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Chapter Text

The morning started simply.

Shen Qingqiu ate his breakfast, finished all of his duties and then left for the Immortal Alliance Conference.

When he got there, he sat down and the meeting proceeded, with mostly Shang Qinghua talking about how the Bai Zhan Peak disciples kept making a mess out of the forests around his own peak. 

Shen Qingqiu was bored, incredibly so, and as he hid his yawns behind his beloved fan, they finally noticed.

"... is that a ring on your finger?"

Everyone hushes as Shen Qingqiu whipped out his hand, still lightly fanning himself as he looked at the ring in mock surprise.

"Oh! You noticed."

Everyone gaped. Then the whole room exploded with noise as Shang Qinghua choked on his spit.

Shen Qingqiu continued to lightly fan himself. 

Yue Qingyuan could only stare open mouthed.

"W-Wha... WHO WOULD WANT TO MARRY YOU??!!" Liu Qingge screamed louder than everybody else. He seemed really distressed by the fact that someone actually wanted to and had married him.

"Liu-shidi, I advise you to keep your mouth shut, you mongrel. If you insult my xīn gān again, I will personally gut you." Shen Qingqiu snapped. 

Everyone was silent once more, as Yue Qingyuan sighed.

"Qingqiu-shidi... can you tell me the name of your wife?"

Liu Qingge and the others shared a look, most likely assuming she was some prostitute from the brothel that Shen Qingqiu visited often.

"My xīn gān's name is none of your concern. In fact, you have no right to know after it took five years to realize I was married."

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"FIVE YEARS?!"

Shen Qingqiu didn't go back to his peak. Instead, he took a longer route, weaving and turning through the air on his sword before he darted off.

'Those idiots are actually following me...' he thought, as he noticed a few curious Peak Lords on their swords trying to find him after he had flew off. The forest below him blended into hues of greens and brown as he soared towards his home.

Eventually, he landed in a garden. There, he saw his beloved.

The ethereal being turned, their hair put up with a silver crown as their sleeves fluttered, colored blue and sea greens. His soft expression was turned into one of joyous surprise.

"Shen Jiu!" He dashed into his lover's arms.

Shen Qingqiu smiled, placing a kiss on his beloved's head.

"My Shen Yuan."

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu scowled, remembering the day's previous events. He was ready to start cursing when he noticed it.

He stopped when he spotted the figure sitting in his backyard. 

Like a spirit, their skin was soft and pale, like carved jade. Inky locks ran down their back and pooled into their lap as they looked around. Their face was beautiful, like the face belonging to a goddess, with petal pink lips and soft, peach eyes. When the mysterious stranger spotted him, they jumped. 

What’s with this sudden sensual atmosphere?

Shen Qingqiu prepared his sword, placing a hand on his Xiu Ya's hilt.

"Who are you? Answer me!"

"H-huh?! Whoa! Is that a sword? Ohmigosh, that's so cool-" the person shook their head, like shaking off water or unnecessary thoughts. "No! Wait, wait! Don’t kill me yet!”

Shen Qingqiu was in awe of the ethereal being, but unfortunately, he still couldn't get his name out.

"Who are you?" Shen Qingqiu said, the cool blade of Xiu Ya against the pale throat. "Tell me or face the consequences."

"S-shen." The blade pressed deeper. "My name is Shen Yuan!"

Shen Qingqiu could only stare before he sheathed his sword. "How did you get here?"

"I-I... I can't remember anything... all I remember is some bits and pieces."

Shen Qingqiu huffed. He brushed away the leaves that stuck to Shen Yuan's hair, making the smaller man flinch. 

"Stand up." He said.

He felt... calm. His qi was stabler than ever, his mind clear and relaxed and it was as if Shen Yuan had healed all of his turmoils.

His thoughts were interrupted by growling from Shen Yuan’s stomach. 

He tugged harder on his thin arms.

"W-where-"

Shen Qingqiu led him inside, forcing him into a seat at the dinner table.

Shen Yuan gulped, looking at him and then around himself. Shen Qingqiu called for food, a series of dishes quickly being placed before him as servants flittered and fluttered about.

“Eat. A starving man will give me no answers.”

Shen Yuan tentatively looked at him, then muttered something like, “what if it was poisoned, jeez” and then took a bite from a plate of Zongzi.

He continued to eat, though some traditional plates he didn’t bother touching. When he was around finishing, he finally realized that Shen Qingqiu hadn’t touched a thing.

“Uh, are you not going to eat...?”

“No. Now, if you’re finished, let’s go.”

“Huh?” Shen Yuan asked as he was wrenched up not so gently. “Where?”

Shen Qingqiu huffed again. "We're going to a place where I can trust."

Shen Yuan looked at him like a kicked kitten, confused and adorable.

Together, they rode to the Warm Red Pavilion. When they arrived, a woman came out, dressed in silks and with rouge on her face.

"Ah! A-Jiu, is that you?"

"Xie Zan. I have someone who needs some help." He gestured to Shen Yuan, who was wrapped only in Shen Qingqiu's outer robe, which fell off of his shoulder just as he said that.

"Of course! Who's the precious beauty?"

She lead them throughout the brothel, and Shen Yuan looked incredibly embarrassed as girls of all ages and appearances approached him curiously. 

As Shen Yuan was getting bathed and ready, Shen Qingqiu talked with Xie Zan. 

"He appeared in the forest behind my house."

"Oh?" She said, her painted nails smoothing down her robes. "What is his name? Did you bring him to me because you wanted me to give him a place to stay?"

"His name is Shen Yuan. And no." 

Xie Zan giggled. "He shares your last name too! What a curious boy." 

"Anyways, this lord trusts you, so he would like to ask you to provide Shen Yuan some food and entertainment until...."

"Until?"

"Until I can trust hi-"

"Uh, uhm..." a soft voice called out. They turned.

Shen Yuan came, dressed in blue robes as his hair was pulled up by jade and silver pins. Beads and pendents clicked and jingled as he moved, silk rustling behind him as they trailed on the floor.

He looked at them, making an odd expression.

He was beckoned to sit down, as several girls came and brought out instruments. 

Shen Qingqiu stared at him, wondering where all of the initial bravado he saw went. Shen Yuan was quiet. He smiled and laughed politely when the girls did something entertaining, but that was it.

Who are you, Shen Yuan?

