Chapter Four: "My Husband, Cang Mu"

Six years had passed since Ming Ran was brought back to the Hongu Clan in the East Plains. Boss (Honglu Chen) ended up being a lot less furious than Ming Ran had thought upon learning that Rat had claimed him as his… wife…

—Six Years Earlier—

 Ming Ran sat stupefied as he slowly came to terms with his first kiss being taken by Rat. Tears filled his eyes, and slowly he began to cry. He hadn't had a first kiss ever, not last time… or this time either. Now, his first kiss was taken, just like that? Rat sat, dumbfounded, trying to figure out how to stop his new betrothed from crying. He sighed, and finally picked him up carrying him back to his tent, ignoring the whistles and teasing that seemed to follow the both of them all the way to the tent. How ridiculous! Rat cursed under his breath and thanked the Great Dragon for his tent being so far from the campfire. Although, the tribe was nomadic they still made sure to keep the tents pitched for the men who went across the border into the Empire's territory. His was the one with the blue feathers hanging from the flap. He pushed aside the flap and placed Ming Ran gently on the pillow— still sobbing.

"Would you calm down? It's not like that." Rat sighed, crossing his legs.

"Listen. There's a rule that any unclaimed…" he paused, trying to look for the correct term, "…person is free game for everyone." Ming Ran paused briefly looking at him before crying harder. Rat hurried to explain further, "But since I've claimed you as my…" he grimaced before continuing, "…wife…" he forced out the word, and paused. Really! Wasn't this too hard?! He clenched his fist, "Anyhow, now that you're mine, they won't touch you, because you're claimed by a member." He scratched the back of his head, awkwardly, and muttered, "Jeez, I did this so you wouldn't be a bed warmer. So can you be a little more grateful?" Ming Ran sniffled, I don't want to be married… can't… too small! he signed, trying to convey what frightened him the most. His eyes shifted nervously downward before he whipped his head away like he'd been burned. Rat stared at him dumbfounded,

"…don't worry. I'm not interested in the slightest bit. We're engaged. Just engaged." he grinned angrily, veins popping. Ming Ran nodded, too afraid to further provoke his new betrothed. "Seriously, though. You finally decided to stand up and try to fight back when demons are attacking? Are you shitting me?" Rat's face got dark. Ming Ran hung his head and signed Sorry. 

"Hey, if you two kids are done with your emergency meeting in there, I think Honglu has something to say to you." Noodle's voice came from outside the tent. Rat sighed,

"…right…" He stood up and looked at Ming Ran, "Stay here." He lifted the flap and went outside. Noodle waited for him.

"Cang Mu, at the very least you need to fuck him once." Noodle said, "A new bride shouldn't be left alone on his wedding night." 

"Not until we've both come age. He's not ready for that yet." 

"Well, yeah, not sure how small he is, but…"

"Would all of you stop glancing at my groin?!" Noodle laughed and continued to tease.

"Oh~? Has someone else been admiring the view down there?" 

 A few hours later, Rat— Cang Mu— came back and brought him to the chief who grinned like a wolf and welcomed him to the family. The rest of the night was filled with drinking and merriment.

—Present—

 Ming Ran found the river just south of the newest settlement that the Hongu Clansmen had claimed. He began to strip off the thin layers, the bells, the beads, and the jewelry of his outfit. He began to wade through the running water, sighing in content as the refreshing water flowed passed his skin. In just three years, Ming Ran had truly grown into quite the fetching young man; dainty and serene, quiet and polite, with fair, smooth skin, his long, silver hair flowing down his waist rippling like moonlight reflecting on running water. The chief of the clan, Honglu Chen, had adopted him as his son and since then he had been dressed like royalty. Ming Ran looked at his reflection in the water, his face had grown more mature, but also more feminine. His limbs had grown longer and swayed like the branches of a willow. Many of the tribesmen had asked for his hand when they had found out that Cang Mu hadn't yet claimed him in bed. A few even had tried to force themselves on him, however, Jun Wei (that was Bean's true name) had beat them within an inch of their lives, before going off and lecturing Cang Mu. Jun Wei ended up being a more ferocious brother than either Ming Cheng or Wei Ning. As for the women of the tribes, they all ended up being like older sisters to him, constantly babying him. The young girls of the tribe looked at him with disinterest for the most part, but a few were hostile towards him. Cang Mu ended up being a far more important person than he thought. He was always on secret missions and following close behind both first and second in command. Many thought that Cang Mu was their successor. This made enemies of both the children of Long SuWon (Dragon) and Honglu Chen. They saw the tribe as their own and would often make problems for either Ming Ran or Cang Mu.

