Chapter Text
“Imbibitor Lunae, we implore you! The appointment of the Vidyadhara Pearlkeeper needs to be settled before you leave!”
“Just last month you were trying to advocate how we still had enough manpower to hold off for a few years. What could have changed during that time, and why are you approaching me now when I’m supposed to be out of contact for the next week?”
A familiar voice filters through from one of the many abandoned cargo containers littering the Artisanship Commission. It doesn’t take long for Jing Yuan to find Dan Feng’s profile. “Do not think that I was unaware of your intentions, I know you were hoping to nominate your fellow hatchmate’s apprentice once she was of age. What persuaded you to change your mind regarding this decision?”
The giant crates tower above them, covering their forms in shadow despite the bright sunny day. Dan Feng stands out in the darkness, draped in his white robes. Ethereal, to the point that the embroidered cranes on his sleeves seem to move with the wind. Even as he lays eyes on the High Elder, it’s hard to believe it’s not a fever dream from the longing of a distant past.
And yet, the interrogation taking place is brutal to the point that even Jing Yuan winces slightly as he hides behind the cargo boxes, squirreled away alongside the abandoned scrap metals and tools littering the area.
Jing Yuan would be a fool to turn down free information though. There is only so much one can learn from second-hand news sources. Jing Yuan maneuvers his way past the mountain of garbage littered beneath his feet to hear the conversation better as Dan Feng continues to interrogate the young man. He almost loses his balance as he steps over the hulking, half-broken leg of an Aurumaton Gatekeeper. All this work and still barely half a container’s length across.
If he had still been the General, he could have ordered one of his assistants to call the waste disposal company. The bill would’ve been sent to the Artisanship Commission with a hefty fine, and the proceeding witch hunt would’ve been amusing to see, as they tracked down which business owners had called upon the wrath of the Arbiter General.
There’s nothing that teaches miserly merchants as well as a fine five times what it’s worth to obey the laws properly, Jing Yuan smirks as he carefully steps around the broken glass shards of a scrapped Illumination Dragonfish. Perhaps a tad bit harsh, but there’s a difference between littering a candy wrapper and a rusted power saw. And from the look of things, the hoard was starting to attract attention from other opportunists as well. He’s had to avoid multiple IV needles and broken jade abaci pieces by this point.
The young man in front of Dan Feng is starting to look rather pitiful as he continues to spill everything that he knows. Probably an ambitious youth who’d hoped to gain some political clout through a Vidyadhara Preceptor, not realizing his status as a convenient scapegoat.
“Enough. You’re dismissed,” Dan Feng sniffs as he turns his back towards him. “And tell Preceptor Yangzhu that she needs to prepare her envoys better next time.”
Jing Yuan should leave before Dan Feng comes toward him.
“Imbibitor Lunae! Forgive this one’s impunity, but please know that Preceptor Yangzhu only wishes the best for you! Our secondary genders may be the vestiges of an evolutionary problem long solved by the Permanence, but that does not mean we cannot love or seek out a partner. The Preceptors are just concerned because he cannot provide what you need-”
“And did I ever request their opinion on this matter?” Dan Feng cuts in. His voice is smooth and silken, and yet the rage is potent all the same. His right hand unfurls into a familiar position, and Jing Yuan decides that it’s time to step in before they’re swept away by an impromptu tsunami.
He approaches the pair in the alleyway with a guileless smile. “Please excuse my interruption sirs. I apologize for overstepping, but are you the esteemed Imbibitor Lunae by any chance?”
“The impertinence!” The young Vidyadhara puffs up from his previously shrivelled form.
Being a saviour is truly a thankless task, Jing Yuan tsks silently. But then again, knowing Dan Feng it was more likely that he was trying to scare the young Vidyadhara off. He’d had too much practice with the Preceptors to truly lose his temper on matters such as these.
And as expected, Dan Feng releases the stance as he appraises Jing Yuan calmly. After a quick scan, he nods once, silently.
Jing Yuan smiles brightly as he ignores the failed politician in favour of his once old-time friend. “It’s an honour to be in your presence my lord! My name is Jing Yuan.”
He bows lightly, clasping his hands together by his waist. A picture-perfect model of respect and propriety, if not for the next statement he’s about to make. “If I may be so bold, my lord, I have a request that I’d like to make.”
Dan Feng’s expression is smooth and inscrutable, but Jing Yuan can notice him clench his teeth ever so slightly. “Speak.”