"Uh, my lord..." Shen Yuan said slowly.

Shen Qingqiu took out his fan. "Yes?"

"What is your name? This humble one like to know the name of his benefactor."

"... Shen Qingqiu."

Shen Yuan's eyes widened. His softness was struck by his shock. "Y-You mean you're Qing Jing Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu??"

"... I thought you forgot everything from your memories." Shen Qingqiu said dryly. His eyes narrowed.

"O-Oh, well, I'm merely surprised to see such an esteemed Peak Lord... and-and..."

He grew too flustered to speak.

"... Xie Zan, bring him to bed. He must be exhausted."

Shen Yuan made an noise, and was escorted to his bedroom.

Xie Zan came back twenty minutes later with an exasperated expression.

"The poor dear doesn't even know how to put on his own clothes! A-Jiu, what happened to the poor dear?"

Shen Qingqiu blinked, surprised. 

Was Shen Yuan a spoiled child before he lost his memories?

"I will check on him." He stood up smoothly, as Xie Zan nodded absently, quickly tending to the patriots that just came in.

Not moving immediately, he absently drank his tea and watched the girls dance and sway to a Shijie's skill with a pipa.

Eventually, after another twenty minutes, he stood up, offering the girls a nod. 

He walked up all of the stairs, and found Shen Yuan's room when he asked. His fan was put beside his belt as he stood there, wondering if he just step in.

That was when Shen Qingqiu heard a sob. 

He opened it, his heart contracting as he spotted Shen Yuan writhe, thrashing violently as if he was clawing or fighting something.

"N-No! Shijie! Gege! Stop, don't go there-! No!" His face contorted in pain, twisting in horror as he sobbed, ripping the sheets with the force of his struggle.

"Shen Yuan! Shen Yuan, wake up!" Shen Qingqiu said harshly.

He had no idea how to deal with this, so he pinched him and shook him until Shen Yuan's eyes snapped open and he threw himself into Shen Qingqiu's arms. 

He wailed, his eyes red and watery as he clutched desperately at Shen Qingqiu's robes. His small frame shuddered as he cursed under his breath, saying things like “stupid system,”, “punishing me for no reason,” and “that was horrible”.

He must have had a tragic past that made him forget, thought Shen Qingqiu, but he stayed silent.

After a while of crying, he sat up, rubbing his sticky face. "I-I... this lowly one apologizes for getting Peak Lord Shen's robes dirty. Truly, this one needs to be punished."

His eyes looked at him with such a pained look, that Shen Qingqiu could only growl, turning his head away.

"It doesn't matter. If A-Yuan needs it, this lord will allow him to destroy his robes."

There was a long moment of silence. 

Then Shen Yuan got up, whispering, "Thank you..."

Shen Qingqiu looked the other way, hiding his face as he ignored the warmth on his face and the feeling of 'right, right, right, right' in his heart.

"Think nothing of it. Are you ready to go back to bed?"

Shen Yuan shook his head frantically. Shen Qingqiu sighed, and that was when he noticed his attire.

Shen Yuan was only dressed in his inner robe, sheer and thin as it hung off of his frame because of his struggle. 

"C-change into something presentable first."

Shen Yuan tilted his head like he was confused.

Shen Qingqiu wanted to smack him with his fan. He then proceeded to forcefully change Shen Yuan's clothes and put his messy hair into a neat ponytail due to laziness. 

When he was finished, he beckoned the male to follow as they went downstairs.

The girls seemed surprised to see them but they accepted it the moment they saw Shen Qingqiu's look of pure death.

Shen Yuan trailed behind him, confused and like a baby duckling.

Was this practical stranger growing on him?

Oh no.

They arrived at a room where Xie Zan and several other girls were entertaining some patriots. 

They were drinks all around, and the sound of the guzheng echoed through the room with its melodious tune. Xie Zan blinked at him, but didn't a word, instead, directing them to an empty table.

Another girl joined the other one, though she was playing a common tune with the dizi.

Shen Qingqiu glanced at Shen Yuan, only to find he was gone. Rapidly, his heart rate spiked and he frantically looked around for him.

He found Shen Yuan pointing at something as he talked to Xie Zan, who looked amused.

Scowling viciously, he snapped open his fan and glared at them.

How dare Shen Yuan make him worry!

However, he was confused when Shen Yuan picked up the guqin and joined the girls on stage. The two girls smiled, and finished up their song before they left the stage.

The guqin was put down, and that was when Shen Yuan started to play, his fingers plucking each string shyly at first, until he grew confident enough and tranquil, lovely music began to play. 

The song was soothing and almost... cleansing. Shen Qingqiu was shocked as he felt all of his rage gone and his temper calmed. His mind cleared and he was free of all stress and troubles.

Was Shen Yuan created to calm him down?

This worked too well.

Shen Yuan glanced at him, their eyes connecting for a single moment before he looked away.

Was that little tease seducing him?!

Was this on purpose?!

Shen Yuan continued, his hands firm and sure before he finished, much too soon.

The crowd cheered loudly, as Shen Yuan bowed, an exhilarated smile on his face.

Shen Qingqiu grabbed him when he stepped off of the stage. "What was that?"

"... a Song of Clarity." Shen Yuan said. 

That was why it was so familiar! 

"You know Gusu's techniques? How did you learn them? You would have had to travel far to even beg for Lan Qiren to teach you such arts!"

"I, uh.."

Xie Zan interrupted them. "A-Jiu, no need to be so mean!" She turned towards Shen Yuan. "My dear, that was lovely! Perhaps I should hire you!”

“No.” Shen Qingqiu said in a sour tone. He pulled Shen Yuan towards their table, and then forced him into the seat. He waved a hand for some snacks, his eyes not leaving the fidgeting boy.

“...you’re so strange. First you feed a stranger who intruded on your home, then you cloth the stranger and then comfort him. But when the stranger plays a song for you, you get angry...”

Shen Qingqiu perked up. “You were playing a song for me?”

“Yes... it’s one of the few I know.” Shen Yuan answered. He looked at his lap. “Did... did you like it?”

Shen Qingqiu covered his face with his fan.

How dare he be so adorable!

Blasphemy, I tell you!

Shen Qingqiu huffed. “It was alright. How many songs do you know?”

“... all of them?” He answered.

Shen Qingqiu tried not to show his surprise. “Oh? And how many songs that don’t belong to Gusu Lan Sect do you know?”

