Chapter Text
There was something off about her child today.
Mo Jiahui was no fool, nor was she naive as she made herself to be. Ever since the panicked scream her child had let out just a few mere hours ago, Mo Xuanyu had been acting off.
Still, that didn't really matter to Mo Jiahui, he was still her child, regardless of whatever little quirk he had gained.
She brushed his long black hair, one of the many physical traits he had inherited from Mo Jiahui, and gave her child a smile from the mirror. "You have such soft hair.." she sighed, cupping her cheeks. "I envy you a lot, Yu. I wish my hair were as soft as yours when I was your age."
Instead, her hair was filled with grime and egg yolks, tangled and disorderly, and some days even bird pop landed on it making it reek.
Still, she would never wish that kind of fate upon her child.
Taking one of the many ribbons she had bought as a gift for her child, she gently grabbed some of his hair and tied it in a high bun, allowing the rest to fall down to his back. "There. Now you look perfect."
Mo Xuanyu turned his head to smile up at her, purple eyes twinkling softly. "Hmmm. Thank you, Mother."
Mo Jiahui smiled back at him, then went into his wardrobe, dragging it open. "Hmmm, your father will be here soon, so we should get dressed quickly! Maybe you can wear the green hanfu he bought for you last year? Oh! Maybe you can wear the yellow ones! That's the color of the Lanling Jin Clan yes? Ohh this is so exciting!"
To be honest, Mo Jiahui didn't want to see her child in those colors, then he would resemble his father.
That's the last thing she ever wants.
But she must pretend, she must play her role. Otherwise, he will grow bored of her, and then her child will suffer.
"Mother?" Mo Jiahui turned her head to hum in question at her son. "May. . . . do I have a red hanfu?"
Mo Jiahui blinked. "Red you say. . . ." she turned back to look, then smiled with triumph when she saw one. "You do! I believe I bought this one a few months ago. You want to wear it?"
Mo Xuanyu smiled and got up. "Yes, please. It's beautiful." He walked over to her and accepted the clothes, then moved away to change making Mo Jiahui let out a chuckle. Pfft kids, always embarrassed at the smallest thing.
Well, all children are like that once, she was no different, so she can't blame him for wanting to hide away.
Another amused huff escaped her lips, and Mo Jiahui moved back to the table Mo Xuanyu was sitting behind a few seconds ago. Pulling open the drawer, she retrieved the letter Jin Guangshan had sent, and reread it silently.
I shall be arriving soon with gifts. Prepare yourself
Jin Guangshan
Short and simple.
But with many meanings
Preparing yourself meant many things in their relationship. Prepare yourself to be pampered, prepare yourself to go on a trip, prepare yourself to be my therapist.
But Jin Guangshan's favorite, and the one he most likely means in his letter, was to prepare herself to entertain him.
Her hands clenched over the letter, and she pursed her lips, exhaling softly. It was fine, she was fine.
She's been doing this for so long that it barely even affected her anymore. And after all, he brought gifts for her son whenever he came by, so that was truly all that mattered.
She placed the now crumbled letter down and stared at the mirror, tucking some of her black hair behind her ear and adjusting her hairpin, pale purple eyes staring deep into their reflection.
All she had to do was please him so he could accept Mo Xuanyu into his sect, that was all she had to do.
She would endure whatever fantasy he had in mind, Mo Jiahui had endured much worse from him anyway.
She had to give her son the life she could never have, the life she dreamed of when she was still a child.
So he can be free.
Mo Jiahui took a shaky breath, then clenched her fists, steeling herself. Then she painted a smile on her face and turned to face Mo Xuanyu who had returned from changing, her doll-like eyes lighting up as she continued her role. "Oh, you look so dashing! How beautiful!"
He blushed, and Mo Jiahui couldn't help but coo at him. "Do you really think so Mother?"
"I know so. You have my face after all! And Jin Guangshan's blood flows through your veins!"
Mo Xuanyu pursed his lips and turned his head away. "What a shame that is."
"What was that?"
"Oh! Nothing Mother. Quick, we have to get everything ready right? Let's go."
Mo Jiahui hummed and followed behind Mo Xuanyu as they exited the room, the woman ignoring the glances the maids and other servants sent at her. Let them look, let them judge. She would carry all the resentment of the world if it meant her son could gain a better life than hers.