“I have a son, Yanqing, who had the chance to observe your spearwork a long time ago. He’s just a few blocks away, about to end his training for the day. Forgive my impertinence in asking if he could meet you, but he’s been enamoured by your skills and won’t stop talking about it every chance he gets.”
Dan Feng’s eyes sharpen at the mention of Yanqing. His lips curve upwards ever so slightly before he controls his expression.
He turns to the messenger. “It seems that I have some business to conduct with this man and his child now. Seeing as this is no matter of urgency, you can take your leave.”
“My Lord-”
“Come,” Dan Feng gestures Jing Yuan to follow with a sweep of his arms. “My schedule is not busy today. I shall have a look at your son and answer any questions he may have.”
“If you would allow me to guide,” Jing Yuan demures as he runs ahead of Dan Feng, as if he were an excited father eager to surprise his son.
They turn the corner.
“You must be Yingxing’s new friend.”
“I’m honoured that the Imbibitor Lunae knows of me.” Jing Yuan bows in deference. “I apologize for the deception earlier. If you’d allow me to reintroduce myself, my name is Jing Yuan. However, I am Yanqing’s master. A wandering mercenary for hire. It’s truly an honour to meet you.”
“Raise your head, I do not need any more formalities on top of everything else today,” Dan Feng huffs as his brows furrow slightly. “Yingxing and Yanqing have already mentioned you a few times.”
Dan Feng throws a cool glance towards him, and while he’s not dismissed, it’s clear that he’s not interested to drag the conversation out either. His eyes scan the vicinity.
Actually, why would Dan Feng be around the Artisanship Commission at this point in time? Before, he would only ever visit if Yingxing was about to go through his rut as the workshop was too far away to reach the Scalegorge Waterscape if there was an emergency, but Yingxing and Dan Feng hadn’t been lovers at this point back in his past. Unless…
“Pardon my bluntness, but are you here to help Yingxing with his rut?”
Virescent eyes sharpen into a glare.
Jing Yuan fights the urge to blush as a hot flash of embarrassment runs through him. What was it about Dan Feng’s glare that never fails to chastise him, no matter his age? Jing Yuan is centuries older than him, yet he still feels as if he was caught as a naughty child.
“Ah, I don’t mean any offence.” Jing Yuan chuckles as he raises his hands in surrender.
Dan Feng raises an eyebrow. “And what makes you think I’m that closely acquainted with the Furnace Master of the Luofu?”
Because he’s known them in the past. He’s seen them curl up with each other, drinking underneath the moonlight, one hand on their cup and the other holding each other’s hands. He’s had to mediate their spats when Dan Feng’s pride had inevitably grated upon Yingxing’s arrogance. He’s witnessed them overcome their vice each time to reconcile, deciding that losing face was better than losing each other forever.
“Your accessories,” Jing Yuan says instead. “Matching jewelry carved with Yingxing’s signature mark, not to mention your complementary earrings. You may not hold his scent, nor his claiming mark; but he has asserted his feelings for you nonetheless, in every way except the final act of claiming.”
Dan Feng’s smirks, looking extremely pleased at the statement.
“To be found out by someone who’s been around the Luofu for less than a year,” Dan Feng muses. “I can’t say whether it’s a testament to your perceptiveness, or a lack of one from the entire population of the Luofu.”
“All people are blinded by their preconceptions. The only difference lies in what extent we’re cognizant of this bias, and whether we wish to approach a conclusion that is closer to the truth or not. Do you have room to complain though? In your case I suspect you’ve long been using this tactic to your advantage, have you not?”
Jing Yuan can feel Dan Feng assessing him again, a calculating gaze sweeping upon his form. But he seems to be enjoying the conversation nonetheless, a sharp smirk appearing on his visage as he props his chin with his fingers. “You’re not wrong. Most people can’t even fathom the thought that the Imbibitor Lunae can fall in love with a short-lifer. Even the few who suspect a romantic connection think Yingxing’s an unfortunate artist who’s fated to chase after his elusive muse. Why would I release an official statement when the populace practically makes the story itself?”
Jing Yuan must have made a face. Dan Feng does not look amused at his expression.
The Imbibitor Lunae is a leader that must advocate for his people’s rights, reminding those on board of the Vidyadhara’s unique way of experiencing life and culture. Of most interest, and the root most conflicts, is concept of reincarnation. When the Vidyadhara are reborn, they are as fish that have returned to the ocean. Past lovers, past debts, past crimes, all are swept away by the currents of the sea.
