Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

It was late at night, the moon hung beautifully in the dark blue sky, partially hidden by the clouds. The wind was chilly, but inside the cosy room in the Shen manor was warm. Comfortable even. The silence lingering in the hallways only being broken by the rustling leaves outside in the garden and the gentle sounds of footsteps echoing through the corridor.  

Shen Jiu calmly walked, a small candlestick in one hand lighting the way, his face being illuminated by a soft, gentle glow. His steps slowed down as he reached a door. 

“A-Yuan,” he lightly knocked on the wooden surface, “are you still awake?” 

“Gege, come in,” a gentle voice replied. 

Shen Jiu opened the door and stepped inside the room, closing the door behind him. Shen Yuan was looking at him with a small smile drawn on his lips. Shen Jiu went to him, placing the candlestick on the table Shen Yuan sat. 

“It’s late, what are you doing?” Shen Jiu sat beside his brother. They had been busy for the whole day, since it their 10th birthday, and they also had the celebration in the evening. 

“I’m reading this book I got today. This story is so entertaining I couldn’t stop,” Shen Yuan gave him a bashful smile. In the candle light, it gave his cheeks a soft, golden hue. “I promise I was going to sleep after I finished this chapter.” 

Shen Jiu hmphed. “Right. Last time you slept on top of the table.” 

Shen Yuan only shook his head in amusement, only slightly embarrassed about it. “You’re also awake.” 

“... I knew you wouldn’t be asleep, so I came,” at Shen Yuan’s raised eyebrow, Shen Jiu lightly coughed. “What book are you reading?” 

Shen Yuan beamed at him and started telling the whole story until the chapter he was in. Shen Jiu silently leaned in closer to Shen Yuan, and they started reading together. For long minutes, the only sound in the room was of the pages being turned every now and then and the soft breaths of the two brothers. 

After a few more minutes, Shen Jiu yawned, he could already feel sleep crawling at his back. Feeling it was already too late and that they should really go to bed, Shen Jiu turned his head to say as much. But then, just as he opened his mouth to speak, a piercing shout cut in the silence surrounding them. 

Both brothers stared at each other with wide eyes. Then, another desperate cry was heard again, prompting their hearts to quicken. 

“Gege, what was that?” 

“I don’t know,” faintly, they could hear the sound of a window being broken. “We should stay here.” 

“But-!” 

“No ‘but’! It’s safer for us to stay here.” 

Shen Yuan bit his lip, book already forgotten. For the next few minutes nothing more was heard, and the eerie silence only made fear shiver up their spines. 

“We should go check,” Shen Yuan whispered. 

Shen Jiu told him to stay there and slowly went to the door. He pressed his ear to it, but he couldn’t hear anything. 

“It’s silent.” 

“Gege, we should go check,” Shen Yuan got up and took his brother's hands in his. 

“A-Yuan, if something happened it’d be too dangerous to go.” 

Then, the sound of running footsteps was heard approaching the door, and before they knew it, the door was pushed open. A maid entered the room, looking scared and breathing heavily. 

“Ning-Jie?” Shen Yuan asked. “What happened?” 

“There’s an assassin outside!” she cried. 

“An assassin?!” Shen Jiu stood in front of Shen Yuan protectively. 

The maid nodded. “Come, it’s not safe here.” 

“What about diedie and a-niang?” Shen Yuan asked, gripping Shen Jiu’s hands tighter. “Where are they?” 

“The master and madam are alright. I was sent here to take you two,” the maid explained. “The guards are already taking care of the intruder, but we should hurry!” 

The twins shared a look and agreed to follow the maid. As they made their way through the manor corridors, shivers ran up and down their spines. It was dark and strangely silent. The manor was giant, yet they still had not encountered any other servant on their way. If there was an assassin inside their house, shouldn’t everyone be more frantic and scared? But aside from the earlier screams they heard nothing more. 

“Gege...” Shen Yuan leaned in to whisper in his ear. “I’m scared. Where is she taking us?” 

Shen Jiu frowned. They had passed by many rooms, all of them with the doors closed. The maid was taking them to the gardens on the back of the mansion, it seemed. Hadn’t the screams come from that direction? 

She was strangely silent too. A moment ago, she entered their room in disarray, and now she seemed already calm and composed. Too weird. 

Shen Jiu was about to speak, but then something caught his attention. A broken window. They heard the sound of a window being broken, was this from where the intruder had entered? 

He paused in his steps, tightly holding Shen Yuan close to him. 

“A-Yuan, we should go back,” he whispered. 

But then, the maid turned around. At that moment, the pair of brothers started running. She yelled at them to come back and chased after them. They heard the sound of people running and went that direction. Shen Jiu and Shen Yuan managed to reach the main living room, where there were lots of servants desperately running about, none of which seemed to notice them. 

And fire. 

The manor was on fire! 

“Caught you!” the maid forcefully gripped their arms. “Don’t try to run away, you pests!” 

“Let us go!” Shen Yuan shouted. “Hey! Somebody help!” 

“Shut up!” 

The mansion was catching fire, none of the servants paid them any attention, too busy trying to flee away from there. The maid started to drag them back, but the fire was spreading too fast. 

A piece of wood fell, almost hitting her. Shen Jiu took that moment to break free of her hold and ran, pulling Shen Yuan along. 

The smoke was becoming more and more dense, preventing them from seeing clearly where they were going. It was rapidly becoming difficult to breathe. 

“Gege...” Shen Yuan started coughing. 

Shen Jiu continued to pull Shen Yuan, trying to find a way to escape. He managed to find an empty room, still not consumed by the fire and entered. The smoke there was less, allowing them to breathe a little. Shen Jiu quickly opened the window. Luckly, they weren’t too high from the ground. 

“A-Yuan, come,” Shen Jiu said. “We’ll have to jump.” 

“Jump?” his words were interrupted by a fit of coughing. 

“I’ll help you go first.” 

After jumping down the window, the two resumed running away. They were somewhere in their vast garden, and the more they distanced themselves from there, the more they could see the house where they grew up entirely being consumed by flames. Dark smoke rising up and vanishing high up in the sky. 

“There! The young masters!” 

“Yuan-er! Jiu-er!” 

As they reached the gates, a tall man ran up to them, taking them both in a hug. 

“Oh, thank gods! Quick, let’s get them out of here!” 

The twin brothers, being taken by exhaustion, soon fell asleep after being put inside a carriage. 

11 years later.  

Shen Jiu watched, from the reflection of the mirror in front of him, the deft hands of a man lightly playing with his hair. The man had a smirk on his lips, a leisurely expression showing on his face. His long fingers caressed the ends of Shen Jiu’s dark strands of hair, and he had to supress a shiver from running down his spine. 

“As soon as we return, it won’t take long for the coronation preparations to begin,” the man continued speaking. “News of the heirs’ return are already spreading through the town; we’ll have to be careful.” 

The tall man picked a hair accessory from Shen Jiu’s hair and put it on the dressing table. In an instant, long, ink black strands of hair fell lose around slender shoulders. 

“A-Jiu,” the man said in a velvet tone, leaning down to speak in his ears. Their eyes met in the reflection of the mirror. “I’ve been waiting so long for this moment to come. You will not disappoint me, will you?” 

Shen Jiu turned his head, staring at the man’s eyes and lacing his arms around his shoulder. 

“I won’t,” Shen Jiu said with determination in voice. “You know I'd do anything for you, that my loyalty belongs to only you... Bingge.” 

“Good,” Luo Bingge leaned back, prying Shen Jiu’s hands off himself and gave him another smirk, full of hidden intentions. “Have a goodnight, A-Jiu.” 

Shen Jiu kept his gaze on the back of the retreating man until he could no longer see him after the door closed. His heart squeezed painfully inside his chest, but he only shut his eyes, long accustomed to the pain. 

“Good night, Bingge.” 

In the morning, as soon as the sun rose in the sky, Shen Jiu entered the carriage that would take him back to the Shen manor. 

After the assassination attempt, the twins were sent to live in separate families for their own safety. Shen Yuan went to live with their eldest cousin, in Qing Jing estate, while Shen Jiu was sent to live far away, at the Luo estate. 

The Luo family came from a long history of wealth and power, their imperial heritage much longer than the Shen family. The Luo family resided in another country, but such was their power, that they also had an estate here. The Luo manor in Cang Qiong country was taken care of by Luo Bingge, the second young master of the Luo family. 

The Shen and Luo families weren’t friends, but they were in good terms. Having good relations to rich and powerful people was always good, according to his father. 

Living in the Luo manor wasn’t bad, Shen Jiu thought. He was taken care of very well there, monthly receiving his brother’s letters and his father’s allowance. The only thing which made his heart suffer was the master of the manor, Luo Bingge. 

Shen Jiu was young when he was suddenly separated from his brother, no wonder he’d feel sad. But Luo Bingge had given console to him. As he grew up, Luo Bingge was a constant in his life, always by his side, one way or another pampering him – how could Shen Jiu not fall for him? 

But the moment he realised what his feelings were for the other, Luo Bingge had changed. No longer were his hugs warm and comforting. No longer did he smile at Shen Jiu like he meant something to him. No longer did he take Shen Jiu’s hands gently in his. 

Still, it seemed as if nothing had changed. It confused Shen Jiu, it hurt him to know he meant nothing to Luo Bingge. But what else could he do but remain by his side? 

The ride was long and tiring, but finally, they had arrived at the Shen estate. 

Luo Bingge helped him get off of the carriage, but let his hands go before Shen Jiu could properly feel his touch. 

“Jiu-er! How have you grown!” a tall man received them with a warm smile, taking Shen Jiu’s hands in his. “You look just like your brother! Amazing how you both have grown so much alike!” 

