Chapter Text
Nothing would ever compare to this, Lakan swore as he ran through the streets of the capital toward the red light district with a crazed look in his eye.
As always, the faces that he shoved past held no significance to him. What should have been the angry face of a withered woman working a stall in the market (who was telling Lakan off for bumping into her) was only a shiny Go stone which he paid no mind to as he continued on.
He held two things in his hands. One was a letter, written in his beloved’s handwriting, the other a coin purse filled with his somewhat meager savings. He had been rash sure, the entire thing had been a gamble if there ever was one, but that just meant he still had a few months to figure out how best to see it through. He was a man who his honored Uncle said was capable of great success, if only he would apply himself. Well, there wasn’t a bigger motivator than having the woman of his dreams finally within his grasp… and of course their baby!
At the thought of their child Lakan’s face twisted once more into a wild grin. Accompanied by his fox like eyes he was truly a frightening sight as he neared the Verdigris House.
As expected, the man servants of the Verdigris House must have let the Madam know he was coming as the shriveled form who could only have been her stood in his way.
“You’ve done it this time, you good-for-nothing cretin.” Lakan heard her hiss.
“Where is my beloved?” He sung, swinging his arms up and doing a twirl. The entire scene was below his station, but ever oblivious to the world around him Lakan couldn’t keep his excitement in. “I would like to see my love!”
Suddenly, Lakan was aware of the feeling of pain as knuckles somehow collided with the top of his head. The impact sent him crouching down, holding his head in pain with his coin purse and letter still firmly in his grip. Keeping his eyes to the ground, hand gently rubbing the slowly forming knot on his head, Lakan held out the coin purse towards the Madam. “I have come to purchase Fengxian.”
An annoyed tsk came from the old woman, but the coin purse was taken, the clink of coins signaling she was indeed counting just how much the cretin had brough with him. “This will just have to do, huh.” To the man servants and the nearby courtesans, although her tone was harsh and filled with ire, they could see a lightness in the Madam's eyes. Almost like, despite the fact this entire situation could have meant ruin to this very establishment, the fact this good-for-nothing could keep his word meant something to her.
The Madam started to walk further in without a word, expecting Lakan to follow. Seeing that the his dues had been paid, he was allowed entry by the man servants, leaving Lakan no other option than to run after the old crone.
He was led up stairs to a room he knew well, the only bedroom he willingly went into, and found a beautiful sight waiting within. Sitting at a table, calm and composed, was his beautiful Fengxian. Truly Lakan had never seen another creature that could compare, especially since Lakan could only recognize this courtesan by face.
“My dear, I’ve come to bring you both home.” He said calmly, his crazed smile still on his face.
The mention of "both" sent a harsh scowl across the Madam’s face. “There will be no celebration. And if you know what’s good for you this’ll stay quiet.” The Madam said coldly before flicking her hand in a gesture for Lakan to enter as she shuffled out of the room again. “Pack your stuff and get out.”
When the door closed behind them, it was like Lakan was a puppet with his strings cut. Practically running forward he knelt at the courtesan's feet and looked into the eyes of the beauty before him. “I will provide for your every desire, your every whim. Our child will want for nothing.” He swore, taking the woman’s hands into his own, pressing a kiss to each of her painted fingernails.
“I do not desire grand declarations, Lakan.” Fengxian said with the nearly imperceptible twitch of her lips. “I was the one who made the decision not to take the abortifacients.”
Still on his knees, Lakan’s smile grew and his eyes went wide. “This gamble of ours will prove most ostentatious for us my beloved Fengxian, I swear it.”
This had her eyebrow tick up slightly, her fingers tightening around Lakan’s. “Do you have a plan?”
“I do. And I will see it succeed, just wait and see. Perhaps it’ll take a few years but we have each other, and there is no rush for great plays my dear.” A soft hmm came from the woman but she gave a slight nod all the same.
