Authors Note: A big shout out to all of you fanfic readers for your ongoing support, your comments and votes. I am thrilled to know that many of you have added my story to your reading lists. Thank you for so much love. We are reaching the end of this wonderful journey of our most favorite couple DongFeng. Never in a million years I thought that my story will be a fave of so many. My goal is to end it at chapter 70, but who knows if the inspiration will keep coming. This chapter has many emotions combined and it also contains some adult content intended for a mature audience. Readers discretion is advised. Happy reading. Enjoy!!!! 💜🦊💜🦊💜🦊💥💥💥😊

The next day at Qing Qui...

Every corner in Qing Qui was ornated with white banners. Thousands of white garmented publics gathered at the memorial dwelling. Mo Yan along with his disciples were among the present. Ye Hua, Lian Song, Si Ming, Yan Chiwu, Xu Yang and part of their respective armies were there too. Two tall stone totems were built to commemorate Bai Yi, Weng Chan along the other fallen heroes. The monuments were held high up on a platform. The Bais along with the rest of the audience shared the same space. Today the fallen heroes occupied the highest stage. Everyone else shared an equal status. This was Qing Qui's way.

The time has come to start but before Bai Zhi wanted to speak a few words. He greeted everyone present.

"We are all familiar with the negative effects of war that include loss of life, destruction of cities and the environment, plus the suffering. The long-term effects would be the defeat of problematic ruling, the correction of injustices, advances in knowledge and medicine, and a reduction of redundancy. Conversely, wars are terrible, ghastly, deadly enterprises. For people involved in wars, its constant terror, suffering, among other difficulties.

Wars can correct terrible injustices and can also lead to industrial advances that help our society. War affects the people who were victims and those who took part, for example, our soldiers. From women, men, children, and even the soldiers have to live with the memories of the destruction and killings that occurred during the war. These memories are the ones that result in a change of character and personality. War is not right, our society is moving towards cultivation, and thus we need to find more sophisticated methods of solving problems once they arise, there are many adverse effects as compared to positive results that are brought by war. Women and children are the people who are most affected while the realms suffer significantly from economic decline.

We are grateful to see many of our esteem contemporaries gathered here today with our family in our lands. Especially those who honorably fought side by side with us to eliminate our greatest enemy who threatened not only Qing Qui but also your realms. In the face of calamity, we had put aside our differences and united for the purpose of defending universal peace. I saw many immortals from different backgrounds and forms shedding their precious blood to guarantee a world without evil. Today we mourn, grief and honor those who valiantly and selflessly gave up their lives to ensure for the coming generations that we all can enjoy a harmonious live. Celestials, earth immortals, demons, civilians, can coexist together for a greatest purpose. What a precious legacy we had sown to them. I can only proudly express my gratitude to all of you today. Especially to our beloved Queen who eliminated our biggest threat forever. Xiao Jiu, if you please..." Bai Zhi called Feng Jiu to come forward.

"Thank you, grandfather." Feng Jiu venerably bowed to Bai Zhi. Dong Hua stood by her side. Feng Jiu gazed Dong Hua for help, but he signaled her to proceed. It was the Queen's turn to talk. She composed herself, gave Dong Hua a small bow and proceeded to address the audience.

"Beloved Qing Qui citizens, esteemed high deities, Tian Jun Ye Hua and Tianhou Bai Qian, respected leaders, Qing Qui Prince Consort, His Lordship Dong Hua Dijun and myself extend our uppermost gratitude to all of you, for the service, support and assistance to rebuild and restore our beloved Qing Qui. Thank you.

Although we're all in mourning, reaching the acceptance stage and adjusting to the loss does not mean that all the pain is over. Grieving for someone who was close to you includes losing the future you expected with that person. This must also be mourned. The sense of loss can last for decades. The bereaved may be reminded of their absence at an event they would have been expected to attend. This can bring back strong emotions, and require mourning yet another part of the loss. We have lost so many people during this war, let their memories be a blessing to all of us forever.

I echo the words that my grandfather just expressed to you. They come from years of experience, wisdom, insight, and sincerity. Our appreciation cannot only be expressed in words but also thru honorable deeds.

Qing Qui has always stood out as one of the most prosperous kingdoms in all the regions and has always maintained good relations and conducted honest transactions with other domains. We have strived to maintain righteous values ​​characterized in the hearts of our beloved citizens and workers. Today we all suffer together with you as we sympathize with the loss and pain of those very close and special in our hearts.

