Chapter Text
For life
“Yun-MenZhu, you’re late for dinner.” Fang DuoBing walks up to Yun BiQiu’s desk. The older man blinks and squeezes his eyes when looking up. “At least use more candles!” It’s dark in here, too dark to read.
What’s Fang DuoBing doing here? BiQiu draws in a deep breath, suddenly tired to the bone and realizes he lost track of time. He only intended to work for an hour or two, but the sun already set and the two candles on his desk do little to light the area. So that’s why he’s quickly developing a headache? “Fang DuoBing, you should be at Lotus Tower at this hour.”
“So should you. Yun-MenZhu, we invited you to dinner, but you failed to show up. I said I would fetch you if necessary, so here I am.” Yun BiQiu looks tired and his ink-stained hand automatically moves for the teapot, but when the older man wants to pour himself some, it turns out empty. “Medicinal tea.” Fang DuoBing spent enough time around Li LianHua to identify the fragrances. “Guan-daifu prescribed it?” At least Yun BiQiu has been drinking it.
“Guan-daifu worries too much.” BiQiu hates admitting it, but the herbal tea helps. His body doesn’t ache that badly after drinking it. “What’s this talk about dinner? I can’t possibly join you, I am too busy.” He isn’t, but Fang DuoBing doesn’t know that. “Ask Bai JiangChun, he will happily eat everything you put in front of him.”
It sounds like a sneer, but it isn’t. The fond expression in Yun BiQiu’s eyes tells Fang DuoBing as much. “With all due respect, we invited you, not him.” As expected Yun BiQiu is fighting him on this, but ever since meeting Li LianHua Fang DuoBing learned how to deal with self sacrificing fools. “You must come. Li LianHua wants to talk to you.” That should do the trick and it’s not even a lie.
Li LianHua wants to see him? BiQiu nods, recognizing his chance to return the token. Or maybe Li LianHua has changed his mind and wants it back anyway? It’s probably the latter; Li LianHua realized his mistake which suits him just fine. “In that case I will join you.” He won’t stay for dinner, he only needs to return the token and then he can return to his prison – because that’s what his quarters still are.
//
“You must sample all dishes. The sweet and sour pork is extra ordinary, even if I say so myself, but you must be quick. HuXian always runs off with it.” Fang DuoBing abruptly halts, covers his mouth and privately curses the slip of the tongue. Not HuXian, but HuliJing. A quick look shows that Yun BiQiu however is clueless as to what went wrong. Maybe he can still turn this around.
“HuXian?” What’s he to make of that name and why does Fang DuoBing look spooked?
“Li LianHua’s pet fox.” He has to explain about the fox anyway. Maybe Yun BiQiu doesn’t know about HuliJing?
“A fox?” Didn’t the rumors claim Li LianHua has a pet dog? Does it matter though?
“Yes, and he’s a glutton, steals food or begs until you feed him. Keeping him away from the food is a hassle.” Which is true. Whenever the Fox Immortal realizes there’s food, HuXian will try stealing it.
“And he’s tame?” Talking about the fox is safe. That way Yun BiQiu doesn’t have to address his sordid past.
“Too tame!” Fang DuoBing chuckles. “Spoiled and addicted to pats and scratches.” To be honest, HuXian in his fox form does wonders whenever Li LianHua gets restless. Patting the fox always helps Li LianHua relax. HuXian did change their lives for the better.
“That’s good.” Li LianHua deserves all the happiness in the world as far as Yun BiQiu is concerned.
Yun BiQiu seems to relax now they aren’t discussing Li LianHua, Sigu sect or the past. “You can safely pat him. Scratching him behind his ears will make him purr. Feed him once and he will whine for more. It will also make you his best friend.”
“I will remember that.” Eager to blend in, Yun BiQiu hopes Li LianHua’s pet will like him, but what if the intelligent fox dislikes him? After all, he is a traitor and coward…
//
“Li LianHua, we’re here!” Food had better be on the table! If HuXian ate it all, he has to start cooking all over again!
“XiaoBao,” Li LianHua greets and walks up to them. Where Fang DuoBing practically glows with health and happiness, Yun BiQiu looks pale and miserable. ”BiQiu, thank you for joining us.” He was a fool to think that a quick talk with Yun BiQiu was going to fix everything. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“Not that much.” He lost his appetite ten years ago and has been feeling numb ever since. “I won’t take up too much of your time, MenZhu. You probably want this back?” BiQiu uncovers the token and offers it to Li LianHua.
“No, I don’t. Why do you think that?” Li LianHua frowns and shakes his head. “I gave it to you because you’re Sigu sect’s heart. BiQiu, you will always do the right thing. They need you more than they know.”
What kind of nonsense is this? “MenZhu, you are wrong.” But Li LianHua cradles his hand in his, curls his fingers around the token and then squeezes.
