How To Polish A Pearl

Chapter 53 - Asserting

Stepping into the main pavilion, Zhou Xu would say that this was more of a flower house than an Inn, based on the decoration and the way that the servants were dressed. Then again, he should have known better then to expect a normal Inn from his Guzhu and the Ghost Valley.

Lost somewhere in deep thoughts, which are definitely not about his Guzhu's previous visits here, his reflexes reacts before his brain when a blue fan snaps out in front of him. His right arm shoots out, striking the wrist with enough force to send the fan flying across the room, smashing into the wall on the opposite side. Instantly, it breaks into several pieces and is just like that rendered useless to its owner.

"Oooow!" Shanyuan grabs his arm dramatically as he rolls his eyes back into his head. "I was just going to show you where the tea is. I thought you might like some refreshments after a long day on the horse."

Oh, come on! At least be honest that you wanted to test me. Zhou Xu sighs, forcing his marble face to smile and says, "Apologies, I don't react well to strangers putting a weapon in front of my face." It is obvious to everyone in the room that he is not sorry at all. Just like it is obvious to everyone in the room that Shanyuan is faking it.

Why, oh, why did I bring him here of all places? Our first trip and I bring him here? Wen Ke Xing, Wen Ke Xing, where is your brain? Clearing his throat, Wen Ke Xing takes a step forward, not really clear on how he is going to handle this awkward situation. Deciding that a distraction is the best course of action, he turns to Shanyuan and says, "Ah-Xiang is joining us as well, we rode ahead of the travel party. They should be here in an hour or two."

"Oh! Ah-Xiang! I absolutely love that girl. Isn't it about time that you find her a husband XingXing?"

Flinching a little bit at being called XingXing for a second time in front of Zhou Xu, Wen Ke Xing blinks a few times, "I have tried, but she just doesn't find anyone interesting. Besides, I will be scared for the boy who ends up falling for her." Laughing, one of those usual laughter's that doesn't reach his eyes, he turns towards Zhou Xu. "Ah-Xu, this place has a really good chef. What would you like to eat? He can make you whatever you want and we can have a bath whilst we wait. I really want to show you the hot spring up on the cliff."

Still with that marble exterior, he responds with a calm voice, "Sure, a bath sounds quite nice after today's long ride. You decide what to eat, you know what I like don't you?"

Turning towards Shanyuan, he smiles, "Could one of your servants please show me to the pavilion where we are staying?"

"We? Oh, you are staying in the same one?"

Wen Ke Xing finds both men are staring at him, one with two eyebrows raised and one with just one eyebrow raised. They are both waiting for him to respond to their questions.

The one with one eyebrow raised stares with his walnut-colored ones at Wen Ke Xing and says, "Oh, I can stay by myself if you want XingXing? So that you can enjoy that Xiaotao flower beauty?" His voice smooth but his eyes crisp and hard, "I might even enjoy one myself, since Shanyuan says they are beautiful. Can you send one up to the hot spring?"

Swallowing hard, his mouth so dry he involuntarily coughs as he speaks, "No, no! Not separate. We are staying in the same pavilion."

"Then it is settled. You," pointing at one of the servants by the door, "show Guzhu's husband to the Kaihua pavilion." (1)

Without waiting for Wen Ke Xing to open his mouth, Zhou Xu motions for the servant to lead the way and he is out the door before Wen Ke Xing has fully recovered.

Sighing at the amount of damage control he would have to make, he accepts his fate. He did after all bring it on himself. Resolute, he meets those blue eyes, his voice steady and his voice firm, "Shanyuan, I am married. He is my husband and your Nu Zhuren. Treat him with the respect he deserves."

"I had heard the rumor that you had taken a bride a while back. I expected him to be beautiful, you did pick him after all, but I hadn't expected him to be this magnificent. Even his martial arts are superb. Guzhu, where did you find him? Not even my flower beauties can compete with your Ah-Xu."

"Really? I thought I saw you during the wedding ceremony? But then again, I wasn't paying full attention. It was difficult to take my eyes of my husband." Smiling, this time one of those that does reach the eyes, his eyes soften as he continues, "Yes, I did pick myself a spectacular one. And now, thanks to you, I have to go grovel."

Laughing, Shanyuan winks at Wen Ke Xing, I will send over your favorite foods and tell my flower beauties to stay away." His smile turns teasing, he continues, "Unless you want me to send Xiaotao? I am sure he wouldn't mind that there is two of you."

The thought of sharing Zhou Xu with anyone makes his blood burn. Even just the thought of anyone seeing his milky skin, let alone touching it, brings out the throat slitting and neck breaking instinct in him.

Shaking his head at the transformation Wen Ke Xing made in just a few seconds just by thinking about his offer, Shanyuan continues without waiting for an answer, "Never mind. I can see that you are not at the flower beauty stage yet. Guzhu, are you not planning on taking any concubines? People might say you've gone soft."

Concubines, there is that word again. Why is everyone expecting that I either have or will take concubines? I never spent the night with the same person twice, why would I want to do that now? I mean.... With anyone but... With a crease between his eyebrows, he answers honestly, "Actually, the thought haven't even crossed my mind."

Surprised by the answer, that this Guzhu, the man that had always been the first one to try out his flower beauties, demanding more once he had tested and tasted them. Never fully satisfied and never going back to the same one twice. Never allowing them to spend the night or himself sleeping over for a full night. This man, hadn't thought about it?

Looking over at the remains of his favorite fan, he sighs, "You know, that fan once belonged to an Empress. I will just write that off as my wedding present to you."

"I will see if I can find you a replacement." Walking towards the doors, his mind still a bit absent, he suddenly stops and turns, "Oh, please have the chef prepare some steamed meat buns. They are Ah-Xu's favorite."

"... Sure."

Wen Ke Xing doesn't need a servant to show him the way to Kaihua pavilion. It is the most luxurious pavilion in this manor. It is also where he always stays when he visits this 'Inn'. Taking a deep breath, he exhales through pressed lips, puffing his cheeks, as he opens the doors and steps inside.

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Author's Notes:

(1) Kaihua, or Kāihuā (开花) means blossom.