An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
The journey to Dongying is three weeks across the open sea. For a while there is little to look at except for water and seagulls, and then only water. The sun rises and sets with comforting familiarity, and offsets the strangeness of the nothing that the sea offers: featureless, choppy, and gray, only gray - endless shades and varieties of gray, no matter whether the sun is rising or falling or baking the sweat off his skin overhead, leaving behind a thin film of salt. By the time Dongying’s green hills appear on the horizon, Lan Xichen feels as if he’s been encrusted with salt, pickled in it.
He disembarks in a vast port town. The waters are thick with ships beyond recognition. Green mountains rise sharply at the edges of the city. There are many people there to greet his own ship: porters and family members and business partners. No fewer than six porters fall in step with Xichen, trying a series of languages on him to express that they will take him and his luggage wherever he’d like to go. Xichen displays the last letter he’d received and asks, “Can you take me to the address written here?”
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Lan Huan | Lan Xichen/Meng Yao | Jin Guangyao
Characters: Meng Yao | Jin Guangyao, Lan Huan | Lan Xichen
Additional Tags: brief mentions of Nie Mingjue and Wen Ruohan, Mpreg | Male Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Trans Meng Yao | Jin Guangyao, End of Sunshot Campaign, Hurt No Comfort
Summary:
A pain grows within him, and even without the knowledge, newly named Jin Guangyao knows there is now an emptiness inside him.
“Well, he’s polite, at least. And handsome enough to make a fool of anyone, but still. I really thought you had your eye on the prize when you left here.”
“Huan-ge is not a mistake, Li-popo,” Meng Yao replied quietly, lacing their fingers together protectively. Lan Xichen glanced down at their joined hands, feeling his heart thump a little harder, then swallowed as Meng Yao looked up at him with a warm gaze. “If I’m a fool, I’m happy to be. But…”
He looked back at Li-popo, his eyes turning wide and pleading. “His father has gone mad. It’s worse than either of us thought it would be. I really think that if he finds us, he’ll…”
Meng Yao’s voice faltered and Lan Xichen was impressed to see tears shining in his eyes. He himself was nowhere near so talented at acting, so he bowed his head, trying to look sad. Li-popo snorted, though, as though the story was amusing somehow.
“Well, what do you think he’s angrier about? His son marrying a man, or a whore?”
Lan Xichen blinked at his feet, sure he must have misheard.
~
Excerpt from chapter nine of ‘Impatient and Unkind’, a multi chapter 3zun fic with alternating POV. Canon compliant, very E rated, will be updating once or twice per week.
After hours of imperial work, Meng Yao Huangdi was relaxing at his private Jitang Entertainment hall in Jing Manor where he was served wine and pampered.
Fuying: Huangdi, Taizi and Taizifei had arrived in Pine Pavillion.
Yao: Good. They're a young couple that must spend time together.
I'm happy that they're home safe.
Suddenly, Lan Xichen goes to enter, but stops at the door, just to admire A-yao. How elegant and beautiful he is with his deep dimples and lashes. A gentle demeanor that commands respect.
Yao: Huan! Why are you at the door. Come in.
Xichen: A-yao Huangdi.
Yao: *walks towards him, then Xichen goes to kneel before his dear emperor *
Hey, there's no need.
Even though it's cute.
Xichen: Was I interrupting your relaxation?
Yao: *kisses* Never.
Xichen: *caresses his face* That's good. I was just admiring the most powerful emperor in the Jianghu.
Yao: Aw. A-Huan!
I believe you should admire me up close.
Xichen: Agreed. *kneels and puts his hands in his*
Yao: Oh Huan. Get up. Let's have a seat here.
*pulls him* Xiying, Huo Bin. Get him some tea.
~ yes Huangdi.
Xichen: How about some wine.
Yao: *scoffs* You? And wine?!
Xichen: Yea, why not?! These days I'm feeling a little daring! Also, I have lived as a concubine for years. Probably my alcohol tolerance has improved.
Yao: *laughing* Huan, please no.
Xichen: Come on. Just one cup.
Yao: I'm the emperor and I said no.
