Work Text:
Sang Qingrou jumped at the sound of hunters barging into the forest. Whether they are for him, or not, there is still a manhunt on him.
He is not unaware of this fact. He was the husband of someone high in position in one of the main clans. It is the main reason why he did not stray from the pond when he woke up. Tilting his head up to get a clear view of the surface surrounding the pond, he noticed two things.
One, There was a ruo zhu in front of him.
Two, The sounds were a lot closer than he thought.
He scrambled back in place, panic filled his senses. He held onto the knowledge of the boar, perhaps that is what they have come here for and he would be left alone.
He did his best not to shake the water violently; the pond was deep and his feet could not reach so easily. He learned to balance himself in the water holding onto other lilies. His own Lotus blended in perfectly.
He held his hair to his torso and hid behind another flower. The pig squealed and wrestled in the net it ran into. The hunters were visually disappointed, it was not the beast. Sang Qingrou ducked under as he saw their heads turn.
His head raced, and he held onto the lotus root tighter. He would’ve damned himself if he could speak, the water showed them his movement. He looked through the cloudy water, they were shouting again.
The blood rushed from his face as he saw their boots stomp in the shallower parts of the pond. He used the lotus root to lunge himself in the opposite direction. He had been in a situation like this before, but it was not something he was yet familiar with.
Everything felt like a blur to him, as soon as he reached the other side of the pond he was caught. The net caught at his petals and gills. He was forced out of the water, mud scrapped against his sensitive skin. He gritted his teeth together, and cautious hands held his net.
Sang Qīngróu’s eyes locked with a hunter.
He held a sob back, the bored expression stabbed at his heart. He couldn’t go through this again. He clawed at the nets, his hair tangled around his body. The chatter around him rang in his ears, feral sounds escaped his throat as he sobbed and screamed.
A poke in the back of his neck silenced him.
___
Xue Lian’s expression was blank. The beast was unlike anything he’d seen.
He noticed him peeking out of the water, it was almost eerily. Beady black eyes stared up at the group wrestling with a boar. It would have been funny how similar the beast was acting.
He need not worry about that anymore. The beast lay unconscious in the net, his hair only another ‘rope’ to tie him up.
___
The beast was hastily thrown in the carriage. His wrists were bound tightly with rope, his ankles too. He fixed him up to be at least on the chair, his shidi’s were reckless. He’d have to scold them for this, what if the beast had woken up from the disruptions?
He cautiously brushed the beast’s hair out of their face, taking his time to admire the ombre effect on his hair. His roots are a light green fading to pink. A barely visible white was blended between the colors, his hair much too similar to that of the lotus on his head.
He sat down on the other side, his back straightened. This was the beast they had been sent on the mission for? There was no description of it besides residing near water. The boar they had stumbled upon was a close guess.
He swallowed a feeling of guilt, there was no need to be so rough to him. He didn’t look like he could cause much harm either. A sigh left his chest, he knew he could cause harm. Even if a dog does not bare its teeth, it still has teeth. The carriage took off, and Xue Lian closed his eyes to meditate.
__
Sang Qingrou roused up quickly, his feet unable to move his body from the bindings holding him far too tightly. He winced and experimentally kicked his feet. His eyes caught a glimpse of a white robe as he kicked what was before him.
He looked up warily, the person was not bothered by it. He tilted his head and watched the relaxed figure, he was dressed formally but not as swagger as the nobles he’s seen before.
Of course, like every noble his robes adorned designs of plenty. He wore white robes with accents of blue and gold, he wanted to rip the lotus designs off his robes, and stain them with ink the next time he had a chance.
Sang Qingrou looked at the wooden carriage a little more. It was of special high quality, so why does he not show off his wealth? His gaze moved towards what he could see of himself. He never liked looking in reflections, he differed from the ordinary. His very appearance is why he’s captured right now.
He swallowed a lump of self-loathing, his eyes followed back to the man in front of him. He was the same man who watched him squirm around in dismay. He would have been embarrassed, especially since he had been hanging at the time, but none of this would help him in the long run.
His hair was fairly long, not as long as his own but still longer than what was standard. The man’s hair was tied up in a half bun secured with a golden crown and still looked like it was never tampered with. Pin-point straight, ink-black, never cut. He decided he hated the man even more for that perfection.
The man didn’t look strong either. He was lean, a skinny thing. His face had baby fat clinging to it, he must be younger than Sang Qingrou. He was worryingly pale, for a young man he should be having sun-kissed skin. On the other hand, for a young master, being so pale might be normal.
Sang Qingrou huffed, he never got to be let inside before. He did not feel the coolness of a house. When he needed to bathe, they would do it outside. He bit his tongue in spite and landed another hard kick to the man. The man opened his eyes with all the time in the world as if his strike did not bother him. Sang Qingrou twitched his eye in vexation but stared at the man.
“Hello,” The young master unfolded his legs, “What might your name be?”.
Sang Qingrou would have kicked him again if he wasn’t worried about the carriage going off track. To speak to him so casually after apprehending him?! He gritted his teeth and held his head up higher.
The man only nodded in defiance, “This one's name is Xue Lian.” The man, Xue Lian, tilted his head seeking an answer.
Sang Qingrou fussed, worrying his bottom lip. “This…one’s name is Sang Qingrou.”
Xue Lian nodded again, straightening himself back up. He watched Sang Qingrou eerily, he scooted back pushing his legs to his chest.
Bugs crawled under his skin as he was being ogled at, much too similar to how one might stare at their favorite dish. He hated feeling as if he was something to feast on. His legs fell back down, he held back making a face at the discomfort of the rope.
If Xue Lian found it appropriate to ogle at him, then he’d just do the same back, then it was fair!
___
Xue Lian didn’t know whether to throw the beast out of the carriage now that it was awake or to let it stay aboard. It would be a shame if he got hurt, but it would be of bigger misfortune if he got hurt.
He gave it the humanity of learning its name but he had to hold down feelings of disgust at the cursed surname. What use of keeping it if you’ve already killed the one who bestowed it to you? That being said, Sang Qingrou was having a staring contest. He would’ve laughed at such a childish challenge if he wasn’t worried it would offend the beast.
He was startled out of medication to mean kicks, it was impressive at the very least. He had worked his way up to concentrate and stay focused despite disruptions. He had to live with…loud people as well. So learning to ignore someone running up and yelling at him, or tapping him constantly was a hefty skill that took months to master.
