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Qin Huaizhang was dying.
At the break of a new day, he felt miserable, his meridians not being enough to fight the illness that tried to overpower his body.
Unfortunately, no one could find a cure. There were ways to make him live longer, to drag his suffering out, and that way he would be able to make certain necessary arrangements. The Four Seasons Manor had to be looked after properly after his death, and he knew just who the ideal person was to take his place.
Zhou Zishu was ready to become the new Master. Everything Qin Huaizhang knew, he had managed to teach Zhou Zishu, and his disciple excelled at it. He’d be a great leader.
Or so he thought, until Qin Huaizhang had a most disturbing dream. In it, all his disciples died, one by one, even the older ones. And in the middle of it all, bathed in their blood, was a crying Zhou Zishu – devastated beyond belief.
He had no idea what the dream meant, it surely couldn’t be seen as a prophecy. However, it had been enough to make him take matters in his own hands.
Zhou Zishu was a young Qianyuan, just turned twenty, and he was at the prime of his youth and virility. It would be wise to marry him to a proper Kunze who would be able to make him settle, making the Four Seasons Manor their home. Not to mention that guaranteeing an alliance with another sect would probably be a safe bet as well.
It would bring him great sadness if all his disciples ended up dying in the most heinous ways.
Making up his mind, Qin Huaizhang wrote letters to all sects, big and small, asking if any of them had a Kunze who was of age and willing to marry into the Four Seasons Sect.
The replies came slowly, and Qin Huaizhang was starting to lose hope as his health got worse and worse. Most of the letters he received were of people disagreeing on marrying into Qin Huaizhang’s sect, but the few he got a positive answer to, the Kunzes in question weren’t appropriate to be a Sect Master’s spouse.
Until he got a letter that made his whole body go rigid.
He urgently asked for Zhou Zishu to an important meeting, and his disciple came as soon as he had been called, ready to do anything for his Shifu.
“Zishu,” he started, slowly, sitting at his table a little out of breath, mainly after reading the letter he had in hands. “As you know, I’m dying.” He saw his disciple lower his head; unspoken anguish written all over his face. “You’ll become the Master of Four Seasons Manor, but I would feel much better if I knew you would be well taken care of.”
At that, Zhou Zishu looked up, frowning. “Shifu, what do you mean? I’m clearly prepared to take care of myself. Why would I need someone—” He stopped talking as Qin Huaizhang raised his hand.
“I’m arranging a marriage for you. Someone to take care of the Manor as you guide the younger disciples.” Zhou Zishu clearly didn’t like the idea, but bit his tongue letting his master speak. “However, this is not why I asked you here.”
Qin Huaizhang handed Zhou Zishu the letter, and the Qianyuan looked at it, not really interested in its contents. “What is this?”
“Read it.”
Zhou Zishu did as he was told, his breath hitching as he read the words on the paper.
Master Qin Huaizhang,
This is Zhen Yan, although now I go by the name Wen Kexing. You might not believe it is me, but if you’re willing to hear me, I’d appreciate it if I could come to Four Seasons Manor. If that’s not ideal, I wouldn’t be opposed in meeting elsewhere.
I’m contacting you only now for two reasons: Only recently I managed to escape from where I’ve been kept all these years, and I’m still trying to make a new name for myself, to be able to live in this world without fear. Secondly, I heard that the Four Seasons Manor is looking for a Kunze to marry into the sect, and, as a Kunze myself, I’d be willing to finally be in your sect.
If I’m not appropriate enough, due to my age or my lack of martial arts experience, I would like to ask for a favour. I have someone I’m responsible for. She’s only five, and she was abandoned as an infant. She has no one, but me. It would ease my mind to know she’s being well taken care of and trained to take care of herself in the future.
I’ll be waiting for an answer at the address below. I hope everyone’s well.
“Zhen Yan is alive?” Zhou Zishu echoed in visible disbelief, rereading the letter. “This can only be a lie. Shifu, we should probably look for this person and discover why they are lying.” Qin Huaizhang was silent for a moment. Zhou Zishu glanced at him. “Shifu?”
“I want to believe it’s him,” he started, but he looked thoughtful, and Zhou Zishu gave him some time to think. “But I think you’re right. You should go to the address and see if it’s him. Do not reveal yourself. Leave as soon as possible. Return with him if it is, indeed, Zhen Yan.”
Zhou Zishu bowed and promised to do just that. Then, putting the letter back in his pockets before leaving his Master. Zhou Zishu had to get ready to leave.
“A-Die!” A shrill voice called, and Zhou Zishu continued lounging on the middle of the street, revelling the sun. The seasons were changing, and the weather was growing colder, but the warmth the sun provided was great in comparison. “There’s a beggar over there!” At that, Zhou Zishu knew the little girl was talking about him.
He was disguising as an older, homeless man with tattered clothes and a bottle of wine. He was not asking for money though, which was why he had his eyes closed in the first place.
“And what about it?” An older, male voice answered, and Zhou Zishu, although with his eyes still closed, could smell the most delicious scent getting nearer to him.
“He’s ugly.” The girl complained, to which she received a laughter in return.
“A-Xiang, you’re still too young to see true beauty. Besides, people are something more than what they meet the eye. Skin worn as a guise withers with changing seasons, the core is where the beauty lies, water appears to be wine in reason¹.”
A brief moment of silence before the girl groaned. “A-Die! I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Laughter again, and Zhou Zishu couldn’t help but open his eyes as he saw father and daughter walk by him.
The two of them changed subjects, talking about the street market nearby, but Zhou Zishu could only watch the man leave. He was gorgeous, although Zhou Zishu only managed to see one side of his face as he looked down at the little girl in purple.
The man was wearing teal robes, a jade hairpin beautifully holding a bun on top of his head, and his hair was so long, framing his face and body in an alluring way. This man was tall too, although Zhou Zishu could tell he was a Kunze. It occurred to him that the man in question could be Zhen Yan, as he did seem to be in his late teens, and he was accompanied by a little girl as his letter had described.
Truth be told, Zhou Zishu wasn’t happy that his master was trying to find him a mate, a spouse. But the prospect of meeting Zhen Yan again did make his heart skip a beat. After all, they had failed Zhen Yan’s family, and although his parents’ bodies had been found, there had been no sign of Zhen Yan. Everyone assumed he was dead, though, as a child couldn’t simply vanish.
Could it be that Zhen Yan had actually been abducted and kept captive all those years? If so, Zhou Zishu could only imagine the hardships the younger boy had to endure.
His first step was to make sure the man he had seen previously with the little girl was, in fact, Zhen Yan.
A couple of hours later, Zhou Zishu was in the same spot, having moved only to buy some wine, and now he was back at his previous place, drinking to his heart content, when the man and the little girl made their way back to the inn they were staying.
They were holding hands and the girl was skipping as they walked, a large sweet on a stick in her other hand as she chatted non-stop. The man was smiling softly at the girl, his other hand holding a white fan as he fanned himself in slow movements.
Zhou Zishu didn’t try to pretend he wasn’t looking at them, though.
“—be a bird and I’d fly all day long!” The girl was saying something to her father, who looked amused at her words. “And—A-die! Look! The beggar’s still there!” The girl pointed with her sweet and the tall Kunze did turn to look at him, his smile never faltering.
Zhou Zishu stared at him unabashedly, but what he did not expect was to have the man do the same to him. In fact, if Zhou Zishu didn’t know any better, he’d say the Kunze was checking him out.
Which was an idiotic thought altogether, seeing that Zhou Zishu was wearing a mask of an ugly, older man, his robes in tatters. Sure, his scent was unmasked – he somehow hoped Zhen Yan would recognize his scent, even though Zhou Zishu had only presented as a Qianyuan a couple of years after they had met, and it hadn’t been as strong or musky as it had been from when he had been a child.
“Now, A-Xiang, I told you already. Talking about people when they are within earshot is not polite.” The little girl simply shrugged and took a bite of her candy, already ignoring Zhou Zishu in order to go back to the inn.
The Kunze continued gawking at him, though, lips tugged at the sides in a friendly smile, and he only looked away when he passed Zhou Zishu and he couldn’t see him any longer, unless he turned his head to look back. In truth, the Kunze was more beautiful than Zhou Zishu had seen from a distance, and his smile was attractive, even though Zhou Zishu noticed it hadn’t quite reached his eyes.
Zhou Zishu considered his options. Perhaps it should be better to stay still for a few more days and just observe, make sure this man truly was Zhen Yan. On the other hand, he could try hiding in the inn or near the man’s windows to observe closer.
Albeit, before he could make up his mind, a gelid rain started. The skies had been slowly darkening, so Zhou Zishu should have seen it coming, but he had been too enthralled by the man’s unrivalled beauty and melodious laugh.
He cursed under his breath, covering his head with his sleeve. As much as his make up was perfectly done, this much water would alter details that people would be able to notice.
Before he could stand up, though, a shadow covered him, and water stopped falling on him. He looked up and was pleasantly surprised to see the Kunze of before, smiling at him with a predatory glint in his eyes, holding an umbrella out for him.
“No one should be left out in the rain,” the Kunze said, in lieu of an explanation. “Come.”
A shiver ran down Zhou Zishu’s spine and part of him told him that he should stay away from this man. Nonetheless, another, more primal part of him, wanted to comply to anything this Kunze asked of him.
