Li Yunwu's father had fallen ill, leaving him unable to travel to the nearby town to sell his medicine. Determined to help, Li Yunwu set out on his behalf, accompanied by Yin Huli, who was disguised as a woman. His silver hair flowed like liquid moonlight beneath his hooded robe, a delicate veil obscuring his sharp, foxlike features.
"How far is the town?" Yin Huli asked, his voice low and smooth, though an edge of irritation betrayed his distaste for the disguise.
"Not very far," Li Yunwu replied, adjusting the pouch slung across her shoulder, the clink of glass flasks faint but steady. "It's near the Bao Estate. Papa has several clients there who rely on his medicine."
Yin Huli nodded, his golden eyes flickering toward the distant horizon. They walked in silence for a while, the dusty road crunching beneath their feet until the town's low buildings came into view.
After visiting each house and delivering the medicine, the pair prepared to leave. The sun was beginning to dip, casting the narrow streets in a warm, golden glow. Just as they turned toward the main road, a familiar figure appeared—Bao Yu, the Young Lord of the Bao Estate, who had been wandering the town to distract himself from thoughts of Li Yunwu.
His eyes lit up the moment he spotted her. Without a second's hesitation, he bolted toward her, leaving his eunuch and guards scrambling in his wake. "Lady Yunwu!" he called, his voice filled with unrestrained excitement. A broad smile spread across his face as he reached out, his hand clasping her arm and pulling her gently toward him.
Li Yunwu froze, her emerald eyes—flecked faintly with bronze—widening in shock. "Young Lord!" she exclaimed, bowing deeply, her voice tinged with nervousness.
The eunuch caught up, his breath coming in heavy gasps. "Young Lord, you mustn't—" he wheezed, only to trail off when Bao Yu ignored him completely.
"I've been looking everywhere for you," Bao Yu said, his voice softening as his eyes shimmered with delight. He reached for her hands, clasping them tightly.
Yin Huli's posture stiffened. Beneath the hem of his robe, his tail puffed and flicked irritably, though his expression remained concealed beneath the veil. His clenched fists trembled slightly, his sharp teeth gritting as he fought to keep his composure.
"Please, allow me to treat you to a meal," Bao Yu said eagerly, his grip on Li Yunwu's hands tightening.
Li Yunwu glanced nervously at Yin Huli, who stood just behind her, his golden eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. She could feel the simmering anger rolling off him in waves. Swallowing her unease, she gently tried to pull her hands away. "Oh no, I couldn't possibly accept," she said hurriedly, bowing her head.
"Why not?" Bao Yu demanded, his brows furrowing in frustration. His grip only tightened as he leaned closer, his gaze locked on hers. "Are you avoiding me?"
"Eh?" Li Yunwu stammered, a bead of sweat slipping down her temple. Her mind raced, searching for a way to defuse the situation without offending the Young Lord.
"She's not interested. Scram," Yin Huli hissed suddenly, stepping forward and swatting Bao Yu's hands away. The movement was quick and sharp, his hood shifting just enough to reveal a flash of silver hair. His voice, low and venomous, was laced with a barely contained snarl.
The eunuch's eyes widened in outrage. "How dare you speak to the Young Lord like that, you old hag!" he shouted, raising his hand to strike Yin Huli.
"Please don't!" Li Yunwu cried, throwing herself between them. The eunuch's hand froze mid-air as Bao Yu caught his wrist, his face darkening with disapproval.
"That's enough," Bao Yu said sternly, his grip firm. The eunuch flinched and stepped back, muttering an apology under his breath.
Li Yunwu turned quickly, placing her hands on Yin Huli's shoulders. "Granny is just… very protective of me," she explained, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to maintain her composure. She gently adjusted Yin Huli's hood, ensuring his face remained hidden. "Thank you for understanding."
Bao Yu's expression softened at the sight of her tenderness. "I see… Well, she's more than welcome to join us for a meal," he said, his smile returning. His gaze lingered on Li Yunwu, his voice dropping into a tender tone. "I insist."
"Oh, but—" she began, only for Bao Yu to raise a finger to her lips, silencing her with a firm but gentle gesture.
