Chapter Text
Three things happened after Luo Binghe's proposal. Should Shen Yuan call it a proposal?? Is it even a proposal??
Shen Yuan spends the next thirty minutes screaming into his pillow. He screams about the things he could not panic externally. The way the Emperor looked at him with soft half lidded eyes, his dazzling smile, his terrible jokes, his voice, how the Emperor was so nice, and honestly the list goes on–
Eventually Shen Yuan cools down and rolls on his back. He cups his cheeks, his face is a little warm. Shen Yuan thinks he must've looked really bad if he was sporting a tomato look the entire day.
–and then Shen Yuan remembers Luo Binghe's smile, the small blush speckled on his cheeks, eyes crinkling–
He screams again, but this time he forgets to muffle his face on his pillow. Without the pillow, Shen Yuan sounded like a dying cat gurgling on water.
Shen Yuan feels like burning, pressing his palms to his eyes, his lips stretches into a smile on their own accord and Shen Yuan really can't really control anything anymore.
He spends a few good minutes on his bed, once again questioning his life choices.
There was a knock on his door.
He ignores it and hopes for them to leave, he's emotionally drained to stand and interact with anyone right.
The knocking persists, fast paced, loud and becoming very annoying.
Shen Yuan groans, forcing himself to stand and drags his feet to the door, before he could even reach the knob, the doors open.
He barely avoids the door slamming into his person and knocking him to the cold hard floor. Luck was really not on his side today.
The perpetrator, or the person who gracefully slammed the door into his face, gasps. He briefly heard a tray being placed somewhere near by, plates and cups clicking.
"I'm so sorry Lord Shen! I didn't see you there!" A high pitched voice shouts to him and helps him stand up. She pulls him down to sit on a chair.
Shen Yuan blinks back the dizziness and sees his perpetrator.
"Ning Yingying?" He mumbles, because the world is too blurry for him right now. "What are you doing here?"
Ning Yingying is a former student of his brother who works here. He isn't sure what her job is. She's no servant though, and Shen Yuan doesn't know how to ask her without being offensive so he lets it remain a mystery.
"Shizun asked me to check on you," Ning Yingying says while checking Shen Yuan's head for any injuries, she breathes a sigh of relief, thankful that the door didn't leave a mark on Shen Yuan, because Ning Yingying really doesn't want to explain how Shizun's little brother injured himself.
"I'm really sorry about that, does anything hurt?" Shen Yuan snorts, pulling her hand away from his face.
"Aside from being dizzy," he says dryly. "Then, no." Ning Yingying hums and gets the tray she left on the table.
"Thank goodness you're alright. I don't want to explain to Shizun that you got hit by a door– and I'm the one who opened it!" Shen Yuan rolls his eyes, and helps Ning Yingying with the food.
Ning Yingying brings out several small labeled bottles from her pocket. "But Shizun did gave us instructions on what tonics to give you if you ever hurt yourself," she mumbles the name of each bottle. "I'm not sure what to give you though, there's nothing on getting hit by a door."
Shen Yuan forces back a comment. He's a tired hungry man who now fears the future. "I'll drink them later and please put those away. It's time to eat."
They finally sat down to eat, the various dishes laid out on the table were all bland. Shen Yuan had a feeling his brother prepared all of his meal options The amount of vegetable dishes on his plate are horrible.
While he ate, Shen Yuan noticed a certain someone was being quiet. Too quiet. Ning Yingying would usually fill the silence with her rambling about her day or his.
But now–
She was staring with Shen Yuan with a shy expression. Her cheeks a slight pink, her lips pursed. Ning Yingying looks like she's holding herself back from saying something.
"So um, you know palace gossip right? It spreads fast like really fast," she says carefully and Shen Yuan doesn't like where this is going. "Interesting thing is that, they say– you wouldn't believe me but– goodness the servants are freaking out right now–"
Shen Yuan sighs, "You know what gege says about gossip."
"Not to gossip, I know but–" Ning Yingying suddenly springs from her sit and slams her hands on the table.
The poor table shakes and so does the contents on it. Shen Yuan holds his bowl on one hand, and carefully moves the plates away from Ning Yingying's arms.
"They said that the Emperor whisked a court official to his room and spent the entire afternoon together in one of His Majesty's Garden!"
Shen Yuan really does not like where this is going. He could feel his cheeks burning up.
"The servants delivering the Emperor and the official's lunch saw things that you wouldn't believe!"
Shen Yuan looks anywhere but her. He suddenly find his bed very interesting.
"They were holding hands! The Emperor was such a gentleman the entire time!" Ning Yingying continues unaware of Shen Yuan's face beginning to turn pink. "A servant overheard the Emperor's declaration of love! Everyone thinks the official and the Emperor are courting in secret and that they have known each other for a long time."
They've known each other for a day and now Luo Binghe considers marriage! A weird muffled noise comes out of his mouth.
"They the reason why the Emperor was late to the Royal Dinner is because he proposed to the official. His Highness couldn't fault his son for being late, not when the Emperor looked so happy– Are you alright? Oh wow, you're really red." Ning Yingying gives him his water.
"..."