Yet, here he was. A beast staring at him. A bruise on his shin. Why was he so persistent with the damn staring? There was no contest if you were a prisoner!
The carriage came to a stop after half a shichen of their game, it was time to turn in the beast. He played with the thoughts of keeping him, taming him. Such a bountiful source of qi should thrive under the care of someone, not wither in isolation.
That would be too inhumane on both sides, one with the purpose of it, the other having it hidden under a mask of helping. Taking a soul and treating them like a dog was humiliating and he doubted he had the heart for such a thing anyway.
He inhaled deeply, before standing up and offering a hand to Sang Qingrou. He looked up as if Xue Lian was the one who committed all those crimes as if his hand was such a disgraceful thing to touch. He forced back a calm demeanor and grabbed the ropes holding his wrists.
Sang Qingrou stumbled around, more like being dragged around. It was hard to walk in such bindings and he was aware of that. He was also aware of the dirt and rocks scratching at the beast’s feet.
His shidi’s followed him inside, his father was off to a meeting but the silhouette of his mother behind the curtain was prominent.
“A-Niang,” He greeted her with a bow, dropping to his knees. The beast tried to lunge but was grabbed by one of his shidis, “The beast of the Sang Clan has been captured.”
A low hum came behind the curtains, his head stared bowed.
“What does my Xue Lian suppose we do with it? It can’t roam freely, and we don’t want it to rot in a cell.” A smooth voice rang out.
Xue Lian’s eyes narrowed, he knew his mother enjoyed coddling him greatly but this? This had to have deeper implications than meets the eye. A beast! A murderer at that! And she doesn’t want to let it go or lock it up? Such trickery, he bit his lip.
“If it pleases, the beast can train alongside the disciples.”
“And if it injured one of them? My Xue Lian surely knows better than to think it’d be tamed if you give it a roof and food.” She was mocking him. Moreso mocking the beast, the incident was still fresh and as long as it lived, she would find every way to rub salt in the wound.
“I…can offer my presence to ensure it doesn’t, A-Niang.” His head hung lower.
An appeased hum chimed from the curtains, again. Her silhouette hand waved them off. Xue Lian exhaled, glancing towards his shidi’s.
They had Sang Qingrou by the wrists, cloth stuffed in his mouth. He was lucky his face did not show, but his actions were feral. Xue Lian clicked his tongue and stood up, a swift movement of his hand and he dragged the beast by his wrists. The disciple halls had a few empty rooms, the beast could be moved there.
He walked into the dormitory, the other disciples moved out of the way upon seeing him. Few snickered or gasped when Sang Qingrou came into view. At least he wasn’t being solely dragged like a bag of rice anymore. And, instead, remembered how to move his feet.
He walked them both to the empty side of the dormitories. As long as both rooms next to Sang Qingrou’s were empty, it’d have to do. He’d install a wooden lock on the door to keep him in, in that case, the windows should be sealed shut.
Xue Lian spotted a fairly isolated room, he opened it before shoving the beast in and slamming it. A regret swelled in his throat for forgetting himself, he still had to untie Sang Qingrou. He held a grumble at the back of his throat and opened the door again.
He stifled a laugh at seeing Sang Qingrou sprawled on the floor, supposedly he knew he had no limbs to help him get up, for his head rested on the floor. He reached to untie the rope and grimaced at the dirt coating it now. Why were there so many issues with one single person!?
He grabbed his sword and sliced at it, promptly ignoring the yelp the beast let out.
“Go get washed up, don’t touch anything when you’re still covered in…filth.” In all fairness, he did his best to not sound AS disgusted as he felt.
Sang Qingrou stared at him with that vacant stare, swaying his hand to mock Xue Lian’s past hand movements. Xue Lian huffed and left, slamming the door with no intent to come back this time.
______
Sang Qingrou continued staring at the door after the weird man left. He groaned and threw his head back to the floor, what the fuck is this. You capture someone, threaten them, treat them like shit then bathe and home them? There was something mental with this sect! He looked around the room, it was highly funded! To think this was just for the disciples? What a luxury.
He glanced down at himself, he was filthy. He was dragged in the dirt right after he was peaceful, mind you, swimming in his pond. The dirt clung to him and ruined his clothes, his hands had red marks where the robes dug in.
He sighed and pushed himself on his feet, he was never told where to bathe, but it wouldn’t be so hard to figure out.
___
Sang Qingrou was right back in his new room after merely asking another disciple where the bathing rooms were.
He frowned and sat in front of the door. The girl screamed so loud he was immediately accused of threatening her. Like hell, he didn’t do shit! He grumbled and stood up, he’s not getting in trouble with some stuck-up young master because she was a–
The door swung open. He had to stand back so his nose wasn’t slammed in. There’s the dutiful young master he was just talking about! He sulked upon seeing him because this wasn’t gonna be better than the last times. What, he’ll get thrown into a wall this time?
“All I asked was for you to…just…go to the bathing rooms and rid yourself of that,” he moved his finger up and down, “but then I found out that you tried to attack one of my Shimei?”
Sang Qingrou shrugged, if he was honest he’d get in trouble with the girl, if he lied he’d get in trouble with guess who. Xue Lian’s body tensed, his soldiers were almost at ear level. Sang Qingrou muffled a laugh in his hand.
He yelped when he was yanked by his hair, they left the halls quicker than they entered, and he frowned in realization. The next time when he looked up he saw a beautifully crafted tub. The pristine white is decorated with spirals of golden flowers. He barely had time to admire it before he was tossed in it.
He groaned and rubbed his arm, he stared up at Xue Lian in confusion before he saw a bucket of water in his fist. He jumped out before it splashed on him. The water was not hot by any means, not even lukewarm!
“There’s no need for this one to guide Sang Qingrou like a child, you’re capable.” Xue Lian crossed his arms and made a move to leave.
“Does the young master expect this one to bathe in ice?” He shot out.
Xue Lian stopped walking, “Is Sang Qingrou not used to it?”
Sang Qingrou resisted the urge to stomp his foot, “What does the young master take this one’s prior home for? He stepped in it did he not? This one’s pond is by no means freezing.”
Xue Lian stared at him before hesitantly saying, “The soaps and heating talisman are stored in the storage at the corner.”
