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Shen Xue had agreed to this. He knew he had agreed to this. He was curious about what it would be like, and confident that Liu Qingge would be able to help if things went wrong. He was still slightly nervous as he fanned himself and watched Shang Qinghua prepare the pipes.
“You’re going to risk having a bad trip if you’re anxious coming into it.” Shang Qinghua looked up from his preparations. “I’ll be here, Liu Qingge will be our sober buddy just outside if you need him.” He held up the twin pipes. “These things won’t bite.”
"I thought they helped someone relax?" Shen Xue asked accepting the pipe.
“Drugs are weird, man.” He laughed quietly and lit Shen Xue’s first. “If you take them when you’re anxious, they can up your paranoia instead.” He lit his own pipe an glanced over at him. “Ready?”
Shen Xue nodded. "I'm ready." He watched how Shang Qinghua drew on the pipe before mimicking him.
The thick, heady smoke touched the back of Shang Qinghua’s throat and he slowly exhaled it. “Take it slow,” he advised. “It’ll be a lot for your first time.” He snorted quietly. “That’s how a lot of first times go.”
Shen Xue casually reached over to smack Shang Qinghua. "I'm not that easily overwhelmed these days."
“You still haven’t done this before. Don’t want to risk choking on the smoke.” He took another long drag of his pipe and reclined against their mass of pillows.
Shen Xue hummed agreement and laid back. He took a puff of his own pipe. This wasn't so disagreeable. He wasn't so sure he was actually doing anything either.
It took a longer time for the drugs to take effect. Shang Qinghua silently mourned never being able to try nicer drugs in the modern world as he stared at his pipe. He’d lost his head to the clouds long before he realized it. “We should force Qingge to get us food after this. You get real hungry.”
"Qingge tastes good," Shen Xue agreed absently.
A giggle spilled from his lips and he turned on his side to face him. “You wanna eat him?” He teased.
"Sometimes," Shen Xue boldly admitted. He grinned back lazily.
“He’s just outside,” he loudly whispered, his volume unchecked. “Admitting it like this? How bold.” He laughed again and took another long drag of his pipe. A pleasant cloud drifted over his mind as he exhaled.
"Mm. And you promised we would have fun." Shen Xue lazily glanced over to his friend. Yes, friend. Shang Qinghua was a good friend, even if he did have Shen Xue watch his kid.
“You can have as much fun as you want.” He shot him a wink and a lopsided grin.
"Come here so I can hit you." Shen Xue was far too relaxed to get up.
“Mmm, fine.” Shang Qinghua shifted close to curl up against his side, happily moving right into his personal space.
"Good." Shen Xue swatted at him and looked up. "I bet I could fly through the ceiling."
“Qingge’ll be mad at you if you make a mess,” he mumbled before grinning. “I do wanna see a tripping bird, though.”
"I wouldn't trip!"
Shang Qinghua giggled. “No- like- a high bird. A bird tripping balls.”
"We already have a high rat.
“What if- what if I was a rat. And you were a bird. And we flew through the ceiling with me on your back.”
Shen Xue took a moment to truly consider this before nodding. "It would work."
“I should change my name. RatShootingTowardsTheSky.”
"And which name is that?" Shen Xue teased. "You have so many of them."
“Mm. It’ll go on the list. Court’ll call me Master Rat instead of Master Airplane.” His head fell onto Shen Xue’s shoulder.
Shen Xue laughed. "Ugh, you're on top of me," he complained.
“But I’m so comfyyy!” He remembered to set his pipe down before draping himself over Shen Xue.
Shen Xue struggled. "You're squishing me!"
“I’m cuddling! I’m being nice!” He protested loudly.
"You're trying to climb me!"
Shang Qinghua huffed and climbed directly on top of him, depositing himself into his lap. “Now I am.”
Shen Xue responded to this clearly outrageous action by biting him.
Shang Qinghua squeaked and tried to squirm away again. “Hey! No! Down boy! My king Pavloved me into liking that!”
Shen Xue pulled away looking distressed at those words. "You can't like that!"
“My demon thinks I’m a chew toy!” He loosened his robes and yanked down his collar to show off one of the many marks.
Shen Xue huffed and laid back. "You could be. He could just...eat you in one bite."
Shang Qinghua flopped down beside him, his robes still mussed. “He swallows me while already.” He snorted at his own joke.
Shen Xue chuckled. He laid there in silence for a while. "I could start a cult."
Shang Qinghua blinked at him. “What kinda cult?”
"Hm. Something that will sound mystical and impressive."
“You should make alllll the followers walk up your mountain. Like a legendary beast. Weather the storm for an audience…if you dare~”
"I am a legendary beast," Shen Xue said proudly.
“Well, yeah.” He paused. “Do I get free audiences? I’ll be your pr guy.”
"My what?"
Shang Qinghua furrowed his brows in thought. “You know…guy that speaks to people on your behalf so you stay mysterious and don’t have to deal with issues. PR guy!”
"I can get someone to do that for me?" Shen Xue sat up almost knocking Shang Qinghua off him. "Why did no one tell me I can pay for someone else to deal for people instead?"
Shang Qinghua grumbled as he was suddenly shifted. “…do PR guys exist in ancient China?” He mumbled to himself. “What does that even mean? Pubic- heh- no- oh!” He sat up suddenly and his head swam. “Public relations! I’m a genius!”
"I won't have to deal with people!"
“Yeah! Get a PR guy!” He paused. “That means dealing with one more person.” He sighed and slumped back down.
Shen Xue grumbled and flopped over. "No."
“PR guys shouldn’t be people.” He sighed heavily. “I miss system.”
"Didn't I kill System?"
“Yeahhh but I’m sure she could’ve done pr.”
"I've killed a lot of people." Shen Xue took a moment to examine this. "I'm very impressive."
“We should line up our kill counts sometime. Bet I’ve got more.”
"You have more people to kill, that's just unfair."
“Yeahhh, but if we bet on it I can win.”
"Win what?" Shen Xue retorted.
“I dunno, what are you betting?”
Shen Xue thought about it. "I have this really amazing embroidered blanket that's soft."
“Hmm, ok, I have a nice tusked taiga bear fur that’s super soft on top and warm if you want to lay under it.”
Shen Xue nodded. "Bet." He paused. "Do you remember how many you've killed?" Shen Xue didn't. Lots, but how many?
Shang Qinghua thought for a long time, his head swimming as he tried to form cohesive thoughts. “I have records.”
"For both of us?"
“Nah. Me.” He blinked at him. “Do you think I’m stalking you!”
Shen Xue nodded his head seriously. "You are very good at it."
“I’m not stalking all your kills.” He lightly swatted him.
Shen Xue swatted him back. "I don't think your pipe did anything," he complained still too relaxed and fogged from the weed to do anything.
“Fine, I’ll give you the hard drugs next time and see how you like that,” he huffed back.
Shen Xue grinned. "Fine.*
"I hope you have the worst trip of your life," he griped.
"Ha! You shouldn't have talked me down then!" Shen Xue crowed. "This is your fault!"
Shang Qinghua huffed and threw a pillow at him. "I hope you never get to taste Liu Qingge again!"
"Ha! I'm biting him as soon as I leave this room!"
"Why not get him in this room?" He teased. "Bite him right now, I dare you!"
"I will!" Shen Xue started fighting against the extremely comfortable pile of pillows and a cuddling Shang Qinghua to try and get up.
Shang Qinghua squawked as he was suddenly dumped into the pile of pillows. He sat up to watch him, his already rumpled clothes and hair thoroughly ruined by that point.
Shen Xue looked just as rumpled. He triumphantly opened the door. "Qingge."
Liu Qingge looked up from where he was idly polishing his sword. He paused, looked Shen Xue up and down, and promptly stood. "What happened?"
"Qinghua said I can't bite you," he grumbled. He thought for a moment. "And the weed didn't work."
Liu Qingge looked him up and down again. Somehow, he doubted that. "Why can't you bite me?" He stepped forward and herded his husband back into the room.
"I can!" Shen Xue announced smugly. And promptly bit him.
Shang Qinghua cried his protest. "I can't see you two! Redo!"
Liu Qingge looked past Shen Xue to the rat and grimaced at him. "Put your clothes on," he snapped back.
Shen Xue looked at him with a smug grin. "I kept my clothes on."
Liu Qingge stared down at his rumpled clothes. "Have you looked down?"
Shen Xue looked down and squawked. He quickly tried to fix his clothes. "Qinghua did it!"
"...that does not make it better" he said flatly.
Shen Xue frowned and moved over to lay on the pile of pillows again.
Shang Qinghua scooted closer to cuddle up to him again. "I'm being so nice!" He complained.
"You're being cuddly," Shen Xue corrected.
"Which is nice!" He protested.
Shen Xue chuckled. "And the betting?"
"Also so nice!"
"The fur is very nice."
Too bad you won't get it because I'll win!"
"I am deadlier than you!"
"But I've killed more!"
"Only because you have more people to kill!"
"Still counts!" He protested.
Shen Xue huffed at him. "You need to be like everyone else and not track your kill count."
"Heavens forbid a man is organized and whimsical with his mass murder!"
"You only think that because it wins the bet for you!"
"I like winning bets!" He complained.
Shen Xue looked over at Liu Qingge. "This is what I befriended."
Liu Qingge stared at both of them. "You both are ridiculous." Deciding he'd had enough, he turned to leave.
