1.3

It has been a week since he transmigrated into this world and needless to say, Wen Ning is bored. Not because this world wasn't interesting; there were so many things he found out from this world from the kingdom's legend and lores, the intricate ranks and positions of the royal council, advance schooling system to the plentiful medicinal herbs he could find scattering in his garden. He got weird looks from the servants when he was squatting on the ground, picking up little herbs here and there but at least he got fresh air every time he was able to do so. Plus, these herbs are priceless. He could definitely make salves and sell them if he was suddenly banished from the castle. If only.

Also, he got A-Jia to start collecting information about the important people connected to Bai Yujin and the peoples' impression of him. Wen Ning wants to avoid any unnecessary mistakes. The key to accomplish something is gaining information.

Ah yes, the reason he was bored is because every time he tries to leave his room, one of the servants will stop him and lead him back to bed reasoning him that he needed rest. Just because he is pregnant doesn't mean he is invalid. These people, stop treating him like glass!

He finally decides that today is the day he escapes from this room. He had A-Jia survey the potential exits and secret routes that he could use. He waits to make his move after Rou Yao leaves his room when he sent him his daily medicines.

He successfully sneaks himself away from the servants especially the always worrisome Rou Yao and his wife, Rou Mei using a path in the garden that was very well hidden. He got as far as walking to the center ground of the castle and his eyes got so big looking at the architecture of the castle and the buildings around. It was even bigger than the buildings at Qishan Wen Sect before it got destroyed and intimidating too. He even got to see a group of soldiers marching on the ground and is relieve to see that Liu Li Feng was not part of the group. Wen Ning guesses Liu Li Feng's rank was much higher compare to being a mere foot soldier.

A-Jia was jumping around; it too shares his excitement with Wen Ning being able to explore. It had even fly himself to an apple tree near the frozen lake of what he assume is the castle garden, picking two apples for both it and Wen Ning. Since it was the middle of winter, the weather was quite cold that the coat Wen Ning wore wasn't enough so A-Jia had used his powers on him, a warming charm. He thanks A-Jia and bites into the delicious apple, a satisfying hum emitting from him.

He continues exploring but not before he notices a pair of eyes staring at him. He looks at the direction of the gaze and saw a figure from afar with an entourage behind the man. Wen Ning couldn't see clearly who the person was due to the snow but the man seems to know who he was from the way A-Jia describe him. The man probably knew him from someone or somewhere. Not like Wen Ning cares but he acts properly and waves to the man, acknowledging his presence.

The man seems to just look at him and slowly lifts his hand and waves back. Wen Ning bows to the man and was ready to be on his way before a young boy calls him from behind and run towards Wen Ning carrying a big fluffy, golden black coat. He gives it to Wen Ning and ran back to the figure without explaining. Wen Ning looks at the coat and as he sees the man still standing there looking at him, he promptly wears it. It was comfy and big, engulfing Wen Ning's small body. "Thank you!" Wen Ning says to the man happily, oblivious to the shock looks he receives from the entourage. The man nods at him and walks away, a small smile hidden from others view.

Wen Ning kept walking until he reaches the castle's front gate. He could see people bustling around from outside the gate; citizens walking through the busy street and sellers attracting customers to buy their wares or hot food. Wen Ning felt so excited that the guards who were at the gate kept looking at him, curious but delighted with Wen Ning childish excitement.

Wen Ning nods at the guards and was about to step foot outside before someone had pull him away from the gate. "Ah! Wait, don't…," before he could get any word out, Wen Ning was pulled away from the gate and was silently being brought back towards the direction of the small mansion he was currently living by a firm hand and all he could see is the wide back of the man bringing him there. The man keeps quiet even when Wen Ning was complaining and trying hard to get the grip to loosen. "Slow down! You're pulling too hard. It hurts," Wen Ning cries out, biting his lips to take his mind off the pain,

'This is the second time my wrist has been held like this. Such a brute!'

