Luo Binghe, the recently crowned Emperor of the Demonic Realms, paced rapidly back and forth as he muttered to himself. He'd been interrupted twice now by minor ice imps who'd run off squealing in terror when he'd turned his anger-filled red gaze on them.
"Shizun, this disciple has returned," he proclaimed.
"Shizun, this disciple has returned to you as you wished… no, as you predicted. And you still owe me a kiss, Shizun."
"Shizun, your Emperor has returned to the mortal realm for you."
"Empress, I have returned to you as your Emperor… no… too strong. Also, I haven't made him my Empress yet."
"This Emperor has returned for another bedtime story, Shizun… Mn. Too flirtatious for a first greeting?"
He looked down at his robes. They weren't filial bamboo green, but rather black robes with red trim: his imperial colours. Would Shizun like them? Luo Binghe tugged at the lapels to loosen his robe, showing off a little more of his toned, muscular chest and the necklace he wore. Then he closed them snugly and modestly again, before he opened them carefully one final time, trying to make his clothes look accidentally loose.
"This disciple has returned with the cure you sent me questing for, Shizun," he purred, leaning one arm against a wall and giving his best seductive look to a lamp. The lamp, an ordinary lampstand set with a glowing pearl, failed to be impressed. Hopefully Luo Binghe's seduction technique would work better on his teacher.
Was it too rushed? He only knew the theory of flirting and lovemaking, thanks to a few lessons from a succubus that had included no practical element – to her disappointment. Shizun had very clearly demanded an unwaveringly faithful single spouse in almost every story he'd told.
It's too fast. I should flirt more gently first. Then get his promise to marry me. Should I loosen my hair? he wondered, fussing at his silver hair crown that glittered with deep red garnets. Shizun likes to pat my hair when it's messy. Have I done it up too tightly? Half of it is still down… is that enough? Would a disciple's bun look more filial? I don't really want to look filial… I want him to see me as the man who will be courting him. As briefly as I can get away with!
Mobei Jun's annoying hanger-on, Shang Qinghua, rapped timidly on the door before inching into Binghe's bedroom.
"Junshang? My king and I are wondering if everything is alright? Not that he's upset! It's fine if you're not ready to leave yet, ha ha! It's just you're scaring some of the staff, that's all."
Binghe spun about to face the snivelling traitor. "You've said you're Shizun's friend. His best friend." His eyes narrowed, watching the little man sweat and fidget.
"Yes, pure platonic best friends, just like brothers, really! He'd be terribly upset if anything happened to me… his good friend."
He nodded, satisfied that his shishu had been reminded once more of his place in the new order of things, ignoring the man's implicit begging for his life. Personally, he thought the traitor deserved death, but Mobei Jun was mystifyingly fond of him, and of course if Shizun wanted him alive and truly counted him as a friend, then the little rodent would be safe forever. Nothing mattered more than Shizun's happiness, not even vengeance for the deaths of the less competent students from Huan Hua Palace at the Immortal Alliance Conference.
"So, speaking as his friend… do you think he'll like this outfit? Is it too shameless for Qing Jing Peak? Should I put my hair up in a tight disciple's bun, or keep it half up like this?"
"Uhhhhhh…"
Binghe tapped his foot impatiently, barely holding back a snarl. His temper had been harder to manage ever since he'd gained Xin Mo, though regular bloodshed in hunts and battles helped a lot. Its longing for the energy of dual cultivation remained unfulfilled… for now, at least. He'd had its sheath embossed with a pattern of pomegranates, symbolising its tempting, hungry nature and acting as a reminder to himself to exercise control and not overindulge his passions. He did not wish to lose himself and be tied inescapably to the demon realms – a lustful, wrathful beast not fit to mingle with humans.
He glared again at Shang Qinghua who seemed lost for words, just staring at him in bemusement. "Well?!" Binghe demanded.
His shishu jumped. "Yes, Junshang! He will love the outfit, absolutely. Just… you know he has a thin face. He might be too embarrassed to say he likes it, but I can pretty much guarantee you'll catch his eye. In a good way!"
