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A-Hui was born on the streets of a small town. He had some vague memories of his siblings and mother, but they were blurry and difficult to recall. He did, however, remember the sounds of other cats in the neighbourhood, hissing, fighting, growling as they fought for territory and mates, his mother fighting back to defend herself and her precious little bundles. A-Hui didn’t know when or why but one day, his mother simply disappeared leaving him huddled by the side of a building, mewling for attention. He had been hungry and scared, all alone in a big world where no one cared for a ball of fur, desperate for help. Luckily...fate stepped in…
“Ah, A-Hui, good morning,” a familiar voice called out followed by a gentle hand petting the top of his head.
Two triangle ears flicked as the lazy feline opened his eyes and was greeted by the face of a handsome young man with a strip of white hiding his eyes.
“Meowr…”
“Were you still sleeping? Apologies for disturbing you,” the young man smiled, leaning down to kiss one of his ears before standing back up, “Don’t cause too much trouble today, and don’t steal all the snacks from the kitchen.”
Another figure dressed in dark robes watched from the doorway, waiting for his partner to join him. A-Hui meowed quietly as he lifted his head, watching the two leave, their garments fluttering gracefully in the breeze. With a yawn, the cat licked his lips then began to groom himself, dragging his tongue over his fur over and over again to make sure there were no tangles or dirt. It was a difficult job keeping clean, all around them were forests and trees, and many wild beasts who sought to tread upon their territory. From the foxes who attempted to steal pieces of meat to the ducks who fought with him for fish, A-Hui was very diligent at keeping them all away so that his little family could live peacefully.
Finally, after a thorough cleaning, the feline stood and stretched, his back arched, front legs reaching out in front as he raised his rump into the air. With a shake of his head, he slowly meandered towards the door, eyes adjusting easily to the growing sunlight as he left the comforts of the bed chambers and headed into the courtyard.
A few disciples were scattered around, sweeping up fallen leaves, taking out used clothing and bringing in fresh laundry, watering the plants, dusting, and starting their day. It was still early, the sun barely peeking over the horizon and the air fresh with morning dew. A-Hui swerved around some of the disciples, eyes lazily flicking to them when they called out to him in greeting. He was starting to remember their faces and scents by now although more seemed to keep showing up every day.
It all felt a bit mysterious to him. A-Hui sat at the edge of one of the two lotus ponds, tail swishing behind himself as he watched one of the jinli fish swim around. He recalled being brought here by his human in the dark robes, and at first the yards had been...fairly empty. It was a large space, up in the mountains, and it had taken him a long time to explore the entire grounds. After a few days of arriving, there had been a sudden explosion of humans, all of them dressed in obnoxiously bright colours, laughing and talking so loudly that A-Hui had hidden away in one of the quiet pavilions to avoid the crowd. That night he had attempted to follow his humans to their bed chambers but they had been so loud that the feline had given up on attempting to guard over them in their sleep, instead slinking off to find a peaceful little corner in the pavilion where many books were kept. Rarely anyone came in here, and even when they did they kept quiet.
By the next day, most of the loud humans had left, leaving only his two guardians, the young girl that had started following his humans, and a few of their close companions. Even so, A-Hui had taken a liking to his little corner, preferring to rest there most frequently although sometimes he could be found in other places, napping away.
“Good morning, A-Hui,” a young boy in white and light blue robes greeted brightly, bowing to him.
“Meowr..,” the feline answered, walking up to him to rub against his legs.
This boy he liked. This boy was calm and quiet, and always greeted him politely. He never tried to grab at him or squeeze him or bury his face against his sensitive tummy.
“Heeey~ It’s the furball! You joining class this morning?” Another voice called out.
“...Meeooooww…,” this time, A-Hui’s tone was of annoyance as he flicked a glance at the human who had spoken.
This human irritated him...he dressed in similar dark robes as his own guardian but this human was loud and dramatic. His gestures were grand, his tones exaggerated, he loved to poke and prod at A-Hui until the feline would get annoyed enough to swipe at him threateningly. One time he attempted to pick him up and throw him to his partner in white, but A-Hui’s claws had clung to that stupid ribbon he always wore, tearing it to shreds before he landed gracefully on all four paws. Ever since then, whenever that human was near, A-Hui’s guard was up. Luckily, he was always so loud it was impossible not to know when he was around.
“Oh, g-good morning, Wei Gongzi, Lan Xiao Gongzi, are the others not with you?”
A-Hui’s ears perked up as he looked towards the voice. A woman in light pink walked to them, her arms holding a small bundle wrapped in a blanket.
“Miss Chun, good morning. Sizhui pays his respects,” the young boy bowed politely, “Hanguang Jun is preparing for this morning's sword class with Song Daozhang I believe, and Jingyi and A-Qing Jie are on breakfast duty.”
“Morning, Miss Chun, you’re up early.”
A-Hui padded over to her and meowed loudly, rubbing his cheeks against her legs until she smiled down at him. Bending down, she reached out a hand and scratched his chin making him purr loudly with joy.
