Chapter Text
In his earlier years roaming streets for scrabs of food and being a thief on the streets, Shen Jiu realized that alcohol was a weakness many people had.
In fact it was the weakness those had, that he could easily prey on, being nothing but a small and weak child. Thus he had decided on the tender age of 4 years old, that alcohol was something that would not only make people weak, but also haven them be weak enough to be killed without much effort needed.
Needless to say, he then swore to himself to never lower himself to such things.
It was pricey and not good for him anyways, the fact that the male members of the Qiu household often decided to have a long drink before calling him over didn't help either.
In fact it only lowered his tolerance towards anyone drunk.
Bearing this whole sentiment in mind, he cursed himself internally after he had downed the cup of strong liquor one of Luo Binghes wives had given him at a grand banquet that was held. A shudder went down his spine as the alcohol burned his throat. In fact he hadn't known it was alcohol he had been given, now that he thought about it, wasn't he supposed to not be served any regardless?
An aggrieved scowl left him as he adjusted his posture, snapping open his fan to cover his face as he felt his well trained smile lower down into a distasteful one.
If she was going to give him alcohol, couldn't she have given him at least one that tasted good?!
He fanned himself a few times, trying to get over the bitter aftertaste in his mouth. Eyes wandering to the assortments of sweets in front of him, which he couldn't grab. It would absolutely give him away.
After eyeing the delicious treats and almost painfully having to avert his gaze from them, he met the eyes of the women that had filled his cup. Lowering his fan a beautifully fake smile graced his lips once again. “Ah, dear wife...? Ah I can't tell.”, a sharp glint in his eyes gave away his discontent, in fact he wasn't even trying to be rude but how in the world did anyone expect him to remember all the names of these worthless side characters, “Quite a poor taste this one had, Lord Luo should give not only his assortment of wives a better look, ne?”
Oh.
Was this considered a slip up yet? He continued to fan himself as he delightfully watched the womans face grow red in anger. He had always had a loose tongue, so people around him should be aware, no? In fact he had been not just a guest but an resident of the mansion for many years now, so in fact everyone very much had to be aware of it.
If not, well maybe they should just move out instead. He wouldn't mind.
In fact yes, hoe about this women just moved her ass away from him this instant. He was in a bad mood and one of the reasons for that was sitting at the end of the table, having numerous women swooning over him. Almost as if feeling the young mans piercing glare on him, the man in his dark robes held up his cup filled to the brim with strong and rich alcohol, a suggestive smirk on his lips.
Shen Jiu simply gave him a snort, almost dismissively raising his own cup to the toast and downing another gulp of strong liquid.
Oh, this one was sweet.
He gave his lips a small lick, feeling the lingering sweet aftertaste in his mouth. Another nonchalant glance towards the wives around him, tipping his fan on the table in an almost fashionable manner.
“See? There's some good alcohol here aswell. At least this one wouldn't have anyone wish to spit it out as soon as it was tasted.”, his almost cynical smile made the woman he had already enraged begin to fume again, “My, my, dear wife- ah I still don't really remember? But please, don't enlighten me, I don't dare say I care. But in any case I was only talking about the drink, why are you reacting like I shamed your body?” Light giggles echoes around him, making Shen Jiu snap open his fan again.
Oh he felt good.
As if he had asked for it, his cup was once again filled to the brim. Side eyeing one of the other wives around him he gave a nonchalant smile before downing the cup in one go.
It was only a few hours later Shen Jiu realized, yes, alcohol could taste quite good.
But also yes, it would make anyone an idiot.
He fanned himself steadily, holding his noble posture while his mind went dizzy. Was it always like this? Ah, these godforsaken wives Luo Binghe had chosen! Quality over quantity! Ah! He would absolutely love to just whack them all with his fan, but no, nono his fan was too good for this.
The women around him all were giggling restlessly, not uncommon for the grand banquets Lord Luo Binghe would occasionally hold for his household. In fact, now that he thought about it, why exactly was he placed among all these low level wives?!