"And my hair?"
"With that outfit, he won't be looking at your hair, my son," Shang Qinghua said, distractedly glancing at Binghe's chest before looking swiftly away, pink-cheeked.
"Who's your son?" Binghe asked, narrowing his eyes.
"No-one! No-one, Junshang! Just a figure of speech, please forgive me! It is not literal, I promise."
"Hmph. This Emperor will forgive you… if you tell me what I should say first to Shizun when I see him."
Maybe he'll have some good advice. Mobei Jun swears he is very useful, that the Northern Kingdom would be a mess without his logistical help and strategic guidance.
Shang Qinghua shifted from foot to foot. "Uhh, well, I don't want to make you panic or anything, but Shen Qingqiu still worries – just a tiny bit – that you might be a little cross with him over the whole uh, Endless Abyss thing," he said cautiously. "So maybe reassure him that you're not angry or out for revenge, first of all?"
Binghe glowered. This man knew nothing. Shizun would never be afraid of him! Shizun knew Binghe went into the Abyss of his own free will, and would be waiting for his return.
"Also, he has missed you a lot!" Shang Qinghua hurriedly added. "So, it wouldn't hurt to tell him you've missed him too!"
This more pleasing suggestion was met with a smile, and Shang Qinghua's politely rigid posture collapsed into a relieved slump.
"Well, good luck, Junshang!" Shang Qinghua said cheerfully, sidling out the door. "I'll tell everyone not to disturb you until dinner time, that is, if you're still here then!"
Binghe's sharp hearing – trained by thousands of monster attacks and an iron will – heard the rapid footsteps of his stressed shishu running away as soon as he had closed the door, but he honestly didn't care what the man did now.
It was well past time to go. He was Persephone predictably returning from the demon realm as the heavens willed, but he was also Hades, the demon king, and it was time to claim his intoxicating beloved. Drawing Xin Mo, he cut a hole in space that led to Qing Jing Peak, specifically, to right outside the bamboo hut. He stepped through, and the crackling portal behind him closed instantly. He sheathed his sword and rapped on the door.
Finally. It took two and a half years, but I'm home.
He adjusted the jade Guanyin pendant around his neck to centre it more perfectly in the triangle of his bare chest a little more, where it would be extra eye-catching and draw attention to his muscular physique. He wasn't wearing Shizun's wonderful, ever-useful sash right now as the battered green belt would clash badly with his outfit. Being seen wearing the pendant would surely be sufficient to let Shizun know that all his gifts had been appreciated. This one wasn't the most useful gift he'd found in that precious qiankun pouch, but it was the most beloved – a precious gift from both his mother, and now also his Shizun. A reminder to always show mercy and compassion to all, even to the one who sent you into hell. A token of remembrance of Guanyin's story where she'd escaped back to the mortal realm, back to her beloved family member who had desperate need of her healing.
Binghe smirked as he waited patiently at the door. Oh yes, I have what you need, Shizun… A wise succubus told me what the cure for Without-A-Cure is, in exchange for a sack full of Passion Fruits I harvested from a perilous glade in the Endless Abyss. My only wish is that you'd asked me for the cure earlier, instead of merely hinting that it was something for me not to speculate about 'at this time'. Well, am I old enough for you now, Shizun?! I thought at first it was my blood you needed to drink, but though it can heal I know now it wasn't that at all.
Hah! A part of Guanyin's body, given freely to her loved one to consume. A cure hidden inside Bai Suzhen's mouth. A liquid rubbed repeatedly onto Achilles' skin. Ariel's first 'kiss' with her true love. A tempting fruit full of seeds. This Emperor is no longer a blushing boy and understands all the messages in your stories now, Shizun! I think you knew what the cure was all along, given the messages in your stories. Your anxious warning against sharing my 'magical healing cock' with a shijie at the conference merely confirmed your foreknowledge for me!
