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hulijingemperor2 · 11 days ago

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YaoJiu🌟💗

Jing Manor 📍

Shen Jiu: I'm going to steal your emperor

Xue yang: I don't think Jiggy wants to be stolen dude.

Su she: and that's treasonous of you!

Mo xuanyu: arrest him for stealing my Yao gege!

Yao: ah, but Shanshan is right, lord Shen. Stealing me is quite treasonous.

Shen Jiu: well I have achieved my goal. *blows kiss*

Yao: where are you taking me?

Shen Jiu: *opens fan* on a date, in cang qiong. Away from distractions, such as imperial court, palace etiquette, and team dimple.

Mo xuanyu: you can't do that, Shen Jiu!

Shen Jiu: of course I can. A concubine must love and worship their Huangdi. If they have a sect of their own, then it's chivalrous etiquette to invite their Huangdi there. Come on team dimple.

Yao Huangdi, if someone ever ask you why chivalry is dead, tell them team dimple killed it.

Su she: Shen Jiu, you don't need to teach us anything. Plus I carry Huangdi to my sect.

Shen Jiu: so you're the only one who can do it?

Xue yang: well according to team dimple~

Shen Jiu: save it for later.

Yao Huangdi. *kisses his hand* would you do the honours in coming to cang qiong with me.

Yao: it would be a pleasure, Shen Jiu. I would love to.

Mo xuanyu: now what's are we supposed to do when Yao gege isn't here.

Xue yang: this cucumber guy is worst than Lan lips.

Su she: he's like the Lan zhan of the harem.

Shen Jiu: Lan zhan? Ew, really?

Xue yang: dude do you even like anyone?

Shen Jiu: Huangdi.

Su she: hating Lan zhan is very valid.

Shen Jiu: goddess Meng despises him. We used to trash talk him over tea. Taihou is fun to hang out with.

Huangdi, shall we? I have already organized a carriage.

Yao: certainly. Xiying, Fuying, please get my things.

Xiying: right away, Huangdi.

Su she: how long were you planning to take Huangdi away from us.

Shen Jiu: since I became a concubine, Shanshan.

And relax. Huangdi will be back on Tuesday.

I'm gonna have Yao Huangdi all to myself!!!!

Ehem *opens fan, trying to return to his calm composure* Goodness, I'm starting to sound like Binghe.

Team dimple: *sizzling with jealousy*

Shen Jiu: team d, would you do me a favour.

Su she: no.

Mo xuanyu: why would we.

Xue yang: just poison me already.

Shen Jiu: I found this weird creature around Qing Jing peak. And I don't want it around Yao Huangdi.

So can you babysit it for me?

His name is Skinzun.

Mingfan enters carrying a box with a weird hairless cat, with the face and hair of Shen Jiu.

Shen Jiu: I don't know if he may steal my identity or cuddle with Huangdi, so it's better to get him a babysitter.

Shen Jiu: hii Skinzun, how are you?

Oh right, I forgot I got to bow to him and offer him treats.

I don't have any treats, SKINZUN!

Ugh, cats these days.

Mo xuanyu: *terrified* omg kill it!! That's an abomination!!!

Shen Jiu: you can't kill it! He has my face!

Su she: you want us to babysit that ugly thing.

Xue yang: no way! Plus Huaisang may kill it.

Shen Jiu: no one's gonna kill Skinzun, ok!

And I'll have Shen Yuan spy on you.

Mo xuanyu: then let Shen Yuan babysit that thing.

Shen Jiu: he hates Shen Yuan. And he's already upset that Mingfan put him in a box.

Yao: so he's your pet. How cute.

And why does he look like you?

Shen Jiu: yep. And I don't really know. He just appeared out of the bushes one day, and everyone started calling him Skinzun.

He's a big identity thief.

Yao: an excellent one too.

Shen Jiu: team dimple. I have a list of things you should know about Skinzun.

He only eats organic food, well cooked fish and sushi. He drinks green tea, almond milk and alkaline Springwater. He hates baths, he loves fluffy pillows and perfume. If you don't smell sweet, he will run away from you. His hair must be brushed and perfumed again. Lastly, if he's angry, he can and will scrape you. Anything you do, don't wake him up or call him ugly.