I stand before you not only as a Qing Qui monarch but also as an individual who, recognizing my duty, have fought hand in hand with each of you to defend our freedom and keep the peace free from evil guiles. But I cannot take the merit alone. Together with the efforts of many, we were able to eliminate a powerful enemy which has left devastation, scarcity, suffering, helplessness, loneliness and guilt. Recently, someone very close told me the following words: 'Regardless of what happened, focus on the present. Learn from your past mistakes and ensure that they do not get repeated. Instead of making ourselves suffer, it is better to make amends. Guilt is an incredibly powerful emotion. It often combines feelings of shame, anxiety, frustration, and humiliation. These emotions can well up inside and build over time, it can be an elusive and hard-to-predict beast. It is important to reflect on what happened, and learn the precious lessons to avoid re-experiencing the past. This definitely facilitates the healing process.'

His Lordship Dong Hua Dijun said those words to me. His words marked me deeply. They have made me understand that living with a sense of guilt is not the best choice in life. In some way or another we have all been marked by guilt. Even in the midst of the effects of war, we breathe easy knowing that we will enter a period of peace where we will have room to reflect on actions that in one way or another contributed to the decline of our efforts to maintain that peace since millennials ago when the cost was still even higher. We can move into the future confident as we consider that each of our individual actions are ripples that form on a pond and can contribute to strengthen our relationships or the destruction of them. We don't want to see another realm get devastated due to another war.

Qing Qui has a strong relationship with Nine Heavens, but to ensure universal peace, it has to go beyond a political affiliation, it must be grounded on common strong and valuable morals to ensure that our future generations will be safe from harm. Today Miao Lou is gone, tomorrow we're not sure who will be our next enemy or how powerful it would be. If we continue to be divided, we'll never attain this goal. If we continue to compete against one another for power, positions, supremacy etc., we will repeat the same mistakes again, relive the same scenario and bring shame to our lost loved ones, dishonoring their sacrifice and memories. What I'm trying to propose here is to unite ourselves regardless of where we come from and work cohesively for a greater purpose.

In an effort to peacefully settle future disputes between ourselves, I propose to create a Confederation of Realms. In an attempt to achieve mutual benefits, among industrial advances, to devise better ways of eliminating our enemies and produce better methods of preserving the lives of combatants, and developments that will benefit the civilian populations, to ensure their survival and existence.

This union will not be based on control but as an instrument to ensure collective peace, prosperity, equanimity and justice. To prevent loss of precious lives and safeguard our territories. To build creditability and responsibility in our actions creating transnational peaceful treaties that will sustain the security in our borderlands. To stop evil from lurking in our kingdoms we have to be accountable with our reigns. We tend to forget who is really behind our ruling. Innocent lives pay a high price when we as rulers give space to injustice, corruption, exploitation, abuse and betrayal. We as sovereigns need to learn to relinquish control and be free of selfishness motivations. Justice and righteousness begin in our homes, in our minds and hearts. NOT in our palaces and courtrooms, but within ourselves. My grandfather said that we all can coexist together for a greatest purpose, a peacefully world where our children, and their children can freely grow up and flourish and prosper.

This war could have been prevented if it hadn't been for self-centered reasons. Let us stop the bloodshed. NO more unjustifiably wars. If we incur in another war, let it be to eliminate our enemy and not our compatriots. When we learn to be united, then we will become even stronger and then no evil can stand against us. We have the tools to change the course of our lives if we allow the virtues that unite us to pave the way for our future generations and ensure their peaceful upbringing. As we have received your help to restore the posterity of our beloved Qing Qui, I appeal to you to understand the motivation behind this proposal. Qing Qui compromises today that it will do whatever is necessary to aid you in your time of need. Thank you all for coming here and be with us as we mourn our heroes that left us so soon." Feng Jiu concluded her speech and everyone in the audience admired the young queen resolution. Her message was loud, clear and deep. Many were moved from her performance.

Dong Hua felt so proud of his wife: "That is my Empress!!! I couldn't say it any better Jiu'er, I'm so proud of you. Well done." He mentally told her. Feng Jiu gave him a small smile and together they went back to their place. She didn't want to lose her composure.

Ye Hua told Bai Qian: "I didn't know that your niece possessed great war strategist aptitudes. The proposal is a genius way to keep everyone on their toes. She's really good with words. We have to back her up Qian Qian."

"Of course, we will Ye Hua. I feel so proud of her. Although she is so young, she is mature beyond her years. Father made the right decision to give her the Fox Imperial Seal. She has greatly matured as queen." Bai Quian replied him.

Bai Zhi and the rest of the Bai family proceeded to present their offerings of food items, incense, and joss paper. They ignited a cremation site as a symbolic act to guide their spirits to peace and escape a fate of becoming "restless ghosts". The rest of the audience presented their offerings to their loved ones as well.

