Chapter Six
Lin Hua never had any elaborate thoughts about disguises aside from the basic and simple cover story she managed to create with Zhe Yan, but Bai Qian thought about how exotically good-looking her honorary aunt was and no matter how exceptionally honorable everybody was in Kunlun Mountain, Bai Qian remained adamant about masking her aunt’s presence and making herself look a bit… simpler.
Lin Hua didn’t think such a cover would work against a god almost as old and formidable as Dong Hua, but Bai Qian was resolute and after recounting an incident numerous years ago about a pretty fairy and some form of duplicity that nearly cost them a war, an amused Lin Hua finally assented and along with suppressing her great presence, changed her bright-colored attire to a more lackluster shade.
“You know, it doesn’t really matter much when I still look like this,” Lin Hua quipped as she gestured to her face, still looking amused.
“The clothes usually say it all, Aunt Lin Hua,” Bai Qian inattentively replied before suddenly verbalizing a bit of her thoughts, “And this is a good thing because now you don’t look every bit like Dong Hua Dijun.”
“And that’s a bad thing?” Lin Hua answered as she gave her an incredulous look, “And I didn't have anything to do with that. You should take the blame to Zhe Yan because he’s been the one procuring all my clothes.”
“Yes, yes…” Bai Qian lightly placated, “But it’s not like the old bird knew you'd practically raised Dijun like your own.”
“It’s a well-kept secret,” Lin Hua claimed before giving her a second look, saying, “Well, it was. Before I spilled the beans on you lot.”
“And what a declaration it was,” Bai Qian mumbled under her breath before spying the first of the imposing columns on her Master’s abode, “We’re here.”
With that said, the residents of Kunlun Mountain received the visiting trio with exuberant welcome, the disciples surrounding them with buoyant questions about Bai Qian’s latest hobbies to her typical life in the Heaven Kingdom as the Crown Princess.
No one seemed to realize the presence of her aunt, who she spied standing a couple distances to the side watching with great amusement, until Die Feng caught her attention regarding her lack of escorts, commenting about the overprotectiveness of the Crown Prince even when she was more than enough skilled on making it safe to Kunlun Mountain.
Bai Qian replied as she gestured to her aunt, who took it as a cue to step closer, “I was accompanied by someone.”
Her seniors immediately tensed and looked wary, likely remembering the fiasco with the last fairy who came, begged for refuge and deceived them in the end, but also seemed conflicted on how to proceed, mostlikely thinking on not wanting to offend her.
Bai Qian suppressed the urge to smack each and every one of them with her fan, feeling affronted in behalf of her innocent aunt, and merely said, “Au―Lin Hua is far different than the last one, I assure you. Considerably better.”
Die Feng huffed and mollified, “We trust your judgment, Seventeenth.” He turned to her aunt and gave her a respectful bow as he greeted and introduced himself.
The others began subsequently introducing themselves and Bai Qian was terribly impressed when Lin Hua offered the same deference with the most innocuous expression she’d ever seen.
Until another one of her seniors piped out in jest, “To a certain extent.”
Bai Qian couldn’t hold off the scowl from showing on her face and was about to retort when the firm, strong voice of her Master rang out amidst the chuckles, “I wondered what held you and yet here I see you congregating on my doorstep.”
Bai Qian perked up and turned, giving her Master her customary greeting, her seniors doing the same. When Ah-Li finished his salutations and before Lin Hua could begin hers, Mo Yuan turned to his disciples and candidly declared, “With the way you’re still dawdling, I expect you’re all finished with your chores and your revisions.”
Her seniors abruptly directed their heads towards their Master, wide-eyed and looking like juvenile foxes that were caught joyfully dipping their paws on mischief, and it didn’t take long for them to stammer out their excuses and scamper off towards different directions.
Mo Yuan remarked as his gaze lingered towards the scurrying backs of his disciples, “You might have successfully tricked your seniors, Seventeenth, but did you really think such an act would work on me as well?”
