Chapter 3: Yan Dan and the Snow Fox
In the courtyard, green smoke curled from the agarwood burner, the faint scent of lotus drifting gently in the air.
“Our fox tribe is not one to be ungrateful. Linlang is willing to dedicate herself to the mountain master,” Bailing mimicked the voice of Linlang, the fox girl, her tone exaggeratedly sweet. She captured the essence perfectly, the voice and accent imitated down to a T. “We foxes are loyal to our partners and hope the mountain master will honor our customs.” After finishing, she glanced at Yu Mo expectantly.
Yu Mo smiled with amusement. “Aren’t you worried we already have helpers everywhere?”
Bailing slammed the table lightly, feigning outrage. “That’s irrelevant! Wouldn’t I be the only one left? What’s so great about the fox tribe anyway? How dare they come here and boast like that?”
“The foxes are indeed renowned for their beauty and pride. It’s to be expected,” Yan Dan commented casually while patting the drowsy Dan Shu affectionately. “If you’re sleepy, go take a nap. No need to fuss here.”
Still simmering with anger, Bailing turned toward the leader of the wolf tribe, jabbing her finger jokingly. “Typical men! Flirtatious, weak-willed, and shameless!”
Yan Dan ignored her and continued soothing Dan Shu, who was now happily drooling. “Time to wake up,” she said, nudging him gently.
Zi Lin let out a low chuckle, causing Bailing to abruptly drop her hand. Yan Dan withdrew her hand as well, and Dan Shu wiped away his drool, looking around in confusion. “What’s happening?” Meanwhile, Yan Dan remained focused on the boiled shrimp in front of her, completely indifferent to the commotion.
Unable to hold back, Bailing leaned toward her and whispered, “Yan Dan, say something. The mountain master always listens to you.”
Wiping her hands delicately with a towel, Yan Dan stood and moved toward Yu Mo, her voice soft yet filled with emotion, “Master.”
Zi Lin quickly helped her clean a small spill nearby.
Yu Mo gently took Yan Dan’s hand, his smile warm and steady. “Lian Qing.”
“My lord,” Yan Dan continued, her tone sincere, “I ask for nothing but to serve you well. Yet, the queen of the fox tribe is far more renowned than I could ever be. I pale in comparison. But if it pleases you, I will do my best to contribute in any way I can.”
Yu Mo covered her hand with his palm, his voice tender. “You are thoughtful, how could I bear to disappoint you?”
Yan Dan smiled at Bailing and calmly declared, “The mountain master has spoken. He values all of us equally.”
Bailing muttered under her breath, “Can’t you just speak plainly? You really make the mountain master work hard to keep up with you… He’s much too gentle for his own good.”
Suddenly, Zi Lin’s voice cut through, sharp and calculating. “Yan Dan, if you’re so capable, do you have a plan to handle the fox tribe?”
“They’d rather act on their own than surrender. What can I do?”
“Zi Lin, you’re making things difficult,” Yu Mo chimed in with a smirk. “That fox girl Linlang takes pride in her beauty, but I think you’re her equal. The foxes are known for their pride. Do you think you can teach her humility?”
Yan Dan met his gaze, unflinching. “Why would I waste my time with such a trivial thing?”
Yu Mo leaned back, resting his chin on his hand, speaking leisurely. “Haven’t you heard what Lian Qing just said?”
Zi Lin’s thoughts raced—had the clever fairy finally walked into the plan?
Yan Dan considered for a long moment, then sighed. “Since the master insists, I’ll do what’s necessary. I won’t let you down.”
Meanwhile, Linlang looked down at the small fox who had been unwell. She gently stroked its head. “Zi Yan, hold on. They’ll help you soon. If not, we’ll find someone who can provide further assistance.”
Two soft knocks echoed from the door before it creaked open, and a girl in green entered with a fruit plate in hand. It was Yan Dan.
Without looking up, Linlang continued comforting the little fox.
The girl approached, touching the fox’s leg lightly. A soft glow spread over the area, and the little fox immediately calmed.
Linlang murmured in surprise, “Can you help it?”
Yan Dan shook her head, offering an apologetic smile. “I can only do a little, but it should recover soon.”
Linlang’s face fell, her eyes dark with concern. “Of course, you can’t do everything. But the mountain master may be able to assist.”
Yan Dan lowered her gaze, her voice steady. “Is it really worth it? You’ve sacrificed so much for the fox clan, but will they appreciate it? Perhaps there are other ways to help them.”
Linlang searched Yan Dan’s eyes for a long moment. “You want me to understand, don’t you? Are you the mountain master’s assistant?”
“I belong to the flower fairy clan. I’m here to help where I can,” Yan Dan said with a soft smile. “But don’t trouble yourself over it.” She turned to leave, and Linlang called after her.
“Even though things are like this, does the mountain master still treat you kindly?”
Yan Dan paused before simply responding, “Take care, Miss Linlang.”