“Just a few. I know how to play the erhu as well.”

What a talented, spoiled child!

While Shen Yuan was certainly a spoiled boy, he was also undoubted unparalleled in his skills.

What else did he know?

Three plates were brought out, consisting of: lou po beng, dragon’s beard candy (which also had nuts rolled inside of it) and osmanthus cakes.

Both Shens perked up and got to work cleaning the plates.

As Shen Yuan nibbled on dragon’s beard candy, he tilted his head at Shen Qingqiu. “Do you like sweets, Shen-Shixiong?”

“What of it?” Shen Qingqiu said defensively.

“Me too!” Shen Yuan chirped, as if he didn’t notice him lash out. “My favorite has to be sugar paintings or tanghulu! What’s yours?”

“... tanghulu as well.”

Shen Yuan looked so happy that they shared the same favorite, that Shen Qingqiu couldn’t be angry anymore. He decided to bring him back to bed soon after that, because he couldn’t take all of the cuteness or he’d have a Qi deviation.

The night soon ended as the sun rose the next day....

Chapter Text

Shen Yuan woke up with an urge to throw himself out the window. He nearly did so, when the system chimed.

[(❁'▽'❁)*✲ﾟ* Good morning User! The system has finished updating!]

"Oi, you little shit, what was with last night? Why'd you punish me—"

[System will now proceed to go into sleep mode until movement of the plot is needed. User is free to act as needed as long as User remembers that this is a Xianxia setting.]

"YoU GODDAMN FUCK—"

"Shen-di, it's time to wake up."

A girl walked in, wearing sheer clothes and silks as her bracelets jingled. 

Shen Yuan schooled his expression coolly.

"Yes?"

"A-Jiu wants to see you. So I will be helping you get ready."

"Uh, thank you."

Shen Yuan was scrubbed down, his hair and skin rubbed with oils and shampoos. Eventually, he was dried off and his hair was put up with jade pins and gold pieces, his form clad in various shades of blue and champagne colors.

He was handed a fan, with a quiet mutter of 'A-Jiu wanted you to have it' and was left there.

Shen Yuan blinked, clutching the small wooden fan to himself. He opened it, and gazed at the pale colors that met his eyes.

He decided to walk around, and when he walked through the hallways where the courtesans stayed, he could hear.... sounds.

'Ooh-kay.'

Embarrassed, he fled, running towards a room that looked like a library. It was a large room, one with pockets containing books throughout the walls, with four tables in the middle. An incense burner wafted sweet smelling pheromones around the room.

Scouring through the titles, he blinked at some of the names.

'Ways of the Sing-Song Girls.'

'Flowers at Dawn, Pheasants at Night.'

'Poems, Songs and Tunes Aimed to Please.'

Shen Yuan read some of them, curious.

He nearly yeeted them out the window when he realized they were books about prostitution.

He shuddered, putting many of them back.

It had taken him five books before he realized when a very detailed picture popped out.

How the hell had he only realized after he had absorbed five books??!

Reluctantly, he tried to find more books to read. 

It was difficult when some of the titles were misleading and he had to skim through it.

In the end, after an hour or two, he found exactly four books, one that was a bestiary, two about herbs and plants and one about cultivation.

At least it wasn't about dual cultivation.

He didn't have enough fingers to count how many scrolls he found that had dual cultivation in it.

(He had read some of them just in case.)

His face was beet red as he left the room, clutching the scrolls close to him.

Xie Zan looked at him. "Did you just come from our library?"

"Yes... c-can I borrow some books?"

"Of course! We wouldn't want you getting bored while A-Jiu is gone! Would you be against playing us another song?" She said.

He shook his head. "I wouldn't mind. You're already housing me, so I can help around."

He gets a head pat and a coo.

Shen Yuan is then directed to the dining hall, where courtesans sit in some people's laps and others eat as they giggle and chat.

Shen Yuan sits next to a group, and they welcome him easily.

"A-Yuan, how old are you?" One chitters.

"Twenty four."

"What type of sweets do you like?"

"Tanghulu or sugar paintings."

"Ooh, how nice! Where did you live before?"

"I... can't really remember. I don't know."

They gave him sympathetic looks, and then one spoke up.

"Well," she said, "then you can live here! We'll be your new family! You don't need your old memories if we make new ones!"

The others agreed and Shen Yuan smiled.

These girls were rather wholesome, huh?

Shen Yuan has a great time as they goofed off and had fun. Several other girls joined in and they had a few moments that they laughed over so hard, their bellies were aching.

Just as a girl was finishing a story, a hand clamped down on Shen Yuan's shoulder.

He looked up, only to be met with Shen Qingqiu's face.

He beamed. "Hello, Shen-ge!"

"I see you've been having fun."

Shen Yuan grinned. Shen Qingqiu seemed nice, very much so despite him being the peak lord that bullied Luo Binghe.

'I have to protect him from his fate! Becoming a human stick is too horrible of a destiny!'

"Yes, they have been treating this guest most graciously."

The eight girls waved and smiled politely. 

The Eight Beauties of Qinhuai were a lovely group of well mannered ladies with a penchant for being gorgeous, well cultivated and talented at dance, song, music and the fine arts.

If not for their poor spiritual powers, they would've been amazing cultivators.

Their names were:

Ma Xianglan 

Bian Yujing 

Li Xiangjun 

Liu Rushi

Dong Xiaowan

Gu Hengbo 

Kou Baimen 

Chen Yuanyuan

Shen Yuan gave a jovial smile as he introduced all of them.

Shen Qingqiu did not say a word as he nodded rather blankly.

When Shen Yuan was finished, Shen Qingqiu grabbed him and said, "Alright, let's clean your teeth. It's time to go to bed."

He pulled him up and he was brought to his room, where Shen Qingqiu gave him a piece of bark.

What the fuck.

He left the room, and left Shen Yuan in total confusion.

What the fuck was this piece of bark for?

Shen Yuan was quiet as Shen Qingqiu brushed out his hair, his fingers gentle as he combed the silky tresses.

"Ah, Shen Qingqiu...?"

"Yes?"

"Am I supposed to be staying here?"

"You will for a few more weeks before my men finish building my home. Be patient until then."

"Thank you. This humble one is in your debt."

Shen Yuan had grown up rich and spoiled, but he knew how to pay back his benefactors.

