Hexin

@Zhang Linghe Rather than answer Linghe verbally, Chengxin deliberately wrapped his hand around the bigger's wrist, holding it in place before Linghe could go any further in disrobing him. If he wanted to make things harder for the general, then Chengxin could've even more boldly demand that he be made the principle wife, since that was often the second most powerful position in the household after Linghe himself. "Well, I suppose if I were married to you, Ah He, then I wouldn't be so against it." Chengxin redirected Linghe's wrist and he gently pulled it up over his shoulder, keeping it there instead. "Good night Ah He, sleep well." he said, closing his eyes so Linghe knew there was no other room to talk about anything else.

Just as Chengxin had suspected though, Linghe's wives wouldn't stay still for long after realizing how little attention they were getting compared to Chengxin, even when combined. Shuxin was clearly the most disapproving of Chengxin, and soon she had set her first plans of running him out of the manor into action. While Linghe was out, she had summoned Chengxin to have tea with his 'sisters', to which there was little room for him to refuse. So, he showed up, only for her to order him to serve tea to the three of them hand and foot.

@Ding Chengxin Linghe's eyes sparkled beneath the dim light. Was that what Chengxin wanted? After badgering Chengxin for days, was this what Chengxin had been hoping for all along? Linghe would be lying if he said that he didn't think about it at all, but he was afraid that it might have been too direct, given how he had never really courted Chengxin—only plucked him from his teahouse. "Your feelings, Xiao Ding? Are those your feelings? You want to be wed?" Of course, there would be some difficulties, but considering how favoured he was by the emperor amongst all the other captains and generals within the imperial army, Linghe would be bold enough to ask. "Then, the next time I have an audience with the emperor, I'll ask his permission. When you become my concubine, will you let me..." Linghe's hands pushed inside the layer's of Chengxin's robes again, as if he could talk his way into bedding Chengxin right now.

@Zhang Linghe Just as Chengxin suspected, Linghe wanted to go beyond kissing. It wasn't unusual for humans to express their desires, Chengxin learned, but he still wanted no part of that. There was no point in exposing his carefully crafted human skin if there was no gain in it for him. As the days passed, Linghe got even more persistent, and Chengxin knew there wasn't much more he could do to avoid when Linghe finally asked him directly. There had to be something that would keep them separated for a while longer. Chengxin remembered hearing Shuxin mention in passing before about how he was not officially Linghe's concubine by imperial decree, which meant he was at the same level as the servants of the household by title, possibly even lower due to his unclean background. It would be hard for Linghe to 'marry him', even if he willed it, due to his high position and blood relation to the emperor. That was the only act that made sense in this situation so as he laid in bed beside Linghe, Chengxin pursed his lips and pouted, shoving at the bigger's chest, "How could you just bed me, Ah He? I'm not even your concubine, at the very least. Where is your propriety? You didn't even consider my feelings!"

@Ding Chengxin Out of all his wives, Chengxin was the one who greeted Linghe the most enthusiastically. Although it had only been a short amount time since Chengxin began to stay with them, he settled into their family and the manor quickly and naturally, as if he had been here all along. With Chengxin showering Linghe in so much attention, Linghe did not care nor want to spend time with the others. He knew it was improper, and should they complain to their families word would get out into the capital sooner or later, but Linghe just did not care. Chengxin filled his heart, and every kiss left him breathless and yearning for more—a sensation none of Linghe's wives had ever been able to give him. His only complaint was Chengxin refused to do more than kiss. "What will it take for you to allow me to bed you?" Linghe asked aloud one night, while they laid together in bed, Chengxin nestled against his arms. "Tell me. Every time, you rebuke me. It's beginning to hurt my pride, Xiao Ding."

@Zhang Linghe A week or so of moving into Linghe's residence later, Chengxin was having a very striking realization hit him as he wandered aimlessly around the garden in front of his bedchambers. It was hard to find time to sneak out in the day time, since Linghe, that overthinker, had assigned a personal bodyguard to Chengxin just as he said he would! Qin Xiaoxian, or Lao Qin, as Chengxin had started to call him, followed him everywhere! And if it wasn't Lao Qin, then Linghe would return at night to have dinner and go to bed with him! There were practically eyes on him at all times! Chengxin had felt his body getting a little weaker each day without a reliable source of energy, hence he had succumbed to his last resort: kissing Linghe as much and as often as he could. Through their connected lips, he was able to gather a little more essence to keep himself going on the daily.

