from YunNan," he answered HuanZhuGeGe's question and then elaborated at her questioning look.
He found the GeGe's both to be in possession of curious minds. HuanZhuGeGe was the quieter of the two but her comments were just as thoughtful. He could easily see how his friend could have fallen in love. Qing-GeGe was blunter and the shrewdness of her gaze made him feel laid bare. He couldn't help but think that her eyes revealed an older soul than she should have possessed.
He found out, some time later, the reason for it.
He had seen her looking over the yellow rooftops and felt obliged to offer his greeting. She had startled at the sound of his voice before she returned his greeting.
"GeGe seems distracted," he observed.
"Perhaps because I am."
"Then forgive my intrusion."
He had already taken a few steps when her voice made him pause.
"Do you ever blame her?"
"Who?"
"Your mother."
"Blame her?"
She nodded, "For deciding to abandon you and your sister."
"I cannot judge her for a decision made when she was not in the right state of mind."
"Still. Does it never bother you that her instinct was to join your father instead of living for you and your sister?"
"It hurt me more when she left my sister in my care," he answered frankly.
"Because by then she had already decided to live?"
He shook his head, "I was angry with her for throwing away Mei-er's sacrifice."
"But you have forgiven her."
"Yes. She left to protect us. She did not wish for the perceived sins of our father to fall onto our heads."
She looked away from him again. He waited a moment but when it seemed like she would say nothing more, made to continue his path again.
"Thank you."
Once again, he found himself turning back. "I'm not certain for what GeGe wishes to thank me."
"For your honest answers despite the impoliteness of my questions."
"I have ever been a frank person. Too much so, if you listen to my sister."
Her lips twitched in the ghost of a smile, "she sounds like quite the character."
"She is. She takes after Mother in that way."
"Then you must take after your father?"
"I try to live up to his memory."
"Sometimes I wonder if I ought to be more my mother's daughter."
"GeGe?"
"My mother did not have a Mei-er to help reverse her decision."
He blinked, "I'm sorry."
She shook her head, "I was the one to find her...dangling, swaying...I couldn't look away."
"GeGe…"
"You need not worry, I will not cry. The shock of the sight has also faded with time."
"You blamed her," he observed after a moment.
"I shouldn't have. I should be happy that she loved my father so much that she literally could not live without him. Such dedication is rare in my world."
"Do you still blame her?"
"No," Qing-er admitted, "my life was altered but...with LaoFoYe and ZiWei...it's been a good life. Still...once a year, I let myself indulge in imagining what life might have been like had my parents not left me."
"They would have been proud of you."
She did not smile but her expression did soften. "Thank you."
He nodded before walking away again. He did turn back and saw that she was still pensively looking at the rooftops. It was strange to realize that those of the palace may not be so different from the commoners after all. The red walls did not keep out human emotions.
"Ah FangYan."
"HuangShang."
"Zhen has an assignment for you."
FangYan waited patiently.
"Qing-GeGe goes out riding once a week. Zhen would like you to be her bodyguard during such trips."
"HuangShang?"
"Zhen hopes you do not think that the task is beneath you?"
"Of course not! HuangShang shows great faith in entrusting Qing-GeGe's safety to me"
"Hmm...EMing had the task in the past, but with him taking over a general's responsibilities, ErKang recommended having you share the burden."
"I will do my best to ensure GeGe's safety."
The emperor nodded, "Of that zhen has no doubt."
She did not seem surprised to see him. But then, he supposed she must have been informed of the change.
"FangYan," she nodded at him when they had both mounted their horses.
"GeGe."
"Try to keep up, won't you?"
"GeGe?" But she had already spurred her horse to a gallop.
He was quick to follow and tailed after her as she sped across the field. Her wide grin when she finally slowed to a walk was without restraint. Her eyes sparkled and her cheeks were flushed. She looked so beautiful that it stole his breath.
"Not bad," she told him when he maneuvered to her side.
"GeGe is a superb horsewoman."
"My ancestors conquered the plains on horseback. It's in my blood."
"I'm surprised LaoFoYe allows it."
She looked at him sharply.
"Forgive me. I spoke out of place."
She looked at him consideringly a moment before saying, "LaoFoYe has proven indulgent. She understands, I think, my need to escape for a little while."
"Escape?"
"I didn't always live in the palace," she shared, "and though it has been my home for most of my life now, there has always been a small piece of me that bulks against the constraints of manners and rules. It's somehow easier to return to being proper Qing-GeGe after these rides."
"That was perhaps the largest adjustment," he admitted, "to learn new rules and regulate myself based on them."
"It's not natural, not really."
He laughed, surprising her.
"What?"
"I am merely surprised to hear my sister's sentiment coming from your lips."
