Chapter Text
Cheng Shaoshang (called Niao Niao) was unlucky. She had been aware of this truth since she was very small. She had been teased by her cousins, ignored or tormented by Second Aunt. Abandoned by her parents in infancy thanks to the aforementioned aunt’s meddling.
She hadn’t been taught well in those years, and her mother seemed keen to make up for it all at once, which wasn’t ideal. There was one thing, however, that she did like about having her parents home at last: food. Her aunt frequently withheld food from her. Her mother was strict, but she wasn’t going to let her youngest child starve.
There was more than simple maternal affection in that, as Second Aunt was learning in that moment as First Madam berated her while Shaoshang eavesdropped with Lian Fang.
“Have you any idea what could have happened? You starved a wolf pup you foolish woman! If she turned and killed you, do you know the law would absolve her? You could have killed yourself, never mind everyone else in the house.”
Niao Niao glanced at Lian Fang, who shrugged.
“Young lady, she’s not wrong, but you aren’t close enough to your first transformation for that to be a worry. First Madam wants to drive home the point.”
“Mmm.” Niao Niao nodded. “Our wolf line comes from Grandfather, even Grandmother doesn’t know better.” When wolf lines married into human lines, the offspring tended to be split between wolf and human. Niao Niao’s father had inherited his father’s bloodline and then married a wolf himself. Second Uncle had not, but Third Uncle had, so it was a mixed result amongst the siblings.
Which meant Niao Niao and all her siblings had inherited the trait. She had not transformed yet, but her mother had left servants of wolf lineage to ensure that even if her in-laws were useless, the servants would know what to look for.
So she had Lian Fang and Fu Deng, and now there was Qing Cong. She had not yet met her brothers, but she assumed they would be joining the family once they moved houses. That would make them a proper pack. She longed for that, it was a pit inside her heart that had only gotten deeper as the years passed.
Her mother’s lecture was winding down, and Niao Niao quickly hurried away with Lian Fang before they could be discovered. Not that it mattered, her mother had known she was there the entire time. She could sense her daughter’s presence easily.
While Yaunyi found her daughter to be unruly and disobedient, she was somewhat impressed by her self-restraint in some regards. Shaoshang held herself together, lashing out with clever schemes rather than outright rage. She needed to learn to be a bit more circumspect and careful, however, or she would get herself into trouble she couldn’t handle one of these days.
Niao Niao was simply too young.
The young lady was still wondering how things would shake out with her Grand Uncle being arrested. Certainly, she had happily given up his location to the general out of more than a bit of spite, but she fully expected it was going to continue to be a problem. Second Aunt would continue to be a problem as well. She still needed to consider how best to resolve that.
General Ling seemed very focused on justice, he would likely move on any information she leaked to him. Though she was still annoyed by what he had said about her.
He had sounded so magnanimous, but she knew what he had meant. The sharp, dark eyed wolf had fixed her with a stare for only the briefest of moments while he stood in the courtyard. It had sent a cold chill down her spine.
Still, he seemed capable. She could use his hand to deal with Second Aunt. He owed her a favor after all, for his rudeness.
***
Niao Niao was happy that Second Aunt had been expelled from the family. She felt sad for Yang Yang, and a bit jealous. Her mother’s preference for her cousin-sister was obvious. True, Niao Niao was not as genteel, or well educated or kind, as her cousin-sister, but she was loyal. If someone treated her with sincerity, she would reciprocate in full.
This was always her way. She also held a grudge like it was a rabbit caught in a wolf’s teeth, tight and without mercy.
She would miss Second Uncle while he was off studying, but at least he would be where he was happiest. Perhaps he would return for holidays, once he had recovered a bit from his wife.
Being woken up just a few hours past midnight to move house the day before had been less than ideal, it had been cold, and she preferred to sleep. She did love the new house though. She had a courtyard to herself, and room to do as she pleased. Build what she pleased. Her mother may have disapproved of the noise, but she had seemed somewhat impressed with Niao Niao’s craftsmanship, and the approval starved girl would take any scrap she could get.
Today though, today was very important, because today she was going to meet her brothers and her Third Uncle and Aunt. Niao Niao slipped out front where everyone was gathered, watching her grandmother greet Third Uncle with amusement before a teenage boy slipped up beside her with a smile.
“Your attitude changed swift as lightning,” the boy walked around her. “You better watch out, Mother is watching.”
