The sun hung high in the cloudless sky, its golden rays spilling over the rolling meadow like molten light. Li Yunwu worked diligently, her fingers combing through the emerald sea of grass. Beads of sweat shimmered on her brow as she crouched low, gathering handfuls of herbs into the woven basket at her side. She had spent countless hours under the sun, from dawn until dusk, collecting the plants her father would later transform into medicines to sell at the bustling market. With a weary sigh, she paused, wiping her forehead with her forearm. As she turned to adjust her basket, her eyes caught sight of a figure in the distance.
A handsome young man was approaching her, his face obscured beneath a wide straw hat. Strands of silver hair peeked out, glinting in the sunlight, as a soft breeze played at his hat, threatening to snatch it away. Li Yunwu's seafoam-green eyes lit up with a mix of surprise and delight. A radiant smile broke across her face as she dropped her basket, her herbs momentarily forgotten.
"Yin Huli!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with joy as she sprinted toward him. Without hesitation, she leapt into his arms, knocking the straw hat from his head entirely. His strong arms encircled her waist, holding her tightly against him.
"I missed you," he murmured, his voice soft but laced with emotion.
Her hands found their way around his neck as she gazed up into his eyes, her own shimmering with unshed tears. "I knew you'd come. I thought—" her voice faltered, trembling with emotion, "I thought last night was a dream. But I prayed it would be real."
Yin Huli leaned down, his silver hair brushing her cheek as his lips hovered close to hers. But before their kiss could land, the faint sound of women chattering nearby broke the moment. Startled, Li Yunwu pulled away, her head whipping toward the source of the noise.
"If Papa finds out I'm talking to a boy, he'll kill me!" she whispered, her voice tinged with worry. "You need to hide. It's the only way he won't find out."
Yin Huli's brows furrowed, his lips pulling into a slight pout as his tail flicked in annoyance behind him. Crossing his arms, he glanced toward the approaching women. "Or," he began, his tone deliberate, "I can transform. But I won't be able to hold the shape for long."
Li Yunwu's eyes widened. "You can turn back into a fox?" she asked, her voice brimming with curiosity.
"Not exactly," he said with a sigh. "But I can change my appearance at will." With that, he closed his eyes, and his body began to shift.
Li Yunwu watched in awe as his broad shoulders narrowed, his chest rising into a modest bust, and his tall, commanding frame softened into the slender figure of a woman. His strong, calloused hands became delicate and smooth, while his angular jawline transformed into gentle, elegant curves. He adjusted his robes with practiced ease, ensuring they fit his new shape.
"So," he said with a smirk, cinching his waist and striking a pose, "what do you think?"
Li Yunwu stared at him, mouth slightly agape. "You look… stunning," she admitted, blinking rapidly. Then her gaze flickered to his lips, and a frown formed. "But your voice…"
Yin Huli raised a brow, his smirk faltering slightly. "What about my voice?"
"It's still… you," she said, stammering slightly. "Deep and—" She gestured vaguely. "Masculine." Her eyes darted lower. "And your tail—"
Yin Huli glanced down, his thick velvety fox tail did not disappeared but was now tucked awkwardly beneath his skirt. Not to mention the telltale flick of his fluffy ears, peeking out from his hair.
The voices of the women grew louder as one of them walked down the hill, heading directly toward them. Without missing a beat, Yin Huli pulled a hooded cloak from Li Yunwu's basket, draping it over his head. He secured a veil across his face, concealing everything but his glittering amber eyes.
"There," he said, his voice muffled but still unmistakably his. "I'm just a simple village woman now."
Li Yunwu stifled a laugh, as the first of the women approached. Yin Huli shifted nervously beside her, his dainty hands adjusting his cloak while his tail gave one final rebellious flick beneath his skirt.
"A-Yun," one of the women called out, her voice laced with feigned warmth as she descended the hill. "I haven't seen you around much lately."
Li Yunwu straightened, bowing her head politely. "I've been gathering herbs for my father," she replied, her voice steady but tinged with a reserved distance. "How has A-Jie been?"