In an instant, he was on his feet, following the beautiful Kunze to the inn, taking the stairs and entering a somewhat luxurious room. It had two beds in it and a bathing area, and Zhou Zishu wondered how he managed to pay for such a room if he was, indeed, Zhen Yan.
“A-Die!” An affronted A-Xiang pouted and pointed at Zhou Zishu once more. “You really brought the ugly beggar here?”
“A-Xiang, manners.” The man said simply, and yet the girl instantly shut up, crossing her arms and sitting at the window to look the rain fall. “I’m sorry, she hasn’t met many new people.” The Kunze laughed and Zhou Zishu gave an awkward smile back. “Oh, and where are my manners? I’m Wen Kexing. This is Gu Xiang.”
At the name, Zhou Zishu knew this was the one he had been looking for. Wen Kexing, previously known as Zhen Yan. Instead of showing his surprise at the realization, he decided to focus on the other information he was given.
“Gu Xiang? Shouldn’t she be Wen Xiang?” It was the first time he spoke to the man, and he noticed how Wen Kexing blinked a couple of times before answering him.
“She’s not really my daughter,” the Kunze explained. “But I’m the one who raised her since she was little, so she started calling me that.”
It didn’t fail to catch Zhou Zishu’s attention the way the little girl frowned before pouting even harder, glaring daggers at Zhou Zishu before looking out the window again.
“Is that so?” Zhou Zishu believed him, of course. Had this been the truth, Zhen Yan would have gotten pregnant at the age of twelve, and Zhou Zishu had no idea how he’d be able to handle that.
“What’s your name, beautiful?” Wen Kexing asked in the most shameless way possible, and Zhou Zishu was a little thrown aback by the sudden flirtation. Wasn’t this man hoping to marry into the Four Seasons Sect? What was he doing flirting with a homeless, unknown Qianyuan?
“I’m Zhou Xu,” he quickly made up the name, turning and giving the room a look in order to avoid Wen Kexing.
“A-Xu, take a bath. The water must be warm still. You wouldn’t want to get sick, would you?” Even those questions were laced with innuendoes and Zhou Zishu didn’t even know how to deal with it. Never before a Kunze had flirted with him so abrasively.
“A-Die, just let the beggar die!” Gu Xiang decided that now was the best way to throw a tantrum, but all it took for her to stop was Wen Kexing’s look.
“Inviting me here… Won’t people talk?” Wen Kexing turned once more to Zhou Zishu, laughing as he did so.
“I’m an unmated Kunze with a child calling me a-die. Don’t you think I would have cared about that?” Unmated Kunzes with children weren’t unheard of, since some Qianyuans would force themselves on weaker Kunzes, not to mention the families who would sell their Kunze children to brothels in order to feed the rest of their families.
Regardless of how the Kunze ended up pregnant, society didn’t approve of unmated Kunzes with children, as if they were the ones completely at fault. Not that some weren’t; Zhou Zishu was certain there were Kunzes who consensually slept with people and ended up pregnant. However, in his opinion, no one should judge before knowing the full story. Or better yet, no one should judge, regardless of how they wound up with children.
Therefore, it made sense what Wen Kexing said, but Zhou Zishu was more worried because, had he not been in disguise, would Wen Kexing have invited another homeless Qianyuan to his room?
According to the letter, his martial arts were lacking, so how would he be able to protect himself and Gu Xiang?
Zhou Zishu decided not to press the subject, but before he could go to the bathing area to take off these dripping robes, Wen Kexing chided in.
“Besides, I wouldn’t be opposed if people implied you were sharing my bed.” Zhou Zishu turned to meet Wen Kexing’s gaze, eyes wide. How much more shameless could this man become? “I just wonder what I’d have to do to make it become a reality.”
Unable to come up with an answer, Zhou Zishu decided to just go take a bath. He turned his back on Wen Kexing, going to the private bathing area. He did hear the Kunze laughing and Gu Xiang complaining that her a-die should be sharing his bed with her, and not with an ugly man.
While Zhou Zishu undressed and got into the bathtub, he heard some rustling coming from the room, but no conversation followed for a while. Some minutes later, though, Wen Kexing spoke once again.
“A-Xu, I’m leaving some robes for you here. A-Xiang and I will be downstairs ordering dinner. Take your time and feel free to join us when you’re ready.” Zhou Zishu heard the little girl running to Wen Kexing, and then their steps growing distant, before a door opened and closed.
Zhou Zishu felt himself relaxing and he realized he had been tensed since Wen Kexing started flirting with him. That was definitely something Zhou Zishu hadn’t considered; the man had proposed to be a potential candidate as a Four Seasons’ spouse, and here he was, unabashedly flirting with a stranger.
What were the odds that Wen Kexing recognized Zhou Zishu? No, it was highly improbable, as they hadn’t seen each other in ten years. That meant that, if Wen Kexing truly didn’t know who he was, he was highly improper and wouldn’t be fit to marry into Four Seasons Sect.
Not that Zhou Zishu was willing to marry anyone for that matter, much less a long lost childhood friend, but still.
However, Zhou Zishu had to be honest to himself. He did enjoy the flirting, as Wen Kexing was a gorgeous Kunze. He was only a couple of years younger than Zhou Zishu, and his scent was deliciously alluring to him. Not to mention that seeing him care for a girl as if she was his own child, made Zhou Zishu think that perhaps Wen Kexing would be a good spouse.
Shaking his head in order to make these thoughts dissipate, Zhou Zishu finished bathing and let go of the bathing area. The robes smelt of Wen Kexing, and Zhou Zishu knew how it would look to other people, but he couldn’t bring himself to care when the Kunze’s smell was enveloping him so nicely.
The robes were slightly bigger on him, as Wen Kexing was taller than him, but the robes were made from very fine fabric, and Zhou Zishu wondered if Wen Kexing had lied in his letter, as he shouldn’t be able to have had money for these clothes and this room.
Deciding to investigate further before deriving conclusions, Zhou Zishu left the room and made his way downstairs to the dining area, where Wen Kexing and Gu Xiang had started eating already, the little girl using her hashis to stab her food before shoving it in his mouth.
When Wen Kexing noticed Zhou Zishu, he smiled brightly before turning to Gu Xiang and clearing his throat. That was enough for the girl to hold the has his correctly.
Zhou Zishu had to admit that it was impressive that all it took was a glance from the Kunze for the girl to behave. Even though Wen Kexing was shameless and seemed to have no filter, he had raised the girl well, even though he was still young himself.
(And if that made Zhou Zishu a little more attracted to the other man, who was to blame him?)
“A-Xu! I didn’t know what you liked, so I ordered my favourites.” Zhou Zishu sat in front of Wen Kexing, the little girl at his right, and looked at the options on the table. “Here, try this.”
Before he could even get his own bowl and hashis, Wen Kexing was trying to feed him. Deciding to test Wen Kexing and how far the Kunze would go with his shamelessness towards a complete stranger, Zhou Zishu opened his mouth without averting his gaze from Wen Kexing’s eyes.
In that instant, he noticed that perhaps Wen Kexing was more bark than bite as his cheeks reddened at Zhou Zishu’s action. However, Wen Kexing’s smile brightened, becoming more sincere.
Zhou Zishu let Wen Kexing feed him for a while as the Kunze babbled on about the different dishes, commenting on the spices used and how he would cook them instead, and Zhou Zishu couldn’t help but feel endeared by this man.
He hated it that he was so attracted to him; as far as he knew, Wen Kexing could be a fraud, using Zhen Yan’s name for some scheme. And yet, his scent made Zhou Zishu feel like he belonged, more so than he had ever felt at Four Seasons Manor. His smile was gorgeous, and Zhou Zishu caught himself staring at it from time to time, wondering how it would taste like.
Fortunately, Zhou Zishu was dragged out of his distracting thoughts by a whiny Gu Xiang.
“A-die! Why are you feeding this homeless man? You told me I have to eat by myself because I have my two hands, and this guy does too! And he’s old!” Zhou Zishu looked at Gu Xiang, amusement showing in his tilted lips. Wen Kexing laughed before piling food onto a bowl and handing it to Zhou Zishu.
“You’re absolutely right, A-Xiang.” Gu Xiang harumphed and returned to her food, side-eyeing Zhou Zishu all the while.
“Tell me, A-Xiang,” Zhou Zishu started, still amused. “Is your a-die always this shameless?” Gu Xiang frowned in confusion before pointing at him with her hashis.
“You don’t get to call me A-Xiang!” She went back to her food, ignoring Zhou Zishu.
“Shameless, A-Xu? Me?” He pouted, and somehow his eyes expressed such helplessness that Zhou Zishu wanted nothing more than to do everything this Kunze ever asked of him. “Am I shameless if I’m simply stating the truth?”
Zhou Zishu continued eating for a moment, trying to think of a good answer. Wen Kexing was good with words, and Zhou Zishu knew that he had to be careful with his own.
“Well, Lao Wen,” he started, putting his bowl down so he could look Wen Kexing in the eye. “You’re putting too much faith into a Qianyuan you’ve just met.” Wen Kexing then rested his elbow on the table and cupped his face with his hand, staring at Zhou Zishu as if he was a masterpiece to be appreciated.
“Someone with shoulder blades like yours can be trusted.” Zhou Zishu rose an eyebrow, and Wen Kexing chuckled before continuing. “And who’s to say I wouldn’t be able to defend myself if needed?”
