Chapter 8: CHAPTER EIGHT: Traps and bugs...
The stares of the nobles they pass by following them and she rolls her eyes inwardly knowing they were all staring at Zitao. At the pond she didn't have time to take in his appearance but walking behind him like this it was difficult not to. His hair was styled neatly into a top knot humble jade hair crown holding it effortlessly in place, the length of his neck on full display. Similar to her outer robe, the red fabrics hugged his form beautifully emphasising his build. Unlike hers that swept below her knees his was cut short at his waist, his sheer gold under robe sweeping through the wind past his knees as a veil. The black trousers he wore, fitting his long legs to perfection. His knee high boots practically gleaming. 'How's the man even possible?!'
"Greetings, Master Wei." At Lu Hans greeting, her eyes leave Zitao and her eyes room around the elegant looking tent, her eyes settling on the similar looking face of her uncle and her entire posture stiffens. Why is he here?! Why… with these people?! Avoiding his obvious glare she returns her eyes to the elder man Lu Han had spoken to.
"Father." bowing politely, Zitao steps up ahead of Lu Han and she bows also greeting him.
"There you are boy. Where did you run off to and who may I ask is this young man?"
"I was simply enjoying the quiet scenery of the gardens, Father." looking towards her, he nods towards his father and she steps forward bowing in greeting.
"Greetings, Master Wei. I am Fang Moon, the bodyguard of Young Master Wei for today's festivities."
"I see. Please look after my son, as you probably already know he likes playing the handsome loner type." Stifling her laughter she nods replying to his statement.
"I will keep my eyes on him at all times Master Wei. Please be rest assured."
"Hmm. Good. Is this your first time attending the spring festival child? I've never seen you before."
"Ah, I only moved here recently…"
"I see… hmm… Fang Moon, are you by chance a distant relative of Master Fang here?" He asks looking from her and she swallows nervously, finding Zitao's gaze. The corners of his curving into a small smile as the words of her uncle repeats through her head… 'no longer a part of this family…'
"Not that I am aware of, Master Wei. As my elder, maybe Master Fang will know a more accurate answer to that question." Beside her, Zitao chuckles softly, a small smug along his lips. She could tell he was enjoying this and the look on the old man's face was definitely worth it.
"I have no idea either child." And there it was, from here on in there's no going back. Nodding she turns back to Master Wei a warm smile on her face.
"It seems we're not related Master Wei." Chuckling softly he signals for her to come closer and she steps forward hesitantly before Zitao's softly pushes her forward.
"Ah…" Scowling at him she rolls her eyes as he nods towards his father. Stepping towards the old man, he pats the space beside him and kneels beside him.
"Do you have family here child."
"No, Master Wei. The people who were my family are all dead."
"Then why did you join the army?" His brow frowns quizzically and the resemblance to Zitao makes her chuckle.
"Your son, Master Wei. He found me." Laughing wholeheartedly he turns to Zitao and warm smile on his face.
"That sounds like something that boy would do." He says chuckling.
"Indeed." As their eyes meet, Zitao shrugs playfully and she rolls her eyes again. The clearly of someone throat breaks the calm atmosphere and she's met with the cold glare of her uncle.
"Master Wei, I believe you called the boy because of something important."
"Oh, right…" Getting up she moves to stand next to Lu Han as Zitao moves to sit before his father.
"Is there something wrong father?"
"Not at all. Master Fang here mentioned the little disagreement between his lovely daughter and the daughter of the Lings. It seems you've had some difficulties these past couple days."
"Not at all father. I was informed that the matter had been settled and I have yet to meet either Young Mistress for some days now."
"I see. You should talk to them both son. You're at the age and both young ladies are…"
"I'm sorry father but…"
"You need to get married soon Zitao." His stern tone ringing through the tent making Moon shift nervously.
"I know. I remember asking for time to find my own partner father."
"Yes. A year ago. I'd like to be alive when my grandchildren are born Zitao."
"Grand…. Father!" Zitao's shocked voice echoing through the tent as his father laughs teasingly.
"No need to look so shocked…"
"Greetings Master Wei, the Young Mistresses are here." The guards greeting brings all eyes to the entrance of the tent where both Hana and Ling Zuan Yi stood.
"Ah there they are. Ladies please come in." Bowing politely they both enter greeting each of the elders before bowing to Master Wei.
"Greetings Master Wei." They sang in chorus and Moon cringes at they overly feminine pitches. 'Since when have they been this polite or elegant? Women really are scary creatures.'
"Greetings children. Miss Ling, please send my wishes of good health to your father for me."
"I will, Master Wei."
