"Something has been weighing on you," Xinhua voiced softly to Shizhe as they walked in the brisk night air. She could tell it was more than just the recent palace business.
"Observant as ever," Shizhe sighed heavily. "Seeing Xueye safe helped."
"There's more than just that though," Xinhua could tell just from the look in her eye.
Shizhe was always astounded at how much Xinhua could read her. She always kept the weight of the future to herself but Xinhua was always able to see through it. It's why she didn't think twice about her decision to pick Xinhua for help sorting her thoughts.
"Yes, well, that's why I wanted to speak with you tonight…" Shizhe fiddled with her sleeves. "It's also nice to be able to steal some more time with you."
"I admit that I've been looking forward to when we could next steal a little time together." Xinhua flashed a warm smile. "It was a shame I couldn't stay longer when I reported in earlier."
"We'll just have to cherish every moment we get," Shizhe smiled warmly, leaning into Xinhua, resting her head on the young woman's shoulder as they walked.
"My lady?!" Xinhua was a little shocked by the forward action, out in the open no less.
"What?" Shizhe giggled as she wrapped her arms around Xinhua's.
"You sure… out here?" Xinhua looked nervous for once and Shizhe wasn't about to let go of this little upper hand.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Shizhe leaned her head against her shoulder again.
"I just didn't think you'd want to be so public about this," Xinhua looked like she was about to burst into flames with how red she was getting over this. Shizhe enjoyed turning the tables on her for once.
"I don't want to hide you, if that's what you are wondering," Shizhe said sweetly. "You deserve to be flaunted."
"My lady…" Xinhua covered her face with her free hand. "What of your reputation?"
"You don't tarnish it. I'd argue you look good on me," Shizhe teased with a coy smirk.
"Careful with that kind of talk, my lady," Xinhua narrowed her ravenous eyes. "Especially in public."
"That's not what I meant!" Shizhe squeaked in embarrassment. "What I mean is, please don't feel the need to hide, okay?"
"And here I expected to have to court you properly. You are a lady of the upper court after all," Xinhua said with a delighted chuckle.
"I wasn't always," Shizhe sighed contentedly. "I think I prefer skipping the formalities this once. If anyone asks you can say you have for a while."
"I guess in some ways I have, if you really think about it," Xinhua smiled sweetly thinking of all the little gifts they'd exchanged over the past couple years. "It wouldn't be far from the truth."
"See, you just worry too much," Shizhe giggled.
"I just don't want to cause you trouble," Xinhua rested her free hand over Shizhe's.
"Even if you were, you are well worth it," Shizhe said sweetly. It really felt like a dream that she and Xinhua were able to be together.
When they finally made it back to the palace, Shizhe looked to the sky, taking in the sight of the stars. She was scanning to see if for some reason there was someone that might spy on them that evening as they discussed state matters. She was about to reveal much and she couldn't let just anyone overhear.
As she observed their surroundings in her vision she didn't find any observers but she did find something else to look forward to that evening. She immediately snapped out of it and felt her entire body heat up over it.
"See something you liked?" Xinhua teased upon seeing her reaction.
"I… well… y-yes…" Shizhe couldn't deny that she was looking forward to where the evening would progress.
"Hm?" Xinhua hummed with delighted interest. Just Shizhe's reaction alone was giving her ideas.
"Just come with me," Shizhe grabbed her wrist and started dragging Xinhua through her manor. "Try not to distract me too much will you? There's things I genuinely need your help with."
"And here I was hoping you were just kidding about business to get me alone with you," Xinhua couldn't help but tease.
"Xinhua please!" Shizhe whined.
"Forgive me, I can't help it," Xinhua giggled. "I'll behave until you tell me otherwise."
"You wicked woman," Shizhe huffed as she sat down. She had brought them to a lounge room with the most comfortable chaise. She often favored the room for reading. She figured their discussion might take a while so might as well do it in comfort. "I would like for you to sit with me… as we did last night…"
"As you wish, my lady," Xinhua smiled sweetly as she sat next to Shizhe. She held her arm out for Shizhe to lean into her. "You sure this won't be too distracting?"