Shen Xue looked at Shang Qinghua. "He finds you ridiculous."
Shang Qinghua stuck his tongue out at him. "He said you are too."
"I'm the picture of dignity."
Shang Qinghua reached out and rumpled Shen Xue's robes back into their messy state.
"Hey!" Shen Xue pushed Shang Qinghua away.
"You're just as bad as me!" He called back.
"I don't write bad porn!"
"You read it," he teased.
"Only because you're bad at organizing your drafts!"
"You still read it!" He crowed.
"Why would you even write it? Doesn't your king keep you satisfied?"
"I'm a creative at heart and he gives me the best inspo." He smirked suggestively at him.
"And yet I somehow suspect being apart would only inspire you further."
"You're so right, he's not here right now and I want to sit down and write him railing me," he cheerfully agreed.
"Not with me here!" Shen Xue hissed. He hit Shang Qinghua.
"You read my stuff! What's so wrong with me writing it?"
Shen Xue paused to think about it. He shrugged. "I like your aliens story more."
"Aww, even the smut bits?" He teased.
"Shut up! And yes, even those bits."
"Aww!" He beamed and draped himself over Shen Xue again. "Thanks bestie."
"You're terrible." Shen Xue patted his head.
"But my writing isn't!" He said cheerfully. "I'll take it!"
"So you won't take my blanket?"
"Oh no, I still definitely won that thing. I'm taking it," he answered smugly.
"Next time we're betting on your best tea set."
"Fine," he waved him off. "I'll buy another."
"You have too much money." Shen Xue tilted his head. "Did you ever figure out what to spend it on?" Running a kingdom certainly cost plenty, but Shang Qinghua still had more than enough to buy a second kingdom if he wanted.
"I dunno. I think I have enough sidequests and work to do and there's too much money." He shrugged. "What could I even spend that on?"
"Me," Shen Xue said with full confidence and zero thought.
Shang Qinghua snickered. "Yeah? I can sugar daddy you, what do you want?"
Shen Xue opened his mouth to speak and paused. "I think I'm happy."
“Soooo you don’t want anything?” He guessed.
"You already sent me all the supplies I needed for my studies. And got me new instruments. And Liu Qingge gives me everything else."
Shang Qinghua nodded solemnly. "Rich boyfriend's got it covered."
"His estate has spirit koi."
Shang Qinghua groaned. "Rich ass boyfriend. He has shiny koi."
Shen Xue nodded sagely. "He's a chosen one." Straight from those adventure tales people write.
"Can't believe he's rich and pretty and a good person. So unfair."
"I won," Shen Xue said smugly.
“Nuh uh. I got a full on king, that has to win.”
"We get to travel," Shen Xue countered. Oh, sure, Mobei Jun and Shang Qinghua could travel too, but they had to prepare first.
“So? I was made to be holed up in one room for eternity!”
Shen Xue patted his head. "Little rat."
“Don’t treat me like your pet!” He half-heartedly complained.
"You're the one who said you made to be holed up in a room."
“I’m my husband’s pet, not yours,”
"Thank the gods for that."
Shang Qinghua pouted at him. "What does that mean? I'm such a good pet!"
"You get into so much trouble."
"Not at all. I sit in my room and I work and I don't cause any trouble...I just solve issuers other people make."
"This is how you seduced a demon."
"I seduced him by clinging to his feet and begging for mercy. I'm not doing that to you."
Shen Xue snorted. "Tell another one, that's a lie."
Shang Qinghua scoffed. "That's what I did!" He protested.
"You are not telling me that you seduced the northern demon king by being a pathetic coward!"
"I did!" He exclaimed. "The second we met I dropped to the ground and clung to his leg and begged him to spare me!"
"You're telling me it was love at first sight?"
Shang Qinghua grimaced. "...I dunno, ask him."
"You didn't love him at first sight, right?"
Shang Qinghua looked away. "...kinda?" He said awkwardly. It was a little more complicated than that.
"Oh for-" Shen Xue sat up. "You made him to love didn't you?"
Shang Qinghua squawked in offense. "No! It's not like I knew I'd ever meet him. I just thought he's cool!"
"That idiot treated you like a demon and didn't once question if maybe humans were different!" Mobei Jun was sweet and doting, but he really had been stupid about that.
Shang Qinghua snorted. "I meaaan, he's fine, sooo, I can forgive a little bit of beating me up," he joked.
Shen Xue snorted. "I suppose you're lucky he didn't try to reenact a romance novel to seduce you."
Shang Qinghua smirked. "Oh, that's a good idea." He paused, his smirk dropping. "Nope, nevermind, he's a terrible actor. He would do it so badly."
Shen Xue laughed.
"It's a hot thought, though. I wish he'd try to seduce me like the cool guy in a drama would." He sighed dramatically. "He just bends me over."
Shen Xue sat up as a thought hit him. "What if. What if he thinks he is doing sexy foreplay? And he's just that bad at it?"
Shang Qinghua blinked at him. "Huh? You don't think-" He paused. "Is he trying to do foreplay?!"
"You know your husband better than me, what do you think?"
Shang Qinghua covered his face. "I hate that I can see it."
Shen Xue snickered. "You married that."
"Yeahh, I did." He smiled softly. "He's so dumb," he said affectionately.
"At least the demons like him."
“I like him too,” he said happily.
"Yes, everyone who sees you together are well aware of that," Shen Xue teased softly.
Shang Qinghua sighed. “Like you don’t gush over your husband.”
"That's because Qingge is perfect."
“Mobei Jun-“ he paused. “Well, he’s not perfect but he’s perfect to me!”
"Who would have guessed you're a romantic?"
“I could say the same about you.”
"I'm not," Shen Xue instantly denied
“‘That’s because Qingge is perfect~’” He cheerfully mimicked.
Shen Xue whacked Shang Qinghua with a pillow.
Shang Qinghua wacked him right back. “Admit it!”
"Never!"
"QINGGE!" Shang Qinghua yelled for him. "Your husband doesn't like you!"
"Qinghua is a liar!" Shen Xue seizes a pillow to smother him.
Shang Qinghua desperately squirmed until he could drag himself out from under the pillow. "He doesn't think you're perfect and beautiful!"
"Shut up!" Shen Xue started hitting Shang Qinghua desperately. "He could hear you!"
“That’s the point!” He laughed back before dramatically moaning. “Oh, harder!”
"No!" Shen Xue pulled back. "You are the worst!"
Shang Qinghua wriggled his brows. "You're reminding me of good times with my king."
"Gross!" Shen Xue got up and stalked out of the room. He looked around and spotted Liu Qingge, briefly taking a moment to straighten his clothes. "Qinghua is a liar, don't believe him!"
Liu Qingge looked back at him, entirely unamused. "I'm not listening to either of you," he answered simply.
"You're not listening to me?"
"No," he answered. "You're both saying nonsense."
Shen Xue huffed and marched back into the room. "Nonsense! I never say nonsense!"
"A-Xue~" Shang Qinghua cheerfully called to him as he entered the room. "Come here, relax. Hang out with me."
A very offended Shen Xue beelined over to him and laid on top of Shang Qinghua. "He said I
"He said I'm speaking nonsense."
"You never speak nonsense." Shang Qinghua sympathetically pat his head.
"I'm too clever for that," Shen Xue agreed. He grabbed his pipe and took another puff from it.
"Yes, yes, A-Xue is so smart," he agreed. He leaned closer to the pipe, silently asking for a hit of his own.
Shen Xue casually turned the pipe to allow Shang Qinghua to take a puff. "A-Xue?"
"I dunno, it's affectionate." He shrugged and leaned in to take a puff.
"What, we're not close enough already?"
Shang Qinghua pouted. "Do you hate the name, A-Xue?"
"You're just going to abuse it to get away with things."
"Awww, you really like it, then," he teased. "A-Xue~ or maybe Xue-ge? Xue-gege?"
"Xue-ge," Shen Xue said. "I'm your elder, treat me with respect." A joke, but one he said as seriously as he could.
"As gege wishes!" He answered.
"Ridiculous man," Shen Xue said with a smile.
"I would as you to call me gege, but I fear those words will never leave your lips," he mourned.
"You can only be the little brother," Shen Xue teased.
"I've technically lived longer than you," he griped.
"Is that so didi?" Shen Xue teased.
Shang Qinghua gasped. "That was unfairly cute."
"Calling you didi?"
"Yeah! Saying it in a cute way too!" He broke into a wide smile. "Gege loves his didi sooo much."
"You are a menace to society."
"I'm a menace to you," he corrected.
"I could be considered society."
"You are as far from society as possible."
"That's because most of society is annoying," Shen Xue grumbled.
"Exactly, so I'm right," he answered smugly.
"You're still a menace."
"Only to you~" he cooed.
"Show some respect for your gege."
"Hmmm. I'll respect my gege if he goes through on his deal," he offered. "I want my blanket."
"Fine, you get the blanket."
Shang Qinghua pouted. "What if your did doesn't wanna move?
"The blanket's back in my cabin, you're not getting it until tomorrow."
Shang Qinghua pouted. "Booo. Laame."
"Not all of us can cut through the world Didi."
"Maybe my king can get it," he muttered.
"Gonna call him?"
"Mmaybe. You got to see your hot husband."
"Call him and see if he comes," Shen Xue teased.
