Chapter Text
Murmurs resounded around the halls of the Cloud Recess.
A celebration was held after years of anguish, chaos and death. It had been a few months since the Royal line of Wens collapsed during the Sunshot Campaign headed by the four noble families against the tyranny of the Empire.
It was a harsh battle, many had fallen, lives were lost and homes were broken and razed to the ground. Such as the Gusu Lan, Cloud Recess which sustained damages from the fires and the unfortunate Yunmeng Jiang, Lotus Pier, decimated to the ground with its Lord and Lady.
It was a long hard-earned battle, won victoriously through the help of the Head Disciple of the Jiang and the Venerated triad from the Nie, Lan and Jin noble families. The former now a rogue as he decided to help the fallen members of the Wens, chased away and scorned while the latter three had rose into greatness.
Lan Xichen, the first jade of the Gusu, a note worthy Alpha that ranks first in his generation. Kind and powerful, he was heralded as the new Emperor as the previous Royalty of the Lans were risen up as the real ruler of the land.
Nie Mingjue, a brutish bear of a man, who wield his saber with might and vigor through his enemies. Another Alpha that commands the respect of all, he refused any civil positions and instead was placed as the Commander of the new Army for the Emperor Xichen.
And lastly, a small seemingly inconspicuous man, whose smile could beguile any man or woman to trust and follow him. Jin Guanyao, previously Meng Yao, a Beta, despite his previous background of an illegitimate child of the infamous womanizer JGS to a brothel woman, rose from the muck to gain recognition as a Jin. Not only that but he was given a spot in the harem as the only Noble Consort, supported by the Jins.
Many were against the last statement but who could rival the money and power of the Merchant noble family? Not the crown who has lost just as much during the war, also since Xichen and him had an almost romantic past of a savior saving the injured and fleeing heir during the war, many rumors circulated that they had fallen in love as seen by their closeness and ease in each others presence.
And in that regard, it was very painful and degrading for the Yunmeng Jiang delegates, the family who lost the most in the war, whose head disciple once a hero now a fugitive and the one who was rewarded the least of the spoils of war, to have their offering of the rare male Omega heir of the Jiang noble line rejected during the banquet.
Jiang Cheng, a young omega whose beautiful face were a carbon copy of his Alpha mother, tainted by the same temper she holds, whose temperament and stature belies his omegan status. A force to be reckoned with during the war as he held onto his mother's whip and father's sword, slashing and whipping any person donning the Wen robes.
An image of revenge and insanity that made everyone confirm their prejudice of the scowling omega the rumors painted him to be.
The buzzing of the different voices, low murmurs and sharp glares pierce his very being but his eyes remained fastened to the warm brown eyes of the young Emperor, it's gaze almost asking for him to understand.
“It is to my deepest regret to decline this union. While I find Jiang-gongzi as very attractive and a rare male omega, I believe that his ability is far more worthy as a the leader of his family.” Lan Xichen declares, in his heart and mind he was doing the right thing.
The Jiangs lost the most and earned the least. They do not have enough resources to even begin reconstruction let alone present a dowry enough to not embarrass themselves. Also, their lack of elders and family from the destruction of their home is not the best support a harem candidate could have.
Of course Xichen would do his best to create fairness and balance in his own garden but he could not handle that always along with the heavy burden of the country put on his capable but young shoulders. To allow such disparity and easy bait to the hungry families of the nobility and nouveau riche, would be against the principle drilled to his very being since birth.
It was for the best, he could see how the younger man was not as keen as his delegates with the offering. He had seen the man in action during the war and if it wasn't a common knowledge anyone would think the Jiang heir an Alpha.
Also with him entered as a consort candidate it left the Yunmeng Jiang family with Jiang Yanli as the only successor and with her marriage comes the merging of their family line if she was to remain the heir. To give such advantage to the scheming Jin Guangshan was a foolish choice, he already had too much power with Jin Guangyao on the only noble consort seat.
Lan Xichen watched as Jiang Cheng closed his eyes cutting their staring and bowed down in respect of his decision.
“This loyal subject understand the will of the Emperor. We thank you for your grace.” Jiang Cheng stated, his voice calm and collected amidst the spark of jeer and judgment from the spectators. He rose from his knelt position in front of the emperor to return to their previous spot.
–
The celebration ended merrily after the tense atmosphere of the public disgrace of the Jiang family. The masses actually a bit impressed at the young omega's restraint when certain smaller nobles jab at him. It was probably lucky of Leader Yao that they were in the presence of the Emperor, that Jiang Cheng was unable to openly whip him with Zidian.
Jiang Cheng dropped his neutral scowling expression once they all hit home. He let out a sigh as they finally arrived to the rebuilding Lotus Pier. He had hold on his temper for the sake of his people but those pretentious nobles were grating at his patience.
He could not care less if he was chosen as a harem member, if he was being honest, he was glad he was rejected. He knew what the real reason was for the rejection. It was because they were piss poor. A pathetic excuse of a former great noble line, decimated to its ashes.
It did not help that his former shixiong has left him to help those Wen dogs instead of bringing the glory back to Yunmeng Jiang. Instead he let himself be entangled with the demonic practice.
