Back the Fox Residence....

Bai Zhi & Bai Rui were shocked upon hearing Weng Chan confession. "What nonsense are you spouting out now Lord Weng Chan!!!!!" Bai Rui shouted.

Bai Zhi was about to lose his temper again. He has heard enough. "Bai Yi son, tell me that what we heard is just some hooey that this crazy lad is saying."

Bai Yi remained silent staring at Weng Chan. He patted his shoulder. "Thank you."

"Are you serious?" Bai Zhi bellowed

"Father, mother; please hear me out. What I'm about to tell you it has to remain a secret."

"Speak quick, we are eager to know the truth" Bai Zhi annoyingly said.

"Long time ago on my younger days, when Qing Qui's army was fighting under the Shaoyan banner. At what time Dong Hua Dijun was the heavenly emperor trying to unify all the realms to achieve peace during Chaotic War Era, when you were one of Dijun's generals at that time. We were recruiting soldiers from all regions and I was assigned to go to Shīzi to recruit strong and capable men willing to fight for the cause. Do you remember this father?" Bai Yi asked.

"Of course, I do. The warriors from the White Lion tribe were some of the most ferocious and valiant men that we had the privilege to fight alongside with. They were fearless in battle." Bai Zhi replied.

"Yes, they were. Unfortunately, when the men returned from the war, they were ambushed by the enemy's war survivors and decimated most of them, including the men from Shīzi noble family. It was a great loss of brave warriors. Is still fresh in my mind the widespread trauma caused by these atrocities and conflicts, creating extensive stress and indirect negative consequences on infrastructure, supplies provision, and social order. Displacement or forced migration during that time of war adversely affected many realm communities. Many people fled their homes in fear of losing their lives and their families, and as a result, many refugees and asylum seekers from all realms came to Nine Heavens to be assigned a new residency. Those were really chaotic times."

"Undeniably, they were." Bai Zhi said.

"It was during my time assisting with the after-war effects that I met Lady Xibu Zu from the White Lion tribe. I fell in love with her at first sight father. Xibu Zu was the most beautiful woman that I had the privilege to be with. She was kind, courageous, bold, humble, and brave. She was always serving others. She dedicated most of her youth taking care of the needy. That was the trait that I admired most from her. I stayed here to assist her with her duties, it was then that we developed a deep relationship. When I was summoned to return to Qing Qui I promised her to come back. But you already made marriage arrangements for me to wed another out of duty. After some time, I went back to to look for her, but she hid from me heartbroken. I looked for her for a long time and never was able to find her. I'll never forgive myself for not being able to explain to her what really happened. She died in despair. All this time and I wasn't aware that she already had Weng Chan. It was until recently that I discovered that he is my biological son." Bai Yi said.

"Bai Yi, you were always causing trouble with your promiscuity and needed to settle down before your enthronement. If I would have known that you had chosen your mate, I wouldn't forced you to marry another regardless of the troubles we faced. Why you didn't say nothing about his matter back then?" Bai Zhi asked.

"You say that now father, but before you were unyielding with this wedding in order to recover our family financial loses and your focus point was to repair our reputation after the mess that my father-in-law made. I put aside my own happiness to be with Xibu in order fulfill my role as the next one to the throne as a true king would have done. When I returned to Qing Qui, Xibu was pregnant with Weng Chan but she hid her pregnancy from me thinking that I dishonored her. He grew up not knowing me. Do you know how hard that was for us? I went to her grave to finally have some type of closure. I had never felt pained like that before." Bai Yi sadly remembered.

"Then...your wife..." Bai Rui said

"She knows the truth mother. She already met my son." Bai Yi replied.

"How about Xiao Jiu, does she know?" Bai Rui asked.

"No, she doesn't." Bai Yi replied.

Weng Chan was quietly analyzing their interaction with the news. Bai Zhi's face fell down upon knowing what transpired, he felt his son's hopelessness. Bai Rui felt helpless. "This complicate things... this means then that Xiao Jiu shouldn't be..." She whispered.