And he loves massages.

Skinzun kind of has a God complex, but you'll be fine.

Xue yang: what if we let him go stray.

Shen Jiu: then he'll come back, and demand to be taken care of. He knows that I asked you to catsit so.

I just know that this psychopath will cuddle with Huangdi and attack me.

Skinzun: *smirks, and winks at Ayao*

Shen Jiu: bad Skinzun! Don't wink at the emperor.

Anyways, ta-ta.

Yao: see you you three soon. Don't cause any chaos ok.

*strokes the cat's back* bye Skinzun, cutie.

Skinzun: *purrs, then tries to hug Ayaos hand*

Yao: *laughing* oh my goodness!

Shen Jiu: you better let go, Skinzun. I'm warning you! I won't give you almond milk anymore, then you have to deal with your sinuses all by yourself.

Shinzun: *lets go*

~~~

Cang qiong sect 📍

Via carriage, Shen Jiu and Yao Huangdi have almost arrived to the mountainous cang qiong sect. For now, all the fox emperor can do is take in the Jianghu's landscapes, which was different to what he was accustomed to.

And representing his hulijing empire, he had his fox features out.

Guangyao was always keen on details, and learning things with one glimpse, hence it was easy for him to see the differences and similarities of the two Jianghus.

People in turn, who got a glimpse of the beautiful emperor, bow their heads when he passed.

Yao: A-Song and A-Bao were correct. Your Jianghu is absolutely magnificent and breathtaking.

One of a kind.

Shen Jiu: thank you. And I'm so glad the the Qing Jing peak is a part of your empire.

Yao: happy to have you.

Shen Jiu: You have met Yue Qingyuan before, right? You got to meet him.

Yao: ah yes, during the sect banquet. He was your guest of honour.

The Qiong Ding sect leader.

Shen Jiu: correct as always, Huangdi. He's like our Xiandu. We don't really use that term though.

I really want you two to form alliances.

It will be good for both our worlds, and not only Qing Jing.

Yao: brilliant. But that's for your Xiandu to decide.

Shen Jiu: yep.

*grabs hand* Huangdi. *caresses face* I really can't wait to kiss your body.

Yao: *blushing* Lord Shen. You're making me nervous.

Shen Jiu: all these foreign dignitaries you meet, doesn't make you nervous? But just a little wish from me do?

Yao: because you say the most scandalous things sometimes.

Shen Jiu: but you're so hot.

It makes me want to just hold you captive for myself.

You can still be an emperor, in my bedroom.

Yao: dear. *lifts chin* holding thr emperor hostage is highly illegal.

Shen Jiu: I don't have a problem being a villain.

*opens fan and kisses him deeply*

Yao: *red* Shen Jiu.

Shen Jiu: you're so cute when you blush! *squishes dimple*

Huangdi, what's your relation with the Huan Hua sect?

Yao: they are from old nobility, and connected to the Jin sect. But that was over aeons ago.

Shen Jiu: oh interesting. And I don't think they remember their history.

Shen Jiu: here we are! The can qiong peak.

As expected, the mountainous peaks were decorated with houses and sect palaces, as well as certain glowing herbs. The streets were just bustling with members from different clans and peaks.

Yao: so what's the difference between a sect and a peak?

Shen Jiu: we're our own organization of clans, that come together for the common good of the Jianghu.

Yao: I admire that structure. Everyone working together, with their assigned tasks.

In my Jianghu, the clan leaders would do the same, but they focus more on their sect affairs.

Shen Jiu: *helps him out of the carriage*

Yao: thank you, dear.

~~~

Furthermore~

Yue Qingyuan: *bows* greetings Huangdi.

Welcome to camg qiong peak.

Yao: pleasure to meet you.

Yue Qingyuan: I'm so happy to have you here, Huangdi. Some weeks ago, I met your sons and nephew. They have the same regal aura.

