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“A-Feng, wake up,” A voice whispered into his ear, briefly bringing him back to the surface of his dreams. It was familiar, something that he hears every day, and he knows who it belongs to. With a groan, he turned to the other side of his bed and covered his ear with his pillow, shutting off all noise and going back once more to the land of dreams… which didn’t last long as the soft plush was ripped out of his hands. “A-Feng!” With the speed of a veteran, he quickly reached out to the person’s ear and pulled. “Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch! A-Feng!” He opened his eyes and glared at Yingxing, drowsiness replaced by slight irritation.
“What are you doing up? You’re supposed to be asleep,” he muttered angrily, releasing the ear. The young prince pouted and rubbed his reddened ear, sending scathing looks at his childhood friend.
“I can’t sleep!” Yingxing exclaimed, placing his hands on his waist, his voice reverberating around the room as if it wasn’t midnight right now. Dan Feng jumped out of his bed and opened his bedroom door slightly, peeking to see if any guards or servants were around the hallway at this hour. None. He gently closed the door and walked back to his bed and sat down, preparing to go back to sleep, before the prince stopped him again. “W-What are you doing?”
“Going back to sleep, which you should do too,” He rolled his eyes at his friend’s antics. “You have a packed schedule tomorrow, you know. You need to sleep early! What would the advisors think if they saw you fall asleep at one of their lessons again? Plus, your ascension to the throne draws near. You need to be ready,” It should be impossible, but Yingxing pouted harder, projecting the face of a kicked puppy. After years of being his friend and his retainer, Dan Feng should’ve been immune to his tricks already.
… He sighed and kicked his covers away. “Where do you want to go?” He asked, begrudgingly. The prince cheered and hugged him tightly, jostling him around (Dan Feng doesn’t like being moved around, thank you).
“You’ll enjoy it! There’s a festival in the town right now!” Yingxing exclaimed in excitement as his fingers pried open the window of their shared bedroom, which scared the retainer.
“Oh, no, no, no, why are you opening the window?” Dan Feng tried to scuttle back a bit. Maybe agreeing with him was a bad idea, he thinks as he tries to escape through the bedroom door instead. However, he doesn’t reach far enough before Yingxing wraps his arms around his waist, not intending to let him go. As the prince, he was given training in swordsmanship by Master Jingliu, which proved to be excellent in helping him with his physical strength. Yingxing’s cheer and Dan Feng’s scream of terror mixed throughout the night as both of them jumped through the window from the second floor of the castle (one unwillingly).
The guards that were stationed in front of their bedroom just came back from their quick trip to the kitchen when they heard the commotion. They sent each other baleful looks before looking at the other side. They are used to the two’s shenanigans by now.
This is just a normal day in Xianzhou Luofu.
♪♪
“Presenting, his Royal Highness, Prince Yingxing of the Xianzhou Luofu!”
It was only a normal breakfast, yet everyone in the kingdom is so proud of their precious prince that they felt the need to mention his presence everywhere he goes. It irritates him a little bit, but he does nothing to stop their actions. After all, he feels a little fond of their excitement toward him, especially since the death of both of his parents a year ago. He did not want to experience the somber mood in the castle all over again. The 17-year-old prince walked to his seat at the end of the table. It wasn’t long before another announcement rang throughout the dining room.
“Presenting, the loyal retainer, Dan Feng!”
Unlike Yingxing, who loves attention, his retainer is the complete opposite. He scowled at all the clapping from the servants and guards alike. Why are they giving him too much importance? He is just the prince’s retainer, nothing more. However, he does his best to not show his displeasure, as he sees the brightly shining eyes of his friend from the dining table. He can’t disappoint him.
With a sigh, he gently walked towards the prince, hands perfectly positioned in front of him, as is taught to the trusted retainer of the royalty. The advisors, as well as the servants, have extended to him the service they give to the young prince, teaching him dinner manners, politics, martial arts, as well as the usual grace and poise every royal must have. He nodded at the prince’s waving hand and sat at the chair next to him, as Yingxing always requested.
