A bow to heaven and earth; a bow to his parents and ancestors; a bow to his husband.
A sip of wine, his arm tangled with the Emperor's. The wine stings as it slides down his throat. It burns in the best way, sending heat up to his cheeks.
Shen Yuan is married.
NEW CHAPTER PUBLISHED!! :D 18k of eye irritation written in a few sleepless nights and traveling by train
Tags: No Archive Warnings Apply; Original Luo Binghe/Shen Yuan | Shen Qingqiu; Shen Yuan | Shen Qingqiu; Shen Yuan | Shen Qingqiu's Family; Shen Jiu | Original Shen Qingqiu; Yue Qingyuan; Original Luo Binghe; Original Luo Binghe's Harem; Ning Yingying; Liu Mingyan; Sha Hualing; Mobei-jun; Shang Qinghua; Arranged Marriage; Age Difference; I mean it's like 200 years so it doesn't count; Not in the normal way I mean; Post-Bingge vs. Bingmei Extra; Reincarnation; Literary Device: Chekhov's Gun; I'm literally shocked that that's an existing tag; Horny Shen Yuan | Shen Qingqiu; I'm not surprised that that's an existing tag; Original Luo Binghe Has a Harem; Luo Binghe ALSO has a Male Harem; with some husbands and mentions that he was with those husbands; nothing explicit but it's Bingge take it as a warning; Bingge is the content warning you're looking for; Welcome to the harem dramas; Shen Jiu | Original Shen Qingqiu & Shen Yuan | Shen Qingqiu are Siblings; in a reincarnated mode; Do you know the process of Bingmeification?Welcome to the Qingqiuification process; Other Additional Tags to Be Added; First Time; Sexual Overstimulation; Drunk Sex; Enthusiastic Consent; False Identity; Past Violence
At her residence in the Phoenix spirit empire, Wen Qing was handling its governance while still contemplating on her future and chatting with her closest advisor, Li Chiuling. One thing about her court is that women are at high positions.
Li Chiuling is a Wen descendant, just like all phoenix spirits. 50% of them are the Wens who died and came back to life as Phoenixes, while the other 50% were born as Phoenix spirits originally.
Through Wen Qing's medical insights and her charities, her empire produced the best physicians and inventors.
Li Chiuling: Huanghou, have you thought of anything?
Wen Qing: I will live comfortably, while doing philanthropy. Though the Phoenixes still want me as their empress, I'll still let them govern themselves in some cases.
Li Chiuling: Fair enough.
You can take a backseat and focus on your early retirement.
But why must you retire? And so early.
Wen Qing: Everyone is strong and capable to protect themselves.
I think I should focus on myself now.
Li Chiuling: The other day, your court was asking about a possible heir. And they had Wen Yuan in mind.
Wen Qing: Wen Yuan is my third cousin, but he's a concubine. Even though it can work, The daring Phoenixes will clash with the flamboyant Peacock spirits. Also, the peacock spirits may snatch their rights away.
I can't do that to them. Nor give him any headaches either.
Li Chiuling: How about you have a Regency, while you decide.
Wen Qing: Good idea.
Li Chiuling, I have always trusted you. Perhaps you can handle everything then.
Li Chiuling: Mn, I'll try my best.
Wen Liuyu: *enters* Huanghou. You got another letter from Former Sect Leader Wen.
Wen Qing: *rolls her eyes* Put it in the Ruohan pile.
Li Chiuling: What's wrong with him?! Why is he writing you letters all of a sudden.
Wen Qing: He keeps requesting me to meet him. And I'm nowhere near being interested in meeting him. Hence he keeps sending letters until I bend to his will.
Li Chiuling: Isn't he a concubine? How dare he order you.
Wen Qing: He'll never get rid of his ego, even though he's Meng Taihou's concubine..
Li Chiuling: I heard that he gets bullied by Tianlang Jun.
Wen Qing: *cracking up* You know, A-Su was telling me the same thing!
I'm trying to imagine that. Ok work's done! I'm in the mood to read his stupid letters now.
Wen Liuyu: Should I bring the whole pile?
Wen Qing: Nah. Just bring about 5 and the one you've just added.
Wen Liuyu: Here you are, Huanghou! Entertain yourself!
I put them in chronological order.
Li Chiuling: Ahaha, now that's too much!
Wen Qing: *sighs with satisfaction, then began to read*
¹"Wen Qing, why haven't you gotten back to me. I, Wen Taifei, am cordially summoning you to my residence in Jing Manor!
