Regardless, Nuo Fang loves Wu Shenxin and Liu Zhaoxian and can't imagine giving either up. Wu Xinshi is expected to visit either that day or in a few days so he will address the issue when they talk. He will settle things once and for all, for better or worse.
“Young Master Nuo, the little one won't stop crying. He's been fed by A-Mao but he wants his attention from his father,” says the midwife at the doorway to Nuo Fang's study.
Nuo Fang turns in his seat to face her after putting the letter down and replies, “I will be there in a moment.”
The midwife leaves and he sighs before standing and making his way to the nursery. There are three midwives helping him and Wu Shenxin care for his son. A-Mao is the midwife who is also nursing for her own child so she is in charge of nursing the new baby in place of Liu Zhaoxian. Nuo Fang is very grateful for all the help he's getting since raising a child with just Wu Shenxin and his own mother's advice would be pure hell.
He can hear the baby crying before he even reaches the nursery. One of the new things he's discovered about himself is that his inner Alpha has a separate set of instincts when it comes to his child. He had asked his father if it was normal and, of course, it is. One of the new instincts that he has is that he releases a scent he's sure only the baby can smell because as soon as he enters the room, the baby quiets down to whimpers in Wu Shenxin's arms.
Wu Shenxin seems to relax at the baby quieting down and exclaims, “Thank goodness you're here. He's been fussy for an hour, even after being fed by A-Mao.” The baby is gently handed to Nuo Fang, who examines them in his arms. He swears that the little one takes more after Liu Zhaoxian but has Nuo Fang's eyes when they are open.
“He must miss Liu Zhaoxian...” Nuo Fang figures that is the case since the little one has been fussy ever since his birth. In a way, it's also a good sign because he's in good health. It means he'll likely grow to be strong.
Wu Shenxin stands to stay beside Nuo Fang to admire the baby some more. The baby is soon sleeping now that he has his father present. Wu Shenxin says, “He's so cute. I can't wait to see what kind of young man he grows into.”
With a smirk, Nuo Fang replies, “I hope he doesn't become like Shan Xianyan.” That makes Wu Shenxin smother his own laughter. The amusement stops when Nuo Fang asks, “Why is your brother so against me marrying you?”
Wu Shenxin loses his smile and considers it before responding, “It's complicated. If I told you a family secret, would you keep it to yourself?”
Nuo Fang looks at the midwives in the room and motions them to leave the room. They obey so Wu Shenxin can reveal this privately. Nuo Fang says once the midwives are gone, “Go on.”
“... My brother didn't put me on suppressants just because he was protecting me from the wrath of the rest of the sect. He put me on suppressants because I'm the only one who can bear an heir to the clan and he doesn't want anyone to know that.” He admits that but Nuo Fang doesn't quite understand at first. How can Wu Xinshi not just sire an heir? Why would Wu Shenxin be the only one able to- Oh, then it makes sense.
Nuo Fang says, shocked, “He's sterile?!”
Wu Shenxin blushes and shushes him to keep it down before he continues, “He doesn't want anyone to know! He has tried to sire a child multiple times now. Even with his Omega mate. Even through three heats, his mate did not conceive. He tried with a few whores as well and nothing happened.”
Nuo Fang feels like he understands Wu Xinshi a little better now. For an Alpha, being unable to sire a child is an embarrassment to one's pride and being a sect leader who is unable to pass one's genes for an heir is... even more embarrassing. From the Wu clan Alpha's perspective, Wu Shenxin being able to bear an heir while he can't must be infuriating so he put his brother on suppressants out of spite. If he can't bear a child, then neither brother can. However, Wu Shenxin has been off his suppressants and is Nuo Fang's mate. It's not expected for Wu Shenxin to bear an heir for Nuo Fang since Liu Zhaoxian already has but if Wu Shenxin has a child then Wu Xinshi's rule will come into question when that child reaches of age. That must be why Wu Xinshi is so insistent that his brother returns to the sect. He doesn't want to lose face or his power over the clan.
“That's a tough dilemma but I won't lose you because of your brother's insecurities. There has to be a way to negotiate this.” Nuo Fang rocks his child gently as he says that.
Wu Shenxin is quiet for a while but then he offers, “What if I offered my first child to my brother to raise?”