And yet, the one that inherits the position of the High Elder is inherently shackled down by the reputation of his predecessors. Of all who know Dan Feng, how many bother to learn who he is, rather than the persona of the Imbibitor Lunae, or his previous predecessor?
Jing Yuan sighs. “I mean no offence. But despite your position being greatly venerated, it’s a pity that mst forget the Imbibitor Lunae is also someone that breathes, and runs, and loves, just like us.”
Dan Feng cocks his head. “It’s not everyday that I hear those words.”
A small ping interrupts their conversation. Dan Feng pulls his jade abacus out from his pocket. “I’ve quite enjoyed our conversation today, but it’s time for me to attend to Yingxing. I heard from Yanqing that you’re an avid player of starchess?” His words are light, half distracted as he taps out a message on his phone. “Perhaps we can reconvene next time for a match, I’ve been looking for a good opponent.”
Jing Yuan knows a dismissal when he hears one, but he’s won’t be able to escape from Dan Feng presence just yet. “I’ll accompany you on the way if you’re going to Yingxing’s apartment. I’m bringing him some supplies before his rut fully hits.”
“A good sentiment, but a useless one in this case. You might as well go home since he gets very territorial pre-rut. He won’t accept anything in this state unless it’s from me.”
“Oh, does he?” That bastard, he used to make Jing Yuan run his errands as if he was his personal delivery boy during his pre-rut. Did he summon him every time back then just to mess with him? “He did take me up on my offer when I asked if he needed anything though.”
“Is that so?” Dan Feng tilts his head.
Jing Yuan nods. “Yes, I was out training with Yanqing this morning…”
It’s a cloudy day, perfect for sparring. Yanqing thrusts his sword as Jing Yuan parries with his own guandao. Holding a hand behind his back, he lunges forward as he swings his guandao up. The boy barely manages to block the blow towards his shoulder on time, the blade shaking slightly as Jing Yuan continues to press down.
“Yanqing, you’re starting to flag. Have you been remiss in your training lately?”
He knows it can’t be.
“No, Master! You know I always make sure to do my basic training even if I’m dead on my feet.” Yanqing dodges to the side as he tries to aim for his right arm. Jing Yuan swerves left. “Although it would certainly help if I got to fight some strong opponents. Until when are we going to be escorting the merchant vessels? I’ll start stagnating General!”
Yanqing lunges too far in his attempt to reach Jing Yuan. His eyes widen as he realizes his mistake, but it’s too late. Jing Yuan knocks his sword down as he holds the blade away from Yanqing’s neck.
“What did I say Yanqing?”
“A Cloud Knight must never let slip their weapon, nor let slacken their form,” Yanqing mutters as he looks away sullenly.
“Escorting merchants may not be fun, but it is lucrative.” Jing Yuan lowers his glaive. “It wasn’t the worst spar we’ve had, but your reaction speed was slow today. You’re trembling under the force of my blows despite handling worse before as well.”
His grip over his sword wouldn’t have faltered towards a blow of that strength either. Jing Yuan’s concerns grow increasingly each day as his disciple continues to show up weary and tired for each mission. Jing Yuan’s personally ensured that the boy’s slept nine hours today, yet he was still reacting as if he’d slept for four.
He’ll have to intervene soon if Yanqing doesn’t get better, but for now the best course of action might be having him rest up at home. The boy’s sure to complain if he cuts his practice short though, so there’s only one excuse that’ll always reigns him back.
He rolls one of his shoulders casually as he clutches it with his hand. “It seems that I’m not in my best condition today. What do you say about retiring early this afternoon?”
“Master, you should have told me if you weren’t feeling well today!” Yanqing starts nagging as he gently pushes Jing Yuan towards the direction of their house. Jing Yuan snorts softly. As if he shouldn’t be the one fussing over his disciple right now.
“No need to be so hasty, Yanqing. It’s not so bad that I couldn’t squeeze in a few spars today.” Jing Yuan slips away from the hands urging him back home, patting Yanqing’s head a few times instead. “I’m planning to visit the grocery shop today. We can go home after that”
Hopefully, some meat would do the boy some good. They tidy the isolated training ground before walking the streets of Central Starskiff Haven and Jing Yuan is haggling with one of the storekeepers when his jade abacus goes off.
He gestures the shopkeeper to help another customer. “Master Yingxing! What has you calling me today?”
“At this point, shouldn’t you call me by name?”
Jing Yuan notes that Yingxing’s voice is unusually rough today.