At that, Gu Xiang piped in. “My a-die will skin you alive if—”
“A-Xiang, that’s not appropriate to say at the dinner table.” Wen Kexing’s eyes shone with something unreadable, and Zhou Zishu was curious, although he was unsure if he wanted to know what that meant.
“But, a-die—”
“Gu Xiang. Do I have to repeat myself?” At that, the girl shook her head and deflated, playing with her food. Wen Kexing turned to Zhou Zishu once again, face a mask as if he hadn’t just admonished Gu Xiang.
“Is that so?” Zhou Zishu answered instead, deciding it would be best to pretend he didn’t sense the change in scent coming from Wen Kexing, who now smelt apprehensive and anxious.
“Indeed, A-Xu. I’m a Kunze. I wouldn’t walk around with a child if I didn’t know how to protect us.”
He then leant forward, hand moving quickly to touch Zhou Zishu’s face, and it took Zhou Zishu a second too much to dodge. Wen Kexing brought the finger that had grazed on Zhou Zishu’s hand to his nose, smelling it, eyes darkening with obvious desire, and Zhou Zishu started breathing through his mouth as to not smell Wen Kexing’s alluring smell.
“Although, I must admit that having a strong, capable Qianyuan like yourself around does ease my heart.” Wen Kexing added, flirting yet again, and Zhou Zishu wondered if it would be too bad to marry this Kunze, regardless of what his shifu thought.
At least, it would have been his decision, and not an arranged marriage.
“What makes you think I’m strong and capable?” Zhou Zishu asked, not really thinking before doing so.
“Your shoulder blades are strong, A-Xu. Only someone who’s strong could have such sculpted shoulder blades. And if you’d let me see your arms and thighs, I’m sure I’d be proven right once again.”
Zhou Zishu had known this man for half a day, and the number of times he was rendered speechless were far too many to count. He should have known better than to ask that, but he looked like an old, sick man, so he truly wanted to know what made Wen Kexing think so.
Wen Kexing laughed heartily as Zhou Zishu returned to his bowl without an answer. Fortunately, though, the Kunze decided to take A-Xiang to their room to get the girl ready for bed. Zhou Zishu took his time eating, and just contemplating what had happened in the last twelve hours or so.
While he hadn’t had any idea of what meeting Zhen Yan again after so many years would entail, this was still one of the last scenarios he would have even considered a possibility.
A shameless Kunze practically throwing himself at Zhou Zishu was not what he had expected.
Besides, if Zhen Yan had been a captive for at least ten years as he mentioned on the letter, Zhou Zishu thought the man would have been traumatized. Or, at least, not inviting strange Qianyuan into their quarters.
However, Zhou Zishu had to admit that he quite enjoyed the attention. Never before had someone been so upfront about their romantic, or even sexual, intentions towards him.
Had the situation been different, Zhou Zishu wondered if he’d let himself be interested in Wen Kexing; as Zhou Xu, he could flirt back whenever he felt like it, he could let himself appreciate Wen Kexing’s body and scent. If they had met with Zhou Zishu as himself, the next Master of Four Seasons Manor, he doubted he’d have the patience to deal with someone like Wen Kexing.
On the other hand, he had no idea how he would have reacted if Wen Kexing had arrived at Four Seasons Manor to marry him and flirted with him the same way as he was now. They would be intended to marry, so perhaps there wouldn’t be a problem to have Wen Kexing being shameless towards him then.
But then again, he did have an image to uphold as the next Master, and he wouldn’t be able to accept such shamelessness. At least, not in front of others.
Zhou Zishu sighed heavily, wondering what would happen from now on in his life. Deciding that he still had to investigate Wen Kexing, Zhou Zishu made his way back to their room. Wen Kexing was combing Gu Xiang’s hair as she talked fast about something that Zhou Zishu couldn’t quite discern, but Wen Kexing had a sincere smile on his face, and that softened Zhou Zishu’s heart somewhat.
As soon as he closed the door behind him, Wen Kexing looked up with curious eyes, smiling fondly before returning his attention to the little girl in front of him.
“A-die, it’s still raining.” The girl complained after a three second silence in the room.
“And what about it?” Wen Kexing’s voice was sweet, similar to how it had been earlier that day when he first heard them speaking. Zhou Zishu felt like he was intruding on a father-daughter moment, so he simply walked to the smaller bed and lied on it.
“What if it’s still raining tomorrow? We can’t play outside.” She pouted, crossing her arms. Zhou Zishu saw Wen Kexing’s eyes full of love for the little girl and Zhou Zishu wanted nothing more but to see Wen Kexing acting like this with their children.
The moment the thought crossed his mind, he admonished himself for such silliness. Even if this man was who he said he was and they ended up marrying, Zhou Zishu didn’t even know if Wen Kexing planned on having kids, or if they would have them so soon. And even then, Zhou Zishu knew better than let himself daydream.
“I know you prefer the outside, A-Xiang. Let’s sing to the rain to go to sleep with us so when we wake up it’s sunny again?” Gu Xiang’s eyes widened, and she turned to her guardian with a gasp, her small, chubby hands holding Wen Kexing’s cheeks tightly.
“We can do that?” Her voice was even more high-pitched as she was clearly excited at the prospect of wishing the rain away.
Zhou Zishu had to admit that the image they made was adorable, and Wen Kexing having his cheeks squeezed, mouth slightly pouty, but eyes so full of love towards that little girl made Zhou Zishu’s heart skip a beat.
Zhou Zishu turned his back to them, trying to meditate, or at least attempting to reel in his emotions, as he was worried his scent might act up. He heard some chuckle, but he forced himself not to listen to their conversation anymore.
Probably noticing that Zhou Zishu was trying to sleep, their voices turned to whispers, and it lulled Zhou Zishu to sleep. He dreamed of pretty smiles and flirtatious eyes.
It was still raining when Zhou Zishu woke up.
As he got out of bed, he noticed that both Wen Kexing and Gu Xiang were still asleep, the man holding the girl protectively against his body. Zhou Zishu got out of bed and decided to go out and bring them breakfast in bed, as he knew Gu Xiang would probably be very upset that it was still raining.
It took him almost twenty minutes to go back to Wen Kexing’s room, and by then Wen Kexing was already awake, sitting on the bed he was sharing with the girl. However, when Zhou Zishu opened the door, Wen Kexing’s eyes flashed to the door and the fan he had been holding the day before was suddenly on his hand, pointed at Zhou Zishu.
Zhou Zishu stopped in his tracks, noticing the murderous edge on Wen Kexing’s eyes. However, as soon as Wen Kexing noticed it was him, he was closing the fan and smiling, albeit a little strained.
“A-Xu!” He greeted warmly, hand on Gu Xiang’s head, as he stroked her hair softly. “Where have you gone?”
Zhou Zishu looked down at the platter on his hand, arching an eyebrow as he did so. Wen Kexing chuckled nervously, and he got up from the bed, walking to Zhou Zishu to help him with the breakfast.
“So thoughtful, A-Xu.” Wen Kexing purred, sitting by the table and patting the spot beside him.
Deciding it would be wise to test the waters – and not because he wanted to give in to his desire to get closer to the Kunze, to touch him, to leave scent marks on him –, Zhou Zishu sat beside Wen Kexing.
“Just a small gesture of gratitude after being given a roof to sleep under.” Zhou Zizhu replied, and he was proud to see Wen Kexing’s smell sweetening, his cheeks wearing a pink veil of fluster.
“A-Xu, I would have given you a home if I had one.” Wen Kexing sighed dramatically, getting somewhat closer to Zhou Zishu. “Unfortunately, I barely have enough to give A-Xiang as it is.” Zhou Zishu looked around at the luxurious room.
“Isn’t this one of the best rooms of the inn?” Zhou Zishu commented, trying to look unimpressed. However, the mask Wen Kexing usually wears of a pompous, flirt Kunze slipped for a brief moment. The next second, it was back on and Wen Kexing was pouting beautifully, and Zhou Zishu’s eyes zeroed in on those sinful lips, thought process completely lost.
“And she still deserved better than this.” Wen Kexing then chuckled, taking one bun from the platter and giving it a bite – that was oddly cute, everything considered. “Besides, it won’t be for long. I’m waiting for something.” Zhou Zishu remained in silence, waiting for Wen Kexing to continue, but the Kunze simply continued to eat.
“Waiting for what? A Qianyuan to come sweep you off your feet?” As much as Zhou Zishu had intended for it to sound like a joke, he couldn’t hold back the growl that came from his chest; the idea of another Qianyuan coming along and mating Wen Kexing left an awful taste on his mouth.
Wen Kexing laughed, leaning closer to Zhou Zishu with a twinkling on his eyes. “Hasn’t that happened already, A-Xu?” Zhou Zishu frowned, and another growl came out of him.
This time, he didn’t even try to hold it back, as he wanted to tear this Qianyuan who dared to look at his future mate in half.
“The most gorgeous, breathtaking Qianyuan with the best shoulder blades and the most enticing smell has walked into my life, has he not?” Another growl, a warning this time.
For the first time, Zhou Zishu was losing control over his hormones. That Kunze was his, and he would not let anyone else have him. (There was a part in his mind that told him Wen Kexing was riling him up on purpose, and that he shouldn’t fall for that, but at front of his mind was a chanting that he should mate Wen Kexing right that instant.)