Sang Qingrou barely had the time to be offended, nor shout anything, before Xue Lian rushed out, his pale skin reddening. At least Sang Qingrou could feel some pride for ruining the tidy manner of a young master.
He pooled in some qi at his fingertips, went to the edge of the tub, and lightly dabbed it. The qi would be enough to warm it up. He didn’t want to use the talisman, he was sure the other disciples made them. His hand lingered in the water, feeling it warm up in his presence. When he finished having his fun he shook the water off his hand and strode to the storage.
Upon opening it he almost gagged at the series of floral scents, he pinched his nose and scanned through the labels. There was nearly every kind of flower he knew, he grabbed at random a cream-colored one. The flower grew in nutrient-rich environments, so he saw it often at the Sang Clan.
He closed the drawer and inhaled, the scents were not gone by any means but they were less and that would have to be enough. He put the soap right next to the tub and reached to his waist to undo his clothes. They had gaps and were frail from the excessive water treatment they received, but they could still wear.
The robes slipped off his shoulders, dropping to the floor lightly. He took the time to undo each of his braids, they were frizzy and stuck from the treatment of today but they’d be worse if he bathed with them intact.
He slipped into the tub, the water sloshed with his added mass. His honey skin moisturized in the qi-rich water, and he sunk in till only his eyes were above. It was not what he was used to, but it was still enough for him to relax. He sighed and stretched his limbs out more.
He reluctantly opened his eyes again, grabbing the soap he placed near. He rubbed it into his skin, taking his time and the room began to smell of the queer scent.
He placed the soap entirely in the bath and reached for the small bottle of rich water. He opened the bottle and shivered when the cold liquid met his skin. He dumped it entirely on his hair and a little portion in his hands.
He scrubbed his hair, the rough texture smoothed and softened with the rice water’s help. He carefully cleaned his lotus, a finger pad caressing each petal before making a circular motion. The aches in his skin were surely gone, and so was the dirt. He still waited around in the tub, covering himself in more of the water, he closed his eyes and drifted.
__
Gentle knocks on the door brought him back to consciousness. It slid openly slowly, there a boy who looked only a little younger than himself stepped out. One of his hands was covering his eyes, how foolish. You will not lose your virginity by glancing at nudeness.
His gaze lingered on him, the boy had light brown hair, but it was without a doubt straight. The illusion of his hair hiding waves was from how they rested on his shoulders and adjoined with the wind.
Despite that, he was quite average-looking, his skin was translucent, almost looking sickly. He sighed, waiting for the shy thing to allow Qingrou to make note of his eyes.
“Hi!” The boy squeaked out.
Sang Qingrou sighed, sitting back up to bring his head above the water. “And you are?”
“Oh I,” The boy stumbled upon his words a bit before settling with a simple “This one is here with um ah..new robes?”
Sang Qingrou snorted quietly, covering half his face with his hand. The boy’s cheeks grew warm, the question finally making it through.
“This one is Wang Wei!” He clamored out, his lines tightened in a straight line.
Sang Qingrou held back the coo threatening to spill into his tone, he held his hand out for Wang Wei to hand him the robes.
Wang Wei stared at his hand for a solid moment before realizing he was indeed, staring at someone bathing still. With all the gentleness he could muster he slammed it into Sang Qingrou’s hands and ran off.
Sang Qingrou tightened his throat to hold himself back from laughing. A foolish pretty boy that Wang Wei was, and so nervous? Ah, he’ll never find a wife. Or, perhaps this was his charm, Sang Qingrou looked back where half his body was now hanging out of the water from the force exerted in delivering the robes.
His lips curled into a smile as he stepped out, he wasn’t sure what to do with the excess water so he left it there. Grabbing a wind talisman, he dried himself off and underwent the dreadful process he hadn’t done in years. His pants were the easy part, it was just a matter of tying, and tying, and tying!
___
Sang Qingrou felt suffocated by the end. He must have tied the robes too tight, there was no other reason! His heel hit the ground in his fit, he shoved the boots on and speed-walked back to the dormitory.
His hands hesitated at the doors, his hair was still undone how inappropriate! Another issue was the fact that those martial “siblings” of his, hate his guts! He groaned and walked a little to the side of the dormitory before his forearms were grabbed.
He gasped and reached to punch his offender before he saw those robes. That’s one way to differentiate yourself for sure, applause to you young master!
“What is Sang Qingrou doing?” Xue Lian said with just so much emotion! Oh, how lucky he was to be the receiver of such passion!
Sang Qingrou thought his head was going to burst from a headache if this dull man kept finding him at every corner.
He cleared his throat and began, “This one-”
“What.”
Sang Qingrou inhaled and closed his eyes, he smiled in utter annoyance. He looked up at Xue Lian with eyes of a waning crescent before shoving him away and opening the dormitory doors. He ignored the silence from his entry, the liveliness of energetic teenagers and young adults halting.
Sang Qingrou walked in a mindful, time-consuming manner to his room. He was sure Xue Lian burst in moments after he, himself, did but why was that something to worry himself with? Those martial “siblings” of his have it all under control.
He closed his door with a click.
____
Xue Lian’s arm was being held and soothed by one of his shimeis. There was more gossip on the prideful beast of the Sang Clan now, he was sure of it.
A hand squeezed his heart when he saw Sang Qingrou peering to the side of the building instead of entering. The feeling only grew stronger when he saw Sang Qingrou in the colors of his clan.
He walked over to help him, perhaps he was worried about his new home. Xue Lian bit his lip in guilt since he was the one who technically kidnapped him.
As soon as he went to help Sang Qingrou, surely walking with the beloved son and shixiong of the Xue Clan would be soothing, it would also keep people away! He got pushed to the floor, it was not a hand squeezing his heart any longer, now it was a bruise forming above!
He watched Sang Qingrou walk into the dormitory, the quietness had Xue Lian alarmed. They were still young, so carefree, what was up with the sudden mindfulness? He jumped on his feet and burst in.
One of his shidi ran over to him, there was also a Shimei…and another…and another……
____
Xue Lian stood in front of Sang Qingrou’s room. He promised himself that he’d lock it with a fine wooden one, but now it just felt wrong to lock him in the room, rather it was more right for him to lock people out of his room.
His hands tightened on his robes, and he stared and stared until the owner of the room ended up opening it himself.