Xichen: *kisses him fondly* You know you can't use that on me.
Yao: *blushes*
But, it would be very entertaining though.
Xichen: let's put that aside for a while, dear Huangdi. There's something I wanted to try doing with you.
Yao: What's that?
Xichen: Well. Wangji and Wei Gongzi broke the bathtub on many occasions. So I thought that we can....*laughs shyly*
Yao: *turns more red, then gasps* Huan!
Xichen: We may head to your private bot springs and spend some time.
Yao: *buries his head in his chest*
Xichen: You're my everything, Huangdi. And I know I'm not worthy of being your concubine.
Yao: Who said that, Huan? You're my favorite concubine.
Xichen: I'm so relieved to hear that.
Shall we toast.
Yao:*sits up* Sure.
Xichen: So A-Yao. What's new?
Tell me everything.
Yao: Mn. Imperial-wise. The fox spirit clans are getting stronger and forming alliances on their own.
Sometimes I would have to send Emissaries to be peacemakers for any little conflict.
Xichen: Ohh that's ideal.
Yao: Definitely. This year had produced more cultivated fox spirits than last year, and that was from the fox spirit clans instead of the Jianghu's.
Xichen: I believe that fox spirits make the best student everywhere. Speaking for my sect alone, they're quite sweet and talented. And not to forget, mischievous at times.
Shufu doesn't have the patience, so I teach them instead.
Yao: How sweet of you!
Shufu is getting old.
Lan Xichen kneels in front of him lovingly, then props his head on his emperor's lap. Yao Huangdi on the other hand caresses his cheek and fondled with his headband.
(I believe this is a perfect way to discuss court politics!)
Xichen: *blush* Yea. He is.
Yao: I'm planning to make the hundred clans vassel states with honours, but that's a project in of itself.
Xichen: *caresses his hand* My Huangdi, you're quite brilliant. How about you boost their gentry title a bit. Higher ranking gentries will have more property, rights to expand their territories.
Yao: Good idea. I've also discussed this with Shanshan, and he said that the 5 great clans should stay more powerful than the rest of smaller clans, as they're closer to me.
Though I'm an advocate for equality, I must keep this as it is, to properly define my position as Huangdi.
Xichen: *in love* I agree with everything you say. And yes, A-yao. You must show them who the powerhouse is. Statistics even show that fox spirits helped the Jianghu prosper.
All thanks to you.
Yao: They've introduced new cultivation Sciences lately.
Xichen: That's amazing.
Now tell me about your children.
Yao: Ah, they're all well and prosperous.
A-Song and A-Qing went on a date.
Xichen: Awwwww!!
Yao: I advised them to do some family planning, in order make their position stronger.
Xichen: Ohh secure the position. *chuchles* Or do you just want to be a grandfather?
Yao: .........
Yao: Both.
Xiaobao and Huaien are happy together.
But I find that Huaien is a little bit of a yandere.
Xichen: So he's like team dimple?
Yao: More like team dimple and drunk Hanguang Jun in one!
Xichen: *laughing* Oh really?!
Ahahaha, I could imagine the chaos!
But I remember seeing him dragging him out at a banquet you had.
Yao: Right!
Even though it was amusing, I find it was a bit improper. Anyways! They're young and in love.
Xichen: Much like us at some point.
Yao: *blush* Huan.
Xichen: What about Jingyi? I don't hear about his bf.
Yao: Same. But it's his personal drama.
Xichen: Hua and Jinfeng Zun are really adorable togethet.
Yao: Oh yes they are!
You see, all my children have good taste like me.
Xichen: I see. *kisses* Ah, I need a drink.
I'll have half tea. And half wine.
Yao: What kind of concoction is that?!
Xichen: A good one.
So that I can pleasure the emperor.
Yao: *shakes head* You're crazy, you know that.
It's your stomach.
Xichen: *gulps it down, then held his head* A-yao.
Yao: Are you ok?!
Xichen: it tasted good, A-yao. *looks at him*
A-yao, your fox tails are so soft and beautiful.
Yao: *fondles his headband* Thank you.
Xichen: Mhm. Huangdi. I have something to ask.
