Acknowledge that no change is instantaneous, that any change worth keeping takes time. Live in the moment. Forget about what happened yesterday, or that conversation you had. Just do and be. See the world with new eyes. It is a wondrous place, a miracle happening every second, a source of immense fascination that can knock you if you let it. You are a miracle, and every moment you have is a gift.

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Pondering on the past events, Feng Jiu realized that she has inadvertence her queen duties. Knowing how possessive her husband is, she resolved her aim and talked to Dong Hua about speeding time at Qing Qui. She needed to oversee things there. She knew her work have accumulated ever since she started her residence at Tai Chen Palace. Dong Hua was not convinced to let her go by herself so he assigned her some of his trusted guards for her protection; twenty Tai Chen imperial guards to be exact. Which she found a bit overboard but for his ease of mind she agreed.

Both agreed that he will visit her weekly to stay with her for some time during her stay at Qing Qui. Dong Hua was not happy about being apart, but he understood that she needed to attend her queenly responsibilities. He apprehendingly acquiesced to her request. Dong Hua gave her a silver mirror to communicate with him on a daily basis, which Feng Jiu agreed to. He knew that she was going to be focused on resolving her kingdom obligations. But before he let her go, he needed to try and break her resolution of going by herself. Dong Hua turned to his scheming tactics.

"Jiu'er are you sure you don't want me to come along with you? After all I am your prince consort. It wouldn't be proper if you show up without your husband at your first visit as a married queen. You know I can help you with your duties. I promise I won't overpower your authority." Dong Hua was sulking trying to break Feng Jiu's resolve. He was putting his master manipulator talents to the test.

"Your offer is so tempting Dong Hua, but if you come with me, I'm not sure how much work I will accomplish. We can't barely get our hands off each other for long, plus we won't have the same privacy at Qing Qui that we have here." Feng Jiu said while observing his reaction.

Dong Hua stared at Feng Jiu thinking about his retort, he wasn't going to let her get away that easy: "I'm quite idle Jiu'er, it doesn't matter to me if I stay in our chambers while you are at court or sit next to you while you are working. I really want to come along. I don't want to miss anything in your life, including your growth as a ruler. Besides I accustomed myself to sleep with you already, I won't be able to rest at all and will be worrying while you are away." Dong Hua at this point was pulling her dress sleeve, like child begging not be left behind.

Feng Jiu was tickled at his display. She sensed his discomfort; he was trying to express his emotions in the best way possible. Knowing that he never had to beg or give explanations to nobody before. She turned serious: "Dijun has changed so much since we got married, who would have thought that he can be like this sweet dependent kid not ready to part from me. How can I turn him away, when he's acting like this?" Feng Jiu thought. She closed her eyes and heavily sighed: "If my husband wants to accompany me, then who am I to reject my Dijun's request." Feng Jiu smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

Dong Hua triumphally smiled. "Then is settled my Dihou. Wherever you go I will go. I will leave instructions with Zhong Li to take care of our home here while we are away at Qing Qui." He gave Feng Jiu a quick kiss in her forehead and left.

Feng Jiu nodded at him, "I will let you win this time Dong Hua; I know that you are using your tricks on me. I'm not a fool." Feng Jiu smirked and started to pack their things.

Feng Jiu instructed Migu to prepare the imperial chambers and her study for her and Dijun. When they arrived, everything was ready. Migu was waiting on them at Qing Qui's gates. "Your majesties, everything is ready for your stay." Migu bowed to them.

"Thank you Migu, how you been, it's been a while since we seen each other." Feng Jui asked her loyal steward.

"I've been well your highness, thank you for asking." Migu happily answered.

"Anything new to report?" Feng Jiu asked.

"Your parents returned to Qing Qui west region to handle some personal business. Your grandparents are handling the supplies coordination to the remote regions affected by past events in conjunction with Ye Hua Tianjun support as per his stated arrangements in previous meetings. All issues with the eastern lands are lay out in your study for your review, there are a couple of documents that need your approval and royal stamp. The borderlands security has been reinforced as you directed. No breach in security or new activities are reported. The monthly inventory has been updated since the last time you were able to handle it. Our army is currently in training with your fourth uncle and high god Mo Yan, following Dijun's orders. And our crops are plenty, were getting ready for the next season harvest."

"Thank you Migu, I will check the paperwork in my study later on. In the meantime I will start supper. Please instruct the maids to get our things to our chambers."

"Yes your highness." Migu left to carry her orders.

Dong Hua was silently watching the efficiency of his little fox. "She has truly grown to be a responsible leader. When did she managed to have time to organized all this without me noticing?" He thought. He followed Feng Jiu to the kitchen and sat while she was cooking. He was admiring her from a distance.