With both of the teens seated down, the advisors also went and sat down, being one of the most important pillars of the kingdom. Servants started to place the food on the table, with each one added to look more and more appetizing to both boys. Crystal shrimp dumplings and steamed vegetable dumplings for starters. Then there are three options for the main course: fragrant fried rice with diced shrimp, sausage, and mixed vegetables; steamed lotus leaf buns filled with savory meat or vegetable filling; and glutinous rice with chicken and mushroom wrapped in lotus leaf.
As for side dishes, there are braised soy sauce eggs, crispy fried sesame balls, and steamed pork buns. Assorted pastries and bread are also present, which include traditional pineapple buns (filled with either butter or custard), steamed red bean paste buns, and mooncakes (usually filled with lotus seed paste or red bean paste). There is a selection of beverages as well to choose from. It might be a lot of food for common people, but for the two, it’s just normal breakfast cuisine.
Yingxing rubbed his hands together in delight before pouring himself fresh juice. He has a habit of drinking before eating. He raised his glass to his mouth, about to take a gulp of the sweet liquid before a delicate hand gripped his wrist, stopping him. Confusion reigned for a few seconds before disappearing, remembering the usual rules at the dinner table. He sighed and let Dan Feng drink a few gulps from his drink.
The royal prince might be beloved by the kingdom, but the adoration for him doesn’t spread that far and wide. Many enemies wanted their power and their land and with the death of the adored Emperor and Empress, assassins often target the ‘vulnerable’ Yingxing. Dan Feng’s job is to never let harm reach his prince, so he often volunteers to take the first sip or first bite of everything that the prince wishes to consume. He took lessons in martial arts, as well as spearmanship, to better protect the adventurous royalty.
After a few seconds of tasting, the young retainer nodded, which sent everyone into ease. Today is not the day. Ha, take that, enemies! With a smile on his face, Yingxing dug into his food, which signaled the start of breakfast.
“So, your Royal Highness, where did you two go last midnight?” Advisor Yukong asked with a knowing smile, sending chills down the two teens’ spines. Dan Feng sent a glare at the prince beside him and kicked him under the table. Why did he even listen to him?
Yingxing even had the act to look offended and retaliated by kicking him back. “Did you forget it’s you who wanted to stay there for longer?” He whispered, shifting the blame back onto the retainer. The two sent glares at each other, neither of them backing down.
Yukong sighed at the two boys’ antics before continuing to speak. “To be honest, we were planning to cancel today’s lesson so that you two can take a rest and go to the festival, however,” her eyes turned stern. She snapped her fingers, effectively capturing the attention of the two teens about to fight each other. “However, since you disobeyed the rules of not going out at midnight, you can forget about that and we will proceed with the schedule as planned.”
Both boys deflated in their seats, thinking about how to not die of boredom at another batch of lessons the advisors might bestow upon them. Yukong ignored their plight and gently wiped her mouth, before speaking once more. “Well, with your ascension to the throne coming soon, your Highness, I trust that the process for the performance will go well?”
The two teens sent each other an indecipherable look and nodded at the advisor. After the events that will happen a week later, there are numerous celebrations suggested by the other advisors to honor the new king, such as a performance for the royalty. This is what their lessons focus on nowadays. Yingxing has volunteered to be the one who plays the music, showcasing his skills to the people of their kingdom. Alongside him was Dan Feng, the one who dances along to his tune. However, the advisors have forbidden them to practice together, claiming that it would be more captivating and authentic if the people could see the duo’s resonance by themselves.
With a week left before Yingxing comes of age, before his ascension to the throne… the two are more focused than ever on their craft, intending to finish the events without any complications.
♪♪
Yingxing likes his retainer, that much is true.
Ever since they were kids, he often imagined himself spending his whole life with his loyal retainer by his side, sharing drinks under the glow of a full moon, exchanging smiles and stories that he knows he will never get tired of, no matter how much Dan Feng has explained it. With how intense his feelings for his retainer are, it’s a surprise that he still doesn’t know.
Between the two of them, he was the stronger one, despite being the more vulnerable one due to his position. The retainer was a very quiet kid back in their childhood, often picked on for his unusual horns or his shy personality. Therefore, despite Dan Feng’s promises of protecting Yingxing with all his life, he'd rather like it if the teen didn’t endanger himself and just let the prince do the protecting for both of them. No matter what, the prince will always see him as someone he needs to protect with all his life.
