Chapter Text
The Bamboo House deserves its reputation for being known as quiet and serene. 'Luo Binghe' stood over Shen Qingqiu's bed, watching the man sleep. It's been so long, so very, very, long.
'Luo Binghe' held Shen Qingqiu's hand in his own, taking special care to keep Shen Qingqiu asleep. He held Shen Qingqiu's hand to his mouth, reverently breathing on it. "Hah. . .hehe. . ."
"A-Xiu, A-Xiu," He mumbled, all while rubbing his face against that hand. He kissed it and gently rubbed the owner's face gently.
'Xiu Ya, I've missed you so much.'
To hold that hand again, he would do anything.
Shen Qingqiu was very lucky that there wasn't too much of a political issue, he really is grateful for Yue-Shixiong's help. But that doesn't make him resent Xiao Gongzhu any less and by association, her father because he kept trying to downplay the situation.
There's just something very off about him that makes Shen Qingqiu want to take a bath. The Old Palace Master is very gross.
"Binghe, what do you think about Huan Hua's Palace Master?" Shen Qingqiu asks.
He trusts Luo Binghe's judgment. The boy is strong and reliable, someone you can see as a natural-born leader. Shen Qingqiu can tell that Luo Binghe is always looking out for him. (He appreciates his gestures, but he's the teacher, not Binghe. So he should be protecting Binghe, not the other way around.)
Luo Binghe stills, eyes darkening for just a split moment. Then he smiled charmingly at Shen Qingqiu and poured a cup of tea for him.
"He's a piece of shit," Luo Binghe says.
Shen Qingqiu was shocked because this was the first time he's seen his disciple make such an expression. Luo Binghe pushed the tea towards him.
"If I could, I would make it so that he never existed."
"Binghe...holds a deep grudge against the Old Palace Master."
"Shizun doesn't have to worry about it."
Of course he would hold a grudge against that bastard. He's a manipulative geezer who should have never been born. A disgusting piece of shit who lusted after his disciple and even her son. It's no wonder that Luo Binghe wants him dead. The first time he found out about the Old Palace Master harboring desires for him and what he did to his parents, he cut off his limbs and fed them to him. It was deserved, unlike what he did to his Shizun.
The old creep's favoritism was useful at first. Luo Binghe didn't even see anything wrong with it until he took Meng Mo's advice. He trusted the Old Palace Master because he supported him with his unfilial goal of convicting Shen Qingqiu. Hell, it was thanks to that rigged trial that he was able to win in the first place.
"Shizun, may this disciple ask a question?"
"Of course."
Luo Binghe hesitated, unsure of how he would react if Shen Qingqiu responded with something he doesn't like.
"If...if this disciple did something very bad, would Shizun forgive him?"
Shen Qingqiu pondered. Ah, how should he respond? He doesn't think Luo Binghe could commit any acts of evil that would be deemed unforgivable. Binghe is a good boy, one who can be trusted.
"I suppose I can forgive my disciple if the crime wasn't too bad."
"What if the crime is something unforgivable? What if I hurt someone who is really precious to me?"
"Is Binghe sorry?" Shen Qingqiu asks.
"Binghe wants to cut his throat every time he remembers," Luo Binghe responds while staring down at his hands.
"Please don't do that, I would be very sad."
"Apologies, Shizun."
Shen Qingqiu moved on back to their previous topic. Perhaps he is just biased because Luo Binghe is one of his favorite disciples. Shen Qingqiu moves to pat Luo Binghe on the head, tracing his hairline in familiar movements he knows will calm the boy down. (He used to do this for another boy, he thinks. One who wasn't much older than he was but they were all they had.)
"Is the person happy now?" He asks.
"Happier than I've ever seen him," Luo Binghe replies.
"Then I think Binghe can forgive himself. I would," Shen Qingqiu says.
The disciples of Qing Jing Peak were not happy when they learned about what happened at Huan Hua Palace. Even worse, they found out through those brainless muscle-heads of Bai Zhan Peak!
Shizun, did you not trust us enough to tell us!
Apparently, Liu Qingge was training (ie beating up) his disciples but none of them were strong enough to pose a proper match for him even when they came from all angles so he was absentmindedly cursing out Huan Hua Palace and accidentally brought up Xiao Gongzhu and Shen Qingqiu's incident. Needless to say, those muscle-heads took the information and ran with it.
They made up rumors about how Huan Hua's precious little mistress couldn't stand Cang Qiong's own precious little princess and tried to confront the amnesiac Shen Qingqiu. One outrageous rumor said that Shen Qingqiu seduced Huan Hua's head disciple through a mere conversation. Another outrageous rumor was Yue Qingyuan threatening Huan Hua into silence.