 Ming Ran ducked under the water and felt the world around him disappear. Cang Mu watched with keen interest as Ming Ran kept his head underwater. He had returned from his latest mission recently and had heard that his "wife" was bathing at the river. He went to find the little troublemaker, but when he saw him surface from the water, he couldn't help but stare. It had been seven months since he had been in the village. He had not seen his bride to be since then, and so seeing him again was breathtaking. He had forgotten about the magnificent beauty that he had claimed for himself… he shook his head and instead made his way down the river.

"Enjoying the sunny weather?" he asked, startling Ming Ran. Ming Ran looked over and his face brightened. 

Welcome home! he signed. Ming Ran was always there to see Cang Mu off and to greet him when he returned. Every time he signed to him, "Have a safe trip" or "Be careful" or "Come back soon" as he left, and no matter how often he looked back, Ming Ran would not leave until he was out of sight. When he came back the signs, "Welcome home" or "Welcome back" or "How was your trip?" were waiting for him. These last couple years had made Cang Mu spoiled, he was no longer able to stop himself from looking forward to the signs he received upon his return. He pushed back his annoyance at the fact that Ming Ran wasn't waiting for him this time, and sighed. Ming Ran rushed over and tugged at his sleeve, Are you hurt?

"No. I was just surprised to see you gone." Cang Mu opened his eyes and saw his wife's body. His face turned red and he quickly adverted his gaze. "Have you been here the whole time?" he quickly changed the subject. Two more tugs at the sleeve; Ah, right, he needed to see him in order to communicate. He took off his cloak and wrapped his tempting bride up, lifting him carefully onto shore where a sunny rock sat peacefully underneath a birch. Ming Ran gave him a confused look and began signing again. He had become quite proficient in signing these days. 

 They sat together for a while before Ming Ran dressed and was carried back to camp. Dinner was as usual, and the women were all preparing the evening meal. Ming Ran and a few other men helped with the prep. All of them had one thing in common, and that was their status in the tribe. They were all those who belonged to the warriors of the tribe. Ming Ran had long since gotten over his place in this strange tribe. Everything was very different here. The clothing he wore showed a lot more skin, their hair flowed and was filled with beads, feathers, and jewelry. The men who were of the same status as the women dressed much the same. Their skin showing in much the same areas, and their legs adorned with bells and anklets that had some sort of mark that told everyone which warrior they had paired with. Ming Ran served Cang Mu some of the roast and poured his wine, sitting next to him and catering to him, as all the other women did. If he was being honest with himself, he wasn't very sure he enjoyed this part of the tribe, but this tribe was very different from the empire in a lot of ways. Gong June had to fight to be treated as a man's equal, not as a woman or possession, Fa Lin was lucky as her entire family saw her as their equal. Women were not usually treated as such, and oftentimes, though the nobles would sing praises about the two of them and how "lucky" their families were to have them, they turned around and kept their own daughters from following in their footsteps. The empire did not treat their women as equals, and despite being allowed to cultivate for a time, girls who did not get an offer to stay with their master came home and were married off as though they never cultivated. 

 The women of the Honglu Clan were very different; despite their duties in taking care of their husbands, they were not simply ornaments sitting on shelf. They hunted and played a part in war. They were trained to fight and to partake in politics. They were messengers and assassins. Women were not necessarily property, but that didn't mean the old traditions that mandated that they must take care of their husbands had gone away. It was one of the many paradoxes that existed in the tribe. Ming Ran had learned both sewing, hunting, and how to throw daggers. He learned medicine and acupuncture, and how to immobilize his opponents. Doctors— he had found— also needed to be able to defend themselves and their patients. 

