Work Text:
In the number one Daoist sect of the world, Xuandu Mountain— live all of the disciples, elders, and the masters, who all cultivate the Daopath.
Strangely, a certain person, who doesn’t belong to the Daoist sect, nor cultivates the Dao path, lives in the Xuandu Mountain sect leader’s residence— almost everyday with the sect leader, so peculiar, yet so often that it’s not an unusual phenomena anymore.
This person, who always wears dark-colored robes, cultivates the demonic path— and, he always sleeps there whenever time allows him to.
To be exact, even if time does not allow him, he will force his way to meet his beloved husband in Xuandu Pavilion.
The beloved partner Yan Wushi meets everytime he visits Xuandu Mountain, is of course— a beauty akin to a celestial angel, who has the very opposite atmosphere of him; graceful with light-colored robes, and practices martial arts diligently.
***
Shen Qiao had just finished teaching his young disciples martial arts session for that day when he went back to his room in Xuandu Pavilion.
A ‘surprise’, met him just right at the moment he opened the door.
Yan Wushi had sat on Shen Qiao’s most favorite seating place, which was reserved only for Shen Qiao himself, and this particular lover of him, to sit on.
Shen Qiao entered the room, put his sword which was inherited from his deceased master, Shan He Tong Bei on the table; and joined Yan Wushi.
Yan Wushi paid attention to every detail his beloved lover was doing, from head to toe— from the moment he entered the room, put his sword, and up when he joined his table. Yan Wushi then poured a cup of tea and offer it to Shen Qiao, which the latter responded immediately by taking a sip.
The tea his husband picked for Shen Qiao was always exquisite—light to be digested, but the taste was great, and the effect potent enough to last for a day. A magnificent, rare, and high-quality tea.
Yan Wushi started the conversation, “Looks like you’re in a good mood. How are your disciples today?”
Yan Wushi could not care for other people, but he only had his attention on this one particular beloved person.
Shen Qiao put his cup of tea on the table, “Mn. It looks like they are developing in a great pace, which is a rejoice for me as their teacher personally.”
Yan Wushi smiled. They conversed a couple while about matters in their own perspective sects; in the world of Jianghu, the current political affairs in Sui Dynasty, Chen and Qi— they also played a game of Go.
In truth, when they had their first match long ago, it always ended with Shen Qiao’s loss. Yan Wushi then began to tutor Shen Qiao more strategies. Shen Qiao caught up fast, winning up to Yan Wushi several times.
However, as Shen Qiao begins to master the game of Go, Yan Wushi never loses his touch. When it ended with Shen Qiao’s loss, Yan Wushi suddenly proposed,
"A-Qiao, come with this venerable one shopping grocery this weekend." Yan Wushi demanded, with an obvious smirk on his lips.
“…” Shen Qiao seemed a bit astounded as his request. Considering Yan Wushi’s personality, it was not a hard request, but just a bit strange.
Shen Qiao closed his eyes, and responded, "Sect leader Yan, why would you need me to tag along? You can buy whatever you want."
“Why? Do you have an important schedule this weekend?”
“Well, for now, no, but…”
“It’s scheduled then.”
Shen Qiao answered immediately, “W-wait, I haven’t agreed yet! Why do you demand such thing in the first place?”
It was not like Shen Qiao was burdened by this activity, it was just that he wanted to know why Yan Wushi had demanded such a request so suddenly.
Yan Wushi smiled and answered, "I can't shop by myself."
Shen Qiao frowned, “You have your own servants to carry out this errand; and you rarely ever shop out yourself, except for those fashionable clothes. The necessity you need, it will always be available for you already.”
Yan Wushi sighed sadly, while playing and locking a bit of his own white-stranded hair lock, “Oh, how unfortunate for this venerable self, having to descend the mountain alone with his weakened body due to age. If other people see this, they would only think that this venerable self’s wife and family are very miserable— to let the lone old man shop by himself. So saddening, what has the world turned into?”
Yan Wushi’s expression was truly grief, as if he was a wronged hard-working wife who had been treated unfairly by his husband and family, despite his hard and diligent work.
