Wolf King And His Fox Consort

Xiao Zai had to admit he was looking forward to the games. He had been only marginally involved in them, by going over invite lists, and assuring every fretting minister that this was merely a friendly competition, and not a display of Xiongnu force.

Chu Yun had organised everything really, although he kept telling Xiao Zai he didn't know anything about what kind of competitions Lieba Chun would be participating in.

"He's keeping it a secret," Chu Yun said that morning while the two of them were getting ready for their day.

There was a slew of servants ready to attend to them, but Xiao Zai preferred doing everything on his own. And he liked attending to Chu Yun himself. It reminded him of their previous life in the Second Prince's Estate. 

He revelled in brushing out Chu Yun's hair every night, and doing it up in the morning, on the occasion that they got up at the same time. 

He also loved it when Chu Yun returned the favour and smoothed out his robes, pinned his hair, and then stepped a few paces away to take in all of him and inspect his handiwork.

Xiao Zai loved his little pleased smile afterwards, the little nod he probably didn't even notice as if he was congratulating himself on a job well done.

"I know there's something you're keeping from me," Xiao Zai insisted, pulling Chu Yun towards him by his pale forearm. "You're smiling like you have a secret, too."

Chu Yun slipped a hand inside his own sleeve and took out a folded fan. He struck Xiao Zai lightly on the head with it. "Hands off, you're wrinkling my robes." 

Xiao Zai let go of him with a fond smile. "You're really not going to tell me?"

Chu Yun smacked him lightly with the fan again, but then hooked it around Xiao Zai's neck and pulled him towards him to get at his lips. "I really don't know what Lieba Chun is planning. But there's a surprise I think you'll enjoy."

No matter how Xiao Zai pestered him, Chu Yun refused to reveal anything else all the way towards to the main courtyard where they had set up the game grounds.

They consisted of a large track for horse races, several mounted targets, and some different stages and arenas -- that were created according to Lieba Chun's specifications but whose purposes evaded Xiao Zai.

The competitors were already in position outside the game grounds, most of them were Xiongnu, but there was a fair number of people from Zui who had volunteered in the name of friendly competition.

Naturally, most of these volunteers were army soldiers or palace guards -- the kind of people more qualified to represent Zui in a display of skill.

A figure in particular drew Xiao Zai's gaze, and he understood at once what Chu Yun meant by surprise. "Xiao Ziyi is participating as well?" He had heard about his older sister's prowess but he had never seen any display of it.

"Can you believe she volunteered of her own volition?" He shook his head. "I thought I would have to beg her."

From the corner of his eye, Xiao Zai saw Hua Nanyi bite down on a smile. Somehow he had the impression that Xiao Ziyi wasn't participating in the games just out of a desire to keep Chu Yun happy.

Chu Yun led him towards their seats in the middle of a raised viewing platform. Xiao Yuan was already waiting for them there, Fan Jiang sitting by his side. He smiled as soon as he saw Chu Yun.

"I'm glad you're feeling better," Chu Yun said, nodding towards Fan Jiang.

He had had a long period of convalescence. It was only in the past month or so that he had been strong enough to spend any time out of bed, and only very recently left Xiao Yuan's estate.

Xiao Zai heard all of this from Xiao Yuan himself, who watched over Fan Jiang zealously. He didn't need to say anything for Xiao Zai to know he felt an immense guilt over what had happened to him -- and the role he played in it.

He had also confided in Xiao Zai that he would be marrying him as soon as he was well enough to withstand the ceremony. 

Fan Jiang himself looked a lot better, lighter somehow, as if a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Among all the familiar faces, the only person missing was his dam, but Xiao Zai had personally met with him and knew that he wouldn't be joining them.

Gu Wei had spent the past decades dreaming of leaving the royal palace -- he was in no hurry to return, especially not for any official events. Xiao Zai understood that there was more to it too.

He and Jin Luan could only ever be together behind the closed doors of the Second Prince's estate. Even if Xiao An had died in disgrace, branded a traitor, it didn't mean that anyone would accept Gu Wei being in a relationship with a former palace guard. It wouldn't look good for the royal clan.

Moments later, the Queen Dowager joined them. Heavily attended by servants who helped her climb up the the platform and held several umbrellas above her, to shield her from the sun. A seat had been prepared for her behind Xiao Zai, with the usual beaded curtain to shield her from view of unworthy onlookers.

She looked thin and frail as ever, but Xiao Zai could see the mean slash of her smirk once they turned around to pay their respects to her. The old croon was looking forward to some excitement.

With her arrival, Xiao Zai could finally announce the start of the games. The lively sound of drums picked up the moment he finished his speech and sat back down.

The competitors got in place, following the instructions of a few Xiongnu whose ribbons tied across the forehead marked as officials. 

He heard a curse on his right, and turned to see Chu Yun squinting into the group of competitors. "I can't believe him."

Xiao Zai followed his line of sight and landed right on Chu Hean, dressed in typical ornate Xin robes, his long hair tied in a high pony-tail on top of his head.