Yao: that's so good to hear. I knew that Xiandu would be fond of them. May I call you xiandu?

Yue Qingyuan: call me anything you like.

Yao: thank you for the privilege.

Xiandu, would you care to tell me about your peaks structure.

Yue Qingyuan: of course.

The An Ding peak is for logistics and the maintenance of the clan. The peak lord is Shang Qinghua.

Yao: ohh. He's that guy who accompanied Binghe.

Binghe had recently wreaked havoc in my empire.

Yue Qingyuan: Huangdi, I'm so so so sorry to hear that! How disrespectful.

But don't worry, Binghe won't trouble you and Qingqiu.

Plus Shang Qinghua is a little weasel, basically.

Yao: mn..

Yue Qingyuan: we have militaria, which is the Bai zhan peak, and Ascetic like sect called the Ku Xing Peak.

Shen Jiu: aka, the worst sect for me. I could never.

Yue Qingyuan: Qian Cao, the medicinal peak.

The Xian shu peak is a females only peak.

Yao: delightful. How interesting.

So cang qiong is its own community.

Yue Qingyuan: correct. And my personal peak is the Qiong Ding peak.

Now how is your imperial structure, Huangdi?

Yao: as for the fox spirits, we have countless realms. Some where only hulijings can access and inhabit, and some where hulijings and cultivators reside.

Korea, Donggying and the Xianzhou Allince are a part of the empire too. Once you're a hulijing basically.

Then the fox spirit society have their own lords, minor rulers, clan leaders and representatives under me.

On the other side, there's the Jianghu of clan leaders. When I was Xiandu, I asked if they wanted to join and they agreed. Now hulijings have proper protection within the Jianghu part of the empire.

I put Su Minshan as my Xiandu, when I decided to be Huangdi full time.

Yue Qingyuan: that's a very intricate system, Huangdi. And must be the most beautiful.

Yao: it is.

And I'm happy to be their Huangdi.

Yue Qingyuan: I remember meeting Minshan. He's a intellectual and quite loyal guy. I don't know why people hate him so much.

Yao: the evils of the Jianghu again. Some clans want their subordinates to be dependant on them all the time, and take their abuse.

Starting your own sect and being your own sect leader should be celebrated.

Yue Qingyuan: you're so right!

You seem like a progressive emperor, who broke all norms.

Yao: there were a lot of things that definitely needed changing.

Yue Qingyuan: I admire you, Huangdi. And thank you for visiting.

I hope you enjoy your stay.

Yao: thank you Xiandu.

Xiandu, you know it would be delightful to form an alliance with you.

Yue Qingyuan: I would be honoured, and Qingqiu already your concubine.

Yao Huangdi, if you need anything, we'll definitely assist you.

Yao: lovely. And we'll return the favor.

~~~

After their chat with Qingyuan, they headed to the Qing Jing peak, where Yao Huangdi was wholeheartedly welcomed by kowtowing clan members.

Clan members: *admiring him* Huangdi is really beautiful.

Taizi looks just like Huangdi.

And San Dianxia too.

They say that all Mengs are beautiful, and capable of seducing you with their dimples.

Ahhh, But Huangdi has really deep dimples.

He's gorgeous.

Shen Jiu: you all got to serve Yao Huangdi, ok.

Mingfan, is my room ready? I want Huangdi to stay with me.

If Huangdi would like?

Yao: I don't have a problem.

Shen Jiu: wait, I have a better plan. I'll give you a royal suite with your own devoted staff, who won't let you lift a finger. You are the emperor after all.

Yao: that sounds fine too.

Shen Jiu: but. You got to spend most of your time with me.

Yao: *laughing* definitely, Shen Jiu. Don't worry. I'll get familiar with my gifted staff tomorrow then.

Shen Jiu: mhm.

In the meantime, I don't want anyone to disturb me. If you do, I'll shave your heads and send you to the Ku Xing Peak.

~~~

Later, in Shen Jiu' private quarters, shen Jiu gracefully too advantage of the emperor.

Shen Jiu: *kisses Ayao's body*

Yao: *kisses him in return, while brushing his hands against his thighs.