Sang Qingrou came out, his skin looked softer in the cool moonlight tones. His petal-like hair was braided and stuck against his back. The greens were more gone, they retreated to his roots, just barely showing. It seems the bath helped him blossom a little more. While the white from his robes shone on him, making him look just oh so divine.
Xue Lian’s heart thumped, a buzz instead of him urging him to repel some energy. He and Sang Qingrou just watched each other. He would have been quite content and standing there, just to rid himself of the feeling before Sang Qingrou sighed and grabbed him. He was thrown onto the carpet as Sang Qingrou closed the door.
“What does the young master want from this one now? It will soon be midnight.” His eyes sorted themselves in knives, and Xue Lian stared down.
“This one…came to check on Sang Qingrou.”
“For what need?”
“Did I need one?”
Sang Qingrou bit his bottom lip, “If the young master had no need, nor appropriate reason, then he’s free to go now.”
Xue Lian stared up at him, fiddling with his hair. His head was tilted slightly, Sang Qingrou used his sleeve to cover his face. Sang Qingrou’s voice held a lot more emotion than his face would, he noted.
“It is almost time to rest.”
“Then why are you here?” Sang Qingrou’s voice edged with a groan.
Xue Lian straightened up when he heard Sang Qingrou drop the formality. Who did he think he was? He was just free of the vice grip on his heart, but now it consumed his very being as he stood up and left.
To think! He came over to check on that beast and it thinks it has some sort of special privilege? Truly a cactus at heart! He stomped out of the dormitory and made his way to his house, his mother was asleep and his father wouldn’t be back for another two nights. He kicked his boots off at the door and ran up the stairs.
As soon as he was in his room he fell on the bed. He still had to get ready to sleep, it was almost midnight. He lazily tugged his hair crown off and promised himself he'd wash his makeup off in the morning. He clung to a cotton pillow and fell asleep.
____
Sang Qingrou curled up on the bed and sank immediately from his weight. He scrambled back and fell, what the hell was wrong with this bed? He’d never felt a bed before but he imagined, from the looks of it at least, that it’d be soft!
A sound of complaint bubbled at his throat as he cautiously pushed just his fingers into the bed. It wasn’t made of hay, but instead cotton. He figured this was the reason why. His heart lurched as he experimented his body weight on it, before deeming it alright and sitting. He gripped the soft material, his heart's pace going down when it did not sink too low. Just enough to keep him above, but still mold his body into it.
He trembled adjusting his body, resisting the pathetic urge to jump every time he caused another part of the bed to sink. He settled for laying on his back, he sighed deeply feeling as his body relaxed. Why had he not laid down more if it felt this good?
His leg would flinch over each new piece of cold rubbed over his scales, his hands found the thick blanket. He tossed it over himself and stretched his body out more. Would it be so bad if he got to feel this wonderful every night? He thought, stuffing his face in the multitude of pillows.
____
Sang Qingrou woke up to a god awful sound near his head.
He shot up and scrambled off the bed, he tilted his head near the draws next to the bed and found the source. A groan of frustration bubbled through his body, of course this sect would have candle clocks. He grabbed the nails and yelped when wax cooled on him, he rubbed the wax off and left the nails alone. Someone was bound to clean them up, and it wasn’t going to be him for sure!
He head shot to where his door was creaking open. Xue Lian was standing in the frame, still in his sleep robes, how improper. A wave of exhaustion hit him when he saw the robes in Xue Lian’s hands.
Xue Lian nodded and stretched his arms out to offer them, “More robes will be coming soon.”
Sang Qingrou grabbed them and in seconds the young master left. Sang Qingrou closed his door and began to get ready for the day.
__
Xue Lian strolled through the dormitory to make sure no disciples fell back asleep. The alarms were annoyingly loud, but some held a past for falling asleep right after.
After ensuring all were awake, he headed to the kitchen to check on the breakfast. His posture slumped upon seeing the bland food, it was rich in nutrients and would offer health benefits…but it was so horrible to eat.
He made a mental note to go out to the markets later, perhaps a treat would lighten his mood. He walked back to his room, the tiring process of getting ready is one way to start a day.
__
Sang Qingrou finished pulling his hair up, and left his room. He was familiar with this schedule at the very least, but he knew that normal humans would eat three times per day, morning, mid-day, and at the end of the day.
Some of the other disciples stormed up to him, he spared them a glance before side-stepping out of their way and out of the dormitory.
He looked down at his robes, paying more attention to them now that he was in natural light. They were shades of white and blue, the occasional gold slipping in the combo. It did not suit him in the slightest, the bright shades glowed in contrast to his skin. He frowned, duller shades were the best. A not-so-light white with dull greens and pink was desired.
He snapped back to reality when a soft snap caught his attention. He turned around to see that disciple that helped him in the baths, he sighed and paid closer attention.
Wang Wei was cutting wood, yes, as one would expect of a proper disciple. But why was he using his sword? Did he not value it enough? It was easier to do than say when it came to grabbing an ax.
Sang Qingrou’s gaze scattered around till he spotted the supply shed. He lurked out of Wang Wei’s peripheral view and rushed inside. Lo and behold, there were multiple axes waiting to be used.
He grabbed one he thought was relatively in comparison to his body. He peeked out the door as soon as the tree fell. Wang Wei leaned on the sword hilt, panting in exhaustion. Sang Qingrou snorted.
He, himself, leaned up to pick the ax up and groaned when his knee got hit with the ax. He stared at it in frustration before grabbing it with both his hands again and dragged it out.
Wang Wei perked up out of exhaustion when he saw Sang Qingrou.
“Shidi! Ah what do you…” Wang Wei’s cheeks blushed pink when he saw the ax.
“Wang Wei is damaging his sword when he uses it to cut…wood.” Sang Qingrou bitterly remarked, tilting his head to where the sword was piercing the floor.
“So sorry to bother Shidi” Wang Wei grabbed the ax, Sang Qingrou started debating to call an exorcist when the boy slung it over his shoulder.
“Oh, right,” Wang Wei’s eyes gleamed, “What’s Shidi doing so early?”
“It’s breakfast hours.”
“Oh.”
___
Wang Wei piled food onto Sang Qingrou’s plate. He wanted to tell him off on it, or at least remind him how much food is being wasted. Though, it seems he didn’t have the heart to.
After they sat down, Sang Qingrou noticed how quickly others were to move away. As if he was some radioactive being, he wished! He poked at his food while Wang Wei went on about whatever must’ve caught his attention this morning.