"...."
Shen Qiao stared at Yan Wushi from head to toe, wondering to himself, What do you mean weakened and you can't shop by yourself, you're perfectly healthy!
You can win the best actor award, even!
Shen Qiao sighed softly but he finally agreed, “This humble Daoist understands. I need to buy some groceries myself too since Xuandu Pavilion’s necessities need to be re-fulfilled again. I will go with you.”
Having gotten an agreement from his beloved husband, Yan Wushi smiled gently, “Well, in that case, what about you? For these kind of things, you can also just order one of the servants here to carry out your errands.”
Shen Qiao answered, “I need to properly look out for the people living below Xuandu Mountain too if there’s anything the sect can help. I’m just doing my job. And…”
Yan Wushi waited for Shen Qiao’s answer, but only received a silence.
“…And what?”
Shen Qiao smiled, “…There’s this one shop called Xuandu Grocery. One of the servants the other day told me that it was named after Xuandu Mountain directly and that the shop owner admires the sect leader, so I want to see for myself and buy groceries from there.”
Yan Wushi smirked.
…A-Qiao, you don’t know that I discovered that shop first before you. You don’t know what they will offer if you come down to shop yourself!
Oh, this venerable one is so kind. I will personally and directly help the shop owner to sell their things to such a honorable self like my A-Qiao.
***
In truth, that time Yan Wushi personally went shopping, he found out that the shop owner wore a similar light-colored robe as Shen Qiao. Yan Wushi asked directly if he was a fan of the sect leader and the shop owner answered pridefully he was the number one fan there.
Yan Wushi asked the shop owner, “You wanted to see the sect leader so badly? Then what if he personally descended the mountain and come here?”
The shop owner answered, “Of course, I will give a big discount, 50% for all items if he came here personally! He is my most admired person!”
Yan Wushi responded, “Hmm.. then, have you heard of a person who is often associated with sect leader Shen?”
“Do you mean the one who had gone through life and death scenes together with sect leader Shen, that scoundrel Yan Wushi?”
“…” Yan Wushi was silent before answering again, “Is this person associated with sect leader Shen such a bad person?”
“From the rumours I’ve heard, yeah! He is a bad person. The worst. I’ve heard the stories surrounding the town that our kind-hearted sect leader, who previously fell from grace, was saved by that thug, Yan Wushi. Despite all the rumors around that all the guys from demonic sects are bad, Shen-zhangjiao still regarded him as a friend. Yet, that scoundrel really betrayed him! They had saved each other many times after his betrayal, but I still think Shen-zhangjiao is too kind-hearted. I heard that sect leader Yan visits Xuandu Mountain very often now and then, probably now being grateful to our sect leader, but who knows what he’s thinking?”
“…”
Usually, if Yan Wushi personally witnessed a person bad-mouthing him, even indirectly, he would disregard the person off, as he viewed the people in a position below him were not worth to debate about. But since this impression was regarding Yan Wushi himself and the rumor of him being bad to his husband, Shen Qiao, of course, Yan Wushi could not sit still.
“…Well, if you witness that sect leader Yan personally shops here, what do you have to offer?”
The shop owner thought for a bit, “I’ve heard he is very close to our sect leader, though. Since Shen-zhangjiao regards him pretty well despite all his dirty deeds, well; this shop owner thinks perhaps he can give him a discount too then, 25% discount.”
Yan Wushi frowned his eyebrow, “Only 25% discount?”
“Well, if he bought many items, over 5 items, I guess I could give him a buy one get one free then. I still do not think of him as a good guy honestly.”
“Then, what do you think sect leader Yan should do so he could repay the kindness of Shen-zhangjiao?” Yan Wushi asked the shop owner.
“Well, of course, to show sect leader Shen his gratitude, sect leader Yan should….—”
…..
Yan Wushi was remembering about the conversation back then before he was brought again to reality by Shen Qiao’s call, “Sect leader Yan? What’s the matter?”
Yan Wushi smiled while closing his eyes. He then closed himself to Shen Qiao beside his seat.