Shen Jiu: Huangdi you're mine. *feasts on his dimple and kisses his hands and hips*

Yao: mmm. Kiss me some more.

Shen Jiu: you're my muse! And why is your skin so sweet?

Yao: ahaha, that's a secret. A meng secret.

Shen Jiu: would you share it with me?

Yao: no.

How am I supposed to be mysterious?

Shen Jiu: touche, Huangdi.

I love you so much.

Yao: oh you do!

Shen Jiu: hmm. How about we get rid of team dimple and the rest of harem members.

You me and Qin Su can rule together.

Yao: Lord shen, I can't do that to my concubines. And especially team dimple. They were with me through and through.

Shen Jiu: understood. *kisses*

Yao: *tops him*

Shen Jiu: *caresses hair and cheeks* such a little hottie are you. *then goes to fondle his lips, but Ayao bit his finger*

Shen Jiu: ouch! Huangdi.

Yao: *lifts chin* I gave you the privilege of taking advantage of me, for too long.

Shen Jiu: oh my goodness! How fiery! Nah, no one deserves you. Only I do.

Like you're too hot to be shared.

Yao: *laughing*

Shen Jiu: the hulijings have a gorgeous emperor. And I want him to destroy me.

Yao: I'll gladly destroy you.

*sticks one of his fox tails in Shen Jiu's mouth.*

Shen Jiu: *coughing in pleasure*

Yao: *takes it out*

Shen Jiu: ah Huangdi! That floof of yours taste sweet too.

Yao: *leans in some more, and pecks his shoulder*

Shen Jiu: *brushes his fingers through Ayao's hair*

Yao: you're quite submissive to me.

Shen Jiu: I must be

Yao: mmm, as you should.

Shen Jiu: Huangdi.

Yao: *snuggles in his arms* Shen Jiu.

Shen Jiu: how about we take a stroll through the bamboo forests.

Yao: that sounds really lovely.

Shen Jiu: mhm, it's private, but you'll still hear quqin music.

That's where I teach my students music cultivation.

Yao: ah, I see. Well let's go then.

We'll take a little stroll.

Shen Jiu: sure.

Yao: *fixing his clothes and hair* are there foxes there?

Shen Jiu: *doing the same* yes they are. And who knows, some are maybe fox spirits too.

They stay out of sight, most of the time.

Yao: I think they'll come out of hiding. Hulijings always follow their Huangdi.

They can pick up on my aura.

Shen Jiu: as expected! Everyone can pick up on your powerful aura. Your beauty would definitely bring them out

Afterwards, they neatened up and went for their stroll.

Yao: *fluttering his fan*

Shen Jiu: *thinking of their time in bed, which caused him to hiccup*

Shen Jiu: *hiccups* pardon me, Huangdi. *hiccup*

Yao: lord Shen. What happened to you.

*laughing*

Shen Jiu: you're really really hot, you know that right.

And whenever I think about you, I hiccup.

Yao: oh dear.

Anyways I know that's the norm.

*guqin music playing*

Shen Jiu: peaceful isn't it.

Yao: very.

Shen Jiu: Huangdi, sometimes, I'm jealous that Shen Yuan is a hulijing and I'm not.

I just want you to be my Huangdi, while I become your hulijing servant.

Yao: I'm still your Huangdi,

Shen Jiu: yea but I'm not a hulijing. All hulijings would offer some of their fox qi energy to you as a gift of allegiance, and I want to do that. Also they're so cunning and mischievous, and you do know I love chaos.

I think I'll turn myself into a hulijing!

Yao: *sigh* Shen Jiu, you're insane. But I like your adoration. And don't worry, you'll still be a cultivator, but more powerful you know.

Shen Jiu: I don't care about power, once I have Huangdi.

Yao: you do you, Shen Jiu.

Shen Jiu: mn. I'll do that soon.

Suddenly, some foxes came out to peep their Huangdi, and kowtow to him.

Yao: oh hi, hulijings.

Spying on your Huangdi.

Shen Jiu: ah they're adorable!