 Cang Mu nodded in silent thanks for the food and drink, before fully enjoying his time back home. He allowed the stress and agitation to melt away from his bones and shoulders as he felt the presence of Ming Ran beside him. Honglu Chen looked over at them, 

"Ming Ran." he called, softly but authoritatively. The clan fell silent at his soft words. Ming Ran looked toward his adoptive father and bowed his head. Honglu Chen paused a moment, come to my tent after dinner. There is something we must discuss."

...

 Cang Mu waited back in his own tent for Ming Ran. It had been a long time since they first met, it was hard to remember that they had only really known each other for three years. When they first met, Cang Mu had hated the sight of him. The boy was way too compliant for someone who had been captured, and it was annoying that he had needed to do this at all. He had never liked his place in the Clan. Never had liked his smug boss. He felt like he truly had no real choice in the matter. Everything he gave was just so he could rise to the top. It was like this everywhere, if one wanted any real power they had to be willing to get their hands dirty. If one wanted to "save the world" they needed to play the villain to be able to have any ability to save the fucking world. He already knew that. Yet here he was, assisting in a kidnapping of a young boy. The child was weak, easily frightened, and annoyingly strong willed all in one. Instead of cowering in the corner, he cleaned the headquarters along with his kidnappers. Instead of being completely compliant, he was attentive and smoothly found ways to insert himself into whatever they were doing. He should hate every last one of them, and yet he submitted to his fate all too easily. So much so that he was nearly raped by Jung Tang the first day. Boss had put him down, but the child only watched from eyes that seemed to understand that this was how things were. The struggle and panic that he had felt when Jung Tang had topped him were gone the moment that he was slain. Cang Mu often took out his own insecurities about his own situation out on Ming Ran. Yet he couldn't stop fussing over him. He did his hair, made sure he was eating properly, was dressed properly, and taught him how to communicate. How long had his family just allowed him to stay completely silent? Ming Ran was a strange child who was kept in the manor like some sort of treasure, only taken out with the correct supervision. The servants were not allowed to take him out alone, and other than the Gong family, no one else seemed to bother with him. His older brother took him out, but even then he was treated like a piece of glass. 

 Cang Mu had watched him for three months before he was sure they were ready to take him. It became pretty clear quickly that he was just as able to coddle this person, but still, he hated it. Then, on the day that they were supposed to hand him over to the demon race, he tried to help him escape. It didn't even occur to him until he was laying on top of his body that what exactly he was trying to do. He wanted to whisk him away and hide him. Then he could find some way to return him to his family. Yet, the demons didn't exactly give him much time… or so he thought. Honglu Chen's reaction to everything was a little suspicious. 

 Laying atop the pillows, Cang Mu played back every single moment that had passed between them these last three years, savoring every single one. He enjoyed spoiling Ming Ran, but he also loved seeing him work hard. He wanted to hide him away where he could never be hurt or even seen by others, yet he loved how vibrant Ming Ran was surrounded by others. He wanted to do everything for him, make certain that never needed to lift a finger, yet he loved seeing Ming Ran immersed in books and learning how to heal others. He glowed and shone like a brilliant gem, there was nothing more that he could do. He sighed, he already knew what was going to happen now. Where they would be going and it scared him. He didn't want to see this gem tarnished by dust or blood or tears. Ming Ran seemed different now, yet…

 Ming Ran pushed back the curtains, and made his way over to the bed. He looked unsure, but still found his place by Cang Mu's side.

"Honglu Chen filled you in?" he asked, closing his eyes. Ming Ran nodded, he could feel it in his shoulder. "And? What do you want to do?" He opened one sleepy eye, and found that he wasn't sure what he wanted to do.

I would like to go with you, please. Ming Ran signed. Cang Mu nodded.

"Than, that's what we'll do. Don't forget though, who it is you belong to." 

I won't. 

"Good." Ming Ran slipped under the blankets, and found warmth in his embrace. Tomorrow would be strange.

…

 The journey was long, very long. Cang Mu sat holding Ming Ran as his horse trotted towards the South Gate. It felt like forever since Ming Ran had been inside the empire. He was wearing attire vastly different than he had grown accustomed to the last few years in the plains. His clothes shown a little less skin, and he felt almost stifled by them. The South Gate was General Tang Lu's responsibility, but he was not able to keep the southern tribes at bay no matter how hard he tried. He always needed the help of the beasts of the east and north gate. The Twelve Mountains would sometimes send aid as well. In any case, to enter the Empire, it was imperative that they entered through the gate with the most lax and lazy of security. As they approached, the guards only motioned them through without much else. Cang Mu noticed Ming Ran's surprise.