“Nothing. A-Qiao, what do you think is the happiest moment of my life?”
Shen Qiao propped his hand on his chin, “This humble Daoist could not think of one. You already have enough wealth to last for a long lifetime; and your martial arts cultivation is different from mine. You are the number one martial artist master now, so you don’t need to worry about this section. If you ask this humble Daoist, I would say that perhaps the moment you spend leniently like this is your happiest moment?”
Yan Wushi closed his face to Shen Qiao, “You’re not wrong, but I would have to say that the moment I found you on Banbu Peak was indirectly the most precious and treasured memory of mine. Of course, all the seconds I could spend with you even more now is this venerable one’s happiest moment.”
Shen Qiao seemed a bit flustered by the sudden confession and his cheeks ripened a pink flush.
Yan Wushi kissed his lover’s forehead and lips, and the two of them spend the night together in Xuandu Pavillion.
***
Weekend finally came.
Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi descended the mountain. They conversed along the way using the particular passage that Shen Qiao first came with Yan Wushi when he intended to visit Yu Ai back then.
While holding hands, Shen Qiao said, “The list of items we need to buy is here,” Shen Qiao smiled and showed Yan Wushi a small paper, listed with all the grocery needs.
Yan Wushi smiled back, “A-Qiao is so diligent and careful. This venerable self understands, and he only works as an assistant to Xuandu Mountain’s zhangjiao going grocery shopping today.”
Shen Qiao chuckled, “What are you saying. This list is all your needs and mine. You were the one who invited me to do grocery shopping with you; if anything, it is me who worked as a grocery shopping assistant to sect leader Yan.”
The couple conversed a lot more along the way, and without noticing the time which had passed like only a few seconds, they finally arrived at Xuandu Grocery.
The shop owner who had seen Yan Wushi before, rejoiced.
“Welcome, Xiansheng! What do you need to shop for today?”
Yan Wushi only put a smile on his face while letting Shen Qiao entered the shop first and followed him from behind.
The shop owner said, “Xiansheng has brought another companion with him today, is there anything this lowly self could help?”
Shen Qiao smiled at the shop owner, cupped his hand and humbly greeted him, “Greetings. This is my first time in Xuandu Grocery; please allow this humble self to look around first.”
The shop owner delighted over the handsome man with amicable personality, and answered, “Of course, of course! Please, take your time!”
Shen Qiao wore his light sky-blue daoist robe, appearing even more like a beauty immortal everyone has ever imagined at least once in their life.
The shop owner intended to let Shen Qiao walk along with Yan Wushi to take a look and give them private time. However, before he managed to do so, his actions were stopped by Yan Wushi’s words,
“Shop owner. This honorable companion of mine is the esteemed sect leader of Xuandu Mountain, Shen Qiao; whom you have been wanting to take a look so much.” Yan Wushi smiled smugly at the shop owner while glancing at Shen Qiao.
Shen Qiao, who had not expected the sudden introduction by Yan Wushi, was a bit taken aback, however, he did not show any surprised expression on his face. If Yan Wushi suddenly made such a move, perhaps something was going on that needed to be investigated. Seeing that his identity had been exposed anyway, he only nodded at the shop owner and answered, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. This humble Daoist is Shen Qiao.”
The shop owner’s jaw was dropped open at the sudden revelation, and he only answered stutteringly, “O-oh, yes! Of course, it’s a very special opportunity to serve the sect leader directly himself! I have always admired you, you’re the representation of the best Daoist in this secular world! Please, take a look around our shop and see if there’s anything this one can help. Please just call for this lowly one and he will try his best to serve you!”
The shop owner paid his most respectable greeting he had ever done in his life to Shen Qiao, before walking away and nodded at Yan Wushi again.
Yan Wushi, still with a prideful smile on his face, followed Shen Qiao’s suit to look around the shop himself. Shen Qiao, seeing that now they have been left alone, asked, “Sect leader Yan, what was that for? Does my identity need to be exposed to the shop owner? Now I fear he will just feel a bit burdened…”
Yan Wushi only answered, “You do not need to worry, A-Qiao. This is a special day where we go to grocery shopping together after all; just shop whatever necessity you need and take a detour later on.”