“How could I, to my son’s valuable employer?” Jing Yuan teases.
An aggravated sigh echoes from the speaker. “Every time, I swear- no, that’s not the problem right now. I have an urgent commission where I need to deliver some weaponry to a military encampment in the Xianzhou Yuque. Would you be willing to escort the shipment with Yanqing as a part of his job?”
There’s a pause as Jing Yuan considers the conditions. On one hand, this may be the challenge Yanqing needs to get rid himself of his restless energy. However, he’s not in his best condition either.
For now, the more immediate question. “Will I be getting paid?”
“Of course, I’m not trying to pull a two-for-one price deal here.”
Well, it was probably going to be a pretty fair deal if it was with Yingxing anyways. “Could I give an answer in a few days? From what I’ve heard, the conflict there has escalated severely the past few days, and Yanqing’s condition has been concerning me recently. I want him to get checked out before he enter a potential battlefield.”
There’s a cry of dismay as Yanqing abandons the – frankly – obvious attempt to look as if he’s not listening. Yingxing laughs raucously in the background.
“Not happy with the decision, hm? But I admit it’s been starting to concern me as well. Let me know what happens, if the physicians don’t know what’s going wrong, I can go instead.”
“Many thanks.” Jing Yuan can hear the shuffling of papers in the background. If he listens closely to the phone, he can hear Yingxing breathing heavier than normal. He’d had his suspicious the moment he picked the phone up, and the evidence was starting to pile up. “If you don’t mind me asking, you sound a little worse for wear today. Are you alright?”
A groan of frustration. “Just trying to get my duties sorted before I go into my rut. I received the request yesterday, and while it’s too important to delay there’s nothing I can do in the face of my rut. I’m trying to get the logistics done so I can just focus on the commissions once I’m back though.”
“In that case, would you like me to fetch anything from the market? I’m here right now, I can come by if you need some anything before you begin.”
“If you’d please,” Yingxing’s clearly frustrated. “It’s taking much longer than I expected to sort everything out so I haven’t had time to prepare much.”
He rattles out a list of items which Yanqing writes down on their grocery list.
“I’ll get those over to you soon.”
“Thank Lan,” Yingxing lets out a breath. “Let me know if you can take the commission later. If Yanqing comes, I’ll introduce him to Jingliu as thanks.”
“Well, guess what you’re going to be hearing about now for the next month or so. He would absolutely become starstruck,” Jing Yuan laughs. “Take care, I’ll be there in an hour or so.”
Yingxing grunts. “Thanks again. Let me know early next week if Yanqing’s able to go.”
The line cuts, and Jing Yuan looks down to see the largest puppy eyes on his disciple. Amused, he pats his head.
“Come, Yanqing. We’ll need some time to buy everything on the list. After that we can book an appointment with your doctor, and with any luck, it’ll be a quick fix that’ll allow us to take the commission for Yingxing.”
Dan Feng places a hand on his chin as Jing Yuan ends his story. “I see, that’s surprising to hear. Yingxing is quite obsessive when it comes to doing everything himself, especially before his ruts.”
Jing Yuan maintains a straight face. He tries not to remember all the time Yingxing had used to order him and Baiheng around like a drill sergeant, asking them to pick up a mass of supplies within the span of 24 hours just before his rut struck. Baiheng’s words had echoed Dan Feng’s statement, but in his youth Jing Yuan had thought Yingxing was taking his chances to bully the two targets he wasn’t able to retaliate against most of the time. Jing Yuan almost snorts when he realizes he’s been roped into running Yingxing’s errands again, even in a world where they could barely count as acquaintances. The Furnace Master had truly trained his errand boy too well.
They stand outside Yingxing’s door, inside a low-rise apartment close to his forge. It goes unused more than it does used, but Jing Yuan knows Dan Feng had wanted Yingxing to stay in a place where he could be extricated from the forge. He’d put up a struggle, but had ultimately agreed under the condition that the commute was a short as possible.
“I’ll leave the groceries at the front door. Do you need anything before I leave?”
Dan Feng tilts his head as he gives a considering glance.
“Actually I do, although it’s more of a commission,” Dan Feng drawls. “It’s clear that you’re quite close to Yingxing, and I’ve also enjoyed our conversations so far. You said you were a mercenary, correct?”
Jing Yuan nods.
“I’d like you to guard the apartment for during the period of our mating cycle. You can choose to do whatever you want as a front – street performer, soldier, beggar, I don’t care. But make sure that you’re being discreet when you stand guard, and ensure that no one is surveilling the unit.”