Nuo Fang is surprised at the proposition at first and has to think about it. He imagines it. His and Wu Shenxin's child under Wu Xinshi's care. At first he's not sure about it because he questions how Wu Xinshi's parenting would be but then remembers that he's a new parent himself. No one ever truly knows how to be a perfect parent so his child will most likely be fine under Wu Xinshi's care. But that brings up another question that he asks. “Our child would be masquerading as his son when he's really his nephew?”
“Exactly.” Wu Shenxin is entirely serious.
“Hmm... As long as I get to see them every once in awhile, I wouldn't mind. We should discuss it with him.” Nuo Fang notices his baby makes a sound of discontent in his arms and rocks him more. He then remembers to ask, “By the way, what is the name of your brother's mate?”
Wu Shenxin responds, “Feng Jianya. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious, that's all.”
“If I may interrupt,” says Nuo Feng'en from the doorway, surprising both men. “I would like to inform you both that Sect Leader Wu has been spotted entering Youshen and that dinner is being prepared for his arrival. Are you both ready to face him?”
Nuo Fang and Wu Shenxin compose themselves and Nuo Fang responds with, “We will be shortly, father. Thank you for warning us.”
Nuo Feng'en gives a soft smile and asks, “May I hold my grandson for a while?”
Nuo Fang happily hands his son to his father, who coos and says sweet things to the tiny child in his arms. Nuo Feng'en carries the baby out of the room, which doesn't worry either man since Nuo Feng'en is a trusted Alpha.
After that, the two are alone and Wu Shenxin says, “I guess we prepare?”
“Indeed.”
◆◆◆
Wu Xinshi is in a foul mood when he arrives. He isn't yelling or causing too much trouble but his general aura and scent is enough to make anyone around him have to resist cowering in his presence. Wu Xinshi's Alpha scent pricks at Nuo Fang and Nuo Feng'en's noses, causing them to resist a growl when the Alpha presents himself. His scent is like smoke after a firework is lit, much stronger that Nuo Fang's citrus smell or Nuo Feng'en's ginger-like aroma. It's the scent of an Alpha that demands dominance and it naturally clashes with every Alpha who is close to his rank.
Wu Shenxin hides his face behind a fan and stands behind Nuo Fang. Nuo Feng'en still holds his grandson and it seems to keep him calm, like a reminder of why he needs to tolerate the other Alpha. Nuo Fang is the one that greets his future brother-in-law. “Welcome to Honglian Lakeside, sect leader.”
“It would be a better occasion if my brother was expected to return home with me,” Wu Xinshi grumbles and approaches to a respectable distance in order to see the baby a little closer. Nuo Fang feels his Alpha want to bristle at the other being so close to his child but doesn't let his concern show. However, Nuo Fang can smell his father's scent get tense in his place and Wu Xinshi narrows his eyes and takes a step back out of respect.
“I guess congratulations on your child. I see that Liu Zhaoxian has given you an heir with good heritage.” Wu Xinshi at least sounds honest so Nuo Fang relaxes and hums in agreement to the statement. However, the man continues, “You don't need my brother now. You have an heir and an Omega already to give you more if you want.”
That almost makes Nuo Fang get in his face to argue but Wu Shenxin stops him by grabbing him by the sleeve. It's Wu Shenxin that responds, “I'm here because I love Nuo Fang and Liu Zhaoxian. They are my mates. I'm not just a bree
der, Xinshi, and you know that.”
Wu Xinshi sneers at his brother and Nuo Feng'en calmly suggests, “Could we please get to dinner? We can discuss our current situation then.”
As much as they want to solve it here and now, they all settle for that and make their way to the dining area. Each of them settle into the seating area that has been set up. At the head of the table, Yang Qinghu and Nuo Feng'en are seated. On one side, Nuo Fang sits beside Wu Shenxin. Wu Shenxin is now holding the baby. On the other side, Wu Xinshi is beside Nuo Lin. Nuo Lin is an Alpha but she is not intimidated by Wu Xinshi. In fact, Nuo Fang notices that Wu Xinshi seems to eye her with suspicion because her scent of fresh-cut grass holds no fear or power struggle. She is a confident Alpha, never seeming to be affected by powerful Alphas around her. Nuo Fang is glad his sister is still around and hasn't left home to marry the Omega she was betrothed to, Leng Xuan.