“Mobei! My king! Where’s my handsome, beautiful, baby of a man!” He called loudly.
"Here." Just a moment later Mobei Jun stood before Shang Qinghua looking down at his husband. He glanced over at Shen Xue. Hm. He usually stayed out of their gatherings.
“There he is.” Shang Qinghua held out his arms expectantly. “Get down here and kiss me.”
Mobei Jun picked Shang Qinghua up to hold instead and kiss.
Shang Qinghua looped his legs around his middle as he returned the kiss. “Shen Xue’s got a blanket for us. At his place,” he reported.
"You can't break into my cabin!" Shen Xue protested.
Shang Qinghua pouted. “Gege, he’ll be super quick and not touch anything else.”
"Gege?" Mobei Jun nipped Shang Qinghua's ear.
"He's the didi," Shen Xue agreed without explaining. "And how would you know which blanket to take?"
“You gave an explanation.” He paused. “Uhhhhh what was it?”
"The pretty embroidered one. But I have lots of embroidered blankets."
“Ok what’s this one look like?”
"Embroidered feathers."
“Perfect, he’ll be able to find it.” He pat Mobei Jun’s chest.
"Fine." Shen Xue flopped back down. Mobei Jun stepped through the shadows to the beautiful mountain cabin Shen Xue lived in with Liu Qingge when they weren't traveling. He started to walk around and look for blankets, still carrying Shang Qinghua.
Shang Qinghua draped himself over his shoulder with a dramatic sigh. “You missed so much, my king. Shen Xue’s my gege now.”
"Is he?" Mobei Jun located a blanket with feathers embroidered on it and picked it up to wrap around Shang Qinghua.
Shang Qinghua sank into the warmth. “Yeah. I also won this from him. ‘Cause I’ve killed more than him.”
"Qinghua is skilled," Mobei Jun rumbled contentedly. He stepped back to the room to find Shen Xue had turned into a bird in their absence.
Shang Qinghua sat straight as he suddenly remembered their conversation from earlier. “Oh! My king, when you bend me over suddenly, is that trying to be hot foreplay?”
Mobei Jun blinked. "No." Wasn't his obvious seduction before that the foreplay?
“Huh. So, uh, do you ever try to seduce me?” He asked curiously.
Mobei Jun nodded his head and puffed up proudly. "You enjoy it."
Shang Qinghua blinked at him. “Uh. What exactly are your seduction techniques?”
"Finishing paperwork, coming up with a clever plan, dressing up, killing an enemy to show Qinghua," Mobei Jun listed. Shen Xue fluttered his wings clearly laughing.
Shang Qinghua stared blankly. “…you mean. Things I do?”
"Qinghua is very seductive."
“Mobei- that- that isn’t flirting. That’s just doing my job?”
Mobei Jun shook his head. "It's the way it's done," he explained.
Shang Qinghua stared at him once more. “You are very bad at flirting.”
Mobei Jun looked at Shang Qinghua with big wounded eyes. Or at least, as big and wounded as any expression he showed.
Shang Qinghua faltered. “Don’t look at me like that! That’s my technique!” He protested.
"This king is bad at flirting with Qinghua."
“What you’re doing- it isn’t flirting!” He exclaimed.
"How should this king flirt?"
“Well, uh, you can give compliments. Say what you want to do or how you feel.” He paused. “…yeah I’ll just get you some books with examples.”
Mobei Jun nodded. He would study them carefully.
Shang Qinghue perked up. “Or! I could always demonstrate!”
Shen Xue shrieked a sharp protest at being in the room during this demonstration and tried to fly at the door. Try being the key word. Flying when high was not easy.
Shang Qinghua paused and looked back at the clumsy bird. “Hang on.” He snorted and slipped from Mobei Jun’s grip, walking back over to She Xue. “Come here, I’ll save you.”
Shen Xue hissed grumpily at him. He was the one he needed saving from!
“I’ll take you to Qingge. You love Qingge, don’t you?” he offered as if he was consoling a child.
Shen Xue pecked him but let Shang Qinghua pick him up.
Shang Qinghua pet his head as he scooped him up. “There you go,” he cooed. “I’ll take you to Qingge.” He brought the bird out of the room and held him out to the waiting Liu Qingge. “Your very high husband,” he announced.
Shen Xue promptly started trying to dance.
Liu Qingge sighed and picked up his husband. “You are very impressive.”
Shen Xue immediately settled into crooning happily in Liu Qingge's arms.
“We’re going home.” Liu Qingge held his phoenix close and walked off. Shang Qinghua happily trotted back into the room to greet his king. “Now, to show you how to really flirt.
Mobei Jun rumbled and settled onto the pile of pillows.
Yue Qingyuan woke in the middle of the night, awareness suddenly fully slamming into him. He blinked up at the ceiling in confusion. As far as he was aware there was nothing to disturb him. He turned and checked on his husband. The heavenly demon rested peacefully, not stirring once as Yue Qingyuan moved. Yue Qingyuan smiled fondly at him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. He looked around. There was a desk with paper. He carefully slipped out of Tianlang's arms and grabbed a brush jotting down a note. He folded it into a crane and sent it flying to find Shang Qinghua.
Shang Qinghua was awake as usual, working late into the night. He startled when a crane suddenly landed on his desk. Cautiously, he took the note and unfolded it. Ah. The former sect leader had awoken. He stood from his desk immediately and made his way to the heavenly demon’s quarters. It would be better to have this conversation in person. He lightly knocked on the door once he arrived.
Yue Qingyuan hurriedly pulled on a set of outer robes and opened the door. He smiled softly at Shang Qinghua. "Please be quiet, my husband is sleeping."
Shang Qinghua beckoned him outside. “Nice to see you being yourself.” He stayed quiet as he stepped away from the room.
Yue Qingyuan followed him out with a soft smile. "It is good to speak with you."
“So. Zhuzhi Lang.” He walked and talked at the same time, making his way back towards his office. “We have options with him but none of them are going to keep his abilities as they are like heavenly demon blood will.”
Yue Qingyuan sighed softly. "That is fine. I just don't wish him to suffer when we're gone." They had time for that, perhaps centuries, but one day Zhuzhi Lang would not have his uncle there.
“Have you actually spoken to Zhuzhi Lang about this?” He raised a brow at him. “Or his uncle for that matter.”
"I have spoken to his uncle. I have not spoken to Zhuzhi Lang. I did not wish to disappoint him if nothing could be done."
They stepped into Shang Qinghua’s office and he pulled out a notebook. “The options I have so far include a potion usually made by merfolk that let their kind turn human, a fruit that can freeze someone’s body as it is, and a smattering of curses. All of them will limit his power, what would you like to hear about first?”
"The curses," Yue Qingyuan said. Those sounded the least promising, but he would not overlook anything.
“There’s a curse common amongst changelings that they use against one another to lock an enemy in one form. This issue with it is the curse itself targets qi and magical ability. Even if it’s designed for changelings it will still affect Zhuzhi Lang’s abilities in ways I can’t really guess yet. The second curse I found has the opposite issue. He’ll be forced to constantly change forms with every thought. It’ll be difficult to master control over and he’ll basically have to concentrate on maintaining a human form constantly to live a semi normal life. The last option is forcing his energy source to be tied to something other than Tianlang Jun’s blood.” His eyes flicked back to Yue Qingyuan. “Like a sword.”
Yue Qingyuan gave a sad smile. "Ah, you know about that."
“I know a lot of things,” he answered vaguely. “With the other options, the merfolk’s potion will turn him entirely human. It hasn’t been used on a heavenly demon before so it’s a coin toss whether he keeps his blood or abilities. If he eats the fruit that will have the least amount of short term downsides but he’ll be stuck like that forever. Even heavenly demons die eventually and he won’t be able to. It’s a miserable lonely existence for someone who’s already lonely.”
Yue Qingyuan shook his head. "No, I do not wish that on him. I merely hope to ease the change when we die as much as possible."
“Exactly. I can consult Mu Qingfang for more options but there will be drawbacks to anything we do for him.”
"Worse than leaving him as he will revert to without his uncle?" Yue Qingyuan asked softly. "Zhuzhi Lang deserves better than to hate himself."
“No, he’ll probably be miserable reverting back to his form. He’ll just never be able to be what he is right now."
Yue Qingyuan nodded. "There is time." He rubbed his forehead. "I just knew you were my best bet for anything that could work." He looked up to Shang Qinghua again. "What about tying Zhuzhi Lang to Fu?"
“I considered that. Fu is not a full heavenly demon and also doesn’t have control of their body and abilities the way Tianlang Jun does. It will likely be over a century before they have that level of control. If we give Zhuzhi Lang their blood now or even in a decade it would at best not do anything and at worst stunt Fu’s growth.”
Yue Qingyuan relaxed. "But in a century or two it may be an option."
“That’s a big maybe and only if Fu takes after their heavenly demon side more than they do their dragon side.”
"But we have time. I'm not going to die soon. And...if I fade before then. Can I trust that you'll look after them?" Yue Qingyuan asked.
Shang Qinghua frowned at him. “I’ll be honest man, I’m not looking to be a babysitter. If they’re staying here they’re going to be working and learning from me. I can look after them on the condition they pledge their loyalty to this kingdom and are assets to it. Otherwise I’d rather not deal with your family drama.”
Yue Qingyuan brightened slightly. "They are family for me, aren't they," he murmured.
“It is your literal child and nephew,” he replied flatly.