Are you still the lonely lord or lady in a manor bargaining hungrily for kisses? Are you the princess from the sea eager for true love's kiss to free her from her curses? Does my Empress still plan to bed her Emperor to save her life? So many tales told me what you needed, and eventually they all made sense, just as you promised. Your disciple is ready to save you, Shizun. Repeatedly, if necessary! Alright, even if it's not necessary. I shall court you and treasure you, and make you my Empress like you yearned for and foresaw, Shizun…
He froze in sudden panic, patting at the black qiankun sash at his waist, custom-made in blatant imitation of his Shizun's gift. I forgot to pack my best courting snacks! Nooo, the pastries I spent hours baking! I left them cooling on the table in Mobei Jun's palace!
In his panicked regret he would've cut another hole through space in search of his woefully forgotten pastries (stuffed with the rarest and finest fruits), if Ning Yingying hadn't spotted him right at that moment and let out a loud shriek.
"A-Luo!" she yelled, barrelling up to him and wrapping him in a hug. She was smaller than he remembered, no, he was taller. She'd matured and grown while he was gone, but not as much as he had.
"Shizun always said you'd come back one day!"
He hugged her back, inhaling the sweet herbal scent of the hair oil most disciples used on Qing Jing Peak; she smelled like home. "Ning-shijie, it's good to see you again. Of course I came back! Shizun is never wrong. I'm just sorry it took so long. It's so good to see you! Where is Shizun? He isn't answering the door."
"Oh, he'll be in the bamboo grove behind the house, praying at your sword mound, I expect," she replied. "He buried the pieces of Zheng Yang. He… he always refused to listen whenever people said you had no chance of survival after you fell into the Endless Abyss while fighting that horrible ice demon – he swore you'd be back one day. All the same, he mourned you; he does still. He wore white for months and months, and his classes are still a bit of a mess even now he's teaching again. He tries, but he's distracted… like he's lost his soul."
"Oh Shizun," Binghe said softly, his eyes misting up. "Is he well?"
Ning Yingying finally let him free from her tight hug but held his hands instead. She gave them a comforting squeeze as she replied, "He hardly eats, he says he doesn't need to, and can subsist with inedia. He just picks at the food on his trays when we bring him meals. But I think he's healthy enough, apart from that. Mu Qingfang checks on him regularly and brings him medicine, and Liu Qingge is often here to cleanse his meridians."
Binghe nodded. "So, do you see Shang Qinghua on our peak at all? I heard he and Shizun were friends now."
"Ai! Back from the dead for such a short time and you already know the gossip?" she said, with a laugh. "Some say they are courting, but don't worry; those people are wrong. Shang-shishu brings him no gifts, and doesn't even look at him like… well, you know. Like that. They like to talk and share tea and Shizun leaves the peak to help him with a gardening project sometimes! Sometimes they argue – usually about stories they've both read – and Shizun yells at him and hits him on the head with a fan, but they always make up afterwards and it's so good to see Shizun looking alive again instead of just moping! Shizun is usually happier after his visits, so everyone welcomes him here.
"Liu-shishu, on the other hand, is trying to court him and brings rare beasts he's killed to the peak as gifts, but Shizun is either oblivious or disinterested. You know how he is, A-Luo!"
"I do shijie, I just… worried. I've been gone a long time. I would hate to end up a second husband."
I think I'd rather play Hades and steal Shen Qingqiu away than be a second husband to Liu-shishu!
Ning-shijie gave his hands another squeeze. "There's no room in our Shizun's heart for anyone but you, Luo Binghe," she promised quietly. "He has been lost without you. Now, go and find him. I've missed you a lot and don't think I'm not curious about how you managed to escape the Endless Abyss, but we can talk more later."
It was an order he was delighted to follow.
He found Shizun behind the house in one of his favourite nooks of open space in the bamboo grove, kneeling before a simple sword mound and gazing blankly off into the distance. A sign at the mound read, 'Luo Binghe, lost but never forgotten.' A lotus flower was carved onto the sign next to the text.
Binghe's feet crunched on the dry fallen bamboo leaves as he walked slowly forwards. Shizun, it has been so long since I saw you. You look as beautiful as ever. A little thinner, perhaps.