Bai Yi interrupted Bai Rui thoughts. "Mother, I wanted you and father to know the truth about Weng Chan because he is my son and I want him to know his roots. Is the least I can do to repair the damage I did to him and Xibu. Shīzi should be considered our extended domain. Weng Chan is the sole heir to Shīzi and he should have a place in Qing Qui, we owe this to him. But at the same time, we want to keep this a secret from the rest of the Bai clan and the council members. If the truth gets out, Qing Qui reputation will be tarnished forever." Bai Yi pleaded.

"You don't know what are asking Bai Yi. We can't cover up this from the council members and pretend that this relationship doesn't exist. We have to render accountability to our elders for important decisions as such. You know this better than everyone. Not to mention that Xiao Jiu already has the Fox Imperial Seal; I can't revoke an imperial decision to place Weng Chan as your successor in her place. It will be seen as an internal division that may end on a civil war. We have striven for the unification of our five kingdoms for so long. We can't just act raucously about this."

"If I may say something your highnesses." Weng Chan spoke.

"Speak." Bai Zhi gave him the chance to do so.

"Bai Zhi Dijun, although is true that I am related to the Bai Clan to a certain extent and to be allied with Qing Qui is a great honor; but I don't wish to be a burden to Qing Qui. For so long Shīzi has strive to be a small peaceful kingdom, other than the protection that Qing Qui already is supplying we are prospering triumphally. I don't have any requests other than continue with what you so kindly have been providing. Let's leave things as they are to avoid any future insurgences within your kingdom." Weng Chan serenely said.

"Even though that would be the best decision to follow, we just can't ignore the fact that you are the rightful heir to Qing Qui's throne by blood. Your family suffered because of my unknowingly wrongful doing. At the same time, I just can't abandon our rightful responsibilities as the head of our clan. I will be acting against what we believe in if I decide to turn a blind eye. It will not be justifiable or honorable from our part. Plus, you don't deserve it. We need to repair the damage that we triggered Shīzi without causing turmoil to Qing Qui. Let me discuss this further and see what will be the best solution. In the meantime, please stay with us for some time. That is the least I can offer you for now." Bai Zhi said.

"As you wish Bai Zhi Dijun." Weng Chan kowtowed to Bai Zhi.

"Thank you, father." Bai Yi said.

Bai Zhi and Bai Rui retired to their chambers after the day's events. They felt against the wall with the latest dealings.

Meanwhile at the Ten Miles Peach Blossom Orchard....

Bai Zhen came to find Zhe Yan and saw him nourishing an owl. He became curious. "Where this one came from?" Bai Zhen asked Zhe Yan.

"I don't know. He showed up at the big tree. From time to time he settles there. I've studied his migration patterns. When lemmings are in short supply, he feeds on a wide variety of other small mammals. It readily preys on muskrats, raccoons, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, mice, rabbits, marmots, rats, voles, hares, rabbits and moles. You know as much as I that I despite these little freeloaders munching on my peach orchard. So, there is no harm in keeping him nearby. I already welcomed him as my tenant at my big tree. But what are you up to now Bai Zhen, surely you didn't come to me to learn about our illustrious friend here?"

Bai Zhen smiled at Zhe Yan. "It is rare to see you interact with other bird spices. But no, you are right. I happened to have free time from training and decided to take a stroll."

"Well, that is a huge stroll if you ask me." Zhe Yan said while fondling the owl feathers.

"I was around the neighborhood and wanted to check on you, to see how are things around here."

"Ahhhh, the truth comes forth. Since when you were around?" Zhe Yan asked him.

"Since two days ago. I visited Xiao Jiu to let her know the progress of our troops training."

"Where were you two days ago, and now you come and visit me? I feel kind of offended Bai Zhen. Did Mo Yan come with you?"

Bai Zhen laughed at Zhe Yan expression. "No, he stayed behind."

"How's our Xiao Jiu?"

"She is with Dijun, so they are busy with each other, that is why I left." Bai Zhen smirked.

"The lovebirds are building a nest." Zhe Yan absently said.

"Huh?" Bai Zhen furrowed his brows.