After the memorial rituals concluded, several leaders were talking with Bai Zhi, Ye Hua, Mo Yan and Dong Hua regarding the queen's proposal. Feng Jiu was with her mother when suddenly she was approached by Cang Yi's father.

"Your highnesses." He greeted them.

"Lord Jīn Yīng, thank you for coming." Feng Jiu said.

"On behalf of our Eagle Clan, please accept our sincere apologies. My son shameful actions were the cause of this war. I hope that you can forgive him."

"Forgive Cang Yi? For what specifically?" Feng Jiu asked him confused.

He was muddled, "Huh... you don't know?"

"Know what Lord Jīn Yīng?" Feng Jiu perplexedly asked him.

Yan Chiwu from a distance saw Cang Yi's father talking to Feng Jiu, he immediately went to her side since Dong Hua was busy dealing with others. "Lord Jīn Yīng a word please..."

"Of course, Demon Lord Yan Chiwu. Please excuse me your highnesses." Cang Yi's father followed him.

"Lord Jīn Yīng, her highness Queen Bai Feng Jiu is unaware that your son was the mastermind behind her kidnapping. This is not the occasion to stir up this situation. Please reconsider and talk to his Lordship Dong Hua Dijun instead of her. We don't want to add more stress to her highness today."

"Oh, you are right. Forgive my imprudence. I merely wanted to express my sincere apologies to her on behalf of our Clan."

"I understand, but please refrain for now to approach her since she doesn't know yet." Yan Chiwu pleaded with him.

"I will approach his Lordship later on. I will take my leave." Cang Yi's father left.

Yan Chiwu hard sighed. "What was that all about Yan Chiwu?" Lord Xu Fang asked him.

"Jiu Ge is unaware that Cang Yi was the mastermind behind her kidnapping. I had to intervene to prevent another war. Which reminds me, is Ji Heng okay?" Yan Chiwu asked him.

"She recovered already. She is well hidden at a safe place, don't worry. You better find a way to deal with this Yan Chiwu. I don't want my sister to end up dead."

"Ji Heng is in hot waters with Dong Hua, Jiu Ge, Qing Qui and Nine Heavens. I have to find a practicable way to preserve her life without breaching our peace treaty with Qing Qui."

"Good luck with that!!!" Lord Xu Fang padded his shoulder. "Come let's leave" Yan Chiwu nodded. They left discretely after paying their respects.

A general from the Shīzi's army came and greeted Bai Zhi. "Your highness Bai Zhi Dijun."

"At ease. Who are you?" Bai Zhi asked him.

"I'm general Fu Jiu Yun from the Shīzi's army. Our Lord Weng Chan valiantly died in the war. He was the only heir to Shīzi throne. He didn't leave any heirs of noble blood your majesty. Please understand our predicament here your highness, I seek your counsel. We wish to maintain order and peace on our small kingdom."

Bai Zhi carefully eyed Dong Hua. He didn't want to disclose Bai Yi's secret in front of everyone. "General please give us a minute."

"Certainly, your highness"

Bai Zhi pulled Dong Hua aside, "Don't worry Bai Zhi, I'm aware of their relationship." Dong Hua told him.

"You knew?"

"Of course, I knew."

"Since when?"

"Since our secret meeting with Ye Hua in the mortal realm."

"Does my granddaughter know of this?"

"She witnessed Bai Yi calling Weng Chan his son before they died together. But I'm not sure of to what extent she comprehended that scene."

"Shīzi kingdom is without a ruler now. Qing Qui has provided protection so far, but under the circumstances now, they are our extended kingdom by blood. We might have to convene to further discuss an appropriate candidate. Weng Chan didn't want to be a burden to Qing Qui. That is why we hid his kinship per Bai Yi request. Bai Rui and I didn't have the time to present this situation to our elders... I'm just overwhelmed right now brother." Bai Zhi confided in Dong Hua.

"Bai Zhi, have them stay at the palace for a few days, we'll meet with him and Shīzi elders to determine a course of action. Right now, you need to be strong for the family and your subjects." Dong Hua placed his hand on Bai Zhi shoulder offering support.

"It is rare to see you like this brother." Bai Zhi expressed.

"Take advantage of these oddities Bai Zhi, as they will not come often." Dong Hua gave him a small smile. Bai Zhi understood.

Bai Rui and Bai Qian joined Feng Jiu and her mother. "What a great speech you gave kittling." Bai Rui said.

"I wasn't sure what to say grandmother, but I knew that a shift was needed to stir up their hearts. We shouldn't be afraid to a new start. We are not starting from scratch; we are starting from experience. That is the message that I wanted to convey. Qing Qui will set the example to others. We will rise with new strength, restored and fortified. From the ashes of desolation, Qing Qui will come forth like a seed breaking ground to flourish and bear fruit. Her beauty will be restored."

