"And your plan is?" Feng Jiu said surprising them both.

"Jiu'er what are you doing up?" Dong Hua surprisingly asked her. He was shocked that he wasn't able to sensed her coming in. "She is getting really good with her stealth powers." He thought.

"Dong Hua please don't play naïve; it doesn't fit you." Feng Jiu crossed her arms looking at Dong Hua seriously annoyed.

"First of all, I'm not playing anything here. Second, you are not going..." Dong Hua sternly began his reprimand but Feng Jiu cut him off. "Fight in the war? I perfectly know my boundaries Dong Hua. Our child is my priority. We already talked about this."

Dong Hua stared at Feng Jiu not quite sure how to follow her response. He was expecting her to defy his instructions but instead, Feng Jiu expressionless face gave nothing to Dong Hua to guess about her course of action. He knew she heard him. He simply nodded at her.

"Xiao Jiu darling, don't be upset." Zhe Yan interjected.

"I'm not upset. I just want to know your plan. I need to be prepared too." Feng Jiu serenely replied.

"She has a point Dong Hua." Zhe Yan said.

Dong Hua walked over her and placed his hands on her shoulders to offer her some sort of comfort. "Jiu'er, I need to send you away from Qing Qui. Miao Lou is bringing the war here and we have to be ready to eliminate her for good."

"I understand." Feng Jiu met his gaze.

Dong Hua carefully proceeded. "You will stay at Tai Chen Palace with your mother, so she can take care of you. Zhong Li will be there too and will tend your needs. I will enforce Tai Chen security for your protection."

"I understand." Feng Jiu nodded.

Dong Hua tilted his head to study her reaction. He gave her a weary sigh "I promise you that I will be with you no matter what and I intend to keep this promise to you my sweet Jiu'er. Nothing will separate us little fox, please don't worry. Come here." Dong Hua extended his arms for her, but Feng Jiu turned around and left the room instead. She never reacted like that before. Dong Hua was speechless. "Did she just left me hanging?"

"Let me talk to her Dong Hua. She'll come around. It must be the pregnancy hormones that are making her act like this. For her sake don't make any rash decisions. Let us wait on Mo Yan."

Dong Hua nodded. He knew that his little fox was worried about him and the whole situation. Zhe Yan went after Feng Jiu. She was sitting on her bed with her knees up and her arms around herself thinking. Zhe Yan heart saddened when he saw her like this. He knew she was desponded so he carefully approached her. "Xiao Jiu darling, let's have a chat."

Feng Jiu looked at him. "Where is Dong Hua fùqīn?"

"He's making arrangements for your stay. You are unusually quiet darling. Care to share with me what is troubling you?"

Feng Jiu wanted to trust her father at this moment, but she knew he'll persuade her from following her instincts. "I'm just worried about the whole scenario. I'm Qing Qiu Queen and I feel impotent at this moment."

"Sometimes we have to restrain ourselves for the greater good darling. You have priorities that need to be addressed first. As a monarch you should know to take care of your health above all things. You're bringing forth your future heir darling. This is important too."

"I know " Feng Jiu lowered her face and placing her hands on her belly.

"Don't reject Dong Hua intentions kittling. He's making sure that you and the baby are protected. Trust him, Xiao Jiu."

"I trust him fùqīn but it seems that we can't have a moment of peace. All I want is to have a tranquil life with him. And when we think we can breathe at ease, there is always something that drives us away from each other."

"And he's working on that too Xiao Jiu. Hang on darling. Let him handle this war. He didn't became the first emperor for nothing. He knows what he is doing. Miao Lou days are numbered. He'll ensure once again the peace of all realms."

"Does he always have to do it alone?"

"He's not alone this time sweetheart. He has backup. We are working together to reach this common goal. Dong Hua has you now. He wants to see his child growing up too. You knew about his responsibilities when you decided to be with him. This shouldn't be a surprise to you."

"Is not a surprise to me fùqīn; but I promised to share his burdens."

"And by taking care of yourself is sharing part of his burdens. Think about his long existence being by himself. Now he has a reason to feel alive. You gave him that chance. You're his greatest treasure darling. He will do what needs to be done to ensure that you and your child will be free of harm. As your father, I want the same. You are my valuable gem, Xiao Jiu. I made ways to be always around you and see you grow and guide you the best way I could even from a distance."

"It most have been painful for you."

"Come here kittling, I will tell you a secret." Feng Jiu came to his embrace. "Tell me" She smiled at Zhe Yan.

"When you were born, I knew that my life will never be the same. It changed me forever. Although I couldn't be closer that I wanted to be, but life always gave me the blessing to be around you. So, when you always came to my house full of mirth and curiosity, I simply enjoyed those days. Having you around and helping you getting out of trouble, which was often, was a way for me to learn your mischievous personality and help you curve your ill traits. I have to admit that it was painful at the same time, but I had the chance to see a part of me blossomed right in front of my eyes. Your mother and I vowed to protect you with our lives darling. Just like Dong Hua vowed the same with you."

"Did it bothered you when I called you great uncle?"