"I don't take no for an answer," he murmured, clapping his hands. His guards immediately sprang into action, bringing the carriage forward.
Li Yunwu's heart sank as she felt Yin Huli's silent fury behind her. She turned to glance at Yin Huli, who sat beside her in the carriage, his arms crossed and a sharp scowl etched across his face. She sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips as she teased, "I have the sweetest granny, don't I?"
Yin Huli rolled his eyes, muttering, "If this is sweet, I'd hate to see sour." He shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable, but obediently followed her lead in the ruse. The close confines of the carriage forced them to sit huddled together, his disguised form drawing an occasional suspicious glance from Bao Yu's eunuch.
Throughout the ride, Bao Yu's gaze never left Li Yunwu. His eyes, filled with admiration, followed her every movement, though she did her best to ignore him. She turned her attention to the window, pretending to be absorbed in the scenery, but her hands betrayed her unease as they clutched Yin Huli's tightly.
Breaking the silence, Bao Yu recited softly, "A flower blooms in quiet grace, its petals soft, kissed by the dew. The evening sun stretches warm fingers, painting colors that dance—beauty grows even in silence." As he spoke, he leaned out of the carriage and plucked a peach blossom from a low-hanging branch, presenting it to Li Yunwu with a flourish.
Li Yunwu hesitated, her smile strained as she accepted the flower with a polite bow of her head. She felt Yin Huli stiffen beside her, his hand twitching as though he wanted to swat the flower away. His jaw clenched, and his golden eyes, barely visible beneath the shadow of his hood, burned with barely contained fury.
When they arrived at a grand and opulent restaurant, Yin Huli's tension only deepened. The building towered before them, adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes, its windows glowing warmly with light. Bao Yu descended from the carriage first, ignoring the eunuch's whispered protests.
"Young Lord," the eunuch said, his voice a low hiss as he shot a disdainful glance at Li Yunwu and Yin Huli. "You can't possibly bring that—"
"Enough," Bao Yu snapped, silencing him with a sharp glare. He turned back to the carriage and extended a hand to help Li Yunwu step down. She hesitated, her eyes flicking to Yin Huli, but before she could protest, Bao Yu's hand enveloped hers.
Yin Huli climbed out after her, his movements stiff and deliberate. Bao Yu, sensing his displeasure, quickly released Li Yunwu's hand and bowed slightly. "I must apologize to Grandmother," he said, his tone overly earnest. "I hope my earlier assertiveness did not offend. Please forgive me."
Yin Huli's eyes narrowed behind his veil, and his tail twitched irritably beneath his robes. He let out a dismissive "hmph," crossing his arms as Li Yunwu looped her arm around his, patting it gently in an attempt to pacify him.
"Your grandmother is hard to please," Bao Yu remarked with a soft laugh, turning his gaze back to Li Yunwu. His eyes sparkled with warmth as he smiled at her, a look so tender it gave her shivers. She forced a nervous smile in return, glancing quickly at Yin Huli, whose expression remained thunderous.
Bao Yu, oblivious to the true nature of their relationship, was determined to impress. He had reserved the entire upper floor of the restaurant, dismissing the performers and ordering a banquet that bordered on excessive. The room was bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, and the scent of blooming peach blossoms drifted in through the open doors. Petals floated lazily to the floor, adding to the dreamlike atmosphere.
As the food arrived, plate after plate of delicately arranged dishes, Li Yunwu couldn't hide her awe. Each dish was a masterpiece: roasted meats glazed to perfection, artfully carved vegetables, and steamed dumplings so finely crafted they looked like miniature sculptures.
"Please, help yourselves," Bao Yu said, gesturing grandly to the spread. His eunuch rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath about the wastefulness of it all.
Li Yunwu hesitated, glancing at Yin Huli as if seeking his permission. He gave a begrudging nod, his arms still crossed tightly over his chest, and she immediately began to eat, her delight evident in the way her eyes lit up with each bite.
Yin Huli leaned back, watching her with a mixture of fondness and irritation. She barely gets to enjoy anything extravagant. I suppose it wouldn't be too bad to let her indulge… He thought to himself.
