Hexin

@Zhang Linghe With nothing else to do but sit with his own thoughts during the few waking hours of each day that he had, Chengxin realized that there was one other possible way he might be able to recover his strength faster. In his study of humans during his early cultivation years, he had learned that they could also secrete their essence through one more method of bodily contact - consummation. Though Chengxin had mostly stayed away from such a imposing method and preferred to rely heavily on consuming human hearts, he would have to take this last resort if it so presented itself as an opportunity. What he had come to realize was that it was better to try and fail than lay in bed and let his human skin waste away with each day from lack of progress.

When Linghe returned to his side the next morning after Chengxin had come to this realization, the young fox spirit knew that it was time to lure in his human vessel. "Ah He," he called weakly, "I need...your help." He knew that this was not a conversation that humans would just bring up, especially not in broad daylight, so he treaded carefully, "Didn't...the physicians say I'm lacking in yang energy?" he asked, his bottom lip twitching as if he were ashamed of such a fact, "I won't die if I have more right? Will you...give me some of yours?" he asked, sounding as small and weak as he could (not that he had to do much to achieve such an effect).

@Ding Chengxin Linghe spent every day after their wedding with Chengxin. As soon as morning court was over, Linghe would rush back to Chengxin's side, caressing him, holding him, and speaking gently to him. But no matter the amount of medicines Chengxin took, no matter the amount of physician's visits, Chengxin never got better. Linghe was beside himself with worry. Even with the imperial family's best doctors and methods, Chengxin was weak in bed all day. Linghe's heart trembled when he looked at how pale Chengxin was. He pulled Chengxin's cold hand from beneath the covers, holding it tight between his own. "Xiao Ding, you can't die," he whispered, bringing the slender fingers up to his lips. "Or I'll die with you."

@Zhang Linghe At Chengxin's core, he was still a powerful fox spirit. If nature took its course, then the most reasonable solution was to take the heart of the person who was in closest reach to him - Linghe's. But perhaps it was the novelty of being so closely intertwined with his human's life that the thought didn't cross Chengxin's mind at all. Instead, he obediently accepted the time to rest, and closed his eyes with a few coaxing from Linghe.

News of the newly weds skipping the consummation ceremony in the bedchambers spread like wildfire around the residence, and it soon reached Shuxin's ears. She was the most delighted of them all, having been confined to her own pavilion since the teacup incident. Though she was not allowed to roam about as freely as she did before, that didn't stop Jingyi from coming to visit her and sharing the news that Chengxin could not even fulfill his most basic duty as Linghe's new wife. The two of them, in light of this terrific news, rejoiced at Chengxin's supposed downfall.

@Ding Chengxin "Don't say that," Linghe murmured when Chengxin drew away. He guided Chengxin to lie down, his fingers massaging Chengxin's scalp as he supported his head over the pillow. "Rest for now. If you don't get worse, the physician can't wait until tomorrow." Of course, Linghe did not want anyone but himself to see his new bride on the day of their wedding. Although they were supposed to consummate now that they were in the bridal chamber, Linghe could not bear to do it, no matter how long he had been waiting for him. He wanted to experience it when they were both conscious and excited, not when Chengxin was fighting to stay awake. He removed Chengxin's veil fully to his head. "Sleep."

@Zhang Linghe Chengxin wanted to be out of the public's eye, but it was only because he needed to act indecently around Linghe to salvage himself. Once he was picked up and brought to their bedchambers, there was only one thing on Chengxin's mind: he needed yang essence. "Ah He," he called the younger weakly, his hand cupping Linghe's cheek. Without further explanation, Chengxin drew the older in for a kiss, drinking hungrily at the general's surprisingly large reserve of yang essence. He didn't want to take all of it at once though, just in case it aroused Linghe's suspicion. Chengxin just needed enough to get by, and he would bide his time well to take little by little. When they pulled away, he had his explanation ready, "I'm sorry...I've spoiled our wedding haven't I?" The kiss was his 'apology' to Linghe in hopes of making the other feel better about today. "Ah He, I don't need a physician...just...need to rest," he said, "It might be my nerves...getting to me."