"I'll go get your medicine," Ning Yingying walks towards a cabinet and pulls out different bottles. "Funny thing about this court official, is that he looks a little like Shizun but smaller and less intimidating. He could be your distant relative though."
Ning Yingying returns with his medicine. "One of the chefs who was ordered to make the official's favourites said, there was a lot of meat dishes and sweets. You have almost the same favourites as this official Lord–" When she finally looks at him. Shen Yuan tries looking away, covering half of his face with his hand.
Ning Yingying puts the two together.
She gasps loudly, "That was you?!" Shen Yuan continues to ignore her, and really wants to be anywhere but here. "Is it true? Did the Emperor really propose to you? Did Shizun approve?!" She grabbed onto the lapels of his robes and shook him.
Shen Yuan pushes her hands away. "I– no, I don't know! He did but I don't know if it was serious or not. He told me to give him another chance, and I don't know what he means by that," he whispers the last part.
Shen Yuan really does not how he feels. He likes that the Emperor has shown interest in him but he's afraid that he's just another one of his flings despite his constant reassurances. He really wants to believe that but he's not sure yet. Everything's just too fast.
Ning Yingying squeals and jumps. "Lord Shen! You didn't say no, right? I am confused though, I thought you haven't met the Emperor... Unless it's a star crossed love story! Does Shizun approve? That's so romantic and–and sad! What will you do Lord Shen?? Will you and the Emperor elope?!"
The more questions Ning Yingying keeps firing at him. The more Shen Yuan feels like he was going to combust.
Then he snaps, "I don't know! He's just– Who proposes to someone they've only met on a day? Am I a joke? Am I his joke then? I don't get it!"
"Oh honey," Ning Yingying holds both of his hands. "I'm sorry for making you feel uncomfortable–"
"You didn't make me feel uncomfortable!" He protested, he pulls away from her hold. "It's just– my day was just so eventful and I don't know how to handle it," he admits and now Shen Yuan realizes how much he misses and needs his brother right now.
Gege would always know what to do.
He would probably tell him to decline the Emperor's...proposal but Shen Yuan can't do that. Not when he also kinda wants to be with Luo Binghe.
Ning Yingying brings her chair closer to his. "I'm not Shizun, but I'm here if you want someone to listen to," she suggested, smiling gently at him. He doesn't want to but he also needs someone to at least talk to.
And so, Shen Yuan tells her.
He tells her about how the Emperor approached him after the meeting was finished, how they ran to his room, how they ate lunch together, how Luo Binghe showed him the garden, how much they talked and touched and how he made Shen Yuan feel.
Ning Yingying is a good listener, Shen Yuan appreciates that.
"–and he says that it was love at first sight? I'm not sure if he was being serious, but no one falls in love at first sight! That's only in stories and Yue-ge's weird poems for gege–" Shen Yuan is in the middle of his story when Ning Yingying squeals. Loud and painful for Shen Yuan's ears.
He flinches as she takes both of his hands and stands up, pulling him along. "Lord Shen! That's absolutely wonderful!" She twirls the two of them in the middle of Shen Yuan's room. "Love at first sight? Of course!"
When Ning Yingying halts their spin, Shen Yuan feels dizzy. "That explains why His Majesty would propose to you! He's in love with you! It's love at first sight!"
Shen Yuan still doesn't get it. "There's no such thing as that," he muttered. He's confused, tired and misses his brother and not to mention he's nervous for tomorrow.
"Love makes people do crazy and extraordinary things Lord Shen and sometimes it's love that makes people not want to do things. Its either because they're scared or selfish." Shen Yuan finds himself intrigued, Ning Yingying just told him a wise advice and it's so accurate to what he feels right now. "So let me ask you, Lord Shen, do you love His Majesty?"
Shen Yuan flushes. "I–I'm not sure, you can't immediately fall in love with a total stranger in just a day." Really, no one falls in love at first sight.
Ning Yingying smiles. "Didn't His Majesty asked you to give him a chance?"
"He did, yes."
"Do you want to give him a chance?"
"Yes."
Ning Yingying stands up from her seat and puts all the plates on the tray, Shen Yuan tries to help out.
"I do admit that marriage, especially with His Highness' status, is a bit too early."
Didn't you just say–?
Ning Yingying carries the tray and walks towards the door. "–but it wouldn't hurt to try and get to know His Majesty."
Shen Yuan opens the door for her.
Ning Yingying smiles at him, "I do believe that His Highness is serious, he's a good man Lord Shen."
She isn't wrong about that though, Luo Binghe is kind. Shen Yuan wants to believe that Binghe isn't that low and awful to joke around about that.
The thought makes Shen Yuan's heart beat fast.
"I should leave you to rest Lord Shen," Ning Yingying nods at him and adds, "Besides you have a big day tomorrow."
And before Ning Yingying could walk away, her shoes clicking on the empty cold corridor.
Shen Yuan blurts out,"Wait! Ning Yingying, you speak from experience! Surely you must have someone in your mind."
Ning Yingying giggled at him. "You'll meet them on your wedding!"
She left a flabbergasted Shen Yuan in the halls.
×××
The Emperor paces in front of his generals. It just so happens that he's actually friends with these nitwits. A board behind him pinned several maps and notes about the city, in which Luo Binghe himself researched. He wants this to be perfect for his A-Yuan.
