Chapter Text
As far as he was concerned Luo Binghe was not missing anything in his life.
He had over 600 wifes at his service, the whole realm of the living at his feet and in his hand he wielded the most fearful weapon anyone could come upon. His enemies were turned to dust even before they could begin to be a threat to him, his followers increased by the day and noone even so much as dared to offend him.
The world was at his mercy yet there was something he was missing. Something he hadn't realized he was missing before that other weaker Luo Binghe had taken it away from him.
Just the thought of it made Xin Mo tremble in his hands. That little wretch – even if it was in a way himself – had cut off his possible ways of return to his dimension, thus also cutting off his way to that specialty he had with him. Truthfully it was the first time he was unable to achieve something he wished for but it also seemed to have been the start to a streak of such things.
His personal Shizun was long gone. Limb for limb even before he had made it so his existence couldn't even hope to be reborn. Much to his dismay now that he had gotten a taste of that Shizuns possible affection.
Was there actually a way he could have looked at me like that?
The more his wives showered him with their affectionate gazes, the more he had to think of Shen Qingqius stern gaze. Followed by the loving gaze that worlds Shen Qingqiu had shown when mistaking him for that worlds Luo Binghe.
Just the thought of having those eyes on himself made him shudder with excitement. He hadn't gotten a taste but the small one he had hadn't been half bad.
This had most certainly also been the first time he had considered bedding a male, his Shizun none the less.
Granted, he had always been a picturesque aloof immortal but that truthfully hadn't made Luo Binghe want to drag him into his bed – especially with his horribly twofaced personality – but paired with that gaze it was a whole other story.
With that thought in mind his eyes locked onto the child in lumps sitting in front of him. Dried blood had dirtied the raggs he was clothed in, gaze shifting from the imposing Demon Lord to the table filled with different kinds of untouched sweets. Luo Binghe had never been too sure how to handle children, leaving his own to his wives and attendants – he had more important things to do regardless. It was easier to stay unattached, some of them might try to fend for the throne of this world with him. If that were to happen there was only one possible action to take – complete annihilation to set an example for anyone who had the idea to try aswell.
But for this one here he was set on raising him himself.
Considering the memories he had seen when the other worlds Shen Qingqiu had slept beside him, he had also raised his Luo Binghe quite well into his husband, hadn't he? So there surely was no problem with him doing the same.
The ragged up child in front of him still had no intentions to move, his eyes fixed on Luo Binghe. A mild chuckle left the Demon Lords lips, he was no stranger to the wary gaze he was given, “So, wouldn't you like to eat some?” His hands gestured to the abundance of sweets filling the table, all of the utmost quality. He had prepared them all himself. Luo Binghe was not dumb, he was well aware that his cooking could open him a lot of doors. Even if this time the door might not be a bed chamber per se. Not that he was interested in bedding a child. For now the goal he had set himself was to make this little child start to depend on him. Look at him with affection. The sort of affection it was could always be changed later, no?
His question was answered with a silent look over.
Luo Binghe was aware of the absurdity of this situation.
He had opened a portal with Xin Mo and entered the first dimension that came upon him. With the clear goal of 'Shen Qingqiu' in mind it had directly brought him to the person he had been looking for.
A collapsed little child on the street, grasping a long bloodied sword tightly while being bathed in dried blood himself.
The scene was interesting, much to his surprise the complete opposite of the aloof and noble appearance his Shizun had taken on. He had never once investigated the past of his former Master, the story one of his wives, Qiu Haitang, had given him had been enough to nod it off. Killing a whole household had sounded a lot like the sly fox he knew, and who was he to question the tearfilled story his wife has told him.
But saying that seeing that pitifully stumbled over child in a pool of other peoples blood had not caught his interest, he would be lying. The scene had felt familiar in a personal way, it had reminded him of the picture people had probably seen when he had been thrown into the Abyss, fighting to survive.