Wen Kexing opened his mouth, probably to say something else, but Zhou Zishu moved before he could even think, his hands catching the Kunze’s ones and holding them tightly above Wen Kexing’s head and they fell on the floor, Zhou Zishu lying on top of Wen Kexing.
Wen Kexing’s legs opened to accommodate Zhou Zishu’s body, and it downed on him that Wen Kexing’s whole body had turned pliant under his. The smell thickened in the room, Wen Kexing’s arousal clouding Zhou Zishu’s judgement.
“Who is he?” Zhou Zishu’s voice was low, a growl accompanying his words. Never before had something like this happened, and had it been in a different situation, Zhou Zishu would never have let a Kunze overtake his mind like this.
“Why, A-Xu. Isn’t it obvious?” Wen Kexing licked his lower lip in the most enticing way, and Zhou Zishu wanted nothing more than to bend down and bite it. “He’s a very respectable Qianyuan, who would never force himself on a helpless Kunze. He’s strong, capable and mysterious.”
“Wen Kexing.” Zhou Zishu growled yet another warning.
“Don’t you wanna know his name?” Wen Kexing tilted his head to the side, playing coy, and Zhou Zishu wanted to shut him up with his mouth.
“Who is it?” Zhou Zishu was ready to go after this Qianyuan and kill him the moment Wen Kexing told him his name. He knew how he’d kill him, he knew what he would tell him before he did it. He knew––
“Zhou Zishu.”
What.
“Or am I wrong?” Wen Kexing continued to speak, his expression morphing to one of hopelessness, and Zhou Zishu was confused and worried that he had been caught.
Zhou Zishu let go of Wen Kexing’s hands, putting his hands on the floor beside Wen Kexing’s hands, where the man left them where they had been.
However, before he could say anything, there was a sharp pain on the back of his skull, and everything went black.
When Zhou Zishu came to, the pain in his head hadn’t quite subdued. He blinked his eyes open, groaning as he sat on the bed. A moment later, Wen Kexing was by his side, sitting on the bed and moving Zhou Zishu’s hair out of the way. The Kunze applied something slightly wet and cool against his scalp, and it eased the pain somewhat.
“What happened?” Zhou Zishu spoke slowly, bringing a hand to his head, as if that would ease the pain somehow.
“A-Xiang knocked you out.” Wen Kexing stated matter-of-factly, which only confused Zhou Zishu more.
“How? Isn’t she like, four?” That got Wen Kexing chuckling.
“A-die taught me how to protect myself!” The shrill voice made Zhou Zishu wince, and he forced himself to look at the little girl, who was lying upside down on the bed.
“She’s five. And yes, I did teach her how to knock people out if necessary.” Wen Kexing explained, although Zhou Zishu didn’t feel like anything had been explained at all.
“You should have known better than to attack a-die,” A-Xiang explained, rolling on the bed. “This never happened before, a-die is very strong.” Wen Kexing chuckled once more before letting Zhou Zishu’s hair fall back down.
Zhou Zishu turned to look Wen Kexing in the eyes, but the man was putting away some type of medicine away, focused on what he was doing.
“Why would he need to teach you that?” Wen Kexing shot Gu Xiang a warning glance before looking up at Zhou Zishu.
“The world is such a cruel place to Kunzes like me, but even worse for children, A-Xu. How could I not teach her how to defend herself?” He pouted, and Zhou Zishu was once again drawn to those full lips.
“Lao Wen,” Zhou Zishu started, forcing himself to look away from Wen Kexing’s eyes. “I believe we have something to discuss, don’t we?”
“Hm?” Wen Kexing asked, standing up and putting the ingredients he had used to make the medicine away. “Ah, I believe we do.” Wen Kexing turned to Zhou Zishu when he was done, sitting by the table.
“When did you find out?” Zhou Zishu asked.
He didn’t like that they were sitting so far from each other, but it would be wise to behave properly in order to have this conversation. And also, because A-Xiang was in the room, playing with something that resembled a little doll. While her attention wasn’t on them, it would be improper to let his scent mark Wen Kexing.
Wen Kexing shrugged before answering. “Since the beginning.” At Zhou Zishu’s shocked expression, Wen Kexing laughed. “A-Xu, I expected someone from Four Seasons Manor to spy on us. A ghost contacting you was deemed to be alarming. I wouldn’t have expected anything else.”
“The flirting?” Zhou Zishu asked as he realized that it could have all been a ploy to encourage Zhou Zishu to mate him and guarantee a place for himself and Gu Xiang at Four Seasons Manor.
“I didn’t know who you were, if that’s what you’re asking. Nor do I know if you’re the Qianyuan Master is trying to arrange a marriage for.” Wen Kexing’s smile softened, and it seemed more sincere than most of their interactions so far. “If it isn’t A-Xu, then I’ll have to forfeit my proposal in the letter. As long as A-Xiang is safe in the manor, being trained to protect herself properly, nothing else matters.”
Zhou Zishu’s heart skipped a beat. Although they had known each other from childhood, they had reunited in less than a day, and Wen Kexing was talking about marrying him. It was different from all the shameless flirting he had done before, with his cocky smile and innuendo in his eyes.
This was different; it sounded more real than everything until then.
“Will you take your mask off so I can see the beaty underneath?” Wen Kexing asked, and while he added a tilt in his voice to sound like his flirting, his eyes still looked eager and honest.
Zhou Zishu thought it was only fair to show himself as he truly was, since Wen Kexing knew already who he was. With a sigh, Zhou Zishu brought his hands to where his mask finished off before it reached his ear and started pulling it off, until his identity was completely unveiled.
There was a loud gasp, and Zhou Zishu turned to look at Gu Xiang, who was pointing at him. “A-die! You were right! He isn’t that ugly!” At that, not even Zhou Zishu could hold his laughter back.
“Well, let’s have breakfast so we can find something to entertain this little tyke here.” Wen Kexing said, and promptly Gu Xiang got out of bed and sat by the Kunze’s side. Zhou Zishu stood from his bed as well, and sat by the table, on Wen Kexing’s right side.
“What was the paste you put on my head?” Zhou Zishu asked as he poured himself some tea.
“A concoction my mother taught me. Especially good for hits on the head, as it helps with the swelling and dulls the pain, which avoids a concussion.” Zhou Zishu had forgotten Wen Kexing’s parents had been doctors, but it was impressive Wen Kexing had learnt something from such a young age and remembered until today.
They are together, A-Xiang babbling about this and that and Zhou Zishu could only focus on Wen Kexing, who was humouring the girl as she talked, his smile full of love towards her. He watched as Wen Kexing reached over and started scent marking the girl, rubbing his wrist over her arms, her back, her legs. Every inch of her was being scent marked, and it seemed that the girl was used to it, as she would lean in towards him whenever they touched.
Their scents were overflowing and Zhou Zishu was feeling a little overwhelmed at the little display. He wondered if Wen Kexing was even aware of what he was doing. The action was so natural that they probably did it everyday, and as much as Wen Kexing said he wasn’t Gu Xiang’s father, he certainly did act like one.
Zhou Zishu wondered if he would have been this caring for a child that wasn’t his but couldn’t even fathom.
He did have, however, the sudden urge to have his own children with Wen Kexing. Never before had he wanted to have children, much less having someone in mind who he wanted to share such an experience.
How could he have fallen so fast and so hard for a Kunze he barely knew? Although they had met when they were children, this person before him was still a stranger, as he had missed ten years of his life. Zhou Zishu had changed a lot in these years, and he could only guess how much Wen Kexing had changed as well.
He did want to get to know him better, though. Hopefully, in time, Zhou Zishu would be certain that Wen Kexing was his perfect mate.
“A-Xu?” Wen Kexing’s curious tone brought Zhou Zishu back to reality, and he clamped down his desires of making Wen Kexing his mate.
He noticed then that Wen Kexing had finished scent marking little Gu Xiang, who was giving her last bites on her bun.
“Lao Wen.” He replied, as if that was an answer to an unspoken question. Wen Kexing smiled, leaning forward, eyes never leaving Zhou Zishu.
“A-Xu.” Zhou Zishu felt the sides of his lips tugging upwards, and it took him a moment to realize he was smiling.
“Lao Wen.” Their eyes never left one another, and Zhou Zishu leant forward as well. He hoped his intention was being made clear, as Zhou Zishu couldn’t trust his own words to articulate what he felt.
“A-Xu.” Wen Kexing’s voice softened even more, and his eyes flickered to Zhou Zishu’s lips before returning to his eyes.
“Lao—” Zhou Zishu was interrupted by Gu Xiang putting her head between the two of them.
“A-Xiang!” She said with a pout, almost as if saying they had forgotten about her. Wen Kexing laughed, pinching her cheeks.
With that, Wen Kexing decided it was time to come up with games to keep Gu Xiang entertained. Zhou Zishu helped, remembering some games from his childhood, but he had never been fond of playing much, except when it was his duty to care for his shidis.
They spent the rest of the day playing with A-Xiang, although a little after lunch she started feeling drowsy, eyes drooping more and more as she tried to keep focused on the game. It wasn’t until Wen Kexing cupped her cheek softly and whispered “Sleep,” that Gu Xiang finally fell asleep.
Wen Kexing held her in his arms and brought her to their bed, laying her there with utmost care, caressing her little body much like a parent would to their child before covering her and returning to where Zhou Zishu had been sitting.