The Qing Jing disciples spat blood for days on end when they heard about Gongyi Xiao possibly coming to Qing Jing Peak. They didn't doubt their Zhangmen--Shibo threatening the Old Palace Master. It was coming to him anyway. But Gongyi Xiao can't be allowed on Qing Jing Peak!
For one thing, he's an outsider! From Huan Hua Palace no less!
The last disciple that was accepted onto Qing Jing Peak was Luo Binghe. Luo Binghe is a menace who hid behind a mask of an 'innocent eager to please' disciple. Gongyi Xiao's reputation was too similar to the mask Luo Binghe used. He's the genius reliable prodigy. Who knows what kind of wolf hid behind that sheepskin? No way would they let their darling Shizun around someone like that!
For the following days, every disciple on Qing Jing Peak made an unspoken vow to stick as close as possible to Shen Qingqiu. They're not going to let any unsavory people near their Shizun!
"Shizun, I made a hair ornament out of the leftover pieces from my previous project!"
"This disciple brought a new book and would like to share it with you."
"Shizun, my mother sent me a care package last week. Would you like some candy?"
Shen Qingqiu answered each of his disciples' vying with his own comments and promises. He misses this, seeing the growth of his disciples in his own eyes. They may be growing into young men and women, but they're still so young. It's nice to see young children really act their age.
He's been teaching a painting lesson in place of Lu Hanshang since he was out on a mission. He remembered the other man as a helpful martial brother who taught him about the layout of the twelve peaks and what peaks he should avoid. Shen Qingqiu should have just listened to the advice of his students and Lu Hanshang. Qi Qingqi is so weird.
Relearning the arts did not take as long as Shen Qingqiu thought it would. It must be the muscle memory that was ingrained into him from practicing his crafts for decades. When Yue Qingyuan told him his age, he was shocked. Shen Qingqiu had seen how he looked in the mirror but his actual age was almost three times what he looked like!
Shen Qingqiu's been painting his own little side project while teaching his students. They're good at capturing the vibes of the scenery. Ming Fan could do better as Head Disciple but he's getting it. Ning Yingying is pretty good at it but compared to most of her martial sisters, she's a bit lacking. It's alright though, Ning Yingying is very diligent when she wants to be so she could bridge the gap with some encouragement. Should he host a remedial class for anyone who needs private lessons?
Sure, it might cut in on his private time but Binghe will understand. Luo Binghe is probably at the age where he wants more privacy.
Shen Qingqiu didn't mind his students talking while working. As long as they stayed on track and it doesn't interfere with their progress, he won't keep them silent.
"Shizun, your painting is beautiful," Bai Rong commented in awe. She couldn't help but feel jealous of Shen Qingqiu's skills. Even though he lost his memories, he can still paint such beautifully realistic paintings.
"It's a gift for your Zhangmen-Shibo," Shen Qingqiu says.
Zhangmen-Shibo?
Bai Rong abandoned her painting in favor of badgering her Shizun for more information.
Unlike some of her other martial siblings, she's on Zhangmen-Shibo's side. The relationship between Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan is so mysterious, they clearly had a past together. Probably childhood friends or spurned lovers! Either way, it's right up Bai Rong's tastes.
Yue Qingyuan's guilty look, overindulgence, and thinly veiled possessiveness are all so wonderful!
"Zhangmen-Shibo is going to be so happy to receive it!" Bai Rong said. Her face was positively glowing, she even scooted over to get a closer look.
Shen Qingqiu tilted his head in a 'oh?' kind of way. Bai Rong could easily see why Zhangmen-Shibo is so infatuated with her Shizun. Everything he does always carries some kind of reserved grace that's unlike any other.
"I certainly hope so. Yue-Shixiong is always giving me so much so I want to give him something in return."
That was so cute!
The way her Shizun hid his smile like a playful courtesan, or a young mistress preparing a gift for her beloved, it was just so cute!
Knowing their Sect Leader, Zhangmen-Shibo will frame in some kind of Hall of Shen Qingqiu.
Honestly, she doesn't know why Yue Qingyuan didn't make a move on Shen Qingqiu sooner. Only some biased blind idiot wouldn't be able to see Shen Qingqiu's own forlorn glances at Yue Qingyuan. Seriously, do people just forget that Shen Qingqiu is one of the world's most famous scholars? Shen Qingqiu rarely sold his art but even a single painting or a poetry recital can cost up to a small fortune. If Shen Qingqiu truly hated Yue Qingyuan, he could have just up and left whenever he wanted. After all, he could easily provide for himself.