"Never mind. I have a fresh brew of my latest wine. Want a taste?"

"Sure." Bai Zhen happily obliged.

The owl was observing them penetratingly. Zhe Yan felt his intense stare on the back of his head. He telepathically ordered the owl to leave for his tree. The owl hooted at Zhe Yan and flew away in agreement to his command.

"Impressive." Bai Zhen said.

"I'm not the king of birds for nothing Bai Zhen, come let's drink."

"To your illustrious new tenant!" Bai Zhen exclaimed.

"Hmm how come Bai Zhen is interested in this owl? He has never been involved in my bird activities before. Jiànkāng"

"Hmmm, is really good this batch Zhe Yan. I'm planning to get wasted."

"Oh, is something the matter for you to drink to oblivion?"

"No special reason. Just enjoying the wine and the company." Bai Zhen stared the big tree.

"Just checking."

Dong Hua and Feng Jiu were lounging outside the garden. They were having a private picnic. Dong Hua was laying on Feng Jiu's lap reading one of his sutra while Feng Jiu was catching up with her reports readings. He sensed that she was worried out about something. He had learned to read her facial expressions, her body language, her breaths, and heartbeats. All of them indicated her altered emotional status. They have been cooped up in their room making up for their time being away from each other that a bit of fresh air was good thing to balance their drive. However, something was bothering her, and he was determined to find out what it was. So, he decided to apply his strategies to his digging. He steadied his breath, curved his lips with a sly smile and decided to go for it.

'Don't you have enough of reading those dreadful reports?" Dong Hua sweetly asked her.

"Back at you husband." Feng Jiu absently said not paying attention to him.

Dong Hua noticed that her grit was not moved. "Hmm you are getting more and more feisty."

"Me? Feisty? I haven't noticed." Feng Jiu sarcastically said.

"My Dihou is surely moody today. Maybe I need to do something to ease her mood." Dong Hua started to slowly raised his hands up her dress to softly caress her legs.

Feng Jiu felt his cool touch going up "Dijun!!!" Feng Jiu hit his hand with the scroll.

"Dijun?" He got up and stared her intensively, sending waves of his scent to calm her down.

"I mean husband." Feng Jiu's cheeks flushed looking at his ethereal face. His sandalwood scent was getting stronger, it aided to calm down her mood swings. Dong Hua adored the fact that his close proximity still affected her disposition. He smiled at her "My sweet little fox, do you know how lovely you look today?" His alluring breath was breaking her resolve. He holds her chin up and caressed her flushed cheeks. Feng Jiu smiled upon hearing his complement. She gathered her wits to break off his enhancement. "Not fair Dong Hua." Feng Jiu pouted at him.

Dong Hua grabbed her hand and softly kissed her knuckles. Massaging them with his lips "How about we enjoy our picnic instead of wasting our time reading." His kisses sent shivers to her core.

"And what does my husband have in mind?" Feng Jiu traitors' body was responding to his soft ministrations.

"Hmmm I have a plan, but it will require your all of your concentration." Dong Hua met her gaze.

She felt his teasing side waking up. "What is your plan husband?"

"Let's go and relax at one of the hot springs nearby. Your back should be sore by now for all the reading that you are doing. We can spend the evening there and see the sunset. We haven't seen the sunset together lately." Dong Hua gently suggested.

Feng Jiu liked the idea. "I love your plan. I'm a bit sore but not from reading." Her face was crimson red by now. Dong Hua grinned at her comment. He knew her soreness was his doing. "Very well Jiu'er, let's go. The hot waters will help you relieve your sore muscles. Plus, we'll relax and meditate a bit."

"So considerate of you husband." Feng Jiu batted her eyes to him.

"I aim to please my beautiful Dihou. Come let's go."

They arrived at the furthest hot springs near the mountains. Dong Hua made sure that the area was isolated before they stripped to soak inside the waters. He felt at ease in his element. Feng Jiu felt sleepy out of the sudden. She felt asleep on Dong Hua's arms completely relaxed. It was part of his strategic plan to find out what was worrying his little fox. He patiently waited for her to fell into deep slumber before entering her subconscious mind. Once inside, he was able to see a clear view of what was bringing her down. He saw her alone in a dark room crying after having a nightmare. She needed him but felt left out. Feng Jiu was desperately seeking him.