"I hope that you like stuffed quail with steamed vegetables and white rice. It was the first thing that came to my mind."

"I will eat anything that you cook Jiu'er, it smells so good already."

"Thank you, husband."

"Why do you insist on doing these chores and not let the help do them?"

"Here in Qing Qui we strive to do things ourselves with little help or use of our powers. Our lifestyle is different from Nine Heavens. We are more carefree and hands on everything. We work the land and benefit from doing manual labor. It's a way to train our minds and do things for the good of our long immortals' lifespan. We like to concentrate on cultivation and knowledge. To empower ourselves to raise the next generation and fulfill our roles in our long existence. That is why we focus on education in all stages of life. We are constantly learning new ways to do things and bring prosperity to our lives and surroundings. When other immortals visit us, they feel that they are in another dimension. We endeavor on preserving our nature resources rather than exploit them."

Hmm, sounds interesting. What made you do things different from other monarchs here or was it already established like this?

Feng Jiu finished cooking, she placed the food at the table, then served him first and sat next to Dijun. She carefully started to answer his question.

"Past Qing Qui monarchs already layout our conventional lifestyle. When Gugu was queen, she only did minor amendments to our law regarding our use of powers to do everything. It remained like that before I became queen. However, when I was crowned..." Feng Jiu hesitantly proceeded with her narration, "I was in a dark place for some time. I felt that I wasn't ready to fill this role. I succumbed into a severe depression during my molting cycle. It was awful, my whole family worried that I didn't had the strength to get out of it. Then one night I had a conversation with someone who believed in my abilities and was able to guide my resolution to take on my duties."

"Oh? And who was that?" Dong Hua asked her clueless; he forgot about the conversation he had with her in her dreams long time ago.

"That person was you Dong Hua." Feng Jiu looked attentively at this face.

Then it dawned on him. Quietly he remembered his visit that night. Dong Hua gave Feng Jiu a small smile and continue eating without saying a word. Feng Jiu was reading his expressionless face; she somehow knew that he knew.

"Anyways, after that night, I recoiled myself and later on I went to Kun Lun Mountain to train for 300 years. Mo Yan guided me to heal myself first, before he began his training with me. When Zhe Yan and my father picked me up the first thing I did when I came back to Qing Qui was going to the market, I studied the people's lifestyle, their trade and I spend time thinking about ways to repay them for their kindness and service towards our family. I buried myself with work to bring Qing Qui to what it is today. It was a combined effort. There are still things that I would like to improve, so there still work to be done. Now that I'm married to you, I will like to show you what I did, since you are the one responsible for my change." Feng Jiu lowered her head avoiding Dong Hua's face.

Dong Hua carefully listened Feng Jiu's story, he sensed her discomfort on relieving that memory. He felt pained that his past rejection pushed her to a depressed stage. Dong Hua felt responsible, he pushed his plate aside and held her hands and regarded her:

"Jiu'er my love, I feel ashamed by the way I treated you in the past. You are an amazing young woman. I always knew how special you are and I just want to make it up to you for the rest of our lives. But I need to know have you really forgiven me?"

"Di – Dong Hua we already went over this, of course, I have forgiven you. Are you doubting it?" Feng Jiu furrowed her brows and looked at him.

"No, I don't. But our past interactions mostly caused you to get hurt by me and it was because I failed to notice another aspect of your noble character and personality unknown to me back then. I was so focused on avoiding calamity that I misjudged you repeatedly and I feel abashed that in my long existence with all of the knowledge and wisdom that I have gained, I committed a grave mistake like that. If I'd given you a chance before, many misunderstandings would have been avoided. I just want you to know that I'm here to help you achieve your goals, let me aid you Jiu'er. I know that you want to do things your own way, and although it might be good in part, to gain experience, you do have a resource to come to. I didn't unified all realms in a day, it took me a while to achieved it. I'm offering my consultation services to you as a ruler and not as your husband, for your piece of mind. I see great things here at Qing Qui and I know you were behind it all, you are just too modest to take the credit all to yourself, which is another trait that I admire from you my little capable fox." Dong Hua smirked at Feng Jiu and caressed her nose bridge.

"Dong Hua I'm mainly sharing this with you to answer your question. Please don't worry about our past any longer. I'm okay now. As long as we are happy and together it doesn't matter to me anymore. We promised to build our future and I'm looking forward to it. In the meantime, if his Lordship, the former ruler of the universe, wants to offer his consultation services to help Qing Qui Queen, then his offer is greatly accepted. We just need to negotiate your consultation fees, please state your dues." Feng Jiu innocently grinned at him.