“She’s very important to you,” Zhou Zishu’s voice was a whisper.
“We’ve only got each other.” Wen Kexing replied, eyes still on the little girl, until he forced himself to look at Zhou Zishu. “A-Xu, I believe we were discussing something earlier.”
Zhou Zishu nodded. “Master ordered me to take you to Four Seasons Manor. I’m unsure whether he wants to make you my spouse—”
“Ah, so it is A-Xu the young bachelor who’s expected to marry a respected Kunze.” Wen Kexing commented, batting his eyelashes, and Zhou Zishu rolled his eyes, prompting a low chuckle from the other man.
“Yes. Apparently, I’ll only be the ideal Master of Four Seasons Manor if I’m mated.” He shrugged, showing just how ridiculous he thought of that, but Wen Kexing hummed.
“It makes sense. Qianyuan tend to be more impulsive, so it would be a good thing to have a Kunze to balance them out. Master is a Zongyong, much more level-headed. It explains why he never got married himself.” Zhou Zishu didn’t believe in those things.
In his opinion, regardless of their secondary gender, people were capable of anything; a Qianyuan would only jeopardize others if they didn’t have inner control, which wasn’t Zhou Zishu’s case. He had spent years training himself, meditating and not letting his hormones have the best of him.
“Regardless, I don’t plan on marrying someone I don’t consider my soulmate…” So if Master chooses anyone who isn’t Lao Wen, I will refuse to marry them, Zhou Zishu concluded in his mind. Wen Kexing averted his gaze, his smell turning slightly sour, and Zhou Zishu wondered if he should have been more forwards with his intentions.
Before he could explain himself, Wen Kexing was speaking once again.
“Should we leave once the rain subsides?”
“Yes. Do you know how to horseback ride?” Wen Kexing nodded.
“But A-Xiang feels a little uncomfortable riding. She’s afraid of horses, as she hasn’t seen many. I could make her sleep throughout our journey, if necessary.”
“It is a long way by foot, but we should be able to arrive in less than a week by horse.” Zhou Zishu explained, and Wen Kexing hummed, thoughtful. “Maybe I could try finding us a carriage?” Wen Kexing turned to him, smiling.
“That would be ideal, A-Xu, but I fear I won’t have enough money to afford a carriage and any inns along the way.” Zhou Zishu shook his head, and in a moment of boldness, he reached forward and grabbed Wen Kexing’s thin, long fingers on his hand, caressing his palm with his thumb.
“From now on, you won’t have to pay. Leave it to the Four Seasons Manor expenses, as you’re one of us.” He hesitated before squeezing Wen Kexing’s hand slightly. “Leave it to me.”
Wen Kexing blinked at Zhou Zishu for a few seconds before actually preening over the words.
“Oh, A-Xu, I won’t hold back, then.” His smile was so radiant that Zhou Zishu could only nod dumbly.
He’d pay for whatever Wen Kexing asked of him.
The rain stopped the following day, and by then, Zhou Zishu had already arranged for a carriage to take the three of them back to the Four Seasons Manor. Gu Xiang was excited, looking out of the window the whole way, pointing at different trees and flowers, gushing at the little animals she could see and gaping at any other horse that crossed their way.
Meanwhile, Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing talked. Or rather, Wen Kexing shamelessly flirted while Zhou Zishu got uncomfortable around the collar. Had it not been for Gu Xiang’s presence, Zhou Zishu would have kissed Wen Kexing silent (and perhaps even done some other things, as the Kunze was tempting him with his well spoken words).
Zhou Zishu hadn’t managed to get any sort of information about the last ten years of Wen Kexing’s life, as the man would easily distract him and change subjects. They stopped at inns to rest during the nights and eat properly. Zhou Zishu was a bit disgusted by how much Wen Kexing loved nuts, and the Kunze would snack on them all day long, feeding Gu Xiang as well.
Wen Kexing, on the other hand, found it hilarious that Zhou Zishu didn’t like nuts, making faces whenever Wen Kexing asked if he’d like some.
On the fifth day of travel, they finally arrived at Four Seasons Manor.
Upon seeing Zhou Zishu, his shidis ran to let them in, readying a room for them to meet with Qin Huaizang.
They were ushered to the room, tea served, and Wen Kexing was reprimanding Gu Xiang under his breath, ordering her to behave. When Qin Huaizang arrived, though, with the help of one of his shidis, who left as soon as Qin Huaizang sat down, Wen Kexing’s eyes widened. Before he said anything, though, he bowed to the floor.
“Master.” Wen Kexing said, and Gu Xiang copied her a-die, almost headbutting the floor as she did.
“There’s no need for that, a-Yan. Please sit.” Wen Kexing hesitated before returning to his seated position. Gu Xiang looked from under her arm and sat up when she noticed Wen Kexing wasn’t bowing anymore.
“Forgive me, Master, but I no longer go by that name. And if possible, I’d like for my identity to be kept only between the four of us.” Zhou Zishu felt suddenly protective over the Kunze, and he couldn’t help but get closer to him, trying to soothe him with his scent.
“Alright. Wen Kexing, isn’t it?” At his nod, their Master continued. “Both you and your daughter are welcome to stay here and train with us.” At the mention of Gu Xiang being referred as his daughter, Wen Kexing shot Zhou Zishu an anxious glance before looking back at Qin Huaizang.
“A-die! He knows you’re—” Gu Xiang started speaking, but Wen Kexing quickly covered the girl’s mouth with his hand, shooting her a warning look.
“Forgive her imprudence, Master. She knows better than to speak before being spoken to, but apparently she hasn’t learnt her place yet.” Wen Kexing lowered his hand when the girl’s eyes turned sad. “Gu Xiang isn’t my daughter. She—” Qin Huaizang interrupted him by raising his hand.
“There is no need to lie to me, A-Xing.” Zhou Zishu’s heart froze as it downed on him what his Master was implying. “Gu was your mother’s maiden name, wasn’t it? A nice touch, naming your daughter after such a strong-willed woman. I’m sure she would be proud if she saw how well you raised this girl.”
Gu Xiang turned to look at Wen Kexing, and Zhou Zishu noticed the Kunze had unshed tears in his eyes, an expression of pure guilt written on his face.
“You don’t have to explain yourself, and I don’t wish to awaken such memories. But amongst us, there is no need to keep secrets.” Wen Kexing clenched his jaw, averting his gaze from their Master. “Mainly if you wish to marry Zhou Zishu.” At that, Wen Kexing’s gaze shot back up, his expression a mixture of pain and confusion.
“Why would you arrange a marriage between your most esteemed disciple and a soiled, good for nothing Kunze?” Wen Kexing’s voice was dangerously low, and Zhou Zishu unconsciously got closer, ready to calm him down if necessary. “Accepting me as a disciple I can understand, after having promised my parents you’d take me in. But how do you expect me to believe you’d be agreeable in having me marry A-Xu after finding out I have a child?”
Qin Huaizang frowned, looking from Wen Kexing to Zhou Zishu.
“At first, I admit I was reaching out to other sects in order to find the best partner for Zhou Zishu, but he is an adult. He’s capable of making his own decisions. Besides, he’s a very stubborn man. If he decides you’ll be his mate, there’s so much I can do.”
Wen Kexing laughed, but his laughter lacked mirth. Even Gu Xiang was startled by it, raising to her feet and enveloping Wen Kexing’s neck with her little arms. Zhou Zishu could smell distress coming from Wen Kexing and he wanted nothing more than to help him relax, but he didn’t know how.
“As if A-Xu would be interested in a low-life like me. A full week of relentless flirting got me nothing—” Zhou Zishu’s mouth was agape.
He couldn’t believe Wen Kexing truly believed that, not after Zhou Zishu had shown just how possessive he had been at the idea of the Kunze with another Qianyuan who wasn’t him.
“That’s not true,” Zhou Zishu started, finally speaking after so many revelations, bringing his hand to hold Wen Kexing’s and he noticed then that the Kunze had been trembling. “If it isn’t Lao Wen, I refuse to get married.” Wen Kexing’s tears finally fell, and his lower lip trembled.
Zhou Zishu brought a hand to the Kunze’s face, wiping at the tear drops with his thumb. “You said you’d only marry your soulmate.” Wen Kexing pointed out, and Zhou Zishu was impressed by how much his voice was still even. In response to Wen Kexing’s words, Zhou Zishu smiled, arching his eyebrows. “Oh.”
Someone cleared their throat, and both of them turned to look at Qin Huaizang, who was looking at them with a knowing grin.
“I’ll make arrangements. A-Xing, would you like to share a room with A-Xiang for now? We don’t have any disciples at her age, but we could find a room for her close to yours. And after your wedding, she could move closer, in the main home, where the new Master of Four Seasons Manor will reside.”
Wen Kexing let go of Zhou Zishu’s hand and turned to look at his daughter. They looked into each other’s eyes and Zhou Zishu realised they were having a silent communication.
“It might be wise for her to have her own room, mainly if I’m to be married. But if possible, I’d like for our rooms to be connected, so if she needs anything, she can just come to me.” Qin Huaizang nodded.
“Consider it done.” Wen Kexing visibly relaxed, bringing Gu Xiang closer, nosing the girl’s head, scenting it.