To have a stranger guard such a vulnerable period is highly unusual. Jing Yuan blinks a few times. Baiheng and Jingliu must be away if Dan Feng is directing the request to him. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” Dan Feng’s expression turns stormy as he explains the situation. “For the first few days of our cycle, some of the Vidyadhara loyal to the Preceptors tend to loiter about the vicinity. I’m unsure whether this is to create discomfort or have Yingxing create a public commotion, but the results are always the same; Yingxing often ends up restless and on edge during the entire cycle.”
The Preceptors have never approved of Yingxing as Dan Feng’s lover. In the past Jing Yuan has had run a lot of interference for the couple because of this; without his influence, the pair would not have had an easy time meeting underneath the Preceptor’s scrutinizing gaze. However, for them to be so bold in their movements…
Dan Feng rubs a hand on his face. “You can imagine how this is not our idea of a pleasant time. Ultimately, mating cycles are quite taxing on the body. With how poorly Yingxing treats himself on a regular basis, he’s often worse off health-wise following his rut. Having someone keep guard would ensure that he rests properly.”
“I’m honoured to hold such faith within our first meeting, but are sure Yingxing will hold the same sentiments?”
“You won’t have a problem there. If he had any qualms, he would’ve knocked the door down already.”
And the door swings open at that exact sentence, with Yingxing leaning onto its frame as he glares at the pair outside, sweaty and half-ruffled. He pants ever so lightly, tugging at the collar of his shirt before he catches himself. Seemingly frustrated in himself, he brushes his hair back in a last ditch attempt to save face, but the act is hardly elegant when he’s trying to scrape his sweat-slick hair off of his neck.
No longer locked behind the confines of his home, the air saturates with the smell of fire and smoke. It’s a scent Jing Yuan is intimately familiar with, having spent much of his youth at the forge. However, the underlying notes beneath the flames have always been something unique to Yingxing. A scent which had been incredibly difficult to find throughout the universe.
There had been a special type of pine tree which had been famous in Yingxing’s home planet. It hadn’t been popular enough for the IPC to take notice, but there had apparently been a small group of avid buyers who would regularly stock up on their products. Interestingly, Yingxing had mentioned how many people in his home town had borne a scent similar to their local pine tree.
The Furnace Master hadn’t talked of his planet often. But sometimes, in the dead of night, after one too many shots of liquor, he would ramble about his hometown as it used to be before the borisin had invaded. Jing Yuan had listened quietly in his youth, trying to imagine what the place would have looked like, and how an entire group of people could smell just like the slowly greying man. He couldn’t fathom it. There was only one person, one thing, that smelled like Yingxing.
Or at least, he’d thought so until he’d seen a vintage perfume go up for bidding at one of the IPC’s auctions. Its main scent profile had featured the same pine tree found in Yingxing’s hometown.
Jing Yuan had made the first bid as soon as the host had revealed the product. When he’d raced back home with the perfume on hand, he’d displayed it on a small glass cabinet in his room. Occasionally, he would take it out to dust it off carefully, never daring to touch it more than that.
And yet, it hadn’t mattered in the end. On a day when he’d gotten too drunk for his own good, he’d snatched the bottle out to take a whiff. After a few minutes of drunken scrabbling, a mixture of impatience and centuries-old heartache had won out over his rational mind. Wanting anything, any sign that his memories of Yingxing were the same as he remembered, he’d smashed the bottle on the floor for one last whiff. To confirm whether the smell was the same.
It had shattered upon impact, spraying shards to every corner of the room. The intolerable stench had hit him a few seconds later, causing Jing Yuan to cough violently. Leaving him with nothing but empty hands and regret.
Looking back, Jing Yuan had known it wasn’t meant to be. That was why he’d never opened the bottle until then. Perfume could barely last decades in proper storage conditions, there was no way it could have centuries.
And yet…
It didn’t matter anymore. It had been centuries since Jing Yuan had been forced moved rooms, the room never truly recovering from its smell. And how ironic it is, Jing Yuan thinks, that he’s now faced with the opposite problem: trying not to breathe in his scent too deeply.
“Are you going to keep prattling at the doorway? Or are you going to come in,” Yingxing growls as he leans heavily the doorframe.
Dan Feng glides through the entryway, stepping in as if it was his own house. Jing Yuan, on the other hand, keeps his feet planted outside.
Yingxing shoots him a look. “Well??”
“I… don’t think it would be a good idea right now,” Jing Yuan says slowly.