It sounded weird and presumptuous but simply seeing that pitiful form his prideful teacher had once shown made him think he understood the ruthlessness of the other party a bit better. They were a little alike, wheren't they? Luo Binghe was simply stronger.
Another chuckle almost escaped his lips but he held it back, already feeling the piercing gaze of the child on him. His Shizun really was wary one.
“Bring a bathtub filled with hot water and some new clothes.”, Luo Binghe gave an offhand command to one of the demons standing guard, making not only said demon but also the child flinch. Seeing the visible reaction of discomfort he couldn't hold back a grin that probably looked more sadistic than kind – he really couldn't control his habits, “No need to be so afraid. You need to be presentable at least.” This line, meant to be reassuring, only made the child shudder. “What for?”, it was the first time Luo Binghe heard his voice since he had dragged the unconscious boy into this world. There was a weird scratch when he spoke, damping the pleasant sound of his voice. “I dislike bloody scrubbs on the floor of my house, so I might aswell make you a less dirty one.”, his tone of voice was mocking, making the severity of the boys stare get more intense for just a second, “What's your name anyways?” Not like he didn't know.
Obviously the boy in front of him was Shen Qingqiu, formerly Shen Jiu but it would probably be not too wise to inform a untrusting brat about the fact that he knew exactly who he was.
Silence.
Luo Binghe gave him another probing stare, only to form a slight smile on his lips. The gesture made the boy straighten his back, doing his best to hold the eye-contact they had made as if he would loose something important if he didn't. “My name is Luo Binghe, I am the lord of this estate.”, he got up from his seat, grabbing Xin Mo as he did, “If there is anything you need, be sure to let me know.” Another probing glance. “I'll have to attend to some business. You should eat, we can't have people say I starve my guests here, now can we?”, another mocking undertone in his voice, “They'll be bringing you the water and clothes in a bit, clean yourself up first, whatever happens we can decide later.”
With this Luo Binghe left the room.
Shen Jius gaze was fixed to the door for almost a minute after it had been closed. His heart was thumbing loudly in his chest. Scary. He truthfully had never heard of such a man before but he was certain it was someone he was unwilling to upset.
Another shiver ran down the young boys spine, his gaze fixed again on the food displayed on the table. It looked good. Much better than anything he had ever gotten at the Qiu-Estate.
He gave the door another probing glance before he slowly reached out and took a small dumpling, stuffing it into his mouth after sniffing it. Delicious. He hastily chewed on the food, the speed of his eating increasing with any new dish he tried. Extremely delicious. Honestly speaking he wondered for a moment if there had ever been a moment he had been given such good food. Only when he had eaten almost half of all dishes did he stop. Another glance towards the door.
This whole situation was weird. Truthfully, he had never heard of an esteemed Lord called Luo Binghe. It was even more suspicious he had taken in a bloodied child laying on the street. Shen Jiu gulped down the last bite he had taken, swiftly brushing his hands against his robe with the means to rub them clean, only to rub them against the dried blood that had soaked through the fabric. His moves halted, his shaky gaze landed on the dried blood that had scrabbed over his hands. But before he could hold onto a thought there was a knock on the door.
“Esteemed guest, we have brought the bathing water and clothes that were requested.”, a dull voice reached his ears. “Come inside...?”, his reply sounded more like a suspicious question but the small demon carrying the things that he was asked for opened the door the next second. It was a creature that made the boy breath in sharply. Two of his hands were holding the filled bathtub while another pair of hands was holding onto white and green robes. The demon didn't spare his confusion a glance, placing both of the items in the room before leaving again.
Shen Jiu now was more than certain, this weirdo lord that had taken him in surely was not to be meddled with. Again, a probing glance towards the door. He inched closer a bit, seeing if it would open if he wanted to go and to his surprise it did. Hastily the child closed the door again, not having expected to be able to leave. He stood there for a few minutes before glancing back at the steaming hot water filling the room with a light scent.