He stopped pacing as another brilliant idea popped into his mind. Luo Binghe still isn't sure what A-Yuan likes other than botany, books– since A-Yuan often helps out in the Royal Library and how his childhood fun was reading a book– and his fixation on bizarre creatures. But it's not enough!
He lets out a groan, grabs a brush and crosses out a name. Luo Binghe can't take him to somewhere dangerous or else his Shizun would kill him.
He continues his pacing, his general behind him really does not give a single fuck towards his current predicament.
"Wow, His Highness sure is serious about this Shen Yuan guy," Sha Hualing commented, leaning over a table, reading a paper she found from the desk.
Liu Qingge stays silent, polishing his sword somewhere in the corner of the room. Luo Binghe saw him scowling at the name at the corner of his eye.
Interesting, Luo Binghe thinks that he knows Shen Yuan and that makes him want to interrogate Liu Qingge on what he knows and is to his A-Yuan.
At least Liu Mingyan seems to listen to him, reading his board.
A portal opens up in the middle of the room and Mobei-Jun enters along with his– retainer? Servant? Friend? Luo Binghe has no idea what Shang Qinghua is to the Northern Heir.
The pair greets him and Luo Binghe waves his hand to return the gesture.
Wherever Mobei-Jun goes, Shang Qinghua follows. He does paperwork sometimes though. Perhaps Mobei-Jun's secretary? Binghe really does not have time for this.
He ignores them and continues to stare at his board of ideas.
Shang Qinghua skids over to his board of ideas, his eyes widened in surprise. Luo Binghe follows his line of sight and finds him staring at A-Yuan's name.
Luo Binghe resists the urge to growl. How come some of his generals know A-Yuan and he doesn't?
"Does Shang Qinghua know of A-Yuan?" He remarks snidely, and visibly enjoys Shang Qinghua flinching.
"Y-yes, Your Majesty. Shen Yuan is a good friend of mine. During my King's visit to Hua Hua Palace, I often come across Second Young Master Shen in the library," Shang Qinghua replies and looks anywhere but him. Luo Binghe enjoys him shaking in fear.
Eventually, Mobei-Jun appears at his retainer's side and Shang Qinghua basically deflates. He drags him away from the Emperor.
Luo Binghe starts the meeting. He feels very pathetic in having to call them to help him out with his proposal to A-Yuan, but whatever. Shen Yuan deserves the world and if he asks for it, Luo Binghe would happily give it to him.
He claps his hands, getting their attention. "As you all know," he starts. "I am engaged to Second Young Master Shen Yuan."
"Uh, when did the courtship start, Your Majesty?" Shang Qinghua nervously asks.
Luo Binghe blinks at him. "There was no courtship. I simply asked his hand in marriage on the day I met him." To him, it sounds very normal. Constantly fueled by his father's hopeless romantics rambles about his mother. How it was love at first attempt of assassination.
The ironic thing is that– his mother was supposed to assassinate his father when he was newly crowned Emperor, and just as his mother was about to slit the Emperor's throat, he caught her hand and stopped her from ending his life and fell in love with her beauty and kind heart. Binghe dryly notes that there was really nothing kind about being hired to assassinate.
But Luo Binghe has never ever doubted his parent's love for each other.
His father goes on and on about how wonderful his mother looks like with a knife in hand, and Luo Binghe really doesn't want to listen to another detailed story of his mother's blades. His father was weird.
A wave of protests and incredulous reaction met his declaration.
"Oh my," Liu Mingyan mutters.
"Holy shit Your Highness!" Sha Hualing cackled.
"Mn" Mobei-Jun continues to remain indifferent.
"What the fuck! Your Highness, you can't just– you can't just marry someone you've just met!" Liu Qingge is the most effected in the group. Luo Binghe glares at him.
"Shen Qingqiu's gonna kill you but uh congrats your majesty!" Shang Qinghua adds.
"Official Shen Qingqiu's would murder you!" Liu Qingge yelled. "You proposed to his precious brother? Without his permission?! Your Majesty, he wouldn't care less if you're the Emperor. If you want to make Shen Yuan, a one of your flings, then I suggest you shouldn't–"
"Shen Yuan isn't a fling, he's the one I intend to marry, I love him!" Sha Hualing snorts at that. "As of now, A-Yuan doesn't believe me, but tomorrow I'll prove myself to him, and this is where all of you will come in!"
"Of course Shen Yuan wouldn't believe you! Who proposes to someone they've just met!" Liu Qingge quipped. "And who told you to call him that?"
Oh? Is he jealous?
Luo Binghe barely hid his smugness. "Hm? Oh Shen Yuan told me to call him A-Yuan," he practically purred the name.
Sha Hualing laughed, "This is going to be great!" She slings an arm to Liu Mingyan.
Liu Mingyan, "How can we help Your Majesty?"
Luo Binghe, now having full attention of everyone – almost everyone, Liu Qingge doesn't look like he wants to listen– he shows them his board.
"Here's the plan–"
×××
When Shang Qinghua barges into Shen Yuan's room just when he was barely out of bed. Shen Yuan immediately knows that something is off.