@Ding Chengxin Chengxin was too innocent, and so demurely polite, too. In the beginning, Shuxin was similar, but she had grown complacent and become more of a brat. Linghe's heart was impossibly stuffed with affection for Chengxin, and he tightened his arms and trailed his kisses down to the space between Chengxin's brows, to the tip of his nose, then lightly over his lips. "After morning court tomorrow, I'll come back to take you out," Linghe promised. "Eat a light breakfast if you wake early." He considered reaching for Chengxin's sash again, but since it had been truly a long night, and Chengxin had already rebuked him once during his bath, Linghe thought better of it and simply settled his hand against the dip of Chengxin's lower back. "Have a good night."

@Zhang Linghe Linghe may be clingy, but at least he was genuinely devoted. Chengxin watched as the bigger so tenderly removed the boots from Chengxin’s feet, holding them as if they were a delicate treasure that had to be protected. Placated by that first action, Chengxin allowed the younger to share the same bed with him, putting off another excuse that was brewing in the back of his mind to keep a distance between them. Linghe started off very tame, and Chengxin almost began complaining again at the kiss to his forehead, since a gesture like that was useless in his eyes. There was no way for his to absorb any of Linghe’s yang essence. Chengxin hummed noncommittally at Linghe’s question. “Market? Mm…I don’t think so. Xiao Ding has never been allowed to go past the city gates,” he told LInghe, which also would aid in his own alibi of being innocent, since many of the men whose hearts he’d eaten were found dead just outside of the gates. “That sounds very nice Ah He, I’d love to go with you.” he said sweetly, wanting to captivate and enthrall Linghe utterly.

@Ding Chengxin Delighted with the invitation, Linghe nodded his agreement. He brought Chengxin to the bed, ushering him to sit first so Linghe could personally kneel and remove his boots. "Xiao Ding, sleep on the inside," he said to Chengxin, just as their arrangement had been in the teahouse. He removed his own boots, leaving them in a neat pile at the foot of the bed, and slipped beneath the covers with Chengxin. Reaching for the younger, Linghe grinned as he pressed a kiss to Chengxin's forehead. It was only beginning to sink in now that Chengxin wholly and truly belonged to him. He would no longer have to share with the teahouse's other patrons. "Have you been to the market near the palace? I want to take you there sometime this week."

@Zhang Linghe If it was going to happen, then Chengxin hoped it would happen soon. At least that way he would be able to deal with anyone who got in his way without the worries of pretenses. From the look in Linghe's eyes, Chengxin already knew with utmost certainty that the general would take his word no matter what he said anyways. And if there was even a sliver of doubt, a little spell would surely do the trick. "Mm, please do," he said with a little smile, telling Linghe that he was convinced. Chengxin felt Linghe's warm lips against his cooled hand, and it made him wonder why some humans were so warm, while others were so cold. He'd have to figure that out without asking though, since he didn't want Linghe to get any funny ideas. "Ah He, let's rest. It's late," he decided, hoping that by making his way towards the bed, Linghe would excuse himself.

@Ding Chengxin Linghe’s heart stuttered when Chengxin seemed to cling to him, as though he was upset Linghe was leaving him. Linghe brought it up to his lips, pressing his lips against the soft skin of Chengxin’s palm. “When His Majesty requests it, I may have to travel to the other counties to check on the people. If there is trouble at the borders, I may have to quell it. Not right now, but it may happen in the near future.” He flipped Chengxin’s hand over and kissed his knuckles, one by one. “Xiao Ding, you mustn’t worry. I will always come back safely to you.”

@Zhang Linghe Chengxin wanted to assert that it would already be a miracle in of itself if Shuxin were to leave him alone, much less actually take care of him. He could already tell that she was not going to let him off so easily, especially because she was so sure he had nothing to his name. Hearing that Linghe might not be around often gave Chengxin a little hope that at least the freedom he had been yearning for himself would finally be near. He could go hunting to his heart's desire. "Where do you have to go?" he asked, his fingers curling against Linghe's hand, as if he were clinging on, "So soon?"

