Think Happy

Marriage Proposal

Everyone was sitting awkwardly at the table not daring to speak a word. Zhe Yan looked around the table and decided to make the first move in order to help the Bais.
-So Dijun...to what honor do the Bais owe this blessed appearance?

Zhe Yan and Bai Zhe were probably the only ones at that table who could afford to speak to Dijun leisurely but even that was a double sharpened blade. You never knew really what to expect from Dijon. That is if he bothered to even reply. But they all had to admit that if it was a serious matter he was probably the most reliable god to count on. Even after his retirement, he was the most sought high god. Something that was irking the current Emperor Hao De but nobody dared to speak about it.

Dijun took his time to answer while all eyes were on him. He turned to look at Bai Yi and said:
-I came to congratulate you for the birth of your daughter. She is your first born right!
-Yes Dijun! And she is the only red nine tail fox born in our family.

Bai Yi's chest filled with pride and grabbed the hand of his wife squeezing it gently. She was sitting right by his side. Public displays of affection were not allowed between men and woman. But Bai family was very close Dijun thought. When He just nodded his head everyone started to relax a little bit. Dijun admired what a warm and affectionate family really means. So she will be just like them. That brought joy in his heart. The wait won't be long now! He said to himself internally.

Zhe Yan feeling naughty again said:
-Dijun you came all the way here from the Nine Heavens to celebrate the birth of the newest member of the Bai family. Please have a glass of my finest peach blossom wine and let's make a toast for the princess.

Zhe Yan was well aware that Dijun was against alcohol so seeing his reaction upon his suggestion was the cherry on top of the cake for him. He was absolutely sure Dijun will be put on the spot and he won't have any other choice but to refuse. He and Dijun had an amiable relationship as long as they weren't put against each other on political matters. They had the oldest friendship known in the six realms. Bantering with him was one of his rare guilty pleasures. Dijun threw him a spiteful look and Zhe Yan knew he hit the spot. While he was quietly congratulating himself Zhen Zhen hit him under the table.

Dijun took everyone by surprise when he said:
-Sure. Poor me a glass! I can finally decide for myself what a great master wine maker Zhe Yan actually is. I always thought the stories about his wine were pure folklore.

Everyone started to laugh. Zhe Yan made a fist under the table cursing Dijun in his mind. He knew he lost this match and he'll have stop attacking Dijun for now. After all, this was a happy celebration for his beloved family and he certainly wasn't going to ruin it. He was also aware that Zhen Zhen will part retribution later on when they'll talk in private. He'll most definitely find another time to toil with Dijun.

A glass of wine was served for his majesty and they all raised their glasses to toast the little princess. Dijun took the glass to his lips. Little did they know he didn't put a single drop of wine in his mouth and he just pretended to swallow.

-Bay Yi unfortunately I do not have a lot of time to spare as somewhat urgent matters are awaiting me to be decided at Thai Chen Palace. If you could grant me an audience I would like a word with you in private. Maybe it would be appropriate if Bai Zhe would join us but it is all up to you.

Everyone received with interest the request. Zhe Yan was thinking what was the almighty cooking now. Hopefully it wasn't to do with the safety of the realms.
-Of course Dijun! It will be my pleasure! Father would you like to join us in the office? Said Bai Yi extending his arm toward the direction of the room where he was conducting his official royal business.

Bai Zhe get up from the chair and the three of them left the room.

Zhen Zhen, the forth prince, look at Qian Qian and asked worryingly:
-What do you think this is all about?
-I have absolutely no idea! she replied under her breath. Let's all wait until they finished talking and have another toast in the mean time.
-Yes lets! said Bai Yi's wife giving one last look towards the closed door of the office room.

******

In the office Dijun was instructed to seat on the most imposing dais in front of the beautifully decorated desk. It was also the largest chair in the room. Dijun felt it was somehow ironic because according to rank he will soon have to be seated the lowest but what he had to ask was inevitable. The rest of his life depended on it. The two Bai men sat in front of him. Bai Zhe opened the conversation:

-What is it Dijun? Is anything the matter? Is there anyway in which we can assist you? Are the realms in danger again?
-Do not worry is nothing as such. The reason that made me come here today is rather personal than political.
-Oh! both men exclaimed.
-Bai Yi I want to ask you to grant me a favor based on the previous relationship between me and your father.
Bai Zhe bowed his head.
-Of course your majesty! Anything!
-I fear you won't be so willing after you hear it...
-No your majesty is impossible! Please tell us what is it that you want from us?
-I have decided to take on an empress and I would like to ask you for your daughter hand in marriage.

If both men weren't standing they would have both dropped. Bai Zhe releases a heavy breath and Bai Yi's mouth dropped open.
-But Dijun she is just a baby! Bai Yi said incredulously barely managing to partially come back to his senses after the strong shock.
-Obviously we will wait until she becomes of age.
-But your majesty you have seen so many beauties over the ages and you have never even considered looking at them. Why now? Why Feng Jiu?
-Well I am going to share a secret with both of you that I hope stays in this room.
Both men nodded.
-As you both are well aware I am one of the very few people privy to the information pertaining to the Rock of the Three Incarnations. Empress Nuwa was kind enough to tell me who is the person fated to share my destiny. That person is none other than your beloved daughter Feng Jiu. So as soon as I heard the news that she has been born I made the decision to come here and make arrangements. I think you will agree with me when I say that is better to have a hand in this from the beginning and spare unnecessary pain and suffering that comes from leaving it in the hands of the moody mistress of faith.
-And if I refuse?
-Well you could do that but as you know the fated ones will eventually be together. So either way we will come to the same result. She will become mine whatever path we might take. Me coming here today is a sign to show my good faith towards the Bai family, and obviously all I want is for us to get along. I don't want later in life by some unforeseen circumstances a gap to be created between the princess and her family because of a destiny that can't and won't be avoided.

Dijun looked straight at Bai Yi. He thought he was pleading a strong case and there is no way his favor will be refused. Plus there wasn't much they could do. Either way fate was on his side. It was better to be on an united front than against each other.
-I am willing to go to great lengths...for you to grant me this favor...
Bai Yi looked for support from his father, but Bai Zhe was still in absolute shock.
-Father?!
Bai Zhe finally spoked:
-Dijun you took us all by surprise! What do you say if you give us some time to think how to proceed about this matter?

Dijun relaxed a bit. So they weren't completely against it. That is indeed good news.
-Sure! You must take time is understandable. I'll give you three days. I shall return then for an answer. I must go back to Thai Chen Palace now I'll let you enjoy your family dinner.

With that said Dijun got up and headed towards the door. When he passed through the living room he just announced:
-I'll take my leave now.
And with that disappeared in his traveling aura.

Bai Yi and Bai Zhe were just behind him. They came back to the table and quietly sat down. All eyes were on them. Qian Qian asked first:
-So what did he wanted?
-To marry Princess Feng Jiu...said Bai Yi his voice trailing off.