Bao Yu's voice cut through his musings. "Surely Grandmother will not be eating with a veil on?"
Yin Huli's head snapped up, his golden eyes narrowing as his tail bristled beneath his robe. Li Yunwu nearly choked on her food, quickly waving her hand. "Oh, no, no! Granny is very particular—"
"I insist," Bao Yu interrupted, his smile unwavering. "Please, Grandmother. It would put my heart at ease to see you enjoy this meal without obstruction."
Bao Yu picked up a porcelain cup of wine, its rim catching the soft glow of the lantern light, and drank deeply before setting it down with a faint clink. "Tell me," he began, pouring himself another glass, his tone light but curious, "why does Grandmother feel the need to wear a veil, even indoors?"
Li Yunwu, who had just taken a bite of food, froze mid-chew. Her heart pounded as she swallowed hard, struggling to come up with an answer. "Eh… Granny has…" she stammered, her mind racing for an excuse. "She has very fragile skin! Yes, fragile skin," she said hastily, her laugh forced and nervous. "The sun is terrible for her complexion."
She reached over to adjust Yin Huli's face veil, tugging down his hood to obscure as much of his features as possible. Beneath the disguise, Yin Huli's naturally flawless face—ethereal and otherworldly in its beauty—would have stopped anyone in their tracks. Even disguised as a woman, his features were too exquisite, too perfect, to go unnoticed.
Bao Yu frowned slightly, unconvinced. "But we're indoors, away from the sun," he pointed out, his gaze settling on Yin Huli. A charming smile spread across his lips as he gestured with a graceful hand. "Please, Grandmother, remove your veil and enjoy this meal with us. I insist."
Yin Huli's brow twitched, his annoyance bubbling beneath the surface. Before Li Yunwu could intervene, he reached up with deliberate slowness and removed his veil.
Li Yunwu's jaw nearly dropped. Where she had expected the radiant, almost divine features of Yin Huli, she was instead greeted by the weathered, sagging face of an elderly woman. His transformation was uncanny. His once smooth, luminous skin now appeared leathery and worn, deep wrinkles carving lines of age and hardship. His eyes, though sharp with irritation, were clouded to mimic age.
"You're surprised?" Bao Yu asked, puzzled by Li Yunwu's expression. His gaze flickered to Yin Huli's transformed face, his smile faltering slightly.
"Eh… It's just…" Li Yunwu stammered, quickly collecting herself. "Granny has such delicate skin. I seldom get to see her face—it's rare and… beautiful in its own way." She turned to Yin Huli with a tender smile, masking her shock.
Yin Huli gave a dramatic pout, stabbing his chopsticks into a juicy piece of meat and biting into it with exaggerated vigor, clearly unbothered by his own appearance.
Bao Yu chuckled softly, taking another sip of wine. "Grandmother is as fair as snow," he said, his poetic tone returning, "but Yunwu's skin… kissed by the sun, a canvas where golden rivers run." His gaze lingered on Li Yunwu, warm and dreamy.
Li Yunwu flushed uncomfortably under his scrutiny, while Yin Huli choked violently on his food. His face contorted with suppressed fury as he struggled to swallow.
"Grandmother!" Bao Yu exclaimed, leaping to his feet. "Someone fetch water!" He hurried to Yin Huli's side, patting his back with a little too much enthusiasm. Yin Huli wheezed, his eyes narrowing into golden slits as he glared daggers at Bao Yu.
For the rest of the evening, Bao Yu tried relentlessly to win Yin Huli's favor. He flaunted his wealth by ordering the finest wines, reciting flowery verses with exaggerated passion, and summoning musicians to play exclusively for their table. Yet no matter what he did, Yin Huli's scowl remained etched into his face, his mood as impenetrable as stone.
Grandmother is a hard woman to please, Bao Yu thought, watching as Yin Huli turned his head away, unimpressed. But his resolve only deepened. The more difficult it becomes, the more I want Yunwu.
His eyes drifted back to Li Yunwu, who was gently feeding Yin Huli a bite from her plate. Her movements were soft, her expression tender and nurturing—qualities that only made Bao Yu more infatuated.