@Ding Chengxin Linghe was quite horrified to hear Chengxin had already picked up on Shuxin's tendencies already. Linghe was quite aware of them—his wives were already jealous of each other at times. How could they handle the arrival of a fourth, and the only boy at that? A boy who came from no money nor even a known background, yet threatened their position within the household. If Linghe had somehow prepared for Chengxin's arrival, it might have been easier for Chengxin. "Xiao Ding, please don't worry," he said, stroking the back of Chengxin's hand, desperate to reassure his newest prize. "As long as you are here, I will protect you. Shuxin can be like that, but she'll take good care of you. I promise. I'll also assign some servants to take care of you when I'm away. Please don't be sad."

@Zhang Linghe Linghe was so persistent that Chengxin could only rub his eyes and pretend that sleepiness was taking over him, "I like it, Ah He," he hummed in response, "But Xiao Ding worries that there are people here who don't like me already..." he pursed his lips, deciding to use this opportunity to stir up some trouble while also prolonging their time away from the bed, "Don't you feel that one of your wives..." he frowned as he said it, clearly displaying his displeasure that Linghe was married in the first place, "Mm...don't you feel she doesn't like me? At dinner, I felt it was so blatantly obvious, so I felt sad."

@Ding Chengxin Linghe was expecting Chengxin to head toward the bed, but instead, he sat down at the tea table. Linghe followed Chengxin, taking a seat beside him and picking up his hand again. He had originally wanted to ask if Chengxin knew what was coming next, but it almost seemed like he /did/ know, and he was avoiding nearing the bed now. "I..." He hurried to think of another question in its place, his eyes drifting subconsciously to Chengxin's chest and then his tiny waist. "I was just wondering how you are liking it here so far," he said in the end.

@Zhang Linghe That Linghe sure could be clingy. When Linghe had told Chengxin that he was going to have his own quarters, the younger assumed that meant he wouldn't have to share it with anyone, not even Linghe. However, it was too late to just close the doors and call it a night on Linghe, since the general had already followed him inside. The grin on Linghe's face was very much similar to the one he had when he had first stayed in Xiao Ding's personal quarters at the Teahouse that first night. Keeping himself robed and letting the sash around his waist stay snug around him, Chengxin steered away from the bed, settling by the tea table instead. "Mm...a little, what is it you wanted to ask Ah He?" he asked, keeping his eyes trained on Linghe so that the other wouldn't do something unusual.

@Ding Chengxin Linghe followed Chengxin's gaze to the bedroom, and a slow smile spread across his lips. "It is," he said, rising first to offer Chengxin his hand. Perhaps Chengxin was finally realizing what he should be doing to show Linghe his gratitude. Even if they didn't go all the way tonight, Linghe still expected something. He led Chengxin back to his quarters, walking slowly to let Chengxin take in the route, and once they were inside, Linghe shut the door behind him. He turned to face Chengxin with a smile, approaching him as though one would approach a wild animal. "Xiao Ding, are you tired? I wanted to ask you something."

@Zhang Linghe Linghe sure was good at promising Chengxin a lavish future, though Chengxin wasn’t sure how much he believed the general who kept the knowledge of having three wives at home while continuously visiting the teahouse for Chengxin yet. “Curious about?” Chengxin asked, blinking his large eyes slowly, as if he had heard something foreign. As a supernatural being, what was there for him to be curious about? He supposed that if there was something, he wanted to learn what it meant to be human, and how these creatures could be so happy despite having so much turmoil and angst in their short-lived lives. But of course, Chengxin couldn’t just confide all of that to Linghe, so he smiled and shrugged after a while, “Perhaps…Xiao Ding would like to see more of the world. I don’t remember much about myself, but maybe I’ll learn more if I get to see what’s beyond the capital…” When Linghe offered to call someone, Chengxin decided he didn’t want any more touching from someone else, so he yawned. “No…it’s alright. I want to sleep with my hair down for once.” He looked back at the entrance to his bedchambers, “Ah He?” he asked, “Is it almost time to rest?”

@Ding Chengxin "You don't have to survive anymore," Linghe said, taking Chengxin's hair in his hands again when the younger turned back around. His heart fluttered each time Chengxin called his name, and Linghe yearend to hear those words spill from Chengxin with a moan, while they were tangled together in bed. "When you're here with me, you can spend your days doing anything you like. Is there anything you've been curious about before, Xiao Ding?" Linghe smiled when Chengxin admitted Linghe was the first to brush his hair. It gave him some sort of hope that maybe—just maybe, he could claim more of Chengxin's other firsts, too. "I'm afraid I don't know how to braid your hair the way you have it in the teahouse," Linghe admitted, setting the comb down once the hair was smoothed out. "Shall I call for someone?"