Yue Qingyuan pulled back slightly. "Right." He gave an awkward apologetic smile. "I am thankful you looked into this for me."
“Try to keep any more drama away from my kingdom. Dealing with heavenly demons gives me a headache.”
Yue Qingyuan nodded. "I will not bother you any longer Queen Shang."
“Talk to Zhuzhi Lang.” he passed him the notebook. “Come to a decision on what he wants to do and I’ll figure out how to help him.”
Yue Qingyuan bowed his head and returned to the bedroom with the precious notebook held close. Tianlang Jun stirred as his husband returned. He snapped awake the second he realized Yue Qingyuan was no longer in his arms. “Are you back?” He asked, voice rough from sleep.
"Sorry to have left you." Yue Qingyuan wrapped around TianLang and gave him a soft kiss.
“No matter. You’re here now.” He sank into his husband’s chest. He couldn’t go back to sleep now, not with Yue Qingyuan awake beside him.
Yue Qingyuan hummed softly and started working his fingers through Tianlang's hair. "Queen Shang gave me a notebook of possibilities to help Zhuzhi Lang. Nothing we need to rush into, but perhaps in a century or so we can look."
“Once again that human does us a favor. I’m hope his kingdom will last that long,” he murmured back.
"With him and Mobei Jun? I am sure it will be a long time."
“Of course. Those two are some talented rulers.”
"Shang shidi seems happy." It felt odd to notice.
“He’s doing well for himself, of course he is.”
"Is he?" It didn't serve the sect. No, Cang Qiong was gone now. So he supposed Shang Qinghua was free to do as he pleased.
"Shang Qinghua is a queen excelling in his position and bringing technological advances to his kingdom. The northern territories and flourishing compared to the other kingdoms."
Yue Qingyuan nodded. "So the demon realm flourishes and the human realm suffers." And they hadn't even inflicted it on each other.
"I do believe that is thanks to Shang Qinghua's efforts. The southern demon realm is hardly faring as well. He's worked to ensure this position," he pointed out.
"He has always been an exceptionally hard worker."
“And we cannot discredit Mobei either. He has done well leading his kingdom. Those two are a dangerous pair.”
“They answer to me. I have no interest in using that power for anything other than insuring your safety.”
Yue Qingyuan smiled at him. "I'm meant to protect you, Didi."
“Of course. You do well at protecting me,” he assured him. “But I have to protect my family as well.”
"You won't be alone in it," Yue Qingyuan promised. He had given everything he was, all the shattered pieces left after Xuan Su and Xiao Jiu. It was just a shame it was so little.
Silence rested between them. Yue Qingyuan brushed his forehead. "I'm here right now," he told Tianlang. It was all he could offer. He was sorry it wasn't enough.
“You are.” He would rather not dwell on the future when his lover was alive and himself in front of him. “What would you like to do today?"
Yue Qingyuan raised a brow and looked around. "I am fairly certain it's still night."
“No matter, we can get up early. It’s been dreadfully boring here without you.” He kept his statement lighthearted even if it did hurt more than he’d prefer.
"I don't believe we have anymore business here. What here is interesting?" Yue Qingyuan frowned. "Did I see a room of trapped sunlight and plants?"
“Ah yes. There was that. We can visit again if you’d like.” Hopefully it would be more pleasant with his lover aware by his side.
"I would."
Tianlang Jun pulled away from him. “Let’s go then. Our presence shouldn’t bother anyone.”
Yue Qingyuan smiled and got dressed. He felt like a thief in the night, slipping through the ice palace with Tianlang Jun to the garden. He slowed as they approached the great glass construction. "How?"
“I suspect that would be a question for Shang Qinghua,” he answered.
Yue Qingyuan touched the glass. It was surprisingly warm and pleasant. "A full garden in winter without talismans."
“Full of food for the humans here,” he added.
Yue Qingyuan laughed. "Of course Shang Qinghua would make it something practical."
“He is ever the resourceful one.” He took his husband’s hand and led him around the side to the door.
Yue Qingyuan followed him inside and began to walk around. "Ah, I see some spiritual herbs here."
“This place is full of cultivators as well as demons,” he mentioned. “That Mu Qingfang also moved in.”
Yue Qingyuan gave a short broken laugh. "Shang shidi has always been picking up after our messes."
“He’s poached all of your best men,” he commented. “To think he was a weak little advisor before this.
"He was still a peak lord," Yue Qingyuan tried absently.
“And how much power did he have there?”
"He had all of An Ding at his command."
“But your sect has multiple leaders.”
"It was unique in that way," Yue Qingyuan said. "A harmony of many instead of one voice." A harmony that had died under his lead.
“A shame your harmony does not seem to be effective.”
Yue Qingyuan gave another short sad laugh. "No, I was not a good conductor was I?"
“You can hardly be blamed entirely. Your sect had quite a few unfortunate events happen in a row.”
"And if I had been a better leader I would have guided them through them." He shook his head. "Nevermind. Let's simply enjoy this." He walked through calmly admiring the various plants. "It's a pleasant surprise to find such a place."
“It is.” Even though he still failed to find his former delight in human ingenuity.
"You don't seem impressed," Yue Qingyuan noted.
“It is impressive,” he acknowledged. He broke into an easygoing smile and draped himself over his lover. “I only find myself distracted.”
Yue Qingyuan chuckled and shifted to half hold his lover. "Oh?"
“How could I indulge in any beauty other than my husband before me?” he purred flirtatiously.
Yue Qingyuan turned and gave him a kiss. "I am always happy to indulge my husband."
“And it shows. You’ve pampered this demon far too much.” Sharp fangs flashed in the light as he grinned at him.
"Have I spoiled you?" Yue Qingyuan asked. He would love to be told yes. That was all he wanted, to give everything he had to those he loved.
“Is that not clear?” Tianlang Jun laughed and swiftly pressed a kiss to him. “You have.”
"Let me spoil you more then. What would my husband have from me?"
“I only wish for my husband to talk to me.” He could hardly ask for anything else when he has precious little time with Yue Qingyuan lucid.
"What do you want to hear about? One of your books?"
Tianlang Jun chuckled. “Do you have thoughts about what I read?”
"You are certainly expansive in what you choose." There were commonalities, certainly, but Yue Qingyuan had seen some truly terrible books with Tianlang.
“I choose whatever happens to interest me.” He shrugged. “Most of the time it is pornography. You humans have a talent for that.”
Tianlang Jun chuckled and pulled him closer. “You treat me so well, how could I not?” He teased back.
Yue Qingyuan smiled and picked Tianlang Jun up to carry back out of the garden before setting him down again. "Some of those books were very creative in their interpretations of what's possible."
“What a good thing we are both immortal then. There’s plenty of things impossible for mortals we can do.” He clung to his lover as they moved, not letting go even as he was set down.
Yue Qingyuan laughed. "I am sure Zhuzhi Lang will be delighted to get us both healers after we break things in the bedroom."
“Have you forgotten I can heal us? You can break me as you like and I’ll heal all the same.”
Yue Qingyuan's grip tightened around Tianlang. "I don't think I would enjoy breaking you."
“A shame. You have the strength to do so.” He leaned into his husband’s space. “Would you enjoy being broken?” He asked with a purr. He’d already done so mentally but he could do so physically as well. There isn’t much left of them to shatter.
"If it was you."
“I have a horrible habit of breaking you.” He cupped his husband’s face as if he was fragile. “I fear I’ll never be able to stop.”
"I don't want you to. As long as I'm here for you, do as you like. I am strong enough."
“Ah gege, you are horrible for me.” He sighed and leaned in for a kiss. As much as he wants to he can’t stop coming back, can’t stop drawing his shattered lover into kiss after kiss.
"You're keeping me despite that." Yue Qingyuan found a small alcove to squeeze them in and returned his kisses with fervor.
“I’m never letting you go,” he swore. Could this be a sign of his mind being dreadfully close to shattering? Perhaps. He couldn’t stop himself from claiming another taste of his lover’s lips.
Yue Qingyuan gave a soft moan of pleasure and pulled Tianlang Jun as close as he could. He shifted his cloak to hide both of them under.
Tianlang Jun didn’t break him during their quick fling, he would save that for another night and more privacy. He was, however, utterly shameless while being claimed. Any efforts Yue Qingyuan made to give them privacy were utterly ruined by how loud the heavenly demon chose to be.
Yue Qingyuan was bright red when they finished. His attempts to swallow Tianlang Jun's sounds with his kisses were completely outmatched. There was no way anyone didn't know what they had done. He was sure some particularly bold demons had even moved closer to listen in
"We should...go," Yue Qingyuan mumbled.
Tianlang Jun slumped against his husband with his robes shamelessly draped to show off his entire chest and most of his legs. “As gege says,” he agreed with a lazy purr. “Don’t worry, it’s still early in the morning, few demons are out right now.”
Yue Qingyuan tried to push down his shame. He was among demons, they didn't care as much. The smug strut Tianlang was doing only enhanced that impression. He still hurried in gathering up the medicine from Mu Qingfang and writing a letter thanking their hosts before they were out and heading to where Zhuzhi Lang was waiting with Fu.
Tianlang Jun thankfully fixed himself by the time they rejoined their family. He scooped Fu into his arms and nodded back at his husband. “I believe you have something for Zhuzhi.”
Yue Qingyuan nodded and pulled out the notebook. "Here."