"I don't need any lunch, Ming Fan," his Shizun said, without turning to look. "I'm not hungry."
Binghe took a deep breath; this was it. "Shizun… your Binghe has missed you."
Shizun was so startled by Binghe's greeting that he flailed about as he twisted around too fast to face him, tumbling to the ground in a distinctly ungraceful manner.
Binghe let out a low chuckle and extended his hands to help his Shizun up.
Shizun accepted the help and rose to his feet, then stared at Binghe's face (his demon sigil was of course hidden now, and his eyes brown again) before glancing down at Binghe's triangle of bare chest. His eyes roved up and down Binghe's body, looking at his black and red robes, his Guanyin pendant, and the dark embossed sword sheath at his hip.
Seizing the opportunity to flirt while they were holding hands, Binghe rubbed his thumbs gently over the back of Shizun's hands.
With an embarrassed look his Shizun pulled free of Binghe's grip, smoothed down his robes, and drew out a fan to hide behind.
"Binghe, you're out already?!" Shizun exclaimed. "Well I… welcome home? I hope… I hope you are well?"
"Very well, thanks to you, Shizun," Binghe said. "I would not have escaped the Endless Abyss so quickly without the supplies you gifted me."
"And you found–" his Shizun asked, before cutting himself off with a clearly fake cough. "How did Binghe escape the Endless Abyss?"
"With a legendary weapon I found – the sword Xin Mo," Binghe said, tapping the sheath at his waist and watching his teacher – his beloved – closely as he spoke. "But Shizun, you are not at all surprised to hear about that, are you? Because you already knew the answer. You knew it before I even fell."
Shizun hid his thin face again behind his open fan. It was a new one, jade green with a delicate painting of a pair of white cranes. Binghe didn't like it. Two cranes were often used to symbolize a wish for a long and happy marriage. Was this a courting gift from the obnoxiously persistent Liu-shishu?
"This master has contact with… people who carry gossip about the demon realm, there are rumours about a new, powerful demon's ascension to Emperor, and some of their… your battles. And your sword, obviously. Seeing you, this master put the clues together."
Does Shizun not realise I already know about Shang-shishu's role as a spy? Binghe wondered. Perhaps he hadn't had the freedom or time to talk with Shizun about my planned return. I did arrange it all rather quickly, in the end. It's all besides the point. It's not because of anything that spy might have said that Shizun understands how I escaped the Endless Abyss.
"This disciple notes that you have not denied knowing about it before I entered the Abyss. There was an untold story, one you mentioned but never related to me, about how King Arthur gained a 'remarkable sword' and won his throne. I remembered that, Shizun, when I gained my own throne with Xin Mo at my side. I remember everything you told me."
The fluttering green fan hid almost everything below Shizun's evasive eyes as he replied, "How could I possibly have known about such matters in advance? I was only retelling interesting stories I once read, for your entertainment; it is entirely a coincidence if Binghe drew parallels with his own life. Binghe should forget about discussing such whimsical notions. Instead, please tell this master what your plans are now for the future."
Binghe smiled and dropped that particular line of enquiry, wanting to spare his Shizun from having to lie more directly about his foreknowledge. "The future is an interesting topic. I have given much thought to the workings of fate these past couple of years. I believe that one's fate is not fixed, but instead sets us challenges that may encourage us to push against the boundaries set by heaven. Do you believe that our fates are fixed, Shizun?"
"Well… yes and no. Some events in our lives are fixed by heaven and cannot be escaped no matter how hard we strive to change the stories of our lives. Others can be changed somewhat, or avoided altogether if one is lucky."
"Can Shizun speak of times that fate has been changed?" Binghe asked carefully. "This disciple would like to learn what fate should have been."
His Shizun's eyes danced to the right as he went still and thoughtful.
Ah, it still plagues him then, the watching eye of heaven, Binghe observed to himself.
He'd found nothing in all his journeys and studies in the demonic realms to completely explain it. He had concluded after consulting with the wisest of elders that Shizun most likely either had a bound spirit attached to his soul like a parasite (Meng Mo had not appreciated the comparison to himself), or some god was keeping a careful eye on Shizun. His Shizun might be an incarnation of a heavenly spirit – monitored to ensure he did not speak too openly of the secrets of heaven and the details of men's fates.