For all Shen Jiu was concerned with, he was absolutely on par with any of the main wives this man could have! Pah! Far superior for all he cared, after all he did not wait for Luo Binghe thirsting in his bedchamber! Or wait, was that actually a bad thing?
He began to fan himself a little more vigorously. Ah, it was really hot in here, wasn't it?
Unconsciously his gaze went back to Luo Binghe, who was still conversing with some of his wives. Shen Jiu felt his brows furrow. How come he hadn't received any attention this evening?! Sure sure, Lord Luo was giving him more than special treatment, had he learnt anything of it was manners, cultivation or truly anything else from him, but still. He deserved some attention didn't he?! Just as he was thinking that he saw the man rise from his spot, giving him a glance and then-
Leaving the banquet?!
HA?! His brows knit even tighter, making it almost impossible for him to hide his frustration with his fan alone. Just as he was thinking about a few more or less rude complaints in his head he felt a small tap on his shoulder.
Looking over he gazed into the eyes of Sha Hualing, who was giving a bemused stare.
“Is our small A-Jiu hot? Or why does he fan himself so much?”, the tone she used was soft, filled to the brim with mockery she hadn't dared to use with the Lord present, but to her surprise Shen Jiu just waved his fan at her for a quite powerful blow of air that made the small chains on her wrist give a quiet twinkling sound.
“Ah, Miss Sha, not everyone can just freely cloth like someone I would have to pay money for at a whorehouse”, his snide remark was meat with absolute silence of the room, before he continued, “But I do appreciate the sentiment. I just hope you understand, I wouldn't like to be asked by someone who doesn't comprehend how to wear clothes, if mine were too hot. I doubt we'd be able to speak on this topic on an eye to eye level, no?”
Without waiting for her answer the young man shot up from his seat, fighting the feeling of dizziness spurred by the abrupt movement paired with the few cups of liquor he had downed before. Ah, what a vicious drink!
After giving a slight bow he left the hall, ignoring any sort of comments or attempts of that demonic wife to rebuke his words. Ah, really! Who even had time to listen to this hardly dressed woman!
As Shen Jiu walked down one of the many corridors of the mansion, he abruptly stopped in his tracks. He felt the alcohol almost enhancing the way he was perceiving his surroundings, and with that in mind he couldn't help but slamming open a door to his left while passing by.
The shocked gasp of a young woman playing the quin could be heard, stopping her music the second she was startled by the sudden movement of the door.
“Ah.”, Shen Jiu squinted his eyes at her motionless form, “So you are alive and well? I could swear I just heard something die in this room!” With this being said he threw the door shut again, continuing down the hallway, muttering silent curses.
Ah! He had always thought men were the enemy. But now that he was getting acquainted with all these women trying to be graceful and practice the arts he realized, if men were his biggest enemy, then women were the biggest enemy of any artform he enjoyed!
Just as he had finished this thought, the sound of singing was heard right next to him behind another door. Without hesitation Shen Jiu slammed this one open aswell. “You are supposed to sing, not scream like you're about to rip your throat out!”
-
It was around midnight, when Shen Jiu finally got to settle down a little.
It wasn't in his room, no in fact it was quite fare away from his room, but looking at the spacious courtyard in front of him, a satisfied sight escaped his lips. He was still fanning himself lightly, enjoying the cold breeze rustling through the planted bushes and trees.
It was still quite baffling to him, to see such greenery in the demon realm. Or no it was kind of both realms, no? He had heard bits here and there but was well aware that the lord was keeping pieces from him, waiting for the boy to settle in. Well for years.
By now he was almost aware Luo Binghe had no intentions to ever roam outside freely, let it be him being afraid of his disciple getting hurt – which sounded so out of character, the thought alone made Shen Jiu almost burst out laughing in his tipsy state – or simply the usual possessiveness one could imagine the owner of a harem this big to express.
Ah well, the first option was out of the question. But this realization alone made him increase of strength he put into his fanning. If anyone could see him at this moment, they would see an almost childish pout in the young mans face.