Ning Yingying butted in with her own opinion along with Li Yuxin.
"Is Shizun going to prepare a gift for Liu-Shishu too?" Li Yuxin asked excitedly.
"A-Luo deserves a special memento from Shizun too!" Ning Yingying said.
Bai Rong pouted.
She supported Zhangmen-Shibo's courtship because it's been going on for decades and he was the first one to stand by Shizun's side when he lost his memories. Why couldn't her martial sisters see the obvious choice that is Yue Qingyuan?
"Should I make something for them as well?"
"Of course!" Li Yuxin agreed.
She's on Liu-Shishu's side. Sure, Yue Qingyuan has the mysterious past with Shen Qingqiu but Liu Qingge has a history with Shen Qingqiu too! They have a rivalry spanning several decades and it's always been Liu-Shishu provoking their Shizun. She doesn't approve of Liu Qingge's gorilla behavior towards Shen Qingqiu but he's learning to be more sweet towards Shen Qingqiu (no matter how much he denies it)!
The relationship between Liu Qingge and Shen Qingqiu is like the Enemies-to-lovers trope!
It's not a 'rivalry' anymore if you're trying to provoke someone into paying attention to you for forty years!
The reasons why Liu Qingge is always hounding Shen Qingqiu could be applied to just about anyone else but he never stayed away from the scholar. And isn't that another plus in their relationship? Liu Qingge only has eyes for one person even though his upbringing can guarantee him a harem of all sorts of people.
Ning Yingying unceremoniously shoved her two martial sisters away with a huff.
"Doesn't A-Luo deserve a handmade gift from Shizun too?" Ning Yingying says.
"Shimei!" Came the scandalous gasps from the older girls.
Even though she's already suggested a gift for Luo Binghe, the girls didn't think Ning Yingying would be bold enough to repeat it again.
Ning Yingying smiled smugly at Li Yuxin and Bai Rong. Hmph, of course she would pick Luo Binghe. Even if she did have a crush on him in the past, she's not blind. She could see how much A-Luo cherishes and reveres their Shizun, the way he protects their Shizun by subtly getting rid of anything that may even slightly displease him.
Shen Qingqiu has a reputation of being an untouchable immortal and if he were a true immortal, Luo Binghe would undoubtedly be worshiping him without even expecting anything in return.
There's something attractive about a disciple pursuing a forbidden love despite how wrong it is. A-Luo always likes to act like a good boy just for Shen Qingqiu even though he can be so ruthless and cruel to anyone else.
Ning Yingying is a proud supporter of Luo Binghe's pursuit.
"I don't know what Qingge likes and Binghe likes anything I make so I don't know what to get him," Shen Qingqiu says. Other than fighting and being bad at words, there's not much else to know about Liu Qingge. It's hard to get anything for Luo Binghe when he enjoys everything that comes from Shen Qingqiu.
At least with Yue Qingyuan, he knows that his Shixiong likes his artistic talents. He's always praising him for his wonderful singing and dancing. Does Liu Qingge even like hanging around him? Is Binghe just hiding how he actually feels because he doesn't want to hurt his Shizun's feelings?
Mu Qingfang could tell something happened.
His Shixiong's visits lessened over time seeing as how the diagnostic for his qi deviation was complete but he still occasionally visited. For all the fuss Mu Qingfang put up about his greying hairs and blood pressure, he's genuinely glad that Shen Qingqiu takes the time out of his day to give him candy.
If Shen Qingqiu contracted something, Mu Qingfang would be happy to personally treat him. But after a quick checkup and reassurance from the man himself, Mu Qingfang concluded that his Shixiong was not injured or infected. That only worried Mu Qingfang even more. What could cause his Shixiong to fall into a sullen mood?
Just like the other times, Shen Qingqiu is curled up in the corner. It's as though that's his favorite spot in the healer's clinic. He should place some cushions and blankets there.
"Shixiong, please tell Qingfang if something is wrong," Mu Qingfang coaxes. He even brought tanghulu, Shen Qingqiu's favorite snack, to make him feel better.
But all Shen Qingqiu does in response is shake his head and bury his face further into the crook of his elbows.
"Won't Shixiong have some candied hawthorns? I prepared them just for you."
The scholar made no initiative to take the sweet but after a few more rounds of coaxing and sulking, Shen Qingqiu took a small bite.
It's good, very sweet and crunchy. He would have appreciated it more if his mind wasn't thinking of other things.
"Can Shixiong talk now?"
Shen Qingqiu thought about it, then shook his head. He pushed the tanghulu back towards Mu Qingfang only to have him push it back. "Shixiong can still eat it. It's for him after all."
