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Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian didn’t think being righteous in his own damn club would lead to this. Tied up and beaten till he was coughing up blood, bruises starting to form.

A hand grabs and tugged hard on his collar of his shirt. Wei Wuxian chokes around his clothed gag as he is lifted by Wen Zhuliu. Wen Chao is by a fire pit, a brand heating up.

“I thought it was made clear that these streets are mine and that includes buildings.” Turning around Wei Wuxian wanted to grin at just how unhinged and in control of the situation thinks he was.

The Wen gang as Wen Chao believes controls the sect that Wei Wuxian has set up shop for his club the Burial Mounds.

As for why he was tied up, beaten, and about to be branded by the signature symbol of the Wen gang. As he said, he was being righteous.

His bartender, Xue Yang, brought to his attention that a drink of a loyal patron was roofied.

In his club? HELL NO!

But no, as he leads the drugged lady away to sleep it off, Wen Chao had spotted him with his target, and now here he was.

“Strip him.” Wen Chao said as he picked up the heated iron, the sun brand red and ready to burn into anything it touches. Wen Zhuliu pulled his arms back and two lackeys tore his shirt to shreds. Dark threads landed and his torso was bare for the Wen gang members present to see.

Wen Chao walks over and before he can press the brand in, Wen Zhuliu spots the tattoo that decorates Wei Wuxian’s back.

“Young Master Wen-“

“Wen Zhuliu not now.”  Wen Chao grabs Wei Wuxian’s shoulder to steady him as the man naturally starts thrashing as the hot branding iron got closer.

“Wei Wuxian isn’t a part of any gang, correct?”

That had Wen Chao stopping but Wei Wuxian still struggled in his restraints.

Wei Wuxian wasn’t a part of any gang. He was just a simple club owner who resides in the Wen Sect’s territory. Why the hell was his bodyguard questioning this? If anyone else asked that dumbass question they would have gotten shot but Wen Zhuliu chooses his words wisely.

The two other lackeys present were told to hold Wei Wuxian, pinning him to the ground. Wen Chao walks to Wen Zhuliu’s side and finally sees the tattoo.

A red lotus in front of a moon that is tinted purple…

“Oh fuck-”

The warehouse was lit with gunshots and Wei Wuxian curled his body to avoid the bullets.

When all was settled and Wen Zhuliu and Wen Chao were both shot in the legs, a group of four men walked in. Yu Shengyan and Bian Yanmei quickly stopped Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu from making an escape.

The other two free Wei Wuxian from his bondage.

Then he was hugged by the biggest of the two.

“SHIDI, WE WERE WORRIED!” A teary-eyed Luo Binghe let go of Wei Wuxian, who chuckled at his worries.

“Father isn’t pleased.” The last man, the tallest, said while stretching his hand to Wei Wuxian.

“Of course he isn’t.” Wei Wuxian answered, accepting the hand and Luo Binghe quickly looked back to the remains of his shirt before shrugging off his jacket.

“Here.” Wei Wuxian takes the offered gift and finally, the trio turns to the remaining Wen members.

“What do we do with them?” Wei Wuxian asked.

The tallest picks up the brand left on the floor and studies it.

“Give them their own medicine.” Hua Cheng says.

Soon screams fill the air.

—

Wine is sipped and a middle-aged man sits in his condo. Purple robes pooled around as he lounges on a couch, waiting and then he sighs.

They were late.

“Perhaps we should wait a bit more.” Shen Qiao suggests and the purple-clad man looks up at his husband of fifth-teen years.

“I know.”

A door opens and the trio enters. Wei Wuxian getting a new shirt and also cleaned up.

“Sorry father, I had-” Wei Wuxian is stopped when Shen Qiao is up in front of him and is looking at the bruises forming.

“Did you get into another fight?” Shen Qiao asked producing a handkerchief and wiping away any blood.

“No, but I’m sorry, baba.”  Wei Wuxian said Shen Qiao continued to clean the shortest of the young men.

The man on the sofa finally got up and stood at his husband’s side.

“Kneel.”

All three did as they were told and Shen Qiao just looked at his husband.

“This isn’t necessary-“

Red eyes turn to meet brown eyes.

“It is, Ah-Qiao.’ The man looks down at the three and says. ‘Apologize to your baba for being late.”

The three shift slightly to Shen Qiao and bow in their kneeled position.

“WE ARE SORRY FOR BEING LATE!”

Shen Qiao is led to the table that has been set with slightly cooled food. The man sits at the head of the table and addresses the young men.

“Now, how have my boys been?”  Yan Wushi asks.

—

The city has many gangs that work together. Some working closely with the government, others not at all.

Qishan Wen Sect for nearly fifty years had rule a good majority of the streets till close to twenty years ago the Cleansing Moon appeared out of nowhere.

Yan Wushi took over nearly forty percent of the original territory that Wen Ruohan had. Then a twenty-seven-year-old Yan Wushi meets a twenty-two-year-old inspector Shen Qiao.

Though he tried to hide the fact he was the Cleansing Moon triad leader. It did not last as Yan Wushi stopped a bullet for Shen Qiao during one of many encounters of theirs.

What also didn’t last was Yan Wushi being a lone leader.

Shen Qiao stood next to the triad leader, both in red robes by the start of summer. Two years and then a span of five months, Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao were new parents to three boys.

An eleven-year-old boy found by Shen Qiao on the shores of the Luo River. He didn’t remember anything and was renamed Luo Binghe.

Nine-year-old Wei Ying was found by the couple when walking in Yiling. Shivering and people just passing the boy. Yan Wushi carried the small boy that night while Shen Qiao gave the boy a new rattle drum to cheer him up. Luo Binghe was all up to the task to make sure that Wei Ying was comfortable and welcomed in the Cleansing Moon household.

Then at the start of the new year, the family of four went to a temple to say the yearly prays, late that new year evening. Luo Binghe and Wei Ying were the ones to find small eight-year-old Hua Cheng.

Shen Qiao was glad to have three boys to take care of. Yan Wushi though didn’t like them taking his Shen Qiao’s attention, he did enjoy his boys soon enough.

It was however never their intention to rope in the boys into the triad. The only thing that Yan Wushi allowed his boys was a tattoo on each of their backs.

Luo Binghe had a black lotus, Wei Wuxian a red lotus, and Hua Cheng a silver lotus.

He also had the requirement when it came to staying in the city was to set up shop in any of the territory he oversaw.

Luo Binghe opened his Proud Immortal Delights, Wei Wuxian his Burial Mounds Club, and Hua Cheng’s Ghost City Bar.

Yan Wushi loved his husband and his sons.

At his desk, Yan Wushi receives pictures of Wen Chao with a fresh brand on his cheek and Wen Zhuliu on his chest.

He would make all those who tried to hurt them pay in blood.

Chapter Text

Shen Qiao did a little investigating on the side when he first got his sons. It was more to fill in that insecurity that perhaps he was taking the boys away from a home that they already had.

He first checked missing children and only Wei Ying came up….. four months after they adopted him. That already sent red flags to Shen Qiao. Four months ago was the dead of winter. What would have been Wei Ying if Yan Wushi and he hadn’t spotted him?

A man by the name of Jiang Fengmian had made the report and Shen Qiao looked into his profile.

A father of two children, a daughter and son, and married to Yu Ziyuan. The man swallowed a bit when in the profile and the many pictures that anyone could tell the marriage was an unstable one.

What would happen if this Jiang Fengmian brought Wei Ying into his house?  What kind of mental and emotional damage would he get?

With that Shen Qiao asked Yan Wushi how he felt about courtesy names. The triad leader said he was using his like a normal name so he didn’t mind at all.

That was the day Shen Qiao discovered Xie Ling was his husband’s birth name. Either way, Wei Ying gained the courtesy name of Wei Wuxian for the less likelihood of the Jiang Patriarch finding his son.

Shen Qiao had a sour taste in his mouth at the thought of anyone taking his sons.

So next was Hua Cheng. He was harder to find but statically speaking he should have been in the range to be a high priority.

Shen Qiao went back to the temple where they found Hua Cheng and ask the monks in charge about his youngest.

They said they didn’t know the name but they did recognize the face when he produces a photo and said that a family of four usually came around with the youngster….till they didn’t.

It didn’t take a hard guess for Shen Qiao to suspect that Hua Cheng was abandoned because he was an expense.

That night, Shen Qiao asked if Hua Cheng wanted anything, anything at all.

The poor boy cried at that as he never was given a chance to ask for anything.

He simply asked for a silver necklace like Yan Wushi. When Yan Wushi heard this, the triad leader took him to the nearest jewelry store and said pick what you want.

His oldest turned out to be the hardest to discover his origins. After a mini therapy session where he tried to get anything to use but nope, Luo Binghe was a blank slate when it came to memories. The boy nearly cried because of that.

Shen Qiao didn’t push him to remember and that was that for a while.

It was their first summer when Yan Wushi was invited to a banquet held by Huan Hua Industry. The triad leader hissed in annoyance and said he would rather stay and eat Wei Ying’s cooking than go.

.

.

.

So Shen Qiao went in his stead. In return, Yan Wushi had to watch the boys by himself for the first time.

The former inspector greeted heads and representatives of multiple companies and works of government. He even spoke to Jiang Fengmian. The man in person seems well off and very formal. His wife, on the other hand, introduce herself before Jiang Fengmian could. While Shen Qiao has no problem with breaking tradition in how things work (with a woman introducing herself and not standing there like a decoration), he did find the gesture a bit rude and impolite in the current setting.

Then Shen Qiao met Lanling Jin Corps’ Jin Guangshan.

.

.

. 

Shen Qiao never thought he would say it but this was truly a disgusting man. Infidelity while not anything new was usually something secret and not common knowledge like it was for Jin Guangshan’s case.

There was no evidence when he worked the force that they could charge the man for the sexual favors he was infamous for. No one came to report to them about anything and so the man was scot-free. Oh if there was ever anyone Shen Qiao wanted his husband to shoot at it was this man.

Shoot his d-

A mic was used and tapped at to get those in attendance their attention. Everyone turned to look at Zhuzhi-Lang.

“Tianlang Jun will lead the toasting.” And coming upstage was the CEO of Heavenly Bailu Construction, which has practically built this city from the ground up and would most likely have blueprints of each and every building. That’s what makes him dangerous to all triads that publicly own property. If they ever backstabbed Tianlang Jun then that just his go-ahead to snick them out to the cops.

Shen Qiao however is frozen for a different reason.

Tianlang smiles and all Shen Qiao could see was a more sinister version of his Luo Binghe.

The CEO gives toast and glasses are clicking while Shen Qiao's perspective is shattered.

—

He leaves the Banquet after that and cuddles up to Yan Wushi who was tucker out after wrestling the boys for remote rights.

Shen Qiao now has a good idea of each of his boys and wants to give them all the love and protection he can.

A light snore from his husband makes him smile and tucks his head under his chin to close his mouth for the night.

Yan Wushi probably already figured out his worry of people stealing their sons away but he always has something to hold against everyone.

Jiang Fengmian destroying his family himself. Hua Cheng's family could easily be dealt with by Child Protective Services. While Tianlang-Jun may be powerful in resources, he is only as good as the market. Also, a few scandals(No matter if they were real or fake) and a few shareholders pulling their shares from the companies would surely rock the market.

Would he really do all this just to make sure each of his boys is protected and stay with them?

Yan Wushi huffs in his sleep and curls around Shen Qiao.

Of course, he would.

Chapter Text

So I know how some people are when it comes to other fics. They go for only one couple and leave the others in the dust.

This is why this chapter is here. Don't worry this will be updated each time a chapter comes out and you can follow your favorite couple. Only Main couples tho.

YanShen(Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao.)

Chapters: 1,2,4,6,7,8,9,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,22,24,28

BingQiu (Luo Binghe and Shen Yuan)

Chapters: 4,7,10,13,15,16,17,21,22,24,28

WangXian( Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian)

Chapters: 5,7,9,13,15,16,17,19,22,24,28

Hualian(Hua Cheng and Xie Lian)

Chapters: 5,7,8,13,15,16,17,20,22,24,28

Chapter Text

Yan Wushi is going to be honest.

He teaches his boys some bad habits.

Enough to where his Ah-Qiao will have all four on their knees giving them lectures on why they shouldn’t do these habits. Then Yan Wushi had to use his devilish good charms to get back into his Ah-Qiao’s good graces.

That works about half the time.

This was more to chip away at their secret of being triad leaders. If he just out rights tells them, he’ll break his boys. They (Luo Binghe) would cry that their life was a lie.

Now if he breaks them into something simple and over time, the impact of the truth won’t be nearly as bad.

—

So he taught his sons to pickpocket.

A Lantern festival was happening and Yan Wushi took his boys for the first time. Shen Qiao had gone off to the restroom when Yan Wushi bent down in front of his sons.

“Boys, today is the day to prove yourselves that you have this wonderful skill. Whoever can steal the most valuable thing gets a favor from Pa.” Yan Wushi winks and comes back up when his husband came back.

They had practice pickpocketing at home because if they did it in public and someone grabbed at one of the boys, Yan Wushi would have shot them on the spot. After a few weeks of practice, the Cleansing Moon triad leader was confident enough that his boys will be fine. (He unconsciously pulls at a knuckle brace in his own pocket.)

They had walked around with Shen Qiao explaining how the original Lantern Festival had started and Yan Wushi was only half listening. He was more focused on the fact his boys weren’t the only ones pickpocketing.

He didn’t worry because he was covering the back and his boys finish the diamond formation with Luo Binghe leading the way and Shen Qiao in the middle.

He did grab and twist the wrist of one teenager that thought it would be fun to ‘run’ into Hua Cheng and he plucked the silver necklace back.

When they round the corner Hua Cheng actually produces the teen’s wallet. Yan Wushi ruffs his hair and quickly gives Hua Cheng his necklace back and the money in the wallet before tossing it.

They buy lanterns to light up later.

When they do, the moment was peaceful for the triad leader. Just a second where the kids are grinning and Shen Qiao is smiling.

Yan Wushi hums in contentment and looks back at the rising lanterns.

--

Luo Binghe lost that night and Wei Ying came in for the win when he actually returned the item he stole.

—

The oldest son was taste testing his dish when he heard the bell open for his shop.  He wipes his hands and comes back to the front. His cafe was closed because his area was usually slow till later. He probably just forgot to lock the door.

“I’m sorry we are close at the-”

Luo Binghe's eyes lit up when he realizes who it was.

“SHIZUN!”

Shen Yuan grinned and came to the counter.

“I’m sorry if I came during your off hours.’ Shen Yuan produced a mirrorless camera that Luo Binghe didn’t even know where to start on how to use it. ‘ I was wondering if I could take a few pictures for the vlog?”

Luo Binghe smiles “Go right ahead. Shizun has permission all the time.”

Shen Yuan was a food vlogger who loves going around his city and making posts and videos about the smallest restaurants. He brings good business whenever he posts. Luo Binghe had started calling him Shizun when the older man had told him how to improve his shop. From suggestions on what to add to what to cut out, Luo Binghe took each thing to heart.

Shen Yuan actually has been coming around more often than Luo Binghe expected him to. Perhaps he was just trying to reach a marker in his video covering Proud Immortal Delights?

Either way, it was not actually Proud Immortal Delights that the two met.

Luo Binghe was actually at a wet market, getting some local supplies for his shop.

“Always support the community because they help make you who you are.” Shen Qiao would say. Luo Binghe did just that. Every morning he would come just before the crack of dawn and look at fresh ingredients.

“-and here they unload the fruits but it looks like they’ve been at it for a while.”

The young man looks up to see a well-dressed man taking footage of people at work. The man waves at the workers and some wave back.

Luo Binghe looks to a youth who just then walks by the vlogger. He shoves by, while not uncommon in a market like this with people going in and out and crossing paths, Luo Binghe narrowed his eyes.

He walks in front of the youth and then stops at a stall, pretending to look interested. He reaches back and then nods at the person running the stall.

Luo Binghe goes back to the oblivious man and coughs to get his attention.

“Excuse me-“ The vlogger looked out of his element for a second before stepping to the side.

“Sorry I’m in the wa-“

Luo Binghe holds out a phone, that had the vlogger patting down his pockets.

“You dropped this.” Luo Binghe said, handing back the device, and was surprised by how slender the fingers were.

“Thank YOU!” The vlogger bow slightly in thanks.

“No problem.’  Luo Binghe looked at the camera, now curious. ‘What are you recording for exactly?”

The vlogger seems to ease back into his own element and started to explain how he was vlogging on the process of a local wet market.

That was the day Luo Binghe met his most devoted patron.

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng looked at his phone and scroll through the multiple pictures that his brother, Wei Wuxian, sent him.

It had all started when Wei Wuxian was just hanging out for a bit before he had to open his club for the evening. He had only had his bar open for a few months and he gave his own thoughts on his bar.