Wen Kexing and Gu Xiang adapted easily to the routine of Four Seasons Manor, working relentlessly, training hard, and it was rewarding to see their progress; slow, as Wen Kexing was much older than he should have been when he first started working on his martial arts, and Gu Xiang because she was too young and still needed to take daily afternoon naps.
Meanwhile, Zhou Zishu and his Master organized everything for their wedding. Prince Jin, upon hearing such news, claimed the wedding would be held at his palace and they shouldn’t worry about any expenses, as he was willing to hold the best wedding possible for his favourite cousin.
Things were doing great, if Zhou Zishu could say so. Qin Huaizang’s health only declined, but he was determined to see his head disciple marry. Wen Kexing was helping ease his pains, preparing many concoctions and medicines to help him live longer, but he hadn’t found a way to save his life.
It was on the third week of their arrival that Zhou Zishu knew something was wrong.
Usually, by the time he woke up, Wen Kexing would be awake, preparing breakfast for everyone in the manor, but on that morning, there was no sight of Wen Kexing. Some other disciples were wondering the same thing, but instead of bothering their favourite Kunze, they decided to simply prepare their own breakfast.
Zhou Zishu, however, couldn’t eat.
Worry was eating at him, and he needed to make sure Wen Kexing was well.
As he reached Wen Kexing’s quarters, he noticed the most enticing smell; it was as if Wen Kexing’s scent had intensified tenfold. He slowed his pace, aware that he should be strong and deny the desire to barge into Wen Kexing’s room and mate him. However, his legs moved without his consent, taking him to where he belonged.
As if on cue, to set his fate in stone, Gu Xiang left Wen Kexing’s room, looking a little alarmed, but she relaxed as she saw Zhou Zishu. Her little legs ran to him, holding his robes tightly, tugging him towards Wen Kexing’s room.
“A-die needs you! He said only you can help him get better! Please, Xu-ge, make sure my a-die feels better soon!” She had tears in her eyes, but he could see she was holding them back as much as possible, and the resemblance between her and Wen Kexing was astounding, and he wondered how he hadn’t noticed earlier that they were, indeed, father and daughter.
“A-Xiang, find Han Ying and ask him to provide a new room for you to stay for the next few days. Your a-die needs rest, and I’ll take care of him, but you shouldn’t come by when I’m with him, okay?” It was clear in her chubby face that she didn’t like what Zhou Zishu was saying. “Trust me, I want nothing more than to help you’re a-die.”
“I will kill you if anything happens to a-die!” She said finally, before letting go of his robes and running away from him.
He smiled, feeling endeared by her protectiveness towards her father.
Yeah, he could see himself adopting her as his own.
A moment later, a moan reached his ears, and Zhou Zishu was once again hypnotized by the delicious smell coming from the room. More confident now that Wen Kexing had asked for him, Zhou Zishu walked to the room in long strides.
“Lao Wen, it’s me.” He said with a knock at the door. A louder moan could be heard and some shuffling, and then, the door was opened.
Zhou Zishu was taken aback by how gorgeous Wen Kexing looked. He had his hair down and he looked dishevelled, wearing only his inner robes he wore to sleep. His cheeks were red, sweat sprouting from his forehead and neck, and Zhou Zishu wanted to taste him.
“A-Xu, finally.”
With more strength than Zhou Zishu thought a Kunze in heat would have, Wen Kexing tugged him inside before closing the door behind them. The room smelt thickly of slick and musk, and Zhou Zishu gasped, feeling slightly intoxicated.
“A-Xu, please.” Wen Kexing was begging, draping himself over the Qianyuan. “I don’t trust anyone else to spend my heat with me.” At the idea of anyone else, even if it were any of his shidis, spending Wen Kexing’s heat with his Kunze made Zhou Zishu’s blood boil.
And that was enough to seal the deal in Zhou Zishu’s head; although they should probably wait for their wedding to bond and sleep together, Zhou Zishu would not let his Kunze suffer through a heat alone, not when he was nearby and could knot him over and over again.
Wen Kexing opened his mouth to say something else, probably to beg some more, but Zhou Zishu was tired of waiting. He was tired of holding back, of denying his lust whenever he saw Wen Kexing.
He urged forward, bringing a hand to Wen Kexing’s nape, their lips meeting halfway.
Zhou Zishu kissed him as if he needed it to breathe, as if he would die the moment their lips parted. Wen Kexing kissed back just as enthusiastically, whining and moaning against his lips, tongue demanding more and more from Zhou Zishu’s own.
They parted only slightly to look into each other’s eyes, and Wen Kexing had his pupils dilated, glossy with want. He blinked them slowly before smiling and pulling Zhou Zishu back for yet another kiss.
This time, Zhou Zishu backed them to Wen Kexing’s bed, tugging at his Kunze’s robes as they went. Wen Kexing was doing the same with him, but his body was burning up, his hands shaking from his heat, and he struggled to disrobe Zhou Zishu.
The Qianyuan separated them enough to lay Wen Kexing on his own bed, and he had to take a moment to appreciate the image the Kunze made.
His milky skin sparkled with the sheen layer of sweat covering him, his wet thighs parting wantonly to invite Zhou Zishu to dive into him, his heaving chest highlighting his perky nipples.
Lao Wen was a meal, and Zhou Zishu didn’t know where to begin devouring him.
“A-Xu, don’t be mean.” Wen Kexing whined, opening his legs even further, bringing a hand to his soaking hole.
Zhou Zishu moved the moment those pretty fingers touched the rim, grabbing Wen Kexing by the wrists and tugging them above the Kunze’s head, much like the last time they were on the same position.
“Greedy, A-Xu~,” Wen Kexing whined, but he had a smile on his lips as he said it, as if daring Zhou Zishu to manhandle him even more.
“For Lao Wen, always.” Zhou Zishu said, and that shut Wen Kexing up, his cheeks reddening even more, but now not due to the heat, but because he was speechless. Zhou Zishu smirked, enjoying his reaction. “Had I known all I had to do to make you quiet was to flirt back, I’d have done it sooner.”
Wen Kexing pouted beautifully, and finally Zhou Zishu was allowed to lean down and bite his lower lip, sucking it into his mouth before delving into a dirty kiss.
He let go of Wen Kexing’s hands in order to finish undressing. Once he was fully naked, Wen Kexing was the one to put some distance between them and look.
Zhou Zishu was aware that he was good looking; people had flirted with him multiple times and his shidis would time and time again point out just how handsome he was. However, this was the first time he actually believed he was as handsome as people said.
Wen Kexing had always stared at him as if ready to ravish him, but now his expression was contemplative as he looked at every sharp edge and curve of Zhou Zishu’s body.
Taking advantage of the space between them and of the silence, Zhou Zishu took another long look at Wen Kexing’s body. Now, staring from a closer range, he noticed the number of scars marking Wen Kexing’s body; all of them were old and none was deep enough to be deadly, but it still filled Zhou Zishu with worry and anger.
Someone had dared harm his Kunze, and if Zhou Zishu found out this person was still alive, he would make sure to kill them in the most painful way.
Unable to just look when Wen Kexing’s body was begging to be touched and pleased, Zhou Zishu gave in to his desires and stared mouthing at Wen Kexing’s neck, scenting him before licking his scent gland. That prompted a loud moan from Wen Kexing, who brought both hands to Zhou Zishu’s shoulder blades, holding him tightly.
Zhou Zishu bit lightly on the gland, a mere promise, before continuing his way down. He kissed his way to Wen Kexing’s nipples, lapping at them eagerly, sucking hungrily. Zhou Zishu wondered how his Kunze would look like with his chest filled with milk, if his nipples would grow bigger to feed their child.
Thinking of a pregnant Wen Kexing, it only made Zhou Zishu more intent in pleasuring his Kunze. Zhou Zishu made his way down, kissing and sucking at Wen Kexing’s stomach. With a curious lick of his tongue, Zhou Zishu tasted Wen Kexing’s cock, feeling it throb at the sensation of being licked.
“Lower, A-Xu.” Wen Kexing gasped, bringing his hand to Zhou Zishu’s head, pushing it to where Wen Kexing wanted it most.
Determined to always give Wen Kexing whatever he asked for, Zhou Zishu didn’t need to be asked twice. He brought both of Wen Kexing’s legs up, lowering them over his shoulder blades, and dived in onto Wen Kexing’s fluttering hole.
The moan that left Wen Kexing was the most enthusiastic so far, and all Zhou Zishu had done was flick his tongue over the rim. Encouraged by Wen Kexing’s loud pleasure, Zhou Zishu started licking more intently at the rim, and fuck, the taste of his was the most delicious thing Zhou Zishu had ever tasted. Zhou Zishu could see himself doing this for the rest of his life.
Hugging Wen Kexing’s thighs, Zhou Zishu prodded the furled hole with his tongue, feeling it easily give out at his tongue’s insistence. Once inside, Zhou Zishu was the one to moan loudly, more of Wen Kexing’s delicious slick flooding his tastebuds.
He slurped at the copious amount of slick coming out of Wen Kexing’s hole, tongue dancing inside that tiny hole, the rim clenching and unclenching around his tongue as Wen Kexing moaned in tandem with it.
Feeling confident, Zhou Zishu let go of one of Wen Kexing’s thighs and brought a finger to Wen Kexing’s hole alone his tongue. It easily went in as Wen Kexing was clearly aroused and in need of more.
