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Hualian, arranged marriage fic. Au where Xie Lian did not ascend and Hua Cheng has usurped the Yong An throne.

By me! You can also find it on Ao3 as the same fic name, I'll link it.

First chapter:

Xie Lian, known as the prince who pleased the gods, was usually represented in the whole kingdom by a soft and untainted flower in one hand, and a powerful sword in the other. Such a touching image, a perfect picture for a well meaning prince.

Loved, respected and revered by his people, and rumors went that even the most beautiful gods were jealous of him!

Graceful, considered and selfless, a prince who knew exactly where his loyalty lies, praises could be sung day and night, really!

However, Xie Lian was not praised for nothing, after all. He vowed again and again devotion for his kingdom, swore he'd do anything to be worthy of the title his father had been granted from his grandfather, and his grandfather from his great-grandfather and so on. But even after all he had to prove in the course of the years, the prince didn't think he had to marry, too, in order to help his people.

Well, maybe he should have been thinking about it, sooner or later. His father admitted that the idea was to be discussed with his advisors more often than not, but the opportunity itself never came. Of course, a marriage was not praised for undying love or caring feelings, unlike the love in the tales his mother told him as a little prince, but instead for the economic prospects that his spouse could bring to the table. And in any case, as a prince, one is always convinced that he'll have to marry one of the many noble ladies chosen by his parents. Or if one must really, marriage was perfect for alliances outside of the kingdom, with a well mannered princess or an important noblewoman.

And while Xie Lian had long ago left any resistance he had in the idea to marry a complete stranger, the suggestion of marrying the king of the kingdom who brought such suffering to his citizens did not please nor settle his heart.

Marrying the leader of the kingdom that had dismantled his own, piece by piece! The thought made him ill, truthfully.

Even so, Xie Lian knew well that the man he was going to marry wasn't the absolute center of the war that afflicted his kingdom some years ago, on the contrary, his father announced very clearly that the man entered the scene as of late.

To explain better the circumstances, Xian Le, his once all powerful and very prosperous kingdom, had never faced such a long and exhausting war as that with Yong An, the weariness of the years starting to feel on his father's face, and the starvation of the common people more obvious than ever.

But, some years after the start of the conflict, the dynamics seemed to have changed completely!

Word had come that the king who had fought his father and him, was long dead! An usurper instead had now the throne, taking control of the nation and his brand new dynasty, getting rid of the old royal court. The mysterious ruler had immediately announced the end of the war, leaving Xian Le be, even if the country was defenseless now more than ever!

Despite not being of noble blood, but rather of humble beginnings, the man had soon conquered land and elevated his country, bringing a new era of prosperity and wealth. Smoothly, he made himself room inside the hearts of his people, and why not! Even inside the hearts of near kingdoms and nobles, who seemed to have changed their attitude completely in regards to Xian Le. Xie Lian, finally understood the complete isolation his reign faced in the last few years. Even if the war was over, their lands were impoverished and without the right connections it was so hard to actually piece together the kingdom. So, when every noble and powerful clan decided to lick Yong An emperor's boots, Xian Le had to get through on his own.

The people who had fought for their daughters to be candidates as Xie Lian concubine, now spent day and night to get women who the emperor might like. Who once sent troops and armies to help Xian Le, now tried in any way to get in the emperor's good graces. All the perfect and crucial connections that his father had for years were gone in a few moments, and they were left all alone.

Of course, it was still true that since the emperor took the throne, no more land was getting stolen from Xian Le, on the contrary, all that the last king had desecrated, was returned in a few months by the emperor.

And while it was true that the emperor might not hate them like the last king, as the marriage contract sent from Yong An to his father proved, Xie Lian could not help feeling outraged.

How could he just… accept such a request?!

He knew so little of the emperor and the things he knew weren't particularly good deeds.

He was named Hua Cheng. And rumors went that exactly because born without a proper name, in the lurid alleys of a densely populated city, that he had to find himself one, once he started to make his way in the world of war.

He was certainly known for a firm hand, a menacing ability with the saber, and a powerful sharpness. Most of these were capacities that Xie Lian would have loved in a future wife, if he had been granted the privilege of being involved in the process of marriage. He would have chosen from one of the noble ladies his parents thought were a worthy choice, and at least be happy to have good company. But knowing that the good characteristics he hoped to find in a spouse were in the hands of the "heir" of the one who brought such misery to his kingdom? They suddenly didn't seem that agreeable anymore. Not to mention that he was considered susceptible to mood swings. One wrong word and off your head it goes. His allies were often wronged by him, who didn't think too much before throwing away gifts. He was petty and had a vengeful heart.

In conclusion, Xie Lian was never fond of the idea of marriage, but now he doubted the possibility of appreciating the company of such a man.