Zhuzhi Lang accepted the notebook and opened it curiously. His eyes widened and he turned to look at his uncle. "Junshang," he pleaded. It couldn't be time yet!
“Not yet,” he promised. “But something to think about in the future. You and Fu need to survive after we’re gone.”
Zhuzhi Lang nodded. "As my junshang commands."
"We're still here for now," Yue Qingyuan said. "We still have plenty to do."
“If you’d like I can order Mobei to protect you and Fu after I die. He won’t be as slippery to deal with as his queen," Tianlang Jun said calmly.
Zhuzhi Lang shook his head. "This general will keep us safe."
“Let me at least create the option for you Zhuzhi,” he huffed.
"As you say Junshang."
"Enough of that," Yue Qingyuan said. "Where do you want to travel?"
“We could return to the human realm,” he offered. “Surely it’s been enough time since Cang Qiong disappeared.”
Yue Qingyuan nodded. "We can find more plays to watch." And they could take it easy on their travels. The only responsibility was to his family, and Fu was strong.
“That would be wonderful.” He pat Fu’s head. “Educate them early.” Fu happily bit their father's hand.
Yue Qingyuan looked at his child fondly. "Yes. We'll get them the best education possible."
“I’m sure my husband can teach them well considering his esteemed background,” he lightly teased.
"I can only hope a classic human education will suit them."
“We’ll supplement, of course. They will learn both human and demon ways.”
Yue Qingyuan smiled at Fu. "We'll ensure they have a good future." Zhuzhi Lang looked at the child he cared for fondly. He was glad his uncle had given Fu to him to care for.
Tianlang Jun turned back to his nephew. “Zhuzhi if you will. It’s time for us to leave this place.”
Zhuzhi Lang nodded and shifted into his giant snake form. They piled onto him and he slithered away heading for the closest rift. Yue Qingyuan wrapped around Tianlang Jun with a smile on his face. "I'm glad to be here with you."
Dude. DUDE. HUMPTY DUMPTY JUST FELL. YOU NEED TO SEE THIS ALL THE KINGS MEN ARE THERE TRYING TO GET HIM BACK TOGETHER. THIS IS SO FUCKED DUDE. IM SO SCARED. HE'S DEAD
🖐️ stand aside. only the court necromancer can save him now. we must pray his body isn’t too broken…
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Arepo built a temple in his field, a humble thing, some stones stacked up to make a cairn, and two days later a god moved in.
“Hope you’re a harvest god,” Arepo said, and set up an altar and burnt two stalks of wheat. “It’d be nice, you know.” He looked down at the ash smeared on the stone, the rocks all laid askew, and coughed and scratched his head. “I know it’s not much,” he said, his straw hat in his hands. “But - I’ll do what I can. It’d be nice to think there’s a god looking after me.”
The next day he left a pair of figs, the day after that he spent ten minutes of his morning seated by the temple in prayer. On the third day, the god spoke up.
“You should go to a temple in the city,” the god said. Its voice was like the rustling of the wheat, like the squeaks of fieldmice running through the grass. “A real temple. A good one. Get some real gods to bless you. I’m no one much myself, but I might be able to put in a good word?” It plucked a leaf from a tree and sighed. “I mean, not to be rude. I like this temple. It’s cozy enough. The worship’s been nice. But you can’t honestly believe that any of this is going to bring you anything.”
“This is more than I was expecting when I built it,” Arepo said, laying down his scythe and lowering himself to the ground. “Tell me, what sort of god are you anyway?”
“I’m of the fallen leaves,” it said. “The worms that churn beneath the earth. The boundary of forest and of field. The first hint of frost before the first snow falls. The skin of an apple as it yields beneath your teeth. I’m a god of a dozen different nothings, scraps that lead to rot, momentary glimpses. A change in the air, and then it’s gone.”
The god heaved another sigh. “There’s no point in worship in that, not like War, or the Harvest, or the Storm. Save your prayers for the things beyond your control, good farmer. You’re so tiny in the world. So vulnerable. Best to pray to a greater thing than me.”
Arepo plucked a stalk of wheat and flattened it between his teeth. “I like this sort of worship fine,” he said. “So if you don’t mind, I think I’ll continue.”
“Do what you will,” said the god, and withdrew deeper into the stones. “But don’t say I never warned you otherwise.”
Arepo would say a prayer before the morning’s work, and he and the god contemplated the trees in silence. Days passed like that, and weeks, and then the Storm rolled in, black and bold and blustering. It flooded Arepo’s fields, shook the tiles from his roof, smote his olive tree and set it to cinder. The next day, Arepo and his sons walked among the wheat, salvaging what they could. The little temple had been strewn across the field, and so when the work was done for the day, Arepo gathered the stones and pieced them back together.
“Useless work,” the god whispered, but came creeping back inside the temple regardless. “There wasn’t a thing I could do to spare you this.”
“We’ll be fine,” Arepo said. “The storm’s blown over. We’ll rebuild. Don’t have much of an offering for today,” he said, and laid down some ruined wheat, “but I think I’ll shore up this thing’s foundations tomorrow, how about that?”
The god rattled around in the temple and sighed.
A year passed, and then another. The temple had layered walls of stones, a roof of woven twigs. Arepo’s neighbors chuckled as they passed it. Some of their children left fruit and flowers. And then the Harvest failed, the gods withdrew their bounty. In Arepo’s field the wheat sprouted thin and brittle. People wailed and tore their robes, slaughtered lambs and spilled their blood, looked upon the ground with haunted eyes and went to bed hungry. Arepo came and sat by the temple, the flowers wilted now, the fruit shriveled nubs, Arepo’s ribs showing through his chest, his hands still shaking, and murmured out a prayer.
“There is nothing here for you,” said the god, hudding in the dark. “There is nothing I can do. There is nothing to be done.” It shivered, and spat out its words. “What is this temple but another burden to you?”
“We -” Arepo said, and his voice wavered. “So it’s a lean year,” he said. “We’ve gone through this before, we’ll get through this again. So we’re hungry,” he said. “We’ve still got each other, don’t we? And a lot of people prayed to other gods, but it didn’t protect them from this. No,” he said, and shook his head, and laid down some shriveled weeds on the altar. “No, I think I like our arrangement fine.”
“There will come worse,” said the god, from the hollows of the stone. “And there will be nothing I can do to save you.”
The years passed. Arepo rested a wrinkled hand upon the temple of stone and some days spent an hour there, lost in contemplation with the god.
And one fateful day, from across the wine-dark seas, came War.
Arepo came stumbling to his temple now, his hand pressed against his gut, anointing the holy site with his blood. Behind him, his wheat fields burned, and the bones burned black in them. He came crawling on his knees to a temple of hewed stone, and the god rushed out to meet him.
“I could not save them,” said the god, its voice a low wail. “I am sorry. I am sorry. I am so so sorry.” The leaves fell burning from the trees, a soft slow rain of ash. “I have done nothing! All these years, and I have done nothing for you!”
“Shush,” Arepo said, tasting his own blood, his vision blurring. He propped himself up against the temple, forehead pressed against the stone in prayer. “Tell me,” he mumbled. “Tell me again. What sort of god are you?”
“I -” said the god, and reached out, cradling Arepo’s head, and closed its eyes and spoke.
“I’m of the fallen leaves,” it said, and conjured up the image of them. “The worms that churn beneath the earth. The boundary of forest and of field. The first hint of frost before the first snow falls. The skin of an apple as it yields beneath your teeth.” Arepo’s lips parted in a smile.
“I am the god of a dozen different nothings,” it said. “The petals in bloom that lead to rot, the momentary glimpses. A change in the air -” Its voice broke, and it wept. “Before it’s gone.”
“Beautiful,” Arepo said, his blood staining the stones, seeping into the earth. “All of them. They were all so beautiful.”
And as the fields burned and the smoke blotted out the sun, as men were trodden in the press and bloody War raged on, as the heavens let loose their wrath upon the earth, Arepo the sower lay down in his humble temple, his head sheltered by the stones, and returned home to his god.
Sora found the temple with the bones within it, the roof falling in upon them.
“Oh, poor god,” she said, “With no-one to bury your last priest.” Then she paused, because she was from far away. “Or is this how the dead are honored here?” The god roused from its contemplation.
“His name was Arepo,” it said, “He was a sower.”
Sora startled, a little, because she had never before heard the voice of a god. “How can I honor him?” She asked.
“Bury him,” the god said, “Beneath my altar.”
“All right,” Sora said, and went to fetch her shovel.
“Wait,” the god said when she got back and began collecting the bones from among the broken twigs and fallen leaves. She laid them out on a roll of undyed wool, the only cloth she had. “Wait,” the god said, “I cannot do anything for you. I am not a god of anything useful.”
Sora sat back on her heels and looked at the altar to listen to the god.
“When the Storm came and destroyed his wheat, I could not save it,” the god said, “When the Harvest failed and he was hungry, I could not feed him. When War came,” the god’s voice faltered. “When War came, I could not protect him. He came bleeding from the battle to die in my arms.” Sora looked down again at the bones.
“I think you are the god of something very useful,” she said.
“What?” the god asked.
Sora carefully lifted the skull onto the cloth. “You are the god of Arepo.”