Don't forget that I'm an overlord! You dare ignore your boss!"
Wen Qing: Half of it is about him praising himself, basically.
²"You think you're mighty than me? Huh? I will give you until the end of the month. You know I DESPISE insolence.
Don't forget that I'm the consort of the most powerful matriarch in the Jianghu, mind you. My step son and apprentice is the emperor!!"
³"I've found a suitor for you. I'll give you the details when you meet me in Jing Manor. Like I've said, I gave you until the end of the month."
⁴"Empress Wen, some say that you're busy, but I want you to delay all your meetings forthwith. This type of defiance doesn't suit your role and it doesn't suit mine.
⁵" That's it! I'm sending an army to retrieve you. You shall bend to my will whether you like it or not. Your Phoenixes will feel my wrath if they dare try to protect you!
Never in my 50 years have I seen such disobedience. Why am I even helping you?"
⁶ "Um......The madam.....Meng Taihou and the emperor said that I can't attack your empire. So forget about the army thing.
But I'm still summoning you."
Li Chiuling: Why don't Taihou poison him? He's so annoying!
Wen Qing: And so petty.
He can't even attack without Imperial approval.
Li Chiuling: But he found a suitor for you?
Wen Qing: Must be some gremlin.
Wen Liuyu: pfft! What if it's Xue yang!
Wen Qing: He's not my type.
And he's the emperor's concubine already.
Li Chiuling: But what if it's the Emperor Meng himself.
Wen Qing: Huh. Hearing from A-Su, he's a wonderful person, actually. He was a talented Wen spy and a great emperor.
Our empires were allied in the past
I never really thought about him like that.
Li Chiuling: I forgot to mention that your empire may become a dowry, merging with the Mengs.
Wen Qing: At least they would be backed up by a powerful family.
Chiuling, ask the Communication department to write a letter to Wen Taifei. I'll meet him in the coming month.
Li Chiuling: Certainly.
Why this sudden change of heart?
Wen Qing: It's only to make him stop.
~
On the other hand in Jing Manor's Jade Sitting hall, Meng Yao, Qin Su and Meng Shi were having tea together.
Meng Shi: *sips tea* How are you doing, Yao'er?
Yao: I'm ok, A-niang. And the empire is well. I had a spontaneous date with Lan Guifei.
Meng Shi: that's marvelous!
And sounds dangerously steamy. I love it.
Yao: Earlier today, I was admiring flowers with Qin Huanghou.
Meng Shi: Hmm. You're handling your harem well.
But did team dimple eavesdrop on any of your dates.
Yao: Suprisingly not.
Meng Shi: they were probably planning to ambush Lan Guifei.
Yao: Exactly.
I don't doubt that at all. I'll make it up to them.
Meng Shi: Yes. Please do, before they explode.
Meng Shi: A-Su, how's it going with you?
I don't see your sisters as much as before.
Qin Su: Yuemu, I'm doing great, thank you. I'm delighted to hear that Song'er and AQing went on a date.
Meng Shi: Ah yes! Yao'er was telling me.
I love it when young people go out and spend quality time.
Qin Su: Same here.
Yao: They have such a healthy relationship.
Qin su: Yes Huangdi. Our Song'er is always superior.
As for my sisters, they're concubines of Meng Rongjiu Wangzi.
Meng Shi: I'm so happy for them!
Yao: Rongjiu's concubines?
What an ideal match.
Meng Shi: We'll have some more beautiful Qin genes.
Speaking of which, Yao'er. Do you have any new concubines? Are you planning on getting a new concubine?
Yao: Not really, but honestly I can do with a new one.
Meng Shi: Yes certainly, to replace the Nies.
I have someone in mind!
Yao: Already?!
Meng Shi: Mhm.
Have you considered Wen Qing?
Tell me what do you like about her.
Yao: Wen Qing. She's quite talented, smart and beautiful. Loyal and fiery.
She's friends with A-Su.
Qin Su: Yes. Wen Qing is quite level headed and a rare beauty. She comes to my soirees and I go to hers.
And to tell you the truth. I'm quite attracted to her as well.
Meng Shi: Aww. Well that's lovely. I know you two are best friends.
Yao: Does she have any talents i don't know of, Eunuch Li?
Eunuch Li: She's good at embroidery, and playing the Xiao.
Yao: Oh, that's quite delicate.
She was always good with needles.
Meng Shi: Right. Wen Qing will be a good concubine.
Yao: I agree, but I haven't really given her a thought in the past.