Niao Niao gave him a look. “You are…Shaogong.”
He nodded with a smile and quickly did some counting on his fingers, utilizing his fortune-telling prowess for his twin. “I’m afraid you will be punished today.”
“Why?”
A taller, somewhat older young man approached, shoving Shaogong away. “Don’t scare her. Niao Niao, I am your brother.”
“Greetings, Song,” she replied.
“How did you know?” he asked.
“Elder brother is married,” she replied. “You did not come with a wife.” He was also currently stationed, and could not come out with the rest of her brothers.
Song nodded, placing a hand on her head. Niao Niao couldn’t help leaning into that touch. Something shifted in her then, some awareness she hadn’t felt before. Her heart skipped, her breath catching.
“Niao Niao?” Song’s voice was soft.
Everything suddenly felt too loud and too bright.
“Mother,” Shaogong called, slipping an arm around his sister to steady her.
Yuanyi broke away from the other elders, taking in her daughter’s pale face and too bright eyes. “Niao Niao, look up.”
Niao Niao’s head tilted up. Her mother took a close look, noting the dilation of her pupils, and catching the little flash of gold.
“Take a deep breath, Niao Niao.” Yuanyi placed a hand over Niao Niao’s heart for a moment, assessing. “Song, take her inside.”
Song nodded, taking charge of his little sister and leading her back through the main gates while her mother got Qing Cong’s attention.
“Madam?”
“It looks like Niao Niao is showing her first signs. Get the room prepared, I’ll check the calendar.”
Qing Cong nodded and headed off.
Cheng Shi realized then something was going on and approached his wife. “Dearest?”
“Niao Niao’s wolf is coming.”
Third Uncle heard this and smiled. “It has been some time since I got to be here for a new shift, hopefully we can make as much of a full howling out of it as possible.”
Cheng Shi nodded. “It has been far too long.”
While the Empire did it’s best to keep wolf families together, there were always going to be times when they were parted. Now that Cheng Shi had been titled, however, his family would be able to come together again far more often.
Niao Niao’s vision narrowed as her brother led her into the main hall and helped her into a seat. “Keep taking deep breaths, Niao Niao,” he said.
Her heart felt like it was beating in her ears.
Lian Fang was there a moment later with a cup of tea. “My lady, drink this, it will help.”
The smell of the tea was familiar, Niao Niao remembered Lian Fang drinking it before she had her own shift. It was bitter, and herbal. Niao Niao drank it though, she wanted these sensations to stop.
“We have two weeks before the moon,” Yuanyi said, kneeling next to her daughter. “How do you feel now?”
Niao Niao was surprised to find the tea worked so quickly, her vision returned to normal and her heartbeat stopped pounding in her head. “Better.”
Niao Niao was surprised when her mother’s hand came to rest on her back, warm and gentle.
“Keep taking deep breaths. You will want tea twice a day for the next weeks, it will resolve after you shift.”
“You’ll get to run with us,” Shaogong said. “Isn’t that exciting?”
Niao Niao looked up at the sudden appearance of her twin. “What is it like?” Lian Fang and Fu Deng ran only on the moons, and Niao Niao had not been permitted to join them. Second Aunt thought it was inappropriate.
“Fun,” he replied. “I only started two months ago, so we are lucky you will be with us when you take your first.”
Song nodded in agreement. “Twins usually change close together.”
That had been part of Yuanyi’s decision making process in rushing to return home, beyond simply wishing to catch her sister-in-law in the act of abusing Niao Niao. She most certainly did not want her only daughter to take her first steps as a wolf without her there.
“Can we take Niao Niao back to her room?” Shaogong asked. “We have presents for her. The tea will make her sleep soon anyhow.”
Yuanyi sighed, but nodded. “All right, but return for lunch. Lian Fang, stay with Niao Niao, you know the dosing schedule?”
“Yes, Madam.”
Yuanyi helped her daughter stand. Niao Niao found her balance was still not right and stumbled. Yuanyi passed her off to Song.
“Don’t keep her up too long, she’ll want to sleep until dinner at least,” Yuanyi said.
“Yes, Mother,” the brothers said, taking their sister away and back to her room.
Third Aunt and Uncle glanced at Yuanyi.
“Are you ready for this?” Third Aunt asked.
Yuanyi sighed. “There’s no saying she’ll shift and immediately find her match.”