@Ding Chengxin Feeling Chengxin crumple against him, Linghe pulled him forward so Chengxin would fall against Linghe's chest rather than the ground. It was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives, but Chengxin seemed almost on the verge of death. Although there was an audience, they had officially wed, so no one could say a thing about Linghe as he picked up Chengxin by his upper body and beneath his knees. Their guests congratulated them, but Linghe ignored them in favour of trying to peer through Chengxin's veil to check on his condition. In the privacy of their wedding chamber, Linghe set Chengxin down and lifted his carefully, stiffening at the slight sheen of sweat over Chengxin's face. "Xiao Ding, what's the matter? Shall I call for a physician? Where does it hurt?"

@Zhang Linghe Because his view was obstructed by the veil over his face, Chengxin had some maids to help him adjust his position through the entire ceremony, which he was glad they were there so he could lean on them as he adjust his weight over his shaking knees. Picking his head back up after each bow felt like he was lifting a boulder out of a ravine, or even harder. Once their union was official, Chengxin immediately felt Linghe's arms engulfing him, helping him carry the weight of his body. "Ah He," he whispered from under the veil, "I want to go back to my room. Can you please bring me?" he asked. The servants around him, sensing that Linghe didn't want them in the way, backed up so that they were standing together in the main hall, just like two lovebirds whispering amongst themselves. Chengxin felt his legs almost buckle beneath him as his energy dropped lower and lower, and he all but rested himself fully in Linghe's embrace.

@Ding Chengxin As Linghe lowered himself to kneel over the cushions placed for them, he couldn't help but glance at Chengxin, even if his attention was supposed to be on the Heavens and Earth right now. With how sickly Chengxin had been lately, Linghe had been afraid to push on with the wedding, but the sooner they were married, the better. With Chengxin's status cemented, he would receive the best treatment from the imperial physicians when Linghe would request it. Their second bow was toward Linghe's parents, whom, by the look on their faces, were not very happy with the wedding, but Linghe could not find it in himself to care for even a fleeting moment as he turned to Chengxin for their final bow, cementing their relationship as husband and wife. As soon as they were allowed up again, Linghe practically fell forward to help Chengxin stand. "Are you okay?"

@Zhang Linghe The day of the wedding started off as a blur for Chengxin, who was wrenched out of bed in the wee hours of the morning to begin changing and preparing his appearance for the main ceremony. Chengxin relied on Qin Xiaoxian to repeat the instructions of the servants as he nodded on and off, his eyes barely staying open. At the beginning, he and Linghe had a slight disagreement about Chengxin's wardrobe, since it was only customary for a woman to wear a veil during her wedding, but Linghe insisted that Chengxin wear one anyways. The general had even asserted that Chengxin was far too beautiful for the guests' eyes, which was an absurd reason, but not one that Chengxin could argue with. However, as he sat with the veil covering his powdered face, he was immensely grateful for the veil that allowed him to snooze without anyone questioning it.

Soon enough, it came time for the ceremony, and Chengxin was handed his marriage fan to walk down the courtyard with. He didn't know how many people were in attendance, but when he got to the end and found Linghe's hands with his own, Chengxin felt like it was just the two of them in the little courtyard. He didn't need to see the look on Linghe's face to know that the taller was smiling down at him, and it made him smile back behind his veil despite his exhausted disposition.

The headmaid who was in charge of their vows began to recite the laws of heaven that joined them together. Chengxin had never heard them before, though he found humans to be rather silly for following the so-called "rules" of the heavens so dogmatically. "FIRST BOW TO THE HEAVENS," the headmaid declared loudly.

@Ding Chengxin Linghe had never put so much effort into planning his weddings—not a single one of his three, and all of his wives knew that. There was going to be a limit to how extravagant it could be, since it would a direct snub to the emperor who had arranged the first three marriages if Linghe made his fourth wedding with a commoner the most bland, but it was luxurious enough that Chengxin would feel cherished. When the big day came, Chengxin was simply brought out to the courtyard in a stunningly vivid red dress. Linghe wanted nothing more than to tear the veil he insisted Chengxin wear off his head as he watched Chengxin approach, his eyes hungry despite their audience.