He hesitated but in the end the promised comfort of being able to clean himself of the smell of dried blood was stronger, making him inch closer to the bath.
The ragged robes rolled off of his shoulders and for a second he shuddered.
Had Luo Binghe stayed for a little while longer he would have seen the truth under those bloodied clothes.
Yes, a lot of the blood was indeed not his own but the constant running and collapsing the boy had went through had older wounds open up again. The skin that was supposed to be smooth and light was tattered and scratched, bruises lining over his back, arms and legs.
-
Being a Demon Lord truly was sometimes busy but other times almost boring. There were a lot of politics to be taken care of but in the end, if he didn't wish to negotiate couldn't he just kill everyone opposing him? It was a simple and clean solution, why should he bow down to anyone that was below him?
Thus when the boy left the room, dressed in elegant embroided robes in white and green it it hasn't been overlooked by the attentive eyes of his wives. And if his wives knew, obviously one of his wives would know for sure – Qiu Haitang.
Luo Binghe had been aware of the fact that this wife of his would most certainly not be happy with his decision to take in the boy that had – technically – murdered her family, even if it hadn't been this one in this world exactly. But following his logic, why should he bow down to the willfulness of merely one of his wives? Obviously he treated them all with care, indulging them as much as he could but that didn't mean they could go against his plans.
But seeing the angry woman in front of him that had stormed in after he had just sat down with Shen Jiu in a room he had prepared for the boy, made him realize, maybe just maybe, his wives were not all aware of that.
He glanced at her, eyes filled with a chilliness that made a shiver run down her spine. Unable to hold the gaze she lowered her eyes, hands clenched next to her body.
Shen Jiu aswell felt his body go cold but for a completely different reason. For better or worse, Qiu Haitang was still fresh in his mind. Noticing the shift in the boys demeanor Luo Binghe returned his gaze to him. “I don't remember having wives that just barge in whenever the husband is talking to a guest?”, the question was sharp, one could easily tell it was more of a accusation, “I would kindly ask my wife to leave this instant.”
Honestly speaking Luo Binghe had intended to confront both parties at one point, the disparities of what he had heard from Qiu Haitang and what he had seen on Shen Jius body were too big to simply be coincidental. That being said he still hadn't had the chance to receive the other side of the story, thus this current situation was very much not in his favor.
The woman quivered, probably having just realized that her husband was less than pleased with her sudden appearance, she bowed her head, stealing a glance at the boy next to him.
“My Lord.”, she tried giving him a bow but his menacing glare made her shiver, making the whole gesture more comical than graceful, “This wife was simply worried you may have picked up something...”, she trailed off for a second, trying to figure out words to describe exactly what she wanted to say in a less offensive way, “...troublesome.”
“Something troublesome, hm?”, his voice sounded amused, making her gaze up at him with an expectant expression, just to have the smile that had formed on her fine face to freeze. His voice sounded gentle but his eyes truthfully weren't. Again her body shuddered, never once in her life had her husband looked at her like that.
A mockingly bemused smile, obviously this wicked expression made Luo Binghe even more handsome than he already was, making the mark on his forehead gleam ambiguously, but Qiu Haitang had been a part of his harem for many years. And she most definitely knew this expression her husband was wearing. The smile he wore when he was ready to strike.
“Now if that's all, leave.”, the amusement in his voice shifted back to coldness, “Or should I make you leave?” Another shudder. She was more than aware he was talking about the Heavenly Demon Blood all of his wives had taken when entering the harem, truthfully he quite literally could make her leave.
Hastily she shook her head, “No...no need, this wife will be taking her leave.” With a simple bow she backed off, but not without shooting Shen Jiu another glance.
Since Luo Binghe had come back from that place he had never been quiet the same.
The time he had spent with his wives decreasing by the day only to have him sitting in his own chambers contemplating things. Even if asked he would only give ambiguous answers if he did at all.
Another change in her family, and to her surprise it was this ones fault again.
