Eternal Love of Dream: The Aftermath

What If? Gungun Epilogue

After the wedding, Donghua and Fengjiu went into seclusion at Bihai Cangling for the two years of her pregnancy.  Although no one would dare try to breach the already strong ward around the sacred Bihai Cangling, Donghua erected the impenetrable Starlight Ward since he was feeling particularly protective of his little fox.

The days passed with them just enjoying each other's company. Without anyone around, Donghua took advantage of Fengjiu in almost every location: against a tree, down by the water, on any large rock, definitely in any shaded grassy knoll.  It was hard to restrain himself because he found every little thing Fengjiu did to be especially beguiling (not that Fengjiu minded even if she still blushed every time). Though true to his word, he did behave himself when the spiritual birds danced the Homage to the Phoenix the first of each month, but no such promise was made when she danced for him, so Fengjiu had never been able to finish one entire dance.

Remembering what she wanted in the other timeline, Donghua planted grapefruit trees, pear trees and grape trees and used magic to accelerate their growth so that Fengjiu could enjoy the fruits.  He built a path that led to a hill that he also constructed to provide her a beautiful view of the land and horizon.  He planted more Foling trees for shade. He cut down a little patch of forest to make a garden of herbs and vegetables for her. He built a lotus pond that he modeled after the one she adored in the Dream of Aranya, and he also built a small pavilion where they spent nights watching the stars while enjoying the cool air (which was of course was preceded and followed by Donghua taking advantage of her).

While Donghua did all this construction, Fengjiu cooked him his favorite dishes and made him different types of sweets. He loved everything she made, though the fox-shaped honey candy would always remain his favorite. Donghua often took breaks so she could rest on him under some shaded tree. He adored touching her growing stomach to feel Gungun's heartbeat and movements.

Fengjiu would sometimes tear up wishing the days could slow down with just the two of them, because when it was just the two of them, he was so carefree and young. She loved listening about his famous battles, which differed so much from her ancient history classes, and he loved listening to all the mischief she's gotten into in her shorter life. But there were times when she would cry, unable to wait for Gungun's arrival, and Donghua would hold her in those times, soothing her until she fell asleep in his arms.  He, too, loved spending every day with her, and he, too, couldn't wait to hold little Gungun in his arms. 

And then finally, on the 24th night that the Yueling flowers bloomed, little Gungun came into the world as a little ball of silver fur, all quiet and observant with curious big eyes.*  After Zheyan had checked to make sure mother and son were fine, and everyone from her family had said hello to the little first nine-tailed silver fox in the world, the family of three was given privacy. Donghua held a sleeping Gungun in his arms in their bed as Fengjiu rested her head on his shoulder.  He kissed the top of her head.  "Xiaobai, are you feeling uncomfortable at all?"

Fengjiu yawned. "I'm fine.  Your blood made me feel a lot better."

After she went into contraction, he had given her medicine provided by Zhe Yan with droplets of his golden blood, which numbed the pain of giving birth.  Although it wasn't proper for a husband to be in the room, he had held her hand and refused to leave, giving her a continuous infusion of his magic to numb her pain during her labor.

Donghua petted their little sleeping baby. Gungun had looked so serious at Donghua and Fengjiu, until Donghua caressed his little nose and the little fox gurgled with joy. Fengjiu had said that Qingqiu babies would stay in their fox form for one year since they needed to absorb the spiritual energy of the universe and nourishment from their mother to take on human form.* Donghua didn't mind that at all, marveling at their son's beautiful, soft, silver fur.