The little fox was obedient and sat quietly in the water basin, but neither Lin Feilu nor Songyu thought that a disgusting nauseating smell would emerge from the hot water. It was like the smell of a pair of worn socks that had not been washed for seven days and nights, almost knocking out Lin Feilu and Songyu, who were squatting in front of the little fox.
Songyu was tearing up. She covered her nose and cried, “Princess, I often hear people say that body odor is the same as the smell of foxes, is that true?”
“…”
No, don’t insult body odor.
Someone’s body odor cannot be this bad.
The little white fox sat innocently in the basin.
Lin Feilu found that all the remaining little thorns adhering to its fur had fallen off and floated on the water. Songyu carried the little creature out of the water so Lin Feilu could take a sniff of it. She found that the stench was from the thorny leaves.
Songyu quickly went to change a clean basin of water to give the fox a bath again, and this time, there was no smell.
After washing, Songyu carried the little fox indoors to dry by the fire. Lin Feilu was lost in her thoughts for a while, then got up and went to the yard to pick up all the thorny leaves in the water.
The leaves were in the shade of light green, covered in fluffy thorns. It was crisp, falling apart with just a pinch. She stuck the leaves right in front of her nose. There was no smell, but a strong and thick stench steamed up when she threw them into the hot water.
What species is this?
While Songyu was busy drying the little fox’s fur, she wrapped the smelly leaves in her handkerchief. Then she took a teacup and rolled over the handkerchief back and forth until they were all crushed, and wrapped them up in her handkerchief before stuffing them into her sleeve.
After a bath, the little white fox looked a lot more beautiful, its eyes were a very clear green that looked very intelligent. Everyone could not help being in-awed of it.
After lunch the next day, Lin Feilu took a nap in her room before going to greet Emperor Lin at the Zhonghe Hall with the little white fox in her arms.
Upon entering the front hall, Pengman greeted her with a smile, “Fifth Princess, your Majesty is taking a nap.”
Lin Feilu tilted his head and asked, “Is Father alone?”
Pengman answered, “Consort Mei is with him.”
Lin Feilu continued, “I want to show Father my little white fox. Can I wait for him here? I’ll be good. I’m not noisy.”
Pengman knew Lin Feilu’s position in Emperor Lin’s heart, and did not turn her down. He led her to the inner hall and sat down. He had served her some snacks and fruits. He smiled at her politely, “The Princess may wait here. This servant will inform you when his Majesty wakes up.”
She stroked the little fox’s head and nodded.
Pengman then retreated to stand guard outside the hall.
She ate some snacks and broke a small piece for the little fox. She leaned over into his ear and whispered, “Little fox, they all say you could understand humans. Can you understand what I’m saying?”
The little white fox stared at her while munching on its snack.
Lin Feilu pointed into the hall with a smile, “Do you see that? When you’re done eating snacks, run into that room to the bedside and hide under the bed, OK? If you agree, I’ll make you chicken every day.”
The little white fox finished its snack slowly, and then jumped out of her arms. It was still limping from its injury, but it was still quite agile.
Lin Feilu cried out in panic, “Little fox! Don’t run!”
She jumped down from her seat and chased it.