The man seems to realize this and stops walking. He looks back to Wen Ning and Wen Ning realizes it was that imposter with Lan Wangji's face, Liu Li Feng! Liu Li Feng impassively looks at Wen Ning up and down making him feel nervous at those golden eyes. His gaze then lands on Wen Ning's wrist and his eyes turn guilty when he sees the red bruise he had inflicted on the ger.

Liu Li Feng gently brushes his thumb on the bruise which incited a painful squeak out of Wen Ning. Liu Li Feng let go of the hand and Wen Ning could see the conflicted impression he had. "I apologize. That was…unacceptable of me," "At least you realize you did something wrong," Wen Ning says obnoxiously which earns him a single lift brow from Liu Li Feng who seems surprise by his attitude.

Well, if he is to act like a brat, he'll be a brat then.

Wen Ning puts his hand in his pants pocket and pulls out a small container. He twists open the cap and spread the salve in it on his wrist. He sighs in relieve as he feels the pain beginning to subside. Wen Ning can see the questioning look on Liu Li Feng and told him what it is. "Its an ointment to relieve bruises or scars," "Where di…," "I made it myself," Wen Ning ends the topic. He doesn't want to answer since there is a chance that someone would question his sudden skill in medicine.

Liu Li Feng seems to begrudgingly accepts this as he nods to Wen Ning. "Come," Liu Li Feng begins to walk but he notices that Bai Yujin wasn't moving. He turns back and is face with a pouting man who has his arms cross, looking at him as if Liu Li Feng was an annoying presence. "Bai Yujin…," "No. I want to go out," Wen Ning stomps his foot childishly and looks aside. Liu Li Feng sighs.

"You know you cannot,"

"Why? Because I'm pregnant? That's stupid,"

"It is not stupid. You are 7 and a half months, you are suppose to get enough rest especially after that incident,"

"I am fine. I ate all my medicines today, so just let me go out,"

"You expect me to leave you by yourself? Without an escort?"

"Not if you accompany me,"

"…I'm busy,"

"Then leave,"

Wen Ning walks away from Liu Li Feng as he heads back towards the gate. A few seconds later he hears footsteps following him from behind. Wen Ning silently grins to himself. It seems the first step of his plan is starting.

He finally arrives at the front gate, bursting with excitement. The guards ignore him but as they saw who was behind Wen Ning, they quickly bow. "Second Prince Liu!" Wen Ning looks at the guards in surprise. He looks at Liu Li Feng who is still looking at Wen Ning. As Liu Li Feng sees that the guards are still bowing, he begins to take Wen Ning's waist by hand and walks outside to the street together, carefully maneuvering the street while holding onto his pregnant wife.

He curses to himself when he notices how pack the street is today. He should have been strict and said no to Bai Yujin. But he doesn't. "Liu Li Feng, look! They're selling steam red bean buns. Let's buy one," Bai Yujin says as he walks off, making Liu Li Feng follow along as he tightly holds onto Bai Yujin's clothing.

How can he when he sees the wide smile on Bai Yujin's lips.

Ever since their marriage, the last time he smiled as wide as this was during their wedding ceremony and slowly as the days pass, Bai Yujin's smile grows dim and it was then nonexistence. Liu Li Feng doesn't know exactly when it happens but as his visits grow less these two years especially after they conceive a child, he has forgotten the face Bai Yujin makes when he smiles and only remembers the one during their ceremony. His heart aches slightly and somehow a scolding expression appears in his mind. A face so similar to his but different. As soon as it appears, it disappears as quickly. He must be imagining things.

A hand tugs on his sleeve making Liu Li Feng break from his trance. He looks down and was face with a worry Bai Yujin. Bai Yujin had a frown on his adorable face and it was more adorable with his red cheeks due to the cold. Somehow, Liu Li Feng wanted to pinch them. Also, the whorl of his head is…cute. This thought makes him sound like a pervert and his ears turns red just thinking about it.

Wen Ning tugs Liu Li Feng's sleeve again after he doesn't receive a response. As much as he tries to differentiate Liu Li Feng with Lan Wanji, Wen Ning wasn't as cruel as too leave someone just like that. "You okay? Want to have a seat?" he says this, concern etch on his face. Liu Li Feng just continues to look at Wen Ning and suddenly pats his head, feeling the soft strands of his hair. Wen Ning stood still and was perplex by Liu Li Feng's action.