After the door closed Luo Binghe returned to the position he was in before the unwanted disturbance. His eyes fixed on the young boy before him that still hadn't gotten the slight hints of shock out of his expression. Truthfully watching this little one felt a lot more entertaining than his wives or his children. After having met his Shizun his mind wandered from the things he had to the things he possibly could have. In fact he hadn't bedded any of his wives in a few months now, having been too busy to plan out the best way to archive the goal he had in mind. It was not that he didn't feel the affection he had for them before anymore it simply was the fact that there was something he desired more than them. This thought alone had him wonder about this goal of his. His harem was filled with women that loved and cherished him, why exactly was he wishing to get his former master to look at him like that?
Easy, the little taste he had had been way too intoxicating. Watching his willful master shudder beneath him in pleasure did sound like a wonderful idea at first but seeing the tender affection in his eyes made him change his mind.
He wanted the privilege of being looked at like that. Only him.
That being said, the infatuation he was currently feeling was still probably more of a morbid curiosity. Raising his own master, wasn't this almost a contradiction in itself?
“Excuse my wifes rudeness.”, he leaned his face on one of his palms, resting the elbow on the small table between them, “I might be in need of teaching her some manners.” The boy shook his head slowly, still staring at the place Qiu Haitang had stood. “No, no need.”, his face was ashen, a reaction Luo Binghe hadn't even seen on his Shizuns face when he had been at the brink of death. “So, care to explain what exactly happened to have you in such a state?”, Luo Binghe decided to stop dwelling on the topic, he was still trying to get some sort of bonding moment with the child to gain his trust, again this really was harder than with his own children.
Silence.
Ah, his Shizun really had never been a person of many words, had he?
“Look, little dirt bag.”, his voice was sharp but without it's edge, one could even say there was a hint of reassurance, “I don't want you to tell me your whole lifestory, just a small explanation to the state I found you in.” The rest he could find out in the childs dreams regardless.
Again Luo Binghe found himself holding back a smile as he saw the boy sit in silence for another few seconds. He knew the expression he was wearing, it was the face his Shizun had always made when thinking about either a snarky remark or a reason to cover up some of his deeds.
“I was simply walking down that path when I was attacked by some bandits.”, an absolute lie with a straight face, “I was able to fend them off but was wounded in return.”
“Hm.”, Luo Binghe gave an approving hum, he obviously didn't believe the boys words as he already knew better but decided to play along, “So what is this young boys plan, now that he's better?” Taking a closer look at the freshly washed Shen Jiu, Luo Binghe was aware that the lie he had presented could have been considered not all too bad if he wasn't aware of the actual circumstances. The boy had a pretty face, his eyes having an almost mischievous spark to them which contrasted quiet a lot with his otherwise soft features. Truly, his Shizun had been blessed with good looks from a young age on. Thinking bandits would attack such a fine looking young man wasn't all too weird.
“I'll become a cultivator.”, to Luo Binghes surprise, not a lie, he had been quite sure to be dished up many more of these when asking for the boys future plans. “So has this little one already found a master?”, a probing stare even though he was aware he surely had not. The slight shake of the boys head gave him the answer. “In that case I might be of help.”, the prospect of teaching his Shizun made the smile Luo Binghe had on his lips for the entire conversation widen a little, “I'm quite strong if I may say so myself, you have potential, and I doubt anyone can bring it out better than I can.”
Another short silence.
“This Shen Jiu will be in your care then, Shizun.”, the monotone reply sent excited shivers down Luo Binghes spine. Shizun, huh?
“Well then come this way, A-Jiu.”, with a nod he gestured the boy to follow him.
Shen Jiu overlooked the room he was given with a solemn expression.