Binghe thought it was probably the intervention of heaven that tied his Shizun's tongue, but hoped it was only a spirit, as that would be the easiest to deal with. He had several methods of detecting and exorcising malignant spirits in his qiankun pouch, including powerful seals on ancient yellowing slips of paper, a bottle of cleansing water from a sacred spring, and notes on how to conduct a lengthy exorcism ritual that a demonic insectoid princess had sworn would never fail. She'd still hoped to win him as her husband when she'd shared the information, so Binghe was reasonably confident it was reliable. He would offer Shizun the options later… perhaps while his Shizun was tied up with Immortal-Binding Cables, just in case the spirit fought back. And certainly not because of any other prurient reason. It would be strictly for his Shizun's health and safety!
If none of that worked, and Shizun managed to hint that he would appreciate Binghe's intervention, Binghe stood ready to use Xin Mo to cut a portal and storm the heavenly realm with an army of demons. if his help was both needed and wanted, he would see him freed from heaven's oversight at any cost.
"Some would say that Liu Qingge's fate has changed from what it was," his Shizun said, very slowly, "Some might speculate that he has lived longer than many might expect of the reckless War God of Bai Zhan. That is general gossip, after all. Binghe can surely also think of some examples of how his own life has been changed over the years, and how some events – both good and bad – might seem like they were fated. Let us not speak any more of your own life, however."
Binghe blinked, surprised to hear his shishu's fate raised as a discussion point. What had Shen Qingqiu done to change his shidi's fate? He hinted at something big, something life-saving.
"The invasion of the Cang Qiong Mountain sect, and the fight with Sha Hualing; you delayed Qingge-shishu in Lingxi Caves," Binghe speculated, his mind racing. "He should have arrived first, and then he should have been poisoned with Without-A-Cure, perhaps protecting his sister. He would not have expected a 'cowardly' attack after the demon's defeat. He would have died then, or later on a night hunt, not being willing to live a sedentary life as you were and so falling prey to a qi blockage at a critical moment. You delayed him in the caves somehow so that you arrived first at the battle and bravely took on his fated role, leaving him to arrive so late he could only harry the demons as they fled."
His Shizun's smile peeked out from behind his fan. "Very logical, what a good narrative! Much better than… It would have been a gloriously tragic death. However, it is not quite right. The time is correct, but what if he was never supposed to have a role in the fight? Can Binghe guess again?"
A frozen glance to the side and a wince afterwards said that his Shizun might have been chided by the heavens for those comments, which spoke too obviously of him knowing a man's fate. Shizun was taking more risks with his speech than before Binghe had gone to the Endless Abyss; he wondered why his Shizun was less cautious now.
Binghe straightened up and steepled his fingers in front of his mouth as he thought. He didn't want to let Shizun down! I can figure this out! He's trying so hard to be as open as possible!
"The caves. He was in seclusion, meditating and improving his cultivation," he said, casting his mind back, trying to recall as many details as possible. "When he arrived and was harrying the demons he looked dishevelled and bloody already. I assumed – everyone assumed – he'd fought some demons on the way to the main fight."
He paused for a moment as he thought. His Shizun must have intervened somehow, knowing that his shidi was doomed to die, and wanting to prevent it.
"Either Shizun helped save him on the way to the battlefield, or in the caves themselves. If it was a fight with demons before you arrived, however, Liu-shishu would have arrived with you. He did not, and he never would have wanted to miss such a fight, no matter how angry he was or how injured his body. So, logically, Shizun must have saved his life in the caves beforehand. A qi deviation would explain the mystery of his appearance and his late arrival!" Binghe concluded triumphantly. "You healed him and it left him weak and thus delayed, but it was enough healing to save him from his doomed death either in the caves or at the battle later."
He looked to his Shizun for confirmation, and his teacher lowered his fan to show the look of wonderment and the proud smile dawning on his face.
