There's a Lump in My Tail

Because You're You

The entire Fox Den was in complete disarray as Bai Qian once again took off at great speed for the main gate. Ye Hua was about to arrive at any moment for their first official meeting, but having only just found out that he had personally requested her hand in marriage only the day before, she needed more time to think, yet it seemed as if her family were hell bent on throwing her at this strange man whom she briefly remembered from his visit to the Grove.

"Xiao Wu, if you don't keep yourself in the den, I will be forced to shackle you!" Her father roared angrily having taken it upon himself to chase her down.

"But I don't want to meet him. I don't even know him!" she screamed over her shoulder just seconds before a rush of energy hit her back and sent her flying up into the air where Bai Zhi caught her.

In a flutter of silk and flailing arms, he lowered her to the ground. His arms were tightly wrapped about her body and though she could see her mother running towards them with Zhe Yan trailing slowly behind her, the embarrassment of being caught was all that was on her mind. She had never once been able to outrun him when he gave chase, and nor was she able to hold back the tears.

Crying softly into his shoulder, the fight went out of her very quickly as her mother caught up and gathered them both into her arms.

"Qian Qian. I have met Crown Prince Ye Hua. He is a good man, one with a solid upbringing and kindly. He has done a lot of good work within the community, helped many people and saved untold lives, he is the perfect husband for you." her mother whispered softly against the side of her face.

"Xiao Wu. We have not agreed to this marriage yet, its only a meeting. He barely got to talk you the first time, just give him a chance." Bai Zhi also whispered down at her.

Huddled together tightly, the embrace felt warm and loving, that for a few moments, she relished in it. She had not been held like that by both her parents since she was very little, but the warm of the embrace did exactly what it was meant to do.

Eventually the tears stopped and a small smile grew as her mother began to fill her head with all the wonderful things Ye Hua had done in his short life. He was a high ranked general, had fought in several wars and had made a name for himself as a master swordsman. He was also a wonderful chef who preferred to cook his own meals when at home, and was an artist on top of it.

Walking back to the den arm in arm, she also learned that he could play the zither, owned several homes in the Mortal world which he rented out to his friends when visiting, and even owned an enormous orchard in which the fruit was donated to the orphanges and homelelss shelters.

"And there is something else you might want to know." Zhe Yan called out from behind as they entered the den. "He has also made enquiries into producing his own wine from the grapes he grows himself." he added with a smirk, knowing full well that this little piece of news would put a smile on that face.

"He sounds far too perfect..." she eventually replied considering the man was barely older than her yet he had done so much and knew far too much.

"Well I am sure there are things that will not be to your liking, after all no one is perfect." her mother replied with a sideways glance at Bai Zhi who completely missed it seeing as he was now heading towards his study to finalize the contract should he decide to go ahead and accept the proposal.

Knowing that was exactly what he would be doing seeing as the contract had been discussed the night before, a sudden plan began to develop in her mind. So far, all she knew about Ye Hua, was all the wonderful things he had done and seeing as he was very much a wordly figure with the fame to go with it, then her plan was going to involve something a little more closer to home.