“Eldest cousin,” Shen Jiu calmly answered the man. 

“So much formality!” Yue Qingyuan laughed, letting go of his hands and beckoning them to enter. “Second Lord Luo, welcome. Come in! We arrived some minutes ago, Yuan-er is waiting.” 

The manor had been rebuilt but it still looked the same as Shen Jiu remembered. 

They were directed to a tea room by Yue Qingyuan. As soon as he entered, Shen Jiu’s eyes fell on the young man sitting on the sofa, position straight, calmly sipping tea, with the features so alike his own. How could Shen Jiu not recognise him, even after years spent apart? 

Shen Yuan lifted his gaze when he saw the door opening, and his expression broke into a smile. Shen Jiu’s stomach churned. 

“Gege!” he quickly got up and ran to Shen Jiu, hugging him tight, burying his face in his neck. “I missed you so, so much!” 

They’ve spent years apart, this was supposed to be a happy reunion most awaited by Shen Jiu, he had always doted upon Shen Yuan after all. But at that moment, Shen Jiu felt conflicted. His heartbeat was fast, but he was sure it wasn’t due to seeing his brother. 

“I missed you too, A-Yuan,” Shen Jiu hugged him back, smelling his scent. “I missed you every day.” 

“Me too,” Shen Yuan leaned back and smiled at him. Then, as if just noticing the presence beside him, he asked, “And you are...” 

“Pardon my impoliteness, second young master Shen,” Luo Bingge took one of Shen Yuan’s hand and bowed. “I’m Luo Bingge.” 

Understanding finally dawned upon Shen Yuan. He nodded his head, “I see. So you’re Binghe’s brother, sorry for not recognising earlier. Thank you for taking care of gege these past years.” 

It didn’t go unnoticed by Shen Jiu the way his brother so familiarly said Lord Luo’s name. 

“Don’t apologise. It was my pleasure having A-Jiu in my household.” 

Shen Yuan nodded, but Shen Jiu could see a slight suspicion in his eyes. Nonetheless, it didn’t take long for the pair of brothers to sit and talk endlessly over tea. They wrote letters to one another frequently, but having the other there, by their side, in person, was much better. 

They spent the whole day with each other. After dinner, Shen Yuan took Shen Jiu to a walk in the gardens, just the two of them. 

“Remember when we’d play hide and seek here?” Shen Yuan said. 

“I do,” Shen Jiu snorted. “You always lost, but always implored to me to let you win.” 

Shen Yuan giggled a little. They sat in a bench in the middle of the rose bushes. The wind was cool on their skin, and the memories of their shared childhood came one after another to Shen Jiu, making him smile at them. 

“Gege...” Shen Yuan started quietly. “You... how have you been these years?” 

“You already asked me this. I said I was fine.” 

“No, I mean... you were taken care of well, yes?” Shen Yuan hesitated briefly. “By the servants, and... second lord Luo?” 

“I was,” Shen Jiu frowned. “Why ask this all of a sudden?” 

“Just curiosity,” Shen Yuan waved his hand dismissively. “I wanted to make sure you were happy.” 

“Were you?” 

Shen Yuan bit his lower lip, thinking, and Shen Jiu could see the pink of a blush rising on his brother’s cheeks. “I was. I am. I missed you every day, but my stay there was very pleasant.” 

Shen Jiu could see Shen Yuan had more to say, so he didn’t reply and waited as his brother gattered his thoughts. Eventually, Shen Yuan spoke again. 

“Tomorrow, there’ll be a banquet.” 

Yes, Shen Jiu knew. Rich and important people were invited to celebrate the return of the only heirs of the Shen family. 

“The Luo family will also be present.” 

Yes, Shen Jiu also knew this. Luo Bingge had already informed him his family would be back here. 

“And, there’ll also be an announcement.” 

Shen Jiu frowned again. “What kind of announcement?” 

“An... engagement announcement.” 

“Of whom?” Shen Jiu didn’t like where this conversation was going. When he saw the blush on Shen Yuan’s cheeks grow even redder, he already knew he wasn’t going to like the answer. 

“... of Lord Luo and the second young master of the Shen family.” 

“What?!” Shen Jiu almost spat out blood. “Why?! How did this even happen without my knowledge!” 

“Gege, calm down-” 

“How can I?!” he got up and started pacing around before stopping to glare at Shen Yuan.  “Tell them to cancel the engagement now!” 

“What- gege, no!” 

“Why not?! You can’t marry Lord Luo! That wasn’t-” That wasn’t supposed to happen. That wasn’t the plan. “ Whose idea was it? Was it Lord Luo-” 

“No. I mean yes,” Shen Yuan took Shen Jiu’s hands in his, looking into his eyes, trying to calm him. “He’s the one who asked, I was the one who accepted.” 

Shen Jiu couldn't believe it. 

“Why did you accept?” he asked bitterly. 

“We met a few years ago, after he just returned to the family and claimed back his position as the heir,” Shen Yuan began explaining. “He was invited by eldest cousin to have dinner, and we happened to get acquainted with each other. After he went back to his country, we began exchanging letters. Last year, he made his intentions to court me clearly. I accepted.” 

“A-Yuan,” Shen Jiu sighed and sat back beside Shen Yuan. “You never told me any of that.” 

“Because I knew you’d get like this. Also, because the political situation wasn’t good, I didn't know if it was safe for other people to know about it; I feared someone could steal our letters.” 

“A-Yuan, you have to cancel the engagement.” 

Shen Yuan sighed exasperatedly. “Gege, I know you don’t like the idea, but Binghe is very good to me. You’ve always been overprotective, but once you meet him, I’m sure you’ll like him.” 

“No, I'm serious, A-Yuan. It isn’t because of me, it’s because-” Shen Jiu breathed in deep. “Listen, Lord Luo just came back, his position as heir is very powerful and he’s soon to inherit everything his family owns, even the country. How can marrying him be any good?” 

Shen Yuan didn’t answer, turning to look at the grass by their feet. 

“The politicians of his country want to bring the monarchy back; the politicians here don’t. Things are already bad, what do you think will happen once you marry him?” Shen Jiu continued. “It’ll just be like unifying our families, resulting in the politicians successfully bringing the monarchy back, dissatisfying many people.” 

“What’s bad about it?” Shen Yuan asked, with a huff. “Those politicians can do whatever they want, it has nothing to do with me. I don’t care about it.” 

“You’re the heir! How can you just not care ?!” 

“Gege! You’re also the heir! The eldest even! Why should it matter if I marry Binghe, won’t you be the one to inherit everything in the end?” 

Technically, it was supposed to be like this. Shen Jiu was the eldest brother, naturally, he’d be the first heir, but things changed years ago, when they were almost killed. 

Some politicians wanted to bring the monarchy back, many of the richest families also liked the idea. Since the Shen family was the direct descendant of the last Emperor, they’d be the ones to rule. Except, the country was divided by opinions back then, and after the assassination attempt, things died down a little. But now, Shen Jiu and Shen Yuan had grown up, and were expected to inherit their family name, that’s the only reason they came back. 

There would be nothing wrong if Shen Yuan were to marry and leave the country, but he was going to marry Lord Luo! Luo Bingge’s eldest brother! The one who took Bingge’s power. 

Shen Jiu lived with Luo Bingge, he could see the envy he felt when suddenly, he wasn’t the first heir anymore. Luo Bingge wanted to have his power back. That’s the only reason Shen Jiu mattered to him. He was Bingge’s way to help him reclaim what originally belonged to only him. 

So, even if Shen Jiu was the eldest, as soon as Shen Yuan married with Luo Binghe, both families would be united, both countries would become one whole nation. Luo Binghe would become the Emperor, and Luo Bingge would be left with nothing. 

“A-Yuan, you know it’s not that simple. Just cancel the engagement. And cut contact with him.” 

“Gege, I know you care for me. I always listened to you, but this... I’m sorry. I love Binghe with all my heart, I won’t be apart from him. If you cannot accept it then I can only be sorry.” 

Shen Jiu got up and walked away without saying a word. 

The next morning, at the breakfast table, the tension between the twin brothers were almost palpable. If Yue Qingyuan noticed anything, he didn’t show it. Shen Jiu remained in silence and didn’t spare a look at his brother, who seemingly wanted to talk to him, but not daring to. 

Shen Jiu could feel the weight of his stare, and the purple bruise in his cheek stinged more. Yue Qingyuan had asked him about it earlier, but Shen Jiu just dismissed it, saying it was an accident. 

“Gege,” Shen Yuan softly said after he sat on the table. “What happened to your face?” 

“They’re what?!” Luo Bingge yelled.  

“Engaged,” Shen Jiu answered.  

Just before he went to sleep, Luo Bingge paid a visit to his room, as he always would. Shen Jiu knew all he wanted was to ask about his brother, and mentally prepared himself to the reaction he would receive from Luo Bingge.  

“Why?!” he stared furiously at Shen Jiu, a menacing stare glinting in his eyes. “Shen Jiu, tell me, how did my brother get engaged to Shen Yuan?!”  

“I don’t know. Lord Luo is your brother, I thought you should’ve already at least known they knew each other.”  

“Tell your brother to cancel this fucking engagement,” Luo Bingge hissed.  

“I already told him to. He refused.”  

Slap!  

He felt a sharp pain bloom in his cheek as he fell to the floor.  

“Useless!” Luo Bingge roared.  

Shen Jiu slowly lifted a hand at his cheek, it stung painfully and his chest tightened. He watched from the floor as Luo Bingge paced around the room, throwing curses at both their brothers, fuming with rage. Then he stopped and turned to Shen Jiu.  

“A-Jiu, we can’t let them marry each other.”  