@Zhang Linghe Of all the human experiences that Chengxin had once coveted during his cultivation, getting married had never crossed his mind. To think that there was a human so utterly devoted to him and willing to spend the rest of their measly short lives with him was rather difficult to fathom. But, in his current state, Chengxin couldn't do much about the situation. Perhaps with a proper title, he'd finally get to go out of the residence, unaccompanied, and get himself back on track. With that little comforting reminder to himself, Chengxin kissed Linghe back again, eager to get back on his own two feet, "I'm happy Ah He," he reassured his mortal husband-to-be.

A month passed by, but it did not come quickly. In fact, Chengxin felt as if the days were blurring together for him. He spent only a few waking hours each day to spend time with Linghe. As their wedding drew near, Chengxin gave a little input about how he wanted his bedchambers and the garden to be decorated, but he left the rest of the planning to Linghe.

@Ding Chengxin Chengxin seemed to be gaining his strength, although Linghe inexplicably began to feel a little drowsy. Perhaps morning court was so boring and Chengxin's room was so cozy that all Linghe wanted to do was lie in Chengxin's bed and sleep. "It's me," Linghe said with a soft laugh, keeping quiet so he wouldn't disturb his sick wife-to-be. "I have my ways. The emperor favours me. Why are you so surprised?" Seeing how Chengxin had chased after Linghe's lips for kisses, Linghe dipped his head again to indulge Chengxin. "Are you happy about the news? I asked for us to be wed in a month."

@Zhang Linghe With Linghe right in front of him, connecting their lips without Chengxin having to move a muscle, the smaller helped himself to a large dose of Linghe's essence, drinking it in hungrily. Their kisses were gentle, but if Chengxin really wanted to make full use of the yang essence, he needed to go deeper, which led to him nibbling on Linghe's lower lip to get the human to open his mouth more. When Linghe pulled away, Chengxin almost inched forward to chase after him, though he realized even /that/ was going to cost him his precious energy. He blinked at Linghe as the general held him in his arms, making him feel rather drowsy again.

Perhaps Chengxin had fallen asleep and started to make up things in his mind, but he didn't believe his ears when Linghe announced that they had been granted a marriage by the emperor. Wasn't that sort of thing difficult between noble families to begin with? How did Chengxin, with his obscure background, get approval from the emperor also? "He has?" Chengxin repeated, "H-how did you manage that?"

@Ding Chengxin Linghe couldn't help a chuckle when Chengxin's lips stuck out like a fish, perhaps asking for more from Linghe. He closed the distance again, his kiss lingering this time now that Chengxin was mostly lucid. "There's a soup boiling for you right now," Linghe murmured, finally sitting up on the bed so he could cradle Chengxin's upper half against him, not wanting him to fall asleep again, and who knew for how long this time. He patted Chengxin's side over the covers, pulling up the sheets each time they slid down. "Xiao Ding, I have something to tell you. The emperor has give his permission for us to marry. Isn't that wonderful?"

@Zhang Linghe Chengxin seemed to register the noise coming above him as human conversation, but he wasn't able to process what was being said. Instead, as he fought against his heavy eyelids and tried to force himself awake (in case danger was nearby), he heard a very familiar voice that comforted him slightly more than the others. And there came a little pressure against his lips, which told him that he wasn't alone. He couldn't be in this vulnerable state for too long! And so while it did take a lot of effort, Chengxin finally blinked his eyes open, wincing as the light in the room momentarily blinded him. Linghe's figure was blurry at first, but after a few more blinks, he finally saw the older's clear facial features. Chengxin breathed in deeply, pouting at Linghe without asking about the good news. He was too tired, so nothing would make him happy unless it was a fresh human heart to feed on.

@Ding Chengxin When Chengxin's eyelids fluttered, Linghe released the breath he didn't even know he was holding. He tucked the covers up to Chengxin's neck, then d his fair, smooth cheek again. "Xiao Ding, what's the matter?" he whispered, reaching beneath the covers to take Chengxin's hand. "Tell me." But Chengxin continued to slumber lightly, until the physician arrived and pulled Chengxin's hand out to feel along his wrist. "My lord, his pulse is weak," Physician Lin reported, "It is a sign there was trouble in his past, an underlying illness; not an ailment he's caught recently." Linghe frowned. Chengxin came from an unknown background, possibly from a poor family. It would not be surprising if he was sick when he was young. The physician finished his examination, but he found nothing else. The only thing he could do for Chengxin was prescribe a new concoction of herbs. When they were left alone again, Linghe pressed a kiss to Chengxin's pale lips, then moved to murmur into his ear, "Xiao Ding, when you wake up, I have some good news for you."