Third Aunt smiled, glancing at her own husband. It had taken them some time to find each other, that was true. “Cheng Shen did, but Song has not, but you will worry regardless.”
Yuanyi sighed. She did worry about this, she didn’t want her daughter to marry too early. She was so young, a child really. “Whomever she is fated for, if they are decent, they will wait.”
Third Uncle nodded. “The best ones do.” He flashed a smile then, slightly feral, which betrayed his wolf. “Or we find her a new one.”
Cheng Shi nodded in agreement with his brother.
“So bloodthirsty,” Third Aunt said, taking her husbands hand and smiling softly.
Yuanyi nodded absently, even if she did agree. She would not allow anyone to take advantage of her daughter.
***
Niao Niao did feel sleepy, but not so much that she didn’t perk up at the sight of all the things her brother’s had brought for her. Fabrics, jewelry, toys and food.
“Did you spend all of your savings?” she asked, picking up a slingshot with glee.
“Even if I did, it is worth it,” Song leaned against a post.
That got him a smile.
“I don’t know what to give you in return…” She frowned and then smiled, standing up and fetching a pair of woven grasshoppers. “Here, I wove these myself.”
“A gift is about intention, so I am happy,” Song replied. The little grasshoppers were well woven and lively.
Niao Niao continued looking through the boxes, picking up a few puzzles and setting them down before coming upon some finely made scrolls. There were pictures and diagrams, catching her attention. “These are wonderful.”
Song nodded. “Eldest brother made these for me when I had trouble studying.”
“Eldest brother is so kind,” Niao Niao replied. “I’m not a good at studying either.”
“Is this your desk?” Song gestured at the little writing desk.
“Mm. It was Cheng Yang’s, but they gave it to me.”
“This a child’s writing desk,” Song said. “It’s too small for you, how can they expect you to learn without the proper materials?”
Shaogong picked up a deteriorating bamboo scroll from her desk. “What is this?”
“Second Aunt said I musn’t be wasteful.”
The brothers exchanged a look, Song’s jaw going tense for a moment. “From now on, whatever you need, you tell me and I will get it for you.” He took her hand. “Our family is not poor, there is no reason for you to be treated this way.”
“I have a writing desk Elder Brother gave me,” Shaogong said. “It’s made of rosewood with carved qilins at the corners, since I am not using, you can have it.”
Niao Niao found this extra bit of kindness somewhat overwhelming in the face of an already overwhelming day. “Thank you, Shaogong.”
He noted the tears springing up in her eyes and did what he had wanted to do since he had first seen her, pulling her in for a hug. Wolves were tactile creatures, and they were in the privacy of their home, so there would be no humans to judge. He hugged her tight, trying to give her years of companionship in that embrace, since he couldn’t be there for her before.
Song joined in, wrapping both of his youngest siblings in his arms. The brothers had missed her deeply, and now that she was there, they could feel her slotting into place in their hearts, in the sense of pack all wolves had, for all that she had yet to transform, she was near enough to it.
She drifted off in her brother’s arms, and they carefully put her to bed. Shaogong gestured for Lian Fang as they stepped out of the room. “Could you arrange the desk for Niao Niao? I want to stay with her while she rests.” He was feeling particularly protective just then.
“Of course, Young Master,” Lian Fang said, bowing slightly and hurrying out.
***
Niao Niao woke to shouting, confused. Shaogong was there still, a pot of tea at the ready. “What?” She blinked. “What is going on?”
“Yang Yang’s servants tried to take your desk, Lian Fang rebuffed them.” He smiled. “If I had to guess, they regretted quickly trying to mess with a wolf.”
Niao Niao frowned.
“Yang Yang wasn’t involved,” he added.
Niao Niao never thought she was, Yang Yang was far too sensible and quiet. “Is Lian Fang in trouble?”
“Not for long, Song went to intervene.” He poured her a cup of tea. “Your dinner will be here soon, Third Aunt will stay with you for a bit then.”
“Mmm.” She sat up and took the tea. Clearly, some of Yang Yang’s servants were still under the impression they should behave as they had when Second Aunt was still around. She would leave that to her mother to sort out, unless Lian Fang caught trouble, in which case she would raise holy hell to defend her friend.
Her room suddenly grew quite crowded as Third Aunt, Lian Fang and Yang Yang arrived with a basket of food.