A-niang. This sounds like Wen Ruohan's doing.
Meng Shi: It is.
Wen Ruohan wants to incorporate his Wen blood into the imperial harem.
Yao: That makes so much sense.
Wen Qing do fit the requirements of a concubine, though.
I shall meet her.
~~~~
Wen Ruohan's personal residence 📍.
Wen Ruohan: *dramatically standing near his throne while facing it*
Why haven't you answered my messages, Wen Qing? Do you know who I am?
Wen Qing: Old man, relax. I asked my staff to send you a letter.
But are you happy I'm in person?
Wen Ruohan: You think ignoring me was hilarious? Huh?
Wen Qing: Yes. Very much. Wen Taifei, you should get a job..
Wen Ruohan: Insolence. But I'll let it slide. Are you still an empress?
Wen Qing: I am. Yet I desire to step back a little. My empire becomes a dowry, if I choose to marry.
Wen Ruohan: That's good. You'll be very famous for that.
Wen Qing: I'm still affluent, but comfortable. I donate most of my money to charities and the development of medicine and inventions.
Wen Ruohan: *yawns* Pretty fair. Not my cup of tea.
I want you to marry the emperor.
Wen Qing: What?! Hold up! Say that again!
Wen Ruohan: Emperor Meng Yao. Also known as Emperor Jin Guangyao. The Meng Family is the most powerful!
Wen Qing: *scoffs* Ah that's a relief. I thought you would've married me off to some delinquent.
Wen Ruohan: So you love the emperor?
Wen Qing: I admire him. But I barely know him.
Wen Ruohan: You don't need to.
I want you to get married to him later.
Wen Qing: Are you mad?!
And does Emperor Meng know about this alliance? You know I'm friends with Su huanghou, right?
Wen Ruohan: Taihou and his eunuchs are talking about you right this moment.
You are to marry him after you meet.
It will be a small marriage, as you're a concubine.
Now don't disobey me. You'll be a concubine under your bestie, and serve the emperor.
Wen Qing: You're one sketchy person.
Now tell me what would happen if I displease him. Huh.
Wen Ruohan: That's for you an the Emperor to discuss. At least you respect him.
Wen Qing, I'm helping you out. You should thank me.
Wen Qing: *rolls her eyes*
Wen Ruohan: Go ahead.
Thank me.
Wen Qing: *sighs* Thank you Wen Taifei. Is that what you want to hear?
Wen Ruohan: Lovely!
Now go on and meet him. He'll receive you in the imperial meeting room.
~~
Hereafter, Wen Qing stood in the meeting room, where she looked at hydrangea flowers and bonsai peach blossoms near the seating area, then her attention shifted to the long gilded hallway.
Then, team dimple "graced" her with their drama.
Xue yang: Look who! What brings you here?
Wen Qing: I'm on business.
Xue yang: *sarcastic* Ohh my.
Su she: Greetings Wen Huanghou. You're here to meet Qin Huanghou.
Mo xuanyu: Or my Yao gege?!! You want to steal him from us?
Wen Qing: Not really.
You could kinda say so.
Mo Xuanyu: I knew it! I remember when you partnered with Yao gege's empire, and I got a little jelly. *pout* But I'm ok now! We got to make sure that you're team dimple material.
Wen Qing: Now what's team dimple material?
Xue yang: We'll ask you a few questions.
Question one. Are you comfortable with being in a cult?
Wen Qing: Xue Yang. I'm entering a harem. Why would I need to be in a cult?!
Xue yang: Wrong answer
Su she: When is the emperor's birthday? What does he specialize in? And which dimple is deeper?
Wen Qing: February 20th. I, like other empires, states and kingdoms had sent him birthday greetings. And A-Su and I used to talk about presents.
Su she: hm.
Xue yang: So you're using Qin Huanghou!
Wen Qing: We talk about everything, with Yanli Huanghou and Miammian. A-Qing Taizifei had also spent time with us at one point.
Xue yang: A-Qing and her nosy self.
Hanging with an opponent of team dimple.
Wen Qing: Taizifei is really clever you know. No wonder Taizi loves her so much. She became a patron of arts, literature and welfare.
I can't recall you being a patron.
Xue yang: Does it count if I asked Jiggy to be a patron of my body?
Wen Qing: *rubs her temples* Team dimple.
Mo xuanyu: Answer our questions.
Wen Qing: Huangdi is good at stratergizing, music and art. He's a patron of the theater, and helped keep performing arts alive. He funded hundreds of patronages and ended nepotism.