“Yue-er* woke me early today, he was hungry,” the young woman replied, adjusting her hold on the bundle.
A gentle cooing made Sizhui and Wei Ying crowd closer, and even A-Hui pawed at the blanket wrapping the precious little figure inside.
“Miss Chun, may I hold him? I’ll be careful,” Sizhui asked, eyes hopeful.
Chun Xiang smiled at the young boy and nodded, carefully handing over her son who giggled and gurgled, reaching out with tiny hands to grab onto a strand of Sizhui’s hair.
“Meowrrrr~!!” A-Hui called out loudly, staring up at Chun Xiang who picked him up with a soft laugh, cradling the furry feline in her arms.
“Have you gotten used to the Pavilion?” Wei Ying asked.
Chun Xiang nodded and sighed, gazing out over the courtyard where disciples slowly headed for class.
“Everyone has been very kind, it’s only been a few days but I feel...I feel like I’m living a new life.”
“The sect’s only been established shortly, it’ll get busier soon.”
“Ah, I have little doubt about that. I know many in Zhengding Town who are eager to send their children here for training and studies. Song Daozhang and Xiao Daozhang are incredible generous.”
“Speaking of which…,” Wei Ying nodded towards a middle-aged man who was being shown towards the main hall by one of the disciples, two young boys trailing behind, “Looks like there’s two new disciples today.”
“There’re new people everyday,” Sizhui observed, “Every morning in class we have new classmates.”
Chun Xiang’s gaze landed on her son, “Inviting teachers is a luxury only the rich can afford, and schools accepting children from families without any social standing are rare. Cultivation sects that would accept disciples without asking for any compensation...that’s unheard of before now. It’s not that us commoners are birthed incapable of what cultivators can achieve...it’s just we’re not given the same chances.”
Wei Ying and Sizhui awkwardly looked at each other, thinking about their own sects until Chun Xiang suddenly gasped.
“O-oh! Apologies, Wei Gongzi, Lan Xiao Gongzi, Chun Xiang has misspoken. I...I didn’t mean to place any blame on...on cultivators or other sects, I just…”
Wei Ying waved at her and smiled ruefully.
“It’s alright, Miss Chun, you’re not wrong. Cultivation sects ARE very hierarchical, being accepted into one, for someone without any social standing or connections, it would be an incredibly difficult task.”
Suddenly, a fragrant scent floated past and A-Hui perked up, meowing curiously. He jumped out from Chun Xiang’s arms and raced towards a familiar figure who was holding a tray. Without any warning, the cat leaped into the air and grabbed onto the back of soft robes, causing the person to yelp in surprise, almost toppling backwards.
“A-Hui!!” The girl cried out, hurriedly balancing the tray so as to not fall.
A-Qing struggled to keep the ravenous feline from stealing food, lifting the tray up as high as she can with one hand while grabbing onto A-Hui with the other.
“No!! These are for Daozhang! Go to the kitchen for your breakfast!”
“MEOWRRR!!”
“I said no!!”
“MEOWR!!”
“STOP IT!!”
“MEEEEOOOWWW!!!”
“AHH!! Someone help me!!!”
A-Qing yelped as she twirled around in circles, attempting to protect the food. A-Hui stood on her shoulder, reaching for the tray, his tail smacking her in the face rapidly.
Suddenly, firm hands wrapped around A-Hui’s stomach and pulled him off of A-Qing to his despair.
“MEOOOOOOWWRRRR!!”
He yowled pitifully, still trying to reach for the tray but Lan Zhan kept a steady hold on the struggling cat.
“Hanguang Jun!!” A-Qing gasped in relief.
“Good morning, Miss A-Qing.”
“‘Morning!”
“Is that for Xiao Daozhang?”
“Yes, I was going to drop it off for him and then head for sword class,” she paused and looked curiously at the older man, “Aren’t you teaching sword class today with Song Daozhang?”
Lan Zhan nodded, “Yes, but I need to speak with Xiao Daozhang about something before class starts.”
A-Hui glowered between the two humans as they talked and walked, still trying futilely to escape Lan Zhan’s hold. Finally, just outside of the main hall, the second young master of the Lan clan set the feline down, sending him on his way with a gentle pat on his head. A-Hui mewed and attempted to swipe at him in revenge for keeping him from his food, but a stern look from Lan Zhan made him freeze, paw mid-way in the air.
“You’re worse than the rabbits at Cloud Recesses…,” the young man said, causing A-Qing to giggle.
“It’s because Daozhang spoils him. Even Song Daozhang can’t do anything about it.”
A-Hui sat on the ground, tail flicking as he waited. Maybe if he was good they’d reward him with some fish? He attempted to play cute, flopping down to show his belly, four paws in the air.
“Meww?”
A-Qing snickered at his display, “He’s such a brat.”
“Who’s a brat?” A curious voice asked as a figure in white exited the main hall.
“Daozhang!”
