Amidst the vibrant garden within Feng Li's courtyard, nature had crafted a scene of sheer beauty. Blossoms of every hue adorned the landscape, painting a living canvas that swayed in harmony with the gentle breeze. Overhead, a symphony of cheerful birdsong filled the air, as if the avian inhabitants themselves rejoiced in the enchantment of this place. Within this exquisite tableau, a figure swayed gracefully upon a swing, embodying an ethereal quality, as though a celestial being had graced the earthly realm.
Moments earlier, a cloud of boredom had hung over Yu Xin like a shroud. Restless and dissatisfied, he had lounged on a couch, his lips forming a petulant pout. In the absence of Feng Li, who had departed for the palace, Yu Xin found solace in indulging his sweet tooth. Dessert after dessert had been presented before him, their flavors dancing upon his palate. Yet, as the final morsel vanished, a void of idleness enveloped him. A longing to explore the bustling market of the capital city tugged at his heartstrings. It marked his maiden visit to this grand metropolis, and the prospect of exploring its vibrant streets held a beguiling allure.
Noticing Yu Xin's ennui, a diligent maid stepped forth, her demeanor marked by deference and respect. "Sir," she inquired, her voice soft and obliging, "would you fancy a stroll through the courtyard?" A simple offer, yet it harbored a secret - the maids would happily guide him through every nook and cranny of the courtyard, with one notable exception. The study room, a sanctum protected by an aura of inviolable secrecy, was off-limits to all, even someone as cherished as the crown prince's guest.
Under the diligent guidance of the maids, Yu Xin embarked on a tour that unveiled every facet of the courtyard's splendor. However, it was the garden that held a special place in his heart, not for its extravagant flora, but for the fond memories it rekindled. In particular, the swing nestled within the garden transported him back to the days of his youth, evoking the image of his father, a steadfast protector who had often comforted his son by gently swaying him on the very swing he now graced.
Within the heart of the dense forest, nestled amidst the tranquil embrace of nature, Yu Xin's world was a haven of love and contentment. Here, in their quaint abode, resided a house comprising two snug bedrooms, a modest kitchen, and a well-kept bathroom. Outside, a majestic tree cradled a swing, its weathered ropes a testament to the countless moments of joy it had borne witness to.
In this rustic dwelling, Yu Xin shared his life with his beloved father, a man whose love shone like a beacon. A smile was a constant companion on his father's face, a radiant testament to the love he held for his cherished son.
Their nights were marked by an unspoken promise - father and son would slumber side by side. Yu Xin's fear of the darkness faded into insignificance when enveloped by the reassuring presence of his father.
Yet, one fateful night, the moon hung high in the heavens, casting ethereal beams upon the world below. In the stillness, a nightmare seized hold of Yu Xin, ripping him from the warm embrace of sleep. His eyes fluttered open to a chilling realization - he was alone. The empty space beside him echoed with a profound absence, and a sense of foreboding washed over him like a haunting melody.
Driven by the intuition that something was amiss, Yu Xin rose from his bed, his tiny feet carrying him through the hushed corridors. His search led him to the garden, where a lone figure swayed gently on the swing. It was his father, a pillar of strength, now reduced to trembling vulnerability. Beads of sweat glistened on his father's furrowed brow, and tears welled in eyes that had always sparkled with mirth. The fruity scent of peaches hung in the air, a poignant reminder of happier times.
His father's pain, Yu Xin would come to learn, was the torment of the estrus period, a trial endured by fox fairies once they reached the age of eighteen. It was a time when they yearned for the solace of their life partners. Witnessing his father's anguish, Yu Xin resolved to make his scoundrel of a father suffer. He understood that his escape from the forest was the key to inflicting this retribution, and from that day forth, he tirelessly sought a way out.
For years, the woods had been Yu Xin's refuge and prison in equal measure. As the son of a fox fairy, he was often pursued by hunters and smugglers, their relentless pursuit making every venture beyond his home a perilous endeavor. The vast expanse of the forest that surrounded their humble abode held Yu Xin captive, leaving him yearning for a world he could scarcely glimpse.
However, on the cusp of his seventeenth year, a remarkable sight unfolded before him. A procession of soldiers, their armor gleaming in the dappled sunlight, marched resolutely through the woods. Panic gripped him, but the urgency of the moment fueled his actions. Yu Xin dashed to his cottage, rapidly penning a hastily written note, his plea for help, and liberation.