@Zhang Linghe Chengxin's personal bodyguard, Qin Xiaoxian, paled in the face when he realized that the silence coming from the garden wasn't his master enjoying some piece and quiet, but that he had passed out. Hearing the general shout instructions at him, he all but scrambled away to call for help, less the next person that ended up passed out on the ground, or worse, was him.

Chengxin didn't remember a thing after falling unconscious in the garden, nor did his body allow him to wake up to face Linghe and explain his situation. Subconsciously, he twitched when he was touched and he whimpered when he was moved, but Chengxin didn't have enough essence to expend, so he fell into a deep slumber, trying to recuperate. Though, with his lack of nutrition, his recovery rate was as slow as that of a human's, if not worse. When he finally managed to store up just enough to come to again, his fingers twitched by his side. His entire body felt heavy and rooted in his place, though he could start to process the light from outside, right against his eyelids.

@Ding Chengxin Linghe held the best news his ears ever had the pleasure of hearing. He nearly jumped on his horse as soon as the emperor granted him permission to marry Chengxin, as a reward for seemingly finding the root to the murders in the capital. He had been slightly surprised, amused, maybe, but Linghe did not care what the emperor thought. He only cared that Chengxin would officially belong to him and him alone from now on. As soon as he was let go for the day, he rode hard and fast back to the estate. Qin Xiaoxian was standing outside of the garden doors, and he welcomed Linghe by pulling it open for him, stating that Chengxin was enjoying some time with Xiao Wang.

Linghe nearly missed Chengxin when his eyes swept the garden. He saw Xiao Wang first before he found Chengxin lying on the floor, and he nearly tripped over his own feet to get to Chengxin. "Xiao Ding!" Cradling Chengxin against him, Linghe hovered his finger beneath Chengxin's nose. "Qin Xiaoxian, call the physician! Have the kitchens begin to brew some soup." He hefted Chengxin up with ease—he was light as a parchment scroll. Once he was settled back in his bed, Linghe d his face, his hands trembling against Chengxin's jade-like skin. "Xiao Ding. Xiao Ding, wake up. Please wake up, don't sleep. Let me know you're okay."

@Zhang Linghe After the incident with Shuxin and the others, the talks about marriage between Linghe and Chengxin lingered, but that was the way they remained - only as thoughts. It was going according to Chengxin's plan to evade any investigation from the outside, but life inside the residential walls came with its own hardships too, perhaps even worse than trying to avoid guards at night. Chengxin had been going weeks without feeding properly on human hearts, relying only on the occasional kiss from Linghe to replenish his essence. His strength had dwindled to the point where he could barely stand for long periods of time without wavering on his two feet, and was using Lao Qin has a human crutch to get around. When Linghe was summoned by the emperor the following month, Chengxin saw an opportunity to take action. His victim was none other than Xiao Wang, the little dog who had caused all the commotion last time because of his little paws. Even if Xiao Wang's heart wasn't as powerful as that of a human's, at least it would help him get by. He told Xiaoxian to keep guard outside as to give himself some alone time, and the guard didn't think much of the situation, so he did as he was told.

In the garden, it was just Chengxin and Xiao Wang. If he were even at half his spiritual prowess, he would be able to nab the dog and kill it with ease. But with heavy footsteps and his feet feeling like they were barely touching the ground as he lunged towards Xiao Wang, it was no surprise that Xiao Wang easily escaped, leaving Chengxin to collapse on the ground. As he lay there, barely conscious, a bitter thought crossed his mind, /"Even a stupid dog can outrun me now."' The realization of his frailty was a harsh blow, and despite his best attempt to salvage himself, Chengxin could feel the darkness closing in around him.

@Ding Chengxin "You want to marry me?" Chengxin's few precious words brightened Linghe up immediately. He forgot his anger toward Shuxin and his frustration that the physician could not do more. Chengxin's admission filled his mind, echoing and bouncing all over. Linghe had made it clear he wanted to marry Chengxin and make him one of his wives, but to hear that Chengxin wanted the same nearly brought tears to Linghe's eyes. He knelt at the bedside again, grasping and Chengxin's hands. "Xiao Ding, as long as you want this, I'm going to make it happen. The next time I have an audience with the emperor, I will make it clear that having you as my wife is the only thing I want. I don't want any more land or treasures, I just want you."