Bai Qian lowered her gaze, abashed that she was caught. Her aunt wasn’t any help either, as the latter tried to stifle a snort behind her hand, reaching out another to give her a pat on the shoulder that was meant to be comforting.
Bai Qian was far from reassured when faced with a disappointing look from her Master.
“Chin up, Qian Qian,” Lin Hua good-naturedly chirped as she gave her another pat on the shoulder and as Bai Qian spied, took a brave step forward and politely started with a bow, “I ask that you forgive her this time, Honorable God of War. Qian Qian didn’t mean you any harm and was only acting out with regard to one of my selfish requests.”
“Aunt!” Bai Qian couldn’t help but slip, letting out a gasp after darting a bewildered look to her Master.
“Aunt?” Mo Yuan softly echoed as he turned to the unknown woman, a curious glint on his dark eyes.
Ah-Li of course, chose that moment to also give them a piece of his mind, sounding chastising, “Now you’ve done it, Mother. You’ve spilled Aunt Lin Hua’s secrets.”
Bai Qian exasperatedly closed her eyes as she pressed her lips together, silently admonishing herself for the blunder and keeping herself from saying anything that could possibly be more detrimental.
“And you’ve just plainly announced I have secrets worth telling, Li Li,” Lin Hua scolded playfully, and Ah-Li let out his own gasp.
“Not that it matters anymore, however. I suppose proper introductions are in order,” Lin Hua casually continued, “A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Honorable God. I am Yun Lin Hua.”
“Yun Lin Hua... And where does Yun Lin Hua come from?” Mo Yuan politely asked before directing his next statement to Bai Qian in a more familiar way, “Raise your head, Seventeenth, as I have always the need to remind you that such submissiveness isn’t fitting for the next Empress of the world.”
Before Bai Qian could reply however, Lin Hua spoke out, sounding defensive, “Bai Qian was only showing her respect to her teacher, from whom she’d learned various philosophies before she became a distinguished Crown Princess. I would like to think that she hasn’t been inconsistent with her appreciation of you and has never forgotten her time as one of your dedicated disciples before she attained such a status.”
Bai Qian suppressed a groan, not expecting Lin Hua to answer with such firmness. She’d never heard of anyone talk back to Mo Yuan with such ease except Zhe Yan and Dong Hua Dijun, but considering how otherworldly she was―and how Dijun might've acquired his infamous stubbornness―she really should’ve expected the older woman wouldn’t simply back down.
Mo Yuan probably didn’t expect it either, since he was currently fixing Lin Hua with such an intense gaze that looked like it could smite opponents.
And her aunt was staring right back as if it was nothing!
Bai Qian decided to mediate before literal swords were pulled out, “Aunt Lin Hua, Ma―Mo Yuan didn’t mean anything by it.”
“He didn’t?” Lin Hua parroted back with a slight quirk of her lips, not breaking her steady gaze with Mo Yuan’s.
Bai Qian gave a few enthusiastic nods, further stating for emphasis, “He really didn’t.”
Mo Yuan continued to stay silent and Lin Hua continued to stare before the latter finally relented, “That’s a relief to hear then.”
Bai Qian released a breath she didn’t know she was holding back.
Lin Hua gave the High God another bow, saying, “I apologize if I've taken the comment a bit too keenly, High God Mo Yuan. I’ve heard from a very reliable source that Qian Qian was a fair and excellent queen. I just couldn’t tolerate someone trying to belittle such an accomplishment, especially when she’d been raised by a loving family and tutored by a wonderful teacher.”
Trust Lin Hua to intimidate and compliment said god at the same time.
Bai Qian would’ve blushed at the compliment but the tension surrounding the two were still quite high and she could only give them a helpless look, suddenly wishing she was anywhere but here.
Some Higher Power must've heard her fervent prayer for tranquility because her Master finally responded, “There was no need to apologize. Seventeenth has always been a filial disciple.”
“A filial disciple… I’m certain she was. And might had been more,” Lin Hua had a glimmer in her eyes when she replied.
Mo Yuan suddenly narrowed his eyes at her, stiff and calculating.