Shen Qingqiu had helped him immensely. It was only right Shen Yuan paid him back tenfold.

For a second, Shen Yuan couldn't believe that it was this easy to just have someone help him.

Did Shen Qingqiu want something from him?

Shen Yuan spoke up again. "M-my lord, will you allow this humble one to play you a song?"

"A song?"

Shen Yuan gestured to the guqin Xie Zan had given to him. "Yes. I will be happy to entertain you for all you've done for me."

Shen Qingqiu's hands stopped. Then he said, "Alright."

Shen Yuan adjusted his guqin, before he sat behind it.

Slowly, his fingers started to play.

He had learned because of his obsession over 'The Untamed'. He had dutifully practiced and researched until he felt like Lan Wangji, amusingly enough.

See that?

This is the skill and talent of a dedicated nerd!

He fell into routine, playing and playing until the song finished and his fingers felt quite bruised and flayed.

He looked up.

Shen Qingqiu looked drowsy, his eyes half-lidded as he stared at him.

Shen Yuan tried not to smile.

Despite how ruthless and cold he seemed, Shen Qingqiu was actually just a tsundere!

It was proven!

"Would you like to sleep?"

Shen Qingqiu snapped out of it, his gaze sharpening. His lips pursed into a thin line and he shook his head.

"No. I am pleased with your playing, but it is time for you to go to bed."

"What are you, my mother?" Shen Yuan muttered under his breath, missing the sharp intake of breath from Shen Qingqiu before he was smacked on the head with a fan.

"Shush." Shen Qingqiu snapped. "Go to bed."

Shen Yuan huffed, wincing as he rubbed his head. "Alright, alright, I get it."

Shen Qingqiu turned off the lights, and then left the room.

Shen Yuan instantly felt the day's exhaustion creep up on him, as he nestled into the covers, which weren't that soft, but warm enough.

The moon hung bright overhead as Shen Yuan listened to the steady noise below stairs, the sounds of chatter, dance and music...

Shen Yuan woke up, and asked the Eight Beauties of Qinhuai for a private lesson.

"Can you girls teach me how to entertain? I want to pay back Shen-ge for helping me." He said. "And maybe Xie Zan too."

The girls giggled behind hands and said excitedly, "Of course! You'll be the best courtesan with our training!"

He blushed.

"No, wait! Not courtesan! I just want to learn how to dance!" He nearly shrieked with his embarrassment.

They cooed, and he flushed.

So for the next three days, Shen Yuan learned to dance.

Years in his previous life spent watching his sister dance made everything slightly easier.

Only slightly.

Because it turned out that Shen Yuan had two left feet.

Liu Rushi giggled, as he struggled to copy Chen Yuanyuan's and Gu Hengbo's graceful movements.

"Keep at it, A-Yuan! You can do it!" She called, as he swung his arms and nearly whacked himself in the face.

Eventually, on the last day, he somewhat decently learned his first dance.

When he finished performing for them, with sweat dripping down his face, they clapped.

"A-Yuan, you're improving!"

"Still looks unrefined."

"It'd still gain some patrons, though."

"I suppose that's mediocre."

Dong Xiaowan shook her head, her raven hair swishing.

"No! He shouldn't be mediocre! He should be the best! Let's work even harder!" She cheered.

The other girls agreed, and their training regime increased. Shen Yuan practiced and practiced until after a week and a half, he had drilled a couple of dances into his head.

During break time, they taught him other things.

“A courtesan will always be polite no matter what. You serve your patron tea like this, understood? One hand on the top, the other on the bottom. Do so gracefully, and it will look elegant.” Ma Xianglan lectured, demonstrating.

“I-I’m not trying to be a courtesan,” he tried to say, but she glared at him.

“Are you arguing about our training for you?”

It wasn’t mean the way she said it, more like disappointed like a scolding mother.

Shen Yuan folded easily.

“No...”

“Okay then.”

Dong Xiaowen taught him how to sew and how to perfectly do the tea ceremony.

It was difficult, but she was patient and he was eager to learn.

Ma Xianglan taught him poems, paintings and plays. She would often lecture him about the history of some of their dances and fine arts.

She would even bring out canvas and paintings for him to practice.

Bian Yujing taught him how to paint. Her style was beautiful, and she was adept at making her lessons fun and easy to understand.

She would recite and encourage him to make poems as well, which were never as good as hers.

Li Xiangjun taught him songs. She would play songs on the pipa and sing to him, before showing him the songs.

He never quite learned to sing or play the pipa, but she taught him the basics just in case.

Liu Rushi taught him etiquette.

She taught him how to act and pretend in a certain way. He learned the ways of war and how politics worked with her.

Her lessons were complicated, but she never realized the extent of how much he needed them.

Gu Hengbo would teach him literature. 

She would quite literally force scrolls and books down his throat until he absorbed poems and writings as it were water and recite them.

To make it interesting, she would bring cultivation books too, and make him repeat those.

Shen Yuan always came back from her lessons with a dry mouth and a tongue made of cotton.

Kou Baimen would teach him fighting styles.

Unlike the others, who occasionally taught dance and fine arts, she wouldn’t restrain from teaching him the ways of sword.

Shen Yuan mostly just copied moves he remembered from the Untamed or movies he watched, but they never ceased to impress her.

She was tough, but she would always be gentle when he was injured in their practice.

Chen Yuanyuan taught him war strategies.

It was strange, because he probably would never be in a war, and when he expressed this, she merely said, 

“What if your lover was? What then?”

And so he attended her lessons with an empty cup and came back out with a spilling one because she never refrained from confusing him.

She would lecture on proper planning, and would sometimes bring out the other girls to play out a war to demonstrate.

All in all, Shen Yuan learned much more than just dance.

After three weeks, he felt like a very well rounded person.

Too well rounded, actually.

He needed a break!

Shen Yuan loved these girls like he loved his little sister, but by god, they were too much!

Give this poor little nerd a break, will you!

Shen Yuan groaned as he collapsed on the bed.

He didn’t hear the door open, but he heard the next words. 

“How disgraceful.”

Shen Yuan looked up. “Shen Qingqiu???”

Shen Qingqiu sighed, the lower half of his face hidden behind his green fan. “Yes?”

“You’re back? It’s been three weeks!”

“And I see you’ve been busy, with your exhausted expression.” Shen Qingqiu said dryly.