“I don’t think I chose a good spot to open.” Hua Cheng had confect to his brother who was drinking away at one of his more popular drinks, an Emperor’s Smile.

Wei Wuxian stirs his drink and hums in thought, before looking around the establishment. His humming stops and looks back at his younger brother.

“Have you thought of adding decor?” Wei Wuxian suggests and takes a sip of his drink.

Hua Cheng looks around and does admit his bar is empty of anything too interesting. There were two TVs and Yan Wushi had pitched in to help renovate to give the bar a nice redwood finish. Outside of that, nothing really was appealing about the place. 

Suddenly, Wei Wuxian jerks his sleeve up, looks at his watch and sits up.

“Shit, shit, shit.” He repeated and was about a few paces away from his spot that he sat before charging back and finishing his drink in one gulp.

He runs to the door and was almost out.

“I’ll send you pics of what you should get A-Hua. Sorry I cut our time short. I forgot something that was happening today.”

Now here he was walking down the street to a place that Wei Wuxian had recommended to get decor.

“You need to sell the idea of ‘Ghost City'.” That was what his brother said. “Also dim the lights and use lanterns.”

‘Not a bad idea.’

He finally made it to the shop.

‘Scrapper’s antiques.’ He enters the bell rings, signaling his entrance, and hears a rustle at the back of the shop. He looks around and studies the fill to the brim shelves.

“Hello, are you looking for anything specific?” Hua Cheng turns around and sees-

‘Oh hell.’ Hua Cheng said and it took all his willpower not to blush as a man in a white dress shirt appears behind the counter and sets down a box filled with miscellaneous stuff.

“Um …. My brother had told me that I could probably find some decor for my bar here.’ Hua Cheng pulls his phone out and leans over the counter to scroll through the pictures that his brother had sent.

The man studies the pictures and nods.

“I have a few things you may be interested in.” He goes around the counter and Hua Cheng follows the man as he leads him around the shop.

Hua Cheng knows who he is and Hua Cheng didn’t know if it was a good thing or a bad thing.

He’s only a customer here but what’s to say he is safe?

The man is Xie Lian and he is the son of the CEO of Xian Le Real estate. Hua Cheng actually knows him for another reason that makes the man turn around when he snaps his fingers and points at Hua Cheng.

“You’re Crimson Rain, aren’t you.”

Hua Cheng nods in defeat and before Xie Lian could speak, he replied with ‘And you are Dianxia.”

Xie Lian laughs nervously and scratches his cheek.

“I don’t go as often anymore.” Xie Lian admits.

So how they exactly know each other makes Hua Cheng feel slightly guilty for not telling at least his brothers. It was a dirty little secret that he tries to hide. He just couldn't resist the thrill of it.

Also, his baba would be a shame and his father would give him a huff before giving a wink of being impressed.

Hua Cheng was an active street racer and Xie Lian was one of the more interesting characters to appear at the races.

‘Dian Xia’ with his custom car Ruoye and ‘Crimson Rain’ with his car E-Ming. They had exchanged a few words here and there. Hua Cheng however always had a red bandana on covering the lower half of his face. So how did-

Xie Lian stops his nervous laugh.

“Sorry, it took me a minute to recognize your voice.”

Oh…. That’s how he recognized him.

Hua Cheng tried to keep his blush down as Xie Lian lead him around and grabbed the items his brother told him about.

Speaking of which, what made Wei Wuxian run out.

—

‘Shit, shit, shit, shit.’

Wei Wuxian skidded around a corner and dashes the last few blocks till he sees his club and the person he was meeting.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t keep you waiting did I?” Wei Wuxian said as the man looks at him as he pulls his keys out and unlocks the Burial Mounds.

“No.” Wei Wuxian just nods and the two enter. The man looks around.

“It’s clean.” The man dressed in a light blue attire states.

Wei Wuxian nods and laughs as he leads the man to the bar. “Of course it is. After you shut me down for a few days as a warning my staff and I scrub the whole place.”

Wei Wuxian went behind the bar and dug for ice in the cooler, placing them in glasses before looking back at the man.

“Would Lan Zhan like anything to drink?” The club owner asks.

Lan Wangji the health inspector nods.

“Just water please.”

Lan Wangji, affectionately called Lan Zhan by Wei Wuxian when he found out he too had a courtesy name, was the health inspector that was assigned ‘Burial Mounds’.

Oh, boy did it start out rocky for Wei Wuxian after the first inspection. Lan Health does not mess around when it comes to their health standards. But after that, Wei Wuxian saw the improvement in his club so whenever Lan Wangji came around, Wei Wuxian always offered him a drink.

Of course, Lan Wangji always says either water or tea. Something about he’s not allowed to drink on the job or something that Wei Wuxian has forgotten.

“So what did Lan Zhan need to check?” Wei Wuxian grins and mixes his own drink.

Lan Wangji picks up his paper, hiding his ever reddening ears behind the sheet. “The freezer.”

Wei Wuxian turns back around and smiles.

“Right this way, inspector Lan.”

Chapter Text

Yan Wushi sometimes wakes to a cold sweat and has to hastily leave the bed to splash cold water on his face. Shen Qiao would quickly follow after him and just lean on him, hugging him from behind.

Yan Wushi would turn around and hugged back, holding him like the precious treasure he was.

Shen Qiao would say he isn’t worth as much as Yan Wushi thinks. Yan Wushi buys so much land in Shen Qiao’s name after those kinds of comments.

Those nights are spent on the ground simply sitting on the bathroom floor before Shen Qiao pulls him up and brings him back to the bed.

Yan Wushi would bury his nose into Shen Qiao and his husband storks his hair till he is back asleep.

—

If one ever asks how Cleansing Moon came into power, it could all be drawn back to the most simple thing.

Drugs.

Sure the basic stuff was fine. But they made something special that had everyone coming back for more.

Phoenix Ascending was the name. Made into a simple pill and sold in threes. No more than four actually cause overdose and an immediate hospitalization was needed.

Yan Wushi built an empire from it but he had his own product for years. He couldn’t even feel a bullet if he was shot.

He however did feel shame when he did wake up and Shen Qiao was sitting next to him, tightly holding his hand after a particularly bad crash.

For five years, he was on Phoenix Ascending when he quite literally knocked himself out when he sobered for just a second to realize he was choking out Shen Qiao.

After that, it took Shen Qiao weeks to find the triad leader again. Then he promptly tackles the man to the ground and just hugged him till Yan Wushi returned it.

Then he was shot and then they got married.

Okay, that’s not the end but it would have been nice.

After Yan Wushi was shot, Shen Qiao took the chance to start him on the path of coming clean.

Getting clean started with Shen Qiao’s first action as co-leader of Cleansing Moon. Ridding all production of Phoenix Ascending.

Though many had disagreed with the decision, the money Yan Wushi threw at anyone who destroys a case of it was too good to be true/

He’s been like that for fifth-teen years now. He has had episodes where it feels like he is still on it.

—

Hua Cheng is the one that has Yan Wushi sitting down with him. Looking at the bag of the simple stuff. Luo Binghe and Wei Wuxian squirm under the watchful eye of Shen Qiao, who stood behind them while they sat on the opposite couch.

A small bag of weed that someone by the name of Jin Zixun gave him.

“I wasn’t going to-” Hua Cheng, at age thirteen, started but a glance from his father told him to stay silent. They sat like that for a long while before Yan Wushi moved.

Yan Wushi grabs the bag and grips it.

“I don’t want to see any one of my sons with any of this shit or anything like it.” Yan Wushi looked to Bian Yanmei stood by the door. He tosses the bag to him. He then stands and looks to all three of his sons.

“Do I make myself clear?” His sons bow their heads.

“Yes, sir.” Hua Cheng confirms, Luo Binghe nods biting his lower lip to stop him from crying under the gaze and Wei Wuxian gives a squeak of ‘Yes father.’

That evening, Shen Qiao did his best to ease Yan Wushi’s worries.

Shen Qiao was usually the one to give the boys any stern talking. But as soon as Hua Cheng had walked in through the door and set his bag down on the counter. Yan Wushi had smelt it over his afternoon coffee.

Yan Wushi didn’t even run that section of the triad anymore and actively avoids the areas that the stuff was sold.

He nearly lost it.

It took Shen Qiao and a really long, long hug to stop him from going off so hard that Hua Cheng would have shut down. Shut off to the world like he was at the beginning of being in the family. Yan Wushi didn’t want that at all.

Though Hua Cheng never said it, he saw Yan Wushi as a true father. He didn’t know much about Hua Cheng’s birth father but abandoning Hua Cheng wasn’t the only thing his father had done to him.

Do you know how long it took Yan Wushi to be able to throw an arm around Hua Cheng without him flinching? Two years.

He wasn’t about to have all that progress wasted like that.

Not over a fucking bag of weed.

The triad leader only wants what is best for his boys. He wasn’t even going to let them even think about getting on anything.

—

Later that week

Lanling Jin Corps dips in shares by thirteen percent(like a straight dip) and people panicked, resulting in even more of a drop.

Shen Qiao shakes his head but whatever makes Yan Wushi feel better.

The triad leader did however return that evening with a new silver necklace for Hua Cheng. To show him he wasn’t permanently mad, perhaps temporarily disappointed. This was his promise to Hua Cheng if he too can return it. That Yan Wushi wouldn’t set his fury on him at all if Hua Cheng never touches any poison they sell on the streets.

None of his boys ever touch anything.

Wei Wuxian did start a fight later that month in school when Jin Zixun tries to sell Hua Cheng more of it. Then he turned around and set his sights on Jin Zixuan when he tried to break it up.

Hua Cheng was pulled away by He Xuan and Wei Wuxian was suspended for a week after that.

Though Shen Qiao didn’t particularly like the actions Wei Wuxian took. Saying he could have tried using his words instead of his fists. He did commend him for holding up his values.

Shen Qiao is also proud that Yan Wushi was the bigger man and cleaned himself up to be better than before.

Chapter Text

“Ah-Qiao, let’s take the boys to Gusu Springs.”

Shen Qiao was reading a book with his glasses on with his husband just laying on his lap. He raises a brow at the suddenness of it.

“Now?”

The man with white streaks nodded.

“This weekend.”

—

Wei Wuxian left his club in the hands of Xiao Xingchen. He was really excited to be able to have a weekend trip with his family.

Luo Binghe leaves his restaurant in the hands of Sha Hualing and Liu Mingyan. Business has been good and Shen Yuan had told him he has uploaded the video for Proud Immortal Delights. The rush of new customers had him tucker out. A hot spring sounds really nice.

Hua Cheng leaves his bar in the hands of Yin Yu for the weekend. It would be the first time he left his bar in the hands of anyone for an extended period of time. The interior upgrade had really brought in business so Hua Cheng felt confident enough that it’ll be fine.

—

Bian Yanmei had said his concerns for Yan Wushi leaving so suddenly for a trip but the triad leader had said it’s best for him not to bring suspicion of anything.

Yan Wushi was currently driving down the road with Shen Qiao dozing away in the passenger seat. They were going to meet their sons at 5 at the Gusu Springs Resort.

‘He is so adorable.’ Even after fifth-teen years of being together, Shen Qiao still looked like his twenty-something self instead of his nearly hitting forty age.

They pull up to the resort in the mountain and soon a horn signals the arrival of their Red Lotus. Wei Wuxian jumps out of his xpeng and gives Yan Wushi a bear hug which the leader returns with just as much vigor. He then gives Shen Qiao a much lighter hug but just as tight.

A lighter tap of a horn and Silver Lotus appears. Hua Cheng gets out of his ‘E-Ming’ and gives his parents his own hugs(much lighter than Wei Wuxian but tight), before fist-bumping Wei Wuxian.

Then Wei Wuxian and Hua Cheng were pulled in from behind, Luo Binghe giving his shidis all his love. Luo Binghe then hugged Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi at the same time, the elder having to tap his oldest to let go.

Then Yan Wushi checked in for their private springs and room.

“Boys, meet at pool 10 in about-‘  Yan Wushi looks to Shen Qiao who looks at his watch.

“Thirty minutes should be good.” Shen Qiao answered and the trio nod in confirmation before their parents walk off.

“So-‘ Yan Wushi starts. ‘Is that enough time for us to-“

Shen Qiao puts his hand over his husband’s mouth but the damage has already been done. White-clad servants look to them before they try to cover their embarrassment.

“Please not now Yan-Lang.”

They get to their room and sadly his pleas were in vain.

He shouldn’t have said please and ‘Yan-Lang’ in the same sentence. Luckily Yan Wushi had ordered their food to be ready ten minutes after they arrive in the pool area.

—

Luo Binghe and Hua Cheng were the first to leave the room while Wei Wuxian decided to doze off. They both were wearing their swim shorts and Aloha shirt in their color schemes.

Hua Cheng split from his brother because it turned out he forgot his wallet in his car. By the time he comes back in, he nearly misses a step because his attention was stolen.

“I’m sorry sir. There aren’t any free rooms or pools at the moment.” The receptionist said and the man in a white shirt sighed. He had gotten caught and traffic and now this? His luck really was the worse.

Hua Cheng walked over when the man turned, almost like he was leaving and said. “GeGe?”

Xie Lian looked up surprised and then he smiles.

“Hello, San Lang. What are you doing here?”

Hua Cheng blushed at the nickname. It had been thought of by Xie Lian when Hua Cheng had said he was the third son of three brothers.

“My family is staying for the weekend.”Hua Cheng said and Xie Lian just nodded.

“That must be nice. They just told me that they didn’t have any free rooms or even an open pool.” Xie Lian admitted and Hua Cheng steps in the way of the door before the other man took a step.

“Why not join my family?” Hua Cheng said but Xie Lian's ears redden and Hua Cheng realized his mistake.

“I MEAN IN A POOL, JOIn my family in our pool room.” Hua Cheng corrects his offer, stumbling on his volume.

Xie Lian nodded and laughed behind his hand as the other tried to recover from his earlier words.

“I would love to.”

—

Luo Binghe found the pool room and was about to open it when from the corner of his eye he saw something that brightens his mood.

“SHIZUN!” Luo Binghe said and he threw an arm around the man who nearly slipped on the tile.

Shen Yuan turned and gave a grin to the other.

“Luo Binghe, what are you doing here?” The Vlogger asked.

Luo Binghe just smiled and continued having his arm around the man.

“Father wanted to take the family on a weekend vacation.”

Shen Yuan wanted to say more but two carts full of entrees and drinks pass them and stop in front of the pool room that the Cleansing Moon leader had booked.

Luo Binghe could see the drool that was dripping at the smell of all the food. The bigger of the two gave a wide smile and gesture to the carts.

“Would Shizun like to join us and try some food?” Luo Binghe suggested.

Shen Yuan nodded eagerly.

—

Hua Cheng makes it to the room with Xie Lian and he opens to see his oldest brother wave at him with a man munching away at a meat bun.

“Dage, who’s this?” Hua Cheng asked and Xie Lian actually answers him.

“You’re Shen Yuan the Xiu Ya food Vlogger right?” The man in question nodded and he only had one look at Xie Lian before he too spoke.

“Aren’t you the son the CEO of Xian Le Estates that donated billions of Yuan for the food truck lots?” The man asked before biting into another meat bun.

Xie Lian nodded, not really knowing about the donation but the company was right.

—

Wei Wuxian scratched his head as he passed by the numerous rooms. He was about to backtrack the best he could when a spa room was open and a man in white with blue accents swim shorts came out. Wei Wuxian was frozen for a second cause goddamn was the man fine and also-

“Lan Zhan?”

The name made the man freeze in place before he faced Wei Wuxian who was also wearing the same Aloha shirt and shorts his brothers had.

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji confirmed.

“What are you doing here?” Wei Wuxian asked getting closer and Lan Wangji throws a spare towel over his shoulder to give him more cover.

“Family owns springs.”

Wei Wuxian snaps his fingers and points at the other with a grin.

“So, does that mean Lan Zhan can help this poor customer on where their pool is?” Wei Wuxian asked and Lan Wangji nodded.

—

As soon as Wei Wuxian entered the private pool his brothers throw up their hands and he returns the gesture.

“My PEOPLE!” Wei Wuxian shouts and Luo Binghe gives him a cheer. Lan Wangji turns to leave but Wei Wuxian grabs him by the arm.

Perhaps he should have been more offended but the smile Wei Wuxian had when bringing him over stopped him.

Then they the six were all saying cheers and taking a shot in no time.

—

Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi were walking to their pool twenty minutes after the time they set.

“Yan-Lang, Please don’t do that again when the boys are waiting for us.”

Yan Wushi just smiled at his husband’s red cheeks.

“They’ll be fine.” Yan Wushi says as he grabs the knob to open the private pool room.

“What’s the worse that they can do?”

Then they open the door and see Hua Cheng was holding back a smaller man as he cursed out another man who Luo Binghe was trying to keep standing.