Luo Bingge crouched down and gently placed both his hands on Shen Jiu’s face, speaking with a velvety voice. He swiped his thumb at the tears gathered in the corner of Shen Jiu’s eyes.  

“Think of all these years we’ve spent together, planning our future. If our brothers were to marry, wouldn’t it all be for nothing?” his breath was hot, and Shen Jiu found himself wanting to swallow it all. “We can’t risk letting them separate us, A-Jiu. We have to do something.”  

Shen Jiu shakily breathed in, nodded his head and leaned in, relishing in the warmth coming from Luo Bingge’s chest.  

“Nothing,” Shen Jiu answered. His gaze remained glued to his plate. 

“It’s purple,” Shen Yuan continued. “And it isn't small. It must hurt.” 

“I told you it was nothing!” 

Shen Yuan blinked at him, barely able to contain his fingers from flinching. His brother had never – never– raised his voice at him. He took a quick glance at Luo Bingge, who was sitting beside his brother. He said nothing more and finished his food. 

“Binghe!” Shen Yuan smiled at the young man who just arrived at the manor. 

“A-Yuan!” The first young master of the Luo family quickly walked over to Shen Yuan, trapping him in between his arms, nosing his hair. “A-Yuan, I missed you so much!” 

“Binghe,” Shen Yuan lightly patted his hair. “Behave yourself.” 

Luo Binghe reluctantly let go of Shen Yuan, but he maintained his arms around his waist. He turned to Yue Qingyuan with a polite smile. 

“Master Yue, thanks for receiving me.” 

“Lord Luo, please no need for formalities. You’ll soon be joining our family, feel free to address me more freely.” 

“Much thanks, eldest cousin.” 

After Yue Qingyuan directed them to a tea room, he said he had some business to attend to regarding tonight’s banquet, and excused himself. When they were left alone, Luo Binghe didn’t waste time in snuggling to Shen Yuan, taking him in his arms and pressing kisses whenever he could reach. 

“Binghe!” Shen Yuan giggled, trying, and failing, to separated himself from his sticky fiancé. “Someone could enter and see us!” 

“Let them see,” Luo Binghe kissed his jaw. “Soon, the whole country will know you are mine.” 

Shen Yuan let out an exasperated huff, but any word he had to say was engulfed by his lover’s mouth. Any protest he had was swallowed by lips hungrily taking his. After they parted, Shen Yuan was gasping for air. Luo Binghe was staring intently at him, greedily swallowing his breaths. 

“I missed you so much.” 

“It’s been a month at most since we last saw each other, Binghe.” 

“Even a few hours apart from you is torturous,” Luo Binghe declared. 

Shen Yuan felt blood rising to his face and he gave his fiancé a quick kiss, buring his face in the other’s embrace, also stating, “I missed you too.” 

They traded more kisses, until Shen Yuan placed a finger on Luo Binghe’s lips, momentarily stopping him from leaning in and stealing another kiss. 

“A-Yuan,” he whined. 

“Binghe, behave,” Shen Yuan gave him what he hoped was a stern look. He opened his mouth to speak, but he didn’t know how to begin. His brows furrowed. 

Luo Binghe noticed his hesitation and started caressing his waist. “A-Yuan, what is it?” 

“I... you know my brother also returned, right?” 

Luo Binghe nodded. 

“He... didn’t accept the news of our engagement,” he said, slowly, as if to gather his thoughts. “... he seemed really reluctant about it.” 

The fingers lightly caressing his waist stopped and tightened. 

“Binghe...?” 

“A-Yuan, you aren’t thinking of cancelling our wedding, are you?” Luo Binghe drew in a sharp breath. “I won’t let it! I’ll talk to your brother-” 

“Binghe, calm down,” Shen Yuan patted his hair before taking his face in his hands, softly caressing the skin there. “I won’t cancel it. It’s just... I feel as if he’s different.” 

They had grown up apart after all, it’s no wonder to feel as if the other had changed. But Shen Yuan could feel something was up. His intuition was gnawing inside of him, telling him repeatedly that something was wrong . Even if he didn’t know his brother anymore, he felt it in his bones. 

“How so?” Luo Binghe tilted his head, briefly kissing Shen Yuan’s palm. 

“It felt to me as if the problem with our marriage to him, was because he’s interested in the politics, something he’s never been before. Just today at breakfast, he appeared with a bruise on his face and refused to tell me what happened.” 

“Someone hit him?” 

“That’s the probable answer. But gege has never been someone who let others hit him so easily. He’d fight back,” Shen Yuan shook his head, defeated. “But who would dare hit my brother? Knowing him, he’d had already raised hell about it.” 

Luo Binghe could see some hesitance left in Shen Yuan, so he encouraged him to continue speaking. 

“At dinner yesterday, I kept trying to talk to him. But whenever we’d reach the subject of politics or even himself, your brother was quick to speak for him. And gege simply let him,” Shen Yuan sighed, leaning into Luo Binghe. “Your brother almost seemed to be concealing something.” 

“He probably is,” Luo Binghe said. “But no matter what, I won’t let he do my A-Yuan any harm.” 

Shen Yuan placed a gentle kiss on his neck. “I’m just worried for my brother.” 

Light music drifted in the air, mostly being drowned by the sound of chatter and polite greetings. The parlour of the Shen manor was giant, able to accommodate all the guests comfortably. A big and extravagant candelabrum hung in the middle of the salon, where some couples had taken to dancing. Standing close to the table where a variety of food was displayed, were some politicians laughing. 

Shen Jiu watched the party from the second floor, not finding in himself the desire to be down there, yet he knew he had to. He was dressed in his most extravagant set of robes, gifted to him by Luo Bingge himself. The shades of dark green and blue highlighted the drawings of exquisite flowers sewed into the cloth. The dark hues were a contrast to the white he wore underneath. Luo Bingge had also combed his hair, securing the dark strands that framed his face with a silver hairpin, which had exotic images carved onto the piece. 

Shen Jiu found it glinted eerily in the light. 

His sharp eyes flitted around until they fell on the figure of his younger brother. Shen Yuan was wearing fancy light green robes, engraving of lotus flowers etched onto silky sleeves and the back. His long hair was partially held up by a beautiful and delicate jade hairpin. The arm around his waist belonged to a tall, handsome man, whose appearance Shen Jiu recognized too well. Lord Luo had his hair up in a ponytail, a glinting crown holding his curly locks. The black and red of his robes had silver engravings on the fancy-looking cloth. 

The pair was talking to Yue Qingyuan. Close to them, Shen Jiu spotted handsome dark eyes and a devilish smirk belonging to a tall man dressed in black and silver. His appearance might be similar to his brother’s, but Shen Jiu couldn’t help but marvel at how different they were. Luo Bingge’s eyes held deep ambition, hatred, envy. 

He took his time in walking down the stairs, stopping briefly to greet some guests who came to him. When he finally reached them, Shen Yuan was the first to notice him, turning around and giving him a smile. 

“Gege, I believe you still were not presented to each other,” his brother said, leaning a little into the arms holding him. “This is Lord Luo, Luo Binghe. Binghe, this my brother, Shen Jiu.” 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jiu-ge,” Luo Binghe smiled at him. 

“I wish I could say the same,” Shen Jiu bitterly replied. “And do not address me so casually.” 

“I’m sorry,” Luo Binghe apologised. 

Shen Yuan sent a glare his way, but he ignored. A cold shiver ran up his spine when he felt Luo Bingge stepping close to him, his hand pressing his lower back. His cheek seemed to sting again, the purple hue concealed under make up. 

“A-Jiu finally decided to join us,” Luo Bingge said. Shen Jiu could feel the ghost of his breath brush his ear. “It’s amazing how much alike you two are. Even Luo Binghe and I don’t look so similar,” Luo Bingge eyed the couple in front of him with a glint in his eyes that could only be described as dangerous. “Your beauty surely is heavenly. It matches the rumours I heard.” 

“People often speak nonsense, second young master Luo,” Shen Yuan said, with an elegance truly befitting an heir as he light fanned himself with a delicate fan. “I wouldn’t pay the townsfolk gossip much mind.” 

“Not nonsense. I have the proof of such beauty right in front of my eyes.” 

Shen Jiu saw Luo Binghe’s eyes narrowing and his hand on Shen Yuan’s waist minutely tightening. Luo Bingge stared a second longer at Shen Yuan, before carelessly pulling Shen Jiu closer to him. 

“And I also have one of those beauties in my arms.” 

Luo Binghe had asked Shen Yuan to dance, stretching his hand for him to take. He beamed brightly when Shen Yuan accepted, graceful in his actions as he was being guided to the centre of the parlour by his fiancé. 

A moment later, Luo Bingge also asked him to dance. Shen Jiu didn’t want to accept, he was content with just watching, but Bingge’s outstretched hand towards himself was too inviting to not take. Bitting his lip, Shen Jiu accepted and followed Luo Bingge, heart quickening with each step they took. 

Shen Jiu chose to stay as close as possible to Luo Bingge. His eyes only stared up at the man before him, following the lines and features of his expression, engraving them to his memories once again. Whenever Luo Bingge’s hands touched him, he felt his entire body warm up, making his fingers itch to hold the other man closer and never let go. Everything surrounding them seemed to fade away as Shen Jiu could only focus his attention and devotion to the man in front of him. 

But Luo Bingge’s eyes didn’t meet his, instead, flying away to gaze at his brother. Shen Jiu felt his heart burn. 

The music stopped, and another began. The people started changing partners, falling into the rhythm of the melody being played. Luo Bingge was quick to leave Shen Jiu and take Shen Yuan to dance with him, leaving the oldest twin swallowing the lump in his throat. 