"What are y…,"

"Short,"

"…what?"

"You're quite short,"

"…you know what, I don't even want to ask. Let's go, we are blocking the street,"

Wen Ning holds his hand up and waits patiently for Liu Li Feng to accept or not, not that he really cares. "Master, you're not being honest," A-Jia chirps up from his robe, chest pocket. "Quiet A-Jia," Wen Ning whispers back, a small blush appearing as he pouts to hide his embarrassment. Wen Ning feels fingers held onto his and he glances at Liu Li Feng who is admiring their joined hands. "It's small," Liu Li Feng murmurs out as he gently brushes his thumb to Wen Ning's palm which made Wen Ning shiver. He looks away blushing from Liu Li Feng after he sees the small hidden smile on the man's face. It reminds him too much of Lan Wanji. Wen Ning choose to ignore the sudden race of his heart. "Co-come on. Buy me a steam bun," he pulls Liu Li Feng to the nearby stall.

Liu Li Feng is reminded of their first meeting. This time Bai Yujin is the one who leads him.

*****

"How many more items are you going to buy?"

Liu Li Feng asks the shorter man as he holds onto the numerous boxes and food packages that they, mostly Bai Yujin, have bought. Bai Yujin munches on his tanghulu (candy fruit skewers) as he skips along the street while Liu Li Feng walks behind him. He swears the ger is punishing him and he doesn't have the heart to stop his attics.

Wen Ning was quietly enjoying himself. As a corpse, he wasn't able to freely walk down the street since anyone who saw him would scream in terror or try to cleanse him away. He was used to hiding behind shadows or jumping in one building to another when Wen Wuxian and Lan Wangji decided to stay at an inn for the week or more if they had a mission in that town. Wei Wuxian would always invite him to stay with them but Wen Ning would reject his master's offer. He felt trouble to be interrupting Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji space and time, despite Lan Wangji allowing it but Wen Ning would say no and find himself a tree or empty building to stay on those days. He got into trouble when Wei Wuxian found out about that and he had earned Lan Wangji's famous disappointed face. He felt nostalgic and couldn't help the bittersweet smile being form.

"Bai Yujin," Liu Li Feng was then walking by his side, his tone softens as he sees the face Bai YuJin was making. Wen Ning shakes his head. He shouldn't be daydreaming of the past. He can't or the feeling of wanting will appear again. He bites into his tanghulu to occupy himself from his memories. Hmm, this is yummy.

Wen Ning keeps eating his tanghulu, giving a few pieces to A-Jia whose cheeks are puff out. Liu Li Feng keeps glancing at him while maneuvering their path. Wen Ning lifts a brow as if to say 'what?'. Liu Li Feng seem to be able to read his mind and answers him. "You eat too much," he says nonchalantly, trying to balance the boxes with his arm around Bai Yujin's waist. The street was pack today.

Wen Ning chokes on his food hearing this and coughs out surprising Liu Li Feng. He was then handed a flask of water from Liu Li Feng's belt by the man which Wen Ning eagerly drinks. He huffs out after, relieve with the pressure in his throat gone. He roughly pushes the flask at Liu Li Feng's chest and flashes a glare before huffing off leaving Liu Li Feng puzzled. Did he say something wrong? He was just stating a fact.

'So what if I'm eating a lot?! So unsensitive!' Wen Ning walks off, face reddened in embarrassment. He's not the only one hungry, the baby in his stomach made him have these cravings. Don't blame him for wanting to eat! The child answers his mother with a small kick from his stomach. 'Right! You're the only one who understand me,' Wen Ning rubs his belly and nods to himself in agreement. 'Plus, I'm making up for all those years I couldn't taste anything. This is my treat!' Wen Ning was so occupied with his thoughts that he doesn't notice the children happily running in front of him until A-Jia was loudly calling him to quickly move. Wen Ning then notices but he knew he couldn't avoid them. He just closes his eyes and use both hands to protect his belly if he falls.