“It’s yours. BiQiu, you won’t regret this. Be sect leader for one year and if by then you still don’t want to lead our sect, then hand it to someone worthy, but do try.” What BiQiu needs most is purpose and Li LianHua does believe his friend will do well leading Sigu sect.
BiQiu startles and stammers, “One year? MenZhu, that’s too long.” How is he going to survive being sect leader for a whole year? Isn’t it more accurate to ask how Sigu sect will survive with him as sect leader? “Xiao ZiJin might not be perfect as sect leader, but he’s the better choice compared to me.”
“He isn’t, and BiQiu, stop calling me MenZhu, I am Li LianHua. YOU are sect leader.” He once more squeezes Yun BiQiu’s fingers before releasing them. “Wear it proudly.”
“Wear what?” Before BiQiu realizes what’s happening, Li LianHua attached the token to his belt. “You can’t do that! What if they recognize it?” He’s close to panicking.
“BiQiu, sect members have a right to know who leads them. Stop being stubborn and join us for dinner!” Li LianHua is done discussing this. Maybe distraction will do the trick. “You like animals if I remember correctly?”
The change in subject confuses BiQiu, but answering Li XiangYi and thus Li LianHua is engrained on him. “I do.” Li LianHua rests a hand on his lower back and gently guides him toward the set table. He’s grateful they are dining in the open air, since being inside would make him feel confined. He is a tad paranoid these days, even he realizes that.
“XiaoBao, in the early days BiQiu took in all kind of injured animals. Kittens, dogs, birds and even a ferret.” Martial arts never really interested BiQiu, which made him the odd man out, but BiQiu worked hard and showed dedication and was therefor well liked.
Fang DuoBing carries the first dishes outside and places them on the table, always keeping out one eye for their gluttonous fox. “In that case you will get along just fine with HuXian.” Li LianHua arches an eyebrow at hearing the name and so Fang DuoBing quickly whispers into the other man’s ear, “He doesn’t know about HuliJing and I slipped up.”
Well, it probably doesn’t matter. It’s not like BiQiu knows about HuXian actually being a Fox Immortal and so Li LianHua relaxes, sits down pouring them wine. “It’s just the three of us. A-Fei hasn’t arrived yet.” He feels conflicted about that. He misses Di FeiSheng – something he hadn’t thought possible – but he does worry about his A-Fei finding out about him giving away the Styx Flower. Maybe Di FeiSheng will be so ecstatic that he is healed that the man doesn’t want to know how. Otherwise he will have to improvise.
BiQiu hesitates to sit down. What happened to leaving as quickly as possible? But the token is still with him and Li LianHua refused accepting it. Fang DuoBing doesn’t want it either, so he’s stuck with it. Sudden pressure against his shin draws him out of his musings and when he looks down there is a fox rubbing against his leg. “You must be HuXian.” That is the name Fang DuoBing told him, isn’t it? “I do hope you’re friendly.” The fox might act like a cat, but it remains a predator.
Friendly? Of course he is. HuXian raises his head and eyes the newcomer. Tall, handsome and oh so insecure. This must be Yun BiQiu. Li LianHua mentioned they’re having a visitor. Too bad he has to share tonight’s food, but the mortal does look like he needs a decent meal.
“That’s HuXian and he’s friendly alright. I told you about him, didn’t I?” Fang DuoBing places the rice and steamed vegetables on the table and stands back, looking pleased. “We can eat,” he announces and warily eyes their Fox Immortal. “Leave some for our guest,” he warns the glutton.
He’s not that bad! Insulted, HuXian turns his back on Fang DuoBing and sulks. That doesn’t last though as Yun BiQiu sitting down and properly arranging his robes draws his interest. Deeply inhaling that particular scent, he finds it interesting. Musky, herbal and there’s another special quality he can’t name just yet and thus he needs to investigate.
Li LianHua gestures for him to sit and BiQiu gives in, what choice does he have? He isn’t hungry and managing more than a few bites would surprise him. Worrying always kills his appetite. But before he can start to overthink, the fox jumps onto his lap, circles and lies down. Surprised BiQiu stares. Animals are different from humans and most tolerate, maybe even like him, but this is different. This is a fox!
“You should pat him, stroke his back, scratch behind his ears and you will have him purring in seconds,” Li LianHua advices, though the Fox Immortal’s choice of lap surprises him. HuXian usually prefers to occupy his. “He’s rather demanding.”
BiQiu doesn’t mind demanding; he’s merely stunned the fox picked him. Slowly, to give the animal a chance to get used to his scent and mannerisms, he lifts a hand and when the fox doesn’t warn him off, rests it on the small head. “Hello, pleased to meet you, I am BiQiu.” Dealing with animals is easy; it’s humans that confuse him.
Yes, this is the mortal Li LianHua mentioned earlier. Intrigued, HuXian presses his nose into the man’s robes, trying to pinpoint what it is about that scent that draws him closer.