The woman tilted her head, placing her hands firmly on her hips. "I've been well," she said, her tone turning sharper. "But your mother… I can't recall the last time I've seen her. Where has she been?" Her mock concern dripped from every word, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Li Yunwu hesitated, her fingers tightening briefly on the bundle of herbs she held. The air around her seemed to grow heavier. Rumors had spread like wildfire in the village—that her mother was having an affair with a servant from the Bao Estate, a scandalous tale that painted her family in shades of disgrace.
"She works at the Bao Estate as a maid," Li Yunwu said, her voice carefully controlled, though her knuckles whitened against the herbs. "She seldom comes home."
The woman clasped her hands dramatically over her chest, her expression painted in exaggerated pity. "How exhausting that must be for her. Poor thing, carrying such a heavy burden," she cooed, her voice dripping with false sympathy.
Li Yunwu's jaw tightened, her gaze dropping as a flicker of irritation crossed her face. She quickly suppressed it, schooling her features into neutrality.
The woman stepped closer, her presence invasive. "And you," she said, her tone turning syrupy sweet, "such a dutiful daughter, working so hard. It's admirable, really. But it must be so difficult for you, especially with your father…" She reached out, placing a hand on Li Yunwu's shoulder. Her touch was light, but it carried the weight of condescension.
Li Yunwu stiffened under her grip, her forced smile brittle.
"It's such a shame," the woman continued, leaning in slightly. "Such a hardworking daughter, but with no brothers and a father who can't provide… well, it's unlikely you'll ever find a husband, let alone marry. Such a pity."
The words struck Li Yunwu like a physical blow. Her nails dug into her palms as she fought the urge to snap back. Instead, she forced a tight smile, remaining silent as her heart thudded painfully in her chest.
Nearby, Yin Huli's eyes burned with a fiery red light, his hair bristling as if charged with static. The faint glow of his fox spirit aura began to seep through, his anger obvious. Li Yunwu noticed instantly, and her hand shot out to cover his, grounding him before he could react.
The woman's gaze shifted, finally landing on Yin Huli. Her eyes narrowed as she scrutinized him. The tilt of his head and the way his face was hidden beneath his veil piqued her curiosity. "Hmm?" she said, her tone turning probing. "Who's this? I've never seen this old woman in the village before."
Li Yunwu quickly stepped forward, blocking the woman's view of Yin Huli. "She's an elderly healer," Li Yunwu said, her voice steady despite the tension crackling between them. "She's lived in seclusion for many years and has been kind enough to help me find rare medicinal herbs."
Before the woman could press further, a voice called out from the top of the hill. "Hurry up! We're waiting for you!"
The woman glanced back, her attention briefly diverted. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" she called, then turned back to Li Yunwu with a saccharine smile. "You take care of yourself, A-Yun."
Her steps were brisk as she joined the other women, her laughter carrying faintly on the wind.
Li Yunwu exhaled softly, her fists slowly unclenching as she watched the woman retreat. A wave of relief washed over her, though it did little to ease the ache in her chest.
Yin Huli stepped closer, his voice laced with irritation. "That woman is a viper," he muttered, his tail flicking in agitation.
Li Yunwu turned to him, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her emotions. "That woman loves to gossip," she murmured, her voice heavy with sadness. Her gaze dropped, her expression clouded.
Yin Huli's sharp features softened as he reached out, gently lifting her chin. For a fleeting moment, he leaned in, his lips hovering dangerously close to hers.
Li Yunwu's face turned crimson, and she flailed her arms, pushing him back. "Someone might see us!" she whispered, her voice frantic as she glanced around.
Yin Huli chuckled softly, the heat of his earlier anger dissipating. "Let them," he teased, though his playful smile faded as he caught the lingering sadness in her eyes.
The afternoon sun cast long shadows over the meadow as Li Yunwu continued to comb through the tall grass, carefully adding herbs to her basket. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds filled the air, but a new presence shattered the tranquility. A figure loomed over the meadow, his steps heavy and brash, the sound of boots crushing grass announcing his arrival before he even spoke.
With a deliberate motion, he kicked over Li Yunwu's basket, spilling its carefully gathered contents onto the ground.
"Yu Choy," Li Yunwu hissed, her voice trembling with restrained fury as she lunged to save her basket before it completely tipped.