Truthfully he was unsure if he had made the right decision or not but if he had to guess he would have said the lord of this estate would have not let him go even if he had refused the offer. He slightly straightened the luxurious clothes he was wearing, only now being able to admire it on a second glance. Looking at his past circumstances he had never been too concerned about his clothes but these here were in fact quite to his liking. Hand resting on the silky sheets laid over the bed he sat down, fixing his eyes on the door once more.
Truly there was two things Shen Jiu was certain of.
For one, Luo Binghe was strong, far superior to the people he had served or killed.
Two, if he managed to get his favor there would be little to no obstacles that would dare cross his path.
So for now staying here would be the tactically better choice.
-
It had only been a couple of years when Shen Jiu was on par with some of the most prestiged cultivators Luo Binghe had fought before. His form was perfect, his strikes precise and his demeanor that of an aloof immortal. In his mind Luo Binghe decided his former Shizun had had high prospects for his life, it was simply the gods of this world that had put him in an unfavorable position and never once granted him anything.
Good thing he was the god of this world.
Naturally a lot of his wives had not been pleased with his sudden shift of attention. Before Shen Jiu had entered the household it was an unsaid agreement that all wives were content with the equal amount of attention and affection they and their children had received but now that almost all of those moments were granted to some parentless child their lord had picked up the result was quite unsatisfactory. Obviously they all had secretly wished Luo Binghe would find favor in one of his own children and shower it in attention, now that this was not the case not only the wives but also the children did their best to avoid the source of their problems.
Not like Shen Jiu was actually interested in anyone other in the household than the lord. Truly it would be quite stupid to settle with some mild affection received from fellow children rather than the attention of the lord. And thus he had decided to not spare any of his time quarreling with some lonely old wives that had lost the favor of their husband. In fact he almost enjoyed the hateful gazes that landed on him from time to time, hiding his smile behind a beautifully decorated paper fan Luo Binghe had gifted him. It only showed him how much more he was in favor and it would be a lie to say he was not enjoying it.
Obviously the demeanor his wives greeted Shen Jiu with when he was with him did not escape Luo Binghes attentive eyes. The previously charming boldness and possessiveness some of his wives had shown turned into traits he looked down upon. His delight of seeing his numerous wives almost fight for his love and attention always turned into a held back growl when he saw them approach Shen Jiu with these things in mind.
In fact these unpleasant feelings were the reason as to why he started to slowly release people from his harem. Not that they had any means to complain against this as they had all been fed his blood thus any sort of revenge would be turned into pain.
The first person he had casted out had been Qiu Haitang after she had started to start rumors about this disciple he had taken in. Having been curious of the actual things that had happened he had invaded Shen Jius subconsciousness a few nights after he had settled in, dragging out the memories he had tried to bury.
The fact that the boy had looked restless and uncomposed for a few days after that night had absolutely reassured Luo Binghe that he had not seen wrong and felt once again confirmed in his thoughts that the boy really was hated by whatever gods there were. Thinking about it, he had been hated by Luo Binghe aswell, what more gods where there to displease?
Thus Shen Jiu was delighted whenever the lord of this estate had removed another person that had watched him with scornful eyes.
-
A few days before Shen Jiu turned into an adult there was a knock at the door of his room.
Without waiting for a reply it burst open with a little more force than needed and a lightly dressed women walked inside. With every step the silver bracelets around her ankles made a small jingle, Shen Jiu didn't even have to look her way to know it was Sha Hualing. “What may I do for you miss Sha?”, his voice sounded calm but one could have seen a mocking smile on his lips hadn't he covered the lower half of his face with his trusted paper fan. A gift he truly learned to appreciate. The reply he received was a quiet grunt before she closed the door behind her. Looking her over with his scrutinizing gaze Shen Jiu once again wondered just how Luo Binghe had chosen the women for his harem. Most of them looked plain and tasteless to him, Sha Hualing included.