Generations passed. The village recovered from its tragedies—homes rebuilt, gardens re-planted, wounds healed. The old man who once lived on the hill and spoke to stone and rubble had long since been forgotten, but the temple stood in his name. Most believed it to empty, as the god who resided there long ago had fallen silent. Yet, any who passed the decaying shrine felt an ache in their hearts, as though mourning for a lost friend. The cold that seeped from the temple entrance laid their spirits low, and warded off any potential visitors, save for the rare and especially oblivious children who would leave tiny clusters of pink and white flowers that they picked from the surrounding meadow.
The god sat in his peaceful home, staring out at the distant road, to pedestrians, workhorses, and carriages, raining leaves that swirled around bustling feet. How long had it been? The world had progressed without him, for he knew there was no help to be given. The world must be a cruel place, that even the useful gods have abandoned, if farms can flood, harvests can run barren, and homes can burn, he thought.
He had come to understand that humans are senseless creatures, who would pray to a god that cannot grant wishes or bless upon them good fortune. Who would maintain a temple and bring offerings with nothing in return. Who would share their company and meditate with such a fruitless deity. Who would bury a stranger without the hope for profit. What bizarre, futile kindness they had wasted on him. What wonderful, foolish, virtuous, hopeless creatures, humans were.
So he painted the sunset with yellow leaves, enticed the worms to dance in their soil, flourished the boundary between forest and field with blossoms and berries, christened the air with a biting cold before winter came, ripened the apples with crisp, red freckles to break under sinking teeth, and a dozen other nothings, in memory of the man who once praised the god’s work on his dying breath.
“Hello, God of Every Humble Beauty in the World,” called a familiar voice.
The squinting corners of the god’s eyes wept down onto curled lips. “Arepo,” he whispered, for his voice was hoarse from its hundred-year mutism.
“I am the god of devotion, of small kindnesses, of unbreakable bonds. I am the god of selfless, unconditional love, of everlasting friendships, and trust,” Arepo avowed, soothing the other with every word.
“That’s wonderful, Arepo,” he responded between tears, “I’m so happy for you—such a powerful figure will certainly need a grand temple. Will you leave to the city to gather more worshippers? You’ll be adored by all.”
“No,” Arepo smiled.
“Farther than that, to the capitol, then? Thank you for visiting here before your departure.”
“No, I will not go there, either,” Arepo shook his head and chuckled.
“Farther still? What ambitious goals, you must have. There is no doubt in my mind that you will succeed, though,” the elder god continued.
“Actually,” interrupted Arepo, “I’d like to stay here, if you’ll have me.”
The other god was struck speechless. “…. Why would you want to live here?”
“I am the god of unbreakable bonds and everlasting friendships. And you are the god of Arepo.”
alright I've got to do some quick math to explain attitudes towards AI to my boss.
we're looking to create an AI policy, and when we were talking about this, my boss (older millennial) was genuinely shocked to hear that younger people do not (seem) to view AI positively (a la the recent commencement speakers being booed)
please rb for larger sample size!
Question 1/3
What is your age, and do you feel AI is a net positive or net negative in our lives today?
Yue Qingyuan woke in the middle of the night, awareness suddenly fully slamming into him. He blinked up at the ceiling in confusion. As far as he was aware there was nothing to disturb him. He turned and checked on his husband. The heavenly demon rested peacefully, not stirring once as Yue Qingyuan moved. Yue Qingyuan smiled fondly at him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. He looked around. There was a desk with paper. He carefully slipped out of Tianlang's arms and grabbed a brush jotting down a note. He folded it into a crane and sent it flying to find Shang Qinghua.
Shang Qinghua was awake as usual, working late into the night. He startled when a crane suddenly landed on his desk. Cautiously, he took the note and unfolded it. Ah. The former sect leader had awoken. He stood from his desk immediately and made his way to the heavenly demon’s quarters. It would be better to have this conversation in person. He lightly knocked on the door once he arrived.
Yue Qingyuan hurriedly pulled on a set of outer robes and opened the door. He smiled softly at Shang Qinghua. "Please be quiet, my husband is sleeping."
Shang Qinghua beckoned him outside. “Nice to see you being yourself.” He stayed quiet as he stepped away from the room.
Yue Qingyuan followed him out with a soft smile. "It is good to speak with you."
“So. Zhuzhi Lang.” He walked and talked at the same time, making his way back towards his office. “We have options with him but none of them are going to keep his abilities as they are like heavenly demon blood will.”
Yue Qingyuan sighed softly. "That is fine. I just don't wish him to suffer when we're gone." They had time for that, perhaps centuries, but one day Zhuzhi Lang would not have his uncle there.
“Have you actually spoken to Zhuzhi Lang about this?” He raised a brow at him. “Or his uncle for that matter.”
"I have spoken to his uncle. I have not spoken to Zhuzhi Lang. I did not wish to disappoint him if nothing could be done."
They stepped into Shang Qinghua’s office and he pulled out a notebook. “The options I have so far include a potion usually made by merfolk that let their kind turn human, a fruit that can freeze someone’s body as it is, and a smattering of curses. All of them will limit his power, what would you like to hear about first?”
"The curses," Yue Qingyuan said. Those sounded the least promising, but he would not overlook anything.
“There’s a curse common amongst changelings that they use against one another to lock an enemy in one form. This issue with it is the curse itself targets qi and magical ability. Even if it’s designed for changelings it will still affect Zhuzhi Lang’s abilities in ways I can’t really guess yet. The second curse I found has the opposite issue. He’ll be forced to constantly change forms with every thought. It’ll be difficult to master control over and he’ll basically have to concentrate on maintaining a human form constantly to live a semi normal life. The last option is forcing his energy source to be tied to something other than Tianlang Jun’s blood.” His eyes flicked back to Yue Qingyuan. “Like a sword.”
Yue Qingyuan gave a sad smile. "Ah, you know about that."
“I know a lot of things,” he answered vaguely. “With the other options, the merfolk’s potion will turn him entirely human. It hasn’t been used on a heavenly demon before so it’s a coin toss whether he keeps his blood or abilities. If he eats the fruit that will have the least amount of short term downsides but he’ll be stuck like that forever. Even heavenly demons die eventually and he won’t be able to. It’s a miserable lonely existence for someone who’s already lonely.”
Yue Qingyuan shook his head. "No, I do not wish that on him. I merely hope to ease the change when we die as much as possible."
“Exactly. I can consult Mu Qingfang for more options but there will be drawbacks to anything we do for him.”
"Worse than leaving him as he will revert to without his uncle?" Yue Qingyuan asked softly. "Zhuzhi Lang deserves better than to hate himself."
“No, he’ll probably be miserable reverting back to his form. He’ll just never be able to be what he is right now."
Yue Qingyuan nodded. "There is time." He rubbed his forehead. "I just knew you were my best bet for anything that could work." He looked up to Shang Qinghua again. "What about tying Zhuzhi Lang to Fu?"
“I considered that. Fu is not a full heavenly demon and also doesn’t have control of their body and abilities the way Tianlang Jun does. It will likely be over a century before they have that level of control. If we give Zhuzhi Lang their blood now or even in a decade it would at best not do anything and at worst stunt Fu’s growth.”
Yue Qingyuan relaxed. "But in a century or two it may be an option."
“That’s a big maybe and only if Fu takes after their heavenly demon side more than they do their dragon side.”
"But we have time. I'm not going to die soon. And...if I fade before then. Can I trust that you'll look after them?" Yue Qingyuan asked.
Shang Qinghua frowned at him. “I’ll be honest man, I’m not looking to be a babysitter. If they’re staying here they’re going to be working and learning from me. I can look after them on the condition they pledge their loyalty to this kingdom and are assets to it. Otherwise I’d rather not deal with your family drama.”
Yue Qingyuan brightened slightly. "They are family for me, aren't they," he murmured.
“It is your literal child and nephew,” he replied flatly.
Yue Qingyuan pulled back slightly. "Right." He gave an awkward apologetic smile. "I am thankful you looked into this for me."
“Try to keep any more drama away from my kingdom. Dealing with heavenly demons gives me a headache.”
Yue Qingyuan nodded. "I will not bother you any longer Queen Shang."
“Talk to Zhuzhi Lang.” he passed him the notebook. “Come to a decision on what he wants to do and I’ll figure out how to help him.”
Yue Qingyuan bowed his head and returned to the bedroom with the precious notebook held close. Tianlang Jun stirred as his husband returned. He snapped awake the second he realized Yue Qingyuan was no longer in his arms. “Are you back?” He asked, voice rough from sleep.
"Sorry to have left you." Yue Qingyuan wrapped around TianLang and gave him a soft kiss.
“No matter. You’re here now.” He sank into his husband’s chest. He couldn’t go back to sleep now, not with Yue Qingyuan awake beside him.
Yue Qingyuan hummed softly and started working his fingers through Tianlang's hair. "Queen Shang gave me a notebook of possibilities to help Zhuzhi Lang. Nothing we need to rush into, but perhaps in a century or so we can look."
“Once again that human does us a favor. I’m hope his kingdom will last that long,” he murmured back.
"With him and Mobei Jun? I am sure it will be a long time."
“Of course. Those two are some talented rulers.”
"Shang shidi seems happy." It felt odd to notice.
“He’s doing well for himself, of course he is.”
"Is he?" It didn't serve the sect. No, Cang Qiong was gone now. So he supposed Shang Qinghua was free to do as he pleased.
"Shang Qinghua is a queen excelling in his position and bringing technological advances to his kingdom. The northern territories and flourishing compared to the other kingdoms."