Today is their swordsmanship session with General Jingliu of the Cloud Knights. He has become acquainted with his sword so fast as a fish to water, unlike Dan Feng, whose skills lie more with the art of healing and spear. That’s why they currently have two different instructors, Jingliu teaches him as he is the ‘experienced’ of the two. Assigned to the retainer, however, is Jingliu’s apprentice, Jing Yuan.
“Focus!” Jingliu snapped and flicked Yingxing’s forehead. He had not been listening to any of her past speeches about the sword or its art, distracted by the other two at the end of the training room, having their own practice session. The prince had been staring in envy at the two, especially with the way the white-haired apprentice steadies the retainer’s clumsy form with the sword. “You can’t teach little Feng if you still haven’t completed all your lessons.”
The prince’s head whipped toward her direction, so fast that she thought it might snap. “Then let’s finish it right now!” His declaration earned him another flick to the forehead.
“Idiot, we can’t rush the lessons,” Jingliu admonished. “If you want to teach him so badly, then... Brat!” She called out to his apprentice, who stopped mid-talk and jogged over to his master, followed by his temporary student.
“Yes, master?” Jing Yuan asked, a bit out of breath. He wiped the sweat from his brow, his own sword inside the sheath at his waist.
Jingliu sent the prince a knowing smile and beckoned her apprentice to come with her. “Let’s fix your form. Little Yingxing here wants to try and teach Dan Feng,” Jing Yuan wiped the forming sweat from his forehead and nodded, following after his master who was leaving the scene, but not before sending the prince a look and a shit-eating grin.
Yingxing groaned at the face the white-haired apprentice made. At this point, who doesn’t even know? He looked at his retainer beside him, slightly out of breath from the session, but his face still contains the lack of knowledge of the information passed between the three. The prince inwardly released a sigh of relief. “So, what are we going to do now, shizun?” Dan Feng asked teasingly, sending Yingxing into inner turmoil.
Yingxing likes his retainer, a thing that will never change.
.
.
Dan Feng likes his prince, a fact that he had never stopped to think about.
When he first met him, he thought that he was like the other kids: mean, a bully, and likes to make fun of him. He remembered almost not breathing when they first spoke eye-to-eye. The retainer soon realized that things are not as they seem. He didn’t expect to see him smile over small toys that dotted the market stalls. He didn’t expect to listen to him recite the poems that he made from his heart, full of love and emotions. He didn’t expect to fall in love with him, with his crimson eyes, with his stupid smile, with his big heart full of kindness and love for those who are dear to him.
He tries so hard to keep his feelings a secret. He doesn’t know if his prince feels the same, and he doesn’t want to risk it all: their bond, their friendship, just for a stupid confession. But he longs for him. He imagines a time when they married each other, his hands holding the other’s, their faces sending soft smiles under the glow of the red veil.
“Dan Feng? Are you with me?”
The smile slowly dissipates from his face as his drifting mind was pulled back into his body, back into their current situation. Right. They were practicing for the performance that will commence after Yingxing’s ascension to the throne. Lady Baiheng, a Foxian dance artist, was the one teaching him the dance that was to be done, according to the traditions present in their kingdom.
“I’m sorry, Lady Baiheng. Yes, we can continue now,” he answered, and bowed in apology, sending a longing look towards the prince on the other side of the room. Yingxing was working hard too, he had volunteered to be the one playing the music instead of one of their advisors, so Lady Tingyun was the one teaching him.
Seeing the prince work wonderfully with the di zi even for the first time made Dan Feng fond and envious at the same time. He always tries so hard to be the prince’s protector and the one who teaches and guides him along the way as he is older than him by a few months. But no matter what he does, Yingxing always surpasses him. No matter how many times he tries to perfect the dance, he stumbles, falls, and looks up at the prince— Yingxing smiling at him.
The retainer shook his head and went into formation, ignoring his shaky and exhausted body, ignoring the sweet beautiful music that floats through the room, and focusing on his determination to be the retainer that Yingxing always needs. For now, he has to perfect this.