Shen Qiao frowned at Yan Wushi for a bit but paid no more attention. He focused on seeing and gathering the things he needed on the list, while Yan Wushi followed him from behind and recommended him the various things in the grocery shop.
Are you the shop owner or him, why are you recommending me things to buy as if you own this business? Shen Qiao thought.
After a long while, Shen Qiao brought all the necessities he gathered to the shop owner to pay.
The shop owner delightfully tried every chance to speak with the esteemed sect leader, to which Shen Qiao also answered with respect.
The shop owner conversed with Shen Qiao while also thinking to himself,
I’ve never met this favorable sect leader before, and as the rumor said, this esteemed self is truly the peak of Daoist sect! He is like a celestial being who just landed on earth… He has a very handsome appearance. Is this what an angel looks like? I think from now on my business will prosper even more with the luck heaven had brought along with this gorgeous sect leader.
Shen Qiao gave him a smile and the shop owner was beyond jubilant.
Before they know it, many people had gathered in front of the shop, as if to witness the most unforgettable moment of their life. In truth, while Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi were shopping inside, the shop owner walked around to announce that the sect leader he had admired so much has personally descended the mountain to shop in his Xuandu Grocery!
The people took a look at the presence of the two people and also the shop owner, wondering what things the sect leader liked so they can also sell them in their own shops later in the future.
However, before Shen Qiao managed to proceed the transaction of paying, Yan Wushi halted Shen Qiao and the shop owner, “Wait a moment.”
Shen Qiao, the shop owner, and all people glanced at Yan Wushi.
“This venerable self changes his mind. I will take all the things sold in this Xuandu Grocery, so please make preparation for it.”
Shen Qiao widened his eyes and he seemed astounded. The shop owner, and of course, everyone else, were also showing the same shocked expression.
The sect leader and his companion shopped the whole shop!?
Shen Qiao whispered to Yan Wushi, “What do you intend to do, sect leader Yan? If it’s our necessities, I have brought all the things needed as in this list.”
Yan Wushi however, did not bother to quieten his voice at all, saying, “I see that this grocery shop also sells garment and robes. When I look at them, I think that they will all look astoundingly beautiful on you, A-Qiao, and I have decided to buy them all. Ah, this venerable one truly has an excellent taste, yes.”
Shen Qiao showed a surprised expression yet whispered again, “What!? You don’t say anything about this before. And even if you want to buy all this, I already knew that you do not bring enough money if you want to take another detour!”
Yan Wushi responded, “No need to worry about that, A-Qiao.”
“…?” Shen Qiao frowned.
“Shop owner, you do not forget your promise, do you?” Yan Wushi asked cunningly.
The shop owner was still in his shocked state and responded a bit later, “What? Oh, y-yes, of course! For zhangjiao, all items in this shop will be discounted up to 50% discount! Please buy whatever you want, zhangjiao!”
Shen Qiao was dumbfounded.
Yan Wushi. Is this why you bring me along today?
Shen Qiao knew that refusing the promised discount of the shop owner would seem rude; especially after the shop owner’s confession himself that he truly admired the Xuandu Mountain’s sect leader. However, if he were to buy all things here 50% discounted, it would not really benefit the business at all.
“This humble Daoist apologizes, Mister, but I will pay full price for all the things I need to buy,” Shen Qiao said while handing over the items he had gathered from his lists to the shop owner; and continued with a bit faint of smile, “As for the rest of the things going to be bought other than these, it will be added to this companion of mine’s bill.”
Shen Qiao glanced calmly at Yan Wushi while thought to himself, You tried to prank me, but unfortunately I can switch this prank to fall on your honorable self!
Yan Wushi seemed surprised by Shen Qiao’s direct reverse prank, but he still smiled to himself and answered, “A-Qiao jests. Sure, I will buy all the things here! Shop owner, you remember our conversation from before, right?”
The shop owner nodded.
Yan Wushi asked, “Then you surely remember what you said for that sect leader Yan to do to show his gratitude to sect leader Shen, don’t you?”