"As long as you stop teasing!" Shizhe poked her collarbone hard.
"Understood," Xinhua was just delighted to have the smaller woman in her arms. She could be patient. "What's so important you wanted to speak with me in private like this?"
"Where to begin?" Shizhe sighed. "Tell me first, What's your opinion on Shujing so far? I know you only just met."
"I was skeptical at first, hearing about him." Xinhua stated honestly. "He sounded too good to be true, but meeting him something told me not to worry so much. My anxiety over him getting close to Xueye just vanished."
"I'm glad you think so," Shizhe smiled. "He does have a secret. Before you freak out I assure you it does not include him plotting against your brother."
"Everyone has secrets but if you feel the need to tell me that much there is some concern with it then?" Xinhua couldn't help but raise a brow over it.
"You're too clever," Shizhe huffed. "I'm getting a little ahead of myself if we start there. What I'm about to tell you, you absolutely cannot tell Xueye. I need you to give me your word."
"You're worrying me…" Xinhua's face scrunched with concern.
"Promise me!" Shizhe looked at her fiercely.
"You have my word." Xinhua closed her eyes and let out a breath.
"Shujing is His Highness," Shizhe stated plainly.
"That's why he looked familiar…" Xinhua hummed softly. "I've never seen him up close so it wasn't my initial thought. What's he doing masquerading as some local lord?"
"Something to blow off steam while at the same time he's able to learn about the people and their problems." Shizhe said with an air of amusement. "You'd be surprised by just how many improvements have been made to this country over the years because of this."
"Dealing in information… I could see the advantages." Xinhua did get the merit in it but never expected the emperor himself to be the one to manage such a roll himself.
"It's honestly been his favorite thing to do since we took up residence in the palace." Shizhe giggled softly. "Even more so since meeting Xueye."
"You said that he thinks the world of Xueye," Xinhua was still trying to wrap her head around the fact that not only has the emperor been personally protecting her brother but also held affection for him.
"Yes, he genuinely treasures him." Shizhe beamed. "He wouldn't protect him as he has otherwise."
"Heavens, to think His Highness is pining after my sweet brother…" Xinhua let out a breath, just taking a moment to soak that information in. Then it finally occurred to her, "Xueye doesn't know, does he? That's why you don't want me to tell him."
"Exactly so." Shizhe nodded. "His Highness wishes to be the one to tell him when he's ready. It's just that things got a little more complicated recently. Surely you've heard that the blood of a dragon runs through the veins of the emperor, right?"
"I have."
"Well it's the truth," Shizhe stated softly but seriously. "He's often struggled with his draconic side and the problems that arise with it."
"Problems?" Xinhua was starting to worry again.
"It affects his health at times," Shizhe explained. "His behavior as well. Being around Xueye has given rise to it a lot more as of late. He was in pretty bad shape earlier today, in fact."
"I get he's worried about Xueye but shouldn't he be resting then?" Xinhua fretted.
"Trust me, he'd be worse off if he remained in the palace." Shizhe couldn't help but wonder how much more damage Yushi would have caused if he was forced to remain in the palace after finding out what happened. Remedy or not, she suspected more than just Yushi's room to be affected. "Besides, Xueye is moon-touched like me. Instead of something active like my foresight, he has a passive calming effect on those around him. If anything, he'll rest much better around Xueye."
"But if being around Xueye is bringing that side of him out more is it really alright?" Xinhua couldn't help but worry with her brother involved. She knew if Xueye were to find out he'd most certainly blame himself.
"I understand your concern," Shizhe took Xinhua's hand and started stroking the back of it with her thumb. "It's a precarious balance. However, I think tonight he really needed it. Honestly, I fear that he might have lost it and went out hunting for those that put Xueye in danger."
"Would that really be so bad?" Xinhua was kidding but she couldn't deny the desire to do the same herself. She just couldn't risk her position over it.
"I wouldn't have stopped him," Shizhe scoffed. "But we took the palace to stop baseless accusations by the imperial court. How hypocritical of us would it be if we didn't uphold what we put in place?"
