The Legend of Moonflower

Chapter 7 - Accessories and Archery

A/N: Translations  Zan - Hair accessory

The concubine stepped up into the pavilion and stopped a few feet in front of the emperor. "Concubine Chengmei respectfully greets his majesty," he said while executing the most perfect bow.

Wei Wuxian noted the exquisite tree-shaped zan atop the concubine's head. The precious silver had been twisted into delicate branches and small rubies hung from the tip of each branch. The zan wasn't the only elaborate accessory the concubine was sporting. His slim waist was accentuated by a beautifully carved white jade piece that hung down over his flowing robes. The hem of his midnight black robes was embroidered with the finest silk threads causing them to shimmer with his movement. Each of his wrists were adorned with valuable jade bangles that drew the eye to the bare skin visible underneath whenever the omega drew back his flowing sleeves. The collar of the omega's robe was worn loose leaving the line of his neck visible from jaw to shoulder. It was clear the concubine was here to seduce and not to spar.

"Rise," Lan Wangji said and waved his hand towards a chair off to the side.

The concubine pouted and ignored where the emperor was directing him to and proceeded to sit on the same seat beside the emperor. He latched onto Lan Wangji's arm. "Your majesty, you don't even have anyone but this lowly manservant here to serve you. And oh, how desolate! Not even one refreshment has been laid out for you."

Wei Wuxian felt his wolf's disdain at the way the concubine was clinging onto the emperor. Stop it, he scolded his wolf.

"You," Concubine Chengmei turned to glare at him. "Go get some refreshments."

Wei Wuxian bit back the retort for the omega to go get them himself and instead nodded his head.

"No," Lan Wangji's words halted him.

"Your majesty..." the omega began to object.

"He's not here to fetch pastries for you," the emperor said, coldly. "He is here to train with me."

"I can train with you," the omega protested.

"You are not dressed for training. I would not want to damage any of your accessories, which I assume have been gifted by the empress dowager." There was some sort of accusation in Lan Wangji's tone.

The concubine must have sensed it as well by the way he shrank back and started to shift uncomfortably in his seat.

"Let's begin," Lan Wangji said, brushing away the concubine's hands and proceeding to ignore him completely. The emperor made his way out of the pavilion.

Wei Wuxian drew his sword and then with the blade pointing down and the hilt held between his two hands he gave the omega concubine his most mocking bow. His lips lifted into a half smile when Xue Yang gave him a spiteful glare.

The concubine sulked through the entire time that they sparred. When Wei Wuxian had his back towards Xue Yang, he could feel his angry stare. His shoulders felt tense and he knew he wasn't fighting to the best of his ability. He didn't realize that the emperor was drawing him back and moving them to the farthest corner from the pavilion.

He brought up his sword to block as Lan Wangji slashed down with Bichen. The move effectively closed the distance between them and he and the emperor were now face to face.

"What's wrong?" Lan Wangji asked, quietly. His back was towards the concubine so Xue Yang couldn't see that the emperor was speaking to him.