"Don't be too surprised. This is pretty common." Cang Mu said. Ming Ran nodded. They dismounted his horse and began to trade some of the furs they had caught on their way here. The fur merchant exclaimed in awe as he held them up.

"Sir! These furs are exquisite!" he said, "Truly sublime!" Cang Mu couldn't keep the satisfied smirk off of his face.

"Yes, my wife is one of the best hunters I know of." he said, looking at his blushing bride.

"Your…wife..?" the merchant looked at Ming Ran with a withering gaze, Cang Mu glared at him.

"Is there some sort of problem?" The merchant shuddered, and shook his head. He bowed several times before handing them a sum. In the end, he was unable to do anything but give them the full amount that the furs were worth— a woman catching them or not. Ming Ran didn't know what made him more upset: that he was mistaken as a woman or that the merchant wanted to give them a lesser price upon hearing the he was the one who caught them! Cang Mu chuckled, and ruffled his hair.

"Don't be mad. Husband knows that you are the best hunter." Ming Ran blushed, and shook his head. 

Why do you keep speaking like that..?

Cang Mu didn't answer and only found them a room at a nearby inn.

 Only in the privacy of their room did the mask slip. He fell onto the bed and sighed.

"Do you want a bath?" he asked. Ming Ran sat on the bed next to him.

You're speaking normally again. 

"I need to look a little less scary in front of others. Playing the part of doting husband works just fine. You looking like a woman helps." Ming Ran pinched him. Cang Mu laughed a bit,

"Stop! Stop, I'm sorry." he sighed. His stomach growled and he quickly sat up, startling Ming Ran. He nearly fell off the bed, and Cang Mu quickly caught him. They stared at each other a long time before Ming Ran rested easily in his embrace. Ming Ran nuzzled him, and made to get up. Cang Mu pulled him down, displeased.

"Where are you going?" he asked. Ming Ran looked at him, confused. 

I'll go get us some food. You're hungry. Cang Mu sighed, and let Ming Ran go.

"…A-Ran." Ming Ran looked at him, door open, Cang Mu sighed, "Come back soon, and be safe." He rolled over. He heard the door shut and wondered not for the first time if something wasn't wrong with him. 

...

 Ming Ran went down the stairs of the inn, and took in the familiar atmosphere. How long had it been since he had been home? In the Empire? Yet, even as he descended the stairs, and found all the familiar things that he had longed to see again… his eyes looked over at the door where Cang Mu was waiting. His gaze lingered, flickering with uncertainty. He sighed and shook his head, shaking away all his thoughts. He descended the stairs and began to flag down one of the staff. 

"Hey, have you heard about what's happening at the General's place?"

"Oh, that. Yeah, I'm currently living it." A few men began to gossip, just as a staff member came over to help Ming Ran. He pointed to several things on the menu and pointed to the room upstairs. The staff member nodded, and hurried to the kitchens. Ming Ran rose and began to walk away.

"The Ming Family has come to the city in hopes that anyone has seen their youngest." the man sighed, "They've been busting our chops for days! I mean, who even knows if this kid is alive anymore?"

"Sounds like you've had it rough!"

"No kidding! I've had it up to here with General Ming!"

"Are his sons here too?"

"Them? Nah. Their father claimed that if they came home before their training ended he would break their legs."

"Poor kids."

"Hmph."

"Still, you gotta wonder if their youngest son is alive." Ming Ran shook his head and began to make his way up the stairs. 

"Hey, little lady. Mind keepin' me some company?" A man suddenly came and grabbed his wrist. Ming Ran flinched and looked up. A soldier swayed back and forth as he stood over Ming Ran. The stench of alcohol wafted through the veil that he wore, making him nervous. The man's half lidded gaze took in the view, and he grinned. "Drinks are on me, little lady! Now, come on over here." He began to tug on Ming Ran's sleeve. The men at the table laughed and chided him in a halfhearted tease.

"Hey, let the little lady go."