Should I add any more?
Oh, and his dimples are equally deep.
Su she: I'm impressed.
Xue yang: Oh, you're one of those. Some admirers say that, then others say one dimple is deeper than one.
Mo xuanyu: Give her something harder! What do Yao gege's undergarments look like?!
Wen Qing: I don't know at all. And why should we be discussing the emperor's undergarments in public?
Mo xuanyu: You think you're better than us?
Anyways, fortunately for you, I think you're cool. But you should remember that he's my Yao gege.
I slept with him a month ago!
Wen Qing: As expected of a concubine.
Thereafter, Yao Huangdi enters with Qin Su and Meng Shi. Wen Qing and team dimple then dipped and greeted them.
But when she saw him and his beautiful features for a second, she couldn't help but feel warm inside.
Wen Qing: (But Meng Huangdi is quite attractive. Well I know he was, but I can't believe that I'm going to be his concubine)
Wen Qing: Meng Huangdi, Qin Huanghou and Meng Taihou.
Yao: You've finally arrived. Please discard the formalities. How was your trip here?
Wen Qing: It was long but relaxing. I had to meet that annoying Wen Ruohan, so he could stop writing me letters.
Yao: *laughing* Oh dear!
I'm so sorry for you.
Wen Qing: He's a bit of a pest.
Meng Shi: Well I must talk to him about that. I should've kept him more occupied.
Wen Qing: No no, Taihou. No need to blame yourself. It's just him being annoying. I named a pile of letters after him.
Meng Shi: *laughs* You did?! Wen Qing, you're so funny.
Ruoruo kept saying that you're rude for ignoring him. But keep ignoring him, ok. He's melodramatic.
Wen Qing: Sure Taihou.
Yao: You met team dimple.
I hope they haven't given you any shovel talk.
Wen Qing: they asked me if I'm ok with being in a cult.
Yao: *shakes his head* It's completely normal.
Wen Qing: I never new that Wen Ruohan's gremlin could be a concubine.
Yao: Quite a resourceful one.
Xue yang: I rather you call me Wen Ruohan's apprentice.
Qin Su: Wen Qing, I'm so happy that you'll be part of the harem.
You have always been my best friend.
Wen Qing: I'm happy to work hand in hand with you, A-Su.
Qin su: Yes! I'll teach you everything.
Yao: You've met almost everyone. How about we take a walk
Wen Qing: Yes, Huangdi. It will be a pleasure.
......
Afterwards, Meng Huangdi and Wen Qing went through the halls, while engaging in a heartfelt chat.
Wen Qing: I hope you have maintained the rose hedge in your Diplomatic gardens.
Yao: Certainly, Lady Wen. Jing Manor has top of the line gardeners.
Wen Qing: That's good news.
Yao: I heard you're good at playing the Xiao. Care to give me a rendition later?
Wen Qing: As you wish.
But then Wen Ruohan told me that i must marry you later.
*laughs*
Yao: So soon?!
Wen Qing: I know right! Don't listen to him, Huangdi. He's known to be irrational. And insane.
Yao: I was his right hand, Lady Wen, so I'm accustomed to his behavior.
Anyway, I'll take your advice.
Wen Qing: Aha, sometimes I forget.
He's always so controlling and domineering.
I wonder if it's because he's a power hungry concubine.
Yao: No, he's a concubine who once had immense power. He wants his voice heard.
Wen Qing: Hmm, i agree. He has too much free time writing letters and throwing tantrums.
Suddenly her hairpin fell out. But when Wen Qing goes to bend and pick it up, the emperor stopped her.
Yao: Allow me. *puts it in her hair*
Wen Qing: *looks into his golden eyes* (I'm close to Meng Huangdi) Thanks.
Yao: So, tell me. Do you want to be a concubine?
Wen Qing: Sure. I don't have a problem.
Yao: That's delightful news!
I welcome you then. *smiles*
Wen Qing: But I'm......I'm a little shy. I know you're a gentleman, but I don't think I'm the romantic type.
Yao: It's fine, Wen Guifei.
Wen Qing: Even though you're really ethereal. *blushing*
One other thing, Huangdi. About my empire.
Yao: You're aware that it will be a part of your dowry?
Wen Qing: Yes. And I was wondering if it would be safe under the Meng Dynasty.
Yao: Absolutely! They will thrive and still have their identity.
Wen Qing: Great! I have no problem with any of your children inheriting it in the future.