Once everyone is situated around the table, the servants bring their meals. It's some rice dish with pork strips. Nuo Fang knows Wu Shenxin isn't a big fan of pork so he takes the strips off his plate for him and offers to give him more rice from his own. Wu Shenxin rejects the extra rice, happy to just have the pork off his plate. Yang Qinghu narrows her eyes at the pickiness of food, obviously wanting to scold for such discourtesy.
As they start to eat, there's no mistaking the tension at the table. Nuo Fang's family is very aware of the letters Wu Xinshi has sent, some even threatening to attack their sect if Wu Shenxin isn't returned home (However, Wu Shenxin assured them that his brother was all bark and no bite without explaining the situation that Nuo Fang now knows). That didn't stop them from supporting Nuo Fang and keeping Wu Shenxin. However, the issue does need to be resolved before all hell breaks loose. They know Wu Xinshi will boil over if ignored for too long.
Wu Shenxin is carefully watching his brother as he eats with one hand and a baby in his other arm. It's obvious that the brothers are staring each other down as if having a conversation just with their eyes. The Nuo clan is unsure if they're using cultivation to share thoughts or can simply read each other that well but Wu Xinshi's scent reflects irritation the longer it goes on. Out of all of them, surprisingly it's Nuo Lin that metaphorically pokes the hornet's nest and asks, “Are you here to finally discuss A-Fang marrying Second Young Master Wu? He means a lot to my brother and I hope you can understand that.”
Nuo Feng'en and Yang Qinghu stare at their daughter in shock that she would be bold enough to address the sect leader so directly. Even Nuo Fang and Wu Shenxin are in disbelief. Wu Xinshi looks at her and narrows his eyes before replying, “No. I still intend to bring my brother home.”
Nuo Lin presses further. “So, you're willing to separate your brother from his mate to satisfy your own wants? That's not right. As an Alpha, who I can smell is mated, would you appreciate your mate being taken from your forcibly?”
“Yes-No!” He's torn between the two questions and obviously flabbergasted at the female Alpha's audacity to stand up to him. “As far as I see, my brother is nothing but a consort to Young Master Nuo! He has no purpose here other than to be another Omega to sire him an heir and I refuse to let that happen! It's not a matter of my wants. It's what is best for my clan and my brother.”
“But if my brother and Second Young Master Wu are in love, what are you to interfere? If neither of them desire to sire another child, what difference does it make to you? It's not like you can't sire your own heir to your clan. So, why would your brother being married first make any difference?”
Nuo Fang cringes at how close Nuo Lin is the truth and has to intervene when Wu Xinshi seems to become furious at her statement. “Sect leader, I know you can't sire a child on your own. Don't take your anger out on my sister.”
With the secret out, everyone stares in shock at Nuo Fang. Nuo Feng'en is the first to speak, suggesting, “Son, I think you're mistaken-”
Wu Xinshi lashes out at Wu Shenxin from across the table. “How could you?! That was a clan secret! No one was supposed to know!”
The baby wakes and starts to cry. Nuo Fang is handed the baby by Wu Shenxin before he confronts his brother with, “And I can't take your insecurities anymore! You just don't want me to be happy because you can't produce an heir! So what if Nuo Fang and I have a child when my next heat comes? It's none of your business!” Wu Shenxin gets teary-eyed, looking for Nuo Fang for confidence to say the next part. Nuo Fang gives him a nod while rocking the fussy child. With the clenching of his fists, Wu Shenxin admits, “Nuo Fang and I were going to compromise with you. If you allow me to marry him, my firstborn will become your heir.”
Yang Qinghu is the first to speak after a long silence, asking, “You intend to give your child to your brother to raise?” She turns to Wu Xinshi. “Is it true? You're sterile?”
Wu Xinshi grits his teeth at first but then seems to accept that his secret is out. His cheeks and ears burn red as he admits, “Yes, Madame. I can't sire a child. I have tried for years and have been unsuccessful. Healers have tried many medicines and nothing works...” He's obviously ashamed, like any Alpha would be.
Nuo Feng'en and Nuo Lin seem to soften at hearing his plight but don't say anything. Nuo Fang answers his mother as well. “Mother, Wu Shenxin and I did quickly discuss this as a possibility to solve the problem. If my mate does bear my child, I'm willing to allow Wu Xinshi to raise it and convince his sect that it's his child. That is if he is willing to accept this compromise.”