@Zhang Linghe Chengxin was quiet and receptive to the physician's examination, but that was only because the old man had not tried something too invasive on him. Chengxin would've protested fervently if he was going to have to take medicine. The medicinal herbs weren't going to be much help for him for one, but he had also learned early on that for the sake of their health, humans could endure the most torturous sufferings, which included drinking bitter herbal tonics. When the physician left them, Chengxin continued to sulk before Linghe, soaking up all the younger's self-blame. Knowing how difficult it would be for Linghe to marry him officially, Chengxin played right into the act, shaking his head, "It's my fault Ah He...if only I didn't come from such an unclean background. I wish I could be like the jiejies and marry you so openly and rightfully, but...Xiao Ding doesn't even have a family to call my own, much less one with powers and riches. It couldn't be your fault Ah He, don't blame yourself."

@Ding Chengxin Linghe frowned. "Jingyi?" As she was only Linghe's second wife, she rarely dared to act out—at least, not as often as Shuxin did. Linghe was surprised to hear that she said something so vile about Chengxin, when Linghe had personally announced that Chengxin was to be treated with the utmost respect here. Perhaps they had misunderstood how important Chengxin was to Linghe, but now that Linghe had publicly backed Chengxin, there should be no more incidents in the future. "Don't worry, Xiao Ding. I—"

"General, Physician Lin is here."

Linghe pressed his lips in a thin line. "Come in."

The physician set to work immediately to inspect Chengxin's face and his knees. In the end, he informed Linghe that it was merely a superficial wound, and would heal within a few days with proper care. He cleaned up Chengxin's knees, applied salve to them, and bowed before heading out. Linghe sat at Chengxin's bedside with a sigh. "It's my fault. If I married you and gave you a proper title, you wouldn't be treated so unfairly."

@Zhang Linghe Chengxin kept quiet for heir entire walk back to his bedchambers. He fixated his gaze on the metal plates of Linghe's armor, following the outline of each plate that covered the general's , the scratch marks on it speaking volumes about his victories and tribulations on the battlefield. Once they were alone in his own room, Chengxin slowly released Linghe and looked at the young human's stony expression. Linghe was either very shallow or very devoted, seeing as he could push his wives aside for Chengxin's sake, but the smaller wasn't quite sure which it was yet. Chengxin was not the type to hold in his grievances, but he was also a fair fox spirit. He wanted to demand some justice for all those hearsayers that only painted his kind as conniving liars that caused calamity amongst mankind. So, he only shared the truth as it appeared to him, "Shuxin jiejie tripped me...and the other jiejie, not Jinmai jiejie, but the other one- she was saying that I'd get kicked out. And...they were shouting at me to get on my knees to pick up the mess," Chengxin said, wincing again to remind Linghe of the cuts on his leg.

@Ding Chengxin "Of course I haven't forgotten. And what of it? So what if you're a man?" Linghe's arms tightened around Chengxin, wanting the younger to feel secure. Did Chengxin bring up that he was a man because he was afraid Linghe wouldn't be strong enough to hold him. "I won't drop you," he promised, battling the urge to lean in and kiss Chengxin's red lips in hopes that it would lift his spirits. He began to walk in the direction of Chengxin's room, ignoring the splutters from Shuxin behind him. "From today onward, I don't want you to walk around until the cuts on your legs are healed," Linghe said, kicking open the door to the room. He laid Chegnxin down gently on his bed, as if he were a porcelain treasure that would break at the slightest touch. Kneeling at Chengxin's bedside, Linghe enveloped Chengxin's hand between his own. "What else did they do to you? I'll punish them for every infraction."