She chuckled with him, "it does seem counterintuitive doesn't it?"
"It's a relief, really."
"Oh?"
"Since GeGe thinks that way, I do not have to fear repercussions when my frankness gets the better of me."
"Hmm...not only do I not mind it, I may even encourage it."
"Oh?"
"It's refreshing," she said before speeding off again.
He grinned in appreciation at the sight she presented before swiftly moving to catch up.
"This must be XiaoCi?" Her smile was a lovely sight.
He nodded, "XiaoCi, this is Qing-GeGe."
"Just Qing-er will do," she told his sister, "I have heard so much about you that I feel like we already know each other."
"Really?" His sister was surprised, "From whom?"
"Some from your brother, some from ErTai, some from ErKang."
"Well they have neglected to tell me about you, so I hope you're ready for an interrogation!"
Qing-GeGe laughed, "I suppose it's only fair."
He was called away by some of the other young men to offer their last teasings to Erkang before he left to join his bride, but he looked back and smiled as the two young ladies got to know each other. At one point in the evening, he saw XiaoCi pull Qing-er towards his mother, but he was too far away to know what was said.
"She is lovely," his mother said on their return home.
"I do like her," XiaoCi agreed.
"Who?"
XiaoCi rolled her eyes, "Qing-er, who else?"
"Oh."
"You wanted us to like her, did you not?" His mother asked.
"I...I thought she would be a positive influence on XiaoCi."
Her sister snorted, "that's a lost cause."
"My son," his mother said gently, "she is obviously important to you."
"She's a GeGe," he protested.
"So? She seemed to be just as interested in you." XiaoCi said bluntly.
"What?"
"Just the way she talked about you and the way she said your name."
"Don't be ridiculous."
"I'm not!" XiaoCi insisted.
"Your imagination…"
"Has nothing to do with this," she interrupted him.
"I…"
"I can always tell which days you're supposed to accompany her on her rides." XiaoCi persisted, "you are fairly alit with happiness."
"I…" he hated that he could feel his face growing warm.
"We just want you to be happy."
He appreciated the earnestness of his mother's tone.
He wondered if he should say something the next time he saw her, but she beat him to it.
"FangYan."
"Yes GeGe?"
"I don't think you should accompany me on these rides anymore."
"Oh?" It hurt, more than he thought it would.
"We should keep our distance from each other...孤男寡女, as we have been...it's not proper."
"GeGe never seemed to mind before."
"No. I didn't. But that was before…" she looked away from him.
"What has changed?"
"Nothing...everything…" she didn't give him a chance to ask questions before galloping away.
But he had no trouble catching up to her. "Qing-er!"
Maybe it was because he called out her name, but she drew up short and turned to look at him with wide eyes.
"I happen to agree with you."
"You do?"
"Yes. It's not proper for the two of us to be alone like this so often...not when I am sorely tempted to offend your sensibilities."
"Offend my…"
In lieu of replying, he dismounted and offered his hand.
She stared at him a long moment before taking his offered hand. She did not let go even when she stood on the ground next to him.
"Qing-er…" words seemed insufficient and so he gave into temptation at last.
He made to pull away from her but her arms around his neck pulled his lips back to hers.
"I see," she whispered when the need for air forced them to part at last.
He felt certain that he could stand like that, his arms about her, forever. "And now you have a reason to dismiss me."
"Yes."
He forced himself to release her. "GeGe."
"No." She frowned at him.
"GeGe?"
"I like it better when you use my name."
"Ah. Even though it wouldn't be proper?"
"Especially because it's not proper."
"Qing-er."
She smiled, "better."
"Now what?"
"Now...now I go inform LaoFoYe that she will need to part with another grand-daughter."
"That seems cruel so soon after HuanZhuGeGe has wed."
"She's probably expecting it."
"GeGe?" At her look, he amended, "Qing-er."
"You would have never been assigned to be my protector without her approval."
"Oh."
Her smile broadened as she slipped her hand into his, "But we've still got time to enjoy this lovely day."
What could he do but smile back at her?
"He is everything you ever wanted," ZiWei told her friend.
Qing-er smiled broadly, "he is, isn't he? Tall, handsome, clever, courageous, honest, transparent, humorous…"
ZiWei laughed at her friend's lack of embarrassment.
"But he's also so much more…"
ZiWei wondered if Qing-er knew of her clearly besotted expression. "And you feel safe showing weakness in front of him?"
Qing-er nodded, "yes. I do."
"I'm so glad."
"Will this feeling go away?"
ZiWei smiled, "If anything, I find that my love for ErKang has only increased after our marriage."
"Such bliss...it feels almost too good to be true."
"Overthinking is my domain."