Likely, he though Shen Yuan was being dramatic or something.

How dare you, pretty boy!

Just because I’m not cultivating yet (or at all), doesn’t mean I’m lazy!

Well, he was....

Best not to let Shen Qingqiu know, or he’ll be teased to death.

Shen Yuan huffed.

“I was very busy, thank you for asking.”

Deciding against being snarky, he wanted to show Shen Qingqiu his process.

“Would my lord like to see what this humble one was doing while he was gone?” 

Chapter Text

[Back to User's time: 15 years later to actual time!]

Shen Qingqiu sighed, as Shen Yuan hummed, watering his peonies and chrysanthemums.

"My love, shouldn't you be inside?"

"Doing what?" Shen Yuan said, turning around.

His robes swished with him, and Shen Qingqiu hummed, glancing at the chrysanthemums behind him.

"Your husband is tired. He'd like to rest and perhaps even see his lovely wife dance for him."

Shen Yuan flushed, swatting him playfully as Shen Qingqiu snickered. "Well, his wife refuses! You just want to pluck my chrysanthemum again! Pervert!"

Shen Qingqiu sat up, and then swept Shen Yuan off of his feet, using Xiu Ya to fly them up to their room. Shen Yuan squeaked as he bounced on the bed, before Shen Qingqiu trapped him with his arms.

"You won't let me?" His nose glided over Shen Yuan's neck, his hands, gently caressing Shen Yuan's sides, undoing his clothes with quick movements.

Shen Yuan's breaths grew slightly harsher, his legs twitching before he relaxed, spreading them.

"Shen Jiu~...." his voice was syrupy sweet. "I want it..."

Shen Qingqiu shivered at his husband's voice.

This vixen!

His hands spread open Shen Yuan's clothes, and he immediately began groping his husband's body.

His head was pushed down, their lips meeting in a messy clash of tongue and teeth as heat spread to their touching bodies.

Shen Yuan pulled away, despite being the one to initiate the kiss.

"A-Jiu, stop going so slow!"

Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes, but took off his own robes, his clothes quickly falling to the floor as Shen Yuan's eyes roamed the exposed skin.

Shen Qingqiu smirked at Shen Yuan's heated gaze. "Does my wife likes what he sees?"

Shen Yuan's voice was a breathless purr. "Shen Jiu... hurry up..."

He was flipped onto his back, where Shen Qingqiu smacked him across that perfect bottom, watching that skin ripple.

Shen Yuan yelped, his milky skin reddening.

"Shen Yuan, what lesson did I first teach you?"

"P-Patience— ah!"

Another smack.

"And what did you forget just now?"

Another hard smack.

Shen Yuan's frame was shaking.

If it had been a few years ago when their relationship was still new, it would've been scary, and Shen Qingqiu wouldn't have been so open to this, despite how cruel he was.

But now, he knew that Shen Yuan was really just a masochist.

Shen Yuan's hands gripped the sheets as he squirmed, his body flushing with a strawberry hue that looked absolutely exquisite.

"P-Patience— eek! Ahhn~"

Three more swats, two which landed right over his hole.

Shen Yuan gasped, his erection dripping as it hung over his stomach, a puddle of white underneath him.

Shen Qingqiu ignored his own erection which throbbed, his hand soothing Shen Yuan's heated skin with a gentle rub that was rewarded with a sweet whimper.

He was ready to start the main show when the door swung open.

Shen Yuan threw Shen Qingqiu off of the bed, covering himself with a bedsheet.

Luo Binghe stepped in, his eyes narrowed.

"B-Binghe... what's the matter?"

"Where's father?" The child surveyed the room, not noticing his papa's nervous sweating.

"Y-Your father might be in the gardens. Please leave, I'm changing."

"Okay!" The small child chirped, his mood perking up.

He didn't leave immediately though. "Papa, today, me and Yingying saw a fan on the market and we bought two so we can be just like you and father! See?"

He held up the small paper fan that was red and black.

Shen Yuan melted. Even from the floor, Shen Qingqiu had to try not to choke from the cuteness.

"That's wonderful. Binghe, go to your sister, okay? I have to change." Shen Yuan coaxed him from the room, and when Luo Binghe left, Shen Qingqiu rose from the floor.

"Was it necessary to push me onto the floor?" He said sourly.

Shen Yuan grinned and then rose up from the bed, his beautiful body stretching over him as he looked at Shen Qingqiu from the floor.

"Aww, poor Shen Jiu," he cooed.

Shen Qingqiu pinched him on the arm, and kissed him.

The mood was completely ruined, so they just put on their clothes and went to leave the room.

Ning Yingying blinked. She was holding a cute little orange and yellow fan. "Papa! Father!"

She more or less said the same thing as Luo Binghe.

"Now we can all match!" She exclaimed. Shen Qingqiu patted her head.

"Good. Then that means I can teach you all fan language."

Ning Yingying beamed as Luo Binghe appeared from behind a corner. "Oh. Father, I didn't know you were in the same room as papa."

Shen Yuan laughed nervously, and Shen Qingqiu coolly shielded his face with his own fan.

"Nothing you need to worry about."

The two children spread their fans to do the same, trying to mimic his sagely expression as they nodded seriously.

Shen Yuan covered his mouth to try not to laugh.

Shen Qingqiu had never expected to have two brats in his home, but then again, he never expected to be married to the love of his life.

Shen Yuan had found Luo Binghe first, in a damn river of all things, and had successfully seduced convinced Shen Qingqiu to keep him.

Ning Yingying was found being beaten after being kicked away from her home. Shen Yuan had found her and had also successfully seduced convinced Shen Qingqiu to keep her too.

Shen Yuan was much too good at convincing him.

All in all, he regretted nothing but the damn demonic dog.

That's right.

Shen Yuan, the little shit, had managed to seduce Shen Qingqiu into keeping a demonic dog of all things.

The audacity of Shen Yuan's sexy and seductive body!

"Wei Wang!" The children and Shen Yuan chorused as they hugged and petted and cooed at the furry beast that was the size of a Black Moon Rhinoceros Python.

Unfortunately, this dog's heart was set on Shen Qingqiu!

Shen Qingqiu was forced to endure the filthy mongrel's saliva as it barked and slobbered all over him.