If he was this possessive, how come he hadn't even talked to him today! His Shizun usually showered him in affection, so being denied this privilege made the young man almost give an angry scoff.
Rude!
Just as he was about to give a loud exclamation of his dissatisfaction with the current turn of events, Shen Jiu heard two pairs of light steps behind him. Almost instantly he fell back into his usual role, slowing down his fan, posture straight, only the hidden wetness of his eyes could give the still very much tipsiness he felt running through his body. He really shouldn't drink anymore. It made his tongue a lot more loose than it already was.
He gave a nonchalant glance over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow at the approaching Liu Mingyan and Ning Yingying, two of Luo Binghes most prominent wives. The prior for her status, the latter for amount of doting she received.
“Young Master Shen, I heard you were giving some of the servants a hard time?”, the slightly older of the two gave him a graceful nod, her veil covering her features as always, “We thought it might be best to check on you.” Ning Yingying next to her gave him a few curious glances, while also nodding to him politely.
He returned the greeting with a nod aswell, too lazy to stand up and bow out of formalty. He was really not in the mood, at least not after having to correct almost all of Luo Binghes many wives trying to perform some sort of arts. Or whatever they were trying to do, maybe summon a demon. At least most of it had sounded that way. Ah, but he would admit, if he were to be a demon he might rather slaughter them upon arrival rather than see what he was called for, if he was called upon in such disgraceful manners.
Shen Jiu shook his head slightly. No, nono. He was thinking too much about things like this, stupid alcohol.
“No need to check on this humble one.”, he gave his usual smile behind his fan, “I was merely feeling their arts as lacking and decided to help them improve.” To his words, Ning Yingying gave a small giggle, giving him the same curious glance she had welcomed him with. “Young Master Shen truly is quite strict with his advices.”, her voice was soft, not giving Shen Jiu the irritating feeling most of the other wives gave him, “Ning Yingying would like him to give her some advice aswell, if there ever is time.”
The young man gave her a scrutinizing glance, standing up the next moment, just to take a few steps closer to the two women. He stopped a little distance before them, tapping his fan against his chin. Ning Yingying almost tensed up for a second as she felt his harsh gaze over her body, looking to Liu Mingyan next to her.
Before she even realized, she suddenly felt a small pat on her head, a hand ruffling through her hair and most certainly ruining whatever she had done with it.
“Ah, well you're fine, I guess.”, his tone of voice was a little softer than usual, making the young boy slap himself mentally. Stupid alcohol.
As the girl whose hair her just now ruined quite badly first looked at him, and then back to Liu Mingyan again, the other simply let out a lighthearted giggle.
“I see Young Master Shen is not that harsh if it is not deserved?”, her eyes turned crescent, making Shen Jiu aware of the smile she must be wearing beneath her veil.
“Ah well, while I'm on it, you might aswell take of that piece of fabric, it's quite rude to never show your face to anyone, wouldn't you agree?”, truthfully, he had always been a little interested in the face underneath, he just felt it might be giving quite a wrong impression to ask. Well if he was acting out of line tonight, he might aswell. He decided, if anyone were to ask him about his unruly manners, alcohol might be the perfect lamb to blame this on.
Liu Mingyan had never really considered showing her face to anyone she wasn't well acquainted with, but seeing the young boy her husband had picked up - and was teaching quite tenderly she might add – pat one of her dearest companions in the very much ruthless harem, she decided he probably wasn't too bad.
Truthfully speaking, she still held a personal grudge towards the Shen Qingqiu this world had harbored but after years of resentment, she had come to the conclusion of whatever had happened back in the caves her brother died in, it was simply something she could never truly unravel. And she much rather felt joy than hate towards someone that was already gone. So when Luo Binghe had brought this version of her former Shibo into his estate, she had first been a little troubled, but soon realized he was simply a cat. Yes, Shen Jiu was quite literally a cat in all of his traits, and seeing him this way, she was almost sure the Shen Qingqiu she had known had also been one. This was even more proven when Ning Yingying sometimes told tales of her former Shizuns and how his teachings had always had a snarky remark ready for anyone that did not succeed in them.