It felt like he had went for quantity much rather than quality and more than often he found himself comparing his posture to that of the wives. Truly in any regard be it skill or appearance he felt he was utterly superior to them. These thoughts also could never help him realize that his earlier goals of becoming stronger at some point had distorted into the goal of binding the powerful lord of this estate to him. It didn't seem impossible, he was in his favor after all and Shen Jiu would be lying if he would say he had never felt his Shizuns gaze linger on him for a second too long to not imply his interest. Not that he disliked it.
“Don't think Lord Luo is not realizing the tricks you're playing.”, Sha Hualing had often tried to drag Shen Jiu out of his aloof attitude with a mocking tone in her voice, not that she had ever succeeded. He was used to being treated like dirt, that had been the way he had grown up afterall. As reply he closed his paper fan with a snap, slightly hitting it against his chin. “I don't remember using any tricks.”, there was a genuinely fake smile on his face, “Miss Sha aren't you being a little too unreasonable? We both know Shizuns favor is not quite on your side, now isn't it? Your demeanor feels strangely unbecoming of one this esteemed lords wives.” Her eyes twitched for a second, Shen Jiu had successfully hit the nerve he had meant to hit.
He was aware Sha Hualing was one of the most backstabbing wives in regard of her treatment towards anyone else in the household that was not Luo Binghe. He was always aware that she did not like him – at all, which make him more than once contemplate why exactly she was still here.
Shen Jiu was not intending to share, even if anyone Luo Binghe had encountered before seemingly had been okay with it. Well it was probably more of a matter of fact that they could not really argue with the demon lord. He wasn't stupid and Luo Binghe had taught him about the Heavenly Demon Blood a few years after he had started training under him.
Unsure if he had in fact eaten it with one of the many meals he had, Shen Jiu had decided that he was unwilling to find out the hard way, thus also felt assured in his thoughts of Luo Binghes wives not actually being willing to share but much more forced to obey. Not that it mattered much to him. Luo Binghe had more than made clear that he favored his disciple over his wives. More by his actions rather than his words, but Shen Jiu was quite certain that anyone that played against him was on the loosing end. Sha Hualing was aware of this fact almost more than Shen Jiu was. Her husband hadn't shared a bed with her for a few years now and she was simply annoyed by the brat that had made her husband turn deaf to any advances she made at him. Had Luo Binghe thrown her into the bed to roughly love her before now he would not even spare her a second glance before returning to his own bed chambers, sometimes even closing the door right in front of her face.
“Just wait and see until Lord Luo begins to loose interest in you.”, much to her dismay, her haughty tone met deaf ears. Shen Jiu slowly waved himself with his fan, one eyebrow crooked, a bemused smile on his lips. “Miss Sha with all due respect, I wouldn't wish to hear that from someone who has fallen out of favor a few years ago.”, another nerve he hit as he wished to. If there was anyone this demon women had lost over the past few years of rejection it was her composure and bringing her into a state of complete and utter rage had been Shen Jius favorite pastime for some weeks now.
The closer he got to being an adult, the more she felt threatened and he enjoyed bathing in that feeling.
Go ahead and mock me. He sometimes would simply sit down and fan himself while hiding his smile. The more you see me as a threat the more you tell me he prefers me.
Before she could reply there was another knock at the door.
A familiar presence. “A-Jiu.”, Luo Binghes deep voice echoed through the thick wood before he opened the door, “I see you have a guest.” His eyes gave Sha Hualing a probing glance before they settled on the youth in his fine green and white robes. “Ah yes yes.”, another bemused smile was hidden behind the fan, eyes almost becoming slits at the glee in his voice, “Miss Sha decided to pay me a visit tonight. I thought Shizun was aware.”
“In fact I was not.”, a smile rose on Luo Binghes lips as he walked over to his disciple. The disapproval of this affectionate expression was clearly mirrored in Sha Hualings eyes. If there was anything she disliked more than Luo Binghe declining her advances it was him simultaneously showering someone with his attention in front of her.
“And even more so, I think to remember telling my wives to not approach this room without my knowledge.”, his tone of voice increased in sharpness that made peoples skin crawl. Over the past few years the affection he had once shown them daily felt like it had been replaced with ice cold glares.