'Can't scare the kids, can't scare the kids, can't scare the kids, can't scare the kids, you know what, fUCK THE KIDS, I'M GOING TO KILL THIS THING' Shen Qingqiu snarled in his head as he readied his Xiu Ya but then he was pulled away.

Shen Yuan smiled happily, his eyes bright. Behind his husband's shoulder, was Luo Binghe being boosted onto of Wei Wang before he combed atop and pulled Ning Yingying onto too.

"...."

"A-Jiu, what do you want to eat for lunch today?"

"... baozi."

Luo Binghe perked up. "Papa and me can make it!"

"Papa and I." Shen Qingqiu corrected.

Luo Binghe nodded. "Papa and I."

Shen Yuan picked up Luo Binghe, smiling. "Alright! Let's go, my little Bingbing!"

Ning Yingying smiled atop of Wei Wang. "Father, do you want to see what this one learned today from her studies?"

Shen Qingqiu grabbed her under the armpits, pulling her away from Wei Wang. "Yes, yes. Let's move away from this... thing."

"Father! He's not a thing! He's Wei Wang!"

"Yes, yes." Shen Qingqiu said absentmindedly. He threw a talisman to distract Wei Wang, who barked and ran after it.

He tried not to wince as he heard a distant crashing sound.

That damn dog.

Shen Qingqiu sat behind his desk as he watched Ning Yingying and Luo Binghe practice their calligraphies.

Luo Binghe had come a long way, his skill with the brush improving drastically.

It used to be horribly disgusting, like chicken scratch.

Now both of them had elegant paint strokes that would make any calligraphy fanatic cry.

Shen Qingqiu was quiet, enjoying the soft sounds of paint against paper and the gentle breezes that drifted through the window.

Shen Yuan didn’t come in for a while, instead, choosing to take care of his plants and play with Wei Wang.

This room was Shen Qingqiu’s study, and his men had worked hard to build it to his liking.

The walls were white, with pockets for scrolls and books. It was organized, with several shelves for plants, dolls and statues, occasionally a jade vase filled with Shen Yuan’s best flowers.

A window was open behind Shen Qingqiu, where he sat slightly elevated from Luo Binghe’s and Ning Yingying’s seatings.

Finally, one of them showed signs of restlessness.

‘Here it comes’, thought Shen Qingqiu forlornly. He stood up to leave the room.

Ning Yingying glanced at him, then at Luo Binghe, who paused when she stopped.

She swiped a streak of ink on Luo Binghe’s robes.

The boy gasped.

Then smirked.

He painted a stroke of ink on her knee.

She giggled, and then with a cry of laughter, she smudged ink on his nose.

Luo Binghe squeaked, before he threw the ink pot at her. She squealed, and threw herself at him, smearing ink on both of their clothes.

The room exploded with laughter as the two children splashed ink on each other. 

Behind the door, Shen Qingqiu could only cough blood as his beautiful red wood floors were stained with ink.

Their dinner was peaceful, if you count Shen Yuan and Ning Yingying's performance as they both danced and swayed.

Their sleeves swished and their bodies moved in unison, moving fast and quickly in many years of practice.

Shen Yuan gave her an encouraging nod, and they finished their dance with a flourish, both breathing hard and fast.

Shen Qingqiu tried to push down the feeling of pride in his chest at the sight of them dancing. Luo Binghe bounced in his seat, his face stretched into a smile.

"Ying-shijie! That was great!" He tried to contain his excitement but when Shen Yuan patted him on the head, he was practically vibrating.

"Papa! Can you teach me next?"

Shen Yuan smiled.

"Of course! But both of you should focus on your studies first."

Ning Yingying nodded. "And maybe even father will teach us too."

Shen Qingqiu huffed, smiling. While Shen Yuan knew the entertaining dances, Shen Qingqiu had taught him traditional dances, which had been passed down for centuries.

His own Shizun had taught him how.

"Finish your dinner. After this, we'll review your studies and then go to bed."

"Okay, father!" The two cheered.

Shen Yuan smiled, and served them another scoop of rice.

That was when Wei Wang was thrown through the window.

The dog slammed against the wall, glass shattering as Ning Yingying squealed in fear and Luo Binghe yelped, covering his face with his hands.

Shen Qingqiu stood up, his fan ready as Shen Yuan hushed the children.

Through the dust, a figure walked through.

"Shen Qingqiu.... time to die." The demon sent a blast of demonic power towards him, forcing Shen Qingqiu to jump.

The fight ended soon, when Shen Yuan surprised nearly everybody by slicing the demon to bits with his own fan.

"Stupid 40IQ villains...." he muttered, sour faced and angry.

Shen Qingqiu was proud of his mate, but he could only wonder.

Who had thrown Wei Wang?

This lowly demon wasn't strong enough.

"A-Yuan, remember to be cautious—"

"Lord Shen.... is this your little family?" Another voice said, a larger figure stepping through the hole created by Wei Wang.

It was another demon, one with curving horns and black scales that spread along shoulder blades and cheekbones.

Their power was strong. The tail behind them swished on the ground and Wei Wang whimpered, before standing up in an effort to protect.

Shen Qingqiu sighed, looking back at his food.

The very same food that Shen Yuan and Luo Binghe made for them all.

How dare this filth taint their family dinner!

Shen Qingqiu didn't let another second pass before he charged, using his qi to burst out in small pulses as he struck the demon with his fan.

"A-Jiu—"

"Stay with the kids!" Shen Qingqiu snapped, his rage intensifying as the demon opened their robes and several mouse-like creatures scurried out.

He cursed the lack of his sword, having placed it in his room to eat.

He would've never have imagined that a damn demon would interrupt his dinner.

Shen Yuan looked twitchy, but thankfully, he stayed under control, muttering something to Wei Wang before the mutt raced off.

Luo Binghe and Ning Yingying didn't look frightened, more anxious and worried. They shouted encouragements as Shen Qingqiu fought with the stronger demon.

Shen Yuan was batting away mice from their children.

The demon somehow managed to get past him, aiming for Shen Yuan's throat before Wei Wang came, wrapping the demon back with his tail, Xiu Ya in his mouth.

Shen Qingqiu retrieved the sword and unsheathed it, the blade humming.

The demon started, eyes wide as their pupils shrank in fear.

"Filth like you should know your place." He snarled before he sank his beloved sword into the demon's chest.

The mice demons circled around Luo Binghe and Ning Yingying, seemingly being appeased by rice.