"We are so proud of you kittling. We will achieve this and more together." Bai Rui reassured her.

"Nine Heavens will back up Qing Qui lassie. You don't have to worry about it. Ye Hua and I will do our part to make it happen." Bai Quian added.

"Gugu thank you for your support our people need us to be united more than ever."

"No need to thank me Xiao Jiu, my heart is also with our people. You have shown us that you are what Qing Qui needs. You are Qing Qui's voice lassie, and we are grateful to have a wise and beautiful queen who loves her people and will go the extra mile to make things happen." Bai Qian concluded.

"Our Xiao Jiu has grown up." Feng Jiu mother said.

"Indeed, she has." Bai Rui added. "Amid the despair we are going thru, some happy news are needed." Bai Rui eyed Bai Qian and Feng Jiu.

"What mother?" Bai Qian asked her.

"How long are you planning to hide it from me daughter?" Bai Rui cornered her.

"Hide? I don't know what are you talking about?"

"Are you going to lie to me about your condition?"

"Mother please."

"Don't mother me...and you Xiao Jiu... are you playing dumb with me too?" Bai Rui reproved Feng Jiu.

"Grandmother... I..."

"Stop it both of you. I know that you girls are expecting."

"And you daughter-in-law... you are their accomplice. Shame on you."

"Please appease your anger mother-in-law."

"I bet Zhe Yan is also involved on this. Where is that old phoenix, I will give him a piece of my mind!!!"

"Mother please." Bai Qian pleaded with Bai Rui.

"Just kidding kittlings. I'm overjoyed to know that soon we'll see little cubs running around. Bai Zhi will be thrilled."

"How did you know that we are pregnant grandmother?" Feng Jiu asked.

"I have my own secretive ways darling."

"I feel relieved now that I can share my excitement!" Feng Jiu mother exhaled comforted.

"Oh don't worry we'll have plenty of time to plan their deliveries, clothing, welcoming, we have to start thinking about names, oh I can't wait!!!" Bai Rui went on and on about baby planning with Feng Jiu's mother.

Bai Qian noticed that Feng Jiu demeanor changed. "Lassie, please cheer up a bit. Second brother will have been happy too to hear the news."

"I know Gugu. Is just.... It feels heavy still."

"I know kittling. Just know that we're a close family. Time will heal us all. We will never forget him." Bai Qian hugged his beloved niece as they sat to watch the sunset together in peace.

At Sunset...

Feng Jiu's mother decided to visit Bai Yi monument to pay her respects. She quietly was bidding her goodbyes. "Bai Yi, I hope that you are reunited with your beloved and your son Weng Chan on a peaceful place. I want you to be happy wherever you are right now. I will be around for some time, since Xiao Jiu is expecting. She will need me to help her out until she can manage on her own. Many people attended your funeral, Xiao Jiu gave quite a speech as the queen that she is. Your parents are still struggling with your absence, but they are strong, healthy and well. Qing Qui will be restored, don't worry. We will all made sure of that. Thank you for all you did for all of us. I wanted you to know that. You will be missed. Good bye Bai Yi." She gave him a series of bows and got up not realizing that Bai Zhi was behind her.

"Such a wonderful wife. How are you holding up?" Bai Zhi asked her.

"I'm at peace." Feng Jiu's mother lowered her face.

"Please look at me. I want you to know that you can always stay with us if you wish to. You are part of our Bai family and that will never change. I know that your marriage with Bai Yi was not based on love. You two tried your best to have an amicable marriage. Bai Yi told us that he left behind his mate and that you were aware of it."

"Yes, I was."

"And also, you knew about Weng Chan."

"I did."

"Then why you never asked for a divorce? It must have been hard for you two to tolerate each other without loving one another. I don't know how you did it for so long."

"We didn't want to ruin Qing Qui's reputation. I'm eternally grateful for what he did for me and my family. We put aside our personal desires to fulfill our duties. Bai Yi and I tried our best for the family, Qing Qui and Xiao Jiu."

"Listen carefully for what I'm about to say. First of all, I feel awful that I forced this marriage on you two. I would have forgotten about that stupid debt if I knew what I know now. Unfortunately, is too late to feel regretful. Bai Yi had the upmost respect and admiration for you and I want you to know that you paid your dues long time ago. You outdid yourself to tolerate my son ill traits and helped him structured his character. You are a wise, kindhearted and noble woman. We are so proud of you; we couldn't have asked for a better daughter-in-law than you."