Luo Binghe approached him, almost hesitantly. “Young master Shen, would you like to dance?” by the sour look marring his face, Lord Luo seemed just as irked and sad about the change in partners as Shen Jiu. 

“I’m tired,” Shen Jiu said crudely. He turned around without waiting for a response and walked away. 

Shen Yuan was reluctant to go with Luo Bingge, but accepted as he was whisked away to dance. 

“I wonder when second young master Shen got so acquainted with my brother,” Luo Bingge casually said as he spun Shen Yuan. “I heard there’ll be a wedding soon?” 

“We met just after he came back.” 

“Oh? I’ve never heard about your courtship with him until just now. Why my brother concealed such a thing from me?” 

“Perhaps you should ask him that,” Shen Yuan eyed him carefully. “But I also wonder, why had my brother never mentioned you two had such a... close relationship.” 

“You think we are close to each other?” Luo Bingge raised an eyebrow, amused. 

“It is clear by the way you stand so comfortable in my brother’s space,” Shen Yuan stared at him. “And also has his consent for touching him.” 

Luo Bingge let out a laugh, tugging Shen Yuan closer to his body. “Is that so? Second young master Shen is perceptive,” he leaned in to whisper in his ear, “but you’d be surprised to see how close we actually are... after all, I was the only one to comfort him as he grew up.” 

Shen Yuan forcibly pushed Luo Bingge away, a frown in his eyebrows. “Second young master Luo should know to keep his distance,” he turned away to leave. “Thank you for dancing with me, I'll find my fiancé now.” 

“Ah, lord Luo, the future Emperor?” Luo Bingge said raising his voice a little, but still low enough so only they could hear, making Shen Yuan stop. “I look forward to the wedding between the heirs.” 

Shen Yuan didn’t deign that an answer and continued to walk away, waltzing in between the people dancing, to find his soon-to-be husband. 

After the announcement of the engagement between Lord Luo and the second young master Shen, Yue Qingyuan had also briefly commented about the intention of bringing the monarchy back, which many of the politicians present nodded their heads in agreement. Come morning, news of the engagement and the new monarchy would reach the towns, creating a small chaos as gossip travelled far and back in the mouths of people. 

The guests went to congratulate the couple, expressing well wishes and good luck. Shen Jiu watched the happiness drawn on his brother’s and future brother-in-law's face, and a twinge of sharp pain grew in his chest, like thin needles piercing his flesh. 

Envy burned in his eyes. 

Luo Bingge, standing beside Shen Jiu, smiled at the couple. He lifted his hand and placed his fingers on Shen Jiu’s cheek, very lightly caressing his skin. 

“Everything is perfect now,” he whispered. “Let them enjoy while it lasts. The imperial court isn’t made of love, but power.” 

A week after the announcements were made, the people everywhere had yet to stop talking about it. None of the heirs could take a step outside the manor, for the townsfolk would readily intercept and bombard them with questions. Thus, they were ordered to stay indoors. 

“I want to take a walk outside!” Shen Yuan exclaimed. He was currently sitting in a table at the gardens close to the small pond, where there were lotus flowers, and bamboo surrounded the scenery. “It’s been so long since I last went to the market.” 

“What does A-Yuan want from there?” Luo Binghe asked as he poured Shen Yuan another cup of tea. “I’ll have the servants go get it for you.” 

“Nothing in particular, Binghe,” Shen Yuan took the tea cup and patted Luo Binghe’s head before continuing. “I just miss wandering around.” 

“Idly spending time, you mean,” Shen Jiu retorted. “If you have nothing better to do go read a book.” 

“I want fresh air.” 

“We are in a garden.” 

“I want the town’s fresh air.” 

Shen Jiu scoffed. How could wandering around through a street bustling with people shouting and children running be considered ‘fresh air’? How could it compare to sitting comfortably in a quiet garden, away from a crowd of people? 

He turned his gaze to the porch, where Luo Bingge sat in a sofa, quietly observing them and sipping tea. His heart did a flip upon meeting the other’s intense stare, but he found himself unable to turn away. He felt lonely. Ever since the banquet, Luo Bingge hadn’t once come into his room in the night. Before he returned, it was routine for Luo Bingge to slip into his room after dusk had long fallen. 

Shen Jiu felt his whole body ache with longing, along with his thumping heart. 

“... can’t go.” 

Shen Jiu was pulled back from his thoughts by Shen Yuan not quite whining to Luo Binghe. 

“But Binghe, it’ll be just for a little bit,” his brother tried to bargain. It almost baffled him to see Shen Yuan was basically pouting. “I was taught the sword arts; I can protect myself if need be.” 

“The town’s market is always full, if A-Yuan goes, you’ll surely be noticed,” Luo Binghe tried to placate him in a soft voice. “Just wait. After we’re married, you’ll be able to walk in any market you want, even have one built in our house.” 

Shen Yuan lightly laughed, patting Luo Binghe on the head. “There’s no need to a market in our yard, Binghe. But I appreciate it.” 

Seeing the sadness in his lover’s eyes, Luo Binghe couldn't bear it. Shen Jiu knew Shen Yuan was only acting spoiled, he has been pampered his whole life, but Luo Binghe, apparently too soft to be the son of Tianlang-Jun, couldn’t resist it. 

“What if we took a walk outside the town?” he suggested. “Close to the manor, but away from the town, that way people won’t see us.” 

“Binghe, you’re so smart!” Shen Yuan patted his head again, very briefly leaning in stealing a kiss. “Let’s talk to eldest cousin and ask for permission.” 

Shen Jiu saw the way Luo Binghe beamed at the praise, smiling affectionately. The act was so foreign to him that even if both Luo twins had similar appearances, Shen Jiu couldn’t see Luo Bingge flashing a smile like that at all, full of honesty. 

Actually, he couldn't even imagine Luo Bingge flashing a smile like that at himself.  

Shen Jiu bid his brother and future brother-in-law goodbye as they mounted on their horses and made their way outside the gates of the manor. 

“Come back before nightfall,” Yue Qingyuan had said before their departure. 

Now, Shen Jiu sat alone in the tea room, finding the tea far too bitter to drink it. His mind supplied him with the memories of earlier, when Luo Binghe was helping Shen Yuan mount his horse. He held Shen Yuan’s hands so carefully, so gently, his gaze unblinking, full of devotion. Worse still, was the way Shen Yuan returned the soft, loving gazes at him, just as enamoured as Luo Binghe. 

Shen Jiu wanted to puke. 

He chewed on his lower lip. The room was gradually becoming engulfed in the colours of the approaching dusk, Luo Binghe and Shen Yuan should be arriving any minute now. It’s been almost a whole day, and Shen Jiu didn’t see Luo Bingge after their brief moment in the gardens earlier. 

“A-Jiu, what are you doing here alone?” the door of the room was opened. 

Speak of the devil. 

“I’m having a cup of tea before dinner.” 

Luo Bingge stood close to him, eyeing the jade cup still full. “I see. Would you like to accompany me in a game of weiqi?” 

Shen Jiu was taught how to play shortly after he moved in the Luo estate. Luo Bingge let him win in the beginning, so he could learn, but as time passed, it became increasingly difficult to win a game against Luo Bingge. 

He placed a white piece on the board after calculating the positions. Luo Bingge shot him an amused gaze, placing his black piece close to the white one, winning the game. 

“A-Jiu, even after all these years, you still haven’t gotten any better,” Luo Bingge stared fixatedly at him. “Or perhaps, you were just distracted?” 

“Maybe I wasn’t paying enough attention,” Shen Jiu answered, gaze down at the board. 

“What could possibly be haunting your mind away from me?” 

You, Shen Jiu wanted to say. Why don’t you love me the way your brother loves mine?  

“I’m worried about the coronation, that’s all,” is what he said instead. 

“A-Jiu, there’s no need to worry,” Luo Bingge got up and went to sit close to Shen Jiu, hand resting on his waist. “I have already figured out a plan.” 

“What is it?” Shen Jiu turned his head to look at him. 

Luo Bingge hummed. “You’ll know soon enough. Now is not the right time.” 

“If I don’t know, how will I help you?” he protested. 

“Just keep trusting me as you always have until now,” Luo Bingge closed the distance between them by breathing in deep in Shen Jiu’s neck. “Remain by my side, keep looking at only me... be devoted to only me.” 

Shen Jiu closed his eyes as Luo Bingge leaned in and roughly kissed his lips. Sucking and biting, his hands gripping Shen Jiu’s delicate waist. Shen Jiu shakily lifted his arms and laced them around the other’s shoulder, pulling them closer. 

He gasped loudly as Luo Bingge lowered his head to press open mouthed kisses at his neck, sucking marks into his unblemished skin. He tilted his head backwards, not trying to hold a moan when Luo Bingge bit at junction of his neck and shoulder. Big hands pulled him to sit at Luo Bingge’s lap, his legs immediately locking around the latter’s body. Shen Jiu was already a trembling mess, panting and hot. His chest felt too tight. 

Luo Bingge made his way down to Shen Jiu’s collarbone, deft hands reaching to grab at Shen Jiu’s pants and push them away. 

“Ah!” Shen Jiu gasped when Luo Bingge’s cold fingers touched his growing erection, making him shiver from head to toe despite feeling too hot. 

He squirmed in Luo Bingge’s lap, clutching tightly onto the other’s robes, panting heavily, legs shaking as Luo Bingge continued to stroke him, hotly sucking more marks into his chest. He came with a cry of Luo Bingge’s name. 

He felt Luo Bingge moving his slick fingers behind him, as he lay limp on his lap, hair in disarray. Cum-slick fingers probed at his entrance, slowly working their way inside him, stretching his insides. Shen Jiu whimpered at Luo Bingge’s neck, buring his face in the other’s hair. When a nail brushed at a certain spot, it made Shen Jiu moan. Luo Bingge continued, relentlessly hitting Shen Jiu’s sweet spot until he deemed it enough. 