He slides his legs out of bed and sighs heavily. "Do you know what time it is?" He drags his feet to where a wash bin and cloth were waiting for him.
Usually, he doesn't mind Shang Qinghua's unannounced visits, but something horrible settles in his stomach.
If Shang Qinghua is here early, then Lord Mobei-Jun is here. If the Northern Lord is here, then it must mean Luo Binghe would have to cancel their plans to meet with his generals.
He doesn't like the sound of that. As much as he dreads today, he also kinda maybe likes to see Luo Binghe.
The thought makes him flush, he splashes his face with cold water.
Shang Qinghua waits patiently for Shen Yuan to finish dressing. They were separated by the thin bamboo border.
"So...His Highness, huh?" Shabg Qinghua began.
Behind the folding screen, Shen Yuan groans.
"Like, don't get me wrong Shen-xiong, but dang. You snagged an Emperor! Holy shit, what would your brother say?"
Shen Yuan slides the door open, tugging and pulling at the loose sash around his waist. He opts for his standard, light green robes. "Don't even start–"
Shang Qinghua skips over to help him tie the sash. "He's gonna murder him. I still can't believe the Emperor fell for you. I mean I can see that, but I thought he was straight?! Shen-xiong, did you bend the Emperor?" Shen Yuan slaps his hands away, slightly flustered. He walks towards one of the cabinets in his room.
"I did not!" Shen Yuan opened a drawer where he stores all of his fans. "Besides, what are you doing here?" He rummages around the drawer.
"I'm here to escort you," Shang Qinghua answered, picking up a random fan from his friend's collection.
"Escort me to where?" Shen Yuan goes with the pale blue fan.
Shang Qinghua grins at him. "To your date of course!"
"D–date?" He squeaks at him. He didn't think the second chance he supposedly gave Binghe was a date. "I thought it would be canceled, since Mobei-Jun is here and I figured that he would be busy today."
Shang Qinghua shrugs, "Nah, my king didn't book a meeting today."
Shen Yuan squints at him. "Then why are you both here?"
Shang Qinghua walks to the door, Shen Yuan follows. "I dunno, he really just comes and goes here and I follow."
Shen Yuan shuts the door behind him. "I don't really get your relationship," he pondered.
"Me too," Shang Qinghua sighs.
"..."
Shang Qinghua lead him to an empty courtyard. Where the tall green bushed walls bloomed pink flowers, tall peony flowers gathered together in both sides of the yard and at the middle of the courtyard, a table of food as well Binghe waited for him.
Shen Yuan feels his heart pace a bit faster, from afar he could already see Luo Binghe smile radiantly at him. He jogged towards Shen Yuan.
Shang Qinghua shoves him forward, he glares at him. His friend simly shrugs, and moves to leave. "Byeee! Have fun on your date! Use protection!"
He glares at him one last time before he bumps into strong warm chest. A firm chest. Shen Yuan pulls back and sees Luo Binghe chuckling.
"Are you feeling me up A-Yuan?" Luo Binghe asks, in his infuriating deep voice, Shen Yuan's heart leaping through his throat.
"No!" He sputters, Luo Binghe laughs, bends down to take his hand.
He brushes his lips against his knuckles, his eyes twinkled with amusement. "How was your sleep, A-Yuan?"
"It was alright," he mumbles and looks away, his face pink. "But I do admit that I had a bit of trouble sleeping, especially when you were on my mind."
Luo Binghe's hand tightened in his, and then he realizes what he said.
Luo Binghe beams at him. It was wonderful. Lips stretched into a wide smile.
"I am glad that we are the same, A-Yuan is all I could think about the entire night," Luo Binghe leads him to the table. "I woke up extra early and made you your breakfast!"
Shen Yuan could feel his mouth water. The dishes on the table were all of his favourites!
Luo Binghe ushers him to his seat and looks very excited for Shen Yuan to try the food. He shrugged and took a bite.
His mouth exploded in flavour. No seriously, it was so good.
Luo Binghe looks at him, eyes crinkling. "Does A-Yuan like it?"
"Like it? Binghe I love it! Did you make this?" He asks, because it looks really cute when Binghe is being praised like a little student.
Luo Binghe, a feared Emperor, nods sheepishly. It was so cute Shen Yuan almost dies.
After breakfast, Liu Mingyan, to which Shen Yuan knows is one of Luo Binghe's generals, comes in with a set of clothes in her hand.
"Here are the cloaks you've requested, Your Majesty," Shen Yuan receives his cloak in dark green while Luo Binghe dark red.
Luo Binghe helps him put on his cloak, handling him as if he were something fragile. He tucks in Shen Yuan's stray fringe under his ear– and Shen Yuan tries to ignore his heart beating erratically.
The Emperor then takes him inside the palace, the place was populated with errand boys and servants, a large wooden gate opened to which goods and fresh vegetables are sent in.
Luo Binghe held his hand the entire way. They dodged men carrying huge crates and guards posted at every corner.
"Why are there a lot of guards here?" Shen Yuan asks. "Are you sneaking past them? Binghe, if you're not allowed out then–"
The corner of Binghe's mouth quirked up, and Shen Yuan notes he looks very devilish with that. "Everyone in the castle knows I'm going out, but it's fun hiding from them, but mainly we're doubling the the guards for security purposes."