"I never found Bai Yi to be repulsive due to his temperament and other ill traits; instead, I appreciated his good characteristics and virtues as an alternative of despising him as an individual. He proved to be a good man, despite of our differences. We had our own share of misfortunes and adapted to carry our burdens for the sake of Qing Qui."

"And as his father, it means a lot to me. It is in simple integrity that leads us to square up our shoulders and meet our proper responsibilities. It is a time-honored principle that should first and foremost find expression in a ruler's obligation to serve others. We will not hold it against you if you decide to move on with your life. How can I be fair knowing your unhappiness? It would be an injustice on my part to keep you tied up to a memory, a remembrance and a debt that has already been paid in full. I'm aware that you always loved another, and that you also sacrificed your life to fulfill your duty as a monarch. That's what my son wanted you to do too and we will not deny this from you. Is never too late to rekindle that precious feeling again. We are after all carefree people."

"Are you aware of who it is?"

"I'm not blind my dear. I've noticed it long time ago. So please, don't waste more time. Go live and love with all your strength. You deserve to be happy at last." Bai Zhi reassured her.

Feng Jiu's mother began to cry. Bai Zhi hugged her. "You are one of us my dear and we'll never turn our backs on you. Zhe Yan can you please take her away."

Zhe Yan came next to Bai Zhi and held her hands. "I will take good care of her Bai Zhi. Thank you."

"I know you will Zhe Yan. She is a precious gem. Treat her as such. She deserves it."

"Thank you, Bai Zhi Dijun," Feng Jiu's mother said, as they took off.

Bai Zhi remained at Bai Yi monument. "Well son I hope that you are finally happy with your beloved too."

A slight breeze caressed Bai Zhi's face. The sky was adorned with various shades of yellow and orange. It was a beautiful sunset at Qing Qui. Among the last rays of sunlight, a vision appeared before Bai Zhi eyes, his beloved son Bai Yi was dressed in white with a beautiful lady and Weng Chan at his side looking radiant and pleased. It was the gift his heart longed to see. "I will miss you forever my beloved son. Rest in peace Bai Yi and be happy".

"Thank you, father...." Bai Yi's voice faded away as the vision vanished from his sight.

Bai Zhi felt content and in peace. He finally got the closure he was looking for.

Back at the Fox Palace....

Feng Jiu was impatiently waiting at their chambers for Dong Hua who was busy at a meeting with the elders and other leaders. She found it odd that her parents were nowhere around. So, she got up and went to her mother's room opening the door abruptly. "Mother.... I...."

"XIAO JIU!!!" They shouted. Her mother quickly hid underneath the sheets embarrassed. Zhe Yan stared at her awkwardly. Feng Jiu's face was beet red. She quickly turned around and closed the door behind her and ran away.

"Woe..." Feng Jiu was shocked. So many emotions were running in her mind. She slapped her face to react. She encountered Dong Hua on the hallway on her way back to their room.

"Jiu'er what's wrong with you? Are you feeling okay?" Dong Hua worriedly asked her.

"I'm okay..." she nervously replied.

"What are you doing here by yourself?"

"I was looking for my mother."

"And?"

"She's indisposed at this time."

"Is she all right?"

"Yes...yes... she is fine."

"Little fox you seem nervous, did something happen?"

Feng Jiu began sneering out loud. She covered her mouth. "Jiu'er you are acting strange. Please tell me what is wrong with you. You are blushing. Are you being mischievous again hmm?" Dong Hua squinted his eyes questioning her.

"Me...no.... not me husband. I'm behaving, I swear it. I'm being good." Feng Jiu nervously replied.

"Hmm I will take your word little fox. Have you seen your father? I need to talk to him."

"Fùqīn? He's busy right now."

"Busy? Doing what?"

"My lips are sealed Dong Hua, please don't make me talk." Dong Hua was startled by her answer.

"Either you tell me what you are hiding or I will search for him right now." He used his stern tone.

"Husband please...."

"I will count to three, if you don't talk, I will take action." Dong Hua teasingly warned her.

"All right, all right I'll tell you. But promise me that you will leave him alone."

"Oh? Okay little fox, talk."

"I...walked on my parents...while they were.... you know...." Feng Jiu lowered her voice.

It took Dong Hua five seconds to understand his little fox embarrassment. "You mean...you saw them..."

"Duh Yes!!!" Feng Jiu covered her face; she was truly embarrassed. Dong Hua roguishly smirked. "Devious old bird."

"Husband you promised!!!" Feng Jiu cutely pouted.

"He is always barging in our room when we are resting. It will be fair to return him the favor, don't you think?"

"NOOOO Dong Hua. I don't want you to see my mother in an embarrassing position. I have a feeling that we won't see them for a while." Feng Jiu grabbed his sleeve.