“Let’s do another round, if you please, Lady Baiheng.”
Dan Feng likes his prince, a sentence that was set in stone.
♪♪
“I would like to remind the two of you to be careful, and don’t go on midnight walks,” Yukong sternly addresses the two, during lunch three days after. She takes a bite of her chicken, before continuing to speak. “Your ascension date is in a few days. Enemies might take advantage of such unguardedness. Don’t worry, our Cloud Knights will protect the castle and its inhabitants, but please do not go out without permission. Am I clear?”
It was lunch, and the duo was tired after a long session of practicing. Served on the table was an assorted menu of delicious meals. There are appetizers such as crispy spring rolls and crystal shrimp dumplings. The hot and sour soup spreads the delicious aroma across the table. The main course is assorted, from braised soy-sauce chicken to stir-fried beef with scallions and oysters. Stir-fried snow peas with garlic were accompanied by braised noodles with mushrooms. There are sesame balls for desserts, and lastly, the tea that the retainer likes and assorted fruits and juices for the prince.
None of them showed enthusiasm for the exquisite food, too tired to even enjoy the menu. Dan Feng raised his head at the advisor’s instruction and nodded, a smile forced on his face. “... Understood, Lady Yukong,” Yingxing stretched his hand to take a glass of fruit juice, and as usual, the retainer took a sip before the prince could ever take one. Basic precautions.
.
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“A-Feng,” a voice whispered into his ear, and his face scrunched in irritation. It was midnight, and it was raining, the loud clashing of the thunder reverberating through their room.
He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and glared at the prince standing by his bed, excitement brimming through his features. “... What is it now, Yingxing?” He snapped, Yukong’s earlier warning brimming through his mind. If he wants to do his job correctly to protect the prince, then perhaps he needs to be stricter with himself. No more indulging in late-night walks with Yingxing. He was to be a king, it’s time they stop acting like kids.
The prince stepped back a bit if it was because of his tone, he doesn’t know, as he continues to speak. “Do you want to go out? There’s a new place in town, and I was thinking we could—”
“No,” came the quick reply. Dan Feng lay again on his bed and turned away, so he didn't have to see the dejected face of the prince. He needs to steel his resolve. “It’s raining. Plus, Lady Yukong has told us earlier. It is dangerous for you to come out.”
“But if you’re with me, then no danger will come close to us,” he could imagine the beaming smile on the prince’s face right now. “You promised me that, A-Feng.”
“... I’m sorry, Yingxing,” Dan Feng forced himself to speak. “I’m not strong enough to protect you,” It was stupid of me to make that promise, it was stupid of me to think that someone like me is enough to stay by your side. Rain pelted louder at their window, lightning flashing through. He doesn’t know if it’s exhaustion forcing him to say these awful words.
“But if I said you’re enough for me? Would that change your mind, A-Feng?”
The retainer smiled bitterly and closed his eyes. “Go to sleep, Your Highness. Your ascension is in a few days.”
“... Good night then, Dan Feng.”
He ignores the sound of opened windows, of the rain increasing in ferocity, of the intensity of the thunder that rumbled through the town. He ignores the tears falling down his cheeks.
It’s only this time… Dan Feng thought. Soon we’ll go back to being ourselves.
He pointedly ignores the fact that Yingxing has never called him Dan Feng.
.
.
There are times when Yingxing wishes he could just tell Dan Feng his true feelings.
He watches the retainer intently during one of Lady Baiheng’s dance sessions. Dan Feng might not know it, but the prince is always focusing his sights on the retainer whenever they were practicing for their respective crafts. It hurts his heart to see him practice so hard just for a ceremony for him. Does he not know how to take care of himself? He sees him gritting his teeth, sometimes holding his ankles in pain. He sees him practicing even during curfew when he thinks no one’s looking. Dance. Fall. Cry. Repeat. That’s what Dan Feng has done every time.
He only needs to ask, and the next time Dan Feng falls, it will be Yingxing who will catch him, and take care of him. It would be him telling the retainer that he’s fine the way he is, he likes him the way he just is. But Dan Feng doesn’t ask, so he doesn’t tell.