Sang Qingrou wondered if Wang Wei was this adaptable to everyone, or if he just picked Sang Qingrou because he was the latest Shidi. A man stood up and waved his hands when the door opened, here came the godsend. He rolled his eyes and looked back at Wang Wei. The evident smile on his face grew wider with Shixiong's appearance.
He groaned when the same Shixiong walked towards them.
“Sang Qingrou, how’s breakfast?” Xue Lian sat down next to him, Sang Qingrou scooted into Wang Wei’s hip.
“As good as it can be”
Xue Lian nodded and sat there, staring at him, how many times has this happened?
__
Xue Lian’s eyes lingered to where Sang Qingrou and Wang Wei were chatting off. Obviously, none of the disciples liked either of them very much, so it was easy to pair them up. Wang Wei was…one of the youngest of the adults at least, he still acts a bit too childish for many, and he’s too old for the teens. He was rash and talkative, not the brightest either.
Sang Qingrou on the other hand.
He was much more tame, smart is of question, for he doubts Sang Qingrou was given an education due to his old position. He definitely thought things through, already better than Wang Wei. He was just isolated because of his violent reputation.
In all sense, they made up for what the other lacked. In no time Sang Qingrou would have to learn all he wasn’t allowed, and Wang Wei might notch his behavior down. He grit his teeth and propped his head on his elbow.
Perhaps he should have stepped in sooner, letting Sang Qingrou, that beast, grow buddy buddy with one of his shidis! He must have offended a god or ten! Sang Qingrou was obviously trying to avoid him, pressing up on someone he met less than five days ago. Did he not realize how inappropriate such close proximity was?!
He scooted away from them begrudgingly, and sure enough he was right. Sang Qingrou moved away from Wang Wei.
___
Xue Lian was set on waiting there until the two of his shidis were done eating, but fate had other plans. One of his shimei’s sneaked up behind him and tugged on his hair.
Such as Liu Ying.
He sighed and leaned back so he was facing her more directly. She giggled at the sight and tugged on his falling hair again. What he didn’t notice was Sang Qingrou and Wang Wei leaving.
His shimei and shidi crowded him and sheep wolfed him out of the breakfast areas. He didn’t mind entertaining them normally, but right now he was invested in finding out what the two were still doing.
___
Wang Wei held a finger up to his lips as he helped Sang Qingrou climb up the rocks.
The waterfall was known for having fragrant flowers, not to mention the qi rich pond at the top! He was sure Sang Qingrou would be most fond of both of those points. He heard a sigh before a large splash in the water. Drops of water made it on his hand and he saw the faint figure of someone in the pond below.
Did he just jump?!
He watched as Sang Qingrou denied the current and force of the water to swim up. He took that as a sign to climb faster.
__
He collapsed in exhaustion when he made it up to the top, was this even worth it at this point! He looked up to see Sang Qingrou standing over him, he would have screamed and fell back if his shidi didn’t grab him by the hair.
He whined in pain as he was dragged to the pond that dropped to the waterfall. Oh they should be quick alright, they have classes soon. When his hands met the water he felt zapped. He shot them away.
Sang Qingrou laughed and grabbed his wrist, holding it back to the water again. His hand started to tingle from the qi,and his heart thumped harder. He yearned to squirm away but wanted to make an effort for Sang Qingrou. When he finally relaxed, he felt the qi rush through him and cool him down.
Sang Qingrou let go of him, swaying his hands in the water. Wang Wei took interest in the way the water glimmered at the edge of each wave. He looked back down to himself and stirred the water.He let out a gasp of delight when the water reacted, the shade of blue turning divine.
He had only heard of a pond connected to the waterfall, he wasn’t sure why the water below was void of qi but up here it was bountiful. Any greedy cultivator would love this place. Oh how happy he was that he overheard some of his shixiong talking about this! It was truly splendid, and if the rumors were true then Sang Qingrou is definitely appreciating this gift!
The smile widened across his face, his heart beated faster, and his face grew warm; how happy he was! Sang Qingrou–his friend (!!!) had taken his gift with pleasure. He hoped to give more gifts like this, anything related to water perhaps? Or would it be just the wilderness?
___
As much as Sang Qingrou appreciates this gesture, he’s never wanted to rip someone's head off more in his life. Of course not Wang Wei’s, his head would weigh more than a building with how dense he was. But, the people who told him about this place.
The pond was nice, it really was! It just only heightened his home sickness, he’s been pushing it to the back of his mind as much as he could, and with a reminder like this? How could he continue? He held in a stream of insults and flexed his hands underwater.
It was nice to have water so rich in qi, even though he had heated up his bath with qi the night before, it did not contain such a supply. He looked toward Wang Wei and sighed. He was so kind hearted, nothing like the fools he had encountered the past days.
If this was his way of trying to impress Sang Qingrou, then he’ll hold his tongue and pretend. His mother would have pulled him by the ear and scolded him for miles if he treated someone's kindness with distaste. No, he was raised better than those fools.
____
Xue Lian coughed as another wave of seasoning reached his nose. The most prominent, to his luck, was the chili.
What is up with girls and their spice tolerance! He cursed to himself silently, raising his head from the crook of his arm he saw that they were still dicing the onion. He almost fell over in despair.
Teach us how to cook, they said, we’ll do good they said! What a joke.
Xue Lian clenched his fists and walked over to his shimei. His face burned in shame of being tricked. They obviously just wanted him to try their food, not teach them! And he sure as hell wasn’t going to eat whatever disaster was in that kitchen.
He heard a giggle before the rustling of fabric.
A cloth smoothly secured itself over his eyes. He reached back to grab the perpetrator but he was pushed onto a mat on the floor. Giggles stretched from all around him, the clattering of plates landed in front of him.
He swallowed a lump in his throat when he smelled Sichuan.
____
Xue Lian gasped for air after chugging down another jug of water. His shimei were off doing whatever their heart desired again. The spices were well off his tongue, but that didn’t erase the urge to drink water every minute or so.
Classes started in half a shichen, he’d better go off to help prepare them now. Although he wasn’t told explicitly to help the laoshis teach, it was something he could infer.
He straightened his back and continued on his first mission, Sang Qingrou had all of the sect to freely roam before classes. If anyone bothered to get him on track,however, he should be at the library picking out books. Even better if he had all of the starter disciple stuff. He huffed and stomped down to the library.