The young man threw his head back with a loud, mocking laugh. "What's the matter, ugly?" he jeered, his lips curling into a sneer. As she knelt to recover her herbs, his foot came down on the edge of the basket, pressing it into the dirt.
"What do you want?" she snapped, her anger bubbling over as she tugged the basket away. Her strength caught Yu Choy off guard, causing him to stumble and nearly lose his balance.
"Hey, watch it, mud face!" he barked, his face contorting in disgust. "I almost fell!"
Nearby, Yin Huli's hands clenched at his sides, his tail lashing irritably beneath his skirt. Beneath the veil, his amber eyes glowed faintly, a dangerous fire smoldering within. The tension in his posture was evident, his hair standing on end as if ready to spring into action. But Li Yunwu shot him a sharp glare, her expression a silent command: I can handle this.
"I've had enough of you, Yu Choy!" Li Yunwu shouted, her voice rising like a battle cry. With precision and speed, she threw a punch that landed squarely on his cheek, the force knocking him backward.
Though small in frame, Li Yunwu's attacks were ferocious. She tackled him to the ground, straddling his chest as her fists rained down on him. Yu Choy flailed beneath her, his arms feebly trying to shield his face.
"Mercy! Mercy!" he gasped, his voice cracking as she landed another blow. "Please, show mercy!"
For a moment, her fists hovered in the air, poised for another strike. But before she could deliver it, Yu Choy's desperation turned vile. With a sudden push, he flipped her pushing her back, pinning her to the ground. His hand darted toward the hem of her skirt, his intentions clear and repugnant.
Yin Huli could no longer remain a spectator. With a growl, he bolted forward, his movements swift and fluid. But just as he closed the distance, Li Yunwu acted. Her knee shot upward with force, landing a devastating blow to Yu Choy's groin.
Yu Choy's face contorted in agony as he collapsed to the ground, clutching himself and groaning in pain.
Yin Huli stood over him, his presence a shadow of menace. His boot came down, hovering inches from Yu Choy's face, his intent clear. "You dare—" he began, his voice low and venomous.
But before he could finish, Li Yunwu reached out, her voice soft yet firm. "My Yin Huli is better than that."
Her words stilled him, the fire in his eyes dimming slightly. With a scoff, he pulled back, murmuring something under his breath. He turned away, bending to pick up the basket as Li Yunwu brushed dirt from her clothes.
Together, they departed the meadow, their steps carrying them deeper into the forest.
Among the dense trees, the air felt cooler, the scent of earth and foliage wrapping around them like a cloak. Yin Huli's speed and agility made navigating the thick undergrowth effortless. He darted between trees, leaping over obstacles with the grace of a predator, his sharp senses guiding them to patches of rare and precious herbs hidden in the forest's depths.
Li Yunwu followed close behind, her earlier frustration melting away as she marveled at the collection growing in her basket. They departed just as the sky melted into hues of gold and violet, the sun slipping behind the horizon. The forest's dense shadows seemed to cling to Yin Huli, who instinctively stepped deeper into the darkness, his form blending into the night. Li Yunwu, clutching her overflowing basket of herbs, hurried forward, her heart swelling with pride.
Inside their modest home, the warm glow of an oil lamp illuminated her father's gaunt figure as he sat by the wooden table, a handkerchief clutched tightly in his hand. His labored breaths filled the silence, a grim reminder of his frailty.
"Father," Li Yunwu said, her voice steady as she knelt and placed the basket before him. "I've gathered plenty of herbs today, including some rare ones from deep within the forest. I hope this appeases you."
He coughed harshly into the handkerchief, his shoulders trembling with the effort. Slowly, he approached the basket, his gait unsteady. The light caught the pale sheen of sweat on his brow as he leaned over to inspect the contents.
His eyes widened with astonishment as he pulled out several plants, their distinct colors and textures unmistakable even in the dim light. "Epiphany's Tear… Slumber's Embrace… Root of Recollection?" he murmured, his voice laced with disbelief.
He turned to look at her, his expression caught between pride and shock. When his body had been stronger, he had often ventured into the forest himself, seeking these elusive herbs. Medicine-making was his passion—a craft that merged tradition with his own creative experiments. Yet, no matter how many remedies he concocted, none could cure the illness that now bound him.