Shen Yuan narrows his eyes at one of the guards, who looks very droopy. "Seeing how easily we slipped past them, I don't think they're doing a good job on it," he notes.
Luo Binghe pressed his lips together, "They aren't."
Luo Binghe pulled him towards a dark alley. Shen Yuan still doesn't know where they're heading.
"Where are we going?" He finally asks, Luo Binghe suddenly stops.
He stares at Shen Yuan with a slightly guilty expression. "I have planned on spending the day with A-Yuan in the city, but if A-Yuan doesn't want to, then we can go do other things instead."
"Anywhere is fine as long as it's with Binghe." Shen Yuan adds, and it's true. If Luo Binghe decides their– ahem "date" should be in a pig farm then Shen Yuan wouldn't really complain.
Luo Binghe peeks his head out of the alleyway, and checks both sides before deeming it safe, he gently pulls Shen Yuan out of the narrow space.
If they passed by the marketplace, it would be a good opportunity for Shen Yuan to see how the street kids are doing. Shen Yuan met them while he was out with his brother a few months ago. They were sweet, innocent and had streaks of mischief in their eyes.
The Emperor hums, his eyes glued to their surroundings, Shen Yuan admits that there are a lot of people this early.
Shoulders bumping and people pushing makes it hard for Shen Yuan to navigate his way through the crowd.
Luo Binghe notices his distress, eyes glinting with north, he lets go of Shen Yuan's hand and slings an arm around his waist instead.
Shen Yuan flushes, Binghe is a very touchy person. The Emperor winks at him when he caught his staring.
Binghe brings him to an even more populated area. Stalls and tents lined in each side of the area. All sorts of smells blended in the summer breeze. Shen Yuan sees all sorts of negotiations taking place, merchants in their carts, stall owners and their products. Street vendors and their food, their delicious wafting smells bringing in customers.
It's been a long time since Shen Yuan had been in the marketplace.
Luo Binghe notes his eyes darting from whatever catches his interests. "If A-Yuan wants something, then he is free to ask from this Lord."
"Ah, no, it's okay– I brought my..wait," Shen Yuan pats his pockets for his coin pouch and finding nothing but his fan.
Luo Binghe looks amused, "It seems A-Yuan has left his back at the palace," Shen Yuan looks at him suspiciously.
"It was literally in my pockets just a few minutes ago," Shen Yuan says, cautious at Luo Binghe's slightly smug and pleased expression.
"Then," he grabs A-Yuan's free hand in his and presses a kiss on his knuckles. "It's a perfect time for this Lord to spoil my beloved." Shen Yuan internally screamed.
Binghe smiles and leads him to a stall that A-Yuan had his eyes on earlier. The stall sells shiny trinkets, from accessories to random junk. Everything was shiny.
The man behind the stall smiled brightly at his potential customers. "Good day Sir and Ma'am!" He greets the pair.
What?
Shen Yuan's eyes widened at that. Who's the ma'am?!
"Actually–"
"My fiancee and I are just passing through," Luo Binghe smoothly cuts him from correcting the merchant. "What kind of items are you selling here?"
He squints at Luo Binghe. Seriously? He was no ma'am! Luo Binghe looks pleased. And they are not even fiances! At least not yet...
"We have shiny trinkets and jewels! Exclusively imported from the West!"
Nothing really catches Shen Yuan's interest, but Luo Binghe certainly has.
The Emperor's plucks a beautiful yet simple flower Jade pin. "This looks nice." Shen Yuan wonders who the pin is for.
The man nods, "You have great taste, Young Master!"
Luo Binghe hands him a few silver coins, he turns to a distracted Shen Yuan, who has his eyes on another stall. He pushes the cloak out of his head and tucks the flowery pin just a few inches above his ear.
A-Yuan's face blooms into a delightful shade of pink. Luo Binghe chuckles at his beloved's bewildered and embarrassed face.
He leans in to whisper in his ear, "A-Yuan looks beautiful." Luo Binghe laughs at his squeak. His heart swelled up in adoration, this man right in front of him does strange things to his heart and he doesn't want it to stop.
They stroll around the marketplace and it infuriates Shen Yuan that Luo Binghe would immediately buy whatever he sets his eyes on.
He was just appreciating the fine craftsmanship!
They manage to wander deeper into the city. Where instead of fine cobbled houses littering the area, old beat up wooden houses greeted them. Unlike the vibrant atmosphere the heart of the city displayed, this place seemed to ooze with solemn.
Even Luo Binghe seemed surprised at the state of this area. Shen Yuan sees a few street children playing, he sees their sunken cheeks, bodies thin and frail. His eyes immediately softened and a wanting urge to care and feed them.
It only took one glance from Luo Binghe and they both already know what to do.
They both approach an old man who sat in front of his house, a cane by his side. He looks visibly startled when two young masters approached him.
"Greetings, may I ask which official handles this area of the kingdom?" Luo Binghe said, the old man scoffed.
Shen Yuan remembers that each official had an area of which they would provide and care for. They would be responsible for the communities needs and people, and the official in this area simply let these poor people be.
