Character Refresher:
Hua-Main Character, Albino, Favorite Wife.
Jing-Oldest Wife, Hua's Ally.
Genji- Second Oldest Wife, Hua's enemy, Bad-Tempered.
Ai- Youngest Wife, Playful, Doesn't Talk Much.
De-Only Living Heir, Hua's First-Born Son.
Bolin-Wolf Guard Who Turned In His Brother.
Min- Genji's Sister, Mastermind To De's Poisoning.
Lord Shen-Lord Shen
Chapter 9
A few days passed since the poisoner's execution. And a new cold had settled over Lord Shen's palace. The annex that housed his wives mimicked the palace's atmosphere. For once Jing had no knowledge of the recent behavior of Hua and Lord Shen. Neither seemed cold towards the other. But there was none of the warmth that placed a blanket of security of the residence of Lord Shen's land. They seemed indifferent to each other so much so that even Young Master De felt uncomfortable in their presence. And then there was the fact that Genji and Min had kept to themselves lately. This was perhaps the most unsettling fact for Jing to come to terms with. However, Ai continued to be herself which brought a nice comfort to Jing. Ai has been spending more time with Young Master De to bring some familiarity and fun to the young chick. What happened between Lord Shen and Hua? Was a question constantly on Jing's mind.
However, a different mindset was happening between Genji and Min. To everyone outside Genji's circle the sisters have been obediently quiet. This was false in every essence of the word. The fact that Genji stood in her sister's doorway observing the recently shattered vase was proof of the discord.
"How? Why?" Min cried while pacing the floor.
"How are you still alive and why are you still alive? Couldn't say."
"Quiet!"
Min threw another vase at the floor in an attempt to scare off Genji.
It wasn't working.
Her plan should have been perfect. Min flirted around the more gullible of guards before finding the perfect target. He was a funny, charismatic, and stupidly loyal canine. Min was even ashamed to say that under different circumstances she might have given him her hand in marriage. But her father had given her a mission to produce an heir for Lord Shen. And to accomplish that goal Young Master De needed to be removed. Min told the wolf fake rumors about how the people looked down on Lord Shen because of his heir. Then when she had successfully manipulated him enough Min told him of how she didn't have the courage to carry out her father's orders. How she would be killed once she had to return home for failing her mission. Immediately the love-stricken wolf volunteered to poison Young Master De. And as Min had predicted everything was perfectly executed. Her wolf lover kept her company in secret on that night when Young Master De fought for every breath. Min had no worry as she couldn't bear a child from a wolf. How wrong she was not to worry though. Her wolf lover had a brother. A brother who had a stronger sense of loyalty towards Lord Shen than to his own blood. Min lived in fear when her wolf lover spent his time in the dungeons. Genji made sure to keep Min away from the wolf. If there was even a small chance of them being seen Lord Shen wouldn't hesitate to execute the two sisters. Min and Genji couldn't breathe during this time. Only once word passed of the poisoner's successful execution did Genji begin to relax. Min however cried for her wolf lover on the first night. When Genji asked her about her sister's tears Min only replied they were of relief. Min would never reveal a weakness to her sister Genji. And now days later Min was left asking how her plan was so poorly executed and why she cared more for her wolf lover's death than her failed mission.
"You will be summoned back home soon. I suggest you don't lie to Father when you return home."
"Leave!"
Min turned away from Genji to finally get her point across. Finally, Genji left with a proud smirk in her small victory. Only once Genji had truly left and was out of earshot did Min ask one last question.
"What am I going to do now?"
Jing was oblivious to this drama between the two sisters. Her focus was now entirely focused on Hua.
"Care to explain why Lord Shen isn't-"
"-Acting like a rabbit in heat who hasn't seen a female in years?"
"…I was going to say less happy than usual."
Hua walked over to Ai who had been playing with Young Master De in the center of the garden Lord Shen had gifted Hua.
"De."
With a simple call, Young Master De abandoned his playmate and crawled to his mother's arms.
"Hua, please?"
Hua sighed holding her son close to her chest. Feeling his breath against her feathers was comforting.
"He had me execute-I should say he had me participate in the execution of my son's poisoner. Lord Shen turned me into a killer. And then as a loyal wife should be I kept his bed warm after the act."