“Shizun shouldn't be too offended.”, Shen Jiu intervened, more for his enjoyment much rather than to help, “This disciple is sure Miss Sha was only worried about Shizuns attentiveness towards this disciple.” He fanned himself with an coy expression on his face, hair waving lightly in the small gusts of wind. Nonetheless Luo Binghe could clearly see the spark of intend in his eyes, twinkling seemingly brighter as his lips almost twitched it a bemused expression.
Over the years Luo Binghe had become quite aware of the small signs and gestures Shen Jiu would do and which intentions they held.
For once he was very much aware he hadn't raised this boy into the soft Shizun he had met before but he was also aware such a person would probably be unable to handle his harem and the spite that was brought with it. Which meant the fact that this boy he raised had a malicious and clever streak to him was not surprising but still very much to his delight. He enjoyed the smiles he would gift him behind the paper fan, the small sparks of interest when their eyes met.
To put it simply, he was sure he had raised his Shizun more than well. Very much to his liking.
And this fact alone had made him be more infatuated with him than his wives the older the boy got. In fact he was even more than sure that they both knew of the others intentions. And they both were not against them.
“My disciple truly is too kind and thoughtful.”, he flicked a hand at Sha Hualing, “You may leave. Don't disturb my disciples rest with your presence.” She bowed down slightly, leaving the room without another word.
“Shizun truly is too kind.”, Shen Jiu shot him a glance over his fan, “Letting these unruly ones roam free in his estate.” Luo Binghe returned that gaze of his and gave a deep humming laugh.
-
It took Luo Binghe five years to court Shen Jiu after he had come off age.
Five years were most certainly the longest time had had courted someone to enter his harem but considering he had raised this young man for even longer it felt not too bad, especially since he knew at some point he would most definitely give in. What he had not expected was that by the time Shen Jiu finally agreed to marry Luo Binghe, he had lost complete interest in anyone in his harem, thus rendering is practically useless.
The demon lord at some point had grown tired of the children and women courting for his attention thus he had sent them to a different estate. Leaving only himself and Shen Jiu behind. Obviously the delight in the young mans eyes when Luo Binghe had given the order had not escaped his observant eyes, and Luo Binghe had decided for himself that this course of action had indeed been the best one.
He also already had countless children so there truly wasn't much of a need for it anymore. He hadn't even so much as spared his women a glance of desire for a few years.
Thus the moment his courting had turned into the agreement of the person he had desired for not just only a few years, he couldn't hold back a fond smile appearing on his handsome features.
“Shizuns been quite aggressive.”, Shen Jiu averted his eyes from the man before him, fanning himself, “This disciple had thought he would surely give up after some time.”
A lie.
And the both of them knew.
-
The wedding Luo Binghe had prepared was by far the most grand he had ever held.
It was not only a stab to those that still wished for his love to return to them but also a warning to those that had the intention to get rid of his new wife in order to attack him.
In the end Luo Binghe still had a lot of enemies. And most of them wouldn't be dumb enough to attack him directly but much rather direct their attacks to his weakness. In this case obviously the person he desired enough to marry in such a great festivity.
The day paced by in a blur, truthfully Luo Binghe had been too distracted by Shen Jius appearance to be bothered to pay mind to anything else.
Lips smeared in a deep red creating a strong contrast to his ivory skin. His hair was tied together with a elegant red pin, a veil covering his face but Luo Binghe was more than certain of the look his eyes had. The red wedding garments covered his slender figure. Overall Shen Jiu looked beautiful. But he could have possibly also come in raggs and Luo Binghe would still insist on his beauty – being almost painfully aware of this, Shen Jiu would be more than pleased with himself.
It hadn't taken much time after all ceremonies had been fulfilled that Luo Binghe had grasped his wifes hand and lead him back to their estate. Behind them the festivities were still in full bloom, almost hiding their escape to the deepest parts of their home.