The shop owner paused for a deliberate while before exclaiming, “A-are your esteemed self, sect leader Yan??”
Yan Wushi laughed arrogantly, “Indeed, it is my venerable self who is the said person!”
Shen Qiao frowned, but still stayed quiet to probe more information, “What does he mean by that, sect leader Yan?”
Yan Wushi took a glance at Shen Qiao and explained, “This shop owner of Xuandu Grocery promised 50% discount for all items if you were to personally descended the mountain and shopped here; while he promised this venerable self a 25% discount; and for every 5 items I buy, it will be added with a buy one get one free promotion. I have fulfilled all the conditions now, surely we can buy all things here!
Hahaha, A-Qiao, do you hear that? A-Qiao is truly this venerable one’s fortune golden bag of life!” Yan Wushi laughed arrogantly.
Shen Qiao analyzed and he thought of just how shameless Yan Wushi was. That would be 75% discount for all items and they also attain the buy one get one free promotion for many items!
Yan Wushi laughed arrogantly, while Shen Qiao sighed and internally rolled his eyes. How could he be so shameless to all these people?
Seeing the shocked shop owner, Shen Qiao could not help but feel pity. “Mister, this humble Daoist apologizes for the inconvenience. Please rest assured, as I will pay for the listed items only and full-price at that.”
“A-Qiao, you’re so mean to this venerable self! How could you be this stingy; when your beloved wife demanded all the things in this shop! This will make other people think that you’re not taking good care of your married old wife, which this venerable self worries will only tarnish your esteemed self’s reputation!” Yan Wushi answered, putting an innocent, betrayed puppy face, while begging Shen Qiao in front of all the people as witnesses.
Y-You…!
Shen Qiao thought, this sect leader is truly a thick-faced man wearing 1000 masks!
All the people there was not shocked by the price and all, but instead it was Yan Wushi’s confession which took them to a surprise, did he just say— as his beloved wife!?
It was truly rare for a Yan Wushi to ask his beloved partner, to go for an unusual errand done by sect leaders, such as grocery shopping. Thinking that Yan Wushi was probably only trying to have his fun, Shen Qiao finally gave in. He could not win against Yan Wushi in a mouth debate, after all.
Shen Qiao could not bear the stares of all the people there and only asked the shop owner while his cheeks flushed, “I will buy all the things in this shop; however, in full-price. Please count the bill.”
The shop owner was also astounded but was brought again to reality by Shen Qiao’s demanding voice, “Y-yes, of course, you can buy all the things sold in our shop. However, this lowly self has promised to give you discounts on all the things here for Shen-zhangjiao, so please let the discount be on track.”
“But…”
“If Shen-zhangjiao is not really keen on the promised discounts and promotion, please buy all these things as I had promised sect leader Yan beside you, and take the 25% discount!”
“…”
Shen Qiao remained silent before sighing softly, “I understand. Please pack them up.”
Shen Qiao was about to pay the bill but Yan Wushi pulled the string first before him; he took out five pouches of golden pieces to pay the shop owner.
The shop owner was about to count the contains of the pouch but Yan Wushi cut off, “No need for the exchange, just take it all.”
Yan Wushi instructed the shop assistants to pack all the things up in the shop and prepared to leave the place.
It was only then that all the people inside the shop was even more surprised. The contains of all the pouches exceeded more than the price of the whole things sold in the shop; even before they were discounted!
All people were shocked by the action of this (scoundrel) sect leader.
Shen Qiao included, of course.
The shop owner who was delighted more than ever, only thanked the arrogant sect leader many times and also bowed respectfully more than ever to Shen Qiao.
“This humble Daoist apologizes for any inconvenience we caused today, mister,” Shen Qiao said, “I hope you do not mind if I personally go shopping in your shop next time.”
The shop owner immediately answered with a big smile, “No, no! Please do come again, zhangjiao! Zhangjiao can also send a message if there’s any particular things that zhangjiao demands, and this shop owner shall prepare them. This lowly self will always be prepared to sell all various things again for our esteemed sect leader.”