@Zhang Linghe Chengxin smiled wryly back at Linghe amidst having his hair groomed. This youngster had no clue that Chengxin was the ancestor of his ancestors, and yet he was so convinced that he was the older one in the relationship. It didn't hurt for Linghe to think that way though, since that would mean that Chengxin could chalk any questions up to his youthful naivete. "Ah He~" he tried again, this time trying to lighten the tone even more when he saw how it made Linghe beam, "I've always been the bold type. That's the only way to survive in the Teahouse." Chengxin turned back around, wanting his hair to be tied up before the night was over. "It feels nice," Chengxin admitted, though how much of it was real and fake was hard to distinguish, "Nobody's ever brushed my hair like this before..."

@Ding Chengxin Knowing Chengxin had gone on with his shower, Linghe had a servant bring over a small table of grooming tools for Linghe to play with Chengxin's hair with. He had never groomed anyone, of course, but he had seen enough to be confident that he could do it. Sitting beside Chengxin, Linghe pulled all of Chengxin's hair behind his shoulders, running his hand through them once before beginning to comb each section gently. Even damp, it was soft and fluid as newly-spun silk. He intended on letting Chengxin enjoy the evening in quiet, but to his surprise, Chengxin spoke up on his own accord. Linghe's hands stilled over Chengxin's hair, and his lips twitched at the corners before he guided Chegnxin by his shoulders to face Linghe. "Of course you may," he said, tucking his finger beneath Chengxin's jaw and thumbing over it. His smile widened slightly. "You're younger than me, but you're bold. You can call me whatever pleases you in the future."

@Zhang Linghe One small tug from Linghe had Chengxin's original robes falling off his head, revealing his long and wet hair, freshly washed and still slightly dripping with water. "Xiao Ding didn't want to keep you waiting," he said, concocting a random excuse that sounded somewhat believable. There was a light breeze in the air, which would help his hair dry, so Chengxin nodded and agreed to sitting with Linghe for a while. Not wanting to get his new robes dirty, he picked up his fallen outer robe off the ground and draped it over the porcelain bench that was just under the tree before sitting down on it. His hands were folded demurely over his lap as he looked up at the clear night sky. The skies were all he'd ever looked up to when he was cultivating in the Forbidden Forest, but now it felt like he had not seen it in such a long time. "Mm...Ah He," he finally called Linghe, trying out a new name that was a little more intimate, "Can Xiao Ding call you that? Is it too imposing, sir?"

@Ding Chengxin Watching Chengxin bathe, Linghe could completely understand Niulang and why he was watching all those heavenly maidens bathe. He simply could not tear his eyes away, saliva pooling in his mouth and his manhood twitching beneath his robes whenever he got a glimpse of Chengxin's snow-white skin. He did not know how long he stood there, but he stood for as long as he could, and when Chengxin rose and began to dress, Linghe hurried to retreat to the courtyard, standing nonchalantly beneath the large plum blossom tree when Chengxin approached him. He looked only when Chengxin called for him, as if he was pulled from deep thoughts. "Oh. That was fast." He picked up Chengxin's hands, pulling him to stand close again. "The night sky is clear. Would you sit with me for a while?"

@Zhang Linghe With the warm water keeping him rooted in the basin, Chengxin slowly worked through his long hair with the aid of a bar of floral-scented soap that had been left on the side of the basin. He continued to rinse the rest of his body, and only had thoughts of getting out of the water when it began to noticeably cool. Once he had finished, he stepped out of the tub and changed into the set of new robes that Linghe had prepared for him. They were a little loose, but that was no matter, as he fastened the sash a little tighter over his waist. Wringing his hair dry into the basin, Chengxin combed his fingers through the straight locks, leaving them to dry on their own. Linghe would be waiting for him though, so after another thought, he took his own robes off the screen and covered his head with them, stepping out to look around the pavilion. "Sir?" he called out, seeing Linghe standing under a plum blossom tree, seemingly waiting for him. "I've finished."

@Ding Chengxin Chengxin was probably expecting Linghe to retreat completely, but Linghe merely slid the door shut with just a crack and lingered outside the room. As soon as he heard the ripple of the bath water's surface breaking and its splash against the side of the tub, Linghe squeezed into the room again, standing just against the privacy screen to so he could get a glimpse of Chengxin through the gap. It was too much for Chengxin to expect Linghe to behave—no, this is Linghe's right! He paid a good amount for Chengxin, he should be able to do what he liked. In return, Chengxin should be grateful that Linghe saved him from a life of servitude. He pressed up against the screen, his breath hitching when he caught a glimpse of Chengxin's milky shoulders. Unfortunately, Chengxin sat in the tub with his back toward Linghe, so there wasn't much for Linghe to see, but in the end, it was better than nothing.