Together, one hand still grasped by the other, they carefully packed up the courtesan’s life. It was quick work- Fengxian didn't have the luxury of purchasing frivolous things, with most of her money going toward clothes she needed for work or food. There had been gifts from clients but she usually would have them off to the younger girls... that was until Lakan started to visit her. Lakan noted the sparse personal items she was packing up and made a vow in his heart to shower her with unimaginable gifts!
Just as they were making their way out the door they were stopped by a small form. Lakan knew her by her clothes as the apprentice to his beloved, the young girl Meimei.
“You better take good care of my big sister.” Meimei proudly declared.
Still holding onto Fengxian’s hand, Lakan bowed to the little girl. “I swear it. And when our child is born they will know that they have a family here at the Verdigris House, with you as their big sister.”
Perhaps wildly against tradition, but Lakan’s intentions were genuine and pure. He knew that Fengxian’s family was housed within the confines of this brothel. It would be cruel of him to pretend otherwise. And he had already promised her everything so why couldn’t he give her this too? Whatever continued connection his Fengxian wanted with the brothel that raised her she would have.
His words must have done something to the little girl because Fengxian was moving forward, letting Lakan’s hand go to pull Meimei into an embrace. “I will write.” She said resolutely, her face barely moving but her eyes showing the depth of her emotions.
“This is what you want, right big sis?” Her voice came out in a shudder, holding tightly onto Fengxian.
Lakan couldn’t hear Fengxian’s response but whatever she had whispered to Meimei must have been sufficient as she nodded in acceptance and slowly let go. “I wish you all the happiness in the world.” Meimei said before running away from the pair.
“Will she be okay?” Lakan asked, as Fengxian reached back out for his hand.
“Yes. She is a good girl, with a bright future.” She said simply. Lakan didn’t mention the tears gathering in her eyes, instead he reached forward to wipe them away before they continue down the stairs and toward the exit.
“Don’t come back!” They heard the old crone shout as they walked through the exit and into the street outside.
Without responding, Fengxian held a hand in a wave of goodbye and together, hand in hand they walked through the streets of the red light district, toward the market and the Imperial Castle to the La estate.
Had Lakan warned his Honored Father of his intentions? No, why would he? He had received the letter and had immediately ran off to fetch his bride!
Did he suddenly have grander aspirations than he had ever had in his life? Yes, and that was all because of his son-to-be wife and the baby growing within her.
Lakan wanted to share the most perfect life with them. That meant he needed to capture the position of head of the household for himself, and he already had a strategy forming to achieve it.
“You have that look about you again.” Fengxian said as they got closer to the estate.
“Oh you know me my love.” He said with a dangerous glint in his eye. “I can’t stop developing my Go strategies.”
-
Months had passed since Lakan had brought Fengxian to the La estate. In that time her belly had grown significantly, alerting all to her… ahem predicament. Many at court, even within the La family, looked at Fengxian with pitying eyes. She had chalked it up to the rumors about her husband being rather eccentric, which only worsened after their official marriage due to his heavy-handed tactics to secure his political position at court.
Fengxian originally thought she would only be offered the title of consort, considering the La clan’s status. This belief was further solidified by the world-shaking outburst from Lakan’s father once he learned of her condition and what Lakan wanted to do about it. Evidentially, Fengxian’s husband proved to be rather resourceful in the game of politics unsurprisingly and was prepared for push back.
Learning afterwards how he had managed it, Lakan had started by convincing his younger half brother Lakou to step down from next in line. The man was a burly built man with kind eyes. Even with the few words they had shared, Fengxian could tell he didn’t have the sharp edge for politics and had too kind a heart for military work. Overall, it was a bad mix for the La family heir who were traditionally a military family. He had done it by promising he would adopt his newborn nephew, Lahan, as his heir if he showed the skill for the position. This secured Lakou’s son’s future and allowed himself the freedom to do something else.
The elder son, Junjie, who Lakan had apparently already ruled as unsuitable for the role was never in the running. Fengxian figured the boy would be more put out by this but he seemed unfazed for a boy so young. He was staring down his uncertain future with a calmness that impressed even her.