What does Su Minshan even do?! Why do you mention him all the time? *hugs* You're mine.
Yao: Oh my goodness, Huan. He's my concubine too, and he's Xiandu. Speaking of Xiandu, I'm planning on having a Xiandu selection very soon.
Xichen: For real? Shanshan would be devastated.
Yao: Not at all. I'll promote him to another position.
Now let's don't talk about these stuff.
I'm yours, aren't I?
Xichen: *pout* mhm.
Let's go to the hot springs!!!
Yao: *turns red*
Xichen: *puts him in his arms*
Lan arm strength.
Yao: It's the best!!
~~~~
Meanwhile in Pine Pavillion.
Concubines: *greetings Taizi Dianxia*
Rusong: How are you, my concubines. *bites into a hibiscus cake*
Ouyang Zizhen: Dianxia, stop acting like you haven't had the spiciest date ever! A-Qing, how was it.
A-Qing: Rusong was unbelievably hot. *giggles*
Ouyang Zizhen: Oh my goodness.
He gets hotter?!
A-Qing: Obviously.
Rusong: What do you expect, Ouyang guifei.
I was just showing AQing some fox spirit culture.
Ning Yingying: My favourite part of fox spirit culture is Taizi Dianxia.
Ouyang Zizhen: Same here.
Rusong: Mingfan. How are you settling in?
Mingfan: Everything's good, Dianxia.
Rusong: We haven't really been together.
How about I appoint you as my personal assistant.
Mingfan: That can work, Dianxia. But would i still be a concubine?
Rusong: Of course!! I just want all my concubines to have equal attention and companionship.
A-Qing is my main wife, Yingying plays the guqin, Zizhen writes flattering poetry and offers his clan's loyalty. And now you can help me with a few stuff.
Mingfan: It would be an honour to serve you, Dianxia.
Rusong: Your duties won't be clear cut, as it can change any time.
Mingfan: Got it!
Rusong: You're a sweet concubine.
Mingfan: *blush*
Ning Yingying: Dianxia, how are you enjoying my pastry?
Rusong: Ah, it's delicious, my dear!
Ning Yingying: *giggles*
Rusong: Coincidentally, I brought a gift for you.
Ning Yingying: Really? *shy*
Wait right there, Dianxia. *went towards him.*
Then Rusong stood up, and placed a gold, diamond and pearl hairpin in her hair.
Ning Yingying: *blushing* Awww, Dianxia! It's so beautiful. But it's so expensive. Only for a pastry I made?
Rusong: *puts her hand in his* Not only that, dear. For everything. *kisses*
Ouyang Zizhen: So hot.
Mingfan: I know right.
Ning Yingying: *kisses him in his dimple. Then he smiles at took a seat* Zongzhu, what's up? You seem jealous.
Ouyang Zizhen: *nervous* N...no, Taizi. I'm not jealous. But if you insist I rush to you, I will! *kneels*
Rusong: *lifts his chin with his fan*
Ouyang Zizhen: I LOVE it when you do that to me!
Rusong: You love being manhandled? That's such great news.
Ouyang Zizhen: you're absolutely resplendent.
Whenever I look into your eyes, I feel like giving you everything.
Rusong: Aww. *kisses*
Ouyang Zizhen: but it's true.
Is that a hulijing thing? Did you seduce me?
Rusong: *laughs* You think everything is hulijing seduction?
Ouyang Zizhen: No Dianxia. But I don't have a problem if it is.
Rusong: Aw!
Gongyi Xiao: *enters and bows* I'm so sorry, Taizi. Am I interrupting?
Rusong: Xiao! Not at all. You're my future brother-in-law, so you can come any time.
Gongyi Xiao: Thank you, Taizi.
I came to remind you about your sect meeting in Laoling tomorrow.
Rusong: Ah, yes.
Thanks for the reminder.
Gongyi Xiao: You're welcome.
Rusong: Harem, are you accompanying me?
Ning Yingying: Certainly, Dianxia!!
Ouyang Zizhen: I'll follow you wherever you go!
Gongyi Xiao: Your Harem is already in the Qin circle, so it can work.