“It was a speculation. I didn’t mean anything by it as well,” Lin Hua quelled with a disarming smile before sighing, “Merlin, we’re all so bad at acting.”
“Not me, Aunt. I didn't say anything,” Ah-Li chimed in beside her.
“And I believe we all have started off in the wrong foot,” Lin Hua said as she turned to her, “Qian Qian, I know you’ve been hesitant but as compensation for our dishonesty, you may tell your Master about anything.”
“Anything?” Bai Qian asked in disbelief because surely...
“Anything,” Lin Hua earnestly answered with a nod, “You’d have to do it all by yourself though. I don’t think I could sit for another couple of hours for the same, old story. Would you mind, Honorable Mo Yuan?”
Mo Yuan shook his head, still looking rigid.
“But where will you go?” Bai Qian asked.
Ah-Li chose that moment to slide beside Lin Hua, saying, “I’ll give Aunt Lin Hua a tour around the Mountain, Mother! She’s never been here before and I want to take her to the pond where Father grew.”
Bai Qian peered at her Master and said to her son, “I don’t think you should wander around when everyone is busy, Ah-Li.”
This time, Mo Yuan lifted a hand and appeased, his countenance softening, “It’s fine, Seventeenth. Ah-Li can go anywhere he likes.”
“Are you sure you wouldn’t mind, Master? I wouldn’t want to bother anyone,” Bai Qian asked in concern.
Mo Yuan gave her a small smile, “Ah-Li’s been here a couple of times before. He already knows how to behave. Don’t you, Ah-Li?”
“Of course, Uncle!”
Bai Qian eventually agreed with little hesitation. Ah-Li bowed at his uncle, declared his gratefulness and excitedly tugged on Lin Hua’s hand, the latter hastily bowing to Mo Yuan before letting Ah-Li pull her, her laugh ringing behind as they turned into a corner.
Bai Qian turned to look at her Master, who in turn gave her a deliberate look. She let out laugh, feeling nervous, before clearing her throat and saying, “Master, why don’t we go inside and have a cup of tea while I tell you a story?”
Mo Yuan stared at her for another moment before turning around and starting to walk back to the receiving hall, sounding completely imperturbable despite the whirlwind that was Yun Lin Hua as he responded, “That's a very good idea. We have countless matters to talk about.”
Bai Qian let out a wry sigh before following her Master.
-o-
“Dong Hua? And little Gun Gun too?” Zhe Yan started in surprise as he regarded his recent visitors, “Where’s Xiao Jiu?”
“In Qing Qiu handling a few issues. We came as soon as we could after her steward paid us a visit in Tai Chen Palace to inform us it was urgent,” Dong Hua explained, letting go of his son’s hand so the latter could formally greet the High God.
Zhe Yan scoffed as he replied, “Didn't you mean as soon as you wanted to?”
Dong Hua gave him a shrug, sounding cavalier when he said, “Same difference.”
Zhe Yan couldn’t restrain from rolling his eyes, “For you perhaps.” Then turned to Gun Gun and informed, “Ah-Li’s also here, Gun Gun. Ye Hua dropped him off a couple of hours ago and he’s off with Lin Hua by the hut.”
Gun Gun immediately brightened when he heard and looked at him beseechingly, “May I please go, Father? Please?”
“Go on then. However, stay close to your cousin,” Dong Hua easily consented with a motion of his hand.
Gun Gun made another bow to Zhe Yan before scurrying off to where the hut was.
“Come. Gun Gun will be safe in my forest,” Zhe Yan bid as he turned around, “Zhen Zhen and I were enjoying a few jars by the lake. I suppose you’ll be staying longer than usual?”
“I've no idea when Xiao Bai will finish her duties so I suppose we are,” Dong Hua replied as he followed the ancient god to his makeshift dock.
Zhe Yan responded with a nod, “Alright. I’ve recently made a couple of steamed buns. You can enjoy them with some wine while Lin Hua distracts the children.” He glanced at the god beside him and curiously asked, “You do know Lin Hua, don't you?”