Shen Jiu wasn't sure if he had every anticipated this moment but his heart was beating wildly in his chest. He was filled with a sort of feeling he hadn't felt in a long while.
No, it was more like he hadn't expected to truly feel this way again.
It would be a lie to say he did not have a bitter and bad personality and he was more than aware of it. He felt no shame thinking back at things he did to ensure Luo Binghe would keep his eyes on him, nor did he feel any regret taking the place that was previously filled with more than 600 wives. More than anything he felt accomplished in a way. He had this man all to himself now. The man that had not only saved his miserable self but also had groomed it into someone worth of his status.
Shen Jiu was aware. He had been used to the suggestive stares of people, staring him up and down so when he had once recognized the same sort of gaze in Luo Binghes eyes he had shuddered for a bit. The fear soon had turned into a prideful thought. Even someone of his power and standing is showing interest in me. Even more so than the beautiful wives at his service.
He had accepted the courting Luo Binghe had started, he had even expected him to simply make him his partner without asking him but was pleasantly surprised when he was instead showered in affectionate gestures and presents. By all means he hadn't been won over with the money Luo Binghe had spent on him, he had already - much earlier even - decided to accept the proposal of being this mans partner. The only thing he had not decided to accept was the sharing of said partner. So he had only accepted once he had been sure Luo Binghes attention was fixed on him.
Shen Jiu by all means was not a kind man. If we wanted something he wanted it all to himself.
Had he known Luo Binghe had followed this wish of his without a flinch, he could have gotten this result much earlier than those five years he had waited.
Once they had entered the bedroom Luo Binghe turned towards Shen Jiu. His hand still tightly grasping the others. With the other she slowly lifted the veil covering his partners face, removing it to have it fall on the ground. Both of them didn't care much and he lost no time bringing the other to the bed.
With a simple push Shen Jiu could feel himself be lowered onto the soft silk that was laid out, the other man towering over him, hands still tightly grasped.
“I finally have you, A-Jiu.”, Luo Binghe had long been used to calling the other in this affectionate manner, he no longer even had the thought of the man beneath him being his Shizun. Neither of the three he had met so far were comparable, but the one that was his now was – in his oppinion – the best.
“Shizuns quite eager.”, shuddered breath was heard beneath him, quiet obviously Shen Jiu was in a way nervous but also excited.
With swift movements he removed the hairpin holding Shen Jius hair together and a moment later it flowed down his back, spreading on the white silk as he laid down.
“It's husband.”, Luo Binghe corrected in a low voice, meeting eyes with the man below him, finally seeing a sliver of what he had craved for all these years.
The usually sharp tone Shen Jius eyes had was replaced by an small wave of affection. Luo Binghe let out a deep hum as he bend down, binding Shen Jiu in the first kiss they shared.
Finally mine.
-
Had Shen Jiu ever known about the fate his predecessor had suffered he would have simply given a small hum filled with acknowledgment. “Tragic.”, he would say but not mean it. The failure of this other him had given him nothing but a better life. What was there to worry about.
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Luo Binghe had a good life.
He would often contemplate about things in the small bamboo hut in Qing Jing Peak.
After having taken over the role as the peak lord from his predecessor he had begun live in the very same hut he had lived in, teaching disciples every day.
Truly it was a wonderful life, tranquil and peaceful if anyone were to ask this was most certainly the life they had wished for.
But something felt missing.
He was never quiet sure what it was.
On whatever joyous occasion he would sit back and smile and quietly murmur to himself, “Ah if only I could...” If only he could what? No matter how many times he tried to verify what this something was he simply couldn't make any sense of it.
Thus he swiftly decided to ignore this something that made his heart ache.
He had lived a good life.
He had found many companions and friends.
But he still hadn't found that something he felt missing. One could say it was as if the thing he missed had vanished from this world even before he had existed.