"Yeah, she looks scared"

"Especially with your ugly mugs! Little Lady, if you want a real man, I'm sure you'll be pleased with me." Ming Ran shook his head as he tried to pull away. 

"See? She'd rather be with me." The soldier raised Ming Ran's wrist over his head, almost as though he was showing off his prize. Ming Ran stood on his tippy toes, trying his best to communicate to the drunk.

"…and who are you," a voice cut through the merriment with savage fury and heavy killing intent, "to touch my wife?" Cang Mu stood high above the restaurant, casually leaning against the banister. If one hadn't sensed his killing intent, he'd look as though he was simply admiring the view from above. Ming Ran swallowed hard, remembering again why he never crossed this man. He looked at the man with a mixture of apprehension and relief. He gestured to him, hoping to catch his attention.

Husband. I'm here. Cang Mu's eyes fell on him, causing him to shudder. Ming Ran began to wonder if he had made some sort of mistake. Slowly, Cang Mu pushed himself off of the banister and began to slowly make his way down the stairs. Power rippling off of his body, like a panther ready to strike. Ming Ran lowered his eyes and tried to take a step back. His shoulder protested, and he realized, lamely, that the drunkard was still holding onto his wrist. He heard the yelp long before, he felt air wrap around his wrist. Ming Ran used that newfound freedom to take a few steps back, trying to put some distance between himself and the man he clearly had provoked. However, an arm wrapped around his waist and pulled him close. Cang Mu whispered in his ear, "Don't run away." He pushed Ming Ran away towards the stairs and turned to face the soldiers. 

"Who the fuck do you think you are?!" One of the soldiers stood up, knocking the chair back. No, don't provoke him further..! Ming Ran panicked. The other soldiers were standing and ready to beat the little shit. The soldier who had grabbed Ming Ran cursed and threw the first punch. Ming Ran closed his eyes as he heard skin meet skin. There was a long silence that followed, and slowly he opened his eyes. The drunkard's fist had indeed made contact, enough to create a red mark on Cang Mu's face. However, that red mark was the only real proof that any damage had been taken. Cang Mu remained unaffected by the punch and stood waiting for them to understand what a mistake they were making. In minutes, the soldiers threw themselves at him and the fight began in earnest. Ming Ran hurried out of the way as the entire restaurant exploded. 

 People ran this way and that, waiters ducked under tables and some of the more composed tried to remove valuables and plates out of the way. People hurried from the restaurant if they were able, and others ducked further inside. Ming Ran tried to help people evacuate as best as he could and looked towards the brawl in the middle of the room. He sighed and shook his head, all this for what..? He began to help the other servers move the plates and cups out of the way, trying to save the wine and plates of food. He tried to scoot one of the tables over and nearly got caught in the crossfire. The soldier stood back up, spitting fire and rushed back into the fray. As for his husband, the young, sensible man who only entered the Empire to fulfill a mission of sorts had shed his coat and become a wild beast. Ming Ran shuddered and began to consider running away again. However, as soon as he began to inch towards the exit, a hand fell onto his shoulder.

"Wife." a sugar sweet voice called to him gently. Ming Ran allowed himself to be picked up, not daring to look at the face of the man who called to him so sweetly. 

"You aren't trying to run away, right? You've already provoked me, you need to take responsibility. Hm?" Responsibility my foot! Look at the mess you made..!

…

 The mess had been cleaned away and their dinner was brought up soon after. Ming Ran sighed, they had gotten quite lucky. Apparently those soldiers were actually local thugs that had been promoted to conscripted soldiers by the General overseeing this area. Basically, fresh meat that he would throw at the barbarians whenever they surged at the border. The innkeeper was actually quite grateful to them for chasing them off. The soldiers that came to inspect everything also seemed deeply ashamed of their "brothers". The south gate had been a declining mess for a long time, but now, it was impossible to feel anything but helpless. Ming Ran stayed out of the way while the soldiers questioned Cang Mu and the others. Once they were in their room, however, Ming Ran showed his claws. His cheeks puffed as he treated his husbands "injury". 