Fengxian privately objected but Lakan swore to her he would ensure the future of their own child would be secured. It was all a major gamble but that was how they’d gotten this far so she eventually acquiesced.
With no other child left to take the family heirloom, Lakan had pushed his father into a corner. And her father-in-law was nothing if not prideful. Rather than allow Lakan to make good on his many threats of staining the family name, he’d given in to keep his pride intact.
This still left many additional arrangements needing to be made which Fengxian left to her husband once her pregnancy started to weigh on her more.
She was trying to rest, fighting against waves of nausea, by sitting in the garden of the estate and playing an idle game of Go against Lakan. Truthfully there wasn’t anything idle about it. It was a cut throat session that despite having the desire to rush out and empty her stomach in the flower bushes behind her, she was winning. The narrow margin be damned, she was a prideful woman and wouldn’t let her condition hold her back from destroying her opponent.
“I do hope you are taking it easy, Fengxian.” Said a gentle voice belonging to her husband’s most honored uncle, Luomen. It was her understanding that the man was an accomplished doctor that had been forced to become a eunuch by the Empress Regnant to aid in the birth of the now Imperial Heir. He had also been responsible for attending to the births of the Imperial brother and son of the Imperial Heir less than a year ago. Rather impressive job experience in Fengxian’s opinion.
“Honored Uncle I hope that you will have more time to stop in when I am doing less incriminating things.” She said in lieu of a greeting as she made her next move, breathing deeply to regulate her nausea. It was a devastating blow to her husband and she couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped her lips as she watched him grapple with his predicament. He was incredibly cute when he was losing to her.
“It is hard getting away, what with the imperial family’s newest members.” He said calmly with a small smile. Luomen still had his rooms in the annex of the estate that he would from time to time return to, but the courtesans of the rear palace and the Imperial family were keeping the older man busy.
Apparently, they had managed to avoid a terrible loss of life, with the Imperial Heir’s child almost being fed honey… which Luomen had already stressed the dangers of to them. She didn’t care to know the specifics of the event, Fengxian had her own worries- like beating her husband at as many games as possible and the birth of her child looming over her.
“Let my nephew stew on his next move while we do your check up my dear.” Luomen said, motioning back into the estate.
Agreeing she went to get up but was interrupted by Lakan hurriedly jumping up to assist her. “You mustn’t strain yourself too much.” Lakan said worriedly as he helped her into the estate for her check up.
He reminded her of a fussy mother hen, especially her due date drew near. He had started to take most of his work at home and even made her promise not to leave the estate unless accompanied by him. His anxiety had stemmed from his heavy handed tactics in recent months which made him a lot of enemies in a short amount of time. Thankfully, Lakan had been able to scrape enough together to keep sufficient guards at the main house after there were a few break ins and dangerous scuffles with assailants…
Fengxian had mentally prepared herself for such an outcome and was steeled for the worst case scenario. She didn't have any sort of delusion that there wouldn't be consequences for the actions made to give her the title of Lady La. They had made by without much incident and she hoped to keep it that way.
After Luomen was done with his check up they moved to one of the many sitting rooms where he went on to explain what they should look out for in the coming month.
“You and the baby seem in good health. However, I think we should get another doctor in case I am unable to make it in time.”
“I don’t want anyone else near my wife and child but you, Uncle.” Lakan said firmly.
“I don’t have the ability to just abandon my duties in the rear palace, Nephew. I do have a few doctors I can recommend and I trust they can get up to speed on your case easily enough with my notes.” He held up a few wooden slips with neat writing scrawled on the surface. “You can’t stop a delivery once it starts and with the due date so close if Fengxian starts having contractions a closer physician would put my mind at ease. You can do that for your Uncle can’t you?” Luomen said to Lakan, almost blatantly manipulating the man in his gentle manner.
Deciding to help, Fengxian added, “Yes that would also put my mind at ease, especially if it’s someone our Honored Uncle recommends, don’t you think husband?” Luomen gave Fengxian a small smile as they watched Lakan practically vibrate as he considered their words.