"This master is most proud of his student," Shizun said.
"You saved him, Shizun, like you saved me."
"Binghe could never have died in the Endless Abyss!" A pained still look to the side hinted again that his Shizun was being warned that such an outburst was inappropriate, even more so than for his last ill-judged comment.
Binghe nodded. "And you knew that was not my fate. Yet you knew I would suffer when you pushed me in."
His teacher's fan fluttered nervously. "Can you forgive this poor master?" he asked.
"Always and forever," Binghe promised gently. "You need not explain further and risk heaven's wrath; this disciple has already learnt enough to forgive you. The qiankun pouch you gifted me to ease my suffering in the Endless Abyss would have been enough of a sign on its own even without your many tales that told me you never truly wished me harm. Also, your final story spoke eloquently of your hope that I would escape back to the mortal realm, and that my return to your side would be most welcome."
He touched the jade Guanyin pendant at his throat meaningfully. "I also understand, from your stories and your gift, the lessons of mercy and forgiveness. Shizun, you did not wish to harm me – even though it was your fate to do so – and you awaited my safe return to you from the Endless Abyss; it was all perfectly clear the longer I thought everything over."
Shizun's long exhaled sigh stuttered with his evident relief, and Binghe thought that his cringing Hamster-shishu might have been right after all; Shizun had still been a little scared that Binghe would be angry at him.
"What do you think my fate is now, Shizun? Any guesses or hints you can safely share? You need not explain anything if you cannot. This one was hoping to either return here or… or to marry, and bring my beloved back to my palace, if the heavens do not object."
"Oh. Well, yes, I am sure Binghe will succeed at whatever he sets his mind to! Any woman would be lucky to have Binghe as her husband. Women, that is. And Binghe is the Demon Emperor now, correct? I expect that will keep you very busy. Does Binghe have someone in mind to court? Unless you have already… you are back very soon, however…" his Shizun said, trailing off and looking thoughtful but not in that special still, blank-faced way.
"I do have a beloved here that I missed very much while I was gone," Luo Binghe purred, taking a step forward and clasping his Shizun's right hand. His beloved wore a touching look of confusion but let Binghe hold his hand, and he politely tucked his fan away in his sleeve so it wasn't in the way. "I missed the chance to kiss them most of all."
"Oh… well I am sure they will be uh… receptive to you. You are a handsome young man now! Binghe doesn't need to worry, your Shizun will support you and certainly not stand in your way!" he said, brightly but nervously.
That doesn't sound right. Is Shizun misunderstanding my meaning?
"Do you believe in the red thread of fate, Shizun? That binds lovers' souls together?"
"I… I imagine it is a true thing. This master has heard stories about it."
Binghe leaned in closer. "Does Shizun believe he has a destined soul mate? Drawn to him against all obstacles, the one perfect person for him among all others who will love and care for him forever?"
"No. It seems… unlikely," Shizun admitted, with a resigned sigh.
Binghe tried approaching the topic from the other direction, hoping for a more promising reply.
"Does Shizun… do you believe that I have such a person? Someone suited to being my Empress, my sole spouse whom I will love and cherish forever?"
"Binghe might not like my answer."
"I would have it anyway, if you are able to share it."
"Then… no. I do not think you do. There are hundreds of women who would leap at the chance to marry you, Emperor Luo Binghe, maybe even thousands. But I do not believe there is one destined to be your sole Empress, treasured above all others."
Binghe's eyes brimmed with tears, and he clutched Shizun's hand tightly, enfolding the delicate fingers with his own larger, warm hands. "You… you don't believe I deserve an Empress? You don't want… you… there is no-one for me?"
"Binghe! No, I didn't mean… you deserve all the good things, my sweet disciple! Anyone you want would be delighted to be with you, I'm sure of it! I just mean… what I'm trying to say – rather badly it appears – is that if you ever chose a single spouse, or an Empress for your harem to be elevated above all other wives and concubines, that it would be your free choice to do so, not the workings of fate."