“SAN LANG LET ME AT HIM!” Xie Lian said and Hua Cheng tightens his hold when it seemed like the man was about to slip out.

“Shizun apologize please.”Luo Binghe pleaded and the man in his arms just hiccups and shakes his head.

“The XIE Le bought my favorite CUPcake.” Shen Yuan said before slumping more in Luo Binghe’s arms.

Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao looked at their middle child and see him near the pool edge with another man passed out on the tile floor.

“Oi, Lan Zhan? It wasn’t that much.” Wei Wuxian tapped Lan Wangji’s cheek before slapping him lightly. Shen Qiao soon comes over and kneels.

“What happen A-Xian?” Shen Qiao asked. Wei Wuxian turns a little teary-eyed and doesn’t notice golden eyes starting to open.

“We just had a drink and then these three couldn’t handle it. Shen Yuan said something, Xie Lian went off on him and Lan Zhan just was knocked out.”

Shen Qiao was about to reach out and comfort his son more when his wrist was grabbed.

“Lan ZHAN WAIT!” Lan Wangji however was in tunnel vision and all he saw was someone pretty trying to touch Wei Ying.

Lan Wangji gets up quickly and before he knew it his own wrist was grabbed by a much older man.

“No one touches A-Qiao like that.” Yan Wushi said and soon Lan Wangji had his arm wrapped around the offending arm.

Xie Lian spotted them and cheered them on. “KICK HIS ASS!”

Lan Wangji wasn’t ready when they have suddenly swung around and Yan Wushi flung them backward.

“YOU’RE COMING WITH ME, PRETTY BOY!” Then the two were in the water with the rest of the family shouting out either ‘FATHER’, ‘LAN ZHAN’ OR ‘YAN-LANG’.

That sobered Lan Wangji up and he finds himself in a chokehold.

“Ask for mercy.” Yan Wushi says and he only doesn’t kill the man simply because his son, Wei Wuxian, was crying for him.

“Mercy.” Just one word in such an anti-climactic tone had Yan Wushi pausing for a second and then laughing.

“A-Xian!” Yan Wushi pulls up Lan Wangji so they were at a more even height and tightens his grip. “Who’s this and why haven’t you brought him over? He’s hilarious.”

—

They calm down after that. Xie Lian passing out on Hua Cheng’s bed. Luo Binghe leading Shen Yuan back to his own room. Lan Wangji actually gives them free passes to make up for the trouble he caused.

Yan Wushi just laughed at the situation afterward but Shen Qiao got worried a bit for Lan Wangji’s safety for about a minute.

Chapter Text

In the Cleansing Moon Triad, there are two unofficial brothers to the Lotuses.

Bian Yanmei and Yu Shengyan, the second hands of Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao.

Of course, it hadn’t always been like that.

Bian Yanmei had joined the triad at the age of twenty after impressing a recruiter by outsmarting a Harmony patrol and stealing a shipment. He quickly became a favorite of Yan Wushi, leaving him to deal with small sections of the triad while Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao dealt with bigger issues.

If Bian Yanmei was the brains then Yu Shengyan was the brawn.

Yu Shengyan, age nineteen, coming in with a bang by blowing up one of the Wen Sect’s warehouses. Shen Qiao would later scold him about him bombing the warehouse that was near residential property but Yan Wushi was impressed.

Funny enough, the first thing the two did together after joining the infamous triad that had rule their streets was to take care of three brothers.

Luo Binghe and Hua Cheng got attach to Bian Yanmei pretty quickly, being the more patient of the two and willing to listen to them whenever.

Then Wei Ying (only in public he is Wei Wuxian) got attach to Yu Shengyan.

Though they were ordered by Yan Wushi to not tell the young boys at all about Cleansing Moon, that didn’t stop Yu Shengyan from taking a young Wei Ying downtown and setting up some ‘home alone traps’. Wei Ying being the mischief he was, got in and even improved on some of the traps.

Yu Shengyan didn’t tell him what they were for exactly but he said ‘Don’t worry A-Ying, they will spring on what they need to.”

Much later, Shen Qiao gets a call that his old acquaintance, Yu Ai, was found at the scene of an old apartment complex with ‘Green Ghost’ Qi Rong. Both quickly escaping the scene but Shen Qiao found it suspicious that his old ‘friend’ is once again trying to work with the triads.

What he later finds out in more detail is that the place was rigged. From faulty boards to Blair horns set to go off for hours. Someone had known the building was a meeting place.

Yu Shengyan would later take Wei Ying to his favorite restaurant that makes great lotus root soup for a job well done.

—

Bian Yanmei had helped Luo Binghe to pick his shop location, keeping him out of shadier neighborhoods and near the markets and banks(where there are cameras).

The eldest thanking him at every chance and always giving him the best treats he has ever had.

—

Bian Yanmei had been informed by a lackey to check out some questionable activity.

Here he was on a Wednesday night, going through a crowd getting ready for their racers to come by the finish line.

Cheers started to roar and Bian Yanmei looked to the path the drivers were taking.

Drifting into view were two cars, a white custom Toyota 86 and a red Corvette. They cross the finish line and the crowd erupts as instant slow mode shows that the Corvette won and the people quickly gather their winnings.

Bian Yanmei however watches the drivers get out of their vehicles, one in a white face mask and the other a red bandana. To his surprise, they embrace. It was a tight hug and then two men came forward. 

He watches the two men grab at each other, one probably having said something to the other. Though the white wearer tries to break them up, it was the red driver that caught his eye.

When the red driver, went to the side did Bian Yanmei get closer to confirm his suspicions.

It was a practice block from stopping a drunk from running into him that Bian Yanmei knew he was right.

Then his shoulder was grabbed and he was pulled back slightly.

“Bian Yanmei, aren’t you on duty?” Bian Yanmei swallowed, trying to moisten his throat and nod.

“I’m sorry sir. Did you know-“ The hand patted twice before letting him go and his leader joined him.

It was a cold evening and so Yan Wushi was wearing only a leather jacket to keep warm. That and his silver necklace were the only indications that he had some power. Outside of that, Yan Wushi looked like a veteran watcher of street racing.

“Hua Cheng drives well. Don’t you think, Bian Yanmei?” Yan Wushi didn’t even look to his second hand, watching as his son just quickly grab a water bottle and return to his companion.

Bian Yanmei only nodded.

“Sir I wasn’t here for-“ Bian Yanmei started but Yan Wushi was gone by the time he even said 'sir'.

Then there were screams of people saying ‘SCATTER’.

Hua Cheng and Xie Lian quickly push Feng Xin and Mu Qing into their cars and drive off as the cops arrived at the scene.

-

Yu Shengyan laughs his ass off on the roof across the street, having been sent there to watch out for anyone.

He spotted a few people of interest.

Kunye, Zhuzhi-Lang, Wen Xu, Jin Zixun, and Bai Wuxiang, from multiple gangs and shady parts of town.

Later the two reported back to Shen Qiao, who only nodded and asked for a hard copy of the report before dismissing them for the evening.

Shen Qiao leans back in his chair and soon he feels hands land on both his shoulders. Soon the hands are gripping lightly, digging into tense muscles before releasing.

“A-Qiao doesn’t need to work so hard.” Yan Wushi says, kissing his husband on his brow before just holding onto him.

“How was the race, Yan-Lang?” Shen Qiao asked, reaching up and holding onto one hand that held him.

“Hua Cheng won against his cursing sailor.” Shen Qiao chuckled once, remembering how Xie Lian had bolted to meet them properly and say sorry for the mess he had caused while drunk the previous night.

Luo Binghe had said it was fine and Wei Wuxian and Yan Wushi had to hold back their laughs as they remember Xie Lian actually getting out of Hua Cheng’s grip and throwing a chair at Shen Yuan.

Shen Qiao seeing sober Xie Lian thought he was a polite young man to have met.

Then Yan Wushi told him how he followed Xie Lian one night, to make sure he wasn’t anyone out to get Hua Cheng and found them street racing.

Yan Wushi of course told Shen Qiao to always bet on their son. Shen Qiao had always had a winning streak so he did it the first few times before he told his husband he was on his own in the betting ring.

“Xie Lian is more of a collector than a sailor.”

Yan Wushi only hummed once, just content with spending time with his A-Qiao.

.

..

…

“So I think Hua Cheng is dating Xie Lian.”

Shen Qiao chokes on his paperwork.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian blinks, his mind is blank. 

‘Did I hear that right?’ He shakes his head.

“Can you repeat that please?” Wei Wuxian asked the woman on the other side of the desk.

Luo Qingyang looks at this young (handsome) man and can’t help but think she kicked a puppy.

“I’m sorry but your request to adopt has been declined by the director.”

Wei Wuxian nodded and got up. He barely was out the door of the office before tears started to blind him. He quickly gets to the restroom and goes to the stall.

He wipes away his tears and controls his breathing.

—

Wei Wuxian has a lot of time on his hands. His club was more of an investment and after he manages the supply orders and does his weekly staff meeting, he goes and volunteers at Yiling Orphanage. He’s been going there for months and he has gotten attached to one kid.

Wen Yuan was his name. He isn’t concern about the name Wen. His bodyguard is a Wen.

(Wen Ning flipping an excited customer at the club before he could touch him. The club went wild for that.).

The boy was like a leech and the two were just inseparable. A chubby face and a grin that stretches wide made Wei Wuxian think of his birth parents. Freelancers that weren’t getting any work before they had told Wei Ying they were going to be back soon.

Their bus had crashed and Wei Ying had dodged the landlord before he enters the apartment. The man had always looked at Wei Ying in a way that had his hairs standing on end.

Then he was on the streets for two months.

It was so cold that night. He had looked up when two pairs of shoes stopped in front of him.

That evening he met his pa and baba. Yan Wushi gave him his gloves and Shen Qiao his scarf then a gift of a rattle drum that night. Then he met his older brother Luo Binghe. Later his younger brother Hua Cheng joined them.

That was the start of his family that isn’t blood.

Wen Yuan felt like family.

So Wei Wuxian had put in a request to adopt him.

Now here he was tearing up at the missed opportunity.

He pulls out and calls up the one person who could help him.

—

“Listen here you Bald Donkey. My son has been generous with his time and money. But here I’m hearing that you are declining him a chance to take a child off your hands.” Yan Wushi sits on the other side of the desk of the director of the orphanage, Abbot Xueyin.

Yan Wushi narrowed his eyes at the man and Xueyin remained unfazed by his words, at on surface level. He has practice Buddhism for decades now and has no use to get riled up by a few words.

“This is true. A background check showed that he owns a club and I found that an unsuitable environment for a child to be raised near.” Abbot Xueyin said, filing papers. “Besides there is already another, much more qualified candidate to take Wen Yuan in.”

Yan Wushi didn’t show any aggressive reactions. He couldn’t, that would mean the other party won. Besides, he can’t let Wei Wuxian feel unqualified to raise a child.

He had one trick up his sleeve. The Cleansing Moon leader knows Abbot Xueyin’s true nature.

Kissing up to anyone with the power to have a higher position than he does.

Back when Xueyin was in the underground business, he was the one organizing the trade routes. He also chose the fee and the locations on where the product was purchased.

If anyone studied the city layout, they would notice a surprising amount of Buddhist temples popping up. Even when there was no need for them.

Then Xueyin was evicted out of his position at the time because the Wens and other gangs were fighting amongst themselves and Cleansing Moon as the territory shifted.

Now he runs an orphanage, which could only mean one thing.

“Now donkey, wouldn’t it be sad if someone found out about your little shop?” Yan Wushi only had to watch how the man paused in his work and crunch at the corner of the paper he was holding.

Yan Wushi just shrugged his shoulders, ‘It would be a shame if word got out that you, Abbott Xueyin, were using kids in a sweatshop.”

Xueyin took in a deep breath before looking the triad leader straight in the eye.

“What do you want?” 

Yan Wushi’s demands were simple.

—

“A-YUAN, LOOK AT YOU!” Wei Wuxian is kneeling down beside his son, Wei Yuan. (Protection reasons and Wen Yuan wanted Wei Wuxian’s surname.”

Wei Yuan was looking at the mirror in new clothes that the two were shopping for.

It was a simple white tiger roaring on a black t-shirt and then his new black pants. Of course, he has chosen other outfits. His palette is limited to black and white for him. Some light blues here and reds there. Wei Wuxian was spending nearly his whole weekly salary on his boy.

The boy in question was grinning and nods eagerly.

Wei Wuxian nearly tears up.

Back when he was younger, he would have never thought life would get him here. He didn’t think he could have someone to spoil.

“Alright, A-Yuan, let’s go check out, and then let's go meet your uncles and grandparents for dinner.”

—

“You must be A-Yuan.” Shen Qiao said, kneeling to eye level with the child who was hiding behind Wei Wuxian. A hand landed on the fluffy hair and Wei Yuan looked up at Wei Wuxian, encouraging him to come out.

Wei Yuan slowly came around the leg he was hiding behind and Shen Qiao could see what his son saw in the child.

When Yan Wushi and he had found Wei Ying, curled up with only light clothes for the cold night, it took the both of them a few minutes for the boy to open up to them.

Wei Yuan nodded shyly and Shen Qiao just gave him a soft smile.

“If you want, call me ‘YeYe’.” Shen Qiao said and Wei Yuan soon was giving him a hug.

“A-Xian, Come,’ Shen Qiao led the way inside the Korean BBQ restaurant that Luo Binghe chose, carrying Wei Yuan in. ‘ Your brothers and father are already waiting.”

Luo Binghe and Hua Cheng were already at it, cooking the cuts of meat and Yan Wushi was chewing on a beef rib. Spotting his husband, Yan Wushi finishes his piece and gets up.

Wei Yuan curls up a bit as Yan Wushi comes towards them and Wei Wuxian just ruffles his hair to ease him. Yan Wushi does hold a bit of air of intimidation. Yan Wushi looks at the young boy before looking to Wei Wuxian.

“A-Xian,  Aren’t you going to introduce me? I thought A-Qiao taught you some manners.” Yan Wushi said, giving his middle child a light chop to the head that had Wei Yuan cracking a small giggle at Wei Wuxian’s pout.

“A-Yuan this is my father. Father, A-Yuan.” Wei Wuxian said and Yan Wushi let the introduction pass for now.

“Little A-Yuan can call this one ‘Zufu’.” Yan Wushi states, earning a smile from Shen Qiao and a much shyer grin from Wei Yuan.

—

Soon Wei Yuan was enjoying his meal, sitting on Wei Wuxian’s lap and his uncle Hua and Luo cooking the meat on the grill in front of them.

Shen Qiao of course order vegetable sides for the family.

Wei Yuan’s eyes went wide at the beef his uncle Hua gave him and he leans back, looking at Wei Wuxian with a large smile.

“A-Niang, Can I have more?” Wei Wuxian gave him a wide smile.

“Of course A-Yuan can have all the food he wants.”

Shen Qiao was sitting across from him, raising a brow but it was Yan Wushi who fired the question.

“A-Yuan, Who’s your A-Niang?” Yan Wushi ask with a slight curl to his lips.

Wei Yuan of course pointed to Wei Wuxian.

Shen Qiao then felt his brow ease but his curiosity peaked.

Who was A-Die?

—

Luo Qingyang received a call and she let her expression sadden for a second as she told the person the other side the news.

A sigh was heard and the call ended.

—

Leaning back in his chair, the man sighs.

Lan Wangji missed his chance to adopt Wen Yuan.

He was going to miss being called ‘A-Die’ by the little one.

—

Later Lan Health receives an anonymous tip about the orphanage not being up to code.

A month later, Abbott Xueyin is sent to prison and Luo Qingyang taking over as headmistress.

Chapter Text

Luo Binghe was pleasantly surprised when Shen Yuan invited him to a restaurant that he wanted to try out.

A branch of Huan Hua industry specializes in the culinary arts and from what he read after light research was opening a place near his shop.

He did find out it was a more formal restaurant and he quickly calls the only person he could think of.

—

Shen Qiao both pities and sympathies with his eldest as he tries on new cloths in front of him.

“Baba, should I wear this or this?” His poor son was blushing so hard that one would think he was a shiny apple.

This Shen Yuan must mean a lot to him for Luo Binghe to be struggling this much.

Luo Binghe is looking at himself in the mirror, before his shoulders are slumping.

What if Shizun decides he isn’t all that great to be around? What if this is the last time he sees him in person?

Luo Binghe is biting his lip and is a little teary when his cheeks are dapped a bit with a handkerchief. He blinks and looks to his baba.

Shen Qiao has a hand on his shoulder.

“Luo Binghe, look at yourself.” Shen Qiao gestures to the mirror and Luo Binghe does see his being and Shen Qiao.

“You don’t need to overthink like this. Be yourself.” Shen Qiao is then panting down some wrinkles on his shirt.