This time, however, as he watches the older teen fall unceremoniously to the floor, he loses control of his body and walks straight to his retainer, leaving the di zi behind. He sees those verdigris eyes stare at him in surprise. Yingxing outstretched his hands, offering the other the stability he needed.
His heart breaks into pieces when Dan Feng stands up by himself and ignores him, eyes averted as he glares at the large mirror covering the wall. Is he angry at Yingxing? Did he do something wrong? There was exhaustion evident in the retainer’s voice when he replied, “I’m fine, Your Highness. Don’t you have something to do?”
Dan Feng doesn’t ask, so he doesn’t tell.
“I’ll… leave you be, then,” if anyone noticed the quiver in Yingxing’s voice, no one commented on it, not glancing at his form as he slowly left the room, the retainer repeating the routine of dancing, of falling, of crying, sobs continuing into midnight.
.
.
Sometimes Dan Feng wants to ask what Yingxing really thinks of him, instead of assuming and overthinking things.
The prince might not know it, but Dan Feng always tries his best to be the better version of himself. He watches Yingxing practice with his sword, slashing dummies in one strike, and he imitates. He follows in the shadows, he mirrors the form. He always admires how steady the prince is, and how determined he is to win in his sparring sessions with Jing Yuan. Swipe. Slash. Strike. Repeat. That’s how he fights every time.
Sometimes he wants to ask for help, and he knows Yingxing would willingly tell him how to be the best version of himself. He always looks out for him that way. But he never asks, so the prince would probably never tell.
He can only grit his teeth, as he loses to the prince once again. He can never be enough.
A hand was offered to him, and he raised his eyes to see Yingxing’s hand outstretched, once again beckoning him to stand up, to help him to stand up. He sees himself in those crimson eyes… and once again, he’s reminded of the fact that it always has to be him being helped up, always the clumsy one, always the one who is weak. He clenches his jaw and slaps the hand away, ignoring the prince’s face full of hurt, and striding away from the garden, sword abandoned in the middle of the field.
He doesn’t ask, so Yingxing would probably never tell.
He leaves the garden entirely, ignoring the sound of a sword swiping, slashing, and striking. It repeats.
♪♪
The past few days went by quickly, both of them ignoring each other and focusing on their own responsibilities. Every advisor has seen their determination and their focus on their job and was proud of the two for growing into what they have become. They are no longer the brats that ran around the halls with childlike glee on their faces, rather, they grew into the fine young men who will soon lead their kingdom into glory.
Everyone watches with bated breaths as their prince walks down the aisle, accompanied by numerous guards, his robes reaching the ground. They all watched as the prince sat on the throne that formerly belonged to his father, as an advisor walked out holding a pillow, crown resting atop of it. Everyone watches as the retainer approaches the advisor and takes the crown, the prince’s head bowed to allow the retainer to place the crown atop his head. Everyone watches as Emperor Yingxing was crowned, bowing in respect to the newly-crowned royalty.
Dan Feng watches as the one he wants to gaze at the moon with becomes unreachable and untouchable, a spider lily brought to the sky by the wind, leaving a poor maple leaf untended and abandoned on the ground.
.
.
The grand hall was filled with an air of anticipation, the atmosphere crackling with excitement as the emperor, dressed in resplendent royal attire, sat on his throne on the elevated platform, his heart pounding with nervous energy. Today is the performance for his ascension to the throne, and as planned, he was to play the music, and Dan Feng to dance to his tune.
… He hasn’t seen him in weeks. He wonders if something has changed.
Not long after, the crowd parts, a figure dressed in a complete white ensemble striding through, confident in their steps. Dan Feng looked up and their eyes met, his emerald eyes gazing at his own. Yet what caught his eye was the red eyeliner drawn on his lower eyelid, and his hair that was painted with glowing verdigris, matching his eyes. Dan Feng never ceases to amaze him. He always admires the retainer for his wit and his charm. But today, as the emperor took his place with his instrument in hand, he saw Dan Feng in a different light.