He held Shen Jiu’s slim waist, lifting him up and positioning himself under him, before pushing Shen Jiu back down at once, at his own hardness. 

“Bingge- Ah!” 

Shen Jiu could only moan and cry Luo Bingge’s name as he was repeatedly fucked by him. He closed his eyes and let the tears – that were constantly forced to being trapped inside – fall down his flushed cheeks. The pain was there, but in the face of the tightness in his own heart, Shen Jiu didn’t find it in himself to mind, not when the pleasure made him tremble all over. 

Luo Bingge didn’t miss his spot, his thrusts becoming more erratic as he came closer to release. He knew Shen Jiu was close too, far too accustomed with the way his legs shook, the incoherent moaning and the grip he had on his shoulders. 

With a few more thrusts Shen Jiu came, his cries being swallowed by the hungry kiss Luo Bingge gave him and a stinging bite to his lower lip, coming inside Shen Jiu a moment later. 

Shen Jiu let himself remain limp, gasping for air, relishing in the scent Luo Bingge had, the air thick with the smell of sex lingering in the room. He could taste the blood in his lips from the bite Luo Bingge gave him, and a new wave of shivers ran through him as he felt lips mouthing at his neck again, licking the red and purple marks. He was too tired to get up, nor did he want to move from this spot, so he let Luo Bingge have his way with him until he was satisfied. 

The sun was bright and the air was light. The scenery surrounding the Shen manor was pretty, making Shen Yuan’s and Luo Binghe’s walk a pleasant one. At some point, they stopped close to a river to let their horses rest for a while. 

Before they knew it, the sun was starting to dip into the horizon, indicating it was time they head back. They weren’t too far from the manor, if they walked leisurely, they’d surely arrive before the sun set. 

As they were preparing to go back, they heard a rustling sound coming from close to them. Luo Binghe only had time to pull Shen Yuan behind him as a small group of thieves jumped at them, knives and daggers at hand. There were five men carrying weapons, and they rapidly surrounded the couple. Luo Binghe felt Shen Yuan slowly reaching for his sword and he did the same. The moment his hand touched the scabbard, the men all rushed to them. 

It was tough, five against two, but Shen Yuan was nothing if not skilled in the sword arts, Luo Binghe also not falling behind in talent and expertise. But those thieves were also smart and deft. Too fast and skilled to be mere thieves. 

Luo Binghe managed to hit two of them, momentarily incapacitating them. Their horses began to grow frantic with the noises, so Luo Binghe helped Shen Yuan on his horse, telling him to go. Shen Yuan was barely seated, and the horse had already started to run. 

One of the thieves came to them, but Luo Binghe was faster and managed to dodge. He went to his horse, mounting it and running after Shen Yuan. The sun was setting, the scenery becoming darker by each second. It didn't take long for them to hear the sounds of horses chasing after them, the thieves already reaching them. 

A rope was thrown at them, catching at Shen Yuan’s horse, making him fall. His white horse rapidly running away. Luo Binghe stopped and started fighting at the men approaching Shen Yuan, stabbing them. 

“Binghe!” 

When Luo Binghe turned around, he saw Shen Yuan blocking a knife thrown at him with his sword, quickly stabbing the thief afterwards. Luo Binghe saw another one coming and swiftly wound him. But he wasn’t fast enough to shield Shen Yuan from another one of them, and his lover was stabbed at the sides. 

The thieves were skilled, but Luo Binghe was more, and he managed to finish the rest, hurriedly helping Shen Yuan on his horse before mounting it and running back to the manor. 

Dusk had already fallen, thus darkening the path and the surroundings. 

Bloodied, with cuts, sweat and a bleeding Shen Yuan was how they returned. Yue Qingyuan was frantic at their state, rushing to call for a doctor, ushering the maids and servants to help them. 

Luckly, Shen Yuan’s wound wasn’t deep, he’d recuperate fast, according to the doctor. Luo Binghe hadn’t suffered any major wounds, aside from a nonstop bleeding cut on his arm. 

“Let him rest for a few weeks,” Mu Qingfang said. “I’ve already prescribed him a medicine to ensure it won’t infect, and another one in case he’s in pain.” 

“What happened?” Yue Qingyuan asked. After Luo Binghe explained, the furrow in his brows only deepened. “I see. Whatever their purpose was, both of you are considered to be princes. If your status was already important before, let alone now.” 

“I’m sorry, eldest cousin,” Luo Binghe apologised in a low voice. He was sitting on the bed where Shen Yuan lay in, looking so miserable. “It was my fault. I gave A-Yuan the idea to go out, I let him be hurt.” 

“Binghe,” Shen Yuan lifted his fingers and tugged at his lover’s clothes, taking his attention. “Don’t be silly. I wanted to go in the first place. And being hurt wasn’t your fault.” 

“But-” 

“And none of us could predict this would happen,” Shen Yuan continued. “We chose a route away from the town so no one would know we were there.” 

Luo Binghe brought his hand to his face, kissing his fingers before looking back at Shen Yuan with a frown. 

“What is it, Binghe?” 

“No one should know we went there,” he said. “Eldest cousin even said that path was rarely used and only by travellers, since it was quite remote. How could a group of thieves know about us?” 

Shen Yuan’s eyes shone with understanding. He slowly nodded his head, but the thought of someone setting a trap for them made his chest itch. “Who could have relayed the information?” 

There were only him, Luo Binghe and Yue Qingyuan when they decided the path to take. 

“No servants were close. I doubt someone overheard our conversation,” Yue Qingyuan said, serious. “I’ll look into the matter more closely, meanwhile it’s best if none of you go out. The same goes for second young master Luo and Jiu-er.” 

After Yue Qingyuan left the room, Luo Binghe turned his watery eyes at Shen Yuan, kneeling beside the bed. Shen Yuan patted his head, caressing his locks, a found look painted in his beautiful features. 

“Binghe, stop blaming yourself.” 

“If it were not for my incompetence, A-Yuan wouldn’t be hurt now.” 

“It was not your fault, I told you so.” 

“But you got hurt protecting me,” Luo Binghe looked at him with hurt in his eyes. “What if something worse had happened? What if-” 

“Binghe,” Shen Yuan tapped his nose. “Stop. I’m fine, it wasn’t your fault. If you keep speaking things like that, I’ll cancel the wedding.” 

“No!” Luo Binghe got up, leaning in close to Shen Yuan. “Please, A-Yuan, I’d do anything. Don’t cancel our wedding.” 

Shen Yuan nodded. “Good. Now come, I’m cold.” 

Luo Binghe beamed again and carefully made his way beside Shen Yuan, gently embracing him so as to not hurt him, dutifully warming his fiancé up. Shen Yuan let out a contented sigh, relaxing in the embrace of his future husband, listening to his heartbeats. 

“A-Yuan, how are you?” Shen Jiu brusquely entered the room, making a bee line to the bed, where Shen Yuan was currently in. 

“Gege, I'm fine,” Shen Yuan answered him with a smile. “It wasn’t serious.” 

“You were stabbed, how can it not be serious?” 

Shen Yuan shrugged his shoulder elegantly. “You don’t need to worry, gege.” 

“I thought I wouldn’t need to, with your fiancé accompanying you,” Shen Jiu turned a glare at Luo Binghe, speaking with contempt. “Are you so useless you can’t even protect him?” 

“Gege, we were attacked by five men, Binghe had no fault.” 

“If he can’t even protect you, how can he dream to marry you? Or become the emperor?” 

“Gege, enough. I also know how to defend myself. Stop blaming Binghe.” 

Shen Jiu scoffed. Luo Binghe chose to remain in silence, giving a pretty smile when Shen Yuan sent a placating look his way. 

“A-Yuan, you’re hungry, right?” Luo Binghe said. “I’ll go cook something for you, please wait.” 

“Ah, Binghe, you were also injured!” Shen Yuan became uneasy. “You should also be resting.” 

“I’m fine, A-Yuan,” Luo Binghe leaned in and pressed a sweet kiss to his forehead. “It won’t take long.” 

A second after Luo Binghe exited the room and the door closed, Shen Jiu spat. “I don’t know what you see in him.” 

“Gege, you shouldn’t speak like that,” Shen Yuan gently chided him. “He’ll soon be your brother-in-law. Family.” 

“Family?” Shen Jiu sat on the edge of the bed. “My family is you and eldest cousin. No one else.” 

“Not even Luo Bingge?” 

Shen Jiu eyed him silently for a moment. “I don’t see why you brought him all of a sudden.” 

“It’s obvious you’re close.” 

Shen Jiu bit the inside of his cheek. Close, was... a right term. They grew up together after all, but to call Luo Bingge his family... somehow it left a bitter feeling in his chest. If he asked Luo Bingge if he considered himself as his family, would he say yes? 

“Somehow, you seem to dislike him just as much as I dislike your boyfriend. How so?” 

“Gege, I don’t dislike him,” Shen Yuan said. 

“You’re a bad liar, A-Yuan.” 

“Okay, fine!” Shen Yuan huffed. “I might have some suspicions against him. I don’t like the way he acts, and the way he treats you.” 

“Oh? I’m sorry, not everyone can have such a perfect lover as Lord Luo. A-Yuan is privileged.” 

“Gege, you must know it too, right? Luo Bingge seems to be hiding something.” 

“Lord Luo told you that? What else has he told you about Bingge?” 

“You’re implying Binghe is making up assumptions about him?” Shen Yuan said exasperated. “Gege!” 