Did his children just tame demons with rice?

Hell yeah they did.

Shen Yuan sighed, "These demons keep finding our home. We strengthen our defenses every time, what will happen if even stronger demons break in?"

"No need to worry," Shen Qingqiu murmured, kissing his head, "I will protect our home and our children."

The night ended with singing. Shen Qingqiu could only watch from the door as his family sang in happy, harmonious tones.

His family.

When was the last time he had a family?

He thought of Yue Qingyuan, but he shook his head.

No, that was never a real family.

Family doesn't lie.

"Father!" Luo Binghe said, distracting him from his thoughts. "Come and sing with us!"

Shen Qingqiu stepped into the room and joined Shen Yuan's song, as the children stopped and watched in awe.

Their voices mixed, Shen Yuan's soft and calming voice with Shen Qingqiu's own firm and strong tones.

The song ended and Shen Yuan tucked them in, whispering good nights as they exchanged soft words of endearment.

Shen Qingqiu's heart warmed as the children turned sleepy, expectant gazes at him, and said instantaneously, "Good night, father."

"Good night, my children."

As Shen Qingqiu sat on the bed, staring at his lover, the man turned.

"Any requests, my lord?" Shen Yuan asked.

Shen Qingqiu paused, but then he felt nostalgic.

"I want to see the first dance you showed me, those fifteen years ago."

"Eh? Well, anything for my husband."

Shen Yuan lifted his hands, and prepared for the dance.

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu waved his fan, as he sat in the main entertainment area, where the stage was being prepared.

Eight ladies stood with their hands raised, dressed in silk greens with jade crowns on their heads. Liu Rushi sat by the side, pretending she wasn't looking while dressed in men's clothes. 

There were murmurs at her appearance.

The Eight Beauties of Qinhuai (though they were one down with Liu Rushi on stage) chittered and giggled around him, sitting close as one leaned in his ear and said, "Yuan-er will be performing. Please see how hard he has been practicing."

Shen Qingqiu nodded, as the music started and the eight women began to dance.

They danced to the music, delicate and practiced, with their sleeves swishing and their movements graceful.

Shen Qingqiu strained to find Shen Yuan, but the boy wasn't any of the eight dancing.

The music began to slow, before there were several chimes.

And then the eight women split and Liu Rushi moved away, just as the screen behind them rose, revealing another person, dressed in white and pale rose.

They had crimson wings painted on their eyelids, and a crown on their head, with their black hair tied up.

They twirled, dancing on their toes before they finished with the splits, and then stood up to start dancing again.

Shen Qingqiu's mouth dropped as he realized that it was Shen Yuan dancing.

Shen Yuan cast a meaningful look at Shen Qingqiu and then his sleeves snapped out, his palms releasing the bundled up cloth as the music stopped from its peaceful tunes to a more dramatic tune.

Shen Yuan twirled, and four men cartwheeled in, carrying drums.

Shen Yuan danced between them, with them spinning in circles around his moving form before one of the men picked him up and swung him in an elegant arch.

He twirled between each drum, before there were some acrobatics and then he was hoisted onto shoulders.

Shen Qingqiu could only gape.

Liu Rushi joined them, still in her gentlemanly attire.

One of the Eight Beauties smirked, and whispered behind a sleeve, "Beautiful, no?"

"Yes, he is." Shen Qingqiu said absently.

She snickered. "I meant the dance, my lord."

He resisted the urge to whap her on the head with his fan.

Shen Yuan moved and twisted as the men went back to the circle around him, kicking their legs and rolling on the ground in a mimicry of worship.

The other eight dancers from before came back, dancing behind him in a line, swaying.

It was going to be over soon.

The men stilled in a kowtow position as Shen Yuan finished the dance, spun widely and then flicked his arms out before lowering them slowly.

The music slowed to its earlier calm, and then the show ended with each dancer but Shen Yuan slowly and smoothly moving out.

Shen Yuan finished it with a twirl and then it was over.

Shen Yuan came back three minutes later, with a smile.

"How was it?"

The girls cooed and cheered as they showered praise over Shen Yuan's performance.

Shen Yuan smiled. 

Up close, you could see the red wings that highlighted his peach blossom eyes. 

He had thin plum blossoms drawn over his forehead,  pink rouge over his cheekbones and over his brows and cheeks. 

Little pieces of gold and jade flakes dotted each flower, making his face look like an exotic painting.

His lips were painted, red and like cherries.

Shen Qingqiu ignored the lust burning up in him at the sight of Shen Yuan, dressed in white and looking like a sweet maiden.

"Your performance was wonderful. You have learned a lot since the time I have been gone." He said in a uncaring tone.

But even with that, Shen Yuan beamed. "That's good! Maybe someday, I can dance more for you!"

Shen Qingqiu couldn't stop the awe in his face. He quickly masked it with his fan as the Eight Beauties of Qinhuai giggled.

Shen Yuan gave another cheerful smile, before another show began.

Shen Yuan sat besides him, their chairs close. 

Shen Qingqiu mentally cursed.

Why was he so vulnerable?

Why did Shen Yuan bring his walls down so fast?

Shen Qingqiu made a noise and then snapped his fan shut.

"Shen Qingqiu, do you want some tanghulu? I'll ask for some if you want——"

"No need." He snapped.

Familiar with the acid that burned at his throat as he spat them out, he began the practiced sayings.

He hardened his heart.

"Why do you sit like that? Sit properly! Why do you look at this master so reverently? Have some shame!" He snarled.

Shen Yuan blinked, sitting up and fixing his hands in his lap.

He continued to stare in bewilderment.

Shen Qingqiu coldly looked at Shen Yuan.

Did that work?

He needed to create distance before Shen Yuan got too close to him.

Shen Yuan blinked again, then looked down at his knees.

"This one apologizes. He should've realized that a lowly one like this one shouldn't be talking to a Lord so casually." His voice had a sharp edge to it.

He made himself smaller, curling up on himself.

Guilt made him hesitate.

No, dammit!

Let him wallow in his pitiful feelings!

Don't let him get to you.

Shen Qingqiu sighed, and snapped open his fan. "I-I'm sorry.... I'm not feeling pleasant at the moment."

Shen Yuan picked up his head from his lowered position. His eyes were bright in anger.

"Yes," Shen Yuan agreed, "you're certainly not pleasant at this moment."