"How?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Before she could answer, a fit of coughing wracked his body, cutting him off.
Li Yunwu stepped forward, gently placing a hand on his back to steady him. "Father mustn't worry," she said softly, her tone soothing. "I'll be able to cross the forest and gather what you need from now on."
His coughing subsided, as he frowned, turning to glare at her. "I overheard you picked a fight with Yu Choy today."
She sighed, already anticipating his reprimand. Walking to the kitchen, she poured him a cup of tea and brought it to his side. "I see Yu Choy is as diligent as ever in reporting my every move to father," she muttered.
"He's a good young man," her father said sternly, dabbing his lips with the handkerchief. "He was only looking out for you when you attacked him."
Li Yunwu let out a short, humorless laugh. "Ah, yes. I wasn't aware he was 'looking out for me,'" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Such a noble man, really. So noble that no woman in the village is worthy of being his wife."
Her father gave a thoughtful hum, ignoring her tone. "If he didn't have an alcohol problem, I'm sure many women would line up to marry him. He's a great fisherman."
"So they say," she replied dryly, crossing her arms.
He cleared his throat and looked back at her, his expression unreadable. "He also mentioned you were with a woman. An older woman." He lifted the teacup, taking a slow, deliberate sip, his sharp eyes studying her over the rim.
Li Yunwu's heart skipped, but she steadied herself quickly. "Yes, Father," she said, her voice firm. "She is a healer who has been helping me locate the rare herbs. She's very knowledgeable." Her green eyes, tinged with earthy brown, locked with his, her conviction shining through.
For a moment, her father said nothing, his gaze lingering on her face. Then, with a faint smile ghosting across his lips, he placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "Very well," he said, his voice softer now. "You are dismissed."
She bowed deeply, gratitude and relief washing over her. He waved her off weakly, his handkerchief rising to his mouth as another fit of coughs consumed him. Without another word, she turned and left, the door closing quietly behind her.
Li Yunwu cheerfully made her way to her room, her steps light and a soft hum escaping her lips. The tune she carried was sweet and carefree, a reflection of her good spirits.
Li Shizi, lounging by the doorway, caught sight of her younger sister's uncharacteristic joy and raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what's the occasion?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity as her gaze followed Li Yunwu's every move.
Li Yunwu paused briefly, turning to her younger sister with a beaming smile. "Papa praised me today—for the first time," she announced, her voice bursting with pride.
Li Shizi's brow arched higher, a flicker of surprise softening her usual stern demeanor. "Well, that is something," she remarked, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Li Yunwu grabbed a towel from the wooden chest, still humming. But before she could head to the bathhouse, a small figure came tumbling down, arms outstretched and grasping at the hem of her skirt.
"Da Jie!" Li Yang Mei cried, her round eyes wide and brimming with unshed tears. She clung tightly to Li Yunwu's skirt, her tiny hands trembling. "And Yin Huli? Did you find him?"
Li Yunwu froze, her smile faltering as she looked down at her little sister. Her heart clenched at the sight of Li Yang Mei's pleading expression. How can I tell her the truth? That I found him… but he's not the same Yin Huli anymore?
"Eh…" Li Yunwu hesitated, her thoughts racing. She knelt slightly to meet Yang Mei's gaze, forcing a reassuring smile onto her face. "Yin Huli is… he's okay," she said softly, her voice steady despite the lie.
Li Yang Mei's face lit up with hope, her small hands tightening on Li Yunwu's skirt. "You found him?" she asked, her voice rising with excitement.
"Eh… no, but—" Li Yunwu stammered, struggling to piece together a convincing white lie. Her mind scrambled for words, but before she could dig herself deeper, Li Shizi stepped in, her tone firm yet gentle.
"Let Da Jie bathe, Xiao Mei," Li Shizi said, crouching down to ruffle the younger girl's hair. "She's had a long day, okay?"
Li Yang Mei's shoulders slumped as she released her grip, her lips forming a small pout. She murmured a quiet, "Okay," her disappointment evident. Her tiny fingers fiddled with the hem of her own dress as she shuffled back a few steps.
Li Yunwu exhaled softly, grateful for the intervention. With a quick pat on Li Yang Mei's head, she stood and headed toward the bathhouse.