Both of Nuo Fang's parents don't seem like they approve of this considering it would be their grandchild going to live with the sect leader. Nuo Lin seems to watch and listen with interest. Wu Shenxin and Nuo Fang watch for Wu Xinshi's answer. The sect leader seems to consider it and realizes he's not winning and not getting what he wants. Wu Xinshi clenches his fists and argues, “So what if you give me your child to raise as an heir? I still don't want to lose my brother! I'm... I'm not ready to give him up to another clan.”
They all see that Wu Xinshi finally admitted the true reason he doesn't want his brother to get married and move away from the clan. He's afraid he'll lose his brother. Despite the treatment of Omegas in the JinmaoWu sect and the familial politics surrounding a marriage, his main concern is never seeing his brother again.
Everyone at the table seems to acknowledge that and it's Nuo Fang that promises, “I would never keep your brother from you. He is free to come and go as he pleases. He can visit you. He can give you an heir to the clan. You're free to visit and stay as long as you like. You don't need to worry. You're family now and I'm willing to compromise but please don't take him from me. He means the world to me now.”
Wu Xinshi and Nuo Fang meet eyes. As the two Alphas stare at each other, he sees the series of expressions the sect leader makes before he caves and says, “Fine. My brother can marry you. I will take the offer of your first child though. I refuse to have my sect see me lose face. I will raise your child like my own, even if they are my nephew or niece. I just hope they present as Alpha or Beta.”
Everyone seems to relax now that Wu Xinshi has agreed to the compromise but it leads the Alpha to ask, “When is my brother's heat again?”
“Late w-winter,” answers Wu Shenxin, a little embarrassed.
The sect leader hums in thought and responds, “Then I will tell my own Omega to be ready to fake a pregnancy in case you're expecting. It would seem odd if I suddenly have a child yet my mate was never pregnant.”
After that, the table seems to murmur in agreement and they start planning the semantics of how this will work. Feng Jianya, Wu Xinshi's mate, will have to fake a pregnancy around the time Wu Shenxin is aware he conceived and they will have to lie that the baby died during birth when it actually is taken to the JinmaoWu sect to be raised by Feng Jianya and Wu Xinshi. Even Nuo Fang's parents are convinced to get on board and offer ideas. In the end, they agree on a plan.
Finishing up their meals, Wu Xinshi asks Nuo Fang and Wu Shenxin, “Have you any news on how Liu Shundao is handl
ing his pregnancy? I can only imagine what it would be like to be carrying Shan Shui's hell-spawn.”
Nuo Lin actually chuckles hearing that and Nuo Fang sighs before replying, “I don't even want to imagine it... even if Shan Xianyan says that Liu Shundao is doing fine...”
◆◆◆
Dear Shan Shui,
I am doing well now. When I remind myself that I have my son and mates to care for, I am stronger for it. I would like to thank you for your best wishes since I really needed them for what I had to deal with. I trust you to keep this a secret and not spread it around but here's my current situation:
I can get married in the spring but it's because I made a deal with Wu Xinshi. You see, he can't sire a child of his own so Wu Shenxin and I are offering our firstborn to him as a peace offering. Liu Zhaoxian is in and out of consciousness now, probably, as you read this letter. You may let Liu Zhashi know that a wedding is being planned as we speak by my mother and father. If everything goes to plan, Wu Shenxin will be pregnant with my child by then since the healers do say that he's fertile even now and a wedding to my Omegas will be in place. Please be on the lookout for a wedding invitation being sent out to you, Liu Shundao, Liu Zhashi, and whoever will be each of your plus ones.
I hope your mate is coping with expecting a child. From what I can tell you what it's like, you should expect to get absolutely no sleep. Even with the help of the midwives and Wu Shenxin, I'm constantly being woken from short naps to my son crying for something. It can be food or attention and I never know what it is until I actually get in the nursery to check. I have a new appreciation for my parents now that I am one.
My last thoughts for this letter are that I hope you do well and I still expect to see you around the time your mate gives birth. By then, Liu Zhaoxian should be recovered enough to travel and see Anxiang Valley again. I'm sure everyone will be eager to see what kind of spawn you have sired.
Scents of Sandalwood and Rain Page 5