@Zhang Linghe Shuxin could've sworn that the teapot had smashed in front of Chengxin, so it didn't make sense to her that he had been injured on his knees. But the bloody cuts were right there, and no other incident could've caused the wound in this situation, and she was shocked into a gasping mess. In the meantime, Chengxin bit back his pride and allowed Linghe to carry him in his arms. He gripped the bigger male's robes, holding on and meekly looking at Linghe, "Ah He...I'm sure I could walk, it's just a cut," he reminded the younger, leaning in and whispering bashfully, "Did you forget I'm a man too?" To the servants around them though, seeing Chengxin securely held in Linghe's arms, his long hair cascading down his back and his pale white hands clinging onto their general's robes, it was no doubt that the servants were ready to run off and spread rumors the moment the couple was out of the main pavilion.

@Ding Chengxin At the slightest off-rhythm breath from Chengxin, Linghe panicked. "What is it?" he bent to check on Chengxin when the younger pulled his robe aside, his eyes clouding over when he saw the blood welling over the wounds on Chengxin's knees. He was going to teach Shuxin a lesson, and she seemed to know it too, from the sound of her whimpers behind him. For now, he lowered himself to tuck his arms beneath Chengxin's shoulders and his knees to heft him up. He carried Chengxin as easily as an empty sack, as if he could be carried away by a breeze of the gentle wind. "Hold on to me, Xiao Ding," he said softly. "Don't exert yourself."

@Zhang Linghe Chengxin had Shuxin right where he wanted her - cast aside and forgotten about. Linghe was being nicer to Chengxin than to his wives, which meant that Chengxin may have undermined the patience that he was being graced with. Perhaps leaving the manor wasn't going to be part of the plan for today - so he'd have to just play up the part of the bullied victim. As Linghe started to guide him back to his room, Chengxin deliberately took a small step forward and hissed out in pain. He gasped as he looked down at his robes, pulling the garment aside to reveal two bloodied cuts on his knee, as if it had been pierced by none other than the glass that Shuxin had forced him to break. Of course he wanted to save his energy, but using a small amount on an incantation to sell his aggrieved state was worth it in the end. He looked up at Linghe, wide eyed and helpless and he gave a lil moan in pain, "Ah He..." he called out, dropping his garment quickly, "I...I didn't know I was cut there."

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@Ding Chengxin All this over a broken teacup? Linghe's brows drew even closer, and he looked at Shuxin with a scowl. "Is that true? You tripped him?" Shuxin's head was bowed, and she couldn't meet Linghe's eyes. It was enough of an admission already, and even if she refused to admit it, there were plenty of others in the courtyard Linghe could expect an honest answer from. He would deal with her later. For now, he had to reassure the delicate beauty trembling in his hold. "Xiao Ding, don't apologize. You didn't break them on purpose. Let me see your face." He touched Chengxin beneath his chin gently, tilting his face up to inspect the red patch. "Come with me, back to your room." To the attendant in the courtyard, Linghe said, "Summon the physician to Xiao Ding's room. Get those women out of my sight. I don't want to see them leave their courtyards until I say so."

@Zhang Linghe If Chengxin was kicked out of the General's Residence (and he was really hoping he would be soon), then dealing with vermin like Yu Shuxin would've been no problem for him at all. He could handle the likes of her with a wave of his hand and she wouldn't have known what had hit her. But without the proper nutrition to sustain himself, he had to use his remaining storage of essence sparingly, saving it only for the right occasions. In her frenzy, Shuxin lashed out at him, which was to be expected. Chengxin backed away as she approached him, but after a few more moments, decided to receive the slap across his face with yet another glint in his eyes, staring her down without even a grunt in pain.

It was almost as if the heavens willed for this lowly human to attack a powerful spirit created by nature, as Linghe's voice made the entire world within the pavilion froze. Immediately, Chengxin recognized the opportunity to enact revenge. Even if he couldn't do it on the full scale that he normally would, this much was not bad either. At least he'd be able to leave the residence knowing that he had exposed and humiliated Shuxin. As Linghe made his way over, Chengxin muttered a small incantation and cast his glance downwards, all the way until the taller was standing before and stroking his cheek. Flinching upon being touched, Chengxin pulled away like an injured dog would and bit down on his lower lip, "I know I'm not fit to stay in your residence anymore Ah He! Shuxin jiejie asked me to serve tea to the jiejies, but she tripped me when I was walking around. I broke an important set of teacups from the empress...which I know is a grave mistake that I cannot atone for. I'm sorry Ah He..."