Niao Niao fixed on Lian Fang first, her hair was mussed but otherwise she seemed fine. “Are you all right?”
“Of course, Young Lady,” she replied.
“Niao Niao, I am sorry, I don’t know why Chen Pu was so brazen,” Yang Yang said. “I did not ask her to do that.”
“I know,” Niao Niao replied. “You are not that person.” Niao Niao was fond of her cousin-sister. She had frequently snuck food to her when Second Aunt tried to starve her, and even let her out of the shed once when it was very cold.
Yang Yang was not a wolf, but she was family, and she had been the only blood relative who had done so much for Niao Niao when she was growing up. Second Uncle had tried. His wife had impeded him at every step.
Niao Niao knew he had been as browbeaten as she was, and he’d lacked the edge of wolf to make his wife fear hurting him.
“Cousin-sister,” Niao Niao said, “It is all right.”
Yang Yang finally smiled a little, raising her head. “Thank you, Niao Niao.”
Niao Niao knew, on an instinctive level, her mother being preferential to Yang Yang was partially due to the child not being a wolf. She was more fragile, and she’d had a terrible mother. Yang Yang did need support and care it was just—Niao Niao needed that too.
Third Aunt set the basket of food down and smiled at her niece. “Shaogong, go on to dinner now.”
“Yes, Third Aunt,” he bowed slightly and headed off after giving his sister a quick hug.
Niao Niao blinked. “Everyone is more…physically affectionate.”
Third Aunt laughed and sat at the edge of the bed. “They sense you are becoming part of the pack, the urge to touch you will increase. The wolf needs that assurance. Does it bother you?”
“Not from them,” she replied.
Third Aunt took her hand. “Your brothers love you very much.”
“Are you scared at all?” Yang Yang asked. “Of transforming?” She settled next to Third Aunt. “It seems scary.”
“Yes and no,” Niao Niao replied. “I understand how it will happen, but I do not like things outside of my control.”
“It is only the first time that comes like that,” Third Aunt said. She opened up the box and pulled out a bowl of noodles, a dish of beef and another dish of beef. “Eat all of this and then finish your tea. You’ll sleep until morning. It’s going to be naps midday for you these next weeks while your body prepares.”
Niao Niao stared at the food in front of her, not sure she could finish it, until she actually started to eat, and then it was like she was suddenly equipped with a second stomach and the food disappeared in short order.
Yang Yang blinked. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone eat that much so quickly.”
Third Aunt laughed. “Just wait, she’ll only get hungrier.” She picked up the tea next and made sure Niao Niao finished it. “Wash your face and go to sleep, all right?”
“Mm.”
Lian Fang helped her young lady wash up and settle back into bed, and within moments, the young wolf was fast asleep.
“She’ll turn before the lantern festival,” Lian Fang noted.
“Did she want to go?” Third Aunt asked.
Lian Fang nodded quickly. “First Madam said she couldn’t unless she finished all of her scrolls, but Young Lady is in no state to even try now.”
“Well, I’ll make sure she gets to go, take care of her tonight.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Third Aunt smiled and headed out, placing an absent-minded hand over her stomach. It was still early in her own marriage, but she certainly wouldn’t mind having a little one of her own. Guiding Niao Niao through this was almost like a test run. Besides, Niao Niao needed affection, and she was happy to provide.
“How is she?” Yuanyi stopped her sister in law in the courtyard.
“Sleeping, she ate all of her dinner. She seems determined. A little fragile, but she will make her first transformation so long as we keep her meals full. Do not worry.”
“I will worry regardless,” Yaunyi admitted. “I have worried for each of them.”
Third Aunt took her hand. “We’ll celebrate her transformation. The lantern festival will be right after, it would be good for her.”
Yuanyi gave her sister in law a close look. “The lantern festival?”
“Mmm.”
“Very well.”
Third Aunt smiled, for all that Yuanyi bluffed about her daughter’s shortcomings, she was not made of stone. A few careful pushes in the right direction, and Third Aunt was confident she could help them overcome their differences enough to at least begin to mend.
“I should check on the preparations, I’ll see you in the morning,” Yuanyi said. “Good night.”
“Good night.” Third Aunt hurried away, staying a moment out of sight to see Yuanyi peek in our her sleeping daughter. Yes, just a few gentle pushes. Third Aunt smiled and headed to bed.