Dong Hua smiled at his beloved. "All right, I will comply with your request, but now you owe me big time little fox." He couldn't let pass this opportunity to trick her.

"You are so petty!!!"

He took her hand and dragged her away to their room. "Come it's getting late; I will show you how petty I am" Feng Jiu giggled knowing what was coming next.

Morning Time at the Fox Palace...

Dong Hua got up early to attend the morning meetings with their elders. Feng Jiu was spent after a long passionate night with her shameless husband. She got up and went to the garden for her Tai Chi morning routine when her mother approached her.

"Good morning Xiao Jiu"

"Good morning mother." She couldn't face her.

"Sweetheart, please look at me."

"I'm sorry mama, I didn't mean to..."

"I know darling, you couldn't guess what was happening. Zhe Yan and I were careless in that aspect. We should have casted a privacy barrier over my room. I hope that we didn't caused you any traumas."

"I'm all right mama, I was shocked that's all. So ... you two are now..."

"Yes darling, we are finally be able to be together. Your grandfather matched us up and gave us his blessing."

"Who would have thought?"

"He knew it all along Xiao Jiu. We will respectfully wait after the required mourning period to get officially wed."

"I'm so happy for both of you mama." Feng Jiu hugged her tight.

"I want to make sure that you were okay sweetheart. Your father and I were worried about you after you ran away."

"I must confess that it was an awkward moment for me, but don't worry about it, I just need to get use to it. I mean, that you and fùqīn will be sharing a room together from now on and I can't barge into your room anymore."

"We'll try to be more discreet as possible. Please understand that we have to make up for the time we were apart. In the meantime, I want to gift you something."

"What type of gift mama, you know how much I love surprises!!"

"This is a very special gift sweetheart; but it is for your eyes only."

"You sound so mysterious mother. I'm already intrigued."

"Do you remember our girls talk at Bihai Cangling when your husband brought you back before your ascension trial?"

"Hmmm, yes, I do. We got busted by Dong Hua that day."

"We sure did. I clearly remember that I told you that you needed to learn how to enhance your sensuality. To show your husband what you are capable of and let your seductress go free. And to make him worship you my dear. My gift is about that. I wanted to give it to you back then, but I didn't have the chance. So here you go darling." She gave Feng Jiu a small red book.

"What is this?"

"Your best secret weapon. Go ahead an open it."

Feng Jiu opened the book and gasped disturbed. "Mother.... this...is so embarrassing." Her eyes widen looking at the erotic images. "There are so many.... Woe... I never .... We have never... done ...oh my...." Feng Jiu was speechless and flushed. Her mother chortled at her reaction.

"Study it well darling and do your homework. Being pregnant doesn't mean that your intimacy should be boring. Be creative and daring with your husband. Own your domain kittling and make him go wild. You will thank me later." Her mother padded her head, got up and left her flabbergasted.

Later on ...

Dong Hua entered their chambers to find his little fox patiently waiting for him. She was awfully quiet brushing her hair, which meant that she was up to something. "Little fox are you okay?"

"You took so long to see me." Feng Jiu protested.

"I'm sorry Jiu'er are you mad at me?"

"No. I just missed you so much husband."

"I missed you too. Come and sit with me." Feng Jiu obeyed. "Are you tired Jiu'er?" He asked her.

She mentally smiled. "No."

"Are you hungry?"

"Very"

"What would do you like to eat?"

"Hmmm, I'm craving you."

Feng Jiu placed her legs around him and slowly traced the line of his bottom lip then trailed her fingers down his throat, to the base of his neck. Dong Hua's lips parted upon feeling her magical touches. She ran her index finger along the line of his navel, and he closes his eyes. His soft breathing quickened. Feng Jiu eyes moved hungrily up across his taut stomach and then up to his chest. Their eyes meet, but Dong Hua swallows. Fully aroused, he ripped her chemise apart revealing her alabaster skin. "You are gorgeous, little fox" he murmurs.

Feng Jiu clasped his face in her hands and kissed him with hunger and yearning. Dong Hua groans low in his throat. As she places her mouth on his, Dong Hua grabbed her hips so she's pinned beneath him, his legs forcing hers apart so that he's cradled against her body between her legs. He's kissing Feng Jiu, ravaging her mouth, their tongues entwined. His hand trails from her thigh, over her hip, along her belly to her breast, squeezing, kneading, and pulling enticingly on her nipple. Feng Jiu loudly groaned and tilted her pelvis involuntarily against him, finding a delicious friction against his growing erection. Dong Hua stops kissing her and gazes down at Feng Jiu bemused and breathless. He flexes his hips, so his erection pushes against her delicate area making her go crazy.