Yingxing tsks. “Suit yourself.”
He yanks the bags of groceries in Jing Yuan’s hand as he stalks back into the depths of his home. “You know where to find me Dan Feng! Come whenever you’re done with your little talk.”
Jing Yuan can hear the fridge door opening and closing as he puts away the perishables.
Dan Feng tilts his head ever so slightly as he leans on the doorframe this time. “You could have come in. Yingxing is not a man of empty words – If he has offered, he trusts you enough to have you in his territory with me.”
A trust based on what? Jing Yuan has his memories from his past, Yingxing does not. And as far as he knows, he hears much more about the Furnace Master from Yanqing than he ever does from the man himself.
Dan Feng’s eyes narrow, as if he’s heard the statement in his head himself. “You reject the hospitality he extends to you, despite an alpha expressly stating that you’re allowed to enter his territory. You dishonour him with your doubts.”
It wasn’t that, Jing Yuan wants to say. He didn’t mean to doubt Yingxing’s restraint, but he doesn’t understand why he’d be trusted so much at this point in time. The silence lingers.
“What more do you need to trust that he will not maul you for being in the vicinity?” Dan Feng lets out a sharp sigh. “We will talk about this more later. In the meantime, are you willing to take the job or not? If you’re afraid to linger around the area, I won’t force you to guard us.”
Jing Yuan snaps out of his fugue. “I apologize, I did not mean any offence. I can take the mission. Are there any times when he’s more likely to be awake? I do need to sleep occasionally to keep alert.”
Dan Feng hums in thought. “You may take some time for yourself at sundown. Yingxing tends to be more active at night anyway.”
“Alright. As for the payment, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention upfront-”
A wave of pheromones interrupt them as it hits Jing Yuan and Dan Feng with the force of an Aurumaton Gatekeeper. He chokes on his breath. Yingxing is flaring his scent in an attempt to lure his omega inside. Jing Yuan blocks his nose in an attempt to resist the call, breathing from his mouth. But Dan Feng has gone limp on the doorframe, glassy-eyed, before he catches himself.
“The matters of payment can be discussed later.” Dan Feng’s blushing. Underneath the scent of burning fire, there’s a growing scent of spider lilies, cloying and seductive. A bead of sweat drops down the side of his face. “I have trust in Yingxing’s judgement. Whatever you demand, I will pay at a later date. If you’d excuse me.”
Dan Feng dashes into the kitchen, most likely heading straight towards Yingxing. Jing Yuan closes the door before he witnesses anything he’s not privy to. He waves at the air in front of him to disperse the scent before realizing the futility, and rushes out of the building instead.
The job is pretty simple, for the most part. He plops himself down on a bench from his most favoured vantage point. There’s a small pavilion at the outskirts of a local park near Yingxing’s apartment, a perfect place to do some people-watching. There’s not even a real need to create a cover story for himself. With how often he is around the area, he already has a reputation of being one of the loitering uncle at the Artisanship Commission. One way or another, he was always here shopping with Yanqing or picking him up after work, which would involve having a chat with Yingxing half the time as well. Needless to say, he was a familiar sight around the area.
The occasional Vidyadhara that comes by the first few days don’t stay long for the most part. All he has to do is act like a watchful guard dog, staring at them with a smile on his face before approaching them to strike up a conversation. Most run away before he even reaches talking distance. But for the few bold contenders who hold their ground, Jing Yuan has a wonderful time engaging them in the most awkward conversation topics he can imagine.
His favourite is still the time he managed to snag two victims at the same time. One of them had tried to sneak closer to Yingxing’s apartment, sticking to the shadows as the other had distracted Jing Yuan. It was too bad that Jing Yuan had been on and off the battlefield for the last 700 years. He’d caught up to him immediately.
Now that he had a captive audience, what was he to do? He’d reached into his memories to narrate an amazing conspiracy theory he’d been forced to sit through back in his days as a Cloud Knight Lieutenant. At the time, the interrogation had been… painful. The man had clearly believed the lie he’d fabricated due to his resentment and inferiority complex towards the Vidyadhara. But the sheer lunacy and madness was exactly what Jing Yuan needed to portray at that moment.
Their looks of disgust had been beautiful as they’d cried heresy, red-faced and. Jing Yuan had laughed as they’d eventually been chased by a hoard of feral, sleep-deprived craftsmen wielding whatever tools they had on hand. There had been one memorable lady who’d chucked an entire Illumination Dragonfish towards them.