"Official Guan He," the old man spits out the name like venom. "If ya askin' for him, might as well go to the palace, he never comes here. He to afraid to get his hands dirty!"
"He doesn't?" Shen Yuan asks almost incredulously. Surely the official would've guided and gave them a start in livelihood. Efficient to feed their families. Luo Binghe's eyes seemed to darken.
"Yeah! He gets us to pay 2 taxes! One for the kingdom and one for that nasty vermin of an official!" Both Shen Yuan and Luo Binghe looked shocked. Surely no official would be that callous?
"Have you sent a complaint to the palace?" Shen Yuan asks.
The old man cackles, his laugh attracting other people living in the area. Children, adults and elderly alike, all went outside and stopped whatever they were doing to stare at the scene.
"We couldn't! Goodness, if word got out. The official would punish us with even more taxes!" The others nod and murmured in agreement.
"Yeah! He has guards stationed in every entrance and exit!"
"Guan He is a selfish, greedy bastard!"
"The Emperor could be more so!" One of them yelled out.
"He's ignorant to what's happening to the kingdom!"
"I bet he doesn't know!"
"He does now."
Shen Yuan hears the rustle of clothes beside him. Luo Binghe uncovers the hood and looks at the people with a determined gaze in his eyes.
The people visibly recoil at the reveal, some retreating back to their homes.
"I am your Emperor, you are all right that I am clueless and ignorant when it comes to running my own kingdom, this is the first time I've ever heard of this incident, and yet I did nothing to prevent it. I will have a word to Official Guan He, I will make right of this situation, and I will continue to provide the help and need of my kingdom in all the ways I can. Starting now."
From his speech, those who hid in their homes came out, the people around them cheered. Hoorah! Hooray! For their Emperor changed a new leaf today!
Shen Yuan felt himself fall. This act of leadership, kindness, understanding and willingness to do good from Luo Binghe. Plus, he looks really hot with that commanding voice of his.
Just as he was heading to Binghe, who was talking to one of the elders. Someone tugged on his robes.
Shen Yuan stares at the pile of children behind him. He notes the familiarity of the boy who tugged his robes. That's when he realizes it's one of the kids he had met before.
"Shen-gege?" One of them cautiously asks.
He smiled softly at them and leaned at their level. "Yes?"
Shen Yuan's smile widens when they all gasp and squeal. He feels a tinge of affections when the children still recognizes him after many months.
"Shen-gege!" The children chorused in greeting. Their eyes wide and bright.
"Hello there, my all of you have grown very well!" He smiles, before they could barely reach his waist.
"Of course! We are all very strong!" The kids all but shout in a agreement.
"Yeah! I could write a few characters now!"
"I can read!"
"I know how to sell stuff!"
The kids are now begining to argue and Shen Yuan had to break it up. He puts himself in from of the kid.
"Now, now, how about..." He paused and sees a granny approaching them, a stern look on her face. A very dangerous weapon on one of her hands.
A stick!
She squinted at the kids. "Stop bothering this young master and go home!" The stick in her hand is very menacing.
The children all scatter in different directions.
"Hmph! The nerve of those kids!" The woman then shoves two buns at him. "Here, you and your friend need to eat! All of you are all skin and bones. What are they feeding you?"
More than enough, but you guys on the other hand...
Shen Yuan doesn't want to impose on them, he wants to give them to those who really need it more but the woman gives him a firm look and doesn't want them back.
He smiles grateful at her and goes to Binghe. Once the Emperor catches a sight of his A-Yuan, he beams.
"A woman gave us this," he says in greeting and gives him the bun. "I really don't want to impose but she's really persistent."
Shen Yuan takes a small bite out of the buns and sees Binghe staring at it, contemplating.
"A-Yuan"
He chews he bun slowly and swallows it. "Yes?"
"Would you mind if I hosted, some sort of feast for these people?" Luo Binghe's eyes are slightly glossy. "I've been talking about it to the residents, and they have never even got to experience festivals and cleebrations. Everything's gloomy here and I want to at least see them happy for once."
Shen Yuan looks at him with an almost puzzled look. "Binghe, you really don't need permission from me at all in these kinds of things."
Binghe looks like he wants to cry, his brows drew together. "But this day was supposed to be all about you! And if A-Yuan doesn't want this then–"
Shen Yuan smiles warmly at him. "Binghe, as I've said before, I really don't mind doing anything as long as it's with you and what you're doing right now is very kind. I'm actually quite glad," his voice softens. "I get to see a new side of Binghe."
Binghe flushes in a delightful pink. "A-Yuan..."
"Binghe"
He embraces him suddenly, and Shen Yuan feels the hard thumps of the Emperor's chest. "You are so adorable! My heart can't stop beating wildly! You've been so understanding to this one, and it makes me wonder how I've been blessed with someone such as A-Yuan!"
Shen Yuan can't function properly anymore.
×××
The Binghe orders a few people to buy ingredients.
Shen Yuan seems shocked.
"Wait, you're cooking?"
Was it just Shen Yuan? Or was it suddenly hotter?
Binghe looks absolutely radiant with his sleeves folded up and his arms showing muscled biceps and A-Yuan thinks he's going to combust.
"Yes, I do enjoy cooking," he says and a few people behind him nod.