Hulijings: *offers flowers to him*

Yao: lovely flowers! Are they for me? *smiling*

Thank you very much.

Shen Jiu: *admires him*

Yao: I wish A-Song could experience foxes in a forest. But he's what you call a lavish prince. He only sees hulijings in a city, private gardens or his palace.

Shen Jiu: rest assured. I'll let prince Rusong get in touch with nature.

Yao: mn.

Nature reminds me of Qinghe.

And when I used to eat alone after being insulted.

Shen Jiu: that's so disrespectful and heartbreaking.

You're too gorgeous to be treated like that.

I'll deal with Nie gui fei.

Yao: *laughing* you don't need to.

Shen Jiu: of course I do. When I'm done with him, he would beg for mercy.

Both: *took a seat*

Yao: I'm curious to see what you're gonna do.

Shen Jiu: hey, I wonder how's Skinzun doing with team dimple.

Yao: haha, probably wreaking havoc.

Shen Jiu: yea, that Skinzun is a diva.

Meanwhile in Jing Manor's harem palace.

Skinzun was cuddling with Qin Su on her throne, while wearing her golden hairpins and shawl. And team dimple got to offer treats to him.

Qin Su: Skinzun, do you really have to try to enslave team dimple.

Wanrong: he doesn't even want to be near anyone else than jiejie and Huangdi.

Xue yang: because he's a sassy little diva. Who does he think he is?!

Wanyue: Skinzun just loves the queen of the harem I guess.

Qin Su: or my jewelry and clothes. I saw him in my jewel box.

Mo xuanyu: I didn't know a cat can be so much of a diva.

Qin Su: I know right. I think I want to adopt two cats now. My staff are looking for some cute cat breeds for me.

Mo xuanyu: that's fabulous

Su she: Skinzun is worst than his owner.

Mo xuanyu: little demon, I mean Skinzun, here are your snacks. Sushi made by Yao geges Japanese Kitsune chefs.

Xue yang: the way I had to put that thing to sleep. Shanshan, it's your turn this time.

Su she: I think I'll tell him about the Lan rules and he'll fall asleep.

Xue yang: good idea.

#the huli jing emperor #hulijing emperor 2 #foxyao #meng yao #jin guangyao #dimpledlianfang #su she #jin zixuan #emperor #Shen Jiu #YaoJiu #skinzun

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xiyaogotcha4gaza · 9 months ago

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Update to Prompt Slots Availability!!!!

• Two (2) NSFW Xiyao Prompts

• Nine (9) SFW Xiyao Prompts

Please respond to this post if you're interested in sending a prompt for free!

⚠️ FREE BLANK PROMPTS ⚠️

We just had one very generous donor that have submitted a total of FIFTEEN (15) BLANK PROMPTS!

These prompts have been 'paid forward' & are free to claim for folks who are unable to donate but would like to submit a Xiyao prompt! (Our post about free blank prompts)

💙💛

The prompt slots are for:

Five (5) NSFW Xiyao Prompts

Ten (10) SFW Xiyao Prompts

These prompts can be for FANART, FANFIC, or PODFIC! Please refer to our Rules & Guidelines for prompt submission here: https://xiyaogotcha4gaza.carrd.co/#rules

We are giving out one (1) prompt per person! You can reply to this post or DM this account directly if you are interested in pitching a prompt to our creative contributors. A mod will share a separate form to be filled out in DMs!

💙💛

Forever in solidarity! ✊🏽🇵🇸

#Side note: The prompts do not have to be elaborate!#They can be as simple as “Xiyao cooking together in a tiny kitchen” or “JGY feeding LXC noodles” or “foxyao taking a nap on deerchen”#Pls donut be shy 🙈!!!!#updates

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r95irth · 2 years ago

Note

Wait!!! You didn't actually use tracing for a comission!?????????