She seductively smiled at him "I want to try something new with you husband."

"Do tell my seductress wife." Dong Hua heatedly answered.

"Different positions." Feng Jiu answered while panting with desire.

"Oh?"

"Let me be your guide tonight. I want to teach you what I need from you to please me."

Dong Hua voice trembled fumed by his carnal craving. "You are daring tonight. Your wish is my command my empress, lead the way."

That night they tried thirteen new pleasurable positions that she memorized from her little red book research. Their bodies convulsed around each other, loudly calling out a garbled version of their names. "I am right here my love; feel me." Dong Hua poured himself into Feng Jiu as he finds his release again. He collapses on top of her panting hard after the last successful position. "Little fox you make me forget everything. You are the best therapy," he breathes, moving at an achingly leisurely pace, savoring every inch of his beloved. He whispered to her ear, with his rich, warm and velvety voice "My naughty wife, where did you learned to do all of this?"

Feng Jiu temptingly smiled at him "Did you enjoyed it?"

"You never fail to surprise me Jiu'er of course I did. You please me more and more each time we're together. It was deeply gratifying." He chuckled.

"I'm glad to hear that. I have more to teach you husband. But I don't know if you still have it in you to go to the next lesson."

"I'm your eager student tonight. Teach me more." Dong Hua wickedly smiled at her knowing what she wanted to do. Feng Jiu giggled and continued to another prolonged passionate session feeling proud of herself.

It was dawn and their room was a hot mess. Dong Hua was asleep naked on his stomach. Feng Jiu was sleeping on his back hugging him. They were both beat after practicing more positions in complete bliss.

Feng Jiu slowly opened her eyes smiling. "Thank you mama" She mentally giggled. Quietly enjoying the scent of love they left behind.

Far away from Qing Qui at Miao Yi Hui Ming Realm...

Yan Chiwu arrived to a secluded location where Lord Xu Fang had hidden his adoptive sister. Ji Heng was getting impatient to leave.

"Your highness, your lord husband is here." One of her maids announced his arrival.

"Ji Heng" Yan Chiwu shouted her name.

"Yan Chiwu, take me out of here, I can't stand this place anymore."

"Ji Heng, I'm afraid I can't do that. Your malicious actions had compromised our status with Qing Qui and Nine Heavens. You are currently a wanted criminal. I'm risking my life by keeping you hidden here."

"Yan Chiwu I was under the influence of Miao Lou."

"Although is true, you deliberately placed yourself in that position. Not caring at all about our kingdom, your brother efforts and our people. I worked hard to resolve all of the inner conflicts within our clans and eliminated our unseen enemies. While you were looking for ways to damage our relationship with others. There was a time that I blindly will do anything for you Ji Heng, but you selfishly contributed to an unnecessary war alienating yourself with a powerful enemy just because you aimed too high. You wittingly rejected and trampled over my feelings, honor and standing; causing innocent people to die over your egotistical desire to obtain something that never belonged to you.

You see, although we are demons, I value honest and authentic relationships. And you endangered an important one to me. I can't let you go that easy. I loved you Ji Heng, but you failed to see my good intentions because you're blinded by your obsessions."

"Yan Chiwu, I always been truthful with you since the beginning. I never harbored feelings towards you that way. I see you as a brother and nothing else. I will always love Dong Hua Dijun until the day I cease to exist."

"Your brother went to the extreme to save you and seeing you now unrepentant it makes me realize how self-center you are. We never stopped looking for you after you went missing for so long. We sickly worried about your wellbeing Ji Heng. I've been a complete idiot misplacing my feelings on you. It hurts me to hear your words, but I thank you for opening my eyes to a painful truth. Dong Hua will never love you Ji Heng or even look at you the way you want. When are you going to realize and accept it?"

"Ji Heng that is enough!!! Lord Xe Fang interrupted their conversation. "I have heard everything. Have you got no shame? Your obsessions are the root of all that happened."

"Gege, please be in my place"

"Be in your place? You have extremely disappointed me. Your father who was a man of integrity will be extremely disappointed too hearing you speak so inconsiderately. You have brought shame to our clan, your husband and to our kind."

"I never cared about reputation"

"Of course you don't!! You don't know how to hold a noble status and what does it means to have one. I vowed to your father to look after you but everything that I've done for you it hasn't been enough. You only care to be pampered and be regarded as such without considering others efforts to prepare you for that unworthy position. And you aimed to be Dijun's empress!!! What a joke!!! I am ashamed to be called your brother Ji Heng." Lord Xu Fang angrily left the room.

Ji Heng collapsed to the floor crying bitterly upon hearing her brothers' words. "Yan Chiwu.... Will you ever forgive me?"