Honestly! Starting a bar fight, what were you thinking?! he signed between his work. He had already rubbed salve on his cheek, but there were still several other cuts and bruises all across his upper body to work on. Cang Mu sulked, and refused to look at his charge. Ming Ran was never supposed to be anything more than a stepping stool, from the first minute they met, that was what he was supposed to be. Cang Mu had forgotten this again and again. He had even set up this whole engagement farce, and for what? He told Ming Ran to take responsibility, but what exactly did that entail even? Ming Ran had become more of something he had to protect than a way to get ahead in life. 

 He looked at Ming Ran out of the corner of his eye— who was still nagging as he worked— and felt wronged for some reason.

"Were you trying to go home?" he asked. Ming Ran paused, looking at him with uncertainty. Like a kitten who retracted his claws, remembering again that he was before a mighty beast. Ming Ran looked away and began to put away his medical equipment. Standing to pack it away again, he turned away. Cang Mu grabbed his waist, causing the box to fall to the floor. He held Ming Ran close and forced him to straddle him. Ming Ran was forced to look down at his face from his position. He swallowed hard. Cang Mu was a strikingly handsome man. He had dark grey eyes like gathering clouds, and a cold face. His expressions were often times like the cold and barren winter days. However, if one were to glimpse lower they would see the raw power that this body held. While his muscles weren't that of a grizzly, like a good deal of the other Honglu Clansmen, his were the powerful limbs of a wildcat. He hadn't yet grown to full maturity, yet he already had the air of a man. His chest was wide and his training and experience shown in every single aspect. Ming Ran's body was that of a willow tree or a swan, dainty and lovely. He had no warrior in him. Ming Ran blushed a little at the thought of the large contrast between the two of them. His gaze couldn't help but lower a little a bit when he remembered some of the… other major differences between their bodies. Ming Ran allowed his body to relax a little into Cang Mu's embrace, pleasing his companion. Cang Mu buried his face a little in Ming Ran's chest, sighing as he took in his scent. Ming Ran stiffened and sucked in his breath a little bit. 

A sudden knock at the door brought them back to their senses, shattering the complicated air between the two of them.

"Excuse me? The meal is here, honored guests!" Ming Ran was the first to react, trying to escape from this position. Cang Mu growled a little at the bad timing… wait, bad timing..? 

 As they ate their meal, Cang Mu reflected on how good the timing actually was. Ming Ran ate quietly across from him, looking at peace. However, Cang Mu saw that his face was still flushed a little at the realization of what exactly was about to take place. Since their first kiss three years ago, the two of them had not reenacted the kiss or any sort of love making. They held hands, Cang Mu would stake his claim on his through his actions. Making sure that no man ever was able to get close to his lover, his "wife". All of this just to make sure that Ming Ran wasn't passed around. Even he had to admit that those six months as "Rat" had been rather special to him. Ming Ran was like an illusion, and oftentimes, he felt as though his "wife" was only a step away from being just a long dream. He wondered, where exactly was he planning on going in the end..?

 They lay in bed as usual that night, and Ming Ran felt a little more calm. He hadn't realized until much, much later that the two of them had gotten that close. He felt his face heat in realization for what was about… what was going to… but did he actually know what was going to happen next..? Ming Ran wasn't so sure. He felt afraid of Cang Mu. He felt sometimes that they weren't actually all that close. He felt the forced charade when he was treated as his "wife". Even now they were on their way to a mission. Cang Mu wasn't planning on letting him go home. Not for a while more, he knew that. He was a means to an end. He knew that too. However, there were some times when this all felt a lot more real. Not just a game of pretend. That time when Cang Mu had claimed him and panicked as he cried in his tent, that felt real. The times where Cang Mu got angry at him, those were real. Sometimes he felt the extreme worry that he inflicted on this man for his own well being. Cang Mu watched him in many ways, and Ming Ran tried his best to find his place in all of this. Pawn or partner? Was he more than that? Did he want to be..? Yet, every time he got close to this line of thought, he remembered… and that was what scared him. More than anything. 

 A week later the two of them looked up at the Twelve Mountains, hand-in-hand. One looked at the first step towards realizing his ultimate goal, and felt the need to look at the one standing next to him. Their gazes met as the other looked at the man who confused all of his feelings, and looked away towards the mountains. It was hard not to remember everything that led up to this… where everything truly started.