The Bride of the Serpent is Silent

The days, beginning to dwindle and nights growing longer in the weeks to come. There was a warm array of autumn leaves beginning to grace the long limbs of the trees in the garden, when Jing Li was to finally make her long-awaited debut into society. The water god, determining that the best opportunity for her introduction to the Celestial Court would come at the time of the Jade Emperor's annual moon festival festivities. Shui Long was so absorbed in his thoughts and dread for the imminent social event that at this moment to notice as they were to be separated by the crowds that amassed the streets of the Heavenly City. 

Jostled by the throngs of people as they progressed through the ensuing chaos, which ensued throughout the many bridges and alleys of the city. There was an anxiety that filled Jing Li's chest and a pronounced pain felt in the heels of the new shoes, which she had donned at the insistence of her maids, as she wandered aimlessly amidst the colorful sights and sounds. Encountering the spectacles performed by dancers and entertainers for the first time. Jing Li's pace slowed as she gazed in wonder at the performers and the delicious steam wafting from the emblazoned borders of the stalls that lined one side of the cobbled street. 

However, feeling a gentle nudge break her from the mesmerizing trance that these spectacles had cast over her, Jing Li turned to regard Shui Long's younger brother. Xi Yang's prodding, reminding her not to become so enticed by the vendors' exotic goods as to lose sight of their group. Jing Li heard him mutter from beside her, "We better keep up." Still speaking as he bustled her past the hordes of creatures and deities that had surrounded them, he added, "My tyrant brother will have me skinned alive if he thinks I've absconded with you again." Unsure whether the remark was made in jest, Jing Li was fortunate not to be given the opportunity to discover the truth as the two managed to fall back into line behind Shui Long and his Consorts. 

Arriving just in time to have Shan Yu throw a disapproving glance back at them from over his shoulder. The water god's attendant looked between the two sheepish members that made up the rear of their party, yet chose not to remark upon their deplorable lack of decorum as he turned once again to face the front of the group. Relieved not to be at the receiving end of Shan Yu's chastisement, Jing Li gave a soft nod of gratitude towards Xi Yang for not ratting her out. However, the favor seeming too small in his mind to merit her thanks, Xi Yang merely dismissed the gesture with a wave as they plodded dutifully along behind the convoy of consorts and servants. 

Believing that their accounts had been settled after she had pleaded with Shui Long to spare his brother's life. Jing Li was moderately surprised that Xi Yang had chosen to prolong his stay following his remarkable recovery. Remaining on the water god's estate under the guise of helping to preserve her safety, Jing Li knew that it was most likely not because of her that Xi Yang had stayed. Believing Xi Yang's watchful guardianship to be motivated more by his desire to once again merit the approval of his elder brother, rather than to fulfill some nonexistent obligation to her. However, regardless of his motives, Jing Li was appreciative of Xi Yang's company and protection in the weeks to follow. 

The announcement of Jing Li's potential promotion, sparking controversy amongst the separate factions on the estate. All eyes and ears seemed to be geared towards Jing Li's every move in recent days. Even the reprieve she once sought out in her daily walks, now conducted under Xi Yang's watchful supervision, subject to the scrutiny of the property' staff and administrators. Jing Li soon found that there was no place amidst the estate's vast grounds where she could be free from the vicious slanders that were being circulated about her. The whisper campaign started against her, only giving rise to harmless pranks and castigatory glances within the walls of the estate walls.

 Jing Li feared that this was merely a minor consequence compared to the droves of officials who had come to call on Shui Long lately. Downplaying these meetings with the onslaught of dignitaries as a collection of power-hungry men that came to him with their mouths wide open and ears full of water. Jing Li could tell by Shui Long's irritability and recent exhaustion, that the negotiations to pacify the concerns of the local officials were not quite as simple as he made them out to be. Aware that it was out of tradition and consideration for her own sentiments that he should choose to exclude her from these gatherings. Jing Li provided him with the sympathy his troubles warranted but decided not to bother him with her own trivial issues. 

Few places other than the Lotus Pavilion, remaining untouched by the vicious rumors that circulated the estate. Jing Li was at least comforted by the fact that she could still confide in her mentor, Lin Jin. The Second Consort, continuing to display her usual impartiality towards the manor's politics, after returning from her village. Lin Jin only cautioned her student of the consequences the social climb might have on her life and begged Jing Li to reconsider the wisdom of her infatuation with the water god before continuing with what seemed to be a doomed quest. However, eventually seeing that Jing Li could not be dissuaded from the feelings that she held for Shui Long. Lin Jin was coerced into supporting the misguided and potentially destructive love between the god and his naïve human bride.