No i didnt’t trace, i did get inspiration from the same idea and there’s no 30 different angles available & efficient to show the problem of having a big fluffy tail in bed. I did get inspiration from them tho, (still differently than the way AI folks say their machine do) hence why i put the link to their work so they could get as much visibility as i would have with my work. not to say i never trace, tracing can be a good way to learn and experiment as an artist. (For example as i child i traced pokemon, or screenshot of anime i liked. As student i traced Horikoshi’s pages to learn how to ink better and do toning and i did progress a lot after those. recently I also traced one image from teen titan show, i think i shared on twitter. The one with Ling wen almost eating two gods who wanted to borrow god!MY for work as it was exactly this image i had in mind and people who can’t draw can only send the gif to say mood but i can draw it and say mood). In my opinion, tracing is not problematic as long as you dont sell the result and make profit out of this? HOWEVER It’s important to give a link or quote who you traced if you post your work as you share it.

And it wasn’t a commission so i certainly didn’t get money from this. It was a gift, I don’t do commissions bc i have a job and a work contract that doesn’t allow me a second job without my boss permission ^^• it was just fun i had with friends during a conversation, i drew it and then bc i post my drawings here, no matter how silly or unfinished they are.

Now i could have shared the drawing on their twitter’post so they would know i exist and made something inspired from the same idea. I hesitated to do that but then i did not bc the result i did was about a ship from another fandom that i didnt know if they liked or even shipped. As an artist i asked myself « would i mind people taking inspiration from my idea and do an illustration of their own with it? » maybe i would be a little bothered but if they put a link for my work and say the idea started from me i wouldn?t mind. However to have them barge into my thread showing of their work and get the attention of my followers without my permission with their art? Yeah i would be a little pissed, add to that i realized myself that if i knew they did something for a ship i don’t like i would be more bothered (silly, right? The human mind is a bit weird) but i wouldn’t feel legitimate to say « yeah you can take inspiration from my work but not to do something promoting ships i dont like » (people wouldnt listen to that one condition anyways) so i asked myself what i would prefer and my answer was « i would rather not know this art exist » it’s personal and maybe it’s not the right answer but that was my thoughts process (if you follow my blog you might have stumbled with my opinion of what an author can do with fan works)

that’s why i posted on my blog, to get the attention only from my followers and not their, so i would not to steal any fame and put a link to their work so they can gain from me and not the other way around.

And again the drawing is not traced i looked at it said HEY FOXYAO, tried to draft a pose to show the same idea (the first one on the drawing) realized that like they did, the profile view and the bird’s eyes view worked better to convey the problem of having fluffy tail, then finished the work by adding the xiyao solution to it with two other poses of my own.

#Anon #hope that clears it up #Both the traving guilt young artist might experiments #And the fact that i can’t do commission #Also now you know my boundaries #If you want to trace my work #Or get inspiration from same idea like bity wangji #Just put a link of the art that inspired you #Dont make money from it #And if it’s about a ship you dont know my opinion of dont tag le or share it with me #I dont wanna know

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grandmaster-of-gay-cultivation · 3 years ago

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Xiyao Spring Tea 🍵🌸

Click for better quality or check my twitter

#untamed art #jgy #lxc #xiyao #AiND_art #jin guangyao x lan xichen #jin guangyao #lan xichen #foxyao #deer xichen #deerchen #fox jgy #mdzs jgy #mdzs lxc #mdzs fanart

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jackal-tabaque · 3 years ago

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Итак, я доделал парный арт х))) Наслаждайтесь!

#xiyao #mo dao zu shi #the untamed #meng yao #jin guangyao #mdzs #lan xichen #fox tail #foxyao #cql #Tabaqui_art

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thebiscuiteternal · 1 year ago

Note

FoxYao during first Qinghe winter

FoxYao after he's lived there long enough to start growing a proper winter coat

Something for the little Fox-Meng Yao gets grabbed/adopted into the Nie Household as a companion for little Huaisang

From his point of view riding in one of Nie-zongzhu's saddlebags, Meng Yao was still trying to figure out the course of events that had put him in this position.

When the array-created cage had snapped shut around him, when he'd seen the size and sect colors of the men and women who'd gathered around him, he'd believed himself already dead.