"We are blessed to have the Emperor cooking for us!"
"Indeed, indeed, today's a momentous occasion!"
Shen Yuan really wants to help. He can't just stand by and watch Binghe do the hard work!
"Can I help?"
"No," Binghe says firmly, and fishes a knife and board from one of the cupboards. "A-Yuan should rest."
Shen Yuan finds that unfair. "What? No! I can't just stand by and watch you all do the hard work, at least let me chop the vegetables!"
Binghe hesitates before giving him the chopping board and knife, and sets a tomato in front of him.
"All right then, all you have to do it chop these vegetables–"
A few minutes later they kicked him out.
Luo Binghe personally escorted him out of the kitchen. His hand curled around his waist.
"A-Yuan, when we are married, you will be banned in the kitchen," he says casually as if he was mentioning the weather. Shen Yuan flushes at the implication of domesticity between them.
Aren't you moving too fast Binghe??
"I was just trying to help!" He really was.
Binghe nodded and pushed him to the door, "– and that I am grateful for A-Yuan's help, but kitchen work is really not for you."
The people behind him nod, almost shivering.
"How could chopping vegetables be so chaotic!"
"Dangerous! I've never seen anyone mess up a kitchen like that!"
"I'll never let my kids help me in the kitchen again!"
Okay, so Shen Yuan might've accidentally threw his knife somewhere and caused a chain of events that included the destruction of a neat kitchen.
"I'm really sorry," he says.
Binghe smiles at him. "Its alright A-Yuan, but in the meantime let us do the cooking, I'll come out and see you later, and call me if you need anything," he gives his hand a firm squeeze before promptly shutting the door to his face.
Jeez.
A-Yuan strolls around the area and tries to see if he could help with anything.
Everyone was either sweeping or setting up lanterns on the street and no one really gives him anything to do other than try and rest himself. He thinks Luo Binghe might've had something to do with that.
Feeling useless, he sighs very loudly and fans himself. He is very determined to find something to do.
He didn't realize that there was a rag tag group of kids following behind him.
×××
Luo Binghe lifts the heavy crate of vegetables from the wagon. Helping the residents unload the ingredients and bring them to the kitchen.
And from across the street, he sees his A-Yuan absentmindedly fanning himself, he didn't even notice the children following behind him!
Binghe smiles to himself, his A-Yuan is so cute! He continues to daydream about kids and his A-Yuan. Their children would be beautiful! And if his A-Yuan is good with kids, then his dream of having several children with A-Yuan may not be too far to achieve.
He hums a tune and continues to work. The thoughts of his A-Yuan putting him in a good mood.
×××
Shen Yuan doesn't even notice the band of children behind him until a resident pointed it out to him.
"Oh," he says and turns around to see that indeed, a group of children are following him around.
"Shen-gege! We want to play with you!" All of them chorused.
"I– ah okay, im not good at any games though."
The children tilted their heads.
"How can someone not be good at games?" One of the ask.
"I don't go outside much nor do I have anyone to play with when I was young," he says dryly. His brother didn't really take any chances with his health
"What do you do for fun then?"
"I read" His brother was very adamant in making A-Yuan's days in bed productive with various books he gives him.
"Then tell us the story then!"
That he can do.
They found a place in a hay filled wagon cart. The kids finding all sorts of places to lie comfortably while they listen to Shen-gege's story.
Shen Yuan tries to remember one of the stories his brother used to tell him. Something about a duck, mouse and capitalism? He removes his brother's real life view on society embedded into a story. He goes with the most child friendly story he could remember.
Then he begins.
×××
He ends up telling them 3 stories and by the time he was finished, it was already sunset, and the once gloomy street is now filled with lights. Red lanterns hung above a giant table, filled to the brim with all sorts of food.
Shen Yuan notes how beautiful the place is with a little cleaning and decoration.
Binghe makes a small speech, A-Yuan feels himself fawn over his work. The food he made both looked good and delicious and he's made many people happy.
"–with that in the way, please enjoy the food!"
Shen Yuan looks at the once gloomy faces of the residents, now eyes shining bright and lovely. They filled themselves with food and he can see a few kids cheeks puffed up with shoving as many foods as they can in their mouths
"Are you enjoying today, Binghe?" He walks over to where Binghe stood in a slightly raised platform.
With the lanterns illuminating Luo Binghe's face, he looks even more prettier . He beams at him, his hands immediately woven around his waist bringing them flushed to each other.
"Yes, A-Yuan has been patient with this one. I apologise if I broke my promise of spending my time only with you. But these–"
"People need it more. Binghe, how many times must I tell you, that it doesn't really matter as long as I'm with Binghe. Besides," he says slyly, "I'm sure you can take me out another time."
Binghe looks surprised, his mouth parted.
"A-Yuan..."
Cheers erupted from behind them and they briefly forgot they had an audience.
Everyone cheered for them, Binghe laughs as A-Yuan flushes. A-Yuan buries his face into Binghe's chest.
Binghe stop laughing!!
One of them hollered. "Who's that your Highness!"
"Yeah! Is he a lover?!"
"What's he to you?!"
Shen Yuan can feel him grin brightly. He pulls them from the embrace and hold Shen Yuan's hand in his and shows their intertwined hands.