"Little fox be careful what you wish for", he thought. "Qing Qui's Queen is strong and capable, but she is also bold and courageous to accept my consultation services without knowing my terms first. For the greater good for Qing Qui, my fees will not come cheap." Dong Hua unashamedly smiled at Feng Jiu.

Feng Jiu sensed his playful side resurfacing "Qing Qui is ready to pay his Lordship any worth, we are a prosperous kingdom. May his Lordship name his terms of payment." Feng Jiu was matching his challenge.

"Hmm, since Qing Qui's Queen is remarkably beautiful and daring, I will take payment in the form of an eternity of enjoyable & wild lovemaking sessions, every night, day, morning, noon and evenings. Her highness will be mine and only mine to love forever more. Her highness should know that I have an unquenchable appetite. These terms are not negotiable." Dong Hua was heated already, he loved to challenge his seductive fox this way.

Feng Jiu batted her eyelashes coquettishly to him. "His Lordship shameless does rival my sensual boldness. Qing Qui Queen happily accept your payment terms. When do we sign our contract?"

Dong Hua surprisingly jumped on top of Feng Jiu and pinned her body on the table. He playfully emitted a low growl and with his intense stare went and attacked Feng Jiu's neck tickling her with his mouth. He was establishing his dominance as an Alpha Fox. Feng Jiu giggled and skirmished underneath him. Her giggles were infectious to his ears. Dong Hua loves to hear the sound of her giggles, so he continued with his growling neck attack.

"Please stop my tummy hurts Dong Hua." Feng Jiu managed to say between laughs.

"That neck of yours looks so appetizing. I can't stop eating it now, come here" Dong Hua growled louder and continue his torturous tickling.

Migu poked his head into the dining room upon hearing loud noises. When he sees his majesties compromising scene, he decides not to interrupt them. "I will have my hands full with these two rumbling around like two horny foxes." Migu left rolling his eyes smirking.

"Dong Hua please stop; I can't take it anymore. May Dijun show me some mercy please!"

"I love it when you plead like this!" He whispered to her ear with his husky voice sending her senses on fire.

"You are so shameless, what if someone see us like this on the dining table? I told you about not having the same privacy here."

"Don't worry my wife, we will work on that. Do we have a deal on our contract?"

"A Queen's word is everything."

"I will hold you on that Jiu'er. Come, let's continue and eat our dinner. You have made me rather hungry." He helped her up and placed his plate in front of Feng Jiu. "It tastes better when you feed me." Dong Hua puckered at her.

"I live to please my husband Dijun." Feng Jiu chuckled, she sat on his lap and fed him until his heart content.

"Hmm delicious. My Dihou spoils me rotten." Dong Hua smiled at his little fox caressing her back. He felt so content being this close with her.

"I dote you the most!" Feng Jiu giggled at him. She looked at Dong Hua sympathetically. Only she had the privilege to see this cold man changed before her eyes. She never imagined this could be possible or attainable. Nor did she knew that he could have this playful and childlike side, it was a delightful discovery. She felt sorry for his lonely upbringing that she decided not to deny his senseless requests. She wants to shower him with all her whole affections in all aspects of their marital life. "He looks so adorable when he acts like this" She thought. "Are you happy with me Dong Hua?"

"Extensively happy. Only you have brought me to a place that I forgot existed. My little fox bold and brave, broke my ice-cold heart with her perseverance, persistence, innocence, and pureness of heart. You are my precious treasure, my heaven, my sunlight, my shining star. I did not knew what love was except when you came to my life, I go from loving and waiting you; my heart moves from cold to fire. I love you only because it's you the one I love; I bent my will to yours and the measure of my changing love for you is that I do not see you but love you blindly. Maybe fate will consume my heart with its cruel ray, stealing my key to true calm. In this part of the story I am the one who dies, the only one, and I will die of love because I love you, in fire and blood. I love you because you are so kind, thoughtful, and compassionate. I love you because you are so pleasant, lovely and caring. You made me the man I am, thank you Jiu'er for not giving up on me."

"You just know to say the right words that warmth my heart." Feng Jiu whispered to him.

"I just say what you sowed within me Jiu'er" He placed his forehead unto hers.

"I love you so much that I will do anything in my life to prove you how important you are to me Dong Hua. You are the sun that shines brightly throughout my day; the gravity that holds me down in every way; the moon that shimmers throughout my night; the stars that glimmer at night; the oxygen that keeps me alive. You are my heart that beats inside; the blood that flows through me; the only one I can see. You have the voice of when birds sing. You are my everything. You are my one and only. You stop me from being so lonely. We'll plan our future together. I never want to lose you Dong Hua. You are my husband, and I am your wife. I want us to be together for the rest of our lives." Feng Jiu closed her eyes and basked on his love.