"I understand, unfortunately." Xinhua huffed. "I'm sure it's most difficult for you. You can see the wrong but you can't stop it without the right proof."
"You see right through me as usual," Shizhe sighed heavily. "Still I know we are doing the right thing by keeping to those morals we used when we set out for change. Even if it's annoying at times, the country has improved, there's no denying that."
"I agree," Xinhua nodded. "I admire how much you've all done for this country. It's why I didn't hesitate to turn to the guard when I wanted to hand the company over to Xueye. Looking back, I don't think I would have before you all took over, not that Xueye was ready back then."
"Just how long were you planning this?" Shizhe asked with fervent curiosity.
"My mother told me about the family tradition long before I even started working for the company." Xinhua had a mournful smile on her face whenever she talked about her mother. This time was no exception. "I always intended to give it to Xueye once I found out. I was going to wait until mother officially stepped down and gave the company to me but she died before she could make it official. Father took over instead, like he was ready for it." Xinhua's voice was filled with such hatred it was chilling. "I got so upset when he didn't even wait for Xueye to come home for the funeral. He didn't even bother to contact Xueye. That was my breaking point. I couldn't be around my father anymore."
"That man is such a monster," Shizhe grumbled bitterly. "I can't wait for us to get rid of that man. I can't wait until Xueye is safe again. We got one danger off of him. The other two are tricky."
"Two?" Xinhua's expression darkened further.
"Sorry, there's a lot to go over!" Shizhe said quickly. "It's another reason I wanted to get you in on this. A few days ago, His Highness was meeting with the Elian emissaries. Lady Styliani has long since been after marriage with His Highness, even the upper court, but she's mostly been after His Highness. Unfortunately, His Highness let it slip that he had someone else has his heart. Before you freak out, he didn't specify who but she will do everything she can to uncover the truth. We are already trying to root out her spies but she's persistent considering she's been pushing this for the past ten or so years. The task won't be easy."
"I see," Xinhua sighed in frustration, closing her eyes.
"Please don't be upset with His Highness," Shizhe pleaded. The last thing she wanted was for Xinhua to be disapproving of Yushi. "He's had to genuinely restrain himself from trying to kill her with his instincts out of control. He wants nothing but the best for Xueye."
"It's bound to happen. As long as he covets Xueye, my brother would eventually garner such attention." Xinhua stated. "Hmm, I wonder if there's a way to get Jinse and his people to guard him when the rest of us cannot."
"That's not a bad idea," Shizhe smiled. "He's clever so it might not be the easiest to arrange without him discovering the details. Then again…" Shizhe trailed off. Considering her recent conversation with Jinse in her vision, it was likely Jinse would discover the truth soon enough if he hadn't already realized. After all, it was public knowledge that Yushi has dragon blood and it was a rather rare trait.
"I'm not so sure how well it would go over if Jinse finds out that His Highness is also in love with Xueye," Xinhua shook her head.
"I'm aware." Shizhe sucked in a breath. "I've also had the same concerns ever since I discovered this."
"I tried asking Xueye if he knew they both loved him, which would he choose?" Xinhua voiced softly. "He seemed quite conflicted. He didn't want to decide."
"I suspected as such." Shizhe couldn't help but worry over how Xueye would handle it. Ultimately it would be Xueye's decision but she could tell how much Xueye cared for them both. His indecision was to be expected. "If only reading Jinse's future wasn't so difficult… At least I currently have the opportunity to control His Highness's progression in his attempts to court Xueye. I hope to do so in a way that gives Xueye the time he needs to figure it out. Also in hopes that a solution presents itself so that if he does only choose one of them it's not so harsh on the other."
"Xueye does need the time to break down his own walls enough to let them in." Xinhua was glad Shizhe wasn't trying to be so pushy over the matter.
"I realized that, even without my abilities." Shizhe laughed. "This arrangement is perfect in a way. I haven't a clue how their story ends since factors prevent me from reading Xueye and Jinse's futures fully. I'm curious, just how do you think Jinse will react to all of this? You know him much better than I do."