___
Xue Lian opened the library to a sheer black, his jaw tightened. He knew where the lanterns were held but it made no sense for the library to be held so dark mid day; whoever was left in charge would be held accountable for this. He threw open the curtains and stormed through.
He could not see anything but darkness in the far end of the library; but it did not discourage him. He was stronger than most of the disciples; strength didn’t matter too much even if there was an imbalance. He taught them everything they knew! How could you beat your teacher hm, hm?
He opened another set of curtains and looked down the library halls. The cultivation manuals should be in this area— if he was correct at least.
Clicking his tongue and searching for the manuals, he noticed the smallest trace of light from a corner. He grabbed a manual quietly and drew out his sword, walking over to where the disturbance was. So there was someone. A ruthless disciple or a stranger in the sect, his sect!
He jumped over to the side, the light flickering with his movements. Peering at the edge of the shelf he almost dropped over in a bundle of feelings; Relief it was nothing to fear, and anger that he was made a fool, for fucks sake it was none other than Sang Qingrou and Wang Wei.
They reeked of salt water, where were they? And their clothes were a little damp…and they decided in those conditions it was perfect to invade a library and then made it seem absolutely deserted.
His posture straightened up, if it was just them then he had nothing to fear. Infact, Wang Wei was one of his shidis that looked up to him, he couldn't drop the act because a beast took him for a friend. Oh poor Wang Wei, Sang Qingrou must’ve been the one to drag him through the water, then convince him to do this rebellious act. Fear not, this shixiong will steer him out of your way.
Just as he was about to step into view, Wang Wei started talking, “So the girl ran off? Just like that with no care? What about her honor!”
“Shhh, who cares for honor,” Sang Qingrou’s voice dropped to a tease, his finger pointed at Wang Wei’s face, “this is about lllooovvveee! She ran away, abandoned her own blood, rid herself of a life of perfection to perhaps give her offspring horrible living conditions and disgust herself with peasant things just for a man.” He scoffed at the last part, like it was the most unbelievable thing he’s read…heard…said?
Sang Qingrou had no rights to act in this manner, in fact, Wang Wei should have slapped that finger away!
“Oh…so she did–”
“Of course she’ll care! When the rush is gone and the roofs leak!”
“Then why would she?”
“She’s so young, she has no idea yet that a woman of all, should put themselves higher than men. That man will be the laziest husband ever, the chances of him cheating on her are quite high too.” Sang Qingrou shrugged, flipping through the pages, presumably to point something out. Xue Lian so desperately wanted to prove him wrong at that moment.
“Don’t say that! Don’t say that! This isn’t real, it's just a book!” Wang Wei whined and reached for the book, that beast held it higher in the air.
“Real or fiction, they don’t differ too far from each other. A man is a man!” Sang Qingrou scolded, stretching out now when Wang Wei leaned.
“But this is fiction. And not all men are like that!”
Sang Qingrou snorted, and Xue Lian in turn recoiled. “Who do you think wrote this? A woman??”
“Women have written books!” Wang Wei protested helplessly.
“Yeah, women who were lucky enough to learn how to write and read!”
Xue Lian sighed at the sight, the two bickered for what seemed like forever. How had a discussion on a book turn so damn immoral? These two…no, Sang Qingrou.
His A-Niang had a golden heart for accepting Xue Lian’s request, now all he can do about this is sit in a corner till his sins are repaid to her! Set a bird free and it flies off in the sky never to be seen again!
Xue Lian stepped out from where he hid, sheathing his sword at the same time. Wang Wei had the mind to straighten up and bow as a greeting, Sang Qingrou however…
__
Bastard, Bastard, Bastard! Stop ruining this poor one’s day already! Master of this lowly one’s master, get him away!
Sang Qingrou stared begrudgingly at Xue Lian. Of course, he had to come and ruin his little hangout, and what was he doing threatening them? Holding his sword so openly and showing it off? Hello?! We’re both your shidis here!
His mouth twitched in annoyance; this shixiong of his sure had favorites!
“Wang Wei,” Xue Lian breathed out, he noticed Wang Wei’s breath hitch for a second, surely he was imagining things? “What’s going on? Did…he?”
“No, no!” Wang Wei threw his hands up in defense, one over Sang Qingrou and the other in the air, “Forgive these shidis, Shixiong! I just thought it would be a good idea to…go here”
“You need not defend him, if he’s-” Xue Lian started boldly, his eyebrows furrowed in frustration.
Sang Qingrou clicked his tone and scoffed, “Not everythings my fault, did you come all this way to get me whipped, hm? What’s up with your sword!” He pointed his finger accusingly at Xue Lian.
Xue Lian straightened his back with his eyes widening, the nerve! “I didn’t know our shidi had such little manners? Accusing me of such hate, you must remem—”
“Yeah I remember being kidnapped pretty well!”
Wang Wei gasped, his body turned to Sang Qingrou on instrint. What had happened? Didn’t Sang Qingrou come here on his own will, like himself, like everyone else?!
“W-“
“You talk as though there's nothing on your name!”
“Then kill me won't you?”
Xue Lian’s hands twitched in anger, how shameful he must feel. To be talked down in this way. “You.” his hand rested on his sword, “Duel with me if you so..lack manners to your superiors in this way!”
“Is this having manners?” Sang Qingrou cocked his head mockingly. Xue Lian’s temper snapped, he swished his sword out.
Sang Qingrou held out a hand over Wang Wei, gesturing him to move as he stood up to Xue Lian. He squinted his eyes in concentration, observing his shixiong with all the time in the world. Just as Xue Lian was about to talk him down, Sang Qingrou’s fist collided with his jaw.
His eyes widened as he stared back at Sang Qingrou, what the fuck?! Did he have no dignity? Sang Qingrou was just about to throw another fist before Xue Lian held his sword up threateningly. Staring at the blade with a blank expression, he grabbed the hilt, resting his own hand over Xue Lian and flipped him.
Xue Lian was baffled entirely by this–this! Man? Does he dare call him a man? Behaving no better than a beast, what did he have to be called a person! He stared up at Sang Qingrou, grabbing his ankle and swooping him down, his sword was thrown to some part of the library.
This was incredibly indecent and horrifying for someone like Xue Lian to do. Without a doubt Wang Wei must have ran off to inform someone of this too! He didn’t have another second to think of the consequences before Sang Qingrou grabbed at his hair.