Feng Jiu held him tight and Dong Hua held her head to his chest. They spent time hugging and enjoying each other presence and love. Their exchange of words full of tenderness and devoutness made the atmosphere in the dining room sublime. Their devotion and adoration for each other is pure bliss. Neither one wants to break this intimate moment. They weren't aware of how much time has passed nor didn't cared. The only thing that matter was to find comfort in each other's presence.

They heard someone clearing their throat. "I apologize to interrupt your peace your majesties, but I have received a missive for Dijun." Migu apologetically said.

Dong Hua sighed and opened his eyes, "Give it to me Migu." He was annoyed for the interruption.

"Here you go Dijun" Migu nervously gulped.

Dong Hua opened the missive, it was from Lian Song reporting that Ji Heng escaped the Demon Lands. He passed the message to Feng Jiu.

"We have to summon Yan Chiwu." Feng Jiu worryingly said after reading the message.

"We will Jiu'er. He should have informed us first before we found out from other sources. She can pose a treat to Qing Qui's peace. Migu call Lian Song to come over now. I need to coordinate a search party with him to find her before is too late."

"Right away Dijun."

Moments later Lian Song arrived at Qing Qui. He was greeted by Migu. "His Lordship is waiting for you at the study, please follow me."

Dong Hua and Feng Jiu were at the study talking with Yan Chiwu when Lian Song came in.

"Dijun, Dihou" Lian Song bowed to them.

"Enough with formalities, Lian Song please tell me that you have news already." Dijun seriously said.

"Dijun, I have already dispensed a searching party days ago, they haven't returned yet. We have a reason to believe that Ji Heng had assistance to flee undetected from the Demon Lands."

"Demon Lord Yan Chiwu, were you aware of your wife's disappearance?" Lian Song asked him.

"I've been busy with clan matters. So to answer your question, No I wasn't aware of it. She must had help to escape. That I'm sure of."

"Do you have any idea who could have helped her escape or where she can be?" Feng Jiu asked him.

"I will have to interrogate my spies. I put a tap on her and to Nie Chuyin. He probably helped her out, but I need to confirm my suspicions with my informers first." Yan Chiwu reassured Feng Jiu.

"She can be anywhere by now Dong Hua." Feng Jiu said.

"Let us not worry about it. She will be found. Lian Song go with Yan Chiwu and coordinate interrogation and searching within yourselves. This matter must be handled discretely. Are we clear?"

"Yes Dijun. Come Yan Chiwu let's talk about it."

"Xiao Yan" Feng Jiu called him. He stopped in his tracks and turned around.

"Good luck finding her, I know how important she is to you." Feng Jiu reassured him.

"Thank you Jiu Gue." Yan Chiwu gave her an apologetically smile, he then bowed and left with Lian Song.

"Care to tell me how long you known each other?" Dong Hua jealously asked Feng Jiu. He was not happy about the familiarity of how they treated each other in his presence.

"Are you jealous husband?" Feng Jiu raised an eyebrow and smiled at him.

"What if I am?" Dong Hua pouted at her.

"You should not be. We know each other ever since I was a kittling even before I met you. I used to frequently play near the Demon Lands border, without my father consent. One day I was trapped by a poacher when I was playing around in my fox form. Thankfully Yan Chiwu saved me. We developed a good friendship over time. One day he got poisoned and I saw him near Qing Qui border trying to reach me. He was dying in my arms, so I went to my great uncle Zhe Yan hut and prepared an antidote to counteract the poison in his body. It was a close call for him. Ever since that day he became my sworn big brother. We had to hid our friendship due to our past clan's rivalries. He's Zi Lan twin brother. He swore to protect me forever, before you came to my life. He had always loved Ji Heng. I'm saddened for him. He deserves to be happy."

"You have too many uncles and close brothers. I don't want to share my little fox with nobody."

"Look at me husband. They are like family to me; you are the one I love the most. Don't be jealous of them." Feng Jiu gave Dong Hua a kiss on his cheek and hugged him tight. "My silly jealous husband Dijun, I love you so much."

Dong Hua smiled at Feng Jiu. He was whipped on her little paw. Her innocence was disarming his defenses. "Come my little fox let's have a bath and relax for a bit." His seductive tone sent shivers to Feng Jiu's body. "I'll show you who's silly". He mischievously thought

Dong Hua carried his beloved to their bed chambers to get ready for a bath and compensation time. They were kissing each other and giggling all the way thru.

Migu saw them entering their chambers and rolled his eyes. "Let me just leave before I hear things, I'm not ready to handle. Why me?  Why am I being punished?"