Another scene came in front of him. Dong Hua saw how himself was rejecting her again treating her cold. He saw his own expressionless face and icy tone he used towards her. He saw himself turned his back to her and left her alone in the dark. Tears were running from her eyes as she hysterically was saying: "You promised me Dijun, you promised me."

Dong Hua felt remorse taking over his emotions when he saw how he behaved with his little fox in the past. Obviously, this was still playing a major impact in her subconscious that was fueling her unbalanced emotional side. He had to choose a way to navigate the overall unruliness to sustain his sanity and open his heart and clear vision in the face of these ongoing challenges in their relationship. He will do everything he can to help heal their past interactions that were affecting his beloved Jiu'er. He suddenly remembered a conversation he had with Zhe Yan back at Bihai Cangling when he was searching for her:

"Phoenixes have the capability to shift from good to evil when we met the right conditions or are pushed to choose otherwise. Her core is strong but is also pure just like her heart is. Xiao Jiu virtues always been a kindhearted, full of goodness, innocence and naivety. But she is also stubborn and tenacious. Her mischievous character can turn destructive since her natural element is fire. And as you know fire can serve as a purify agent or an instrument of devastation. Her powers will intensity her nature and personality. The element of fire has great power for forging will and determination. It is our inner light as well as a living symbol of the divine fire that burns in every soul. Like other elementals, this means that fire has a form in the earth plane and in spiritual realms. We need to be careful how to approach her after she ascends. We don't want to push her to a dark path."

A dark path...Dong Hua understood. Maybe her past memories were triggering her to choose a different direction in the future. He needed to find out what happened on her mortal trial in order to prevent a shift in her present life. He already read the scroll, but felt obligated to see what type of trials his sweet little fox had to endure to return to him. He knew that he needed to be ready to see painful scenarios. Dong Hua sensed some loose ends that were not completely eliminated from her subconscious mind. Pain is difficult to endure for some, especially those who are still young as her. He knew his Jiu'er is strong but something was off with her behavior and he needed to find the root of it. Dong Hua placed his hand on her forehead and called forth her trial scenes.

She was upset by the fact that she being held captive. Feng Jiu woke up on a bed and tried to get up from but was dazed, she couldn't get up. A male voice startled her: "You are awake my queen, please don't try to get up and rest some more."

Feng Jiu gasped when she heard the unknown voice. "This doesn't sound like Dong Hua." She turned to see who it was... "Oh no"

"What is the matter? Are you all right? Come here lets us rest for a while." A pair of strong arms grabbed her and pulled her close to an unknown chest. Feng Jiu immediately pulled away from his embrace.

"What's wrong?" the man surprisingly asked. Feng Jiu couldn't believe her eyes, the man in front of her was Weng Chan.

"Where am I? Why are you here sleeping next to me?" Feng Jiu furiously glared at him.

"You are joking? You don't know who I am?" Weng Chan sweetly smiled at Feng Jiu; he lifts up his hand to caress her face when Feng Jiu hit it away from her.

"Don't touch me." She pulled away further from Weng Chan. Her heart was beating too fast for her. "Where the hell am I?" she asked herself.

"Seems to me that my queen needs to be reminded who is her king!" Weng Chan sternly said.

"Get away from me!!! Get out!!" Feng Jiu was shouting.

"You can't throw me out from your room you are my queen. Quit acting up." Weng Chan playfully said.

"Help, somebody help me!!!" Feng Jiu found herself corralled by Weng Chan. He firmly held her hands and gaze her eyes with his black stone eyes.

"Li'er, calm down."

"I'm not Li'er, and you are not my king!" She was trying to free herself from his strong grip. Weng Chan let go of her hands, he wickedly smiled at her face and forcibly kissed her. Feng Jiu broke the kiss and slapped Weng Chan's face hard. Weng Chan held her face with force.