Zhou Zishu started fucking Wen Kexing with a single digit, only feeling the smooth, soft insides and trying to figure out what pleasured his Kunze the most, his tongue still moving around. Wen Kexing was writhing on the bed, his feet planted on Zhou Zishu’s shoulder blades, and from time-to-time Zhou Zishu would feel him curling his toes before relaxing once more.
“A-Xu, A-Xu, A-Xu—” Wen Kexing was chanting his name as if it was a prayer, and Zhou Zishu knew he had to give his Kunze more.
At the second finger, Zhou Zishu took his tongue from that glorious hole so he could see his ministrations. He started scissoring Wen Kexing with both fingers, fucking into him slowly, but perhaps due to his heat, Wen Kexing was relaxed, his muscles opening up easily, and soon, two fingers turned to three that turned to four.
Deeming Wen Kexing ready, Zhou Zishu moved, kneeling on the bed, Wen Kexing’s legs still draped over his shoulders as he practically bent Wen Kexing in half.
Wen Kexing’s eyes shone with unshed tears and desperation. He tugged at Zhou Zishu, bringing him for a kiss, tasting himself on his Qianyuan’s lips. Zhou Zishu took hold of his cock and brought it to Wen Kexing’s opening, and slowly, he started thrusting in.
After a few thrusts, Zhou Zishu was fully sheathed into Wen Kexing, who looked blissed out.
“Give me your knot, A-Xu.” Wen Kexing asked, his voice hoarse from all the moaning.
Once again, Zhou Zishu had no way to deny Wen Kexing anything.
Their fucking started slow, as Zhou Zishu didn’t want to hurt Wen Kexing, but the more he fucked into him, the thicker his desire grew, and soon Zhou Zishu was feeling as drugged as Wen Kexing, overwhelmed by the heat, and the rhythm quickened, as both of them tried to reach completion.
Wen Kexing’s dick was rubbing against both their stomachs, and Zhou Zishu could feel how much he was leaking already. Overcome with possessiveness, Zhou Zishu mouthed at Wen Kexing’s neck, his incisors dragging deliciously at Wen Kexing’s scent gland. Wen Kexing moaned louder, tilting his head to the side to give him more space.
As his orgasm quickly approached, his knot growing and tugging at Wen Kexing’s rim, Zhou Zishu couldn’t hold himself back, and without even asking Wen Kexing if this was what he wanted, Zhou Zishu bite Wen Kexing, breaking skin, making him his own. The taste of copper in his tongue only heightened his other senses, and their newly formed bond was all it took to tip them over the edge.
Both came at the same time with shouts of each other’s names, Zhou Zishu’s knot tying them together, his come being pumped into Wen Kexing in long spurts.
This was just the beginning though. Wen Kexing’s heat had just started.
However, Zhou Zishu would make sure to keep his Kunze hydrated and well-fed; and, of course, well-fucked.
Zhou Zishu lost count of how many rounds they had had by the second day. Wen Kexing was insatiable, begging Zhou Zishu so prettily for his knot even when they were supposed to be resting. The Kunze would even cry, lower lip trembling as he looked at Zhou Zishu with his puppy dog eyes, and Zhou Zishu, although feeling a little drained, could only comply.
They spent five days in the throes of passion, fucking in every position they could think of, with one exception: Wen Kexing never went on his hands and knees for him. Every time they fucked, they were staring each other, and Zhou Zishu didn’t fail to understand what that meant.
Wen Kexing had given birth to Gu Xiang, and he would have been thirteen by then. It was clear to Zhou Zishu that whoever impregnated his Lao Wen then did not ask for consent. Fortunately, the person did not mate with Wen Kexing, which would certainly be more traumatic. If his body rejected the bond, Wen Kexing could have died; not to mention that living without his mate would have caused much pain to him as well.
In the end, Zhou Zishu didn’t know any details of what had happened to Lao Wen, but he didn’t need to know. All the needed to do was cherish his lover, pleasure him and worship his body whenever they fucked. There was not once that he didn’t kiss or suck a mark on Wen Kexing’s body, his hands moving all over, squeezing the soft meat in an attempt to leave even more marks.
Wen Kexing thrived on it, moaning and begging and throwing his head back in ecstasy.
They truly were soulmates, Zhou Zishu thought to himself, as they could easily read each other’s needs and wants.
On the fifth day, as Wen Kexing’s heat was only a slight fever, but completely drained otherwise, the Kunze was sprawled over the bed beautifully, like a sinful painting. A masterpiece.
His milky skin now marred with countless marks. The Qianyuan in Zhou Zishu preened at the image, as he knew everyone would be able to tell who Wen Kexing belong to.
It wasn’t only the mating bite on their necks. No, all of Wen Kexing’s body was tainted with handprints and love bites. Zhou Zishu knew he was the same, as the Kunze had carved his nails on his shoulder blades, his back, his arms. His body was also littered with biting marks, as Wen Kexing didn’t hesitate into breaking skin, claiming every inch of his body back.
If Zhou Zishu had been worried that he had claimed Wen Kexing without asking first, he needn’t worry, as Wen Kexing soon after returned the favour.
Their combined smells were thick in the room, making both of them dizzy after so many days of heavy fucking.
Zhou Zishu fucked into him slowly now, his hips moving on their own accord as he no longer had the strength to pound into him relentlessly like many times before. Wen Kexing gasped soundlessly, as his throat had been yelled raw, his hand lazily stroking his leaking cock.
Their eyes were locked on each other, their bond throbbing between them, settling into a background noise in their minds.
Zhou Zishu couldn’t believe that a month prior to that, he hadn’t even considered mating anyone. To him, he would have excelled at being the Four Seasons Manor’s Master if he was unmated, just like Qin Huaizang had been.
However, now, it was impossible to even imagine a situation in his life where Wen Kexing wasn’t in it.
They came some time later, Zhou Zishu’s knot tying them together once more, and the Qianyuan laid on top of him, lapping at Wen Kexing’s mating gland lazily, tasting their shared scents on his tongue.
“Do you think Master will be upset that we mated before our wedding?” Wen Kexing asked in a low voice, his throat still overused.
“The wedding is just for show. With or without the wedding, we’d end up mating, so what difference does it make?” Zhou Zishu raised his head to look at his gorgeous Kunze, who was looking at him with love in his eyes. “We simply have to move you to my room. Well, our room.” Zhou Zishu said with a smile, bringing a hand to Wen Kexing’s face, cupping it softly. The Kunze leant against it and closed his eyes for a moment, before looking back at him.
“And A-Xiang?”
“She’ll move in closer to us, just like our future offspring will have their rooms close to ours.” At the mention of children, Wen Kexing tensed under him. “Lao Wen?”
Wen Kexing tried to laugh it off, but Zhou Zishu could feel that Wen Kexing was anxious through their bond. “Ah, A-Xu. Speaking of children already? You should officially become Master before we tried to have babies.”
“Lao Wen…” Zhou Zishu started, choosing the best words, hoping to express himself properly. “A-Xiang isn’t mine, but from the moment we mated, I will care for her as I would for any of our future children. So, it doesn’t matter if I’m Master or not. What matters is us and our family.” With a loving smile, Zhou Zishu nosed Wen Kexing’s neck. “The world is not important, but my soulmate and our family are.”
Days turned into months, and their wedding date was quickly arriving.
They had moved into the same room on the day Wen Kexing’s heat broke. Gu Xiang had also been taken to her new rooms on that same day, and father and daughter had spent a few hours scent marking each other. The girl had complained about the new scent, how it wasn’t completely Wen Kexing anymore, but she had soon been soothed by it.
In fact, after snuggling with her father for a few hours, the girl shyly had come to Zhou Zishu and had tugged on his sleeve, silently asking to be held. Once Zhou Zishu had had her in his arms, the girl had started scenting him, and he had started doing what he had seen Wen Kexing do multiple times, scent marking the little girl as his own.
They fell into a nice routine, and Zhou Zishu was proud to wake up everyday with Wen Kexing by his side, then have breakfast with their little girl and then train them.
When the week of their wedding arrived, Wen Kexing looked a little restless. Their bond told Zhou Zishu that he was nervous, but Zhou Zishu brushed it off for nerves of a big ceremony. The whole Four Seasons Manor went to Prince Jin’s palace, and the place was already ready for their wedding. It looked beautiful, and Zhou Zishu didn’t think he deserved half of that, but his cousin had congratulated him on his bond with a hug and Zhou Zishu could only accept such generosity.
The day before the wedding, they were taken to different quarters, as it was said it would be unlucky for the grooms to see each other on the day of the ceremony before the wedding started.
Zhou Zishu had to admit to himself that he missed Wen Kexing; sleeping alone didn’t make sense anymore, and he had a hard time falling asleep. He woke up an hour before sunrise, as anxiety was gnawing at him.
Breakfast was served on his room as soon as the sun was up, and an hour later, some palace servants came to get him ready for the ceremony, helping him with his clothes and accessories, and, before he knew it, he was being taken to the main area where his wedding would be held.
Zhou Zishu had to hold back a breath when his eyes fell on the multitude of people gathered there. He hadn’t expected this amount of people to have been invited, although it did make sense that Prince Jin had invited more people as he was a royal, but it still made Zhou Zishu slightly anxious.
To make matters worse, Wen Kexing wasn’t there yet, as he would be announced a little after Zhou Zishu.