@Zhang Linghe "Mm, I'll call if I need help, sir," Chengxin hummed, dipping his head until Linghe left the room. He checked to make sure that the older was truly outside before he whipped around and went behind the folding screen to disrobe. Chengxin had perfected his human mask from head to toe in his cultivation, but he didn't want any opportunities for doubt to arise in other's eyes, so he always bathed on his own. Once he slipped off the many layers of robes and hung them over the screen, he undid his hair and put the hairpin on the little table before entering the perfectly hot water in the basin. He sunk into the bath and let his hair fall into the tub of water, splashing at the rose petals that floated at the top while he closed his eyes to recuperate after such a wild ride to the general's residence.

@Ding Chengxin Linghe was baffled. Now that Chengxin belonged to him—to his household—was there really a need for Chengxin to continue pretending he was prude? Linghe had been hoping Chengxin realized he could open up now, but he supposed Chengxin might actually be feeling shy in a new environment. "Fine..." He lowered his hands, even if they were still itching to just disregard Chengxin's words and tear everything off his body, and took a hesitant step back toward the door. "Call for me if you need anything. I'll wait for you to finish." Linghe was not, of course, going to let Chengxin go to sleep without Linghe getting well-deserved attention.

@Zhang Linghe Linghe had been rather meticulous in planning to help Chengxin get settled in at his residence. Chengxin was surprised to find that there was already hot water waiting for him to soak in, filled almost to the brim of the wooden bathing basin. It tempted him, as he wanted nothing but a long wash to soothe his tight muscles after riding on top of the horse earlier. Chengxin took a moment to take in the wash room, then turned to Linghe and gasped as the bigger male took a step in him right at that moment, "Oh!" he gasped, holding a hand out unconsciously, "It's alright, Xiao Ding can do it myself," he quickly said to Linghe, setting a boundary between them. For goodness sake, Linghe had only just brought him home today! Chengxin would have to keep this man at bay, "Xiao Ding comes from a lowly status and background...it would be improper for you to help me sir. Please, wait for me outside." To sell his story even better, he made a blush appear on his cheeks, and he looked shyly away from Linghe's gaze.

@Ding Chengxin Linghe's demeanour had changed completely from when he was talking to Shuxin. His features softened, and he led Chengxin to his bath. "Of course. I figured you would want to bathe before bed, anyway. The bath is ready for you. There is a clean set of robes for you to sleep in." The servant who had been maintaining the temperature of the bath bowed before heading out—although his wives enjoyed bathing with assistance, Linghe didn't want anyone else to see Chengxin's bare body before Linghe even got a turn. He lingered for a moment more, and when Chengxin didn't immediately start undressing, Linghe started toward him. "Let me help you."

@Zhang Linghe Chengxin held back his smug smile at his first of many small victories against such an insufferable woman. He could tell when someone was not fond of him, which only meant that he had no need to try and appease them. Linghe was quick to scold her, which had never once happened to Chengxin in the many evenings that Linghe had come to visit him. Perhaps this was the side of the general that his soldiers and enemies saw on the battlefield. Chengxin was much more used to the words that followed after, and he dipped his head in acknowledgement as he rose behind Linghe to follow him out of the dining pavilion. They were headed back to his personal quarters again. "Sir," Chengxin called out, gesturing to his robes, where a little stain had suddenly appeared, "I got a little soup on my sleeves. Xiao Ding would like to wash up and change, if that's alright."

@Ding Chengxin Shuxin's scream disturbed the peace in the open dining pavilion and sent a jolt through Linghe's head, as if lightning had struck it. His eyes immediately narrowed in her direction. She had soup down the front of her robes, and she was picking at the gauzy material as thought she could strain the soup out of it on the spot. "You are really clumsy," Linghe snapped, placing a hand over Chengxin's, in case he was startled by the shriek as well. "Making so much noise, wailing like a demon; have you no shame?" Shuxin immediately stilled, even if the soup drenching her robes was burning her thighs. She murmured an apology with her head bowed, but it was too late. "Xiao Ding, come with me. I've lost my appetite."