His crown fell from his hair and was thrown in a direction, he scoffed in bewilderment. He pinched the back of Sang Qingrou’s neck, relishing in the squawk the man let out before digging his heel in his back.
Sang Qingrou, however, did not care about dignity it seemed! He punched Xue Lian’s torso hard enough to rid him of air. He groaned and pushed Sang Qingrou back–doing everything in him to ignore that he threw him into a bookshelf. And if an action had an equal but opposite reaction, it in turn let the rest fall; Sang Qingrou let out a murmur of pain. Grabbing at the front of Xue Lian’s robes and pushing him down.
Xue Lian yelped and flailed, holding Sang Qingrou by the elbow as he threw relentless punches; he in turn kicked at Sang Qingrou and pulled at the braids in his hair. At some point Sang Qingrou had closed one of his eyes.
Xue Lian’s face burned in shame when his robes slipped from the violence, exposing a glimpse of his collarbone and shoulder; fight, don't strip him you freak! He grit his teeth together and hurriedly shrugged them back on. He had no time for this, no time, no time!
He held onto the petals in which was Sang Qingrou’s hair, earning more squeaks and punches. Surely his arms and torso were thoroughly bruised! He gave some of his own punches until his biceps tightened in aggravation.
__
Wang Wei stared at the pair for a second before jolting upright. His shidi and shixiong weren’t the best at socializing but was this necessary? Especially in a library! His head ached with frustration and guilt, obviously his shixiong just wanted the best for his new shidi, and here Wang Wei had messed it all up! He promised internally to make it up.
Sparing one last glance at the two, it happened to be just as Sang Qingrou slammed into the bookshelf. He held up a hand to cover his mouth as he gasped and hurriedly ran to get one of his shijie.
__
Sang Qingrou’s lips curled over the other when he woke up. Xue Lian that…ugh! He held up his wrist and checked the purple coating his knuckles. They had brought him to this room but didn’t bother tending to his wounds? What mockery, or maybe they were just after the young master.
He let out a deep sigh and moved to get up. His eyes widened in shock when the bed sank instantly where he moved his leg. Carefully crawling off and avoiding the jumps and leaps in his heart (which must have been a rabbit with how much it did!) he got up on his legs.
The scales on his knees were beat and chipped, having gotten ruined from the tossing and turning of the fight. There were scabs and dried blood on his legs too, but it was odd how he never noticed an injury at the time.
When his shijies had pulled Xue Lian and him apart the only thing that was on his mind at the time was to get out and continue what the master had started. But here he was, unbeknownst to everyone else Xue Lian had indeed started the fight. His arrogance wouldn’t let him admit, and their loyalty and hatred towards himself would not allow them to believe it anyway.
He grabbed his robes and slipped them over his shoulders, if this was just how his first week would go, how dare he think about a year!
__
Xue Lian woke to his head being cradled, Hua Tao, one of his shidi was brushing his hair with his head in his lap. He sighed and stayed still, another one of his senior siblings were wrapping up his hand. He wanted to crane his neck up and look at who it was, but he was stopped with a hush.
“What happened, shixiong?” Hua Tao’s gentle voice chimed out, he almost fell deeper in the haze of sleep at his voice. As smooth as spring rainfalls and clouds forming in the sky, he should consider joining the musical classes with such a voice.
He opened his mouth to speak but a hand clamped over it, Liu Ying spoke quickly, “Don’t speak, don’t speak! We finished bandaging your chest a while ago but it was pretty messed up!”
“Right, that shidi of ours ought to be whipped for attacking his elders.” Chen Feng tapped him on the shoulder. Frowning deeper at the wince of pain Xue Lian let out.
“He’ll get punished for what he did, don’t fret. Lady Xue was given the news already, without a doubt she’s displeased!” Hua Tao sang out, stretching his words as far as they can go before turning tacky.
One of them had huffed and continued scrambling through things near him. The clangs of bottles and clocks of pens were all he heard as he fell back into sleep.
___
Sang Qingrou stared at the floor where he knelt. He had only slipped his inner robe on before someone burst through the door. They glared even more at his nudity like he was the one who welcomed them in. Of course, he was just so cherry when they threw a rolled up scroll at him and left. Even nicer how the door was wide open.
Xue Baozhai…is she not embarrassed about flaunting such a name around? Calling herself a treasure? What a joke! Sang Qingrou held his words at the tip of his tongue and held his head lower.
“It’s you who attacked my son, correct?” Her voice was scorched with alcohol and cigars, it scratched his ears horribly.
“A fight requires two, in which was Xue Lian and I.” He spoke with grace, holding himself upright to at least get that respect.
Xue Baozhai scoffed and swiped her hand, his eyes furrowed in curiosity before a strike landed on his back. He gasped out in pain and looked behind him, a handmaid stood there with a whip. Her black hair curling with her movements, and those white robes glistening.
He bit his tongue hard and regained his posture; at least he didn’t have to see that shixiong of his for a while.
___
Xue Lian yawned as he walked, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t feel the migraine from a mile away. Him and Sang Qingrou were assigned to clean the library and reorganize all the books that fell from their…accident. How horribly embarrassing, he just let himself get pampered in that manner. Even more humiliating was how his shidi beat him.
He opened the door, stepping in with a mop. He almost slammed it and walked back in shame, Wang Wei was there tending to Sang Qingrou’s hand. It was only them who was supposed to be here, and Wang Wei—well he could excuse Wang Wei this time. Wang Wei cooed and traced his hands over the scratches and bruises, rubbing ointment in gentle circles.
He’s treating it like Xue Lian forced him to be so violent! He had offered a sword fight! That would’ve made all the bruises go away by 70%! Xue Lian’s face reddened, they held an indecent sight. He cleared his throat and the two turned their head.
“Shixiong! This one was about to leave, excuse me!” Wang Wei hurriedly rushed, his words slurring with each other, tightening the medicine and throwing them in a bag. His hair bounced as he ran out, just barely nudging Xue Lian’s shoulder.
Sang Qingrou let out a shaky breath, using the support of the bookshelf to stand up. He grabbed some of the cleaning supplies and left for the mess. They had to pull the bookshelves back up and sort it all still, Xue Lian was going to complain. He left everything else there and ran after him, reaching to tug on his hair to get his attention.