“Fine, fine.” He furrowed his brow slightly but then he turned to look at her, perhaps for guidance. She remained passive, but she did lean forward ever so slightly on the couch she was sitting on to take his hand into hers. “Whatever my Honored Uncle and Wife wish.” And that was that.
Her husband was truly growing into a worrier. Oh how different he was to the man she had first met all those years ago. The thought was almost enough to bring her to tears… or maybe that was the pregnancy.
Letting a breath out through her nose, Fengxian patted her stomach gently as she drowned out the continued conversation between Lakan and Luomen.
Not for the first time since she had decided to keep the child did her thoughts shift to their unsteady future. The little thing growing in her stomach was a gamble, and was going to be a lot of work. Not having a mother herself, Fengxian wasn’t too certain how to raise it with love and care. She had found herself rather fond of her apprentice Meimei, even still sending letters to keep her updated on the pregnancy and her health, so perhaps she wasn’t too far gone. Lakan had enough love to make up for any of her shortcomings, that she was certain.
Yes, this small being would be okay with an obsessive father like Lakan and brilliant Great Uncle Luomen in their life. Their strengths would hopefully give her time to also learn what she could provide for it, if only to give her maternal instincts time to develop.
So engrossed in her thoughts, absently rubbing her stomach, she hadn’t noticed when Luomen left. It wasn’t until Lakan placed a kiss to her cheek that she was pulled from her stupor. “My beloved, would you like to play Shogi tonight?”
Leveling her gaze on the man Fengxian replied, “But Husband, you forget we have a Go game to finish.”
Realizing he was no match for her piercing gaze, Lakan conceded, leaving to bring the board to her from outside.
-
The child of the eccentric politican Kan Lakan and wife Fengxian was born before the weather could take a cold turn. Mother and child were not seen by the public for some time, under the guidance of the court doctor Kan Luomen, but that didn’t stop Lakan from proudly declaring the child’s arrival to everyone he saw at court.
“Have you heard? My beautiful Fengxian has given me the greatest gift of all!”
One sorry sod who truly hadn’t heard, replied, “Oh, congratulations on your son! Perfect for carrying on the family mantle.”
There were multiple people who had to hold Lakan back as he shouted fiercely, spittle flying from his lips, “How dare you insult my perfect daughter!” He had said, “You would be lucky to even lay eyes on her cuteness!”
After that it became a point for all that crossed Lakan’s path to specifically congratulate the man on the baby girl . Like a bird puffing out its feathers, Lakan would stand up straighter and give an almost crooked grin as he would go on and on about the child’s latest accomplishments. Which at that time was mostly just opening their eyes and sleeping soundly. By all accounts the man looked harmless, a doting husband and father, but the happy mood came from a ruthless tactician who was making waves that if not careful would destroy other politicians at court. A strong case of whiplash was Kan Lakan’s career. Going from a veritable throw-away son to head of house in only a few months, he was setting his sights higher and higher to support his new family.
For unrelated parties it was a very sweet gesture. For others it was nuisance enough to make them throw up with rage and envy!
“Perhaps once they grow more our children could befriend each other.” Said the Imperial Heir.
Lakan had come with a new report and tactical advice for the battles breaking out in the outskirts of Li. The idea of a man, even a boy, being near his daughter made Lakan want to roll out the army but considering who he was having an audience with he knew that wouldn’t work. The stern talking to his Uncle and Fengxian would give him if he acted out was enough to keep him on the straight and narrow.
“Yes your Highness.” Lakan said, suppressing a grimace.
“Knowing your child, they will have a good head about them.” He said, flipping through the documents. Once he was done he held the documents up, “Gaoshun, distribute these. I believe they will be essential in gaining ground. Ensure the Emperor and Empress Regnant receive it first.”
Taking that as it was a success, Lakan stood and bowed. “Until next time.”
With a nod, the Imperial Heir allowed his exit.