“Just use your best manners and you’ll be fine.”

Luo Binghe gives his baba a tight smile before pulling him into a hug.

—

The evening he woke up with no memory, he was terrified. Clinging onto the towel that was over his shoulders, he had looked to the man that was making a phone call.

“I can’t - Yan-Lang…. Please just come home.” The man is hangs up and is soon kneeling beside him.

He’s on a couch. He must have sat up.

The man is giving him a new towel. He gladly accepts.

“I am Shen Qiao. I found you in the river… Do you remember your name?” The man…Shen Qiao asks and he is soon thinking.

.

..

..

He tears up and shakes his head.

Shen Qiao allows the boy to hug him and after a while, he does let go.

Shen Qiao gives him a handkerchief to wipe his tears.

“How about I give you a name till you remember? Will that be alright?” Shen Qiao asks and he is soon nodding.

“How about…. ‘Luo Binghe’? I did find you in the Luo River.”

Luo Binghe accepted his new name.

—

Luo Binghe stands on the pier, looking down at his namesake. The river is fast flowing this time of year. He watches the dark water.

It was because of it he was where he was.

Was he glad to have been adopted by Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi? Was he content with being the best brother he can be?

Luo Binghe tucks his handkerchief into his pocket.

Would he change it?

Luo Binghe perks up when he hears a call and sees Shen Yuan waving him from the other end of the pier.

He wouldn’t change a single thing.

—

Tianlang Jun was many things.

Heartless wasn’t one of them. Okay perhaps not as much as people make him out to be at least.

He will take anyone down if they dare threaten him.

At the moment he is having a moment looking down at a photo that has worn down over time.

A woman is smiling as he is hugging her from behind.

Tianlang Jun misses her every day.

Su Xiyan was his true love and she was gone like a spring flower.

He has been mourning for more than ten years.

They had been separated for awhile. Tianlang Jun crossing paths with his love and giving her his affection as much as possible.

However Su Xiyan didn’t want to be a housewife. She wanted to make a name for herself. He felt pain that day when she broke it off.

Tianlang Jun keeps the ring he had wanted to give it to her all those years ago.

But then he received the news of a woman found dead in the river. He would have ignored that news report if he wasn’t called down to the station because he was the emergency contact on a card she carried.

He got drunk that night, trying to rid the pain of seeing her dead on the table. But the real kicker was finding the next photo in her apartment.

She had her smile on her face as she is knocking foreheads with a little boy. On the back of the photo says ‘my little Xing.’ Su Xing or in another life Tian Xing was the boy’s name.

They never found the body but he hasn’t lost hope. He wouldn’t believe that the star would die that quickly.

His nephew had shown him a video, a restaurant that they should try. The narrator was quite informative to new viewers. Having the video set up in a way that was easy to follow. However, this Shen Yuan person wasn’t the one of interest when he watches the video for the first time.

He was so caught up in the making of the pastry on screen that when it flashes to the owner of the shop, he was thunderstruck. The young man explaining the dish was smiling the same smile that Su Xiyan.

He had found his son. Tianlang Jun puts the photos away and looks to the river.

“Luo Binghe….Would you want to meet me?” He questioned.

Tianlang Jun had watch the small clips that his son were featured in. He sees himself and Su Xiyan in him.

The young man has grown up well.

He just wish he had someone to thank for raising him so well.

Chapter Text

Mu Qing and Feng Xin didn’t expect to wake up suddenly in a room, hands tied behind them and instantly locking eyes on each other.

“WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO?!!” Feng Xin instantly got as close as his restraints allow and Mu Qing got closer as well.

“ME? WHAT DID YOU DO? I HAVEN’T DONE JACK SHIT!!” Mu Qing yelled and both continued their little yelling match.

What they failed to notice was a lithe man watching on in amusement, munching away on candy, sitting on the opposite side of the table that was situated in front of the duo.

A light chuckle finally caught the other party’s attention and they locked their gaze on the man. The man giving them a grin, showing off a little fang.

“What a show.” The man stated before digging into his little candy bag for more.

Mu Qing felt his blood pressure rise and it was Feng Xin who exploded.

“AND WHO ARE YOU?” Feng Xin asked and the man just dug his right pinky into his ear. If anyone paid attention they would notice he was missing his left.

“No need to be loud.” The man said and the captured duo was going to go on when from the shadows came another, much more imposing and muscular man. He only looked down at his companion before rolling his ice color eyes.

“It would be ill-advised to mock them, Xue Yang.”

Xue Yang only shrugs his shoulders before he looked up at the other.

“So, Mobei Jun, where is the big boss? These two won’t shut up.”  Xue Yang asked, completely ignoring the duo that was slowly going red in the face.

“WHAT THE FUC-“

—

Yan Wushi was pleased to hear that Mobei Jun and Xue Yang were able to get the two men he saw that were close acquaintances with his son and his lover. (He doesn’t care if Hua Cheng hasn’t made it official.)

Walking down the hall to actually meet them to make a deal was fun. Yu Shengyan darting in front of him as soon as they caught the sound of ruckus.

The triad leader and his right-hand man walk in on Xue Yang trying to get Feng Xin’s legs off his neck and Mu Qing was having his forehead pushed back by Mobei Jun, the man trying to bite at his face. All this while the duo is still tied up in the chairs.

“Impressive.” Yan Wushi states and all movement stops, Mobei Jun quickly throws Mu Qing back and Xue Yang twists Feng Xin’s ankle, getting out of his leg hold.

The capture duo groans in frustration but shuts up as soon as their two kidnappers bow to the man with white streaks.

“Sir.” Both said and kept their heads down as Yan Wushi came closer.

“Are these the two I requested for?”Yan Wushi questioned and Mobei Jun is the one to answer.

“Yes.”

Yan Wushi watches as the two friends glare at him.

“Leave us.” The triad leader orders.

Xue Yang and Mobei Jun quickly make their exit and with a nod from his leader, Yu Shengyan also leaves.

Mu Qing and Feng Xin watch as Yan Wushi pulls up a chair, seating across from it.

“Now tell me-“ Eyes narrow on the two and sweat begins to build on their brow.

“-How would you like to work for me?”

—

Shen Qiao was doing a report when he got a call from Bian Yanmei about their newest recruit.

“She only asks that we give her time to think about the offer.” Shen Qiao gives his approval and sets down the file that shows Yushi Huang.

“Get into contact with her in a week’s time.” Shen Qiao states before hanging up.

—

The Cleansing Moon Leaders worry for their sons. That is just how they are with them.

So they have people watching them.

The funny thing is the fact they are working separately on who is working for who.

Sha Hualing and Liu Mingyan were recommended by Bai Rong when Luo Binghe was hiring. Shen Qiao thanked his old friend.

“Shen-Lang can ask anything of me. If he needs this one to take him in then he is more than welcome.” Bai Rong had once told him. Even long after he was married to Yan Wushi, she was his closest ally and agent on the inside of the other ‘demonic’ sect.

“I don’t think Yan Wushi would want to hear you call me Shen-Lang.” Shen Qiao says while giving her a small smile.

Shortly after the ladies were hired, Mobei Jun enters the picture with his boyfriend Shang Qinghua. Mobei Jun fit into the role of co-manager and Shang Qinghua was the accountant.

Then Wei Wuxian had opened his club and Yan Wushi had an encounter with a special little thief. Xue Yang was hired as bartender of Burial Mounds soon after. Shen Qiao had sent Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan to watch his middle child.

Now the hardest was Hua Cheng.

Hua Cheng in the years that he had under their care doesn’t trust easily.

In the beginning, he took to Wei Ying and Luo Binghe before he got comfortable with Shen Qiao. Yan Wushi had to sulk a bit when his youngest couldn't handle his presence, alone, for more than a minute.

So here they are(of course not knowing the other is doing the same thing) hiring/recruiting people of interest to watch Hua Cheng.

It was after careful watching that Yan Wushi saw just how comfortable his youngest was to Mu Qing and Feng Xin. So he had Mobei Jun and Xue Yang bring the two to him to have a little chat with.

Shen Qiao however had watch from a broader view and witness how Xie Lian would have a lady with him. Yushi Huang was her name and Bian Yanmei was given the task to track her down.

Shen Qiao had only wanted her to watch out for his youngest while he was at the races.

In do time, this would later be the best thing they've done for their boys.

Chapter Text

Yan Wushi sighs and he was glad Shen Qiao had more patience with people than he did. Yan Wushi was definitely more trigger-happy than he would care to admit. If anything, he riles his enemy up before going for the killing blow.

Sadly he can’t do that at the moment.

His boys had been going through a bit of a speed run course with Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao before they decide to send them off to school.

Yan Wushi didn’t want a tutor for them simply because he wouldn’t trust them to come into his house or taking his sons away for even a day.

Shen Qiao had made the suggestion that they educate their sons themselves.  A bit of bonding while also teaching them.

Yan Wushi took the task of giving his sons history lessons and writing….And that’s where everything went downhill.

“How is it that bad?” Yan Wushi handed Shen Qiao the homework he had their sons do.

Shen Qiao’s eyebrow twitched and mentally agreed.

All three of their boys had terrible handwriting. Luo Binghe was a little more forgivable with his situation. However -

Yan Wushi nearly slammed his head into his desk trying to process just how bad the writing was.

Shen Qiao came to save the day once again.

“Have you thought of teaching them to steady their hand strokes?”

So Yan Wushi came up with the grand idea to throw hobbies at his boys.

Luo Binghe took to cooking fairly quickly. When his frosting and icing on his cakes improved did his writing also became better.

Wei Ying was a bit of a lost cause till Shen Qiao took him to a clear area of their mansion filled with stones and gave him a rake. Later that day, Shen Qiao checked on his middle child as he was working to even out the grounds.

He had to go slow or the lines would have the chance to become uneven.

Later, Wei Ying’s writing did become better.

Yan Wushi did take a minute to get Hua Cheng into anything.

Turn out he took to art.

He would carve wood, marble, and even jade. Luo Binghe loved his jade pendant that Hua Cheng crafted for him. Wei Ying wears the onyx amulet that looks like a tiger that his younger brother gave him.

Shen Qiao was surprised when Hua Cheng presented him with a bamboo staff with a complex design that would make anyone else envy Shen Qiao.

Yan Wushi was fine when he didn’t receive any gifts from the many mediums of art his son took on.

But his handwriting still didn’t improve.

Yan Wushi was resting at his desk one evening when he heard the door shut.

He lifted his head and found a small little ink piece.

It was all of them at the shrine and Yan Wushi almost shed a tear as he read ‘my family’.

Later Hua Cheng improves the art with a few members that join their odd dynamic of a family.

Chapter Text

Allow this Author to be curious.

Which couple did you originally come for? Which one have you fallen in love with? Who’s your favorite character so far? 
Also your Favorite reference?

Chapter Text

There was once a time when Shen Qiao had to be the voice and stable body to fall back on.

They were once at a lakefront at Lotus Pier and there was a moment Shen Qiao couldn’t find his oldest son. He swam to the shore, waving at Yan Wushi to keep swimming with their other sons.

He grabbed a beach towel and track down Luo Binghe.

It took him only a few minutes to find his son. He was curled up against and was damp. Damp in sweat and trembling as his head was tucked into his knees.

Shen Qiao didn’t say anything but put the towel around his eldest son.

It was late spring. They had gone a bit North to get to Lotus Pier and he could understand why his son was acting like this.

Luo Binghe didn’t need to tell him to know what was going on.

Luo Binghe had been shivering and in need of medical assistance when Shen Qiao dove in after him while in the river. Yan Wushi had not been pleased when Shen Qiao called him about jumping in the Luo River.

Then Yan Wushi actually met the scared and confused Luo Binghe who had been recovering from a mild case of Hypothermia and having gotten frostnip on his ears.

Luo Binghe just in general hasn’t fully recovered to enjoy the coolness of the water and the helplessness of not being able to swim.

After that, it has taken Shen Qiao a while to help his eldest recover from his trauma but it comes in like a chill and Luo Binghe just needs a moment.

—

He was there to hold Wei Ying as he cried into his chest.

An excited dog had run up to the young child, scaring him half to death. Wei Ying instantly jumping to his closest parent which was Shen Qiao and curling up. Going into a panic state as he flashed back to when he fought for food with hungry dogs that were on the streets.

Yan Wushi only had to throw a glare in the direction of the irresponsible dog owner. The dog in question was a well train one, leaving as soon as it was called to return.

Wei Ying didn’t let him go and he just rocked him. Shen Qiao held Wei Ying as he cried his heart out, shivering and trembling in his arms. Yan Wushi called for Hua Cheng and Luo Binghe who were playing on the playground.

It took years for Wei Wuxian to get over his phobia of dogs. Not instantly darting as soon as he hears a bark in the distance.

He however still got goosebumps when a wet nose would come his way.

—

His heart had stopped for a moment when during a festival celebrating the founding of the city, Hua Cheng got lost.

Yan Wushi quickly sent Yu Shengyan and Bian Yanmei to search for the nine-year-old.

Hua Cheng would later tell him he had darted when he had spotted his older biological brothers working at a candy stall. He had feared that his father was near and he wanted to hide.

Somehow that meant he climb a model of the historical structures that would tower the streets.

There was a yell and Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao haven’t ever run as fast. They found Hua Cheng being held by a performer that was representing the crown prince that founded the city.

Yan Wushi took Hua Cheng from the young man and Shen Qiao was too shook to notice his son was blushing from the experience.

—

Yan Wushi would need him on the days when work was just too much. Working with the Mayor to running the triad was stressful for the older man.

Shen Qiao would soon take the workload off of his husband, having usually gotten done with his by then.

Yan Wushi would ask him not to worry about that and join him for a warm bath.

Depending on how bad the day was, Shen Qiao would join his husband and just soak for a bit.

Then there were the moments when Yan Wushi would have a backslash from a nightmare of Phoniex Ascending. Shen Qiao would just hold him then.

He would be there for Yan Wushi till the end.

—

He is always there for his family that he forgets it works both ways.

Shen Qiao had pushed to adopted his boys because he too was adopted.

Qi Fengge had taken him in under his wing at the tender age of four. His father was an investigator and wanting to also enforce the law, Shen Qiao became an inspector.

Shortly after he graduated Qi Fengge sadly passed away from cancer. He was a lively character, always encouraging Shen Qiao to do his best and learn the best way to keep good in the world.

Shen Qiao can’t say the path of co-leader of the infamous Cleansing Moon triad was the path he would have gone on to improve the city he lived in but here he was.

It was the fifth year since Qi Fengge passing and Shen Qiao had gone to visit the grave of his father.

He wasn’t there for long before a small shuffling of feet join him.

Yan Wushi joined him. Kneeling beside him and lighting incense. Shen Qiao didn’t need to look behind him to know his boys were also there. Luo Binghe with cakes, Wei Wuxian with some messages and talismans, and Hua Cheng with a wooden plate with Qi Fengge craved into it.

Shen Qiao teared up a bit when that happened.

He forgets that it wasn’t just him in this family that was there to support.

-

Yan Wushi would smile to himself each time he thought of those times. He loved Shen Qiao for being selfless in his love. Giving his patience and care to his sons and Yan Wushi and not asking for anything in return.

Yan Wushi however would pay him back a thousand times over if he could.

Chapter Text

Zhuzhi-Lang found the meeting place easy enough. An underground casino with a backroom that would normally be for poker. It however was being used for the gathering of gang members, wild cards, and powerful heads of the community.

When he was lead to his seat he could see what all these people have in common. All had a spark in their eyes that screamed murder.

The one that had his hair sticking up was the cop. Yu Ai was his name and he may not be up to date on every arrest done but it was suspicious that the same cop kept getting all these criminals.

Wen Xu was a man he wouldn’t want to run into at the bar. He had his lackeys with him at all times but Zhuzhi-Lang was more scared of his father. The patriarch of the Wen Triad was a legend in these parts and even thinking of messing with him was a strike against your safety.

Jin Zixun of Lanling Jin Corp was also present but he doesn’t really care for the lesser heir to the Jin fortune.

Last of the guest was the wild card, Bai Wuxiang. A man that hid behind a mask. If he didn’t want to run into Wen Xu in public then Bai Wuxiang was the one he didn’t want to be left alone with.

All these people didn’t compare to the old dog of the streets, Kunye. The apprentice of Hulugu and the public head of Tujue Triad. What made the Tujue Triad interesting is the fact was they weren’t all together. They were in many places at once. That was what made this triad a danger to others, for which of their underlings were working for Tujue.

Sitting at the center of the poker table, Kunye looked around as the door was locked.

“We all came here for the same reason.” Kunye brought forth four folders. He takes out three of the thinner ones first.

“I believe each one of you has heard of these lotuses.” Kunye stated and after the folders were spread to show off the pictures that were clipped onto each one, did he get small reactions.

