Memories

The Fox Empress

In the distance, Zhe Yan felt the arrivals he had been waiting for. 
Finally, now to the fun part, he thought.

We continue where we left off.

Mortal life was fleeting. In one immortal day, a year passed in the mortal realm. Most mortal craved to be immortal, but they did not know that immortality came at a price. If one was not careful, one might lose one's interest in life.

But to Zhe Yan, compared to an immortal life, the shortness of a mortal life shone more brilliantly. So even though it was a difficult feat – especially considering his age – Zhe Yan's interest in life and all aspects of it was very much intact. That's why he always appreciated those little sparks of life – be it sadness or happiness – that made his long life worthwhile.

In line with his plan, three figures were approaching in haste steps. The Fox Emperor, the Fox Empress, and Bai Zhen – almost half of the Fox Tribe – were all present. All there of them stopped advancing when their eyes fell upon the sight of the little family, lost in their own bliss, talking softly to one another, constantly touching, forever grateful to be reunited again. Ye Hua was now holding Little Dragon in his arms and Bai Qian hands were branding possessions on her two dragons.

If looks could kill though, Crown Prince Ye Hua would be dead by now. It was a good thing that Zhe Yan had came to Qing Qiu and explained things in detail, despite Little Five's insistence that he shouldn't say anything to her family, yet.

Feeling obliged to make them aware of each other's presence – especially since he was the reason they were all there – Zhe Yan announced, matter-of-factly, in a loud cheerful voice, "Ah, you are all finally here!"

That remark was followed by several things at once.

Ye Hua and Bai Qian faced the oncoming visitors and thus revealing the little baby dragon in Ye Hua's arms. The murderous look in their eyes that were focused on Ye Hua turned to the little baby and changed instantly.

But it was Bai Qian who surprisingly roared, "Zhe Yan!" Her eyes widen in disbelief. She stepped forward, unknowingly shielded Ye Hua from her parents.

"Aiya," answered Zhe Yan, "how could I not inform your family that you are back? They have been worried sick thinking about you. If they know that I knew and didn't inform them right away, they would have skinned me alive, throw salt on my wound, and you know it!" he yelled dramatically.

Standing besides his mother, Bai Zhen hid an amused smile. Zhe Yan and his theatrics never fail to amuse him.

Calmly, Zhe Yan sipped another cup of wine and continued, "plus, if I haven't talked to them beforehand, do you think the Crown Prince would've remained standing unharmed like that? If I left it to you to explain things to them, they would've misunderstood everything and where would we be then?"

Even knowing that there was truth to his reasoning, Bai Qian still continued to give Zhe Yan the stink eyes.

Bai Zhen felt the need to intervene and stepped forward. "Little Five, we were all beside ourselves with worry since you've been gone. That includes Zhe Yan. He came to Qing Qiu that night after he went to the Nine Heavens. He told us everything. Father was ready for war by the time Zhe Yan has finished. It took the two of us to restrain Father just for him to listen to Zhe Yan's plan. You know that whatever Zhe Yan did, he did it for you, right?"

Feeling somewhat chastised, Bai Qian gave a little nod. She did know that. Plus she also felt some relief she didn't have to re-tell everything to her family. She eyed Zhe Yan with remorse. He sighed in acknowledgement.

"Little Five," Zhe Yan added, "Su Su was alone. You are not. We are all here to remind you of that fact..."

She nodded again. This time with a smile in his direction. Zhe Yan smiled back and started summoning more cushions for them all. Might as well get comfortable, they had a lot to talk about.