The emperor raised the di zi to his lips, his fingers trembling ever so slightly. The audience hushed, waiting in anticipation for the performance to begin. As his breath flowed through the instrument, a haunting melody filled the hall, painting the air with its enchanting notes. His retainer began to move, their steps synchronizing effortlessly with Yingxing's music. The emperor poured his emotions into the di zi, the music carrying his feelings unspoken. With each note he played, his heart spoke the unsaid words of his affection.
As Dan Feng gracefully twirled and leaped, his crimson eyes followed his every move, his heart swelling with admiration and longing. He seemed to float, a vision of ethereal beauty, and with each leap, the emperor’s heart soared higher.
The audience, spellbound by their skill and the resonance between the emperor and the retainer, watched in awe. Whispers of admiration filled the hall, but at that moment, it was just the two of them, lost in the sad song of longing and unsaid emotions.
As the final notes echoed through the hall, he lowered the di zi, their performance reaching its crescendo. One. Two. After three seconds, applause erupted like thunder, filling the air with its resounding fervor. Yingxing's heart raced, his gaze fixed on Dan Feng who stood before him, breathless and radiant.
Their eyes met, and in that single glance, the emperor saw a whole life for both of them reflected in his radiant emerald eyes.
.
.
“To Emperor Yingxing!”
Cheers filled the room as the advisors and the servants alike toast to the ascension of their prince. The subject of their celebration sat at the head of the table, head adorning the crown that was given to him. He smiled weakly, glancing at Dan Feng who sat beside him whose face was emotionless and unfocusing, absentmindedly taking a sip of his cup of tea. After what happened during the dance, he wanted to try and reach out and talk with Dan Feng again, but every effort he had tried since that moment was met with silence. Perhaps this time will be the same. Maybe he needs to wait for a few more days before he can talk to him again…
A drink was placed in front of him, his favorite fruit juice. He glanced up to see Dan Feng handing it to him, his hand slightly shaky. Perhaps there was still some adrenaline left in him? He doesn’t know. A few seconds pass by without either of them moving an inch, which makes the retainer realize his job. He sighs fondly, before taking a sip of the fruit juice and handing it to the emperor after a while. Basic precautions, as always.
The time passed much quicker after that. Yingxing tunes out the chatter of the advisors and focuses on the kettle filled with tea, strange smoke emanating from its spout. He stares, entranced at the beauty of its color. It’s one he had never seen before.
A bad feeling settled in his gut.
It all happens too fast the next second. As soon as Yingxing raises his cup to drink, it is promptly slapped away from his hand, the glass crashing into the ground at the same time his retainer falls into a heap on the floor, face pale and sweaty, his own cup rolling across the floor, spilling out tea on the marble. Chaos reigned around the room, yet all Yingxing could see was his retainer, his friend, his— dying.
.
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“Dan Feng hadn’t drunk too much of the tea, thankfully,” The royal doctor Bailu jotted down a few words on her cupboard, her tail swishing a bit. The patient in question was laying behind her on a bed, a wet towel placed on his burning forehead. The young doctor moved the retainer’s limb back and forth, showing the paleness and sweat forming around his body. “However, the poison has settled in his body for 15 minutes before it showed symptoms, so a 1-week confinement to the infirmary will do him good.”
Yukong hesitated and sent a look at the emperor. Normally she wouldn’t think twice and ask for his opinion, instead opting to provide her own, as she treated the former before him, but the dark aura around Yingxing tells her that she needs to choose her words and choices carefully, especially during this delicate situation. “... Your Majesty? Do you have any orders?”
“Lock the gates to the castle,” Yingxing spoke, his words as cold as ice, still staring at the still form of the one that he calls his world. “Do not allow anyone to venture out this place. As much as possible, close the doors to the quarters, keep each and every one of yourselves safe.”
“... What about the assassin, my Lord?”
For the first time, his blood red eyes moved from its usual stare to gaze itself at her, and Yukong had almost regretted asking that question. “I’ll handle them. They have placed the poison in the tea, hoping to incapacitate me. Most likely, they’ll come back here to finish the job,” Bailu nodded from her place.
"We must leave, Lady Yukong," she added. "Sir Yingxing is not the kid we once knew. If anything, I know he can bring peace to this unrest caused by our enemy. Trust in him."