Dong Hua raised a stoic eyebrow, the inquiry letting him know that Zhilan had left that particular information from the old bird most likely out of mischief... and he wasn’t any better when he correspondingly replied, “We’ve been introduced, yes.”
“And you were alright with it?”
“It was adequate,” Dong Hua replied with an upward curl on his lips, already thinking about the dressing-down he’s going to get when she hears what he’d said, “Xiao Bai clearly liked her so I didn’t mind having her as an unexpected guest in my Palace.”
Zhe Yan gave him a strange look, “Well, that’s reassuring to hear.”
Dong Hua simply replied with a pointed look.
Zhe Yan levelled his look, “You don’t have to give me that look. Every deity knows how selective you are with people invading your space.”
Bai Zhen offered him a greeting when they arrived at the lake and they all went back to their seats when the courtesies were done. Zhe Yan gave him a cup already filled with his excellent wine but before Dong Hua could take his first sip, he sensed the arrival of another godly presence, a bit astonished that the ancient God of War left Kunlun Mountain when almost nothing good enough could make him leave.
“Mo Yuan?” Zhe Yan expressed in evident surprise, turning to Bai Zhen as the younger god met his look with wide eyes of his own.
Dong Hua piped out after taking a sip on his wine, “You’re not short on guests today, Zhe Yan.”
Zhe Yan made a hum, looking pensive when he stated, “Let’s see what he wants.”
Just as he and Bai Zhen stood up, Mo Yuan walked in and made a slight hesitation when he saw him present as well. The new arrival greeted him first before offering a tilt of his head to the other gods and with Zhe Yan offering him a drink, Mo Yuan eventually took his seat beside him.
Mo Yuan directed his gaze at him and remarked, “Your presence here at Zhe Yan’s Peach Blossom Woods is a rare sight, Dijun, since you don’t really stray too far from your Palace. Did you have something to talk to Zhe Yan as well?”
“My son and I decided to pay Zhe Yan a visit and kill some time since my Empress is currently attending her queenly duties in Qing Qiu,” Dong Hua once again answered before asking his own, “You said you have something to speak with Zhe Yan?”
Zhe Yan raised his cup as he playfully chimed in, “You’re one to talk, Mo Yuan. You haven’t been here for hundreds of years and when you do need something, you always send one of your disciples. The matter you want to discuss must be really important.”
There was a flash of uncertainly in Mo Yuan’s eyes, probably because of the presence of spectators. Dong Hua would’ve initiated giving them privacy but Dong Hua wasn’t feeling particularly benevolent today, choosing to stick to his seat and feeling incredibly intrigued of what the fellow ancient god wanted to talk about.
The fourth son of the famous Fox King wasn't moving either, most certainly feeling curious as well.
Zhe Yan glanced at Bai Zhen and then at him, letting out a deep sigh before drily saying, “Rest assured that whatever we talk about doesn’t leave outside this company, seeing as Zhen Zhen and Dijun are quite reluctant to leave us.”
Dong Hua quipped as he interestingly stared at the cup on his hands, “You can always take a walk if you wanted the solitude. And this cup is nice, Zhe Yan. Do you have two more for me to take to Tai Chen Palace?”
“And leave all the wine and the food with you? I don’t think so,” Zhe Yan rebutted, "And what is it with you and your fascination with teacups?"
Dong Hua gave him a droll look, "Just as you said. They're fascinating."
Zhe Yan gave him an unimpressed look.
Zhen Zhen jokingly piped in, “You can always persuade Lin Hua to cook you some food if you really wanted to, Zhe Yan.”
All of a sudden, Dong Hua was taken back to a distant memory of how said woman harrowingly overcame her hatred for cooking just so they could eat full meals in Bihai Cangling.
The island was abundant with everything they would need and Dong Hua had been mesmerized by the meals she could expertly prepare. Zhilan would make the most of everything the island had to offer and Dong Hua made sure to never fail to express his appreciation for her appetizing meals, much to her immense satisfaction.