"It did for a little bit, but I knew who I was to you and the relationship we shared. So, in time, I adjusted perspectives and continued to offer you my support when you needed it. That way I felt more at ease with our situation. In my heart you will always be my kittling. And I will do anything to see you happy even when I had to sacrificed my love life with your mother. So, you see Xiao Jiu, Dong Hua and I are not different from one another. We share your life in different angles but we'll always treasure you above all things. That is why I understand why he wants to send you away from here."

"So, you are here to persuade me?"

"I'm here to advise you not to be harsh on Dong Hua darling. Trust him more, he truly loves you. Anybody can see he's not the same Dijun. Plus, not to brag, but you sweetheart, have my phoenix essence running thru your core making you a powerful unique immortal. I've shown you what our phoenix powers are capable of. This is the greatest gift that I have given you kittling. Don't doubt yourself. You are more capable than you think." Zhe Yan reassured her.

Feng Jiu understood his words. Zhe Yan was redirecting her drive subliminally. "How many times have you come back fùqīn?"

"In my long existence I haven't had the need to come back yet. Phoenixes have the capability of resurrecting from death, when we turn into ashes. Is a powerful transformation. For what I know, each lifetime will depend on the condition of what bereavement came by. And each time that we rise from ashes, will cause our powers to expand further. It's a unique trait that only us possess. No other immortal can come back from the realm of nothingness, only a phoenix can. Not even Dong Hua can."

"I gave him a gift fùqīn."

"What type of gift?" Zhe Yan curiously asked her.

"The true essence of immortality. He might get badly hurt but he would heal faster. Death doesn't have power over him. Dong Hua will never fall into the realm of nothingness."

"You must love that old rock so much to give him that. Only a phoenix can bestow that gift to another."

"I do fùqīn. I'm not complete without him."

"I know sweetheart, but at what price? Have you ever considered that maybe you exchanged your immortality duration with his when you bestowed him with your gift?"

"I sealed his destiny fùqīn. And mine is intertwined with his. I don't know how many lifetimes I'm allowed to have with Dong Hua, but if there is only one, I want this one to make it count."

Zhe Yan knew that she was determined. He couldn't persuade her from her course of action. "My kittling!!" Zhe Yan earnestly hugged her to his chest. "Even I don't know that, but I can assure you darling that you are indeed blessed. The child in your womb will surprise us all. It will be more powerful than you and Dong Hua altogether. And that is as an understatement. I can't wait to spoil him or her rotten."

"You and mother are the only ones who could. If anything happens to me..."

"Hush don't say nonsense child. Nothing is going to happen to you."

"I want you to promise me that you guys will help Dong Hua raise of our child, please for my peace of mind."

"Darling..."

"Please fùqīn. Promise me, it's important to me that you do."

"Ok Xiao Jiu, I swear it." Zhe Yan hugged her firmly. He suspects that she is onto something dangerous.

"Xièxiè fùqīn."

"Promise me that when Dong Hua come and see you that you will behave."

"I'll be good fùqīn do not worry."

Zhe Yan looked her straight into her face. "I know that look in your eyes darling. You can't fool this old phoenix."

Feng Jiu knew what he was referring to. "I said that I'll behave."

Dong Hua summoned Zhong Lin to escort Feng Jiu and his mother back to Tai Chen Palace. A retinue of imperial soldiers accompanied him for their security. Zhe Yan informed Dong Hua that Feng Jiu was ready to go. "You may go and see her now; she is more approachable." Zhe Yan smirked at his comment.

Dong Hua went to their room. Feng Jiu finished writing a letter when he came in. She saw him at the door hesitant to enter. "Don't worry I won't bite" Feng Jiu said.

Dong Hua smiled at her comment. "My vicious little fox is so menacing right now." He thought.

An awkward silence filled their space. Dong Hua was uncertain to speak and Feng Jiu kept staring at him emotionless. He was not used to see her being like that with him. Feng Jiu wanted to know how long he will remain unspeakable and Dong Hua was waiting on Feng Jiu to speak first. Finally, she broke their silence. "I could do this as long as you husband."

"I highly doubt it Jiu'er. Are you going to let me touch you before you leave?" Dong Hua teasingly asked her.

"If I remember correctly, I'm under restrictions, but I can make an exception, knowing that you are asking me nicely." Feng Jiu sarcastically said.

Dong Hua breathed in and gave her a playful smile. "I might make an exception to the rule too since you're being the obedient wife" He moved closer to Feng Jiu.

"Obedient? I taught that you like my challenging side?" Feng Jiu moved closer to Dong Hua.

"It depends on what type of challenge. And I know that you have no obedient bone in your sweet little body my lovely Dihou." Dong Hua grabbed her by her waist pulling her closer to him.

"In that case why don't I follow suit my Dijun." Feng Jiu prevocalically said.

"What do you propose little fox?" Dong Hua moved closer to her face.