It was starting to get much colder. And all the work he had been doing, practically 300 times more than he usually did… With a deep sigh, Lakan hurried through the brisk cold air back towards the estate. The holiday was nearing, which meant a reprieve, and time with his precious wife and child. Despite feeling as if a heavy weight was tied to his back he moved on feeling lighter at the thought.
Before he was able to announce his arrival to the estate he ears detected the sound of soft singing floating in from further inside the house. Removing his outer layers and following the sound, Lakan walked into their inner chambers. The fireplace was lit, bright and filling the room with warmth. Sat near the flames but safe enough not to overheat was Fengxian who was almost imperceptibly rocking back and forth as she sang a melody that Lakan had heard only once before. In her arms was a bundle of soft fabric that contained the small creature that owned half of his soul, his little Maomao.
Unable to bring himself to interrupt his wife’s song, he slowly made his way closer until he was sitting at her feet. Watching her, he was entrapped by the softness of her brow, the light in her eyes, and the way her painted lips moved as she sung all while Maomao’s hand was wrapped tightly around two of her finger and a tuft of her hair. “You are a vision.” He sighed in awe once she was done. Getting on his knees he brought one of his hands to gently wrap around the hand of his daughter and finger of his wife and the other caressed Fengxian’s cheek as he kissed her forehead, which he happily noted she leaned into.
“How was your day?” She asked quietly.
She must have just gotten the little bundle to nurse and go down for her nap, he mused as he followed suit and kept his voice at a low whisper. “Long, but it was worth it to get back to you.”
There was a slight flicker between Fengxian’s eyebrows, which Lakan knew as one of her tells. She must think I am just too adorable! He mentally cheered as he smiled at her.
Giving her one more kiss to the forehead, he turned his attention to Maomao, who was sleeping soundly. Struck by a sudden urge to take her in his arms and smother her with kisses and hugs, Lakan instead took the back of his finger and petted the top of her little head. Oh how he couldn’t wait for her to be a little bigger, a little sturdier, so he could twirl her around and hug her and…
“Would you take her?” Nodding readily, Lakan stood up and took the little bundle. It took a bit of work to free her hand from the baby’s grasp, but eventually Fengxian was free and leaned back in her chair gently.
The sharpness in her features was still there, the sharpness of her mind and chilly nature forever present, but Lakan could see beneath the cold thorny exterior. His wife wasn’t as indifferent as the world made her out to be, she was just more careful showing it. He saw it in how her eyes partially narrowed and her head tilted watching as Lakan gently rocked on his feet with their child in his arms. He could hear it in the singing.
Everything it took to get to this, and all that was to come, was worth it he swore. Having Fengxian as his wife and Maomao in his arms… the man was in complete bliss.
“Your Uncle will be coming over, I had an extra serving of our meal prepared if he stays for the night.” He nodded along, looking down at Maomao’s face. She must have been dreaming, her little eyes moving behind their eyelids.
“Darling, can I ask your opinion on something?” There was a light Mm which he took as agreement. “If we were asked by the Imperial Heir, for our Maomao to become playmates with the Prince in the future how would you feel?”
There was a deep intake of breath as Fengxian leaned forward again, hands clasped in front of her. After a beat she replied calmly, “If his Highness so wishes.” Despite her tone, it was her eyes that betrayed her trepidation.
It was no simple act, to become personally acquainted with the Imperial family and the subsequent heirs. It was much more trouble than it was worth in his extremely biased opinion, and it seemed his wife was in agreement. “Understood.” He would try to find a way out of it, or continue to put it off… “Maybe we could say she is of a weaker constitution?” He muttered as he began pacing around the room in thought, the little Maomao still in his arms.
For Fengxian, she wished she could feel better about the potential benefits of being connected to someone in the Imperial family, but it was a relationship laden in danger and dripping with poison. If the crown was setting their sights on their Maomao it meant their daughter needed to be able to stand on her own two feet or risk being swept away with the tide.
To a newly freed courtesan that meant knowledge, and as much as possible. She would need to talk to Luomen about a tutor.