Even though his mother had only ever interacted with the barest fringes of their non-human cohorts, not wanting to get caught by the humans who were her primary clientele, she'd heard enough passed info and gossip to drill a fear of the Nie into him; how they were practically demons themselves in the wild viciousness with which they battled creatures like him.

And yet the bear of a man who'd crouched in front of his cage had proven himself to be surprisingly affable... kind, even, in comparison to his own father, who hadn't even known what he was when having him thrown down the steps of Koi Tower.

Even when the others had expressed disapproval over just letting him live, even when he, in a terrified panic, had bitten the hands that reached in and plucked him from the cage, the human had made no effort to harm him.

Instead, the human had clucked and muttered over his bedraggled and half-starved state, and then offered him a deal. One that, if the human was being honest, was decidedly in his favor, even!

Maybe, he thought as the horses thundered towards towering stone walls, he was dreaming.

Maybe he was still in the cage, dying, and his feverish brain had invented the last half a day in an attempt to keep him from being miserable as his life snuffed ou-

The loud bang of heavy wood and iron doors slamming shut made him reflexively flatten his ears against his skull.

Well... he was pretty sure his brain wouldn't have thought to include that, which meant all this must actually be happening.

The smell of sizzling meat broke through his mental dilemma, and his ears pricked forward eagerly before he instinctively lunged, mouth watering, as far as he could out of the saddlebag to snap down the large hunk of roasted chicken that Nie-zongzhu had held in front of his face.

There was more in a bowl on the ground, and had Nie-zongzhu not been so quick at lifting him out of the bag and putting him down, he probably would have fallen in the dirt on his face trying to get to it.

"Easy, easy, no rush. Eat as much as you want, then I'll take you to meet Sang-er."

Three bowls later, his stomach practically hurting from all he'd stuffed in it in his desperation, he allowed Nie-zongzhu to pick him up again and carry him towards the inner quarters.

"Just stay with him for now, all right? No doubt you need rest, and he's probably not going to be in any shape for more than that anyway. Come morning, if you're up for changing, we'll see about proper introductions and getting you kitted out," Nie-zongzhu said amiably, paying no mind to confused or wary looks from the assorted servants and disciples they passed.

Nie-zongzhu, he was beginning to realize, was apparently a very strange man in general, not just in choosing not to kill him.

The room they came to held not only a large fireplace, but several small burning censers dispensing both heat and medicinal smoke. Had he lived in the area long enough to grow a proper winter coat, it would have been sweltering, and even with his current one, he could feel his skin prickling a bit.

A boy who looked to be a few years older than him and quite a bit taller was sitting on the floor by a lump of furs and blankets in just his inner robes and trousers, a portable writing desk in his lap. At the sound of the door closing, he raised his head, and his green-eyed gaze flicked from Meng Yao to Nie-zongzhu's face, his mouth pulled into a scrunched frown that Meng Yao had already seen on several of the people in the halls.

Meng Yao craned his head back as far as he could, but that only got him a view of the underside of Nie-zongzhu's jaw. Whatever silent conversation had passed between father and son -and this boy had to be a son, they looked too similar for him not to be- was apparently enough to placate the boy's concern, because when Meng Yao looked at him again, he merely shrugged before going back to whatever he was writing.

Nie-zongzhu carried him around to the other side of the lump, which he could now see was a nest of pallet mattresses as well as the other bedding.

In the midst of it all was a much smaller boy. Despite the fact that he was clearly sweating from the heat, he was curled in a tight ball under his covers, pale and shivering. His breath came and went in little wheezes, punctuated by the occasional small cough.

When Meng Yao's paws landed on the mattress near his head, bleary pale green eyes fluttered open and blinked at him.

If the boy was as confused as his brother by his presence, he didn't show it, merely shifting to make room for him amongst the nest, and once he'd taken the offer to make himself comfortable, little fingers scratched once behind his left ear before the boy was already asleep again, his arm resting loosely over Meng Yao's neck in a gentle cuddle.

Oh... yes. This deal was definitely in his favor, he thought, unable to resist snuggling a little closer and closing his own eyes to sleep.

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