Standing in the middle of everyone, all eyes on him, Zhou Zishu struggled to keep his mind clear. However, the moment Wen Kexing was announced, Zhou Zishu turned to look at the man and he held his breath for another, completely different reason.
Lao Wen looked gorgeous. He had always looked his best in red robes, but his hair was ornated with a flourish, although Zhou Zishu could still see his hairpin in place, complementing the whole image.
Even from afar, Zhou Zishu could see the biting mark on his neck, and he wondered if Wen Kexing had a say in this, showing the world he was Zhou Zishu’s and no one else’s.
Wen Kexing stopped a fair distance from Zhou Zishu, though, and Zhou Zishu noticed the dampened sensation on their bond, almost as if Wen Kexing was hiding his emotions from him, and that instantly caused him to worry.
He tried reaching over through the bond, but the only thing he got was Wen Kexing’s apologetic smile before he turned to the people there, addressing them all.
“Since we’re all gathered here today, I wanted to make an announcement.” Wen Kexing smiled his fake, predatory smile, opening his fan and fanning himself lazily as he looked around, looking some people in the eyes. “I am Zhen Yan.”
The people gasped, some started whispering to one another, and Zhou Zishu frowned, confused to what his mate was doing. Wen Kexing wasn’t looking at Zhou Zishu, though, only focusing on a few people. For some reason, Zhou Zishu thought that chaos would soon erupt, so he looked around to find A-Xiang, but he couldn’t see the girl anywhere.
What had Wen Kexing done?
“Many years ago, the martial arts world turned its back on my family, and ten years ago, after struggling for some time, they finally found their demise at the hands of the Ghost Valley.” More gasps and loud whispering.
Zhou Zishu looked at Wen Kexing once more, dread filling him, more due to what that all meant than to what Wen Kexing was planning on doing.
“My parents were killed in the most gruesome way, and their little boy was taken as a toy to the Valley.” The sour scent of his Kunze was reaching Zhou Zishu, and he could only guess what the others were thinking. “But their son is no longer a little boy.” Wen Kexing rose his chin, making himself look even taller than he already was, his grip on his fan tight. “And it’s finally time he got his revenge.”
With a quick flick of his wrist, his fan flew out of his hand.
Then, everything happened too fast.
People were screaming, Ghosts were appearing from nowhere, killing anyone in sight. Wen Kexing got his bloody fan back and marched to the leaders of the Five Lakes Alliance, his killing intent clear for anyone to see.
Everyone was fighting for their lives, but Zhou Zishu could only watch his Kunze, the way Wen Kexing would just reach out with his bare hand if anyone tried to stop him and kill them with his own hands, the fan once again a mere accessory.
He was ruthless, not caring who crossed his way, killing them quickly and efficiently.
Then, Zhou Zishu noticed a little sway on his step, and that was all it took for Zhou Zishu to make up his mind and get him moving.
“Zhao Jing, we meet again.” Zhou Zishu heard, and this time Wen Kexing was not trying to speak louder than the screams and colliding blades noises all around him. “You’ve betrayed your sworn brothers. Your greed caused the death of many. Even if I die here today, I’m taking you with me.”
Zhou Zishu noticed someone was ready to strike Wen Kexing when his Kunze was on his way of killing Zhao Jing, so Zhou Zishu untangled his Baiyi blade from where he had kept it hidden under the belt of his robes and was soon cutting someone’s arm off.
Wen Kexing, upon noticing the glint of his blade, turned to look at Zhou Zishu, his eyes wide.
“A-Xu?” He asked in confusion.
What? Had Wen Kexing thought he would turn his back on him after they had mated? After Zhou Zishu had explicitly said they were soulmates and nothing else matters?
“I’ve got your back, Lao Wen.” Zhou Zishu reassured him with a smile, and Wen Kexing smiled back, although he did look a bit feverish.
The next minutes were blurred in Zhou Zishu’s mind. He killed anyone who even dared to look at Wen Kexing and Wen Kexing killed Zhao Jing, but not before throwing his dead body in the middle of the chaos and proclaiming to everyone all he had known about the Glazed Armour and the betrayal of Rong Xuan.
“Why should we believe you?” Someone dared ask, and Wen Kexing laughed.
“Believe it or not, now my parents can finally rest in peace.”
“How are you any better than Zhao Jing or any involved in your family’s death with how many people you killed right now?” Another bold voice could be heard and Wen Kexing fanned himself with his bloodied fan.
“I’ve never claimed I was better than anyone. I don’t expect to be forgiven or even kept alive.” He raised his chin once more. “Come and kill me if you think that’s what I deserve. I won’t fight anymore.” He smiled, and Zhou Zishu was shocked by seeing the sincerity in it. “My battles have already been fought.” And he closed his eyes, as if showing how much he was welcoming death.
However, Zhou Zishu could have none of it.
“If anyone dares to even look at my mate wrong, I won’t hesitate in killing you.” Zhou Zishu’s warning was clear, as a loud growl rumbled from his chest, protectiveness echoing in the room. And then, one by one, the disciples from Four Seasons Manor who were still standing gathered around Wen Kexing.
“Killing a disciple of Four Seasons Manor will be recognized as an offense against us, and we won’t hesitate in protecting one of ours.” Han Ying said, and the others shouted their agreement.
Zhou Zishu turned to look at Wen Kexing when he noticed the bond between them faltering even more than it was, just in time to see Wen Kexing start falling. Quickly, Zhou Zishu caught his mate, not letting him fall to the floor.
“Lao Wen!”
“Master Zhou, you’ll be escorted back to Four Seaons Manor with Wen-shixiong.” Zhou Zishu nodded and left the palace with Wen Kexing in his arms.
Before he reached a carriage, though, he could see a beautiful woman holding hands with A-Xiang, and had they not been coming to his direction, Zhou Zishu would have been ready to kill her.
“Ghost Valley Master ordered me to take care of A-Xiang and give her to you if he didn’t survive today.” She said, and it was clear that A-Xiang had been crying as the girl whined at the words.
“He isn’t dead. He just… fainted.” Zhou Zishu tried to calm the little girl, but truth was, he was terrified. He then looked at the woman, ready to ask her what she meant by ‘Ghost Valley Master’, but time was of the essence, and he needed to leave. “Thank you. We won’t forget your assistance.” The woman nodded before bending down and kissing A-Xiang on the forehead.
“Take care of your father, you know how reckless he can be.” The little girl sniffled and nodded, and the woman smiled. “Be good to him.”
And, without even a goodbye, the woman left.
Zhou Zishu had many questions at the tip of his lips, but nothing was more important than making sure Wen Kexing was well, so he climbed on the carriage with his mate and daughter, and they left to the Four Seasons Manor with a few disciples escorting them.
Zhou Zishu was pacing back and forth in front of their room, waiting for the healer to come out and tell him what had happened to Wen Kexing.
He had refused to even change clothes, his robes with many flecks of blood on them. Qin Huaizang, who hadn’t been able to go to the wedding, had been informed of what had happened by the disciples, and he was waiting with Zhou Zishu, seated by the door, unable to stand for long.
“You don’t have to stay, Master.” Qin Huaizang shook his head.
“I do. I too am to blame for his parents’ death, after all.”
“He doesn’t blame you.” Zhou Zishu said, certain of what he was saying. “If anything, you were the one who tried to help, to do anything at all.” Qin Huaizang was silent for a moment, and Zhou Zishu was once again thinking of his mate, startling when his Master spoke again.
“I blame myself, and I’m proud of my disciples for standing by A-Xing. I wouldn’t have expected anything less.” If one thing could be said of the disciples of Four Seasons Manor was that they were faithful to their own.
Before Zhou Zishu could speak, though, the door was opened, and the doctor called for Zhou Zishu’s presence.
Wen Kexing was awake, eyes wide.
“Lao Wen.” He rushed to his mate’s side, and Wen Kexing looked at him with tears in his eyes.
“A-Xu…” His lower lips trembled, and he closed his eyes, silent tears streaming down his face.
“What is it?” Zhou Zishu asked Wen Kexing, looking at the doctor when Wen Kexing didn’t reply.
“Your mate is expecting.” Zhou Zishu had to blink a couple of times for the words to sink in. He turned to look at his mate, who was trying to smile, but the tears were coming more and more.
“A-Xu, can you believe it?” Had Zhou Zishu not been able to smell the pleased, happy scent coming from his mate, he would have thought Wen Kexing was devastated for the news. “I don’t deserve such happiness. I’ve done terrible things I don’t regret, and here I am, mated to the most wonderful Qianyuan and expecting another child, one that will have both their parents and will be loved by them from now on.”
“Lao Wen,” Zhou Zishu’s voice softened, and he cupped Wen Kexing’s cheeks with his hands, their noses inches apart. “I told you that nothing else matters than you and our family. Deserve it or not, I will always protect you and make sure all of you are happy.”
“A-Xu!” Wen Kexing sobbed, throwing his hands around Zhou Zishu’s neck and pulling the Qianyuan for a desperate kiss.
Zhou Zishu kissed back just as desperately, as it occurred to him that Wen Kexing had been ready to die on their wedding day.
Depending on Zhou Zishu, they would only die from old age, with their hair white and their great-grandchildren running about.
Deserving of such happiness or not, Zhou Zishu would fight anyone who tried to put an end to their happiness. Because, in his eyes, no one deserved more happiness than Wen Kexing, whose life had been nothing but darkness until then.