"Craving vengeance must be one of the lowest forms of craving and wanting others to suffer, no matter how justified it seems, only serves to ensnare such a one in self-perpetuating misery. Forgiving oneself also creates merit. We will not allow ourselves to have what we feel we do not deserve. Therefore, when we are feeling unforgiving towards ourselves, we tend to block the flow of goodness into our life. This will mean that we have less goodness to share with others. When we forgive ourselves, we gain merit by allowing more goodness to come into our life so that we have better to share with others. Forgiveness does not ignore the truth of our suffering and is not weak. It demands courage and integrity. Yet only forgiveness and love can bring about the peace we long for. Sometimes our betrayals are small, sometimes terrible. Forgiveness means giving up all hope for a better past. It's a way to move on, to end suffering, to bring dignity and harmony to your life. It is a way to let go of the pain we carry. It is a healing process. My question for you Ji Heng is can you do it?" Yan Chiwu left her alone to ponder about his words.

"Yan Chiwu what are you going to do with Ji Heng?" Lord Xu Fang asked him.

"I'm not sure yet. I just hope that she can come to her senses and reflect on her actions before is too late. But whatever course of action I decide to follow I must be true to myself first and then true to my allegiances for the good of our kingdom."

"Let's give her some time Yan Chiwu."

"I will, don't worry. In the meantime, keep her safeguarded, don't let your guard down."

After sometime...

Feng Jiu and Bai Qian pregnancies were healthy progressing, they were glowing and proudly showing their regal baby's bumps. They were having lunch at Qing Qui palace gardens.

"Aaaahhh Xiao Jiu how can you manage to be this active? I can't hardly move with this huge belly. My feet are swollen."

"Gugu is without difficulties that I manage. Trust me I have my days too."

"For being your first pregnancy, I must say Xiao Jiu that it suits you. You look gorgeous lassie."

"Thank you Gugu. I feel great. Dijun and I are enjoying this phase in our lives. He let me get involved in all activities as long as I don't exert myself too much. I have a set routine that has helped me maintain energetic. Mother chips in when she sees me too tired, but for the most of it, I still have hands on everything. Dijun have made arrangements for me to handle things smoothly."

"I have to admit lassie, that husband of yours thinks of everything. Never would I imagined that he would have turned out to be so caring and nurturing. He's the envy in all realms. I hear it from the gossipers in Nine Heavens that other pregnant ladies want their hubbies to imitate him. I can't complain about my Ye Hua, after being disconnected with my pregnancy with Ali and after all we went thru, he doesn't miss a moment with this little one. So we are truly bless Xiao Jiu."

"Yes Gugu we are. Little by little Qing Qui is returning to be as before."

"I noticed that too Xiao Jiu. I miss running around our forests and smelling the wet ground after it rains."

"Qing Qui will be more glorious than before, give it time Gugu."

"Have you decided where are you going to give birth?"

"We still haven't decided yet. Mother has created birthing rooms in all of our residences just in case. And Dijun has prepared several baby rooms too. He went overboard. Mother has been busy with grandmother with all of our babies' preparations, I hardly see her now."

"Is good that she now has Zhe Yan."

"I'm glad for them too Gugu."

"What I don't understand is why Zhe Yan? I mean I don't oppose but I taught that Zhe Yan and fourth brother were an item."

"I haven't seen fourth uncle ever since the funeral. How is he doing?"

"He's been busy taking over other responsibilities away from Qing Qui. It has been good for him to be away from here. He's still feels devastated. But don't worry hopefully he'll make it for our babies' births."

"I hope so, I miss him terribly."

"Me too Xiao Jiu. Well darling it has been great to see you again, but I have to pick up Ali at school. Ye Hua saw that it was good for him to get educated in our schools here, so I don't want be late. Until next time lassie. Take care."

"Later Gugu."

Feng Jiu felt the need for a stroll. She took her shoes off to feel the grass on her feet and connect with nature. She wandered off near the lake and into the forest, admiring the new trees that were growing up. She saw one of her favorite trees that was left standing after the war and decided to take a nap there enjoying the afternoon breeze. After a while, she felt an unknown presence near her. She opened her eyes to see a magnificent white lion staring at her. Feng Jiu was startled by his presence but somehow, she perceived that he wasn't going to harm her. She extended her hand to touch his lustrous mane. The lion knelt in front of her to let her touch him.

Feng Jiu got a good look at his eyes. His penetrating stare was intense. She felt a familiarity sense with his scent. She honed her fox memory sensory to connect with the familiar scent. When she recognized it, she gasped. "Is it you?"

The white lion mentally replied her "Yes is me."