She could feel Lu Hans eyes on her as they greet Zitao, shining smiles on their faces but she ignored him. 'They've even got flower backgrounds… what's with these manga characters?' Sighing inwardly she continues to watch them observantly, analysing everything from their mannerisms to the facial expressions. 'They really are going all out.' Whenever the girls looked at each other, Moon could smell the hostility in the air and she stifled her chuckle knowing all too well her uncle had lied about them settling their disagreement. Or maybe he too believed what Hana had told him. He never questioned her and Moon knew this better than anyone the nearly healed wounds on her back aching slightly at the memory.
"What's the meaning of this?" From the tone of his voice, despite it being calm, Moon could tell he was annoyed.
"These beautiful women are to be your marriage candidates. Before you leave to bring the new troops from the training camp to their station, one of these ladies will officially become your fiancé."
"You won't call it off even if I ask will you?"
"You really are my son." Master Wei says a mischievous grin playing across his face.' They really are father and son.'
"Alright…" he sighs flatly before getting up and moving to stand before the two women who'd been staring daggers at her since they entered the tent, "I've got two questions for the both of you. Young Mistress Ling, why do you wish to marry me?" Clearly taken aback by his question, she shuffles awkwardly before recovering her shoulders straightening as she looked him in the eye. 'What is he doing?'
"You're kind and respectable Young Master Wei and I fell in love with you the moment we met."
"Hmm… I see. So, you love me. Is that the reason you got into a disrespectful argument, in public? For the sake of loving me? Do you think I'd be happy as a husband knowing my future wife had made herself a public spectacle and couldn't control herself…" his gaze moves coolly from her to Hana beside her and her entire body goes stiff, "that question applies to you also, Young Mistress Fang." From the corner of her eyes she could make out the amusement in Old Man Wei's eyes as he studies the scene before him. 'Waw… he really is Zitao's father. Did he know this would happen?'
"I-I… of course not Young Master Wei… we were simply having a conversation… she lost control…"
"Oh? So Miss Ling, you started the scuffle?" Ling Zuan Yi, glares at Hana before meet Zitao's gaze again, her jaws set.
"Of course not! She said that since her brothers were to be taken the military exams soon it was obvious she'd be your wife and I simply inquired why she was so confident since her older brother was such a playboy and barely studied. She got mad and threw her fan at me."
"So Miss Fang threw the first hit?"
"I did no such thing! She grabbed my dress and I tried getting her off and she tried to hit me but my cousin got hit instead…!" Her eyes widened in fear as the shattering of a cup sounds through the tent and all eyes find Uncle Fang, face practically red with anger.
"Your cousin?"
"I-I was mistaken…"
"How exactly are you mistaken when your cousin is stood right there?" Zuan Yi says in confusion pointing at Moon from across the room. 'What the hell..?!' "
Young Master Wei was also there when He came to ask forgiveness from my parents." Silence falls over everyone in the tent and without even looking up Moon could tell that all eyes were on her. Was this Zitao's goal all along? He did this on purpose? 'For fuck sake! Can't I have a quiet day!? Just one. I'm here to protect him yet he throws me to the wolves… again…! I'm going to kill him!'
"Boy…" Looking up he meets the steel gaze of Master Wei.
"Yes sir?"
"Is this true? Are you that girls cousin?" She's about to answer when Zitao speaks up again.
"It matters not. As you wish father, these young women will be my marriage candidates."
"I don't think now is…"
"On one condition," he looks from his father to Moon and she nearly chokes under the intensity of his gaze, "Fang Moon, will be my requested candidate."
"What are…"
"You wish to have a man as your wife?"
"No. I wish to have Miss Fang Moon as my wife." Her eyes widen in shock, her mouth agape and she turns to Lu Han as he chuckles beside her.
"It seems the Young Master is finished with the games of these nobles. Welcome to your true self Miss Moon." He smiles warmly at her and her brain goes into overdrive as she looks across all the faces staring at her in either shock, confusion or sheer hostility. 'He knew?!'
"Fang Moon. Come here." Gulping nervously, she steps forward moving to kneel beside Master Wei and he takes her chin in his hand brought her eyes to meet his as he studies her keenly.
"You really are a rare beauty aren't you. I must be getting old to have not realised sooner. Forgive this old man."
"I-I… I didn't correct your mistake My Lord, I should be seeking your forgiveness." She says softly bowing her head gently.
"Why did you not correct me?"
"Umm… I've always preferred masculine clothing and it led to a misunderstanding when I first met Young Master Wei. The timing was always wrong and I was unable to rectify the misunderstanding before and after entering the training camp My Lord. Please forgive Moon for her deception?" Chuckling softly he pats her head before bringing her eyes to his again.