Bearing all this in mind, she felt relaxed when she undid her veil and gave the young boy a brilliant smile.
“Oh wow, you should really stop wearing that thing. In this sea of... utter misfortune for the eyes at least you look presentable.”, Shen Jius words almost made her laugh, but she could hold her demeanor well, at least much better than Ning Yingying next to her, who simply started to giggle again.
“Really though, keep it off.”, the young man gave a dismissive move of his fan, “If Lord Luo sees this more often, he'd might start going for quality rather than quantity.” He paused again, looking thoughtful for a second, “Ah right, I'll be taking my leave, I have to speak a word to Shizun.” Without waiting for a reply, he walked off, grazefully, but to Liu Mingyans amusement unable to cover up the light swaying his body couldn't control with each step.
“A-Ming, am I a dog?”, after the young man was out of sight, Ning Yinying next to her looked at her with a pleasant expression on her face while trying to get her hair back into a presentable shape. “Well surely as adorable as a puppy.”, the young woman was now unable to hold back a small giggle.
-
It was well past midnight, when Luo Binghe heard a loud knocking on his door.
Just a simple glance could tell him who it was, and his oppressive demeanor about being disturbed at this hour, turned into pleasant surprise.
“A-Jui, come in.”, his voice sounded deep, a slight sluggishness in it, as he put away the documents he had just been checking. Really a pleasant surprise.
Without waiting a second longer the door was opened loudly, but surprising enough still in an oddly graceful manner.
“Shizun, this disciple has come around to ask a few questions.”, Shen Jius soft voice aswell stood in a stark contrast to the way he had just almost thrashed the door open. “Ask”, Luo Binghe took in a small breath as he appreciated his disciples silhouette in the dim moonlight shimmering through the door. “Ah, well, first of all this disciple would like to ask Shizun why he hasn't educated his wives in a manner presentable to him.”, there was an awkward pause, as Luo Binghe did his best to suppress an amused expression flowering on his face, “This disciple had decided to correct their errors in-”, another short pause, as the younger one was most defenitely trying to find a way to word his sentence correctly without offending anyone involved, “all sorts of arts.” Ah, the thought of not offending had been thrown out the window as he could tell.
Luo Binghes answer was a simple shrug, he was well aware those wives had more or less just been collected on the way, he hadn't paid them much attention when it came to practicing arts, unless they had caught his eye with those. But this nonverbal response made the other simply furrow his brows, stepping a little closer.
“Shizun, this disciple is quite concerned over your-”, again the effort to look for a polite way of asking had been thrown off, as Luo Binge could tell the other had drunk, and the alcohol was surely meddling with his usual way of picking words for the better, “Shizun has really shit taste in women.”
Oof.
Even Shen Jiu realized his more or less major slip up in character, he fumbled up his fan, covering his face, as he gave a nervous laugh. “Ah, this disciple means Shizun is such a handsome man, he should be more picky with his wives?”, he began to fan himself rapidly to Luo Binghes amusement, “Shizun is quite manly. Very much so, so he should be more picky!”
“So this disciple thinks his Shizun to be quite handsome and manly?”, by the time these words had left his lips, Luo Binghe was unable to repress the satisfied smile on his lips.
But much to his disappointment, the moment he had finished saying it, the fan in Sen Jius hand snapped close, the boy looking almost panicked as a slight flush sprang onto his cheeks.
“Disciple wishes Shizun a good night!”, as fast as the other one had come, he had left again, giving the other a deep bow before running away fast but also extremely graceful.
-
The next morning, Shen Jiu woke up with a splitting headache.
He was painfully aware of everything that had happened the night before.
So he was this kind of drunk? Absolutely aware but also absolutely unable to control himself?!
Ah! He would scream if his head wasn't hurting this much!
He faint blush crept over his cheeks, ears and neck as he remember the more than odd compliment he had given his Shizun the night before.
Ah, no alcohol.
Never.
Ever.
Again.