The little lady soon left the room, leaving the door ajar. Silence reigned the room, the only thing that can be heard was the slight hitch of Dan Feng's breaths. After a few seconds, the fox lady nodded, and bowed to the emperor to show her respect. "Thank you, Lady Yukong," The black-haired man spoke, a small smile placing itself on his face.
Yukong left the room, leaving a last look at the two teens inside before bolting the door shut. She is proud of his growth, having witnessed it from his childhood. Yingxing is now the emperor, he is no longer the boy that they dote on. Their enemies would regret ever crossing the Xianzhou Luofu.
.
.
The room is silent. Small breaths can be heard from the unconscious person laying on the bed, which makes the perfect moment to rear for an attack. The large window near the bed was pried open, a black figure slithering through, ready to finish what he started.
They walked closer to the bed, dagger poised above the heart of the sleeping teen, before stopping a few steps from the unconscious body. Seeing clearly, they realized that the one that was poisoned wasn't the emperor, but his retainer.
They clicked their tongue. No matter. They might have miscalculated in their plans, but without the retainer, the emperor is still an easy target. After all, the one they should look out for was the dangerous skills of Dan Feng.
He left the vicinity of the bed and walked across the room to the door, intending to find the bedroom of the emperor. Click, click. Locked.
"Nowhere to run."
They swiveled around in surprise, grip on their dagger tightening on reflex. Crimson eyes met theirs, both reflecting the desire to kill. And within that moment, blades clashed, ready to make the other suffer for their own goals.
.
.
Blow after blow, parry after parry, they clashed with ferocity. The room echoed with the clash of their weapons, the tension thick in the air. Yingxing's fury grew stronger with each passing moment, his strikes becoming more powerful.
But the assassin was cunning and skilled, finding openings in Yingxing's defense. They aimed for vital points, seeking to end the emperor's life. Yet the emperor was no pushover, as he blocked every attempt on his life. The fight intensified, each combatant pushing their limits.
The assassin gritted their teeth. At this rate, the emperor would sooner behead them before even landing a nick on his face. They kept attacking, waiting for the perfect time to destroy his defenses when an unconscious figure caught his eye. The retainer.
They delivered a particularly strong swipe towards Yingxing and darted to the bed, focused on another target. The emperor cursed and followed, forgetting that Dan Feng was in the room with them. That leaves him open for an attack.
The assassin thrusts his sword towards Dan Feng's pale neck, before it was parried by the emperor's desperate attack, his sword slashing the enemy's away. However, in this move, he left his back unguarded, which gave the assassin the opportunity to stab him with a hidden dagger on his shoulder.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
.
.
Dan Feng wakes, his sight setting on a horrifying scene.
Blood matted some of his garments, thick red liquid dropping down the mattress. He was still weak with the poison, yet he can still see what happens in front of him. An unknown person stood in front of his bed, back turned to him, sword raised as if preparing for the killing blow.
And in front of the sword's way was Yingxing, the blood originating from his injured shoulder, glaring at the assassin in contempt. Dan Feng felt his whole world stop, knowing that his weakness had landed them in this position.
He gritted his teeth, and forced his hand to move. A twitch. He doesn't know what he could do, but surely there must be a way for him to protect his emperor. He can't be there when he needs him the most, so he'll make it up to him.
He wasn't the best retainer for the emperor, yet he'll try his best to protect that smile.
His hand closed on a scalpel on the nearby table as the assassin's sword slashes to kill.
"Hey, bastard."
The assassin stopped in place and swiveled around, surprise tainting their features. Of course, the retainer is something else. He was able to survive from the poison with ease. As they turned their body to protect themselves, it does nothing to prevent what would kill them.
And with all the strength in his body, Dan Feng threw the scalpel straight into the assassin's head, his skills with the spear serving him better than his unfruitful attempts at trying a sword.
Unbeknownst to him, Yingxing stared at him from where he sat, eyes shining with adoration and pride.
.
.
After the ordeal, Bailu had quickly checked their bodies for injuries and other wounds that may have passed her discerning eye. It didn't take long for both Yingxing and Dan Feng to heal, so only a week has passed and both of them are back to their full strength.