He remembered curiously asking her about the first time he'd seen her hesitate just by the archway to the kitchens. It was clear to his eyes that she'd been taken aback by his question but had informed him her reason. It had been the first time he’d felt such strong negative emotions to people he didn’t know, and in a fit of anger, had decided she wouldn’t ever have to cook for them again and that he’d be the one to make their food from that day on, even said they could both survive through foraging alone.
Zhilan had laughed so hard he remembered getting offended. But before he could storm off somewhere, she'd told him a little piece of advice he could never forget.
“You already have enough things on your plate, Dong Hua, so you don’t need such a trivial, little chore. It isn't such a bad thing to go back to either, especially when I can do this very simple task for you,” she’d said with a tender smile. She stretched an arm around him, gave him a squeeze as she continued, “It was a bad memory, yes, but I chose not to linger too much on it, otherwise it would only continue to bring me down. I chose change and progress in the end.”
She'd looked down at him and with a flick on his nose, had added, firm yet warm, “And I chose you. The universe will be your oyster. You will need all the strength you can get.”
With a rare, small tilt of his lips, Dong Hua mused aloud, “You’d need to have a lot of time just to convince her, Zhe Yan. She has a fairly unpleasant memory of the chore.”
All of them snapped their head at him, all kinds of surprise written on their faces.
It was Zhe Yan who spoke out with narrowed eyes, sounding wary when he saw his smile, “How did you know that?”
Dong Hua merely stared, bold and daunting, but Zhe Yan didn’t cower and only met his stare with his own unflinching eyes.
“Only very few people knew about that and don’t even tell me about how you managed to observe such a very unimportant detail when she only stayed at your place for a few days,” Zhe Yan explained, sounding even more suspicious and rousing the others’ interest as well.
But just in that moment, Lin Hua hurriedly appeared with the children trailing after her, her thin, dark green outer robe disheveled and askew on her shoulders as the cloth glided around her.
“Bloody thing won―Zhe Yan! The children and I just had a fantastic ide―Oh!” she stopped, her eyes meandering to all of them, “I didn’t know we’d be entertaining guests today.”
“Neither did I,” Zhe Yan sardonically murmured before eyeing her clothes, “What did you do to your clothes?”
“I had a little trouble wearing them properly after it got stuck on a branch. Greetings to High God Mo Yuan,” she started with a bow that Mo Yuan silently returned before turning to Dong Hua, “I wasn’t expecting you, Dong Hua. I thought you’d be with Xiao Jiu.”
"How will Gun Gun get here without supervision then?" Without looking at their current companions, Dong Hua stood up and went closer to her, correcting her robe to make her look more presentable, "And you're a mess to look at."
Lin Hua shrugged and nonchalantly pointed out, “Zhong Lin.”
“I needed Zhong Lin to stay in the Palace for things to run smoothly.”
“Zhong Lin always does things meticulously but I think you’re being too dependent on him,” Lin Hua replied as she eyed him suspiciously, “Did you grow taller?”
Dong Hua, never one to miss such a chance, planted a hand on top of her head and did a little ruffling of her delicately styled locks, “Zhilan, you’re just smaller.”
The children snickered behind her and Lin Hua swiped his hand, grumbling, “Such cheek. Out of the way, you tall sprout.” She nudged him to the side, sniffing haughtily before stopping short.
Dong Hua turned around and seeing the thunderstruck expressions on their companions’ faces, said, “I already knew her from before.”
“It’s abundantly clear that you more than just knew her,” Zhe Yan gritted out, looking completely confounded. “Is there something you want to tell us, hmm?”
Lin Hua let out an uneasy laugh and fiddled with her robe before suddenly tugging Dong Hua in front of her, frantically saying, “I’ll let the magnificent Dong Hua Dijun explain everything! In the meantime, the kids and I are going on a field trip! We’ll be back later! See you!”
Just like that, the infuriating woman picked up the children’s hand and disappeared, leaving an imperceptible cracking sound behind.
And a frowning Dong Hua to deal with the aftermath.