With the missive clutched tightly in his hand, he fled towards the departing army, each step bearing the weight of his desperation. The journey was treacherous, and he strained his senses to track the distant sounds of the soldiers. As night descended, a shiver of fear coursed through him; it was his first venture into the forest's dark heart without his father by his side.
The riverside appeared on the horizon, illuminated by the fading twilight. Yu Xin was overcome with a sense of unease, alone and vulnerable in the wilderness. It was then that the sound of galloping hooves reached his ears, the approach of an intruder disturbing the serene stillness.
Instinctively, he sought refuge behind a sturdy tree, his heart racing in his chest. Emerging from the shadows, a striking figure came into view: a man, resplendent in armor, astride a majestic steed. The soldier dismounted by the riverbank, the glint of armor now replaced by the sheen of moonlight on bare skin.
In the midst of the surreal spectacle, Yu Xin's cheeks flushed, his fur concealing his embarrassment. With cautious steps, he drew nearer to the man, drawn by a force he couldn't comprehend. Yet, before he could fully fathom the situation, he was ensnared by strong arms. The man who had disrobed by the riverside was none other than Feng Li, and thus began the unexpected chapter of Yu Xin's life in Feng Li's courtyard, a sanctuary of newfound freedom.
Here, in the garden, Yu Xin reveled in the pleasures of childhood, cherishing the moments of innocence and bliss.
In the tranquil expanse of the palace garden, the trio of Feng Li, the emperor, and the empress gathered, embroiled in a hushed conversation that held the weight of the realm's destiny. Amidst the vibrant foliage and fragrant blossoms, they discussed the imminent threat of rebels poised to wreak havoc upon the kingdom.
Feng Li, his demeanor resolute, delivered his report with precision. "Marquis Liao," he began, his voice carrying the gravitas of the situation, "has cast his lot with the insurgents. Their rebellion is set to erupt within the next half-year."
The emperor, his brow furrowed in contemplation, offered his assent. "Indeed," he replied, his gaze heavy with knowing. "He seeks to implicate you in this treacherous endeavor."
A deep sigh escaped the emperor's lips, belying the internal conflict he endured. A select few, including Feng Li, understood the unspoken truth: that if circumstances allowed, he would gladly yield the throne to his capable son.
Feng Li's response was filled with filial respect, his voice carrying the weight of his devotion. "Father," he said earnestly, "as I've mentioned before, allow me to quell these rebels before you consider passing the crown to me."
The empress, sensing the need to shift the conversation, interjected with a curious tilt of her head. "My dear son," she inquired, her tone laced with intrigue, "who is the enchanting young man residing in your abode?"
Feng Li, caught momentarily off guard, cleared his throat with a discreet cough. "Ah," he replied playfully, his eyes twinkling with mirth, "that would be my beloved spouse."
The emperor, sipping his tea, was wholly unprepared for the revelation. The hot liquid went down the wrong way, and he erupted into a fit of coughing, his composure momentarily shattered.
Feng Li and the empress swiftly turned their attention to the beleaguered emperor. Once he regained his composure, he gasped incredulously, "Marrying a man? How can this be?"
Feng Li offered an exasperated roll of his eyes and brushed off the emperor's reaction with practiced nonchalance. Meanwhile, the empress leveled a stern glare at her husband, a silent reprimand for his outburst.
With graceful finesse, she turned her attention back to Feng Li and inquired, "Pray, my son, when did this union transpire? For I am quite in the dark about it."
Feng Li's response was straightforward, his tone unruffled. "We have yet to formalize our union, Mother," he stated matter-of-factly. "But rest assured, it is a matter of unwavering resolve."
The emperor, however, raised his voice in protest. "What if I were to forbid it?" he challenged, a hint of sternness creeping into his tone.
Feng Li met his father's gaze head-on, his own eyes steady and unwavering. "Then, Father," he retorted calmly, "I shall relinquish my claim to the throne, ensuring that your days are consumed with royal duties."
The emperor's eyes twitched at the implicit threat, and he opted for silence, an acknowledgment that this battle was not one he was willing to engage in.
The empress, her laughter ringing like a tinkling bell, lightened the mood. "As much as I don't mind your choice of a companion," she mused, "how do you intend to secure an heir for the future?"
Feng Li's response was nothing short of pragmatic. "I shall adopt one," he declared, his unwavering commitment evident in his words. For him, there was no one more precious than his beloved Yu Xin.