"Lady Yunwu," he said suddenly, his voice warm and inviting. He reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "May I have a word with you in private?"
Li Yunwu opened her mouth to reply, but Yin Huli's sharp voice cut through the air. "No." The fox demon slapped Bao Yu's hand away, his claws briefly grazing the Young Lord's skin as he did so.
The eunuch, who had been standing silently behind Bao Yu, erupted in anger. "You insolent old hag!" he spat, his face red with fury. Before the eunuch could strike, Bao Yu's hand shot out, catching the eunuch's wrist in a firm, unyielding grip. "Gong Gong," Bao Yu said, his voice calm yet laced with authority, "know your place. Don't you ever dare raise a hand at her." His words were sharp, cutting through the tension like a blade.
The eunuch froze, his face paling as Bao Yu twisted his wrist, his grip tightening with deliberate force. "Young Lord," the eunuch whimpered, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "This lowly servant… was out of line. He begs the Young Lord for mercy."
Bao Yu's expression darkened, his lips curling into a grim smile that didn't reach his eyes. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a cold whisper that only the eunuch could hear. "I'm glad you understand. One hundred lashes."
The eunuch's face contorted in horror, but he dared not protest. "Understood, Young Lord," he choked out, his voice trembling as Bao Yu released his wrist with a shove. The eunuch stumbled back, cradling his arm as he bowed repeatedly, his head nearly touching the ground.
From his seat, Yin Huli's ears twitched beneath his hood, keenly catching every word of the exchange. His golden eyes glimmered with interest, as he watched the exchange.
Bao Yu straightened, his composed demeanor returning as if nothing had happened. He turned back to Li Yunwu, who sat stiffly, her expression uneasy as she glanced between him and the eunuch. "Forgive the disruption, Lady Yunwu," Bao Yu said gently, his tone softening. "I apologize on Gong Gong's behalf."
Li Yunwu gave a weak nod, offering a strained smile. Beside her, Yin Huli leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed, and a knowing gleam in his eyes as he continued to observe Bao Yu in silence.
Bao Yu turned toward Li Yunwu, his expression sincere, his eyes shining with intensity. "The truth is, Lady Yunwu, I am in love with you," he confessed, his voice steady yet heavy with emotion.
Before he could continue, the sound of a fist slamming onto the table reverberated through the room. All eyes turned to Yin Huli, whose knuckles were white against the polished wood. Li Yunwu quickly clutched his hand tightly, her fingers curling around his to calm him.
"Young Lord," she began hastily, her voice slightly trembling, "I'm flattered, truly. But a man of your stature and fortune should set his eyes on a noble girl. Someone who could match your station." She forced a smile, rising hurriedly from her seat. "Thank you for the meal today, but we must take our leave." She draped her arm around Yin Huli's shoulders, guiding him toward the door.
Bao Yu, however, was quicker, stepping into their path and blocking the exit. His gaze was resolute, yet desperate. "Will you not hear me out?" he asked, his voice tinged with a rare vulnerability.
Li Yunwu hesitated, her gaze darting around the room as if searching for an escape. "Young Lord—" she began, but her words faltered under his pleading eyes.
Yin Huli's patience snapped. His amber eyes narrowed to slits, and his fur, hidden beneath his robes, began to bristle. "She said no!" he growled, his voice dangerously low, like a storm on the verge of breaking. The table beneath his palm groaned faintly from the pressure of his grip.
Bao Yu's eunuch stepped forward, his voice sharp with disdain. "Young Lord, you shouldn't lower yourself to beg—"
"Silence!" Bao Yu barked, cutting him off without so much as a glance. His commanding tone left the eunuch stammering as he shrank back. Bao Yu's focus returned to Li Yunwu as he stepped closer, his hands reaching out as though to take hers.
Li Yunwu recoiled instinctively, drawing her hands back to clutch Yin Huli's arm instead. "Yunwu, I love you," Bao Yu repeated, his voice quieter but no less fervent. "I wish to make you my wife. Please, say yes."
Li Yunwu's face paled, her horror thinly veiled as she stammered, "No. I—I can't." She tightened her grip on Yin Huli's arm and turned sharply toward the door, quickening her steps.