"This is my fiance, Shen Yuan!"
Eh?
Eh?!
Binghe we didn't even have a proper conversation about this yet!
Everyone erupted in cheers and Shen Yuan feels dizzy. He doesn't know if he should laugh or cry.
Just as he thought everything died down.
Binghe whistled and something lit up in the sky.
Sky Blazing talismans burst into he sky in beautiful vibrant colors and the word formed alone almost made Shen Yuan faint.
It read `i love Shen Yuan :) -binghe'
"..."
But he can't help but return Luo Binghe's smile at him, his was faint but it was still a some.
The people once again cheered and holleref at them.
Apparently their light display and noises attracted other people. Dozens of common folks and merchants look in awe at the celebration in front of them.
And this is where the talk started.
The Emperor and his fiance held a tiny celebration in a poor area of the city.
The Emperor is in love with his fiance and his love is far deeper than anyone else.
But whats the name of his fiance?
Shen Yuan, they say, His name is Shen Yuan.
One merchant couple managed to catch a few gossips before moving on to the next city. Their horse and cart full of objects chuckled with every bump.
×××
The feast the Emperor hosted lasted till midnight aa more and more common folk joined in. Unfortunately, the host and his fiance had to retire early.
Luo Binghe escorted Shen Yuan to his quarters. They both held hands the entire way. For once, there were no words between them.
When they both reached Shen Yuan's door, Binghe finally spoke.
"A-Yuan, what is your answer?"
His answer to what? Not when Luo Binghe practically announced their one sided engagement to the entire kingdom, not when Binghe keeps on calling him his, not when–
Everything's too much right now, and despite the entire day spent together. Shen Yuan still doesn't know what to say.
Instead, he smiles and squeezes Luo Binghe's hand in his.
"I had a wonderful time with you Binghe, but may I ask to give my answer tomorrow?" Luo Binghe stares at him with a soft expression, his eyes glistened.
"Of course,", he replies and Shen Yuan can't help but stand on his toes and press a soft kiss on the Emperor's cheek.
"Thank you for today," Shen Yuan says before slipping inside his room, he felt some sort of satisfaction seeing the Emperor dazed.
He hides his smile behind a sleeve and closes his door.
He left the Emperor outside his door, eyes wide and mouth open. His hand caressing the cheek where Shen Yuan's lips touched.
×××
Today was the second day of their vacation. Yue Qingyuan notes how his Xiao Jiu finally managed to relax himself and stop worrying about his didi.
Shen Yuan is an adult now, he needs some independence, and with an overprotective brother coddling him. A-Yuan never had a chance to experience that.
When his Xiao Jiu suggested a night hunt. Yue Qingyuan was really glad that his lover finally managed to find something relaxing to do.
Even if that relaxation comes in a form of hunting. Everyone has their own ways of coping.
They were about three hour walk back to the mountain, but only a few minutes on sword. Though they didn't find anything, it was quite nice to fly on sword, catching the early morning breeze with his Xiao Jiu.
The sun began to rise.
They found a small town with an inn, then decided to stop by and have breakfast. Thankfully it was way too early to be flocked with visitors. It was only the two of them and a merchant couple on another table.
While they waited for their meal, Yue Qingyuan overheard the couple's conversation. He briefly hears the words, Emperor, bride and feast.
Shen Jiu looks scary.
His eyes downcast as he continued to eavesdrop on the couple. Something's not right here.
Yue Qingyuan approached the couple with a polite smile. He could at least ease his lover's worries. Whatever worry he would have. Normally, Shen Jiu wouldn't care about what the Emperor is up to in his kingdom but in this case, he looks downright murderous at the mere mention.
"Excuse me, but we overheard your conversation, and we're from the kingdom. May we ask if there's anything interesting that happened at all since the last two days?"
The man slams his hand on the table. "Have you heard? The Emperor announced his engagement last night?"
"I'm one of the Emperor's general, and the last time I heard, he hasn't courted any nearby princesses or nobles." The Emperor coldly refused every marriage offers but hearing an engagement from him was strange.
Shen Jiu stayed silent the entire time and Yue Qingyuan feels a sense of foreboding.
"Well that's not what happened last night!" The man exclaimed, laughing.
His wife nodded humbly, "It was really sweet. The Emperor lit up Sky Blazing Talismans with his declaration of love to his beloved."
"We couldn't see the couple clearly, but everyone was saying that His Highness' fiance is a beauty carved by heavens themselves!" The man adds.
This was not right.
"The Emperor changed a new leaf as well, he hosted a feast to the poorest community in the city. Some say he was the one who cooked all of the food! He was truly blinded by love to be able to turn into a new leaf," the woman murmured.
"His fiance is a good one, maybe he's the one who suggested the celebration to the Emperor."
Could be– Wait...He?!
This is where Shen Jiu snaps.
His eyes crinkled and his lips curled into a smile.
"Oh? And what's the name of the the lucky bride?" He asks almost sweetly and Yue Qingyuan believes that no horrible demon or monster would be scarier than his own Xiao Jiu right here.
The couple is visibly shaken to this Young Master's sudden change in behavior.
The man shakily answered, "Hi-his name is Shen Yuan.