Ah, Qingfang is so kind. Shen Qingqiu feels bad for intruding upon his Shidi's kindness. He's always accommodating him, giving him treats and letting him stay in his office despite being a very important doctor with lots of work to do.
Oh, that's right.
Mu Qingfang is a doctor, someone who is under oath. Shen Qingqiu knows that there are many 'funny' doctors who don't swear to confidentiality and won't hesitate to share private information with people their patients don't trust. But Mu Qingfang is different. He's supposed to be one of the world's most competent doctors, if not the most competent.
(He doesn't understand why he knows there are 'funny' doctors out there despite having never met one of those 'funny' doctors.)
Shen Qingqiu hesitantly tugs on Mu Qingfang's sleeve.
"Hm?"
Shen Qingqiu hesitates for a moment, then answers with, "I don't think Qingge and Binghe likes me very much."
"And why would Shixiong say that?" Mu Qingfang asks calmly. He'll have to find out who planted these horrible thoughts into his Shixiong's head.
"I...don't know Qingge or Binghe that well," Shen Qingqiu mumbles. "I don't think Qingge enjoys talking to me, he never says much. And Binghe is always trying to please me so I don't know if something I did hurt him or not."
His Shixiong is truly too sweet like this. Yes, Shen Qingqiu's way of thinking is valid. But Liu Qingge is by nature, not a social person. He's curt, blunt, and borderline rude at times. If Liu Qingge doesn't like something, he won't hesitate to make it known. As for Luo Binghe? Well, that boy is complicated, like a wolf pretending to be a sheep.
Mu Qingfang pities his Shixiong and his terrible luck of attracting difficult men.
"Shixiong has nothing to worry about. Rest assured, if something were to happen to you, those two will be the first to defend your honor," He says.
"Okay."
Happy that the scholar is at ease, Mu Qingfang is about to get back to filing his paperwork. They were mainly patient forums, nothing much, but a handful when piled up.
"But Qingfang isn't lying to me, right? Qingfang likes me too?"
WHY IS SHEN QINGQIU SO CUTE?
"Of course," Mu Qingfang replies, voice strained from an internal battle.
For Yue Qingyuan, a special painting of the tadpole rice paddies. Yue Qingyuan loved it and excessively praised him for his artwork.
For Liu Qingge, a sword tassel he personally carved. It depicted a snow tiger crouching. Shen Qingqiu had been overjoyed when he saw the tassel on Cheng Luan and the painting in Yue Qingyuan's private office.
Luo Binghe was a lot harder than he thought it would be. But in the end, he came up with an idea.
"What?" Luo Binghe says dumbly.
Shen Qingqiu nods.
"For the whole day, Binghe can tell me what to do and I will obey." It's a good gift idea considering how Luo Binghe is always obeying his orders. So why not change it up a bit?
Luo Binghe chuckled nervously. Dreaming up inappropriate scenarios of Shen Qingqiu is much different from having them play out in reality.
Shen Qingqiu is too trusting, unaware of the boundary that must be upheld between disciple and master. He doesn't know that there are horrible people out there who will see him and want to take advantage of his innocence.
His Shizun...had already paid off all their old grudges. So Luo Binghe must keep Shen Qingqiu happy and content, unsuspecting of the harsh life outside of Qing Jing Peak. Shizun already lost everything and more once so he deserves to have everything he didn't have before.
"Shizun, you shouldn't say these things so casually. If I were another disciple-"
Shen Qingqiu took Luo Binghe's hands and held them tightly. When did the boy he found in the woodshed grow up so big?
"I mean every word I said. Binghe does so much for me already, so I want to repay him."
If only Shen Qingqiu understood how Luo Binghe felt about those words. Luo Binghe was the one trying to repay Shen Qingqiu's kindness right now, not the other way around.
"Please, it wouldn't be fair if your Zhangmen-Shibo and Liu-Shishu got gifts but you didn't," Shen Qingqiu insisted.
Luo Binghe felt a vein bulge. How unfortunate that Liu Qingge is still alive. Luo Binghe is too young to stake a claim on Shen Qingqiu, he's not even strong enough to take Liu Qingge on in a fight much less Yue Qingyuan!
But just wait!
Once he's strong enough, he'll propose to Shen Qingqiu with the entire demon realm as his pride price!
"Shizun, can I lay on your lap?" Luo Binghe asks.
Yue Qingyuan smiled disdainfully at the innocent piece of paperwork on his desk. He wanted to cut it up into several tiny pieces and set it on fire.
"That perverted dog."
Liu Qingge paused in his hunt, mind elsewhere.
He stared at the carcass below him and wished it was the fluffy haired disciple of Qing Jing Peak.