“He really likes you!” Fang DuoBing is all grin as he settles down and fills up everyone’s bowl with rice. HuXian being that eager does surprise him as the Fox Immortal mostly prefers Li LianHua. Fang DuoBing actually welcomes HuXian taking an interest in Yun BiQiu as it hopefully means spending more time with Li LianHua without constantly being watched.
Apparently the fox does like him and instead of questioning it, BiQiu accepts and maybe even revels in it. He’s never someone’s favorite, so for the little fox to like him is extraordinary and it does wonders for his self-esteem. “What are you looking for?” Why is that little snout pressed against his abdomen?
HuXian isn’t making progress, which frustrates him. What is that scent? Maybe BiQiu just smells good?
BiQiu tries to distract HuXian from poking his nose where it doesn’t belong, but all his efforts gain him is, “Is that a chuckle?” Foxes don’t chuckle, do they?
“It does sound like it,” Li LianHua confirms, before turning his attention to the food. HuXian liking BiQiu is perfect. “Hungry?”
“Always,” Fang DuoBing replies before realizing Li LianHua is actually asking Yun BiQiu.
“A little,” BiQiu admits, knowing Li LianHua won’t let him leave otherwise. He can always feed the fox if the food proves too much.
The mortal’s scent is rather addictive. As a fox his sense of smell never led him astray before. There’s something compelling about Yun BiQiu and now he doesn’t have just one favorite mortal, but two.
“You will have a hard time getting rid of him,” Fang DuoBing jokes, while exchanging a puzzled look with Li LianHua.
"I don’t mind.” BiQiu has been the outcast for so long that being readily accepted is special. He loses himself in patting that little back and experiences a sense of peace that he thought lost. Maybe he should get a pet of his own?
“Guan-daifu visited earlier,” Li LianHua brings up, wanting to address something that’s important to him. “He mentioned you needing to take better care of you.” The doctor was stunned to learn about Li LianHua’s miraculous recovery. They took the easy way out, telling the physician about the Styx Flower successfully healing him. HuXian healing him is their little secret, not that Guan HeMeng would believe him at any rate.
“Guan-daifu need not worry. I am fine.” A tiny smile appears on BiQiu’s face because the fox started purring. “You are lucky to have a pet like this.”
Pet? HuXian briefly pauses purring, but then decides Yun BiQiu is correct. He is currently living the luxurious life of a spoiled pet, just the way he likes it.
“I am,” Li LianHua readily admits, but refuses to be distracted. “Guan-daifu also knows about me using YangZhouMan to heal you,” which is what he really wants to discuss.
“Unfortunately,” BiQiu admits and picks up the chopsticks because Fang DuoBing keeps piling up the best bits in his bowl. “Please stop, I can’t possibly manage all that.”
HuXian raises his head, not minding eating one bit, but Yun BiQiu should eat his fill first as the man looks too thin.
HuXian not whining for food surprises Li LianHua, but then again, he’s a Fox Immortal and not a mere fox. “Guan-daifu mentioned I should help you cultivate YangZhouMan.” BiQiu’s stunned reaction is to be expected as his friend doesn’t think he’s worthy of learning its mental codes.
Alarmed, BiQiu wonders how things went wrong this quickly. “Can’t you take it back? It’s yours to begin with.” Talking means not eating and so he offers the sweet and sour pork to HuXian instead. “I am healed, am I not? I no longer need YangZhouMan circulating in my body.”
HuXian accepts, but only this one bite. Yun BiQiu had better start eating.
BiQiu’s reasoning is sound, but Li LianHua isn’t going to admit that. Guan HeMeng lecturing him on not teaching Yun BiQiu is something he deserves. He should have thought about helping his friend cultivate himself. “I can’t take it back,” he explains, which is true, “it’s yours now. Guan-daifu is correct. You must learn to cultivate YangZhouMan as it offers many benefits.” Seeing BiQiu is to object, he adds, “What if HanFo is injured? Or JiangChun? Wouldn’t you like to be able to help? YangZhouMan is a powerful healer.”
Li LianHua knows him too well. “But it’s yours!”
“It’s ours. I shared my inner power with XiaoBao and even A-Fei.” He chuckles, “YangZhouMan shouldn’t die with me. BiQiu, humor me and let me teach you!”
“You don’t play fair,” BiQiu complains, while ignoring Fang DuoBing who is chuckling.
HuXian listens up. YangZhouMan, is that why BiQiu feels familiar? HuXian rolls onto his back, exposing his abdomen and watches Yun BiQiu closely. It’s partly YangZhouMan, partly something he fails to label. Li LianHua is already taken; Di FeiSheng and Fang DuoBing long claimed Li LianHua as their own while he’s only a Fox Immortal and bound to stay behind. Yun BiQiu is a suitable mate and available. No matter what the outcome will be, he must explore this option. With his belly exposed and whining softly, HuXian waits for Yun BiQiu to react to his begging. What’s the mortal really like? He will find out.
TBC