"Move closer and I will show you." Dong Hua fell into her spell. He couldn't resist her any longer. Her powerful sweet peach blossom scent aroused him. Feng Jiu took advantage of his submissive bearing and gave him a rough passionate kiss, exciting him further. She magically effulged him into her seduction. They teared their clothing and ended up on a passionate tryst. Feng Jiu bite his body with fervor and Dong Hua was taking her attack willingly. His moans were fueling Feng Jiu fervent desire for him. They made love like there was no tomorrow. Raw magic pulsed from their bodies being connected.

Outside their courtyard Zhe Yan noticed their surroundings changing. He smiled. He knew they were together. "These two couldn't wait any longer." He told Feng Jiu's mother. "Can you blame them Zhe Yan? Nature reflects how powerful their love is. I have never seen anything like it"

"You unman me little fox." Dong Hua was panting under her. Feng Jiu dominance stance astounded Dong Hua, he loves to see this side of her. Undeniably she was his equal in every aspect, so strong and beautifully breathtaking. Only Feng Jiu could bring the almighty Dong Hua Dijun to submission.

"So much for abstinence" Dong Hua mentally shrugged.

He felt her inner muscles clenched; she was ready to release. They climaxed together. Their moans and screams were the only thing they could pronounce. Feng Jiu laid down on his chest seeking comfort, when he embraced her. This was their way to calm down themselves after prolonged lovemaking sessions. "My bold, sweet and shameless little fox, you tricked me." Dong Hua playfully said.

"Husband don't ruin the moment, I'm in total bliss now." Dong Hua smirked and spanked her bottom laughing at her words. "I missed you." Feng Jiu told him, kissing his chest.

Dong Hua caressed her bare back. "I could tell. You left your love marks all over me. You said you wouldn't bite me yet you did. You're getting rougher with this old man. What was that all about?"

"Old man? You have no old man bones in your rock body husband. I taught you said that you like it rough too. I just missed you too much. You know how much I crave you Dong Hua." Feng Jiu pulled her teeth on his nipple, earning a soft moan from him.

"It's hard to keep up with you Jiu'er. You're an insatiable and sensual creature. I don't want you to complain that you're not getting satisfied. But I confess that I can't get enough of you. You're mine, little fox."

"And you are mine husband. Are you ready for another round?" Feng Jiu purposely caressed him to get him excited.

Dong Hua shamelessly smiled at her "I'm going to leave you so sore that you will remember me when you sit down." Dong Hua grabbed her tiny bottom with his hands.

"Is that a challenge husband?" Feng Jiu teasingly asked him.

"Oh, it's on little fox!!" Dong Hua quickly moved on top her pinning her tiny frame down with his body.

"Bring it old man!" Feng Jiu blatantly said giggling. Dong Hua gave her a loud growl and they went at it again and again and again. Hours later, much, much later....

Both of them were sweating and panting, and sure enough Feng Jiu was so sore that it was hard for her to move. "How are you feeling?" Feng Jiu cutely pouted at him. He knew she was sore. "Did I met your challenge?"

"Yes, husband you did. You're so shameless."

"And you love it little fox." Dong Hua gave her a chaste kiss and got up while Feng Jiu stayed in bed.

"I will carry you so we can soak a bit and get you ready." Dong Hua prepared the bath and placed healing oils into it to relieve Feng Jiu's soreness. While Dong Hua was busy at their bath chambers, Feng Jiu was cleaning herself with a magical gauze. She hid it into her aura before Dong Hua came and got her. He delicately placed her inside the water and she winced in pain.

"You'll feel better after you soak in for a while. Are you okay? Is the baby, okay?"

"Yes, we are fine Dong Hua." Feng Jiu relaxed herself while Dong Hua was giving her a sponge bath. He positioned himself in front of Feng Jiu. "I'm going to have a conversation with our baby Jiu'er."

"No huh, not after we've been together Dong Hua, I will not allow it."

"Jiu'er since when we hold decency after our intimacy?"

"That is our time Dong Hua. I'm sure the baby felt everything that we did. How in the world we're going to explain this to the baby?"

"Jiu'er, the baby will not remember our passionate trysts. You have nothing to worry about. Now let me talk to our child." Dong Hua delicately placed his head on Feng Jiu's tummy. He smiled. He could feel that the baby was well and healthy. "Little one, please take good care of your mother. I'm going to miss you both. Your father has to go to war to fight the bad guys to ensure peace in all realms. I will be thinking of you all the time. Please behave and don't make your mother worry too much. I will be all right. I can't wait to have you in my arms little one, until then, stay safe inside your mother's womb. I love you." Dong Hua tenderly kissed Feng Jiu's tummy. He felt Feng Jiu's tears coming down her cheeks wetting his face.

"I don't want to see you cry little fox. Everything will be all right." Dong Hua wiped her tears away and embraced her into his chest. Feng Jiu continued crying her heart out until she felt calm again.

"Promise me that you will behave little fox." Dong Hua pull her chin up and lovingly met her teary eyes.

"Dong Hua I'll promise if you promise me the same." Feng Jiu responded. Dong Hua was tenderly looking at his little fox knowing that she'll be worried about him. But he needed to have a clear mind to engage Miao Lou. "Come let's finish here, we let them wait too much already."