Bao Yu followed close behind, his footsteps echoing in the corridor. "Why not?" he pressed, his desperation breaking through his otherwise composed demeanor. He moved to block her path again, his broad frame cutting off any escape.
"She already has a husband," Yin Huli spat venomously, his voice laced with barely contained fury. The wrinkles of his disguised face deepened, making his glare all the more ferocious.
Li Yunwu froze, her eyes wide as she quickly interjected, "What Granny means is… I am devoted to the Dao!" she exclaimed, fumbling for an excuse. "And besides…" She paused, gripping Yin Huli's hand tightly, pulling him forward. "I promised my father I would never marry."
Bao Yu's face twisted in confusion, his brows knitting together. "Why not?" he demanded, his frustration spilling over as he reached out to grasp her arm. "Why won't you let me in your heart?"
Li Yunwu pulled her arm free with a firm tug, instinctively clutching Yin Huli's hand again. Her pulse raced, but she forced herself to remain steady. "Must I give you a reason?" Li Yunwu stammered, stepping back, away from Bao Yu. Yin Huli's anger threatened to boil over, the primal part of him yearning to shed the disguise and unleash his fury. But Li Yunwu's firm grasp on his arm was an unspoken plea, reminding him of the consequences. He couldn't risk exposing himself—not when her family's safety was at stake.
Bao Yu's gaze flickered between them, searching for answers. Li Yunwu swallowed hard, summoning her resolve. "My father is an apothecary," she explained hurriedly. "But due to his illness, he is unable to gather the herbs needed for his medicine. He has no sons, so I've taken it upon myself to continue his work."
Her voice softened as she spoke, and she gave a polite yet firm bow. "Thank you for your kindness, Young Lord, but I have responsibilities that cannot be set aside."
"That matters not," Bao Yu declared, his voice firm yet impassioned as he stepped forward, blocking Li Yunwu's path. His eyes bore into hers, earnest and unwavering. "I can send tens of thousands of people to scour the forests and collect whatever herbs are necessary. Your father mustn't worry, and you need not toil any longer. Please, allow me the honor of being your husband."
Li Yunwu turned to face him fully, her emerald eyes flecked with bronze catching the last golden rays of the setting sun. They shimmered like liquid fire, but her expression remained resolute. "No," she said, her voice carrying a sharp edge, final and unyielding.
Bao Yu's brows furrowed in frustration, his desperation visible in the tension of his clenched fists. "Why not?" he demanded, stepping closer. His voice softened as he searched her face for a reason. "Could it be… another man has stolen your heart?"
A shadow of mischief passed over Yin Huli's face as he stepped forward, his disguise barely concealing his contempt. "That's correct," he interrupted, his voice dripping with venom. His amber eyes glinted under his hood as he smirked, turning his face slightly away. "And he's a thousand times better looking than you."
His tail, hidden beneath his skirt, gave a sharp flick, betraying his irritation.
The eunuch finally caught up, his face red and his breath coming in gasps. Appalled, he pointed a trembling finger at Yin Huli. "You vile witch!" he spat, his voice rising in indignation. "You dare—"
"Enough!" Bao Yu snapped, raising his hand sharply to silence the eunuch. His expression darkened, and the air around him grew heavy with authority. He cast a withering glare at the servant, who immediately shrank back, swallowing his words.
Turning back to Li Yunwu, Bao Yu's tone softened, his desperation now mingled with a tinge of despair. "Please, Li Yunwu. Just give me a chance," he pleaded, his voice trembling with raw emotion.
Li Yunwu's gaze met his, steady and unwavering. She shook her head and shoved his hands away as he reached for hers. "I'm sorry," she said quietly, her voice firm yet laced with finality.
Without another word, she turned and grabbed Yin Huli's arm. Together, they bolted, leaving Bao Yu standing in stunned silence.
"Li Yunwu!" he shouted after her, his voice echoing in the growing twilight. But she was already far down the path, her silhouette fading into the horizon.
Yin Huli glanced back over his shoulder, his lips curling into a sly, victorious smirk as his tail gave one last flick.