Shen Qiao nodded and the shop owner said to Shen Qiao again, “Different from the rumors, it is truly unforeseen! Sect leader Yan is truly arrogant, but he is in reverse kind-hearted!”
Shen Qiao widened his eyes.
“Sect leader Yan truly loves you, doesn’t he, Zhangjiao? Even the last time when he personally went to shop, and took a look at our shop, he only praised Zhangjiao all time around; he said that he wanted to also pay his respects for the rumoured Zhangjiao for all the kindness and deeds zhangjiao had done. Although he did not introduce himself as the rumored sect leader Yan, however, he said that he is one of the person who had been saved very greatly by Zhangjiao. This lowly self thought that the Xiansheng who had come to our shop was only one of the person Zhangjiao had done kindness, but who knows that was his confession of love for Zhangjiao!”
The shop owner sighed and smiled, “This lowly one truly is lucky to have met Shen-zhangjiao and sect leader Yan. I hope that you both could gain your happiness and take care of each other as a married couple!”
Yan Wushi… he had been going around to say such things to the people residing in the area of Xuandu Mountain?
Shen Qiao was struck by all the things that happened and flushed his ears too. However, he only bowed politely to the shop owner, “This humble self thanks the shop owner. It is also my honor to meet you today. And…”
Shen Qiao paused before continuing his answer with a very tender smile, “If the next time sect leader Yan comes by himself without me and he behaves kindly, please do give him the promised 50% discount on my behalf.” Shen Qiao chuckled lightly and after paying his greetings, he finally went out of the store, while Yan Wushi waited at the front outside.
The whispers of all people differed at the action of the sect leaders, yet they uttered the same thing— Every shop that sect leader Shen and sect leader Yan entered, will be brought fortunes more than all the things you sell! Truly a handsome and beautiful duo fortune beloved of heaven who had descended to the mortal world!
From then on, the rumor that every businessman in the town who wears similar clothing to sect leader Shen’s sky-blue robes, will be blessed with great fortune. It becomes a trend in not a long time.
***
Although Shen Qiao had wanted to reprimand Yan Wushi not to behave such shamelessly in front of many people, but since today was a special day, he let his beloved husband be. Shen Qiao instead wanted to pamper Yan Wushi more than ever.
“Shen-lang, next time, let’s bring the children to go shopping with us together too, hm?”
Yan Wushi kissed his beloved lover warmly.
And the next store they visited, was the candy-selling shop.
Tangren— it seemed to be the next thing Yan Wushi would demand Shen Qiao to buy. A lot.
***
Side notes:
I wrote this fic myself, however the idea of Xuandu Grocery shop was from @niehaiji’s family fluff fic "Spring is departing”. The discount in this story is inspired from our discussion:
F: Xuandu grocery is special and a favorite place of his wife too✨
N: Lao Yan only shops there because the product is always fresh and the kids get free candy😤✨
Shen Qiao gets a discount because he’s a sect leader but insists on refusing and pays full price instead😭✨
F: He does get 50% discount, and for his husband Yan-zongzhu they gave 25%(?) or additional promotion 🤣🤣
N: Lao Yan gets a tiny promotion with a buy 1 get 1 free item only, which is the unfortunate reason why he brings Shen Qiao along for the bigger discount😭
But if he’s nice he gets his 25% discount😤
I’m pretty sure one of the kids would blurt out, “no my dad was meannnn he made me lose in weiqi” or something on purpose😭
F: That's why he always brings Shen Qiao along with the reason "I can't shop by myself" or use any other reason like "Let's bring our kids along to see what they want"
N: HE WOULD USE SO MANY EXCUSES IT WOULD BE FUNNY😭
I can imagine Shen Qiao staring down and internally judging him but he would still accept because they would need food for their house anyway
F: "A-Qiao, come with me shopping grocery this weekend" Shen Qiao would be like, "Yan zongzhu, why would you need me to tag along? You can buy whatever you want"
"I can't shop by myself"
"...."
Shen Qiao would be staring at him from head to toes wondering (what do you mean you can't shop by yourself, you're perfectly healthy!)