"Hua…"
"The worst part is I'm not even upset about that! I must have truly gone mad Jing. What else could I be if not mad to have enjoyed having Lord Shen all to myself after we killed someone together?"
Jing could not respond however Ai stepped forward to speak her piece.
"A wife. It does not make you mad. It makes you a wife…and a survivor."
Hua regarded Ai for a moment before entrusting De back into Ai's care.
"We can't come to an agreement about De."
Jing taking this opening immediately stood by Hua's side while Ai carried De back to their play area.
"What about Young Master De?"
"…my son's poisoner has a brother. I want him to become De's guard."
Jing stared at Hua as if she had grown two heads spontaneously.
"Lord Shen was open to a guard at first. But the minute I mentioned who I wanted as a guard Lord Shen acted offended that I would want a guard in the first place when the palace is perfectly safe."
Hua had to laugh as she remembered the argument the two had in bed. It didn't have any cruel words or loud voices involved. The two even stayed entangled in each other's warmth while it happened. But it was the first time Hua had dared to argue against Lord Shen instead of being obedient.
"Why…him?"
Jing's question was the same as Lord Shen's. The only difference was that Jing asked it aloud while Lord Shen would never. His word was law he didn't need to know anything about Hua's thought process.
"Because he turned on blood for Lord Shen. De has Lord Shen's blood and he hasn't sworn loyalty to Lord Shen yet."
"Don't you think you're being a little…reckless?"
"My mother once said even flies are needed for a garden to grow. I believe having Bolin, the poisoner's brother, as my son's guard will allow the flies to know that some flowers have thorns sharper than others."
Jing couldn't respond to that logic in the negative. She too had the same mentality when it came to handling Genji. So, with a heavy sigh, Jing made a decision.
"I have been called on for tonight."
Hua did not respond in any meaningful way. Being a wife to Lord Shen meant being okay with sharing his bed. And when it came to who Lord Shen chose Hua couldn't say she was bothered by his choosing Jing. She certainly was a better choice than Genji or Min.
"I'll send you some oils to bath in that my mother sent me. They're good for body aches and are relaxing."
"Thank you. And I will try my hand in convincing Lord Shen of your plan."
Hua smiled happily giving Jing a courteous embrace. Jing returned Hua's affection before returning to her room for the day. What neither had noticed was that Lord Shen had been spying on his three wives. One of Ai's servants said that his attention was needed in Hua's gifted garden. Ai only ever sent Lord Shen one of her servants when she believed it was information he needed to know or to entertain him. When he arrived, it was after Hua began to explain why she wanted to use Bolin as their son's guard. Lord Shen would never admit defeat to the enemy but to his flower his mind did waver.
"Ai."
Ai immediately stood when Lord Shen made his presence known causing Hua to gasp in surprise.
"Take De back to the annex."
"Yes, My Lord."
Ai bowed as she carried Young Master De off. Her only parting words to Hua were of concerned eyes.
"Lord Shen."
It was a less intimate greeting but not an improper one. However, it still made Lord Shen's feathers bristle slightly. But Lord Shen decided to submit and discreetly ask for Hua's pity.
"My dear Hua."
Hua looked away from her Lord before pretending to tend to her garden. She wasn't going to fall to his sweet words that quickly. Even if her heart melted at the sound of his voice.
"The garden isn't ready to receive guests yet, Lord Shen. But I hope it will soon be of use to you."
"I have no need for this garden. This is your gift, for you to use as you please my dear Hua."
Hua regarded Lord Shen before speaking again.
"Everything I need is for you, Lord Shen. For you and your future as the one sole ruler of China."
Lord Shen heaved a heavy sigh before approaching his Hua.
"Hua-"
"-I'm tired Lord Shen. Forgive me for not being good company I-"
"-HUA!"
Lord Shen grabbed his dear Hua by the shoulders forcing her to face him.
"I'm tired of this! You will stop this now. NOW!"
Hua flinched against the sound of his rising voice. But she still didn't want to submit to Lord Shen. Not when she believed it was something that could benefit her son. She didn't expect his next statement though.
"I will have Bolin serve De. Now end this. Now. Or so help me I will make you regret tempting my rage."