“A-Yuan, since you will not break your engagement with Luo Binghe, why should I distance myself from Bingge?” he didn't let Shen Yuan reply. “I should get going. It’s very late, you haven't eaten yet. Goodnight.” 

With the news of the new monarchy and the marriage between Lord Luo and Second young master Shen, it was no wonder both families would be dealing with a lot of pressure, both from the people and the politicians. Which meant, a lot of tiring dinners spent with said politicians. Most of it was idly talk, while the rest was useless information about the situation of both countries. 

As Shen Yuan’s brother, of course, Shen Jiu was obliged to attend to each and every dinner. He made sure his expression remained as nonchalant as possible, but after a particular bad joke, he had to will himself to not roll his eyes to the back of head. 

“But of course, despite being masters, you two had not received proper education on how to rule as an emperor,” politician A said after he swallowed his food. “We’ll make sure by the wedding, both of you have received training. After all, we’re talking about ruling a country!” 

“Yes, it is no small matter,” Shen Yuan replied. “But I believe neither I nor Binghe are disqualified. We belong, after all, to a royal family.” 

“Of course, of course! It was never my intention to even imply you both as disqualified.” 

“But I believe some arrangements have to be made before the wedding,” politician B spoke, the eldest of them all. “A monarchy is ruled by an emperor, and his descendants are to inherit the throne.” 

The other two politicians present all nodded their head in silent agreement. 

Shen Yuan watched them cautiously. Maybe his didi was still too naïve and didn’t realise where this conversation was going, but Shen Jiu did. He saw Luo Binghe narrow his eyes. 

“And what do mean by that?” Luo Binghe asked. 

“Lord Luo is to marry second young master Shen, naturally,” politician B hesitated a bit before continuing, “neither of you can produce an heir.” 

“Yes,” Politician A nodded his head. “We’ve already made preparations for a banquet. No need to worry about it.” 

“A banquet for what?” Shen Yuan lifted his fan to cover half of his face. 

“To choose a suitable woman to conceive the future heir. She’ll marry as the royal consort-” 

“No thank you,” Luo Binghe interrupted. “I’m not interested in marrying a woman.” 

“But we need an heir-” 

“We won’t attend the banquet,” Shen Yuan was the one to reply this time. “Thank you.” 

Shen Jiu had to hold in a snicker. The faces of the three politicians were indescribable, each with a different level of surprise and panic. He almost felt bad for A-Yuan, for the situation he was put in, but then he thought of Luo Bingge. Surely, there’s no way both Luo Binghe nor Shen Yuan hadn’t seen this development coming, of course an heir would be demanded. 

Those politicians were quick to agree to Luo Binghe’s wishes to marry his brother because both were from royal heritage and Luo Binghe was the lord of his family. But if he or A-Yuan disagreed with the idea of producing an heir, the favour of the politicians might change. 

“She wouldn’t need to marry then,” politician B said. “Only be brought as a concubine and carry the heir.” 

“No consort, no concubine, no woman!” Luo Binghe seriously said, eyeing each one of them. “The only one I'll be bedding is my fiancé, my future husband, no one else.” 

“Then, second young master Shen could be the one to-” 

“No!” Luo Binghe snarled at them before Shen Yuan could even open his mouth. “My fiancé is to touch no one other than me. Don’t even think about it!” 

The politicians turned to look at Shen Yuan, but to no avail, seeing as he had the same opinion as Binghe. 

“I agree with my fiancé,” Shen Yuan lightly fanned himself with his fan, as he tried to discreetly pat Luo Binghe’s thigh, as a way to calm him. 

“Well,” politician C spoke for the first time, voice even and calm. “There’s no rush. We shall discuss this matter another time.” 

“There’s nothing to discuss,” Luo Binghe said. 

The rest of the dinner went by in an uncomfortable silence. Shen Jiu barely registered it though, his mind was already plotting against his own brother. 

“It’s ridiculous!” Shen Yuan sighed. “Gege also thinks so, right?” 

“I think it’s reasonable,” Shen Jiu replied, sipping his tea. 

“Not you too!” 

Both Shen brothers were drinking tea. Luo Binghe had something to do with Yue Qingyuan and Luo Bingge also said he had matters to resolve. Shen Yuan was sitting beside Shen Jiu on the sofa, but his position was slumped, a sad look in his eyes. 

“A-Yuan, you can’t remain sad over something like that,” Shen Jiu took his hands in his. “How many emperors do you know of that didn’t have an heir?” 

“There are many of whom even with heirs, none of them were the ones to inherit the throne,” Shen Yuan looked at his brother. “Now I see why the monarchy ended.” 

Shen Jiu laughed. “A-Yuan, don’t be like that. You wanted to marry Luo Binghe, I told you it wasn’t a simple matter yet you ignored me. Now look at the situation,” he lightly shook his head. “It’s only producing an heir; none of you have to love her.” 

“I can’t do it, gege,” Shen Yuan sighed again, leaning on Shen Jiu’s shoulder. “With or without love, if it’s not Binghe, I can’t.” 

“Then let him be the one to do it. You won’t need to watch.” 

“I also can’t,” Shen Yuan bit the inside of his cheek, a small frown in his pretty features. “Just thinking about it, leaves a bad feeling inside me.” 

Shen Jiu remained quiet for a few seconds. “If none of you can do it, then why not cancel the whole thing? It’s pretty obvious those politicians want an heir, and if none of you can give them one, don’t you think they’ll be against you two?” 

“Gege, stop with this talk. I told you already, Binghe and I are not cancelling our wedding,” Shen Yuan huffed. 

“Not your wedding,” he said. “But the throne. If you two forfeit it, you’ll be free to marry and free of the burden of producing a future heir.” 

“You all speak of an heir as if it’s an object, not a child,” Shen Yuan thought for an instant before replying. “I don’t think that’ll be the solution to our problem, gege. Binghe is the oldest son and the politicians are set in the new monarchy.” 

“Then, one of you will need to bed a woman.” 

“Again, you all speak of children and women so easily. They are humans too, it’s not right to just use them like that.” 

“A-Yuan, you’re too innocent,” Shen Jiu squeezed his hand. “There are lots of women who’d love to be the one to birth a future emperor.” 

Luo Bingge let out a snort as he cupped water in his hands and poured it over Shen Jiu’s shoulder, caressing the wet skin. 

“What is it?” Shen Jiu asked, turning his head a little. From his position in Luo Bingge’s chest he could feel the other’s warmth, far warmer than the water in the bath. 

“Nothing,” Luo Bingge replied as he slid Shen Jiu’s hair to his right shoulder, kissing his neck before continuing. “I just thought of my idiot lovestruck brother. Who would've thought he’s foolish to the point of risking his position as the future emperor just because he doesn’t want to bed a woman.” 

“A-Yuan is of the same opinion,” Shen Jiu replied, trying to supress a shiver when he felt Luo Bingge’s lips against his bare skin. 

It has been a while since they were together like that. Back in the Luo estate, ever since he could remember, Luo Bingge had always helped him in everything, including bathing. Even after a stressful day had left Luo Bingge angry, he’d still make sure to bathe him, with gentle touches and butterfly kisses along his skin. With time, the touches grew heated, less soft and with more purpose. 

“But that’s good,” Luo Bingge spoke against his neck. “Those politicians won’t accept it. If Luo Binghe remains stubborn on that matter, they won’t hesitate to take his crown away before it’s even handed to him.” 

“If that happens,” Shen Jiu started, leaning further into Bingge’s touch. “Do you think they’ll readily pass the crown over to you?” 

“Luo Binghe is the oldest, but Shen Yuan’s not,” Luo Bingge roamed his hands through his body, stopping at his waist. “If my brother refuses to comply to their wishes, the next heir is you.” 

Shen Jiu opened his mouth to speak, but only a gasp left his lips. Luo Bingge’s fingers on his waist were scorching, sending a tingling sensation through his whole body. 

“I doubt my brother will take you in Shen Yuan’s place, so that’ll only leave me from the Luo family.” 

That might be true. But that also means Luo Bingge will have to be the one to provide an heir. Even if, by some twists, they end up married, he’ll have to bear seeing Luo Bingge with another woman. 

Deep down, he knows, he knows , the feelings Luo Bingge has towards him isn’t love; it might grasp passion, be as deep as an obsession. But never quite reach love. 

Sometime in their youth, he might’ve believed Luo Bingge loved him, that the gentle, loving caresses and words directed at him were genuine love. But he wasn’t naive anymore. He could see, could feel the greed burning in the other man’s eyes. From the beginning, Luo Bingge was only conditioning him to love him. Luo Bingge wanted his love, to be loved, but to give nothing in return. 

Shen Jiu knew. Yet, he has long since lost the willingness to stop it. 

There’s no use to do so. He had already fallen, the ache crawling in his heart would only hurt more if he were to ever be apart from Bingge. 

It was as if there was a thread connecting them, going from Luo Bingge’s wrist, piercing directly at his heart. 

“Ahh!” 

His thoughts were disrupted at long, warm fingers falling in between his legs. 

Luo Bingge’s breath was hot in his ears, making his cheeks flush. He whimpered as Bingge dug his fingers into his waist, the other hand caressing between his legs in a steady fast rhythm. 

Shen Jiu curled his toes, he tried to turn and face Bingge, but the fingers in his waist dug deeper, keeping him in place. He moved one of his hands to cradle Luo Bingge’s head, the other clutching at the edge of the tub. 

“Bingge- ahh!” he panted. 

“Ah, look at how you are already,” Luo Bingge whispered sweetly into his red ear. “How could you bed a woman if you were the emperor? A-Jiu, could you do it with someone else? Mn?” 

“N- ahh, no...” he gasped and closed his eyes, already hazy with pleasure. “Bingge is the only one.” 

