Choices

31 - Extra: Entanglements (Part 1)

Warnings: Mature, adult topics, OOC (or, as much as this AU would require).

For those who prefer their Donghua pure and unsullied, this chapter might break your hearts. But for the likes of me...do read on, you're welcome. :)

Also, an OC (of sorts, I think?)

Disclaimer: Bai family traditions are mere products of my muse's overactive imagination, and had nothing to do whatsoever with canon.

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"Donghua's entanglements?"

Fengjiu's smile shamed the sun in its brightness. "I ever remember you told me to come to you when I am a few years older and married, and you will tell me all about the entanglements he had in Jiuchongtian and beyond, and with whom."

As one ought to do in times of doubt, Zheyan feigned ignorance. "I did?"

"You most certainly did." Then, like the wily fox that she is, Fengjiu waved a hand and conjured an impressive stack of cakes, both sweet and savory, encased in glass boxes of different colors. "I made these especially for today, so that we can have something to munch on while we converse. These would go nicely with your peach blossom wine."

It would usually take more than the offer of food to make Zheyan cave, but this is Fengjiu, the best chef in the eight realms, and nowadays tasting her cooking is as rare and risky as obtaining divine fungal grass. "You are playing dirty."

"Yes, I am." The tone that Fengjiu used was so sweet, Zheyan had no doubt it was laced with poison. Her husband's influence, for sure. "And you do not have to worry about Donghua barging in. He's busy tutoring Gungun for his upcoming exams."

"Gungun needs tutoring?"

"He doesn't, but he can pretend to."

Zheyan glared, but followed Fengjiu to the stone table and took a seat. "Have you no shame, using a young child to cover up your tracks?" He grumbled, even as he accepted a plate piled high with delectable treats. "Do I want to know what happened?"

Fengjiu didn't reply at once, but urged him to try one of the cakes - a white one with a pink center - and smiled as Zheyan closed his eyes in bliss at first bite. "No, you don't."

Zheyan's curiosity was piqued, but decided that he didn't want to get any more involved than he already is in the power dynamics between Fengjiu and her inimitable husband. As it was, he is screwed once Donghua finds out. "So, what do you want to know?"

"Names, particulars. Whatever info you can provide." To the ancient phoenix's consternation, Fengjiu actually produced a parchment, quill, and ink, and spread these on the stone table. "Well, I'm ready."

"Why do I feel like an accomplice to some crime, with my statement being taken as evidence?"

"Oh, nothing of the sort." Seeing that he was done with the first cake, Fengjiu took another one and profferred it to him. "Here, sorrowless pastry. Fourth Uncle said you missed this the most."