"Hard to say for sure." Xinhua tilted her head as she tried to consider all she knew about Jinse. Despite the years of working together she wasn't confident she knew what Jinse might do when it came to Xueye. "Jinse couldn't care less who is against him. If he has a reason to, he will pursue an enemy without mercy. I don't know how he does it but I've seen him ruin the lives of those who have wronged Xueye before. Seems like he didn't even lift a finger either."
"I was afraid of that," Shizhe pouted as she started to think more about it. "His Highness wouldn't hurt Xueye willingly. Jinse seemed really possessive of Xueye and His Highness is rapidly growing possessive as well. I'm worried about them clashing. I feel like that especially would break Xueye's heart to see them fight over him."
"It would be foolish of us to hope they don't meet." Xinhua sighed wistfully.
"I know I find myself wishing that could be the case but it's impossible with how close they are to him." Shizhe couldn't elaborate that the biggest solution to their dragon problem involved them meeting as of yet since the knowledge of it was only existing in her vision. She took comfort in knowing everything would work out but it was getting to that point that worried her. With how far away it felt, she was worried something would change the outcome. She was certain every vision she had that Jinse was in was available for him to peer into. She figured he was trying to ensure her safety, verifying what she could see wouldn't corrupt her mind like he had expressed concern over before.
"I don't know His Highness as well as you, but at least in the case of Jinse I know the moment he finds out something he does upsets Xueye he's likely to stop or try to change it." Xinhua's expression quickly shifted to downcast, "Unfortunately, Xueye is also really good at hiding his feelings otherwise Jinse probably wouldn't be ruining his chances with all his flings."
"I was wondering about that," Shizhe shook her head. "Is he really that ignorant?"
"I'm not sure." Xinhua shrugged. "You don't suppose His Highness would be willing to share Xueye? Honestly not sure Jinse would be willing with Xueye specifically but he's notorious for having more than one lover. It's also not out of hand for an emperor to have more than one consort."
"Honestly I haven't a clue." Shizhe couldn't help but laugh at how easy the idea sounded, even if it was more complicated for the three of them. "Until Xueye, he's seemed so detached from any lover he's had in the past." Shizhe started to consider her vision of the dragon and fox in a new light. She wished it wasn't so fuzzy. "I wonder though, if Xueye was the one that asked, would they both indulge him?"
"I suppose we'll have to wait and see," Xinhua groaned. "We could ask theoretical questions like I did with Xueye. Only when the time is right, though. The last thing we need is to put the idea in their heads when their possessiveness is so strong. I think it's best to wait until His Highness's condition stabilizes and Jinse's clingy nature mellows out. Then again it might not drop anytime soon with the dangers about."
"I'll be working with the other upper court members to root them out as quickly as we can." Shizhe stated with determination. "I regularly check for threats against His Highness so adding Xueye to that assessment won't be much extra work. At this point I'm used to checking for them lately."
"Is that what you were checking for on our way here?" Xinhua flashed an impressed grin.
"You know I can't say!" Shizhe's cheeks flushed at the reminder of what else she'd seen.
"Hmm?" Xinhua smiled knowingly at seeing how pink Shizhe was getting. "I know I shouldn't be distracting you but when you look like that I find it hard to resist."
"Maybe just a little distraction…" Shizhe mumbled shyly.
"What was that?" Xinhua heard her but she just really couldn't help but tease her.
"Go on, distract me," Shizhe glared at her with a pout.
"As you wish, my lady," Xinhua smirked, closing the small gap between them. She could no longer resist not tasting those peachy lips that she'd often dream about. It was a soft and sweet kiss that had Shizhe instantly melting in Xinhua's arms. When Xinhua pulled back she found it adorable that Shizhe chased after her until Shizhe caught herself.
"Will you stay tonight?" Shizhe whispered hopefully.
"I think you already know the answer to that," Xinhua teased with a smirk.
"I want to hear you say it…" Shizhe pouted.
"I'll stay as long as you'll have me, my lady," Xinhua smiled warmly.