“Good,” Luo Bingge moved his hand from Shen Jiu’s waist and ran it up his chest, caressing the skin there before continuing up and stopping at his neck. “Open your legs.” 

Shen Jiu did as told, the movement making him slide down a little. The edge of the tub was slippery, and his hand fell to grip at Bingge’s thigh. 

He came with a gasp, dirtying the water and Bingge’s fingers. 

Luo Bingge and Shen Jiu lay together in bed. It was late at night, the moon was its highest in the vast, dark sky; its faint light barely passed through the gaps in the curtains, leaving the room in complete darkness. 

Shen Jiu looked up at Luo Bingge’s face. His heart ached. He lifted one of his hands and placed it softly on the other’s cheek. Luo Bingge had his eyes closed; arms laced around Shen Jiu. 

He stared fixatedly at the claw marks visible on Bingge’s shoulder, left by him earlier. As he remembered their conversation earlier, a deep feeling of possessiveness flared up within him. It made him want to lock Luo Bingge and hide him from the rest of the world. That way, Shen Jiu wouldn’t have to worry about politics, producing an heir or his brother. 

A light chill ran up his body at this trail of thoughts, and Luo Bingge wordlessly lifted the blanket up more, covering his shoulders. 

If only we had been born in different families, maybe in a different time... if neither of us had a brother, maybe then... you could've loved me.  

He closed his eyes, buring himself into Luo Bingge’s embrace, trying to merge their bodies together. Pressing his rapidly beating heart to Bingge’s in a futile attempt to make it look like their hearts beat in tandem. 

“How much longer will it take?” Shen Jiu asked, impatient. 

“Please, stand still for just another minute,” the seamstress said in her sweet voice. “I’m almost done.” 

“Gege, stop complaining,” Shen Yuan chided him. Though he tried to appear stern, the smile in his voice was obviously heard. He stood still as another seamstress was taking his measurements. 

That day, Yue Qingyuan had scheduled for them to have their measurements taken so the wedding clothes could be made to be a perfect fit. He had hired the most famous tailor in the whole country, Qi Qingqi, since it was, after all, a special occasion. Of course their clothes had to be made personalised to their tastes. 

“All done,” Ning Yingying said looking up at Shen Jiu. “Thank you for your patience, master Shen.” 

Shen Jiu merely nodded his head, moving to take the outer robe he had taken off so his measurements could be taken. Shen Yuan followed him, and as he was putting his robe on, Shen Yuan noticed a dark, purple hue on his brother’s neck. 

Before he could inquire about it though, Shen Jiu had quickly put on his robe and turned away to sit at the sofa. Shen Yuan also turned and sat beside him. Liu Mingyan, who had just taken Shen Yuan’s measurements, came back with a tray and placed it gently on the table. 

“Thank you, Mingyan,” Qi Qingqi smiled at her, taking her seat in another sofa elegantly. “Now for the actual clothes. I have only the most soft, beautiful and fine-quality cloth, imported from the east seas, the young masters can be assured that our work will satisfy you.” 

“Thank you, master Qi,” Shen Yuan politely gave her a smile. 

Ning Yingying and Liu Mingyan placed lots of colourful samples of cloth on the table close to the twin brothers. Shen Jiu started looking through them together with Shen Yuan. He could tell Qi Qingqi wasn’t lying by stating to be the best tailor in the country; the cloth really was soft, had a nice feeling on his fingers, and were very pretty. A particular piece of cloth had his attention. It was a beautiful crimson shade, with some engravings in a ruby colour. 

Shen Yuan also seemed to notice it, and when he took it in his hands, Shen Jiu could see the engravings glint. 

“Ah! I see you have good tastes, second young master,” Qi Qingqi told him. “This is my fanciest cloth. Very few people choose it, for it is highly expansive.” 

“It’s very beautiful,” Shen Yuan said. “And soft. Gege, what do you think? Would these look good on me and Binghe?” 

“On him I don’t know,” he replied. “But on A-Yuan definitely.” 

Shen Yuan giggled. “I wonder if he’ll like it.” 

Luo Binghe and Luo Bingge had already taken their measurements, and Binghe told Shen Yuan he could choose the style of their robes, and that whatever he decided, he was happy. 

“I’m sure Lord Luo will be very pleased with your choice,” Qi Qingqi said. “Have you thought of a design for the robes?” 

“No,” Shen Yuan shook his head. “What does master Qi suggests?” 

Ning Yingying handed him a notebook with various types of clothes drawn on it. The pair of brothers started browsing through it. 

“You can take a look at these designs, but if you want my opinion, number five would look absolutely stunning!” 

Shen Yuan flipped to the page where the robe number five was. The style looked traditional at first, but upon closer look it had an exquisite style. The robe was long enough to form a pool in the ground around him, had a high collar full of patterns, and the edges had engravings. The second layer was a simpler piece, and the belt also had lots of drawings. The outer robe was full of engravings, long enough to leave a tail behind. The sleeves were wide, going past the fingers. On top of that, there was a kind of a vest with an intricate shoulder pad, which highlighted the shoulders, running down the back. 

“It’s so gorgeous!” Shen Yuan’s eyes widened. “So rich in details, and unique in style. I loved this one. But...” 

“What is it?” Shen Jiu asked. 

“I don’t like these drawings. Maybe a flower would look best engraved on the edges of the robe and the belt.” 

“Okay!” Qi Qingqi wrote it on her notebook. “Is there any other change second master would like to make?” 

Shen Yuan bit his lip. “This vest is too big on the shoulders, maybe make it smaller... oh, wait! Binghe has large shoulders, in him it’d definitely look good! And...” 

“Can I make a suggestion, second young master Shen?” Ning Yingying gently asked. 

“Of course.” 

“If you leave Lord Luo’s vest big on the shoulders, you should take off the high collar of his clothes, otherwise it might look a bit too much. Maybe then add another layer of his belt, that way it’ll fit nicely.” 

Shen Yuan nodded as she spoke. “Oh! I see! You have good ideas, I’ll follow them.” 

“Excellent. What about young master Shen? Have you decided on your clothes?” 

“Whatever is fine,” Shen Jiu answered. 

“Gege, no! You belong to the royal family; you should also dress nicely! Here,” Shen Yuan showed him another design, “I think this one will look perfect on you.” 

Shen Jiu took a look. It was also a long robe, pooling around the feet. The second layer was only long enough to reach his feet, the belt was full of engravings. The outer robe had large sleeves with patterns on the edge, its length also reaching the ground. There was a kind of a veil on top of the outer robe, made with a thinner cloth, falling to the feet. 

“I like this one,” he said. “It is extravagant, but it won’t take the grooms’ spotlight.” 

Shen Yuan giggled, happy. 

“All right. So for the colour's palette, crimson and ruby red, gold and black.” Qi Qingqi spoke. “Is that to the young masters liking?” 

“It is,” Shen Yuan smiled again. “Thank you very much, master Qi.” 

“It’s my pleasure. Now it’s time to go back. Your clothes will be ready in time, don’t worry.” 

After Qi Qingqi left with Ning Yingying and Liu Mingyan, Shen Jiu and Shen Yuan remained seated, drinking tea together. Although Shen Yuan hadn’t said anything, it was clearly obvious by his giddy smiles that just choosing his outfit for his wedding left him with immense happiness. 

“You look like a fool smiling like that,” Shen Jiu commented. 

“I’m just really happy,” his brother flashed him with an even bigger smile and flushed cheeks. “You know it actually means a lot to me that we’re doing this together, right?” 

“Of course,” he snorted. “Sadly, you fell in love with Luo Binghe, so who else would you be doing this with?” 

“No, I mean this,” Shen Yuan told him. “Sitting like this, choosing our clothes together. Me and you. I know you dislike Binghe, and that you don’t agree with our marriage, but you’re still here, with me. To me, it only proves how much you care. This means a lot to me.” 

Shen Jiu felt a heavy churn in his stomach at these words, and upon seeing his brother’s sincere expression of love, he only felt worse. Really, A-Yuan was too naïve. He was there, making declarations of how he loved their brotherhood, when his own brother plotted against him. 

Shen Jiu was the worst older brother ever. 

“Since you refused to listen to me, the least I can do is support you,” he replied, sipping his tea. “Also, how could I let your wedding not be the grandest event in your life? You’re my precious didi, of course I'd only wish the best for you.” 

“Gege!” Shen Yuan latched himself to Shen Jiu, almost making him spill the tea all over themselves. 

“A-Yuan! Careful! So clingy. I think you’re spending too much time with Luo Binghe.” 

Shen Yuan only laughed and clutched tighter. 

When Luo Binghe and Luo Bingge returned, Shen Jiu had to watch his brother being taken from him in the gentle embrace of Luo Binghe. He could see the utmost care in which Binghe held Shen Yuan, the softness he had when caressing his face, the love shinning in his eyes as he kissed him, even if it was just a small peck on the lips. 

In contrast, Luo Bingge had none of the carefulness, none of the love his brother had. Still, his touch was so warm, Shen Jiu could feel it even through the layers of clothing. The aching in his chest grew and diminished at the same time. 

As the wedding day approached, the situation about the future heir only got more infuriating. Luo Binghe and Shen Yuan refused to take in a woman, the politicians insisted they needed an heir. It was too tiring, to the point Shen Yuan was almost planning to elope with Binghe. 

“It’s becoming worse each day, you don’t understand,” Shen Yuan said. “Those politicians won’t stop bothering us about our supposed heir! I had to stop Binghe from tying to kill them.” 

Shang Qinghua had no idea if Shen Yuan was joking or actually telling the truth, but he chose to nod his head in agreement either way. He had met Lord Luo exactly two times before, and he was already frightened for the rest of his life. 