Yue Qingyuan nodded. "So the demon realm flourishes and the human realm suffers." And they hadn't even inflicted it on each other.
"I do believe that is thanks to Shang Qinghua's efforts. The southern demon realm is hardly faring as well. He's worked to ensure this position," he pointed out.
"He has always been an exceptionally hard worker."
“And we cannot discredit Mobei either. He has done well leading his kingdom. Those two are a dangerous pair.”
“They answer to me. I have no interest in using that power for anything other than insuring your safety.”
Yue Qingyuan smiled at him. "I'm meant to protect you, Didi."
“Of course. You do well at protecting me,” he assured him. “But I have to protect my family as well.”
"You won't be alone in it," Yue Qingyuan promised. He had given everything he was, all the shattered pieces left after Xuan Su and Xiao Jiu. It was just a shame it was so little.
Silence rested between them. Yue Qingyuan brushed his forehead. "I'm here right now," he told Tianlang. It was all he could offer. He was sorry it wasn't enough.
“You are.” He would rather not dwell on the future when his lover was alive and himself in front of him. “What would you like to do today?"
Yue Qingyuan raised a brow and looked around. "I am fairly certain it's still night."
“No matter, we can get up early. It’s been dreadfully boring here without you.” He kept his statement lighthearted even if it did hurt more than he’d prefer.
"I don't believe we have anymore business here. What here is interesting?" Yue Qingyuan frowned. "Did I see a room of trapped sunlight and plants?"
“Ah yes. There was that. We can visit again if you’d like.” Hopefully it would be more pleasant with his lover aware by his side.
"I would."
Tianlang Jun pulled away from him. “Let’s go then. Our presence shouldn’t bother anyone.”
Yue Qingyuan smiled and got dressed. He felt like a thief in the night, slipping through the ice palace with Tianlang Jun to the garden. He slowed as they approached the great glass construction. "How?"
“I suspect that would be a question for Shang Qinghua,” he answered.
Yue Qingyuan touched the glass. It was surprisingly warm and pleasant. "A full garden in winter without talismans."
“Full of food for the humans here,” he added.
Yue Qingyuan laughed. "Of course Shang Qinghua would make it something practical."
“He is ever the resourceful one.” He took his husband’s hand and led him around the side to the door.
Yue Qingyuan followed him inside and began to walk around. "Ah, I see some spiritual herbs here."
“This place is full of cultivators as well as demons,” he mentioned. “That Mu Qingfang also moved in.”
Yue Qingyuan gave a short broken laugh. "Shang shidi has always been picking up after our messes."
“He’s poached all of your best men,” he commented. “To think he was a weak little advisor before this.
"He was still a peak lord," Yue Qingyuan tried absently.
“And how much power did he have there?”
"He had all of An Ding at his command."
“But your sect has multiple leaders.”
"It was unique in that way," Yue Qingyuan said. "A harmony of many instead of one voice." A harmony that had died under his lead.
“A shame your harmony does not seem to be effective.”
Yue Qingyuan gave another short sad laugh. "No, I was not a good conductor was I?"
“You can hardly be blamed entirely. Your sect had quite a few unfortunate events happen in a row.”
"And if I had been a better leader I would have guided them through them." He shook his head. "Nevermind. Let's simply enjoy this." He walked through calmly admiring the various plants. "It's a pleasant surprise to find such a place."
“It is.” Even though he still failed to find his former delight in human ingenuity.
"You don't seem impressed," Yue Qingyuan noted.
“It is impressive,” he acknowledged. He broke into an easygoing smile and draped himself over his lover. “I only find myself distracted.”
Yue Qingyuan chuckled and shifted to half hold his lover. "Oh?"
“How could I indulge in any beauty other than my husband before me?” he purred flirtatiously.
Yue Qingyuan turned and gave him a kiss. "I am always happy to indulge my husband."
“And it shows. You’ve pampered this demon far too much.” Sharp fangs flashed in the light as he grinned at him.
"Have I spoiled you?" Yue Qingyuan asked. He would love to be told yes. That was all he wanted, to give everything he had to those he loved.
“Is that not clear?” Tianlang Jun laughed and swiftly pressed a kiss to him. “You have.”
"Let me spoil you more then. What would my husband have from me?"
“I only wish for my husband to talk to me.” He could hardly ask for anything else when he has precious little time with Yue Qingyuan lucid.
"What do you want to hear about? One of your books?"
Tianlang Jun chuckled. “Do you have thoughts about what I read?”
"You are certainly expansive in what you choose." There were commonalities, certainly, but Yue Qingyuan had seen some truly terrible books with Tianlang.
“I choose whatever happens to interest me.” He shrugged. “Most of the time it is pornography. You humans have a talent for that.”
Tianlang Jun chuckled and pulled him closer. “You treat me so well, how could I not?” He teased back.
Yue Qingyuan smiled and picked Tianlang Jun up to carry back out of the garden before setting him down again. "Some of those books were very creative in their interpretations of what's possible."
“What a good thing we are both immortal then. There’s plenty of things impossible for mortals we can do.” He clung to his lover as they moved, not letting go even as he was set down.
Yue Qingyuan laughed. "I am sure Zhuzhi Lang will be delighted to get us both healers after we break things in the bedroom."
“Have you forgotten I can heal us? You can break me as you like and I’ll heal all the same.”
Yue Qingyuan's grip tightened around Tianlang. "I don't think I would enjoy breaking you."
“A shame. You have the strength to do so.” He leaned into his husband’s space. “Would you enjoy being broken?” He asked with a purr. He’d already done so mentally but he could do so physically as well. There isn’t much left of them to shatter.
"If it was you."
“I have a horrible habit of breaking you.” He cupped his husband’s face as if he was fragile. “I fear I’ll never be able to stop.”
"I don't want you to. As long as I'm here for you, do as you like. I am strong enough."
“Ah gege, you are horrible for me.” He sighed and leaned in for a kiss. As much as he wants to he can’t stop coming back, can’t stop drawing his shattered lover into kiss after kiss.
"You're keeping me despite that." Yue Qingyuan found a small alcove to squeeze them in and returned his kisses with fervor.
“I’m never letting you go,” he swore. Could this be a sign of his mind being dreadfully close to shattering? Perhaps. He couldn’t stop himself from claiming another taste of his lover’s lips.
Yue Qingyuan gave a soft moan of pleasure and pulled Tianlang Jun as close as he could. He shifted his cloak to hide both of them under.
So the one I’ve wanted for awhile is a phase lemon from slime rancher. The second one I’ve been considering is a thresher shark wrapped around my bicep like an arm band
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Tianlang Jun’s husband faded again. In the northern palace he worried the man would forget to warm himself in favor of doting on him. He ordered a cloak be brought from the other humans’ quarters to ensure he didn’t freeze. With Yue Qingyuan’s safety assured he felt at a loss for what to do. He could read or peer in on court but the goings on of the kingdom interested him little. There’s a reason he traveled to the human realm in the first place. It’s dreadfully boring here.
Zhuzhi Lang and Fu weren't there either, waiting patiently for the pair beyond the palace. Yue Qi silently started on braiding TianLang Jun's hair.
“Ah gege, if only you had a suggestion that would entertain me. You talent in finding ways to amuse me.” Tianlang Jun threaded his fingers through his hair.
Yue Qi hummed. "Books?"
“But I don’t have your delightful reactions.” He could read but even those stories would eventually bore him.
"Your Qi-Ge is here," Yue Qi said confusedly.
“Yes, you are.” He pat his husband’s head to assure him. “You’re doing nothing wrong gege.”
Yue Qi relaxed assured all was well. He even ignored the sound of something exploding in the direction of the kitchens.
“Perhaps wandering will give me something to do. Surely there’s something to explore in this kingdom,” he mused.
"You love wandering," Yue Qi agreed.
Tianlang Jun took his lover’s hand and stood. “Very well, let’s explore.” He offered him a small smile.
Yue Qi smiled back and they started to wander through the palace. The demons kept clear, happy to avoid the attention of their demon emperor, and the humans were rare but always noticeable in their cloaks as they moved through the palace. They walked down a hall with various sculptures made of ice, Yue Qi looking over to see if his didi enjoyed the art.
The sculptures were well crafted but something expected from the Mobei clan. Little of note. Humans and demons avoided them. As expected. He found himself dissatisfied and bored as he trekked through the frozen walls.
Yue Qi turned his head as he felt a slight breeze of warmth. That was unexpected in this place.
“Hm?” Tianlang Jun looked back at his lover as he moved. “Something catch your eye?”
"It's warm that way."
“Oh?” Now that was something intriguing. He meandered towards the faint warmth.
"Your gege will make sure you stay warm Didi," Yue Qi said. Seeing Tianlang Jun wander towards it he took his lover's hand and pulled him forward. Memories of similar times blurred in his mind as he sought the warmth. They stepped into a courtyard and Yue Qi stopped in confusion as a glasshouse filled with plants came into view.
It’s nice to see Yue Qingyuan wanting something at the very least. The house standing before them was nothing like anything he’d seen before. Completely filled with glass and radiating a faint warmth it towered above them. He made his way around the outside and to the door.
They walked inside and the heat washed over them. Yue Qi smiled and immediately looked fondly to TianLang.