Jin Zixun had a more petty reason for being here and had more personal experience with the one he was after. As soon as he saw that stupid grin did he slam his fist into the table. First, it was humiliation in grade school to not being able to attain the property that was now the Burial Mounds Club.

Zhuzhi-Lang didn’t need to focus on the biggest of the so-called ‘lotuses’ to know his hunch was right. His Uncle’s son was real and alive.

Bai Wuxiang narrowed his eyes on the ‘Crimson Rain’ unmasked as in the photo he was cleaning a glass of his. He dug his fingers into his thigh as he thought of the gains, fame, and fear he had lost to this single person. Behind his mask, he smirks.

He would make him feel pain.

Wen Xu narrowed his eyes on all three of the photos.

So these were the three that have permanently scarred his brother Wen Chao. If the other three guests in this room didn’t take action then the Wen Triad will gladly take over and torture them like they have never dreamed about.

Kunye flicks the last folder onto the table.

“We however can’t take care of them without taking out the Moon.” Kunye announced and with only a single photo, taken from a distance at a race did the four guests get their first view of the main threat.

“We need to kill the leader of Cleansing Moon, Yan Wushi.” Kunye took out a knife and stab the photo of Yan Wushi in a relaxed position. After they were done, he would never relax like that again.

Bai Wuxiang tilted his head being the first to answer. “And how do you plan on taking out Yan Wushi?”

A small knock rang out from the door, Kunye nodded to the guard at the door, and in came in another wild card that Zhuzhi-Lang didn’t expect to see.

Sang Jingxing a man known for his underground black market from brothels, human trafficking, weapons, and drugs made you wonder how he didn’t get caught. Jin Zixun ducked his head. He didn’t need to make eye contact with the person that made his uncle a very pleased man.

Sang Jingxing walked in and took a seat next to Kunye.

Kunye nodded to the newcomer and looked back to Bai Wuxiang. “The Tujue Triad and Sang Jingxing will be taking care of this bastard.”

Kunye directed his attention to the folders that were left.

“I only need you to take care of these three, preferably permanently.” Wen Xu and Jin Zixun smirked at that. Bai Wuxiang hid his smile behind his mask and Zhuzhi-Lang didn’t make his own reaction.

He doesn’t think he can go through with killing someone.

—

When they were dismissed did Zhuzhi-Lang call his uncle.

“Can we talk?”

—

Luo Binghe grinned away as he watched another of Shen Yuan’s videos. His commentary was top-notch and would make him laugh.

He hoped for more nights like this.

—

Wei Wuxian dozes away on his couch with Wei Yuan curled up with a bowl of popcorn, watching whatever was the hot new kid’s movie.

Wei Wuxian didn’t mind the peace.

He did wish he had someone to help him take on the energy that was Wei Yuan.

He does think of the ever-so-patient Lan Wangji. Wei Wuxian didn’t think he would want to hang around him or his son.

But maybe he could be wrong.

—

Hua Cheng made a virgin Piña Colada and he made sure the little umbrella was just right.

A small laugh from behind him made him grin.

Handing off the drink, Hua Cheng watch as Xie Lian take his first sip.

After the whole drinking drama at the springs, Xie Lian had sworn off alcoholic drinks. He however wanted to spend time at the Ghost City Bar.

“Is it good, Gege?” Hua Cheng had to ask, leaning on the counter and watch the smile deepen.

Xie Lian set down the drink and nodded.

“It is fantastic, San Lang.” Xie Lian answered and Hua Cheng’s heart just fluttered.

Oh, how he lives for these moments.

—

Yan Wushi looked down from the condo that looked over the city.

Shen Qiao was leaning into his side and Yan Wushi only smiled at his love. He kissed his temple before laying his head on top.

Whatever happens in this world of theirs, he only wishes for the best for his Ah-Qiao.

Chapter Text

“Hey, Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian said with glee, seeing the man walking past the many market lanes.

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji called back.

The man had fruits and vegetables in his basket, while Wei Wuxian had a basket filled with meats and spices.

Wei Wuxian looks at the two baskets and then gave a smile.

“Does Lan Zhan know how to cook?” Lan Wangji nodded and Wei Wuxian holds up his basket to allow his friend to look at the food items.

“Who is Wei Ying cooking for?” Lan Wangji asked after a moment. With the items that Wei Ying had, it look like he was going to poison someone with an overdose of protein and spices.

“Just my son.”

There was a crack in his facade and Lan Wangji stopped working for a moment.

“Your son….”

Wei Wuxian nodded, not noticing how Lan Wangji was paling.

Was Wei Wuxian not single? Was Wei Wuxian not into guys-

“He’s so cute, he was at the local orphanage…. Lan Zhan, You should meet him!” Wei Wuxian said with a grin and was soon pulling Lan Wangji to the checkout. Wei Wuxian was blushing at his cheeks and Lan Wangji at his ears.

—

“GeGe you have to cool the noodles before you go to fry them.” Hua Cheng points out as Xie Lian was working around the kitchen.

Hua Cheng had invited Xie Lian over to teach a few cooking lessons after he had taught him to make basic drinks. His apartment was above his bar and was considered on the higher end.

His parents wanted him to live secure, like his brothers.

Anyway, he was enjoying watching this precision driver become a clumsy mess trying to juggle making stir fry noodles.

“Here-‘ Hua Cheng gets up and makes sure the oil is even in the pan and not too deep. ‘let me help.”

Xie Lian smiles to himself and soon they were working together to make a simple noodle dish and not burn the building down.

—

“Shizun did we want to fill them with cherry or strawberry filling?” Luo Binghe asked while holding out the two options.

Shen Yuan looked up from his donuts, swiping his limited drool from his lip, and thought for a moment.

He had come to the cafe for a quick video for donuts. He needed the revenue and he did feel guilty but Luo Binghe welcomed him with smiles. Even working into the evening to get the footage and he can get the video done by the end of the next day.

“Which one would you say has a more tart taste?” Luo Binghe tilted his head for a moment before holding out the cherry filling.

“The strawberries have a tart taste but cherry more so.”

Shen Yuan gladly accepted the filling and they soon are doing a toast with the donuts.

—

“A-Qiao did we want to do beef tips or fish fillets?” Yan Wushi asked, looking into the fridge at their fresh meat.

Shen Qiao was leaning on the counter, twirling a lemon in his hand.

“We have lemons…”

Yan Wushi looked out behind the fridge door.

“LET’S MAKE LEMONADE!” Yan Wushi said with a grin and he chuckled at the look his husband was giving him.

He then pulls out the fish fillets.

“I’ll get the water ready for the rice.” Shen Qiao said and Yan Wushi only nodded while going to look for oil and other spices.

—

“A-Yuan is it good?” Wei Wuxian said with a grin and Wei Yuan just nodded.

It was chicken curry but more spice was definitely added.

Wei Yuan however has quickly gotten used to it.

However, Lan Wangji couldn’t say the same thing.

He had been on autopilot as soon as Wen Ning left after dropping off Wei Yuan, the child he had wanted to adopt. So he had cooked the curry and didn’t stop Wei Wuxian from adding more than was needed for the recipe.

So there he was, enjoying his meal to the best of his ability with heaving up the dish because his body wasn’t trained for it.

“A-Die and A-Niang make the best food!” Wei Yuan cheered with his fork in his fist and Wei Wuxian mirrored his son.

Lan Wangji couldn’t help but smile to himself during the rest of the meal.

Chapter Text

How everyone likes their morning drinks.

Yan Wushi - Mug that says #1 Father, usually Americano or Espresso

Shen Qiao - Also has a mug that says #1, just Baba though, usually drinks either green tea or oolong because he likes to start his days slowly and not with a jolt.

Luo Binghe - Likes a cup of Cortado coffee.

Shen Qingqiu - Red Eye coffee because he is staying up a lot to get videos done.

Wei Wuxian- A mocha with a lot of foam.

Lan Wangji- Water.

Hua Cheng - Irish coffee, he needs it early.

Xie Lian - A cappuccino vanilla.

Chapter Text

Hey guys, not a new chapter but more like asking for suggestions for BingQiu, WangXian, and HuaLian. I have a huge plot point coming soon but there is just this gap with the three couples and I would love to hear what you all want to see.

Love Interests can't find out about their triad origins but can get suspicious.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian bangs his head against the counter of his bar inside of Burial Mounds. Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan are on either side of him and Xue Yang is quickly a spicy margarita.

“Is it really that much of a problem?” Wei Wuxian asked as he looked to Xiao Xingchen who brought it up to his attention.

The white dress shirt man nodded and his companion on the other side pulls out the evidence.

“We need someone on security.” Song Lan showed the file that reported the increase in incidents within the club.

Wei Wuxian groans as he notices the familiar grade school faces but he does have a spark of hope that pops up.

With a wave of his hand, he shoos off his general managers.

“I’ll take care of it.”

Xue Yang takes a peek at the files before they are taken away by Song Lan.

—

A few days later the club receives a visitor.

“Wei Wuxian…” Wei Wuxian grins in the direction of the visitor only to be pulled into a chokehold and a knuckled dug into his head.

“YOU LEAVE MY SCHOOL WITH MY BELL AND NEVER RETURNED IT YOU DICK!!”

Jiang Cheng tightens his hold on Wei Wuxian and Xue Yang has his wrist pushed down by Xiao Xingchen before he could pull his switchblade all the way.

Wei Wuxian pats the sleeve of Jiang Cheng’s shirt and is soon let go as when the young man thought he lost enough brain cells due to the lack of oxygen.

He quickly digs into his pocket and holds out a decorative bell with a purple tassel.

“Here’s your bell back.”

Snatching his bell back, Jiang Cheng brings his hands up like he was about to pray, takes a deep breath, and then points to Wei Wuxian with it.

“Now what do you want from me?”

Wei Wuxian just grins and then tosses him a shirt.

Jiang Cheng unfolds the shirt and sees large letters that spell out ‘Security’.

“Do you want to legally punch Jin Zixuan’s cousins and get paid for it?”

—

Wei Wuxian was in grade school when he had met Jiang Cheng.

They were thick as thieves with Nie Huaisang and they defended their stake on the playground.

That was how it was till early junior high when Wei Wuxian was pulled from the school along with his brothers.

He had taken Jiang Cheng’s bell as a research project for history and had meant to give it back to him.

It just so happened he kept track of Jiang Cheng’s family when they popped up in the news.

The biggest thing is the wedding between Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan.

He knew that while Jiang Cheng tolerated his brother-law after all these years he still had a childish grudge against his cousins.

—

The first night on the job, Jiang Cheng gladly twisted Su She’s wrist out of place. Then he took a lot of glee taking Su She and pals out of his club.

—

Xiao Xingchen reported to Shen Qiao later and Xue Yang did the same for Yan Wushi.

Shen Qiao didn’t mind as much. Yan Wushi on the other hand just bought more of the Jiang Corps’ shares just in case the Jiang Patriarch decided to cause trouble to his son.

—

Lan Wangji was not all that impressed when he came by with a tucker out Wei Yuan, having taken him for the day when Wei Ying’s family was busy.

Wei Wuxian had an arm thrown around a young man around their age and was laughing with the biggest smile on his face.

Lan Wangji was debating on if he should have just waited in the car instead of going to meet Wei Ying when the Burial Mounds closed for the night.

Silver eyes catch his figure and they light up bright.

“OI LAN ZHAN!” Jiang Cheng finally shoved off Wei Wuxian and watched as he ran up a man in white and sky blue attire carrying a child.

.

..

…

Good for him was all Jiang Cheng could think as he watch Wei Wuxian take Wei Yuan and hugged his tried form.

He couldn’t really say the same for his father.

Jiang Cheng sighs.

“Wei Wuxian!” Jiang Cheng saw how Wei Wuxian and the man turn his way.

“I’m heading off, I’ll be back for Jin Zixun!”

-

Wei Wuxian laughed softly as Wei Yuan groaned in his sleep once he was settled into bed.

Closing the door, Wei Wuxian made his way to his living room where his late-night guest was.

“Would Lan Zhan stay for the night?”

Lan Wangji nods and Wei Wuxian just grins his way.

He would do many things for that smile.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian can tell you that he has a bad memory.

Be it short terms like forgetting his keys to lock the shop for the evening or long term like ….He can’t remember.

He does however remember the moment when he first saw Hua Cheng, the ‘Crimson Rain’.

He had taken his place on the sidelines, Feng Xin and Mu Qing arguing on either side of him.

He heard the people around him taking bets. Xie Lian, as Dianxia, the ‘noble prince’, never gamble.

One he was wanting to drift drive for the fun of it and also his luck sucks. If the odds were flip of a coin, he would lose.

Then came the cheers.

The closest monitor caught his attention as veteran drivers were being passed by a new vehicle. Most drive dark colors to blend and be normal when it comes to dipping before the authorities. Xie Lian himself didn’t with his white car and grey streaks.

This was a striking red like blood.

Out of six drivers, this one had gone through the ranks fast. The audience quickly caught on something was up.

“Who’s that?”

“They aren’t registered.”

“HE JUST JUMPED IN!!” One had proclaimed and Xie Lian finally sees that there are actually seven drivers now.

Xie Lian doesn’t turn when one of the organizers leans into his contact with the authorities.

“Is that one of yours?” He had questioned. There was a hum before a reply came.

“We aren’t scheduled to raid this spot for another two weeks.”

So this was indeed a new driver.

Xie Lian had entered the ranks slowly and even now he only got into the higher stake races when Feng Xin and Mu Qing were accompanying him. If not he would just go into the country to have the freedom and speed that driving gives.

Tires screeching comes from the distance and he sees the last major curve come up.

They were there on a higher platform to look down at the drivers do the signature final drift to the finish line.

From his position, he sees a glimpse of the driver, a man in red wearing a bandana to cover his lower face. But in a moment, he was gone and crossing the finish line in first.

The crowd roared and Mu Qing and Feng Xin protected his much smaller form from the people rushing forward to meet the mysterious racer that join in late.

“-NAME SIR?” The announcer came through and a smooth voice came through the speakers. Xie Lian didn't think he could get chills on a summer night.

“Just call me the Crimson Rain.”

A chant came and Xie Lian decided to go after that.

Adrenaline outside of racing never was the best for him and he liked to take things slow if anything.

His poor heart can’t take too many surprises.

So imagine his shock when Hua Cheng just casually walked into his small shop with not nearly as much confidence as he does behind the wheel. That first face-to-face encounter just stuck with him and deep in his heart. A precious moment in his usually tamed life.

Xie Lian watches him once as Hua Cheng serves his customers before coming back to his place at the bar. Perhaps he is wrong about Hua Cheng being nervous.

Wait…was he shy because of him?

Xie Lian felt a strike of blood rush to his cheeks as he debates that on the inside.

He was just a small shopkeeper and didn’t really care for glory. He serves those who enter his shop with a strained smile because he isn’t nearly as confident with people as he tends to portray.

Hua Cheng just walks everywhere with an aura around him like he has no worries. Xie Lian has seen that even with his brothers he doesn’t falter in saying his mind.

Xie Lian just feels his shoulders hunch as he thinks more about it.

Why was Hua Cheng even bothering with him?

“Gege?”

Xie Lian looks sharply up, Hua Cheng cleaning one of his glasses with a small frown looking at him. Xie Lian does the one thing he can do and laughs off his nerves.

“Sorry, just been distracted lately… can I get water instead?”

Hua Cheng doesn’t immediately move but does after a moment.

Xie Lian smiles before sighing and stirring his drink. It’s funny how his drink was sour yet sweeter than his mood at the moment.

—

Hua Cheng walks his Gege home, waving him off before making his way back to his own apartment.

After getting far enough away, Hua Cheng sighs and lets his shoulders fall.

He is the brother that holds everything in. Luo Binghe is the most vocal about his feelings and Wei Wuxian is the most talkative of the brothers.

His baba has told, requested of them, that if they ever wanted to talk then he was always open.

Hua Cheng looks back from the path he took.

He did want to talk to Xie Lian. He wanted to talk about his life. Hua Cheng however has gained something from his parents and that was reading people.

Yan Wushi has taught his boys to spot weaknesses. Shen Qiao has taught them to allow the vulnerable to come to them slowly.

Xie Lian has some things he doesn’t want Hua Cheng to know about.

And that’s just fine.

He can wait.

It’s just the more he waits, the more it hurts for him not to speak his own feelings.

Chapter Text

Shen Yuan would tell anyone that he was a bit of a lazy bastard. He was from a well-off family that didn’t pressure him for higher education. Since he didn’t want to go to a higher level of education to get a high-stress job with impossible hours.

Well, he decided to be a creator.

To be more precise, a vlogger of restaurants and small eats or the food community in his area.

His dream is to be picked up or get enough money from the ads or sponsors to travel the world before living a life of comfort.

He loves food and with his taste of not being too picky as long as it's good, he’ll love it.