Shen Qingqiu leveled a glare at Shen Yuan, who glanced at him, held the stare, but then looked away.

Dammit, dammit, dammit, dammit!! Damn it all!

Why did he feel sympathy for him?

Why did he care? 

He had planned to rid himself of Shen Yuan's presence!

'He's changing me.' He thought. 'I'm softening. I can't. I put up these walls for a reason.'

Shen Qingqiu stood up, huffing. "Xie Zan, I will be retiring. Send one of your best courtesans."

Shen Yuan bristled suddenly. "Eh? Why would you need to call another girl?"

"Oh?" Shen Qingqiu said in a mocking tone. "You think you can please this master?"

"I already have, haven't I?" Shen Yuan snarked.

Adorable.

That was what was racing through Shen Qingqiu's mind.

The tense atmosphere felt like it had intensified. Shen Yuan was challenging him, his gaze stern and judging.

Shen Yuan stood up as well, his chin raised defiantly at Shen Qingqiu's direction.

Xie Zan looked rather amused, though her calm facade was betrayed by the twitch of her fingers.

"Xie Zan." He spoke firmly without looking in her direction. "I will be the courtesan that will be entertaining Peak Lord Shen tonight."

"Well... I can't say no now, can I?"

"No."

Shen Yuan crossed his arms, and muttered something under his breath.

He picked up his things, brushing past Shen Qingqiu with a huff.

Shen Qingqiu moved into a bedroom, where he sat waiting for Shen Yuan. He busied himself with meditating before he heard the soft patterns of feet coming towards the door.

Shen Qingqiu hid his expression behind his fan as he watched Shen Yuan prepared the guqin.

Shen Yuan was quiet, his expression serene, his dainty fingers poised over his instrument until he was ready to play.

He plucked a string. Then three, then several as lovely music began to stream through the room.

Shen Qingqiu calmed. The same drowsy fog spread over his mind and he relaxed onto the bed, his bones feeling like mush.

Each note felt like a balm to his soul.

He drank in the music like a parched man drinking ambrosia.

Shen Qingqiu couldn't even tell you his name if you had asked him right now.

Shen Yuan finished the song and was shocked to find Shen Qingqiu, asleep on the bed.

Shen Qingqiu woke up to the smell of jian bing. Shen Yuan looked refreshed, and he opened the windows after placing the dish down.

"Are you feeling alright?" He asked.

"Better than yesterday." Shen Qingqiu answered, sitting up as he took note of his sleeping robes.

His throat was scratchy and rough with sleep. Shen Yuan silently handed him a glass of water, before putting his hands on his hips.

Shen Qingqiu is reminded of a wife.

Shen Yuan huffed, placing the dish into his lap. The warm food soaked Shen Qingqiu's leg with heat.

"Good. By gods, you were rude last night! I don't know what was happening, but I tried not to say anything. It's good you're feeling more like yourself now though." Shen Yuan said.

Did he assume Shen Qingqiu's self was kind?

How laughable.

Shen Qingqiu swallowed down the crepes. "Apologies."

Shen Yuan waved his hands. 

"No need. You were probably just irritated. It's my fault for getting angry over you having a bad day." 

After saying that however, Shen Yuan gave a small pout. "Though I thought my dance would've been sufficient enough to cheer you up...."

He glanced at him. "You did like it though, right?"

"I did." Shen Qingqiu answered.

He just woke up, give him a break!

This much cuteness will kill him!

Shen Qingqiu knew that yesterday, he acted irrationally.

This was the first time his heart had began to open up.

It was terrifying.

He didn't like it.

He didn't want to open up.

The last time he did, he trusted and was betrayed, left forgotten in the dirt like an old broken toy.

He never wanted to feel like that again.

Shen Yuan picked up his finished plate and said, "Well, it's si shi (a/n: that means 9 am), so if you have anything to do, you should do it now."

Shen Qingqiu gave a start, and then got out of bed. His clothes were put in a neat stack on a chair.

He dressed quickly as Shen Yuan left the room.

When he finally looked presentable, he left as well.

Shen Yuan was chatting with Li Xiangjun, who nodded and said something to him before they both bowed to him as he left.

Shen Qingqiu is struck with the sudden thought that Shen Yuan was becoming a courtesan.

Well, no matter.

Shen Qingqiu went back to his peak, and as he sat with the children, his lips curled in distaste.

He completed his two hours of teaching before he went around the peak to check up on the older students.

"Shifu! Shifu, I need help with this thing!"

"Shifu, Shifu, Mo Fan took all of the cultivation scrolls again!"

"Shifu, she won't tell me where we keep the extra items are!"

"Shifu, where do I put this?"

Shifu this, Shifu that, don't you children have brains?!

Shen Qingqiu maintained his uninterested and annoyed expression behind his beloved fan.

Without it, he'd probably go on a damn rampage!!

He turned when he sensed someone come.

Liu Qingge strode over to him, his eyes filled with hatred.

Shen Qingqiu wasn't much different either.

He forced a blank expression onto his face, though it was failing fast.

"Ah, Liu-shidi, what do you need from this shixong?" He said in a strained tone.

"Shen Qingqiu! Where have you been? You've been absent yesterday, and this morning, you weren't in your bed! Where have you been?" The brute roared.

'Filth.' Shen Qingqiu thought to himself, his fan moving lazily.

"Well, that's not any of your business, is it?"

"It is if you should be taking care of your sect!" The beast snapped. "Were you going to your damn brothels again? Always frolicking with women, you stain Cang Qiong Mountain's name!”

“Bai Zhan dogs like you should stop sticking your noses into other people’s business.” Shen Qingqiu snapped, his eyes hard. “And the fact that you knew I wasn’t in my bed could only mean you were watching me. What sick pervert does that?”

Liu Qingge grew flustered, struggling to find a retort. 

Shen Qingqiu took advantage of that.

“Oh? Nothing to say? And to think you were so eager to throw around accusations.”

An ugly, lovely feeling bloomed inside of him.

He was winning and it was glorious.Qa

Shen Qingqiu could feel the moment Liu Qingge’s poor restraint snapped.

However, none of them were eager to be the first to take out their sword. Especially if it meant that the other would have a higher chance of being seen as ‘the victim’.

Their hands rested on the hilts of their sword, ready to fight before there was a loud shout.

“Enough!”

Yue Qingyuan had entered the scene.