“Xiao Daozhang.”
“Good morning, Lan Er Gongzi, A-Qing. Isn’t sword class supposed to start soon?”
“Ah, yes! But I brought your breakfast,” A-Qing said happily, holding out the tray of food.
“I wished to speak with you before class,” Lan Zhan added.
“Meeeoowr~!!” A-Hui chimed in.
“Oh, well thank you A-Qing,” the young man smiled, nodding his thanks as he took the tray, “Why don’t you head for class while I speak with Hanguang Jun, hm? A-Hui, are you here for snacks?”
“Meewww…”
Xiao Xingchen chuckled and gestured to a stone table situated in the courtyard.
“Please, Lan Er Gongzi, why don’t we sit and talk?”
A-Qing bowed and hurried off to class while Lan Zhan and Xiao Xingchen headed for the table. A-Hui quickly followed, hopping up and sitting eagerly while his human set the tray down. He knew with his white-robed guardian here, he would surely be able to receive some food.
As predicted, Xiao Xingchen picked up a piece of grilled fish from his tray, separating out some of the bones before offering a small plate of the savoury food to the furry feline. A-Hui’s tummy growled as he dug in, barely chewing before he swallowed mouthful after mouthful.
“What did you want to speak with me about, Lan Er Gongzi?” Xiao Xingchen asked.
“Actually it’s something Song Daozhang was also thinking about.”
“Oh?”
“He mentioned earlier that Miss Chun Xiang has been here for just over a week now.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“And I recall she had revealed when she first arrived that her son had just passed three months old.”
“Yue-er? I believe so, yes.”
“Which means he should be reaching one hundred days*-”
“OH!!”
A-Hui startled when Xiao Xingchen suddenly gasped.
“It’s Yue-er’s one hundred days celebration!”
“Hm...or it should be soon.”
“Ai-ya! I completely didn’t even realize…”
“Miss Chun Xiang likely didn’t wish to draw attention.”
“Ah, but it’s an important event!”
“Song Daozhang was wondering if you’d like to organize something for her.”
“Yes, of course! Ah, let me speak with Zichen after sword class...wait, I have meditation class. I’ll speak with him at lunch. We can gather everyone tomorrow and celebrate.”
“Meowr?” A-Hui tilted his head curiously. His human was excited about something, he could tell. He nuzzled gently against a pale hand until the man started petting him, smiling at the purring cat.
“In that case, I’ll let Song Daozhang know,” Lan Zhan nodded, standing up with a bow to leave.
“Oh, have a nice class! Uh...p-please ask A-Qing not to slash anymore windows accidentally…”
Lan Zhan couldn’t help an exasperated expression from floating across his face.
“I’ll...do my utmost.”
A-Hui watched as the quiet man left, leaving him with his own human as a soft breeze blew past.
“Meowr…?”
“A-Hui...how’ve you been, hm?”
“Meow!”
“Is that so? How exciting!”
A-Hui watched as his human added some more fish to his plate, laughing when his purring increased. His tail swished behind him as he ate, feeling like he’s in paradise. It was quiet here, in their new home. Unlike the busy streets of the towns and cities they traveled to there was a calmness about this place. Every night he had a comfortable, warm bed to sleep in, every morning, noon, and evening he was given delicious food with snacks snuck in between from the disciples. A-Hui knew exactly which humans were always available for pets, which ones snuck out the best snacks, and which ones would play with him. There was lots to do everyday as the feline guarded the gates, prowled the rooftops, and chased after birds, sometimes exploring the forests that surrounded their home.
Xiao Xingchen enjoyed his breakfast in the company of A-Hui, sipping a cup of warm tea as he thought about the one hundred day celebration. In the distance he heard the bell being rung as sword class began, hearing the faint voices of his husband and Lan Zhan, showing stances and demonstrating proper postures to their students.
Even though it had been just over a week since the wedding already several families had sent their children to them for training. Although they didn’t require compensation, each family had voluntarily brought what they could to show their respect. A bag of rice, a roll of fabric, a basket of vegetables, each family brought an offering to show their appreciation. It was heartwarming to hear the sincerity and gratefulness in their voice and Xingchen vowed to himself that he would teach everything he knew to their disciples.
A-Hui finished his meal and licked his paws, grooming his fur as was routine. He stretched and laid down on the table, purring loudly as he prepared to doze. The sun warmed him and he flopped down, yawning lazily. His human stroked his back gently, guardian and feline enjoying an easy day at Qingfeng Pavilion.
===END===
*Yue-er/月儿
= ‘Moon’, adding ‘er’ to a name is an endearment for children.
*One hundred days celebration
= When a baby is 100 days old, historically it was a big event and a celebration would be held (it was mentioned for Jin Ling’s 100 days celebration). Parents would prepare a table full of random items for the baby to grab, and whatever they grabbed onto was supposed to predict their future (ie. Jin Ling grabbed onto Jin Zixuan’s sword tassel which was supposed to symbolize that he would be a great swordsman.)