"Free choice?" Binghe sniffled. Was he too old and tall to cuddle against his Shizun for comfort and get away with it? He decided to try anyway. He leant down to hug his Shizun then buried his head on his shoulder, shifting his hands to wrap around his waist. He was delighted to find his Shizun almost as ready as in years past to stroke his hair comfortingly. He knew it'd been a good idea to leave some of his hair out loose in hopes of garnering some head pats!
"Yes. Binghe can take comfort, if he chooses to, in knowing that whoever he loves in such a special way is the selection of his heart, not the selection of fate. Does Binghe… have a beloved in mind whom he sees as such a special person?"
"I do. Shizun… we kissed twice before I left. So… do you think now I'm older… would my suit be welcome?" he asked shyly, but as directly as he could. His Shizun might need it spelled out more obviously than your average person would. "I have brought many courting gifts, if that is a concern. Worthy gifts! I am prepared to do things properly and make an honest offer of marriage. I have much to offer now! Wealth, status, multiple manors to live in… and above all my endless devotion."
He almost said 'worthier gifts than dead animals' but caught himself in time; he didn't want Shizun to think for a moment about other possible suitors for his hand. He nuzzled into his Shizun's shoulder as he cuddled him tighter.
"Of course your suit would be welcome," Shizun reassured, stroking his hair. "Who would turn you away, Binghe? Only a blind fool."
Binghe lifted his tear-streaked face from Shizun's shoulder, and his broad smile showed all the love and gratitude he felt. His hands stayed on Shizun's waist, holding him close.
His Shizun blushed, looking awkward and adorably shy.
"Shizun… I am so glad you accept," he murmured, and leant in to kiss his beloved on the lips.
Bliss! He'd waited so long for this, and it was everything he'd dreamt of. His beloved's lips were warm and soft, and so exciting to kiss. Shizun let out a startled squeak as Binghe slid his tongue hungrily in between his lips, so Binghe drew back into softer kisses instead. His hands roamed to stroke the lean muscles of his beloved's back, and then back down to clasp him around the waist again, pulling him tight against his eager body.
Shizun squawked again and pulled away, blushing and spluttering. "Binghe… what?! You… me! You were speaking of me? I thought you meant Ning Yingying!"
"Of course I was speaking of you. I have shared kisses with no-one else," Binghe said, a little shocked by his outburst. How could one who knew so much of the future be so surprised?
Ah, of course! He said that us being together isn't the red thread of fate, but a choice. He wasn't sure his interest would be reciprocated.
"When Shizun is ready, I would be happy to cure your poisoning from Without-A-Cure," Binghe murmured, reaching across the new gap between them to stroke his beloved's hair.
Shizun turned his face shyly and fumbled to get his fan back out. "Shameless! This master is managing just fine, thank you." He took a couple more nervous steps backwards, as if fearing Binghe would leap at him at any moment.
Binghe wanted to, but he wouldn't. He grinned at him instead. "You already know what the cure is, then. I knew you would, Shizun."
"I… that is… rumours say you spoke of it to uh… Mobei Jun."
Binghe looked at his beloved indulgently. "There are no such rumours. I spoke of it with no-one but the demoness who told me of the cure my bloodline can offer for a multitude of poisons. And I swore her to silence after our bargaining was concluded."
"I can't believe it," Shizun said faintly. "You like women, not old men like me. What about your harem? What about Ning Yingying and Liu Mingyan?"
"Ning Yingying is a good friend, nothing more. She supports my courtship of you, Shizun. She always has. I barely know Liu Mingyan, though I believe she is friends with my shijie – or was a couple of years ago."
Shizun's mouth was opening and closing like a fish. On anyone else it would look silly. On his Shizun it looked adorably cute.
"There will be no harem. Shizun, you laid claim to the role of Empress before this one was even crowned, how could you think I would snatch that from you to offer the role to anyone else? Do you not know how I cherish you? Do not be afraid, I learnt your lessons and I will be a most faithful spouse."
"…And they lived happily ever after," Shizun murmured faintly.
"I am sure we will, beloved," Binghe agreed, pulling Shizun back into his embrace where he belonged.