Rusong: That's my exact thought.
~~~
Next day, In Laoling Qin's main headquarters, Qin Rusong Zongzhu enters with A-Qing, who's his madam Qin. Ouyang Zizhen sits as a guest of honour, concubine, and clan leader Ouyang. Ning Yingying and Mingfan also sat as guests of honour.
Rusong and A-Qing however wore Laoling Qin colours, which is rose gold, coral and flowy light pink.
His head members: Minglan, Shanxiao, Yifeng and Haocun sat up front proudly.
Ning Yingying: Dianxia. Your motifs and symbols look different. Where are the Chysanthamums?
Rusong: Dear, I changed them back to light pink roses.
Ning Yingying: Ohh.
It's beautiful.
A-Qing: And quite romantic.
Ouyang Zizhen: You have beautiful insight, Zongzhu.
Rusong: Welcome, my fellow sect members. Shall we start?
Sect members: Greetings, Zongzhu.
Rusong: Our clan is now one of the five greatest clans now, replacing Qinghe Nie. I believe we should plan on expanding our territories by setting up subsidiary offices.
Qin MingLan, I place you in charge of that project.
Qin MingLan: Sure, Zongzhu!
Rusong: How are the stats on night hunting?
Qin Yifeng: Reporting to Qin Zongzhu. Our night hunts were successful! We had discovered secret caves near Tanxi Valley
Rusong: Oh, isn't that so? I heard that Tanxi is the home of the Moon Lily.
It's said to strengthen your qi 100 times and heal insomnia. But is toxic when it dies.
Qin Yifeng: It is! But we haven't seen it.
However, in those caves, there were carp spirits and Jiaoren.
Rusong: You managed to discover water dwellers! That's quite remarkable!
But please, respect their habitat.
Qin Yifeng: Certainly.
Qin Shanxiao: They swam away when they saw us.
Qin Minglan: Zongzhu, my faction had reached out to distressed villagers in Xuchang City.
Rusong: Ah. After the supernatural activities. That's good.
I believe we should have a subsidiary there. Xuchang city keeps experiencing supernatural activities.
Qin Minglan: I'll look into it.
Rusong: how about we use arrays to seal the resentful energy in Qinghe. Remember, that area is filled ancient tombs owned by the Nies.
The emperor and I are working hard on suppressing it.
Qin Minglan: Are we going to have a joint Night Hunt with Lanling Jin anytime soon?
Rusong: In the next two months. Our clan must focus on training prodigies for Baifeng Mountain's tournament.
Qin Minglan: Oh right! I forgot about that!
Qin Haocun: How could you forget about something so important?!
Qin Minglan: I was busy night hunting!
Rusong: *smile* Please try to remember. Laoling Qin is on the world's stage. We must be excellent.
Today, I shall train with them.
Qin sect members: *clapping* Yes! Good Zongzhu!
Rusong: Long live Laoling Qin!
Qin Haocun: Zongzhu, the PR team is done with redesigning the clan's symbol.
Rusong: Delightful. Please show me.
*stood up and puts A-Qing's hand in his, then walked over*
My gardeners did a good job maintaining the pink roses.
Rusong: During A-niang's 8 year supervision, she changed the emblems to the Chrysanthemum, to represent her status as an empress who had exiled herself.
She appears with A-Die now, and no longer in exile.
(Her 8 year supervision of Laoling Qin happened when Rusong was really young. Fortunately, he saw both his parents. Some gossip was spreading at the time, so Qin Su decided to hide from public eye and Meng Yao agreed to protect her.)
Qin Haoxun: *shows him a plethora of contraptions and manuscripts with the Laoling Rose Seal.*
Rusong: Beautiful.
Print it on some bamboo parchment paper.
Qin Haoxun: I'll tell the department.
And on your behest, the weaponry department has created weapons with the pink rose.
Rusong: That's good news, because I was planning to change my obsidian sword with a new one.
Here's what, I will give you half a million to commission a sword for me, and the Obsidian Sword will be a private piece
Qin Haocun: Zongzhu, that would be the highest of honours!