At that point, Jing Yuan had made himself scarce in the neighbourhood for a few hours. Really, who’s fault was it that they’d started screaming in the wee hours of the morning? They should have been more considerate of their fellow citizens who often went to sleep way past midnight.
Too cute. The Vidyadhara were too easy to tease with their solemn disposition overall.
But not all are fazed by his loquacious act. For those people, Jing Yuan has occasionally had to resort to some… inelegant solutions. His guandao was always in arm’s reach for a reason. After an hour of sharpening his blade in silence, even the stoutest of the Vidyadhara had excused themselves to run away.
Knowing that Jing Yuan was guarding the door, the number of Vidyadhara who came to bother Yingxing and Dan Feng dropped dramatically with each passing day. So apart from the first two days, his greatest enemy becomes boredom.
Usually, he talks to Yanqing to stave off the feeling. However, Jing Yuan has not roped him in this mission for an obvious reason. His condition hasn’t been the great the last few weeks either, so now is hardly the time to stand on guard for hours on end. He’s told Yanqing to contact their physician again, but knowing the boy he may be too preoccupied with training to remember.
Instead, Jing Yuan capitalizes on the resources available to him now. For the most part, the children in the Artisanship Commission are easy to please and entertain, having parents who have too much work and too little time. His rise to infamy is inevitable after performing a few party tricks and comforting a few children. With some careful coaxing, and a heaping handful of breadcrumbs, he is able to tame the sparrows lurking in the area as well.
The Jade Abacus rolls deftly around his fingers as Jing Yuan fiddles with the cube. It’s a good day to be outside. The sun is warm on his face, and there’s a soft weighted cat on his lap. It’s well-groomed, with black fur and yellow eyes. It purrs quietly as Jing Yuan continues to stroke the fur on its back.
Jing Yuan is giving its chin a little scratch when he receives a call from Yanqing.
“Oh, Yanqing? Did you remember to go to the Alchemy Commission today?”
Jing Yuan can hear Yanqing rolling his eyes as he drawls, “Yes Master, it was the first thing I did in the morning today.”
Jing Yuan chuckles. “Just making sure. How did the appointment go?”
“The symptoms I was having before were because I was having adverse reactions to one of the components inside my omega suppressants. Physician Yuanli said there should be no long-term effects as long as I switch to another medication.”
“I see. What did she prescribe you with this time?”
“It’s same omega suppressants I was using previously.”
“Good. We won’t have to worry about this in the future then.”
Jing Yuan expects a happy response but the line remains silent. Jing Yuan’s heart lurches slightly. “What’s troubling you Yanqing?”
His voice turns soft and meek as he spills out his response. “The suppressants cost five times more than my initial prescription.”
“That’s not a problem,” Jing Yuan breathes a sigh of relief.
Yanqing’s voice remains small, bloated with guilt. “I don’t understand why it’s so expensive though. I know we’ve just become financially stable, this is going to set us back again. Physician Yuanli did mention how there’s a new type of suppressant being tested recently, if I sign up for the trial they’ll actually be the ones paying me for the work-”
“Yanqing, you are not permitted to participate in those trials. Why would they pay you to take the drugs? It’s not out of the goodness of their heart. It’s because they themselves don’t know what that medication does yet.” Jing Yuan sighs as he puts a hand to his head. The cat looks up with disappointment as the pettings cease. “Yanqing, a warrior must always have their wits about them. Even the best soldiers lose on occasion, where bad preparation intersects with poor luck. Intentionally creating a weakness in a job that can cost your life is unacceptable. You don’t know if the suppressant could lower your reflexes, or even harm your body in the long run.”
“But Master-”
“We’re not so lacking that I can’t afford this for you. Take your suppressants diligently, and stay safe. That will be the greatest form of repayment you can give to me.”
“But-,” There’s a moment of silence on the call. “Yes Master.”
“Good.” Yanqing seems to understand his sentiment now, but the sombre mood remains.
Well, he can’t leave that be. “On a side note, you questioned why your new suppressants cost so much. Would you like to know why?”
“No?:
“It’s because one of the key components of the suppressant requires a rare ingredient which has an extremely low yield rate.”
“I see,” Yanqing hums.
Jing Yuan goes for the kill. “You would have known about it if you’d paid proper attention to Master Jingzhai’s classes.”
Jing Yuan’s lips curl into a smirk as Yanqing starts to sputter. That boy, he really didn’t have the patience to sit down to study unless it was related to the military arts. His long-suffering tutor had once despaired as she’d reported Yanqing’s history score – earning 95% for the section involving the Third Abundance war, and 39% its political and socioeconomic fallout.