He wants to try all before going out of his city.

So why does he come back to Proud Immortal Delights?

He hears the bell ring as he enters and the smell of the seasonal spice of pumpkin enters his nose.

From behind the counter is Ning Yingying who gives him a wave before going to the back of the cafe.

Shen Yuan goes to sit at his normal seating area. A plush seat that is great to work at.

His glasses make sure he catches the exact moment when Luo Binghe comes through the kitchen doors with a smile

“SHIZUN!”

Like a ray of sunshine, Luo Binghe came from the kitchen with his apron and a towel cleaning his hand of flour. He tries to back down the heat on his own cheeks.

He pushed his glasses up and then decides to take them off to clean the fog.

“Luo Binghe, haven’t I told you, you can call me A-Yuan?”

The young man scratched the back of his head, clearly embarrassed by something.

“Umm…I don’t think I can.” The young chef takes out his phone, before showing Shen Yuan a photo. He recognizes his brothers and parents from the hot springs, all of them around a little boy in the center. All are smiling.

Luo Binghe points to the little boy.

“My brother adopted and now I have a nephew. His name is Wei Yuan.”

Shen Yuan nodded before stating, “Cute.”

Luo Binghe nods in agreement.

Shen Yuan allows Luo Binghe to show him more photos.

He forgot why he came here. Now he just wants to enjoy his time with the young owner.

—

Wen Xu stood next to the bed where Wen Chao was on a monitor. The constant beeping had his blood pressure rising.

His brother was scarred both physically and mentally. He had a seizure that caused him to knock over a vase that had him in a coma.

He tightens his fists.

Soon that Wei Wuxian and all he loves will see the might of the Wen Triad

—

Bai Wuxiang lines up his inventory, making sure all is accounted for

Once that was done, he packs it up in his bag and puts his mask back on. Leaving for the drifting spot.

—

Zhuzhi-Lang watches from the shop across the way as Luo Binghe stands with his partner. He’ll stay for a while more just to get a better idea of his cousin’s personality.

—

Sang Jingxing, Abbot Xueyin, and Kunye looked at the map before them. Circles and routes were marked.

A computer with their resident hacker sent the bait.

—

Yan Wushi stopped the drinking of his evening coffee as an unknown number with a message popped up before his screen. Shen Qiao was already leaning on his shoulder, reading the message with him.

Are these your lotuses?

Pictures of their boys pop up.

Luo Binghe at his cafe with his ‘friend’. Wei Wuxian managing his club, handling a drink. Hua Cheng watching a race with his ‘buddy’.

Shen Qiao stiffs and Yan Wushi growls under his breath.

Another message comes shortly afterward.

Come to the Autumn Pier in 30 minutes. Only you and your partner. No one else, no weapons, or they die.

Yan Wushi cracks his phone screen under his grip.

Shen Qiao is already on his feet, throwing on a coat. Yan Wushi also grabs his coat.

They kept quiet, hearts thundering as paternal instincts decided their actions instead of logic.

Shen Qiao watches as the snow falls outside, signally the transition from the heated start of autumn to the cooler season of winter. They pass by a familiar neighborhood that had Shen Qiao thinking back.

—

Eight-teen years ago.

A door creaks open, in a dusty apartment complex. Two young men in uniform slowly walk in, weapons out.

Cautious steps are taken as two guns point around, making sure nothing dangerous charges their way.

A radio cracks the silence. “What’s your position ?”

A hand is too late to turn it off and a shot is fired their way.

The two duck for cover, one behind a couch, another ducking into the bathroom.

Kunye shot from his position before shortly running out. His triad brother, Duan Wenyang, threw him a new loaded gun and they fire another round at the two invaders.

A gun rounds the corner along with its owner, taking a shot and getting Duan Wenyang in the leg.

The man falls and his brother drags him to the fire escape

The one who fired his shot calls over his radio.“We lost the two suspects.”

He looks out the window and sighs.

“Yu Ai, we can try again lat-“

Shen Qiao was turning when he was hit with a spray, that blinded him and had him stumbling backward. A hand snatches his radio from him before shoving him further and out the window.

He falls from the fourth-story window.

Chapter Text

Kunye stood on the edge of the dock, watching the Luo River. Only his thick coat keeps him warm as he feels the freezing breeze on his cheeks.

A pair of feet on the wooden dock come his way and he turns his head to see the men of the hour.

Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi, the leaders of Cleansing Moon Triad. The older man’s gaze could freeze his soul faster than the weather at the moment.

“I see you followed the instructions.” Kunye faced the two.

Shen Qiao stops Yan Wushi from advancing any further. The man only stops because their sons were on the line but that doesn’t mean habits stopped.

The man before however laughs, his head being thrown back.

“That was a mistake.”

Yan Wushi didn’t have time when Shen Qiao let out a yelp of surprise as he was pulled back and held in a carotid chokehold. Yan Wushi doesn’t have time to react when a click of a pistol is put up to his husband’s temple.

All was silent as Shen Qiao continued to struggle. Yu Ai tightens his hold, using his past frustrations and being upped by Shen Qiao as motivation. Abbot Xueyin locks eyes with Yan Wushi, finger on the trigger, ready to pray to Buddha for his karma.

A clapping comes from the shadows and Yan Wushi has no choice but to see more enemies come forward.

“The great Cleansing Moon leader, Yan Wushi, has become soft and weak in his years.” Sang Jingxing is ahead of the person speaking but the triad leader already knows who.

Out from the shadows comes Hulugu.

Twenty years ago, the Wen Triad had only one person to fear and that was Hulugu of the Tujue Triad. That was in till Shen Qiao's adoptive father Qi Fengge sent him to prison to serve life. He however was supposedly found dead.

Yan Wushi tightens his fist as he grinds his teeth, blood pressure rising.

Clearly, the report was wrong.

“Now Yan Wushi,’ a hand comes up ‘It’s time for you to pay.”

His back was turned and he forgot Kunye, the dog of Hulugu, bring a kick to the back of his knees.

Shen Qiao struggles more as he watches Yan Wushi fall to his knees and put into a chokehold by Kunye.

A snap of fingers and Sang Jingxing darts forward, pinching Yan Wushi’s jaw open and shoving something down his throat.

Hulugu watches in amusement and Shen Qiao looks on in horror as he watches as Yan Wushi’s eyes dilate as whatever was put into his system goes to work.

“Now reap your past Yan Wushi, I give you Phoenix Descending.”
—
Luo Binghe has a lower level door that opens to the storage and Ning Yingying and his Shizun were helping unload the supplies for the week.

Shen Yuan, however, was out of shape and he couldn’t help but pant on the side of the truck.

Luo Binghe heaves up two 25 kilograms of flour onto his shoulder and pauses right at the staircase that would lead to the lower level. He looks back and sees the moment as Shen Yuan looks up and sees him holding up the heavy material like it was nothing.

His cheeks reddened and something clicks in Luo Binghe’s head.
Eyes trained on Shen Yuan narrowed in on the one person that he wanted to express more to.

“Shizun… do you like-?” A sharp pain rips through his torso as something is shoved into his abdomen. Luo Binghe blinks and Shen Yuan is already on his feet and screaming a silent scream as he falls back.

Wen Zhuliu runs anyway from the scene, bloody knife in hand.

Ning Yingying was setting a pack of sugar when Luo Binghe lands at the bottom of the stairs with a smack and his head cracking.

She is quick to his side and Luo Binghe’s eyes are glazed over, still looking up as Shen Yuan is screaming, tears falling all the way down to reach his own cheeks.

Blood bleeds through his shirt.

Ning Yingying is already calling the alarm.

It turns busy.

—
Wei Wuxian had only gotten word from Xue Yang about Jin Zixun entering the club and Jiang Cheng wasn’t going to come for another hour when screams sounded throughout the dancefloor.

Flames climb the walls and Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan were already leading people to the exits.

—
Lan Wangji walked hand in hand with Wei Yuan, the boy was having a late-night treat of ice cream. It was when he heard screams and sees people in loose clothes meant for partying does his heart jump.

Wei Yuan drops his ice cream as Lan Wangji picks him up.

—
Wei Wuxian stumbles out and Wen Ning is the last to get out, a fire extinguisher in hand, fighting off the flames that had tried to consume their exit.

Wei Wuxian coughs and his eyes are blurry, looking as everyone ran or at least went away from the burning club.

“A-Niang!”

Wei Wuxian jerks his head, his eyes sharping as he registers Lan Wangji there on the other side of the road holding onto a teary Wei Yuan.

Xiao Xingchen is the only one to see his charge stumbling into the road. He is also the only one to hear the revering of an engine.

Lan Wangji couldn’t even process the moment when he watches the man that makes his heart beat make it stop as he’s hit by a car.

Wei Wuxian skids across the pavement and feels his head smack into the sidewalk.

His vision blurs as he watches a rush of figures coming towards him.

“WEI YING!”

—
Wen Xu laughs he watches his rearview mirror as he drives from the scene, Xue Yang and Wen Ning already shooting at his vehicle.
—
Song Lan calls the alarm.

His call goes busy.

—
Hua Cheng is just getting out of his car at the same time Xie Lian is. He smiles under his bandana. The race of intense and ended with Dianxia winning.

Mu Qing and Feng Xin come up to them as the crowd cheer for them.

Hua Cheng feels a chill and he only sees that white mask looking up before a pistol is lifted above a shoulder.

Xie Lian is shoved out of the way and a shot rings out and people start panicking and screams ring out.

He looks up and he can only choke as Hua Cheng look down at him, blood falling from the hole in his head.

“Ge…ge?” Hua Cheng’s singular eye rolls back and Xie Lian finally reacts as Hua Cheng hits the ground, unmoving.

“SAN LANG!”

Mu Qing is chasing the man that shot Hua Cheng and Feng Xin sounds the alarm.

His call goes unanswered.

—
Bian Yanmei and Yu Shengyan are up in running as calls come in.

The two panic when they realized this was a blitz attack on their members.

Their leaders were also nowhere to be found.
—
Yan Wushi was foaming at the mouth as the familiar rush of power goes through his veins. His heart was overreacting to this new version of his addiction.

“It took some time finding what was left of Phoniex Ascending and I do have to say.’ He was kicked in the chin and he landed on his side, watching with a pulse in his eyes as Sang Jingxing explained more. ‘I believe I improved on it.”

Hulugu watches as Yan Wushi twitches to the point he was not able to speak.

“I believe we are done here.”

Hulugu looks back to the second leader of the triad that the Wens couldn’t takedown. A nod and Shen Qiao is knocked out by the butt of the pistol.

“Dump him.”

Yan Wushi could only turn on his side and try to reach out as Sang Jingxing and Kunye throw Shen Qiao into the Luo River.

Yan Wushi chokes out one cry.

“AH-QIAO!!”

Chapter Text

Bian Yanmei was finally able to get through to the call from Ning Yingying and all he could hear was crying in the background.

“Black Lotus is down. We need medical assistance now.” A sob answered through the phone and Bian Yanmei’s heart jumped to his throat.

Luo Binghe was injured and he didn’t know how serious it was.

It also didn’t help his shaking hand as he goes to answer the next two alarms.

“Red Lotus is injured, we need transportation now.” The steady voice of Xiao Xingchen came through and Bian Yanmei can hear the sound of a muffled child cries

“HUA—FUCK, SILVER LOTUS IS INJURED AND WE NEED TO KNOW WHERE THE FUCK WE NEED TO GO!!” Feng Xin screamed into the phone and Bian Yanmei transferred all the calls to one.

“Come to home base immediately. We will send a team to carry the lotuses."

Bian Yanmei ends the call and he doesn’t realize how hard he is shaking till he tries to stand.

Yu Shengyan was standing, concerned but ready to go when his senior finally turned to him.

“Notify the medics that they will receive three patients.”

Yu Shengyan was darting off with the order, leaving Bian Yanmei to crash back into his chair.

“Shen Gonzhu, Yan Gonzhu….where are you?”

—

Hulugu left with his crew to allow the feared Cleansing Moon to wallow in his own failure.

Yan Wushi didn’t waste time to use what will that wasn’t blind by the influence of this new form of his past drug addiction to get to his feet.

His legs felt like lead but he felt like he could run a marathon.

Once he was on the edge of the dock, he dove in.

—

Shen Qiao was floating.

“My little Shen Qiao-‘ a hand landed on his small head as he looked up at his new father. ‘Don’t worry, all will be fine.”

His eyes shot open and he snapped up from his prone position to see he was on a rocky bank. He snaps to his side to see his husband passed out before him. Both were soaked to the bone and shivering.

“Yan-Lang!” Shen Qiao turned him on his side quickly and pinched his jaws open to shove his fingers at the back of his throat.

Gag reflex accord and Yan Wushi heaved up his stomach. Shen Qiao caught him before he could fall into his vomit.

He dug into Yan Wushi’s shirt for their ten-year anniversary necklace with an emergency button on it

Not seven minutes later, Yu Shengyan is pulling up to their location.

“Shen Gonzhu!”

He slid the rest of the way and heaved his senior leader onto his back

“I need my boys at the home base now."

When the car door was slammed shut did Yu Shengyan broke the news to him.

All Shen Qiao could do was curl into Yan Wushi’s shoulder and sob.

—

Xie Lian didn’t know what was happening, he had grabbed Hua Cheng’s red bandanna to slow the bleeding from his head while waiting for help to arrive.

He didn’t expect to be carried into a black van with Hua Cheng being settled onto a stretcher.

It was only the assurance of his friends that he didn’t stop to question why they weren’t going to a hospital.

—

Lan Wangji was in a trance, Wei Yuan hugging and crying into his shoulder. He cradles the head of the youngster away from the sight of his adoptive father laying limp on the ground.

“THEY’RE HERE!”

Lan Wangji snaps and sees unfamiliar uniforms for paramedics putting Wei Wuxian onto a stretcher.

He knows what they are supposed to look like and that’s not it.

“WEI YI-!” Xue Yang and Song Lan stop him from stopping the people from loading Wei Wuxian into the van.

“Lan Wangji?”

Unfocus gold eyes finally blink, not realizing he was blinded by tears to look at the calm Xiao Xingchen.

“Please come with us and our leader will explain.”

Wei Yuan is still crying into his shoulder and all he could do was be stable for now and follow the three into a separate vehicle.

—

Ning Yingying gently pulled Shen Yuan away from the stairs to allow the men to load the unresponsive Luo Binghe into the black van that had pulled up.

She then took him to her car where she drove him to home base.

—

Zhuling-Lang wasn’t ready for Wen Zhuliu to run away from the backside of the cafe. He was however on his feet when he saw the black van pull up instead of an ambulance.

He calls his uncle.

—

Jiang Fengmian didn’t expect to drive his son to his side job but here he was. Jiang Cheng’s car had a nail in its tire so he was simply giving him a ride.

He however wasn’t ready to see a ghost.

They had stopped a block away having seen the flames. Fire trucks are heard in the distance.

Jiang Cheng was caught up in awe and shock at the devastation that he didn’t notice Jiang Fengmian turn pale.

A young man was being loaded up and he could recognize the face of old friends no matter how long it had been.

Jiang Cheng was pulled back from his state with a question.

“A-Cheng…Who do you work for?”

—

Shen Qiao was standing over the bed of his husband a few hours later. His breathing was stable but he was unconscious at the moment.

He should be glad that he was able to clear his system of the half dissolved pills but the damage was done.

He got up from his chair

People deserved answers

—

Shen Yuan was standing, looking at the floor, eyes dead, like he was looking down at the sight of Luo Binghe laying at the bottom of those steps once again.

Lan Wangji was sitting in a chair just holding Wei Yuan who had since fallen asleep. All he could think about was how Wei Wuxian was looking so relieved before he got hit. He tighten his hold on the boy and rocked him.

Xie Lian sitting against the ground, shaking, thinking of the last moment before Hua Cheng went unconscious.

None of them knew of the state of the lotuses.

They had been left in this blank bare room with no access to anything or communication.

They had other things on their mind.

When the door opens they all jerk to attention. Wei Yuan woke up and he teared up once more seeing a familiar face.

“Yeye!” Wei Yuan climbs out of Lan Wangji’s arms to run up and into Shen Qiao’s arms. The man kneels and holds the young boy, reassuring him before allowing Bian Yanmei to take him.

Shen Qiao shuts the door behind him before turning to the three before him, looking like aged by a decade in the last few hours.

“You all deserve the truth.”

Chapter Text

Three boys, ages sixteen, fourteen, and thirteen kneeled before their fathers. Shen Qiao was a bit nervous but Yan Wushi and he had agreed secrets couldn’t live in their house.

“Let me tell you a story that started nine years ago.” Yan Wushi began, Wei Wuxian looking extra curious and Hua Cheng sitting a bit more comfortable in his position.

Nine years ago

“Fools.” Twenty-seven-year-old Yan Wushi had spoken watching the heirs to the Tujue Triad runoff.