Today, they were having another training session with none other than Jingliu. The training courtyard was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows upon the ground. Yingxing and Dan Feng stood facing each other, their eyes locked in a fierce gaze. Before them, Jingliu observed their every move.
Sword in hand, Yingxing exuded confidence and determination. He had always been skilled in the art of swordsmanship, effortlessly defeating his opponents with each swing. Dan Feng, on the other hand, had foregone using the sword that he tried so hard to use, and instead went for where his talents lie: the spear.
Today, the retainer felt a fire ignite within him, a desire to prove himself against the emperor, to show that what he was made of. As they began their sparring match, his heart pounded with anticipation.
The clash of steel reverberated through the courtyard as their weapons met. Yingxing attacked with precision, each strike calculated and powerful. Dan Feng parried and dodged, his movements graceful yet driven by a newfound determination. He watched his opponent's every move, studying his technique, searching for an opening.
With each exchange of blows, Dan Feng's skills improved. He moved with a newfound agility, his body instinctively responding to the emperor's attacks. His heart whispered a promise he made to Yingxing long ago—to protect him no matter the cost. It was this promise that fueled his desire to become stronger, to be the shield that the emperor needed by his side.
Their weapons clashed again and again, the dance of steel echoing their unspoken desires. Yingxing's admiration for the retainer's progress was evident in his eyes, his adoration shining through the intensity of their spar. Dan Feng's heart soared, fueled not only by the realization of his feelings but also by the knowledge that he was growing stronger for the emperor's sake.
In a final flurry of strikes, he found an opening. With a swift and calculated movement, his spear pressed against the prince's throat, victory within his grasp. The courtyard fell into a stunned silence as Yingxing stared up at him, a mix of awe and adoration reflected in his eyes.
Time seemed to stand still as Dan Feng held the upper hand, Yingxing's gaze locked with his. "Great match, you two," Jingliu's voice broke the silence, praising their skills. Jing Yuan clapped his hands in applause, but the retainer's attention never wavered from the emperor.
As he lowered his spear, he held out his hand for Yingxing to take, eerily similar to what happened before. But this time, there were no burdens holding them back. With a smile, Yingxing gladly accepted the offer, simultaneously pulling Dan Feng into a hug.
♪♪
Yingxing likes his retainer, that much is true.
A few days after, they shared drinks under the glow of a full moon, exchanging smiles and stories that he knows he will never get tired of, no matter how much Dan Feng has explained it.
Dan Feng likes his emperor, a fact that he had never stopped to think about.
He didn’t expect to fall in love with him, with his crimson eyes, with his stupid smile, with his big heart full of kindness and love for those who are dear to him.
Sometimes Dan Feng wants to ask what Yingxing really thinks of him, instead of assuming and overthinking things. This time, he could do.
Dan Feng turned to the emperor, his verdigris eyes shining with unshed tears. "I would do my utmost best to be someone who deserved being by your side. If it's not too much to ask, would you stay by my side too?"
He would ask for help, and he knows Yingxing would willingly tell him how to be the best version of himself. He always looks out for him that way.
There are times when Yingxing wishes he could just tell Dan Feng his true feelings. This time, he could do.
Yingxing held his cheek, fondness and adoration present in his crimson eyes as he stared at the person who has been by his side all this time, and will continue to be. "I'll be here to catch you, should you trip and stumble."
He only needs to ask, and the next time Dan Feng falls, it will be Yingxing who will catch him, and take care of him. It would be him telling the retainer that he’s fine the way he is, he likes him the way he just is.
This time, Dan Feng had finally found the opportunity to ask. This time, Yingxing had the chance to tell him.
The two shared their feelings under the glow of the full moon, the dark sky only a span of darkness save for the two glowing bright stars, twinkling in the night.
Yingxing likes his retainer, a thing that will never change.
Dan Feng likes his emperor, a sentence that was set in stone.
.
.
"There's a new attraction in the city today."
"I am not going outside through the window again, Yingxing—!"
A laugh can be heard through the doors of their room, and the guards sighed in exasperation and fondness. May those two never change.