Qing-er laughed, "Fortune has smiled upon both of us."
They were obliged to wait another year. It was difficult at first, as she had gotten used to his company during her weekly rides. She would sometimes turn to make a comment to him only to be disappointed to see open grassland. ZiWei must have sensed her disquiet, for each time she went to visit XueShiFu, he was also there visiting ErKang.
It should have felt dishonest, but she was too happy to care. And she told him as much.
"And here I thought you'd be a good influence on my sister."
"XiaoCi is wonderful just the way she is."
"Hmmm."
"You don't agree?"
"XiaoCi is too willful. I worry it puts her at a disadvantage."
"Because she's a girl?"
"No, you mustn't misunderstand me. I am immensely proud of her, but not everyone appreciates such stubbornness."
"She is too clever to be intractable in her opinions."
He looked across the pond towards where his sister sat with ErKang and ZiWei. The sound of their laughter floated across the water. "I hope her light will never be dimmed."
"Cheer up," Qing-er told him, "she has me and ZiWei to look after her now too."
"XiaoCi would protest that she's not a child."
"Her spirit and joy is too precious. There is no greater fortune, I think, than to possess such innate happiness."
He turned back to her and reached to hold her hand, "Though I did not come to BeiJing to seek my fortune, I seem to have found it nonetheless."
"You have won much acclaim in becoming one of the youngest advisers to the emperor."
"You know that's not what I meant."
"Do I?"
His grip tightened and her breath caught at the look in his eyes, there was something dangerous and wild in their depths that thrilled her. No wonder other officials thought him a formidable opponent.
"Yes. And in a few months, I'll be able to ensure your understanding."
"Oh."
He took a step closer, "Do you regret encouraging my frankness?"
Ah, but she wasn't frightened. She lifted her chin, "No."
He pressed a kiss to her knuckles before releasing her hand. "Good."
He knew it should have been a source of pride for the emperor to entrust him and ErKang with organizing and overseeing the relief for the drought in ShanDong. But at the thought that he would part from her for months, he couldn't completely relish in the honor. And so he was ever so pleased when she came to visit him the day before he was to leave.
"LaoFoYe is proving most indulgent," he observed.
She smiled, "Can I blame XiaoCi for being a bad influence?"
He laughed.
"Ah. You're right, it wouldn't be fair. And so I'll admit that I begged to be allowed to see you before you left."
"You didn't have to do that."
"No, but I already have. So you'll just have to listen to my litany of cautions for you to be careful and stay safe."
"Mother and XiaoCi already gave their instructions."
"Hmm, then I will say just this...I know you will excel in your task, just do remember to rest? It wouldn't do to have you perish from exhaustion...I have no wish to become a widow before I am a bride."
"I will."
She squeezed his hand in return. "I wish I had thought to give you something to remember me by…"
"As though I could forget the best thing that has ever happened to me."
Such words were almost disgustingly sweet but for the earnestness of his tone. She lifted herself up onto tiptoes and pressed her lips to his three separate times, "one for each month you are expected to be away."
"Qing-er…"
"Yes?"
"You shouldn't."
"Shouldn't what?" her arms were still wrapped around his neck.
He frowned briefly at her continued closeness. "Shouldn't tempt me."
"And do you find yourself tempted?"
"Qing-er…"
She knew better than to provoke him, but that brief glimpse of the depth of his feelings and the promise he had uttered weeks ago had woken something in her that made her lose her common sense. She kissed him again as she murmured, "just in case you are delayed in your travels."
But he wouldn't let her part from him that time.
"Qing-er. Tell me to stop," he begged against the pulse in her neck but she was too breathless to do as he bid.
"Qing-er…" the whimper she had let out as he moved a leg between hers was not helpful.
There were still so many layers of clothing that separated them, but he was already burning.
Did this count as a weakness? It must, for she seemed to have no control of her own actions. Nor, she realized in a sudden moment of clarity, did she want to in that moment. She wanted to go where he was leading. But abruptly, he managed to wrench himself away and backed away from her.
She opened her eyes to see him standing with hands clenched and eyes closed. She watched as he wrestled for control of himself and heard as his ragged breathing smoothed. And in that moment, a wave of emotion crashed over her. This man loved her and wanted her but also respected her enough to be strong even when she willingly submitted to him. If this was how her mother had felt about her father…
"I'm sorry."
She shook her head but then realized that his eyes were still closed. "The fault is mine. I knew I was playing with fire."
And the blaze still burned in his eyes despite the calming of his demeanor. "Nonetheless, I should not have…"
"You are only human too."
His fists unclenched but still he walked so as to put his desk between them.
"At least I know you will miss me," she smiled at the look of incredulity on his face. "Be safe," she added more seriously.