He never understood attachments.

He had to defend himself since he was an orphan and never truly got along with anyone at the orphanage.

The young leader watches as the two triad brother escape into their runaway car. He would have left the task to someone willing to sacrifice their freedom for his cause.

He rose to power in his new gang that became the Cleansing Moon Triad.

Seeing how easily those two of Tujue Triad lost because they weren’t willing to risk it all because of attachments makes him want to swear never to form that close of a relationship.

He was standing by a dumpster when a body landed in it.

He only looked inside to see the unconscious body of inspector Shen Qiao.

Then an explosion goes off in the apartment above.

Now, this was interesting.

—

Shen Qiao would spend the next months confused, memory hazy, and basically blind but at least he had his friend Yan Wushi helping him recover.

“Can A-Qiao decide which would be more painful-‘ A weight settles next to him and Shen Qiao is forced to move away from the weight, grabbing his walking stick and feeling for his cup of tea. He hears a pop of a bottle and a hum of pleasure after what he assumes is medicine being taken. ‘death by laughter or death by drowning?”

Shen Qiao sighs but he answers anyway.

“Both leave someone breathless.”

He feels the weight lean into his side and it takes all his willpower not to argue as he feels his chin being grabbed and turned to his friend.

“I bet I can make you breathless.”

—

Yan Wushi would find his safe house empty of the entertainment of one Shen Qiao and a letter that simply said thank you for your hospitality.

—

Shen Qiao would find his safe deposit box after three months of finally recovering his memory.

He calls into his chief only to receive questions as to how he was alive.

Apparently, he had been considered dead and his funeral was even held.

He decided to ask his chief to keep silent and for him to figure out what happened.

He did say he was resigning till further notice.

—

“Wouldn’t A-Qiao like to know what happened to his partner Yu Ai when the bomb went off?”

Shen Qiao was tempted to throw the bottle of pills away from the Triad leader but remained silent.

—

Yan Wushi had been teasing the young inspector when he spotted Yu Ai and pushed him into the wall.

Blood spreads into his side but he doesn’t notice as he pulls his pistol to shoot at the foolish officer.

Shen Qiao is confused as to how Yan Wushi ignores the fact he had been shot till he falls after the unknown person runs off.

After dragging the leader to his safe house, Shen Qiao leaves him to recover. A bottle of those blasted pills empty down the drain.

—

Through more events, Shen Qiao discovers more and more about the leader of the Cleansing Moon Triad.

He had more control than the inspector expected him to have. He also had more enemies than he cared to take into account. From the Wens to wanted individuals, Yan Wushi had few that were on his side.

That for some reason made him concerned.

—

Months go by and when he spots the leader again, he tackles the leader that only laughs at his actions but he was curious as to why the inspector has returned.

—

Then Yan Wushi nearly overdoses on his drug.

When Yan Wushi wakes, he expects to be alone.

Shen Qiao is beside him when he opens his eyes for the first time in days.

So began a new era in the Cleansing Moon Triad.

—

Shen Qiao allows the three young men to process what they just learned of what they believed was an ordinary family man.

Shen Yuan didn’t want to believe just how screwed in triad and gang violence his city was. Now here he was trying to figure out how many times he could have been shot because he came into contact with them.

Lan Wangji had run into some shady characters in his time as a health inspector but he didn’t allow himself to believe the man before him was someone that dealt in this business.

Xie Lan wants to believe he didn’t know. That drifting and drugs were the norm where he was. He didn’t want to think about the people who orchestrated behind the scenes.

After a moment, Shen Qiao gets up.

“Come.”

—

Bian Yanmei and Yu Shengyan watch as their leader enters the room and they step out as not to leave it less crowded.

Shen Qiao allows the three men to finally break down as they each inspect their respected love.

Shen Qiao went to his own and grabs the warm hand that would twitch with muscle contractions.

His sons and husband had been set up and after surgery for three of them, Shen Qiao was ready for a break but he was getting out of the frying pan into the fire.

Shen Yuan curls up on Luo Binghe’s torso, careful not to touch higher than his neck. His oldest lotus had a neck and linear skull fracture and a concussion from his fall. Then let's not forget the stab wound that barely missed his vital organs, only a few stitches.

Lan Wangji could only hold Wei Wuxian’s hand as he wheezed in his unrestful sleep. His middle lotus had broken ribs and a concussion from his hit. Shen Qiao however had also learned that his lungs would need to be checked as they could have been bruised.

Xie Lan had nearly cried at the near-perfect state of Hua Cheng compare to his brothers except for the fact half his face was covered. His youngest was now blind on one side. They had recovered and rebuilt as much of the zygomatic bone as they could but Shen Qiao was just glad that none of his brain had been hit.

Yan Wushi had to fight off hypothermia and the effects that had stood because of the intake of his forced drugging.

Shen Qiao looks to the door after an hour of silence, seeing his most trusted, Bian Yanmei and Yu Shengyan having returned.

The three young men look to the leader as he clears his throat.

“You may stay here and wait-‘

Shen Qiao looks to his unconscious husband, the one who was the face of the triad and the one who didn’t want to drag their sons into this life. Shen Qiao looks back to the three, eyes red from tears shed.

‘-or help me serve justice to them.”

Chapter Text

When Yan Wushi offered for him to be more than his husband but a co-leader of the Cleansing Moon triad. As an inspector of the city, he wanted to make his late father proud.

“My little A-Qiao, one day you’ll bring justice like I do.” His father smiled down at him with his uniform still on after a long day. He was going to take Shen Qiao to the local market to later have a father-son cooking dinner night.

It was a dream for him to bring justice to this city he so loved.

Yan Wushi had offered him a chance to be on the other side.

And he had accepted.

—

Shen Qiao watches the young men that have caught the interest of his sons as they slowly pull away from their respected beds.

Shen Qiao came over to his husband’s bed. He pushes back the black and white streak strands from his forehead before kissing his feverous head.

Lan Wangji wants to do the same so badly but he couldn’t. As shameless as Wei Wuxian was, he wouldn’t dare kiss his beautiful skin without consent.

Shen Yuan wasn’t in the mood to even think of showing affection. Besides, Luo Binghe probably didn’t like him like that.

Xie Lian grew up in a household where displays of affection were at a minimum. Seeing Shen Qiao do it without the other even knowing was bizarre. He only squeezed Hua Cheng’s hand before pulling away.

—

Each team that were assigned by both leaders to watch the lotuses were familiar with each other.

Mobei Jun would be leading the team for Black Lotus. Shen Yuan had quickly gotten a hug from Liu Mingyan and Ning Yingying. Shang Qinghua shyly stand by and explained how their operation will go down.

Xiao Xingchen would lead for Red Lotus, the team needing a confident but steady mind. Song Lan and Xue Yang only getting along because of Xiao Xingchen. Wen Ning is still nervous but since being invited by Shen Qiao two years back for asylum from his uncle along with his sister, he wasn’t afraid. Lan Wangji only nodded to the leader of his team.

Mu Qing and Feng Xin were actually not at each other's necks as Xie Lian settle between them, still looking nervous.

Bian Yanmei and Yu Shengyan were waiting for the last member of this important mission to join them.

—

A light turns on and an office space with no windows is lit in dim light. Shen Qiao knows Yan Wushi preferred to work with candles that show any sudden change in movements so the overhead light isn’t used as much.

A piney scent that he smells on his husband is permanently stained in the air by the candles.

He walks behind the desk and moves a medal of honor that Yan Wushi had been secretly awarded by the mayor.

Behind the medal, the display was a safe.

Five slots for a code.

Shen Qiao puts in the code.

2-3-3-3-2

The code represents each syllable of his family names.

The safe pops open and Shen Qiao grabs the one thing he didn’t think he would need to pick up.

Shen Qiao was considered the judge and Yan Wushi and the rest of the Triad the executioner.

“Ah-Qiao shouldn’t need to dirty his hands while I’m around.”

Yan Wushi had said that while offering him this safe for emergency use only. To put away his arms while Yan Wushi spilled the blood as needed.

Before his father passed, he gave him his pistol that had a simple engraving on the barrel.

Woe For All.

Shen Qiao cocks the gun for the first time in years and hums at the weight in his hands.

Yan Wushi wasn’t here to do the work that needed to be done.

—

When the doors opened, the room was in silence.

Shen Qiao up to this point had been in his casual clothes, having changed from his soaked clothes from earlier that evening. Now as dawn breaks for a new day, the triad leader wears a white suit with a signature purple tie that Yan Wushi wears.

A click of a new clip of bullets being loaded in and then holstered into his father’s former investigator's belt.

The air was still for a moment as Shen Qiao looked around before beginning.

“Last night, the Cleansing Moon was attacked. My sons were assaulted and injured. Your leader, my husband had been drugged.” Shen Qiao takes a pause.

“You stand before me not as members of Cleansing Moon but as family and friends.”

Bian Yanmei and Yu Shengyan nod in agreement.

“Today, we will judge those who have committed treason against us.”

A roar of a cheer came from Yu Shengyan, Shang Qinghua, Sha Hualing Xue Yang, Feng Xin and Mu Qing.

Shen Qiao nods.

“Today, we cleanse the city of bad blood. Tomorrow we will have no more.”

As another roar came Shen Qiao dismisses them to begin their operation. Bian Yanmei stops him before he fully leaves to begin gathering his own resources.

“Sir, You have a visitor.”

—

Shen Qiao enters the medical bay once more with Bian Yanmei by his side.

Outside of the door where his family is held is a man just a few years older than Yan Wushi. However, it could just be the wrinkles and stress on his brow. Shen Qiao knew who it was simply because of the hurt in those familiar eyes

“How can I help you?”

A deep breath, shaky but steady in tempo is taken before the man turns.

Tianlang Jun smiles his way, which is also so familiar having seen it grow from youth to mature young man.

“I believe we have similar goals as of now. I would be pleased to help.”

Chapter Text

Lan Xichen was worried for his brother when he didn’t call him.

The Burial Mounds club had a fire and a shooting happened across the city.

He knew his brother was … well acquainted with the owner and he was worried about some of the news.

It also didn’t sit well with him when he was scrolling through some media and they reported about the owner being hit while making sure everyone else was out.

He finishes his tea for the morning and decides to call his uncle to confirm Lan Wangji wouldn’t be able to do his current inspections.

—

Wei Yuan still sniffed but Shen Qiao made sure the boy at least had a good breakfast before allowing Wen Qing to take him for the day.

His grandson had held him for a long while and it was the boost he needed to get through this day.

All personnel not on their frankly suicide mission would be on lockdown and high alert till further notice.

Shen Qiao does one last sweep of his family. Wiping brows and fixing their bed sheets before leaving them in the care of the medical team.

—

The Wen Triad were celebrating their victory, all cherished the thrill of having caused damage to the thorn in their side, the Cleansing Moon Triad.

Wen Xu held his drink up high, the glass catching the morning light, the time passing like a blur as they continue their party.

The cheers and shots were soon silent as a door slammed open.

Rapid steps were made to where the Wen heir sat and soon the man was dragged from his chair and slapped across the face twice.

“You foolish boy! Have I taught you nothing?!?” Wen Ruohan drops his eldest before looking to the rest of the party.

He had been out for the last few months, honoring his family’s historical home up in the mountains when he had received a report of actions he did not approve of. The actions of both sons were petty and the fact that this was all an attempt to destroy Cleansing Moon made him even more furious.

“ALL OF YOU ARE FOOLS!” Wen Ruohan takes his gun out and clocks a bullet in the chamber.

A shot rings out and Wen Xu is screaming as his leg begins bleeding from the entry and exit wound of the bullet.

The head of the triad huffs in frustration before looking around the room at the silent witnesses.

“You all are no longer under the protection of the Wen Triad.’ He looks down at his once favored child. ‘Now get out of my sight.”

He would cut those involved, for it was better to cut the infected limb than to die with it.

—

Yu Shengyan had barely left his station to join his squad when a lower rank member called saying someone of importance had information for them.

Turn out open season has begun as the new entail was given.

—

Shen Yuan spun in his chair and had to pause for just a second as his hands shook.

“Shizun!” Luo Binghe had waved at him with that smile, flour lightly on his cheek.

This was for him.

Bian Yanmei watched to young man get to work and soon the monitors were soon popping up with video feeds of their targets around the city.

—

Four motorcycles reeve up and the leader nods as they take off. The morning roads of the Wen territory were only slightly crowded and so when the three motorcycles sped past, a great many people were spooked.

From under one helmet, golden eyes burn amber.

“Lan Zhan, look at him!” Wei Ying was hovering under Wei Yuan as he was trying to cross the monkey bars.

Lan Wangji was watching from the end, enjoying his day off, looking towards the two that made his heart flutter.

Then Wei Yuan missed the next handle. A small yell came from him and both men were swift to react. Both reach out.

Lan Wangji had to blink as he realized he had caught both Wei Yuan and Wei Wuxian in his arms. The other is soon smiling and laughing, pressing his cheek against Wei Yuan.

Wei Ying would be avenged.

Xiao Xingchen, Song Lan, and Xue Yang are quick to follow Lan Wangji when he sped up to their target’s location.

—

Wen Zhuliu had his cap on as he stood in the station waiting for the next train out. He would need to leave the city quickly as possible. The crowd around him should be covering him till he could escape.

Soon he hears the sound of the train pulling and his shoulders relax.

“Did you think it was going to be that easy?”

Fear struck the hitman and he only saw a glimpse of his attacker before he was pushed into the oncoming train.

Mobei Jun leaves like a ghost from the station as panic takes over the morning audience.

—

Zhuzhi-lang is quick to seize the footage of Wen Zhulilu being pushed to his death at the station named after his uncle. He gives the excuse of sending it to authorities but he is swift to delete the footage.

—

Humming can be heard as a woman in a cafe sat watching as motorcycles sped past her.

She’s light in her smile and only sends a text before leaving a tip after finishing her drink.

She had to show how much she loved and loyal she was to Shen-Lang.

—

Yu Ai felt sweat build as the station suddenly gets flooded with a virus and they are scrambling to reset.

Something wasn’t right and with a guy on the inside of the Wen Triad reporting in about the Wen Xu being abandoned could only lead to more trouble.

He needed to leave.

—

Kunye was the first on Shen Qiao’s list but he left him for his unofficial sons to take care of once they got to his location.

The man was gambling with some of his own lackeys when Bian Yanmei and Yu Shengyan arrived at his warehouse.

“Oh look, it’s Yan Wushi’s brats. What are you going to do without papa bear around to assist?” Kunye had his head tilted as he stood to face the two that were slowly getting surrounded.

Bian Yanmei the senior of the two was calm as Yu Shengyan only glanced at the lackeys forming a circle.

“We are here to fulfill the will of Cleansing Moon.”

Kunye wants to laugh but is met with an indifferent stare from Bian Yanmei. Dread begins to build in his gut and soon it boils over.

“TEACH THEM A LESSON!!”

In a span of thirty seconds, grunts turn into screams of pain, and soon Kunye is shivering under the boot of Yu Shengyan. Never before had he envisioned he would see Yan Wushi’s younger self till he saw the man looking down upon him.

“You dare to work in the same city as Cleansing Moon and now you will suffer for meddling with Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi.”

Kunye’s eyes go wide as Bian Yanmei breaks his femur and Yu Shengyan goes for his throat to strangle him.

—

Jin Guangshan was minding his own business while about to ask his secretary to clear his schedule so he ask her for extra services when a phone call came through.

His blood pressure flew to the roof as Jin Guangyao informed him of Tianlang Jun releasing footage of his nephew acting inappropriate in front of important figures of the community, including his close allies the Nie and Jiang corporations.

Jin Zixun is soon disowned from owning any more fortune as he is quickly shunned on social media.

—

Sang Jingxing was lounging in his office when a commotion was heard and a gunshot went off before all was silent.

He narrowed his eyes to the door when he could hear heels coming his way.

As the door opened, Sang Jingxing reached for the bottle that held his last patch of Phoenix Descending. He quickly pops five as the barrel came to match his brow.

“I hope you burn in hell for the pain you cause Shen-Lang.” Bai Rong smiles as she pulls the trigger to kill the man who abused her for years before she left after listening to Shen Qiao.

—

Wen Xu groan in frustration when he finally got to the only safe house under his name.

Upon entering his office, he is met with a man leaning in his chair, twirling a knife at the tip of his fingers.

“Ah, Wen-Gege, we’ve been waiting for you!” The man grins, showing off his fangs.

Wen Xu hears the fighting outside his office and the man gets up to point the knife at him.

“Come on gege, let’s head out to meet the others.” Xue Yang directs him out and once he backs out of the door, Wen Xu reaches for his gun but is met with a barrel to his temple.

“I wouldn’t think about it.” Song Lan states as he grabs the pistol before tossing it behind him.