“Haha... speaking of him, where is he?” 

“Binghe had to go back, apparently something urgent came up and he had to take care of.” 

“Why didn’t you go with him?” 

“He said I didn’t need to worry, he should be back today anyway,” Shen Yuan told him. “Also, I had to be here to receive my dearest friend.” 

The two were childhood friends, naturally, Shang Qinghua would be invited to the wedding, and Shen Yuan offered to let him stay at his manor as an important guest. Shang Qinghua wasn’t from nobility or a rich family like Shen Yuan, but since a young age he was taken in to work at the manor of Lord Mobei. 

They had met in one of the many dinners the Shen family had with the Mobei family. After Mobei-Jun inherited the title of lord of the family, he made public his courtship with Shang Qinghua. It greatly displeased Mobei-Jun’s uncle, the fact that he fell in love with a mere servant, but that issue had already been dealt with, and now Shang Qinghua was married into the Mobei family. 

“If they want a child so much, why don’t they just adopt one?” Shang Qinghua said. “Problem solved.” 

“If only it was that easy,” Shen Yuan sighed and leaned further into the sofa. “No matter what we say, they’re set on the idea we have to produce an heir, not take one.” 

Shang Qinghua remained silent for a few minutes. Then he straightened his posture and beamed at Shen Yuan. 

“You could do it like the emperor Qin!” 

“Who?” 

“In the Qin dynasty, there was an empress who couldn’t give birth,” Shang Qinghua started. “It is said in the records that the emperor cherished her very much, and for that reason, refused to have a child with a concubine. He prayed to the gods, but she remained infertile. The empress was very sad by it, and would always watch the small servants and disciples in the palace, wishing for a child of her own. 

“She was very good with children, and everyone adored her. But there was a child in particular whom she favoured. It was the youngest disciple of the palace’s Daoist priest. One day, the emperor saw the two playing together by the pond and instantly declared that the boy shall be their heir.” 

“Simple as that?” Shen Yuan asked. He furrowed his brows in thinking. “I think I remember something like a Daoist disciple becoming emperor... do you think it’d work with us?” 

“It should. Since the boy was an orphan and a disciple of the priest, it meant he was familiar with the way of the Dao, meaning he was closer to the heavens, as an emperor should.” 

“Binghe and I visited a temple. I remember there was a disciple he was very fond of. Do you think,” Shen Yuan slowly said, a smile forming on his lips, “If we proposed to take in that disciple as our heir, the problem would be solved?” 

“It might not be easy to convince those politicians, I know they can be pretty stubborn,” Shag Qinghua remembered the numerous times they bothered his husband because of ridiculous issues. “But if we find a copy of this record, they won’t be able to say no.” 

“Great!” Shen Yuan all but jumped from the sofa, beaming at his best friend. “Let’s go! We can’t waste any more time!” 

“Go where?” 

“The library!” Shen Yuan was already pulling Shang Qinghua up and dragging him out of the tea room. “As a royal family, we should have a copy somewhere.” 

Shang Qinghua sighed exasperatedly as he was pulled by Shen Yuan towards the manor’s library. 

Shen Jiu encountered his brother on the hallway, or better said, was almost ran in by him and Shang Qinghua. 

“A-Yuan, what are you doing? Why are you running?” 

“Gege,” Shen Yuan’s chest was heaving up and down. “Has Binghe arrived yet? I need to see him.” 

Shen Jiu eyes the old book his brother was holding and looked up at him. “I was just searching for you. Luo Binghe hadn’t arrived yet, but the politicians have and they want to talk to you.” 

“What!” Shen Yuan sighed tiredly. “Who invited them...” 

“I don’t know what it is about,” Shen Jiu said. “But it must be important, if they came all the way here.” 

“I bet it’s the heir issue,” Shang Qinghua murmured as he followed Shen Yuan and Shen Jiu. 

The three politicians from last time were sitting in a room. Luo Bingge was also there, a wicked grin on his face. Yue Qingyuan was also present, a worried look reflected in his eyes. He turned to Shen Jiu as he entered the room. 

“Jiu-er, Yuan-er.” 

“What is this about?” Shen Yuan stared at everyone in the room. “Eldest cousin, has Binghe not arrived yet?” 

“About that...” Yue Qingyuan seemed hesitant, and the furrow in his brows deepened. 

“He was already called, but don’t worry, I don’t think it has anything to do with him,” politician B spoke. 

“How so?” 

“He is not the future emperor in-line anymore,” politician A answered, completely throwing a blow on Shen Yuan. 

Not the future emperor anymore!? Why!? 

Shen Yuan visibly looked confused, brows furrowing and lips drawn in a thin line. Shen Jiu didn’t look different. When he heard the politicians were here, he wasn’t invited to their talk, so he also didn't know what this was all about. 

“Why?” Shen Yuan managed to ask, despite his voice beginning to tremble. 

“You see, Lord Luo is the eldest son, but he simply refused to accept our terms to take in a woman and produce an heir. As a monarchy, an heir is needed, otherwise how can the emperor’s wisdom and rightfulness be passed down?” politician B spoke again. “We had a discussion about it, and second young master Luo enlightened us with the answer.” 

“What did he say?” the words were gritted out of Shen Yuan’s teeth. Fury already burning inside his veins. 

“He proposed to us that Lord Luo be taken down from the line. Instead, second young master Luo will be the one to inherit the throne, and of course, also take in a woman consort.” 

Luo Bingge, the future emperor. 

Shen Jiu felt all the air leave his lungs and his heartbeat accelerate. Meanwhile, Shen Yuan was in the same state, but with completely different reasons. 

“And,” it seemed the politicians were not done on their blow. “Since the plan is to unify the two countries again, naturally, second young master Luo should marry with one of the heirs of the Shen family.” 

Shen Jiu took a sharp intake of breath. 

“Lord Luo was to marry with second young master Shen, but now that he is out of the throne line, it is only natural that,” politician A said, looking between Luo Bingge and Shen Yuan, “the second young master of the Shen family is to be handed to second young master Luo.” 

“What!?” Shen Yuan couldn’t help but shout. His breath quickened and he gripped the old book in his hand so tight, it almost torn the ragged material. “No!” 

“Second young master Shen,” Luo Bingge approached him, a devilish smirk in his lips. “When the eldest brother dies, his bride is passed to his younger brother.” 

“Binghe isn't dead,” Shen Yuan gritted. “I’m no bride. I’m not marrying you.” 

Luo Bingge barked out a laugh. “You will. You have no other choice,” he lightly touched Shen Yuan’s face. 

“Don’t touch me!” Shen Yuan was enraged. He stepped back, glaring at Luo Bingge and then the rest of the politicians. “You can’t decide something like that on your own!” 

Shen Jiu felt himself shook on the spot. 

Luo Bingge was to be the emperor, but then why had he chosen Shen Yuan and not him...? 

Even if he didn’t love Shen Jiu, even if for some reason he found Shen Yuan prettier, even if he wanted to provoke Luo Binghe... Bingge should’ve chosen him! Shen Jiu! Not Shen Yuan! It was him who stood by Bingge’s side all his life, him who knew him better! Shen Jiu!  

He wanted to cry until his throat bled. It was obvious Bingge managed to manipulate the politicians into agreeing to make him the emperor instead, so he could have clearly chosen Shen Jiu to be his spouse. 

“Second young master Shen, please calm down,” politician B tried to placate. “It is the only solution-” 

“This is no solution!” Shen Yuan raised his voice, already feeling breathless. He lifted the book in his hand so everyone could see it. “This is a copy of the royal records of our family. It is recorded in here the story of a disciple who became an emperor. He was taken in by the emperor at the time to become the heir, and later assumed the throne.” 

“Such a thing really happened?” politician C spoke for the first time. “Is this a legitimate copy?” 

“Of course, you can all verify it later. The empress couldn’t have children, so the emperor took in a disciple as the heir. If it has already been done, it can be repeated,” Shen Yuan spoke loudly with confidence in his voice so as to convince. Inside, his heart was hammering his chest bones. “The disciple became a great emperor, the best of his dynasty.” 

Silence overtook the room. Luo Bingge had a grim look, one which looked frightening. If he gazed at Shen Yuan with lust a moment ago, now he was glaring at him with endless hatred. 

Shen Jiu was shaking with the effort to not cry, to the point his breathing was ragged and his face flushed. If his mind was in a state where he could think, he would’ve wondered if, in the silence of the room, had anybody heard the sound of his heart being crashed into a million pieces. 

“This...” politician A began. “We’ll have to consider this matter more fully then...” 

“There’s nothing to consider!” Bingge exclaimed. “We already have a solution, this is bullshit!” 

“Please, calm down, everyone,” Yue Qingyuan tried to placate the situation. “This isn’t a small matter; we should wait for Lord Luo to return to discuss it further.” 

Luo Bingge seemed a second from jumping to Yue Qingyuan’s throat. Before he was able to, though, someone entered the room and hastily made a beeline for where Yue Qingyuan was. It was a servant, the look in his eyes seemed worried. He stopped in front of Yue Qingyuan and handed him a letter. 

Everyone stood in silence, wondering what would prompt a servant to interrupt an important meeting. 

Yue Qingyuan’s eyes widened as he read the letter. He lifted his gaze to everyone in the room, eyes falling on Shen Yuan, before he leaned in to whisper into the servant’s ears. 

“Is this true?” he asked in a hushed voice. 

“Yes. I received this information directly from the Luo manor, it was verified.” 

“What is it, eldest cousin?” Shen Yuan asked impatiently. 

As Yue Qingyuan dismissed the servant, he took a moment to swallow before opening his mouth to speak the contents of the letter. 

“Luo Binghe is dead.”