In spite of this… his father discussed for a long time the contract proposed by Hua Cheng. And while Xie Lian begged for the affair to be a bad joke or a trap of some sort, he couldn't find a single negative agreement for his father or his kingdom.

As his father put it, objectively they couldn't find a better opportunity to get back on track. They gained so much in this marriage, and they couldn't risk it. After all, it was hard for his family to even find a better arrangement, given the circumstances.

But then in the contract… Hua Cheng asks for absurd things, really. Doesn't limit himself to political decisions or agreements, like being treated like a monarch when in Xian Le, with the privileges of such social class. Instead makes a few requests that seem much more like personal pleasures or favors than a simple political act.

For example, he requests the possibility of painting a portrait of the crown prince. Or in another clause, asks for a dance with the prince at the wedding celebration. A horse ride in the gardens, some sparring…

He demands some more, but never affronts the only question Xian Lian really had the permission to ask at this point. Was he really expected to…? …You know?

Xie Lian tried to get the idea out of his head for the moment, preferring to think about how he would bear the hate the Yong An people might feel in his regards. This, opposed to his father's words, of course. His generals had previously affirmed and reassured the prince of how the Yong An war was mainly started because of the missing resources and the limited lands, along with the severe drought that their kingdom was experiencing.

So, now that their beloved emperor took such good care of their people and the land, how could they judge their Chengzhu for whoever he decided to warm his bed?

Of course, no one would bat an eye, a powerful man like him would naturally search for the company of nobles with incredible beauty, and Xie Lian was… effectively known for his divine yet strong features. And while rumors didn't picture the emperor as a good man, they certainly made him a capable lover.

Xie Lian had heard anything from how he was extremely picky with lovers, to how he never left the ones who did manage to win even a fraction of his attention to fend for themselves. Actually, he hadn't been granted to hear about how much he asked or cared for these lovers, but he knew that he didn't seem violent with them. So a little breath of relief was necessary there.

On the other hand, for his people, the king gave his word that if the emperor managed to provide and supply Xian Le, like he promised to, any harsh feeling would soon settle down. After all, food and water could really do miracles, especially if it came with a more comfortable style of living.

Xie Lian was so tired, and lost in thoughts that he had completely forgotten how he wasn't in the council room anymore, or with his father and his advisors, but instead in his rooms, with Mu Qing. He spent so much of his time that day learning about the usage and customs of Yong An that he couldn't find anything else to think about! Was he really expected to be that close to the culture there, or to be so fluent in the language? Wasn't he a simple body to warm that damn bed? He knew well that if the emperor liked him it would not be for his debating competence or for his fighting skills. He was probably expected to know how to please a man, instead. His father indeed seemed to think so.

Mu Qing seemed to snort coldly, bringing Xie Lian out of his mind and then pinch his cheek.

<<your highness. >> Called the servant, with that brief sadness in the eyes and the lips tilted back, down.

The prince cried out loud, much more dry than he liked. <<Ouch! Mu Qing!>> He looked around, and then cupped his face with one hand, while his friend shook his head. <<...have i done something wrong?>> He was sure he did not! But he asked anyway, just to be sure.

Tsk. You're thinking out loud. Mu Qing seemed to mumble, but Xie Lian was really that tired, and didn't care anymore about the slightly mean behavior of his friend.

<<What are we going to do if you continue to bite your nails that way, your highness?>>

The prince rested for a few seconds. <<Have I been doing that…?>> Granted, he didn't actually notice, so he looked down at his hands, bringed by Mu Qing's own, and saw that he effectively started with that bad habit of his again.

The prince sighed softly, and motioned briefly for Mu Qing to stop with all the ornaments and bows in his hair that the servant was trying to get out. He was worn out, and couldn't stand a single more moment awake. He could sleep with them, damn it. He knew he couldn't take anymore just with the way he squeezed his eyes shut and had to concentrate to keep them open!

But Mu Qing didn't like this attitude of his, let alone the thought of getting them out in the morning, what a nightmare. And also… didn't want his friend to sleep like that, even if he didn't favor saying it out loud.

So without even acknowledging the order, the servant got back to work, the eyes silent and the hand's movements sharp.

After a little amount of time, he spoke. <<You know… you just started biting your nails again, you should at least let me do your hair. You have to meet… him, tomorrow.>> Mu Qing took the comb in hand, but didn't say a word after his fragile attempt of calming Xie Lian. Both of them suddenly knew how bad things were, if even between them the things were already changing. A night only and things were already not the same!

Xie Lian tried to settle down at the touch, at the gentle comb movements of Mu Qing, who had experience from doing it all these years for him. But even so… he couldn't find the strength to presume that his friends and him could live like they used to. Was his husband a jealous one? Was he even allowed to think of his "servant" as a friend in front of the emperor? What was he going to do?