To further his statement Lord Shen held a light grip around Hua's neck.
"I'm sorry." A tear escaped Hua's eye. "Please believe me that I want this for both you and De. To protect you both."
Lord Shen wanted to squeeze harder when Hua began to cry. He relented when he remembered how bored and plain life was when he didn't have his Hua. And even he had to admit that he wasn't being fair to Hua in the beginning. Her request was reasonable, and her decision was sound. He was the stubborn one in refusing to hear her out at first. Only when Ai stepped in did Lord Shen finally understand.
"I believe you my dear Hua."
Pulling her into his embrace Lord Shen wondered if it was too late to call on Hua instead of Jing for tonight. But lamented that probably was the wrong decision at this time. His Hua needed time to be comfortable around him again. She truly needed to be trained with time and patience.
"Thank you. Thank you, My Lord."
Hua cried like a child in her lord's arms. In his grasp, Hua could only imagine the future she would have with her husband and their perfect child De.
The next day Bolin's fate was decided, and he was permitted to leave the dungeon. He was not met with animosity amongst his peers. In fact, many treated him with either indifference for betraying his blood or admiration for his loyalty to their Lord Shen. Once he had been properly bathed and fed the general debriefed Bolin on his new position.
"Lord Shen will not be accepting your vow of loyalty."
Immediately Bolin's heart shattered into a million pieces. It was every wolf's dream in Gongmen City to serve Lord Shen. But now it seemed that Lord Shen had refuted him because of his brother's actions.
"Am I banished General?"
"On the contrary, you are being given an honor one could only dream of."
"General?"
"In an hour Miss Hua's servants will assist you in your relocation."
"I'm afraid I don't understand General."
"Miss Hua has requested you become the personal guard to Young Master De and our Lord Shen recognizing your potential, agreed!"
How little the two knew of the discord this decision created between the peacock and his peahen.
Bolin was left even more dumbfounded as the general rejoiced and continued to explain what his new role would mean for his military career.
When the hour passed, and Bolin was relocated to a room adjacent to Young Master De's future bedroom reality began to sink in heavily.
"Our lady Hua is entering." The lead lady-in-waiting spoke giving Bolin little time to stand at attention.
"Greetings, Bolin."
"Miss Hua."
Boling bowed respectfully before standing erect. He noticed that she didn't appear as weak when he first met her or terrifying when she sought him out in the dungeon. After rest and a sense of calm had been restored Bolin could confidently say that he could see why Lord Shen was attracted to her. Her albino features did not scare Bolin as a requirement to serve Lord Shen was to not think anything about albinism.
"My son's safety will be in your care."
"Yes, Miss Hua."
Such a heavy responsibility he had been given. But his urge to be needed was now being fulfilled. And under Hua's soft eyes, Bolin swore to himself that he wouldn't let her down. The idea of seeing her in that decrypted state over her dying son etched itself into Bolin's mind. And if he was to protect Young Master De that included protecting his mother.
"I will not let you down."
He wanted to ask why him. it was his brother that poisoned Lord Shen's heir to begin with. Was it him turning on his blood that deemed him worthy enough for Lord Shen's heir? Or was there another reason? Bolin found himself wondering what was happening in the peahen's mind to recommend him as her son's guard. But such questions are not be asked by a guard. His only requirement and goal were to be obedient and loyal to his master.
"Bring me Young Master De."
Immediately a lady-in-waiting left to retrieve the young heir. When he appeared, Bolin had to try and calm his racing heart. It truly was an honor to serve the bloodline of Lord Shen.
"De."
The Young Master clumsily walked to his mother reaching out for her. She obliged by kneeling to his height allowing the young chick to hang on her for support.
"This is Bolin."
Immediately Bolin bowed to the young heir. However, the young heir being only a babe did not react to this action.
"Kneel." Hua told Bolin.
He immediately did so which resulted in De showing more interest in his existence.
"He will be your guardian. He will be your weapon and he will be your shield. This is your guard my precious De."
The sun began to set on the scene. Today seemed to only be an ending to a chapter with a promising story ahead. Left with mystery and wonder Bolin could only be happy that he would have an up and close experience to protecting the future of China. Today has ended but tomorrow seemed to be filled with promise.