Also, he was never an easy omega to begin with. He was often compared to his mother both positively and negatively. He does not have enough patience to play pretend with the noble men and ladies and coy to Xichen. He also doesn't want the life led by his mother, more so if he had to compete for the attention of something he knew he would never have.
It was, opposed to Xichen's thoughts, for their safety that he wasn't there. The amount of violence and chaos he could bring to the harem could earn him a boot on the first day, he guarantees.
The remaining loot and money they had saved up would better go towards rebuilding the Lotus Pier and dowry of her sister instead of being his allowance to use in the garden. He would rather eat and sleep on the dirt than lavishly living his life on the palace while his people starve and remain homeless.
And his sister had to be married to the Jin heir even if he hated that slimy Jin Guangshan and the peacock but he had seen how Yanli's eyes shine bright at the arrogant Alpha. And he had to give Jin Zixuan the benefit of his doubt as he could see how the man would hang the moon and stars for his sister. At least one of them would lead a life full of love and happiness surely.
He was just glad that Madam Jin is her mother's best friend and loved Yanli as her own daughter that she agreed over the small dowry.
--
Jiang Cheng could hear his new second in command grumbling at the insult they were given, most of the men and women that came with him also shared the same anger. They had allied and stood behind the man before them for they know his worth and talents.
And to be rejected, over smaller families of short history and over a Beta of sketchy origins stung at their pride.
And it was a stab towards Jiang Cheng's sensitive confidence. He might not want the position but the very thought that even the kindest and mannered Alpha had rejected him hurt his omega. It was very hard to contain its instinct to preen and let out his scent so the Emperor would know what he was missing.
But to do that is both unbecoming and ill mannered. It is societal understanding to block each scent to not overwhelm each other of their pheromones and incite either a brawl or public display of obscenity.
Anyway, the weary travelers were greeted by the populace, everyone were either muddied or full of dust from the rebuilding efforts. Jiang Cheng was only glad that the people of Yunmeng had not abandoned the land to go to richer families and instead helped with the reconstruction.
This is why he was glad that he was rejected. He would rather toil away for these people instead of trying to seduce the Emperor so he could give birth to his heir.
Jiang Yanli welcomed the delegates as they pass the threshold of the Lotus Pier. She had a bright smile as she helped them get to the dinning room, their stomach grumbling at the long travel, since they also didn't enjoy much of the famous bland food of the Gusu Lan served even in celebration.
Yanli saw their fatigue and weariness and fed them, with the help of the older ladies, served her famous lotus pork rib soup that managed to catch her fiance's attention. The group enjoyed the hearty meal after the events they just witnessed.
The young leader quietly sipped at his soup, savoring the delicious taste and loving the warmth it fills his whole being. He smiled a sad smile as he thought how he would miss this flavor once Yanli becomes the new madam Jin.
His musings were interrupted by the presence beside him, Yanli plopping down at the seat on his side. He looked up to his sister, his light grey eyes meeting her warm yellow ones asking him silently what happened.
“A-Cheng, how come you're back.” She asked after a while of silence from her little brother. She understand the implication of his brother returning to their home. She also didn't want to lose her brother in the messy inner workings of the harem but to be rejected is a taint to one's reputation and a hammer to their confidence and pride.
Jiang Cheng snorted and look back at his soup. He took a sip first before retorting back in a playful manner, “Does jie not want me here in Yunmeng to ask for the reason of my presence here?”
Jiang Yanli sighed understanding how harsh his brother is to himself. “You know that's not what I meant. I want to be with you forever.” She started while he laughed, “yes, even when I'm married, I know what you're thinking. But A-Cheng, I feel angry that they disrespect us like this and mad that they could not see my beautiful baby brother as another consort.” She said seriously, willing her brother not to look away.
“I know it's going to be hard after this and I know I am one of the reason why he rejected you. I have used up all of our remaining finances to be wed off to A-Xuan.” Her eyes moisten at the sacrifices her brother has made for her and for their people.
Peoples tend to judge what they see with their eyes and not look past something so tangible as Jiang Cheng's dedication and overflowing love hidden behind his fierce scowl and thorny attitude. Traits he developed and inherited from the environment he had to live in and the war he fought at.
In his core Jiang Cheng is an omega and no matter what people might say, she could see in her brother the traits to be one. His caring side and his large heart that would love and give no matter how much you've taken from him.
And she was glad that he gathered a lot of people who managed to see that. But she was also still angry at the people who was blinded by prejudice and their ego to find anything lovely in her brother.
“It's okay jie, I really didn't want to be part of that. I will do my best to provide and bring back the glory to our family.” He stated, the fire in his eyes burning as brighter as it did when he watched his home burn.
“I know you will A-Cheng, Jiejie is just angry at their blindness.” She returned to her playful voice and he just shook his head.
“I know someone out there would see your worth just as we did. And by that time those who had rejected and talked bad about you would regret their choices.” She predicted and Jiang Cheng looked at his sister in love and thankfulness but a bit of doubt clouding his eyes.
“You'll do the Impossible A-Cheng.” she declared.