Shui Long's Consorts, no doubt, each possessing their own separate motives for joining the water god on this particular outing. The two women waltzed gracefully amidst the crowds in front of Jing Li. Only pausing occasionally to take note of the water god's future wife, who took in the sights and sounds of the festivities in innocent wonder behind them. The Consorts did not stop to address her as they made their way forward behind Shui Long's noble figure. Nonetheless, they presented no apparent hostility in their manners towards her on this day. 

Heartened by the evidence that they were able to interact without issue, when the occasion demanded. Jing Li had been provided some feeble sense of hope that things had begun to settle between them by the extension of an olive branch that Lu Qi had provided to her earlier that day. The First Consort, graciously gifting Jing Li a stunning drawstring pouch to accompany the lustrous hanfu, which her maids had gone through the effort of adorning her in for her first official debut; Jing Li had accepted the peace offering without question. The pouch's golden strings, now swinging from its position upon Jing Li's thin wrist as the enticing hollers of the vendors grew more distant. 

Arriving beside an enormous vessel that was moored in the river opposite the various stalls. Admiring the elegant ship, which had been decorated with the joyous light of countless lanterns and flashes of bright red and gold banners. The sellers' melodious cries mingled with the conversations and music, which flowed out onto the docks as Xi Yang helped to lead Jing Li up a long wooden gangway. Huffing as she entered onto the vessel's polished deck, Jing Li found that even breathing seemed a greater burden than usual as she stood amongst the shimmering throngs of celestial beings that had chosen to grace the event with their presence that evening.

Shui Long, stopping at the head of the convoy. The water god's dark gaze singled Jing Li out amidst the throngs of deities to signal that she should join him at the forefront of the group. Feeling that his regard directed the attention of others to her, Jing Li blushed mildly as she came to stand beside him. The light tinge of pink, disturbing the fine layer of makeup upon her cheeks as she shuffled to his side awkwardly. Jing Li felt a persistent heat rise to her face, whilst the god leaned closer to her.

A reserved smile, gracing the water god's lips, Jing Li became aware of the subtle touch of his hand upon her back as he whispered, "There is nothing for you to fear." Lowering his voice so that it would not be heard among the excitable murmurs that their arrival had inspired in the crowd, Shui Long added, "You are sure to charm them, just as you have charmed me." His soft assurances and gentle touch, helping to calmly encourage her forward. Jing Li swallowed a heavy knot of anxiety that was balled up in her throat as she fell into a dignified pace at his side. The couple, gliding past the painted faces and richly clothed deities. Their entrance seemed to captivate their audience for a time, until another more revered entity was to appear from amidst the masses.

The gathering, parting to reveal an ethereal figure, clad in golden robes. There was a mysterious light, which seemed to emanate from his benevolent countenance as he walked towards them. The man's arms outstretched in greeting during his approach. He patted the water god on the arm jovially as he began to address him. 

"Shui Long, what a rare and wondrous sight it is to have you here with us tonight!" the man exclaimed. The warm orbs of his irises, reviewing the group that accompanied the god contentedly. The man, whom Jing Li amused must be their host, finally turned towards her. Shifting her eyes downward as she felt compelled to bow immediately upon being met with his intimidatingly friendly regard. 

Jing Li heard a mild chuckle escape the Jade Emperor as he remarked, "And this, I assume, must be the enchanting creature that you have been keeping from us all?" Jing Li, confirming Tian Gong's suspicions with a bashful nod. She could still feel the pressure of the Jade Emperor's gaze upon her as Shui Long supplemented her answer by responding, "Indeed. I have remained true to my word to submit my gentle bride to the scrutiny of the Celestial Court, just as you have requested." The water god's unamicable attitude, causing Tian Gong's hospitable smile to broaden into a slightly more strained pose. 

The god's spirits did not seem to be affected as he answered, "I am not so diabolical as you would have me sound, Shui Long." The shimmering god's gracious smile directed mostly at Jing Li, he added, "I merely wish for you both to joy the celebration of a bountiful harvest with us." Identifying some unspoken knowledge contained within Tian Gong's eyes as he turned his gaze from her, Jing Li stared after him for a while. Still curious towards the secret that they kept as the Jade Emperor disappeared back into the gathered deities. Jing Li felt a dizzying sense of relief and exhaustion overcome her as she realized that her first daunting introduction had already come to an abrupt end. 

Noticing that she had become slightly unsteady on her feet, Shui Long bent down to speak into her ear once more.

"You did well." he said, "Why don't you rest for a moment, while I try to fend off some of my mother's meddlesome cohort?" Feeling too fragile to object at the time to object, Jing Li nodded a hesitant agreement to this suggestion before Shui Long's hand was to part from her back. The god, proceeding to mutter some instructions to Xi Yang discreetly, prior to wading into the crowd with Lin Jin and Lu Qi in tow. His brother's directions appeared to provoke a scowl of annoyance on Xi Yang's brow as he led Jing Li away from the prying eyes of the curious onlookers.