Suddenly Wen Ning's arm was harshly pull to the side and he ends up with his body facing Liu Li Feng's, his face to their chest. Some of the packages and boxes had fallen but Wen Ning could see that Liu Li Feng did not care as he gives a silent glare to those children who were already bowing to them, apologizing for their recklessness before running away. The sudden warmth from Liu Li Feng had Wen Ning stop breathing. The man's hair tickling gently on Wen Ning's skin. It was warm. It was too similar to Lan Wangji. He grips Liu Li Feng's robe, letting himself enjoy the warmness, even if it was only for the moment. He mustn't be sway.

Wen Ning calms himself and pulls out from the warmth as he ignores Liu Li Feng upset face. He looks down, sadden with the destroy items and pouts at Liu Li Feng. "You broke them," "Someone didn't keep their eyes on the road," "…okay," Wen Ning walks to the side and goes to a stall seeming entrance by the items being sold, ignoring the exasperation Liu Li Feng was emitting.

Liu Li Feng was in disbelieve. Was the ger not thankful? He could have fallen to the ground if not for Liu Li Feng. He could have hurt the child inside him! Such selfishness, was Bai Yujin always like this? He couldn't help compare Bai Yujin with his beloved. Their differences were too wide. Even so, Liu Li Feng is still responsible for his wife's safety even though he was getting tired of the ger. Right now, he just wanted to meet his beloved.

He slowly walks over to Bai Yujin who was browsing hair pieces. He seems to be occupied with a hair accessory jewel that look delicate to the touch. It was a glass hair stick decorated with small grey-blue flower jewels attach to it at the end. Liu Li Feng couldn't help but think that it could easily break by Bai Yujin's hand. He decides to look at a few pieces to avoid boredom. Suddenly he sees a golden comb hair piece that was adorned with ember jewels that caught his attention. He picks it up and admires the craftsmanship. It was sturdy and despite meant for women, the design wasn't too feminine. He imagines his beloved wearing this and he smiles to himself when he sees the image of his beloved with his hair styled with the comb. He decides to buy it.

After paying to the seller, he looks back to Bai Yujin who has also finish paying for his. In his hand, he holds two palm size boxes, one black the other grey. Liu Li Feng was surprise to see that he didn't buy the hair piece that he was mesmerize with just before. Bai Yujin looks at him before gazing at the box containing the hair comb. He silently looks at it before facing the street and looking at the red sky. He tightens the coat around him which actually had caught Liu Li Feng's attention when he saw Bai Yujin wearing it as he stands at the gate that evening. He wanted to ask where had Bai Yujin obtain it since it looks familiar but there wasn't a suitable time to ask. Liu Li Feng decided no time to ask but now. "That coat, whe…," "Let's go back. Its getting dark," Bai Yujin walks off to the road that heads to the castle. Liu Li Feng looks at that lonely back and follows behind.

His heart hurting with every step.

*****

They arrive at the small mansion right before dinner. Rou Yao and Rou Mei waiting for them when they receive news of their arrival. Their worrisome faces made Wen Ning felt bad as he assures them that he was fine. The packages and boxes were given to Rou Yao to be sent to his room. Rou Yao gives Liu Li Feng an angry glance before leaving them at the front porch with Rou Mei standing inside the entrance to wait for Wen Ning. Wen Ning can't help feeling surprise by how brave Rou Yao was acting in front of the prince. Old man has guts.

Wen Ning and Liu Li Feng stood there, quiet and awkward. The return home was silent and any attempt of conversation was unsuccessful. It seems today's event had soured their previous friendly atmosphere and wasn't that what Wen Ning had planned. He has to separate the bond between them so that Liu Li Feng's resolve to make his beloved his official companion strengthen. Even though Wen Ning never planned to get hit and hurt the child in him if he had fallen, it worked in his favor. He just has to continue with his act.

Not wanting to linger long, he wanted to go back to his room before realizing that he forgotten something. When he sees Liu Li Feng's hair swaying in the wind and almost covering his face, he is reminded of the grey box in his pocket. He gestures Liu Li Feng to come to him and the man hesitates before deciding to just give in. He now stands in front of Bai Yujin, looming above him with that ever-unexpressive face. Wen Ning just wants to move his face around with his palms if only to get a reaction out of him. He'll have to make do with this face.