“Wait!” Linlang rushed over, stopping her and closing the door behind them. “Don’t be afraid. Just speak freely. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Pride flickered in Yan Dan’s heart, but she kept her face neutral. She spoke cautiously. “When I first came here, I didn’t know what to expect. At first, I tried to do what was best for myself. But I soon realized that to survive, I needed to earn trust and show my abilities. The mountain master appreciated effort and skill. I learned quickly what mattered most…”
Her voice faltered, and she hesitated before gesturing to show her experience and dedication. Linlang’s eyes widened, impressed by her resilience.
“Now you understand, don’t you?” Yan Dan said quietly. “I’ve grown stronger and more capable thanks to my skills.”
Linlang’s eyes welled up with tears as she looked at the little fox. "How could someone be so capable in this world?" she whispered in awe.
Yan Dan spoke softly, almost soothing. "Miss Linlang, be cautious tomorrow. I've said all I needed to, so I’ll take my leave now." With that, she gently closed the door and walked away, her footsteps light and confident.
Yu Mo stood by the lotus pond in the front yard, casually tossing fish food into the water, drawing a flurry of fish in response.
"Yu Mo, Yu Mo!" Yan Dan called as she approached.
Without turning, he gave her a sidelong glance. "What is it?"
She grabbed a handful of fish food from the clay pot and slowly sprinkled it into the pond. "I need a favor," she said casually.
Yu Mo pushed his hand away. "Don’t overfeed them. What do you need?"
"I need glutinous rice, cinnabar, and night-shining sand. Tonight."
Yu Mo turned to her, his expression serious. "The first two, no problem. But for the night-shining sand, you’ll have to collect it yourself. There’s plenty."
Yan Dan scooped another handful of fish food and made as if to dump it all in at once. "If you don’t help me, I’ll overfeed your fish too much!"
"Yan Dan!" Yu Mo’s voice was sharp.
"Yes?" she replied sweetly.
"It’s no wonder Zi Lin was concerned," he muttered, glancing at her. "I see your point now."
He hefted the clay pot back from her. "Fine. You’ll have what you need by tonight. Just put the food back."
Obediently, Yan Dan returned the fish food to the pot, her smile softening into a pleased expression. "You really are the best. Zi Lin’s always so attentive—he just doesn’t understand people like you fully."
Yu Mo watched her walk away, bemused. Just then, a quiet cough sounded behind him, and Zi Lin appeared, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Yan Dan's request is telling, don’t you think? She’s likely planning to help the snow fox."
Yu Mo’s gaze remained on the pond. "Seems that way," he said. "It’s no concern if the fox clan remembers our help or not. The real goal is to encourage humility and cooperation."
"You knew she’d intervene once she saw the fox clan, didn’t you?" Zi Lin asked.
"Of course," Yu Mo chuckled. "We’ve known each other long enough. I can predict her actions."
Meanwhile, Linlang knelt before him, her head bowed low. She could hear the soft sound of footsteps, and a light blue dress edged into her vision. Yu Mo’s soft voice followed. "Still hiding behind a veil? I only care for effort and courage. If you're showing that, there’s no need for hesitation here."
Sweat beaded on Linlang’s brow. Trembling, she shuffled backward. "No! I don’t want to disappoint..." she stammered.
Yu Mo took a step closer. "I’ve heard that fox women are famed for their dedication."
Linlang, remembering Yan Dan's past challenges, shook her head fervently. "No, no! That’s not true at all!" She pointed hastily at Yan Dan, who had just entered carrying a plate. "Look at her, Mountain Master. She’s far more capable than me!"
Yan Dan offered a respectful bow. "Mountain Master."
Yu Mo smiled warmly. "You’re truly remarkable."
"Not at all," Yan Dan replied with false humility. "The mountain master praises you for your efforts."
Linlang’s gaze darted between the two, panic rising. "You lied to me," she accused, suddenly removing her veil to reveal her face. "You said you weren’t assigned by the mountain master!"
Yu Mo nodded. "That’s true."
Linlang’s voice trembled with emotion. "You also said you claimed to be better than others to gain favor!"
"Also true," Yu Mo said with a shrug. "At that time, Yan Dan came here with a very specific purpose."
Linlang calmed down, reflecting on the situation.
From within Linlang’s cloak, a small fox head peeked out. The little fox blinked its obsidian eyes, looking around curiously. Yan Dan gently picked it up.
The little fox yelped and squirmed slightly, but Yan Dan held it steadily.
Linlang was surprised. "What are you doing?!"
Yan Dan calmly set the tray down. "Helping the fox recover." She gently applied a magical remedy, and the little fox immediately relaxed.
She handed Linlang a small dish from the tray. "Feed this to the snow fox. It’ll be fine now."
Linlang accepted the plate and bowed slightly. "Miss Yan Dan, thank you." She beckoned the little fox over. "Come here."
Yu Mo observed the plate with a curious expression.
Zi Lin stepped forward. "Miss Linlang, we’re friends now. Any earlier remarks were made in jest. Let’s leave it at that. A banquet awaits in the courtyard. Please, join us."
Linlang smiled graciously but glanced toward Yan Dan. "No, a promise made cannot be taken back. Since Miss Yan Dan helped my brother, it’s only right that I assist her."
The little fox happily rubbed against Yan Dan, who chuckled softly.
Linlang smiled, adding, "Zi Yan can be a bit clueless at times."