Medical knowledge had improved in leaps and bounds during the war, thanks no doubt to the amount of injured soldiers that had flooded the Alchemy Commission. One of the unintended benefits had involved the ability to mass-produce high-quality suppressants at a cheap price, greatly improving omega rights across the socioeconomic strata. Jing Yuan had definitely noticed based on the number of omegas who’d enlisted the year following the breakthrough.
Jing Yuan laughs as his disciple lets out a stream of protests. “I’m teasing you Yanqing, I already know of your test-taking habits from your various teachers.”
Another wave of denials. Jing Yuan listens indulgently. “We can discuss this in further detail at a later time, if you’re actually interested. But for now, is the takeout ready? The food must be getting cold.”
“Yes!” Yanqing’s voice pitches up at the mention of food. “I have the signature chili oil beef offal stew ready to go! Three classic, and one with seafood instead.”
“Good,” Jing Yuan smiles. “Meet me at our usual spot and I’ll come over.”
Originally, Jing Yuan had been hesitant about leaving food at Yingxing’s front door. But in the end, he is a beta. One of the advantages with his gender is that most alphas and omegas don’t take offence when he gets too close. What is he going to do, try to woo them away as a beta? Besides, even if Yingxing and Dan Feng bother to sniff that deeply, they’d know it smells more like Yanqing than Jing Yuan. They were hardly the type of people who’d feel threatened over a child.
With the call ended, Jing Yuan eyes the cat on his lap with no small grief. “I’m afraid I’ll have to stand now. You should get off before I start moving.”
The cat jumps off his lap with a disgruntled meow as Jing Yuan tenses his thighs. It glares at him, as if he’s committed a crime of the highest degree. Jing Yuan tries to rub his thumb on its forehead as an apology, but quickly withdraws his hand as it tries to bite his finger off instead. It darts off into the streets, disappearing behind one of the many abandoned cargo boxes in the area. A pity. Jing Yuan seems to have broken its poor heart.
Yanqing is waiting for him at the end of the street, melting on one of the streetlights that’s just turned on. The bag containing the takeout is barely hanging on for its life on the very tip of his index finger.
“Yanqing, posture.” Jing Yuan scolds gently as he takes the bag from his disciple.
“Master, I’m so bored. There’s no one to fight. My skills are going to tarnish, my body’s going to get bent out of shape, and next thing I know I’ll be defeated by the average criminal left and right. Please let me take Master Yingxing’s request, please? It may be the only opportunity I get to see a proper battlefield in a very long time,” Yanqing pleads as he clasps his hands together.
Jing Yuan laughs as he shakes his head. That boy, when would he learn to temper his patience and look after himself?
Let’s see if the new suppressants work before trying anything,” He equivocates. “Just because the doctor says it’s the cause, doesn’t always mean that they’re correct the first time around. If you’re still having the symptoms after the switch, we might need to go back for an additional check-up.”
Yanqing whines, but it’s a precaution Jing Yuan is not willing to yield upon. For now, he pats his disciple’s head instead. “Wait here, I’ll be back soon. Be good, and I’ll make buy you a berrypheasant skewer before we go back home today.”
“I’m not a small child anymore Master!” Despite those words, Yanqing perks up and stands straight instead of leaning on the streetlamp again.
Today is the last day he should be lurking around, since their heat and rut should have broken respectively. However, just because it’s done doesn’t mean they’re in a condition to leisurely cook either. He leaves the food by the corner of their door, just like he had for every day during their cycle before he heads home. He’s ready to catch up on all the missing sleep from the continuous night shifts he’s been pulling.
Despite that, he doesn’t forget to buy Yanqing his berrypheasant skewer before they head in. But if Yanqing’s had to repeat himself several times while Jing Yuan was supposed to be listening, well. At least he can still walk on his own two feet.
Jing Yuan dozes as he slowly brushes his teeth, the spiciness from the stew not strong enough to chase away the exhaustion. Everything can wait until tomorrow. He’s setting his jade abacus down by his nightstand when a single message comes through.
Thanks
It’s Yingxing.
The characters are too damn small for his sleep-deprived eyes, but he figures it out eventually, after squinting furiously at the small device. It seems like Yingxing is truly well enough to be conscious and back in his own senses again. He sends a thumbs up, and head hits the pillow before he even has a chance to put his device back on the table.