He points his fingers and give it a swirl. "Turn around," he says. The look of confusion in Liu Li Feng's eyes makes Wen Ning want to giggle but he held it in. Liu Li Feng relents and turns around. "Bow down you giant," he pats Liu Li Feng's back, demanding him to follow Wen Ning's order. Liu Li Feng narrows his eyes but kneels, wanting to just quickly get a move on.

Suddenly, he feels fingers gathering his hair into a ponytail and something tying his hair up. The fingers threading his hair soothes him and he cannot stop himself from closing his eyes, just letting himself enjoy the soft treatment. "You can stand up now," fingers suddenly leave his hair, the soft touches to his neck lingers. Liu Li Feng opens his eye and is disappointed with how short that moment was. He stands up, notices that his hair feels lighter and his bangs are out of his eyes. He sees a grey ribbon laying on his shoulder and his fingers touches the soft material. He turns around and is greeted with a snobbish smile. "Your hair is annoying. It keeps flying around so I bought that ribbon. The ribbon is too long so cut the excess if you want," Wen Ning touches the end of the ribbon that reaches until Liu Li Feng's waist and let it go after a long minute. "Well goodnight then," Wen Ning turns his back to leave but before he could his hand was gently held back making him stop.

Wen Ning looks back to the man who he finds is more similar to Lan Wangji then he likes to admit. Despite their personality and temperance differ, the silence held within them emits a strong and wholesome aura that others can't help be attracted too, so much like Hanguang-jun. That king really wants to play with him huh. Such a tasteless joke.

He patiently waits for Liu Li Feng who looks confounded. Wen Ning guess he has a lot in his mind. So he waits.

"You are…confusing,"

"Really? I guess I needed a change,"

"Hmm,"

"Not a good change I'm guessing,"

"Reckless,"

"Great. My job is done,"

"Frustrating,"

"All in a day's work,"

"But kind,"

"Oh I b…what?"

"Kind, soft and considerate,"

"That isn't what I was expecting you to be saying."

"Me too,"

"You…you are my husband,"

"I…,"

"But you are not mine,"

"…Bai Yujin, I, I am sorry,"

"You are only sorry because I am finally speaking out,"

"I am sorry but I do not regret being with another,"

"I know. Can you just, lend me your ear? And don't say anything, just listen,"

"Of course," Liu Li Feng carasses his Bai Yujin's soft palm with his thumb.

He takes in a deep breath and begins to talk his heart out, his and Bai Yujin's feelings.

"You…are so difficult. I do not know why you went ahead with the wedding and at this point I don't even want to know why. We are married, we are having a child and you kept this quiet until now hoping I won't find out when all I ever wanted was just you. But…even I don't have that. And you know what, that's fine, I'm fine. I have live without you there by my side since we first met, I have been ignore by you during the start of our marriage and I know I can live without you because I have been living without you until now. So yes, I AM fine. You don't have to start caring about me now, you're just forcing yourself and I don't want your useless pity. Its worthless,"

"Bai Yujin, you don't understand,"

"Quiet! I am not finish," Wen Ning says loudly, body trembling in anger. The emotions he is feeling is too much for him. He looks down at his belly, looking at the small bump that held their child. He rubs his belly looking for comfort of any kind. He sighs in defeat; determine to say what he has to say. "After this child is born, please divorce me," "Bai Yujin!" "There is no reason for me to be here after this child is born and if you think I want to share you with another person, you are dead wrong. So divorce me, banish me, I don't care! The only think I know is that by the end of this sham marriage I am gone from your life. And if you don't agree to this, well I can always leave," hopelessness in his voice. He was tired even if this was an act.

Liu Li Feng pulls him forward, gripping the front of Bai Yujin's coat. Wen Ning is now face with a livid Liu Li Feng. Despite no emotions could be seen on his face, his eyes show a different story. The grip to his clothes is grip tightly until his feet are nearly off the ground and a hand holds his waist hard that Wen Ning swears it will leave a bruise. "You…do you like seeing me angry?" his cold voice send shivers to Wen Ning. He is looking at Wen Ning like a wolf wanting to tear into its prey and Wen Ning knew he had step out of line.