"Oh child, I'm sure you had your reasons. All is forgiven. However since you did enter the camp under the persona of a man you'll have to correct that mistake. You're welcome to leave…"
"Please allow me to stay. Entering that camp was my own decision and I've met wonderful people who've become like family these past few days."
"I see. I understand. But you are aware that staying means you'll be put under more test as a candidate for my son yes?"
"I do, My Lord. And that is why I wish to stay where he is." A youthful laugh escaped his lips and he pats her shoulder softly.
"You remind me of my wife. You also seem to be as stubborn as that son of mine so I know it's useless to try and talk you out of it."
"Thank you, My Lord."
"Alright then. You three ladies will be welcomed to the Wei mansion and will be tested for the next couple weeks. Fang Moon do you have anyone who's willing to be your guardian."
"I don't…"
"I will, Master Wei." Jumping at the voice her head whips in the direction of the tent entrance where Jiang Qing stood behind Lin Qui, a wide smile on his face.
"Brother Jiang, what are you doing?!"
"Speak young man."
"Although we only just met, Moon has become like my younger sibling and I am willing to take responsibility for her. Although, I come from a humble family and have nothing significant to offer you and your family as dowry on her behalf I pledge my unrelenting service to you and our army, Master Wei. So please accept my little sister as a candidate under my name My Lord?" He says bowing deepening and without warning she felt the tears fall from her eyes, sweeping down her cheek.
"Big Brother…"
"Well then, Miss Moon, I see you were right about finding a family where you belonged. What is your name young man?"
"Jiang Qing, Master Wei."
"Well, Jiang Qing, I look forwards to your services."
"Thank you, Master Wei!" He shouts getting down on his knees, his head a mere breath from the ground. Getting up she practically ran to his side hugging him tightly.
"... why… why would you do that for me?"
"You're my little sister. What big brother wouldn't." He says chuckling boyishly ruffling her hair.
"You silly man."
"And, you. We need to have a conversation later about you pulling one over on him." He says flicking her nose playfully and she giggles, sticking out her tongue playfully.
"Now then," getting up Master Wei walks past everyone heading outside, "since everything's been sorted shall we go enjoy the festival and get out of this stuffy tent. And Fang Moon, I leave my son to you." Nodding her response, she bows and everyone files out of the tent. As they walk past her she catches the glare of both Zuan Yi and her uncle, Hana bumping her shoulder deliberately as she walks past and out into the sunlight early afternoon.
"Well, I don't think I'll ever have a day as entertaining as today." Lu Han jokes as he walks past everyone, linking arms with the beautiful lady who stood near the tent entrance.
"Same here, Brother Han. I'm glad I decided to escape those obnoxious noble outside and come here or I would've missed the show..." Lin Qui says, her voice dripping with amusement as she looks from Moon to Zitao, "Well played, Brother Zitao." Bowing playfully he shoots her a playful wink as she moves to leave, "Come on, Jiang. Let's leave the children."
Hugging Moon one last time, Jiang bows gently to Zitao before jogging after Lin Qui a large grin on his face.
"Why's he so happy…?"
"Why aren't you?" She shrieks as she feels his breath on her neck, only then realizing how close he was. His arms snaking around her waist, holding her close to him.
"I am happy," she said giggling, feeling the heat across her cheek to the tips of her ears, "All I have to do now is get rid of the bugs and you're all mine."
"That's my girl." Kissing her cheek he lets go, stepping in front of her, his fingers caressing her cheek and she leaned into his touch.
"Why are you staring at me like that?"
"Because you're beautiful. I can't help getting lost in you eyes." Leaning in he crushes her lips with his before reluctantly pulling away and moving towards the exit.
"You're quite beautiful yourself you know."
"Oh Miss Moon you flatter me," he said, winking at her flirtatiously, "now shall we go enjoy the festival?"
"Let's… oh… what about that guy in the garden…"
"The guards will treat him kindly until we get there so don't worry. You just continue to protect me." Smiling broadly she jogs to his side, saluting playfully.
"Yes sir! Always and Forever, sir!" Flicking her forehead he chuckles, stepping into the sunlight as it engulfs him, illuminating his entire being and Moon couldn't help but admire the man before her. 'Father, Mothers, I really wish you could've met him.' Smiling she walks out following closely next to him.
"Let's enjoy today." Smiling warmly he nods, slowly his pace as she moves next to him.
'He really is a manga character.'
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Fu_Otaku
Fu_Otaku Here ends Volume One and thank you all for reading and I hoped you enjoyed ? Volume Two will begin shortly so please be patient. *bows deeply* Thank you!
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