"I will." he vowed.
She made a beautiful bride, and he felt certain that he was the most fortunate man alive when she beamed at him as he flung off the red covering from her head. But it was the sight of her galloping across the field that he counted as his favorite.
"Strange," she told him when she circled back on realizing he had not followed her, "is it not the bride who should be more exhausted the day after the wedding?"
"Why would you think I'm tired?"
"You're just standing still."
"I like watching you." When she raised an eyebrow at him, he added, "you look so free."
"But lonely. Join me?"
He grinned and did as she bid.
Later, they lay side by side in the grass, watching the clouds pass overhead.
"Does it bother you to live in a household of women?"
"Why would it bother me?"
"Just wondering."
"It doesn't. It's nice being the man of the household in the literal sense."
She chuckled, "ah, so any future sons would be viewed as an usurper of your authority?"
"We'll just have ensure that we have opinionated daughters too."
"So you give XiaoCi credit for ensuring you're not a despot in your own home?"
"Absolutely," he freely admitted.
"Then I am in her debt."
"Hmmm?" he turned to look at her.
"Most husbands expect quiet obedience from their wives."
"But I don't?"
"No, you don't," she told him confidently.
"You are a princess after all."
She rolled her eyes at his teasing tone, causing him to chuckle.
"I like being able to discuss serious matters with you. It helps relieve the burden but also makes me feel not so alone."
Her fingers intertwined with his, "XiaoCi did tell me that she had once worried about you ever finding a wife."
"Oh?"
"She says you chose loneliness."
"Maybe I did. Even now, I have few true friends."
"Then fortunate am I that you decided I would be allowed into your world."
"You left me little choice."
"Oh?"
He rolled so that he could stare into her eyes, "you embolden me to act freely."
"彼此彼此."
He kissed her languidly, in quite the opposite manner as when the room had emptied on their wedding night. He had apologized for not taking more time with her, but she had also felt the urgency as their clothing was removed and had hurtled into the unknown with him. It had made for a powerful first, second, and third coupling. She shivered now in remembrance.
"What is it?"
She reached up and cupped his face with her hands, "Remind me again?"
"Of what?"
"Of the nature of the fortune you have obtained since coming to BeiJing."
"Now?"
"Now."
He stared at her, marveling again that she was his. "As GeGe commands."
She was given no chance to protest the appellation he chose as his lips descended upon hers again. Their clothing was going to stain from the grass, but she cared not as he was revealed again to her gaze. She had never thought too much on the physical attributes of her future husband but as she passed her hands over his physique, she couldn't help but murmur her appreciation. He let her exchange their positions and watched as she explored his exposed skin.
"Qing-er…" his voice was strained as her hand brushed against his shaft.
She just stared into his eyes even as she caressed the tip of him.
He closed his eyes and tried his best to focus on his breathing. His relief when she removed her hand was short-lived. He moaned as he felt himself become encompassed in her warmth.
"Qing-er…"
How intently she was watching him. His hands went to her hips unconsciously. Her hands pressed into his chest as she settled into a mutually agreeable pace. Her eyes had fluttered closed and the sound of her moans aroused him more than he thought was possible. He wondered if she was even aware of her actions when her hands met his and then guided them to her chest. He bucked upwards as he massaged her mounds. He decided then that actually, this was his favorite sight of her.
"FangYan."
"I'm here."
She nodded briefly before shuddering and losing her rhythm. He held her as she collapsed in a shivering mess into his arms.
He caresses her face gently as the tremors receded from her body. "Have I emphasized my point enough?"
She peered up at him, "I like to be reminded."
He kissed her forehead, "then remind you I shall."
She whimpered when he pressed into her again, and the sound only spurred him on.
"You are my world," he managed to gasp before he felt his own release descend upon him.
It was her turn to trace his features. He kissed the tips of her fingers as they passed over his lips and opened his eyes to see her smile.
"You've given me quite the responsibility."
"Hmmm?"
"To be your whole world."
"You'll more than live up to the challenge."
"Thank you for your faith in me." She replied just as playfully.
He kissed her briefly, "we should go find the horses."
"Hmmm. I suppose you're right. Before XiaoCi comes looking for us and we destroy her good opinion of me."
"She'd more likely blame me for demanding too much of you."
"Little does she know that I am the demanding one."
She winced as she stood to gather her clothing.
"Qing-er?"
"I may have been overzealous."
She pecked his cheek in response to his look of concern, "it'll pass. But we may need to walk our horses home."
"Ah."
She smiled, "It's simply still new. I'll adjust."
"Thank you." There was something so tender in his gaze as he held her hands after they finished dressing.
Her smile did not dim, "Let us go home."