His face was held facing a seething Liu Li Feng when Wen Ning looks away for him. "You dare to say this to me? To this kingdom's prince? I could kill you now and be done with this charade," his tone hostile and Wen Ning knew he was seeing not his quiet and collected husband but the kingdom's future general who had won numerous battles at a young age from the information A-Jia had given him. This angry look really doesn't suit Lan Wangji.

He slowly palms the angry man's cheeks and looks at him with his eyes full of sorrow. "Then why didn't you just let me drown?" Wen Ning cries out, eyes glistering with unshed tears ignoring the pain on both his waist and chin. Liu Li Feng seems to realize what he had done and gently place Wen Ning's feet to the ground, quickly removing his hands from Wen Ning. The frustration from Wen Ning could be felt by Liu Li Feng as he tries to apologize but the words seem to be stuck. He just stands there feeling like a bastard for acting in such a way.

Wen Ning's coat had fallen to the ground due to Liu Li Feng's grip. Wen Ning looks to the ground and sighs. He picks the coat up and pats the snow off. This wasn't his coat so until he can find the person and give it back, he has to take care of it. He looks at Liu Li Feng, who was feeling conflicted whether to comfort his husband, knowing he didn't deserve to or just walk away from the area. Wen Ning felt that he had to do something, feeling bad for forcing Liu Li Feng act this way.

He held the coat tightly to his chest and gives a sad smile to Liu Li Feng. "I will not change my mind. By doing this, both of us will be free to choose our own path. I hope you understand, I really do not want to be in a loveless marriage. Please think about it," Wen Ning says this as he walks back and leaves Liu Li Feng standing in the cold. Before he closes the door of the entrance, he stops himself, still with his back to Liu Li Feng. "Thank you for today. I had fun," he closes the door. Again, Liu Li Feng sees the lonely and frail back and the hurt still continues.

*****

Liu Li Feng is the second prince of Zhenbou. He has been trained to be merciless and not to show defeat in battle ever since he could wield a sword. Some might call him heartless, some a monster or recently a demon. He doesn't really care. It is his duty as prince and he will abide by traditions as has been passed down from one generation to the other. His heart is cold and he lets it be.

But Bai Yujin's image has been floating in his mind ever since that day he finally wakes up from his coma. The coldness he has for others beside his beloved has slowly start to melt when it comes to Bai Yujin. It is confusing and troublesome but he does not seem to hate it. Even if he could not treat Bai Yujin as his wife doesn't mean he couldn't be his friend. He does just that and today was going great but reality struck him. No matter how he tries to change their relationship, the fact is that Bai Yujin is his official wife and consort and he is carrying their child. He thought he could run away from the truth as much as he could but he ends up with Bai Yujin hurting. How can he avoid hurting Bai Yujin emotionally and physically in his attempt to see the smile on the ger's lips again? He feels like trash and really, he is trash.

As he walks to his room at the other side of the small mansion, far away from Bai Yujin's, he couldn't help touching the grey ribbon tied to his hair. The color reminded him of Bai Yujin's eyes and he wonders if Bai Yujin realizes this. He couldn't help the smile on his lips when he remembers the look Bai Yujin gave him when he finishes tying his hair. That precious smile.

Liu Li Feng finally arrives at his room and he sees a shadow through the door of his dim lighted room. He hesitates to enter and the box holding the hair comb feels heavy in his satchel. He glances at the ribbon being held by his fingers and lets it fall back to his robe. He straightens himself and opens the door. He is greeted by a blur which knocks him to the floor and the scent of familiar cinnamon assaults him. "Liu-er gege! Welcome back," the voice excitedly greets him and gives him a tight hug. Liu Li Feng returns the hug and closes his eyes. He feels warm and comforted as his beloved chats away.

Yet, Liu Li Feng cannot help but imagine Bai Yujin there with them as he holds the two together in his arms.

Truly, he is trash.