He sighed, laying his face in the palm of his hand, lowering himself.

<<I have truly no idea of why, of all the people he could choose to marry, he had to choose me…>> the prince murmured slowly, shaking his head.

His assistant seemed uneasy, clenching his firsts, with the comb still in hand, he looked down, with a sore frown.

<<I don't know, your highness.>>

So, he opted for an honest answer.

If only Feng Xin were with them instead of Xie Lian's father, he would already have him reprimanded for his lack of calming answers. But for Xie Lian? That surely was comforting, in a way.

He hoped that at least one person in the whole kingdom could answer truthfully, but he hadn't heard of anyone so close to Hua Cheng who was willing to illuminate him on the matter. So, hearing that he wasn't the only one who didn't know, was enough. Validating.

He just accepted the answer as it came, quieting his breathing.

And before Mu Qing could go and get the unguents used for his hair on the other side of the room, he quickly took the servant's hand, and squeezed it in a fond manner.

He knew Mu Qing was waiting on him, but he took some time, waiting for the right words to leave his mouth.

<<It is late, Mu Qing. You should get some sleep, I can manage.>> He gave a feeble smile, hoping it could help.

His assistant simply eyed him from head to toe, unsure and unamused.

Xie Lian, as to confirm his reassurances, nodded firmly.

After all, Mu Qing wasn't only his assistant on these matters, like combing, and washing him. But he was going with him and Feng Xin everywhere, at this point no one in the palace refused to see that Mu Qing wasn't a simple servant. All but his father, who was willingly sure of his closed-mind behavior and rules.

In any way, even if Mu Qing wasn't allowed in today's meetings like Feng Xin, that didn't mean he wasn't just as tired.

But before Xie Lian had the chance to continue the conversation, Mu Qing threw himself at him, hugging him! A hug from Mu Qing nonetheless!

The servant had his hands around Xie Lian's waist, with his head resting comfortably on the prince's chest, and while he must have had the intention of holding back his sobs, he wasn't being very successful at it.

Xie Lian had to admit that he was a little shocked by the gesture, as Mu Qing didn't hug anyone if it wasn't that person who hugged him first. And if the prince was going to be sincere, he would have to say that he and Feng Xin didn't hug that often, not between them, not Mu Qing. After all, they were more than adults now, gods! Xie Lian was going along with not having to marry, for his kingdom status but also for his age. And then… Mu Qing didn't cry that often, maybe when he was alone, but not in front of them, not anymore.

In other words, they were adults, and Xie Lian's father didn't like the many gestures of fondness with his mother, let alone another man. So as they grew up the hugs left the place for shakes of hands and pats on the shoulder. The cries and the starving of comfort left for honoring and respectable ways of comforting. When they were little, they hugged and kissed each other where they got hurt, as children often do, but now, they were grown ups and had too many responsibilities to get fussy about them.

Even so, immediately after the initial shock, Xie Lian reciprocated the hug, and tried his best comforting Mu Qing in his grip.

He used his sleeve to wipe his tears, and then clenched his teeth, as Xie Lian caressed his hair.

<<That bastard wasn't able to be here tonight… and i don't know how to care for you this way.>> He cried out, whispering word by word, clearly talking about Feng Xin.

He didn't say anything more, but that was enough. Xie Lian only tightened Mu Qing in the embrace, and resting his head in the crook of his friend's neck. He didn't know what else to say to him, so he hoped his physical presence could suffice.

Mu Qing on the other hand, hiccuped for a little while longer, but got the courage to say something, sniffing. <<...no one would judge you if you refused to get married.>> He affirmed harshly, getting his head up from the prince's chest. <<I… know i wouldn't. And I'm pretty sure Feng Xin would run away with us if you wanted.>>

At that, the crown prince allowed himself to soften in the embrace, with a little melancholic smile, and shook his head. <<Mu Qing…>> he called, slow. <<Don't feel bad for me, i have to do it, alright? After all, I won't be alone, father wouldn't let me go alone if I have to go with him. You'll be with me, aren't you?>>

Mu Qing simply rolled his eyes and got back to hugging the prince tightly, unsure on how to answer. He still had wet eyes and a messy face.

Xie Lian didn't want to ever let go.

That night, Feng Xin didn't arrive until late night. He wanted to console his prince, but instead found a view neither of them had seen in years. Mu Qing and Xie Lian were hugging, asleep in the prince's bed, like all three of them did when little. Feng Xin opted to sleeping on chair right beside the bed, a little fond smile on his dumb face, as Mu Qing would say.

#xie lian #hua cheng #hua chengzhu #hualian #fanfic #fanfiction #writing #writing blog #arranged marriage #originally posted on ao3 #archive of our own #ao3 #danmei #creative writing #chapter 1 #i literally never posted on here #begginer writer #not english

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