Sang Qingrou squealed and fell back, stumbling to get balance. Xue Lian stared at the unusually colored lock of hair he had in his hand and dropped it. Embarrassingly reaching to grab the supplies, “It’s not needed, we have to..” Sang Qingrou shot him a glare and stomped off.
Xue Lian went back to sort everything, then came over to Sang Qingrou organizing the books on the floor. He obviously had the physical benefit, he had proof with, you know, the broken rib, but he still chose the more docile and easy task. Xue Lian loomed over him for just a second longer before side stepping and sitting next to him. This fool probably didn’t know how to orga—were his shoulders usually that tense.
Xue Lian lifted his hand up on instinct, brushing away some hair and laying his hand on Sang Qingrou. The man tensed up further, his movements stopping where he was organizing, Xue Lian noted. He absentmindedly lifted himself on his knees and rubbed shapes on his robes, his other hand grabbed some books and tossed them in the correct piles.
Xue Lian at some point casually leaned against the man, a part of him grew disgusted, but he actually was a bit tired from everything happening. The medicine he was given must be why he’s less fighty to Sang Qingrou, he can think about this all later. He let out a deep breath and nuzzled his head against the soft robes, his eyes half lidded but he’s not quite sure if that’s when he fell asleep.
___
Sang Qingrou’s jaw tensed, he looked down at the young master asleep on him for a split second before darting his gaze back and forth between the books and him. Perhaps this was all a stupid trick, to see what he;d do when the young master is vulnerable in front of him. Perhaps he’s just pretending to be asleep, perhaps—He wrapped an arm around Xue Lian when he started slipping. That was all the confirmation he needed to realize, Lian was indeed asleep.
He cursed every god he ever knew and moved him more comfortably to lay on his lap. He needed both of his hands to organize all of this, maybe Xue Lian could go back to bed, he was going to do nothing but sleep here the whole time! He bullied his lip between his teeth, staring at Xue Lian for only a second more before sighing and getting back to work.
He really didn’t have the heart to shove him off and tell him to leave, it was…not really his fault no. If Xue Lian didn’t decide to be obnoxious and pull his sword out it would have never happened, at all! Wang Wei wanted to go to the library, so they did, and guess who! Xue Lian! With his dumb sword, brute attitude, and no sense accusations!
He made a new pile of the flora books and grumbled, and guess who got in trouble. He did! He got yelled at and practically bullied by everyone because they all blamed him for self defense! The only reason he’s not running off is because, well where the hell would he go. Don’t forget they kidnapped him?!
Xue Lian turned in his sleep, facing less of the books and more to the sky, or specifically towards Sang Qingrou. He huffed, clearing his head of the repetitive complaints before lifting his hand up. He poked Xue Lian’s face, testing the waters for a second. He seemed to be a light sleeper but if he could sleep through a bit of rough handling then Qingrou’s in the clear!
He pinched Xue Lian’s cheek and stretched it out, biting his cheek to muffle a threatening burst of laughter. His pale skin grew pink already, but he seemed dead asleep. Sang Qingrou reached in his pouch, he was sure he had some!
Pulling out a vial of ink, he opened it and put the pad of his finger in, coating it in a fine sheer black and dipped it on Xue Lian’s nose. He dipped his finger again and made a few whiskers, in a better statement; He didn’t know his shixiong very well, but Wang Wei did.
Either way, just by himself he could realize how often this guy’s hair would stand if he WAS a cat, not saying he said that, Wang Wei did, he did not. He’s just agreeing, with a completely accurate statement that suits the young master a little too well really.
He curved his finger to make two smudged cat ears on his forehead, he constricted his throat for just a chance of not even giggling. To see him so improper was really something, it must have taken everything in him to finish his drawings on his face before he was finished. Speaking of finished, he was also long finished with the books, they had two days to put it on the shelves, and it was actually necessary for the both of them to work together to pull it up.
A thought crossed his mind for a second, catching it in a blink of an eye. If he wanted to go improper improper, there was something that could make this go off Sang Qingrou’s back. He smeared some ink on his lips for a second, not thinking twice before he left a kiss mark in whatever open area of skin was left. Surely he won’t be blamed now, it just seems like some maiden he was fooling around with played with ink.
He wiped the ink threatening to tint his skin on Xue Lian’s robes. Snickering and gently resting the young masters head down on a book, then leaving with no more than a swish of his own clean nice robes. He could have settled him down on his own robes, but he’s pretty sure it’s, like, WAY more worse for him to do that. He wasn’t sure why yet, but it didn't make sense to him. High and mighty people’s rules that get forced on people below them never had any sense in their rules anyway.
__
Xue Lian groaned, rubbing his head through his sleeves. His eyes adjusted to the small bits of sunlight tracing over him, and with that help he saw the books neatly tidied by his head. He was also, he realized, laying on a book. He picked it up and fixed it into the correct pile before rubbing his temples.
Just what happened that morning? He came in here with Sang Qingrou to clean but…gods he really didn’t know what happened. He’d find that bastard and get an answer, he had to have been a part of the reason he was knocked out in the library!
He balanced himself, before hastily leaving the library. Snickers were heard around him but he just assumed it to be because well, whatever teenagers do anyway. He was stopped in his tracks by a tug of his sleeve. Looking at her, his heart softened a little, his dear shimeis always meant more to him.
“Shixiong”, she said through laughter, “What happened to your face?”
“Excuse me?” Xue Lian’s eyes widened, baffled by the ‘insult’. One of his shimei were talking to him so poorly that ought—someone shoved a mirror in his vision. His face reddened in humiliation, ink dripped from lines put on his face, on his left cheek there was even a kiss mark! People were remarking how ‘his courting partner’ must have played a prank but he didn’t have one!
Sang Qingrou had too much pride to ever dirty his hand–or..or lips! His ears burned red, someone violated him in his sleep and made him look a fool, someone teased him poking at the ink. He stormed off to his manor, he was far too out of his mind to resist biting that person’s neck off. He ordered the servant’s at the door to prepare a bath, whilst going to his room to further look at what they did.
He looked in his copper mirror and was even more baffled. During his rush to his house the ink dripped down his neck, in fact there were ink smudges all over his sleeves too. He held in a breath and took off his outer robe, grabbing some new ones from his closet and resting them on his bed. He’d put them on after his bath for all he cared.
After this he best sought Sang Qingrou out! Why wasn’t he doing his part and cleaning up! He’s the reason it was able to happen because he left!