“I’m sure this place is nicer for you.” Tianlang Jun led the way deeper into this garden in the middle of the snow. “I have no doubt this is one of that Shang Qinghua’s creations.”
"Shang shidi is good," Yue Qi agreed.
“That human has talent to capture warmth without magic in this place.” Unfortunately all the plants seemed to be ones he’s seen before. They’re all human food or common plants for medicinal purposes.
Yue Qi walks over and picks some peas. He eats one before offering the rest to Tianlang.
Tianlang Jun ate the small offering. “Splendid piece of human ingenuity this is.” Too bad even this failed to capture his interest.
"We'll be warm here," Yue Qi agreed.
“You can take off that cloak of yours,” he agreed.
Yue Qi took it off with care and leaned into his Didi. "Do you like it?"
“I should,” he murmured back. “Do you?”
Yue Qi nodded. This was good.
“That’s good.” As long as his lover could still enjoy things. That was what mattered. Yue Qi got a couple more things for them to eat, once wandering away to return with a fresh radish.
“Gege I’m afraid most of your human food will need to be cooked, at least for you to eat it.” They could always bother the kitchen.
"This is good," Yue Qi assured him. He promptly took a raw bite out of the bitter root.
Tianlang Jun shook his head and took the root from him. “We’ll have it cooked.” Yue Qi nodded obligingly. If his didi wanted things a certain way he could have them that way. “Is there anything else here you would like?” They could take more to have it prepared in an actual meal. Yue Qi stared at Tianlang uncertainly.
“Choose other food that can be eaten with this,” he instructed. Yue Qi nodded and left with purpose in his stride. He returned with carrots, potatoes, more fresh peas, and string beans.
Tianlang Jun nodded his approval. “Good, let’s take this to the kitchens.” Yue Qi nodded, and the pair again left the warmth of the greenhouse and out into the cold. Yue Qi absently took his cloak to wrap around Tianlang.
“Ah, gege, this one’s yours.” He could not let his lover freeze. He took the cloak off once more and placed it around Yue Qingyuan’s shoulders.
"Didi will get cold," Yue Qi protested.
“Gege will also get cold. His didi can warm himself with his blood.”
Yue Qi nodded but stuck as close as he could.
Tianlang Jun brought them to the kitchen and stopped one of the less busy cooks. “I need a stew prepared, we’ve brought the ingredients,” he gestured to Yue Qingyuan.
Yue Qi quickly offered up what he had brought. The demon cook looked at it. "You want the other side of the kitchen." They gestured to where a few humans were working together to cook over a stove with no fire. Tianlang Jun nodded and brought his lover over to the humans. He told them the same instructions he gave the demon.
There was a former An Ding disciple there. He gave a good long look to Yue Qingyuan as the vegetables were taken and cooked for a stew. Yue Qi smiled absently at him. Tianlang Jun took his lover’s hand and led him out of the way. He wondered if he even recognized the human that was likely part of his sect.
Yue Qi turned his full attention onto Tianlang with a bright smile. Tianlang Jun squeezed his hand and watched the human cook. Would the human try to avenge the former sect leader? Do anything to stop them? He did steal him away.
The An Ding disciple ignored them, only looking again when the stew finished and he carried it to the pair. "Thank you," Yue Qi said.
Tianlang Jun nodded his appreciation to the disciple. “Gege should eat,” he took the bowl and passed it to Yue Qingyuan.
"And for Junshang?" The disciple asked very quietly, clearly ready to flee.
“I don’t need anything at the moment,” he assured them.
The disciple gave a half bow and left. "It's good," Yue Qi told his lover. He offered him a bite.
Tianlang Jun ate the bite and gave him a small smile. “Gege should finish the rest.”
"Is Didi not hungry?"
“Not at the moment. This is for you.” Yue Qi nodded and dug back in. It was good, thick and filling and perfect with the cold around them.
An explosion interrupted the meal, and Yue Qi looked over to see two demonic cooks arguing. "Queen Shang said not to do that with the new ovens!" one yelled.
"How am I supposed to discipline my apprentices if they don't get oven time?" The other argued. A very smokey young yeti demon coughed from zer spot in a pile of broken metal. Tianlang's gaze hardened as it landed on the cooks.
"Tianlang?" Yue Qi asked.
“Go back to eating gege,” he assured him. “It’s nothing to be concerned with.” Yue Qi hummed agreement. Cooks argued often. The demons argued some more, and a regular oven instead of the strange one that had exploded was put into place.
“Shang Qinghua seems to be implanting some strange technological advances.” It’s only him that could have come up with the strange ovens. If Yue Qi had been aware he would have loved to discuss it. Instead he just hummed as he finished eating
Tianlang Jun fell silent once more. He took the dish from his lover and set it to the side before leading him out. Yue Qi sharpened slightly, aware his lover needed him close if not sure how to help.
Tianlang Jun found his feet turning back to their rooms. He doubted there would be anything else to explore here. He may as well read something or spend time with his empty lover. Yue Qi settled into his side in the room, oblivious and happy.
Ning Yingying frowned as she leaned over Sha Hualing's shoulder. "Ling'er? Have you noticed there's a lot of the harem visiting the doctor recently? I don't think I've missed any big fights, have I?"
"Only the one between Imperial Husband and the Mobei-Jun." Sha Hualing smirked watching the children play. With their mothers in the infirmary it was up to the other wives to take care of then. For once the harem drama was set aside for the health of Luo Binghe and the children.
Sha Hualing was also feeling the effects of Luo Binghe’s illness. Being a demon she was more adaptive to the resentful energy, but that also meant she was less useful for cleansing it. They had to rely on humans with a pure spirit base. The triplets, the holy maiden, that woman found in a pearl necklace, all of them had been drained to near death.
Sha Hualing immediately pinched Ning Yingying's cheek and scolded, "The Emperor should be the one to help her. That would make it his child too, then it would be protected like the others."
As much as she hated it, if it wasn't Luo Binghe's offspring it wouldn't recive the shelter of the inner harem. The only wife who had ever dared take a lover and got pregnant was still locked away in the dungeon. Luo Binghe had probably forgotten her, but the harem couldn't.
Inner relationships between the wives seemed to be fine though. At least so far.
Han HuaXue nodded in agreement. "You could help her get the sprout started, but it will require Imperial Husband to make it his."
Ning Yingying pouted at Sha Hualing. "Lingling, I only wished to help," she said softly. But Sha Hualing was right. The child would need Luo Binghe's help in creation to ensure the child would be properly cared for and loved. Something that would take time with Luo Binghe currently unwell. Did he even remember Ajiu was in his harem? She was a member of the lower harem after all.
"We can help her once she's back up to strength. It should only be a few days of rest." Sha Hualiing reassured her. Han HuaXue added, "We can set up for her to help Royal Husband. That should give her the energy needed to get the offspring going."
Ning Yingying nodded and smiled brightly. "I am sure A-Luo will be happy to have a new child." Luo Binghe was always invested at the start of a pregnancy and when a child was first born. Ning Yingying thought he might be looking for something in the children. He always faded back away again.
"Hm, yes he is especially affectionate for a male. I assumed it was a human response." Sha Hualing mumbled before listening to Han HuaXue's full explination of the process.
By the time she finished a little bell jingled and Xiaoling pounced from the bushes. She latched onto Ning Yingying's leg, a small dead animal hanging from her mouth.
Xiaoling giggled and offered up the small animal to Ning Yingying, "Ning Mama!" The aninal was a bird with bright feathers, nothing magical, but pretty like a little gemstone. "Gift!" Xiaoling called.
Sha Hualing huffed, "Nothing for A-niang? Typical." But there was no annoyance. "It also isn't a flower, but it is very pretty. Good job."
Ning Yingying smiled and accepted the bird. "Thank you Xiaoling." She examined the kill and looked up with a hopeless smile to Sha Hualing. She loved receiving gifts from the children, but dead little things were not to her taste even if she would praise them.
"Oh, hm, well this should be close enough." She snatched up some fox glove growing in a flowerbed and strolled off to find their troublseome flower maiden.
Sha Hualing strolled into the room with a handful of flowers and shoved them at the woman. "Take these. Keep them alive, and once your energy is back and His Majesty has recovered we'll help you have your own child."
Aji blinked. "You...you would help me have a child? After I put everyone at risk?"
Ning Yingying smiled warmly. "It's not a crime to wish for a child, Aji-mei. We'll help you have your child. Keep the flowers alive, and you'll get your wish."
Aji cradled the flowers tenderly and bowed her head in thanks.
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i dont consider myself a 'fashion guru' by any means but one thing i will say is guys you dont need to know the specific brand an item you like is - you need to know what the item is called. very rarely does a brand matter, but knowing that pair of pants is called 'cargo' vs 'boot cut' or the names of dress styles is going to help you find clothes you like WAAAYYYY faster than brand shopping
this also goes for aesthetic or -core titles. 'y2k tank top' is going to get you resellers and fast fashion brands advertising to people looking to meet a current trend. 'thin strap crop tank top' is going to get you a diverse group of results and not upcharge you to hell and back
additionally, shop second hand when you can, second hand and thrift sites typically organize clothes by the cut and color. theyll be more affordable than a depop seller curating you a style to sell you
here are more terms! these are all from enérie. it is a really good blog that has lots of fashion terminology and it's a good mix of menswear and womenswear! they also have a book as well compiling all their diagrams. you could also look into getting a visual fashion dictionary for terms as well!