Xue Yang snickers as Wen Xu’s face goes pale as their two white-clothed members enter the area.

Xiao Xingchen is only a stride behind Lan Wangji and it's just enough for Wen Xu to recognize the man.

An heir to the Lan fortune, a family known for their strict rules from old eras, and here this Jade was breaking them.

Golden eyes seem to glare into his soul.

Sweat crept down his forehead and his throat became dry. He wasn’t even debating on his fear of a bullet going through his head.

“Xue Yang.” Lan Wangji didn’t break his gaze when the knife buries into his shoulder.

“They don’t know if he will walk again.” Lan Wangji steps forward when he falls to his knees.

“And it’s all because of you.”

Wen Xu’s world goes black as pain takes hold from another knife stab to the base of his spine.

“I CAN’T SEE!!” He rolls over, not caring as he tries to look for his hands, and still nothing. Panic and fear are pumping through him quickly.

“So it will be silent.”

Lan Wangji lets the man roll in pain for a bit before nodding to Song Lan to end him.

—

Feng Xin and Mu Qing had received a tip from a lady named Yushi Hang about where they could find Bai Wuxiang.

A building on the north side of town was condemned for destruction.

When they were at the entrance, Xie Lian was shaking.

“If you’re not ready…we get it.” Mu Qing tried to reason with his friend but Xie Lian walk ahead. Feng Xin draws his pistol and turns off the safety.

The building was creaking under each step and Xie Lan could feel his bones rattle with it.

“Gege-“

From the corner of one eye, Xie Lian sees a flash of white, like a ghost making him jump.

Feng Xin is ready, pistol is drawn to where Xie Lian was staring, frozen.

Mu Qing advances to the corner, looking around the room before shaking his head back to them.

Only to be yanked back, choking as a white bandage is wrapped around his throat.

Xie Lian and Feng Xin dash into the room as Mu Qing is crashing to the floor, his assailant under him to get the best leverage.

“MU QING, MOVE!!” Feng Xin tries to train his weapon on the man in the mask and is met with a quickly turning blue Mu Qing.

Xie Lian slides over and rolls on top of Mu Qing before shifting their combined weight over, leaving Bai Wuxiang exposed.

The man leaps to his feet only to be met with a shot to his shoulder and then his leg.

Feng Xin glares down his barrel before shooting the man in his mask.

It breaks and Xie Lian freezes in place as the man falls, collapsing on the floor too much like how Hua Cheng did.

Xie Lian faints.

—

The end of the day was soon upon the city that has had a busy day from death on the train line to law enforcement being ineffective for the last half day.

That didn’t stop Shen Qiao as he step to his father’s grave.

His gun was at his hip as he made his approach to stand beside the man who looked upon Qi Fengge’s final resting place.

“He was my greatest opponent.” Hulugu glances at Shen Qiao who stands before him.

“The only one who could even come close to breaking down everything I built.”

The triad leader then faced towards the sun.

“His greatest accomplishment however wasn’t capturing me.”

Shen Qiao finally looked up to Hulugu as he started to walk away from the grave.

“It was raising you to serve justice.” Hulugu beckons the Cleansing Moon leader to follow him to the end of the property line, a forest that quiets due to the dying light.

“Best not to disturb the dead.”

Once they were a kilometer away, Hulugu looked at Shen Qiao.

“He would be proud of how his son turned out.” That was all Hulugu said as he closed his eyes and held his hands up.

Woe For All only rang out once that day as judgment was done throughout the city

—

In the hospital room, a hand twitched on bed sheets before eyes barely stayed open enough to register the situation.

A slight smile before the man was back under.

“A-Qiao.”

Chapter Text

The day after was Shen Qiao’s busiest day.

Starting with finally pulling the rug from under Yu Ai. His former brother has lost all the respect he still had for him.

Tianlang Jun revokes his donation to the funding of the police after he made it known he had evidence against many of their higher-ups taking payment from many triads to keep silent.

Shen Qiao suspects Yu Ai will resign after facing humiliation from his own officers more than anything.

Shen Qiao had emptied his clip before setting Woe for All in its resting place once more to hopefully not be used again.

Yu Shengyan and Bian Yanmei took over some of his duties so he could focus on other chores. From looking at the resources they spent to favors own.

“Shen-Lang, I will deal with that bastard Sang Jingxing for you.”

Bai Rong, his old friend lifted the burden of dealing with the one who made the poison that put Yan Wushi at rock bottom again.

His husband was pale and still in his sleep. Shen Qiao dabs his forehead of sweat and checks with the medic about his progress. Two days have past and yet nothing.

His sons were the same. Hua Cheng had a fever while infection was still a high chance. Luo Binghe and Wei Wuxian had dropped blood pressure at some points.

It seemed like his family was still endangered but the Cleansing Moon medical team assured him they were in the best care and were monitored 24/7.

The triad leader could only take a moment to sip the tea his father would have after a long shift.

—

Wei Yuan hid behind his leg as Lan Xichen looked down at him. Lan Wangji had brought him today to check up with his brother after not contacting him for a day.

“Who’s this Lan Wangji?” His brother asked as the young boy hid more behind his pants leg.

Shen Qiao believed his grandson needed to get out and Lan Wangji was the only one available at the moment.

“He’s Wei Ying’s son.” Lan Wangji sets his hand on Wei Yuan’s head to comfort him.

Lan Xichen doesn’t question his brother more, only smiling before letting Wei Yuan know where snacks can be found in the office while Lan Wangji spoke about the condition of the club owner.

—

Xie Lian and Shen Yuan had decided to be drinking buddies for the day as it finally went through their heads what they have done.

They had caused harm and death to people that harmed their loved ones.

Shen Qiao had told them to relax but they couldn’t.

By the time evening came around, they were drunk in Shen Yuan’s apartment, crying silently.

—

Tianlang Jun would visit with his nephew to further help Cleansing Moon, providing tips and funding when lacking. Shen Qiao was grateful but dare not push his luck.

He allowed the biological father of Luo Binghe to stay longer than anyone else who visited with his unconscious sons.

Shen Yuan would bring deserts from Immortal Delights that Ning Yingying had made everyday. Xie Lian would stop by to add an antique vase with fresh flowers before going to run his store. Lan Wangji came with Wei Yuan in tow to play his Guqin that Shen Qiao had to praise with how pleasing to the ears it was.

Five days passed with everything dying down.

Then a spike happened.

Shen Qiao was alerted that one was awake.

—

Hair untamed and panic racing through his heart as he looked around, tears built up as he looked at the dim room to see he wasn’t the only one effect that night.

A nurse was trying to calm him, a Cleansing Moon member but couldn’t recognize him right away.

“A-Xian, A-Cheng, Baba!” Luo Binghe wanted to get up and at least touch any of his family that lay with beeping being the only sign of life.

“Luo Binghe please stop. You need to settle.” The nurse was reaching for his shoulders when the pain came across his head and torso.

He hisses before falling back.

Then the door opened and finally something familiar and hopeful. The black lotus finally lets his tears fall as he sees his papa smile at him. Shen Qiao came over to hug him in his bed and talk to his nurse for a moment before taking a seat next to his bed.

“A-Binghe, you need to rest. Papa will take care of your baba and brothers.”

Luo Binghe could only nod when a memory struck him.

A silent scream on a face that he came to adore before all became a blur.

Luo Binghe looks at his papa and had to ask.

“Have you seen Shizun? How is he?”

Shen Qiao could only smile and tucked a hair away from his face before holding his cheek.

“I can promise you he will love to see you when you are better rested.”

His tears finally stopped and he finally shifted to get more comfortable.

“I’ll do that Papa.”

--

Tianlang Jun stops by once more and is led by Shen Qiao to the medical bay only to be confronted by his son awake. Luo Binghe looked confused and his heart broke at seeing a bit of Su Xiyan in him./ Shen Qiao was about to introduce him when he decided to take the first step.

"You may not know me but... Your mother was my love and I see she still lives in you." Luo Binghe froze but Tianlang Jun stops him from speaking and Shen Qiao allows the man to speak.

"Allow me to make sure you live well.' Tianlang Jun wipes the tear that had built up before turning to Shen Qiao. 'Thank you for raising him into a great man."

Luo Binghe knew the man in front of him was a respected character of the city and the moment he bowed to his papa, he understood then and there why.

Tianlang Jun gets up from his bow and looks at Luo Binghe. "If you wish to expand that cafe of yours, please feel free to contact me."

Luo Binghe feels chills on his skin as he could almost envision Yan Wushi saying it to him. A father to a son.

The Black Lotus nods with a smile.

Chapter Text

Wei Yuan was coming in for the first time in two days with Lan Wangji (A-Die) dropping him off. Work had spiked due to people wanting their places up to date after many unfortunate safety hazards had happened.

His Yeye said he had a surprise for him and when they walk into where his A-Niang, Zufu, and uncles were resting he cried out at seeing his Uncle Luo awake.

The young man still laid in bed was welcoming with the young boy in his arms. Shen Qiao smiled at the two before checking on his husband for the third time that day.

“A-Yuan, tell me you’ve been good?” Luo Binghe pulled back from the hug. Wei Yuan sniffed his nose, it having gone runny before nodding.

“A-Yuan has been good!” The young boy smiled, ending his answer with a laugh.

Shen Qiao heard something shift across the room and the older two heard a beep spike. Luo Binghe’s smile drops for a second to look over to the bed next to his own. The heart monitor spiking and silver eyes opening.

“A-Yuan?” Wei Wuxian called out for his son, hand already lifting up to the boy.

Wei Yuan started to cry and reach out to his parent.

“A-Niang!” Grabby hands reaching out for him and Luo Binghe felt a bit helpless, being bedbound when his papa finally came by to pick up Wei Yuan to transfer him to Wei Wuxian.

Wei Yuan immediately lays next to Wei Wuxian and cries into his chest. Wei Wuxian could only pet his head, smiling lightly before looking over to his brother and papa.

“Hi.” Was all he could say before just allowing Wei Yuan to cry more.

Shen Qiao was glad his red lotus was awake.

His chest tightens as he looks between the last of their family that still haven't awakened.

—

“Gege?” He was looking down at Xie Lian, only briefly wondering why he felt light-

—

He woke to the hum of a younger voice. The lights were dim and the air smelled of medical supplies.

He shifts to his side to see where the voice was coming from.

His papa and his brothers were watching his nephew hum to his heart's content. He soon finishes with a smile and is grinning.

The four freeze when they hear him start to hum also, announcing he was awake.

His Papa, the only mobile one, is swift to come to his bedside and crouch to his height.

“Oh my Hua Cheng,’ His papa is careful to hold his cheek on the side that feels numb. He doesn’t really register his imbalance in sight. ‘How are you feeling?”

Hua Cheng still feels muggy and stiff but-

“Fine…Papa.” His throat feels dry and he can barely see over to his brothers smile to him, giving them comfort in their own way.

“Is Uncle going to be a pirate now?” Wei Yuan, the sweet child, asked towards his A-Niang and Wei Wuxian paled and Luo Binghe also froze. Hua Cheng doesn’t let the question faze him but he can see why they wouldn’t want to bring it up.

Luckily his papa was patient in his response. Looking to Wei Yuan and nodding.

“That is up to A-Cheng to decide. He can also get another eye.” Shen Qiao pets Wei Yuan and Hua Cheng watch his brother ease their shoulders after the answer.

“I’ll go with a patch.” Hua Cheng knows this will be a huge adjustment for him but it was all for-

For.

For..

For…

GEGE!

Shen Qiao hears the heart monitors jump for all three after Hua Cheng sits up sharply.

“Is Gege alright?” Wei Wuxian and Luo Binghe look confused at the question.

“Is Xie Lian -?” Hua Cheng is however stopped at the sharp sound of a ceramic piece breaking on the ground.

The family turns to see Bian Yanmei having opened the door, and having escorted visitors to the room.

Lan Wangji and Shen Yuan were beside Xie Lian that had held a new flower vase for the lotuses.

Wei Yuan waves at the three and Shen Qiao is quick to step away to allow the three to come in.

Luo Binghe, Wei Wuxian, and Hua Cheng are quick to be hugged. Lan Wangji giving room for Wei Yuan to wiggle is a way to share the hugs.

“Lan Zhan-.” Wei Wuxian begins but is silent with a desperate kiss. His cheeks go red, only answering the action with vigor and wrapping an arm around Lan Wangji’s neck. Wei Yuan could only giggle lightly.

Hua Cheng and Luo Binghe look to see their brother getting affection and just-

“Gege-?“

“Shizun?”

Shen Yuan and Xie Lian are pulled back from their hugs only to be met with a light kiss.

Shen Qiao could cry at the young love he is witnessing. His chest was so full and yet-.

A groan is faint behind him but enough for Shen Qiao to hear.

The triad leader turns from his sons to see his husband having lifted himself up with an arm to sit up.

Sweat had built up on his forehead and a white streak of hair fell away but there was a smirk coming on. Shen Qiao thinks back to the day that his husband had awoken from his near overdose. The picture is so similar and it just makes his chest heavy.

“A-Qiao-“ Yan Wushi is quickly met with his husband hugging him like he hadn’t held him for many years. The Cleansing Moon leader can see his sons receiving love from their lovers. He hums at the sight.

Shen Qiao hears him and knows why. Pulling back Shen Qiao meets him in the eye. Yan Wushi starts with his forehead, then his cheek, and then finally meets him in a bittersweet kiss.

He rests his forehead on his and hums once more.

“I’m sorry to worry my A-Qiao.”

Shen Qiao sighs and hugs him tighter.

“Yan-Lang makes me worry every day.” Shen Qiao states as the two hold on to each other.

Chapter Text

Hello everyone!
I know it's been a bit and its more me struggling with the best way to bring this story to a close.

But in the meantime Q&A!

I'll answer any questions you have of this AU and perhaps hints for what's to come!

Till next time, Bearsofthewest OUT!

Chapter Text

The lotuses would all get married to their loves.

Though in the beginning, it was a mix of getting the blessing of Shen Qiao and other family members and going through physical therapy.

At one point, Luo Binghe tried to sneak out of the medical wing, to get a marriage license but Mobei Jun would drag him back to his bed. Wei Wuxian would actually send Wei Yuan out to get a nursing uniform for his A-Niang. But Xue Yang would bring the child back and drop him off at Lan Wangji’s place. Hua Cheng would be the closest to leaving but would be stopped by Shen Qiao.

Funnily enough, the one to get married first would be Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao. Something about so close to death that renewing their vows felt right. Yan Wushi would tease his sons as they all celebrated.

With how tight the suits were, Wei Wuxian and Luo Binghe come to the realization they need a little more time before going and marrying.

Didn’t stop Hua Cheng as soon as he was done and discharged.

The proposal and wedding came in quick succession with Wei Wuxian being more of a party animal at the celebration, trying to outdrink his brother and father.

Shen Qiao and Xie Lian would be shaking their heads watching their husbands get wasted, but Lan Zhan was silently cheering Wei Wuxian on with Wei Yuan in his lap.

Then came Wei Wuxian’s wedding.

Easily the most traditional and beautiful music that it brought a tear to Yan Wushi’s eyes. Because why didn’t he do that at his and Shen Qiao’s wedding? Oh wait, he was a bit shy when it came to these events.

Wei Wuxian would be wasted once again, Xue Yang, Yu Shengyan, Mu Qing, Feng Xin, and even Mobei Jun joined in this time.

That was a mistake as Mu Qing and Mobei Jun would pass out in the grass later and still Wei Wuxian went on, till his new husband dragged him off for their night. Luckily they had this whole resort venue to themselves or this would have been worrisome for public image.

Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao took Wei Yuan that evening, the little one playing Go with his grandparents til he got tired. Shen Qiao would get up along with at dawn and play on the beach till a more reasonable breakfast hour.

Wei Yuan would finish his sandcastle on a passed-out Yu Shengyan when his A-Die come to the beach, offering orange juice to the little one.

Yan Wushi and Hua Cheng would laugh their ass off once they found out just how long Wei Wuxian was up when he didn’t come out till dinner time.

Luo Binghe and Shen Yuan's was literally the sweetest, with Luo Binghe giving all his and Shen Yuan’s favorites as the deserts and oh was each one delicious.

All in all, Yan Wushi was glad to finally have in-laws, gods know when his unofficial sons will get married but seeing his boys get married made his heart feel at ease.
Especially when the time came for his retirement as leader of Cleansing Moon.

Not that the stress was anything to worry about but his A-Qiao was the one concern for his health.

Bian Yanmei would take his place as Triad leader and he would simply be an investor.

Starting with the opening of his lotuses newest location. They had all come together to open a spot by the Luo River.

It was a hit.

More popular than any of their own ventures and it made their bond tighter as co-owners.

A crinkle settled on Yan Wushi’s face as he watches his boys celebrate, rings on each of their fingers.

Even after everything, they were still his three little lotuses.