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Snow blanketed the world in a thick puffy layer in a single night. The ground was cold and the air was nippy when Shen Qingqiu went to sleep, earlier than normal since the winter solstice was three nights ago meaning it went dark so much sooner than regular. When he awoke, while there was still a chill in the air, it wasn’t the sharp bitter cold of an oncoming storm, but instead the type of cold that would just blanket over you, slowly seeping into your bones if you let it, but wearing a few fur lined layers with a thick cloak was more than enough to enjoy the late brisk winter morning.
Damn, he really wanted a hot chocolate with cream liquor right now, it was the perfect morning for one. Too bad Airplane was the type of shitty writer to include some types of historical inaccuracies like potatoes and lube, but didn’t include good things like chocolate, or whipped cream, or anything else really.
He sighed and looked out the window at the picturesque landscape that was his bamboo forest covered in glittering snow. He spent a few heartbeats just enjoying the cottony silence that came with fresh snowfall, the way the morning light danced off of the untouched snow. He basked in the, honestly gorgeous, sight of his new world in a crisp fresh light.
…. Well, that’s enough of that. Let’s see if Binghe will let him drink warmed huangjiu with breakfast.
He dressed quickly, thankful for the warm steam piping under the floors. Honestly, heated flooring was the best invention, and also one of the only reasons he was surviving this winter in Airplane’s stupid sham of a Xianxia novel. Not that the weather-- unless for plot reasons-- so far was anything other than pleasantly mild and ideal no matter the season, but seeing as this was Shen Qingqiu’s first winter here, it was a pleasant surprise to have something so convenient.
He dressed in his usual seven layers, something that was a chore in the summer but a thing to be thankful for in the winter. One of his inner layers was made of a thicker material than his regular silk, or light cotton, but not thick enough that it made his silhouette bulky. It was quilted almost, lightly padded with the down of some type of demon goose. His outer layers, one which was a pretty gradient of pine green near his sleeves and the bottom hem, and lightened to his usual pale green at his neck, the other was a similar dark green that had the softest white rabbit trim along his half sleeve cuffs and at his collar. The bamboo embroidery and patterns decorating the silk were subtler than normal, but still kept to the theme the Qing Jing Peak Lord was known for.
This outfit has been one of his favourite things to wear this winter, since it was so warm. The silk had warming charms sewn into the seams, making it like the thinnest, but warmest, winter coat he had. This is, of course, outside of the actual charmed, fur lined wool cloak he found while digging around in the back of his closet a couple of days ago. The cloak had a pair of fur lined leather gloves in the pockets, which was a blessing to have when he was teaching katas to the older disciples yesterday.
Shen Qingqiu bustled around, humming some western Christmas songs as he tied sashes and combed some oil through his dry hair until it was it’s usual smooth black silk. He let himself enjoy a little twirl after he fastened in his usual hair ornaments, enjoying how the bright silver and deep jade twinkled in the morning light in the bronze mirror, almost like the snow outside.
Once fully presentable, and in no way about to be docked points for being OOC (even if the stupid fuction was offline now, he still had his pride as a peak lord), Shen Qingqiu stepped out of his private rooms into the rest of the bamboo house, following the sounds of Luo Binghe bustling around in the kitchen.
As soon as he stepped into the doorway Luo Binghe turned around and beamed, “Good morning, Shizun! You’re up early! This disciple apologies, but he doesn't have breakfast ready quite yet. If Shizun is willing to wait a few more minutes, this disciple will bring it out to him!”
Shen Qingqiu smiled, a soft upturn of the lips which could hardly be called a smile if it weren’t for the way it completely softened his features. “Good morning, Binghe. It’s no problem, this master thanks his hard working disciple for preparing breakfast so promptly.” He breezed into the kitchen proper, bending down to pull a jar of huangjiu out of a bottom cupboard, waving off his silly little white lotus of a student as he fluttered around him. “This master would like to request some warmed huangjiu to go with the meal, if it isn’t too much to ask.”
Luo Binghe quickly took the jar from his hands, only frowning a little. “So early in the morning? Wouldn’t Shizun prefer his usual chrysanthemum tea?”
Shen Qingqiu gave a noncommittal hum, but was internally groaning. Come on Binghe! Let this old master enjoy some warm alcohol! If he can’t start his day off with hot chocolate and Bailey’s, then let him at least let him enjoy some warmed wine! This body can handle drinking alcohol way better than his old one!
“It’s fine,” he waved off the concern with his fan. “This master just woke up desiring something to warm him up.” He snapped open the fan and used it to shield the lower half of his face, hoping to hide the pout he felt in his soul, and drifted out of the room, trying to end any more complaints by just physically leaving the conversation.
He felt Luo Binghe’s eyes trail after him, their stare piercing as if he was trying to solve some deeper puzzle. There was no puzzle! This master just wanted to start the day off buzzed!
In the doorway, he turned slightly to glance over his fan at the younger boy, spying the way he froze briefly as a light dusting of pink spread across the tops of his cheeks. Hum, maybe he was embarrassed at his master being such a lush. Ah! Oh well, some things can’t be helped.
“If Binghe wants, this master is willing to share a cup with him, but only if Binghe wants.” He wouldn’t encourage such young underaged drinking, especially since his young protagonist has so recently turned fifteen and was nowhere near a proper drinking age. But this was a special occasion after all.
It’s been four days since the winter solstice, meaning it was Christmas morning. Not that that meant anything here in Airplane’s papapa version of ancient China.
Luo Binghe seemed startled from his thoughts for a moment, hesitated, then gave a quick nod. “If Shizun is willing to share a cup with this disciple, then he thanks Shizun for the privilege.” After he got a nod from the older man in return, the white lotus of a protagonist turned back around to face the stove, placing the wine jar on a small table top beside it.
Shen Qingqiu floated out of the room, smirking with victory. Yes! Wine for breakfast! Not quite what he wanted but a win nonetheless!
He decided to wait for breakfast on the front porch. He carried one of his many many cushions out to the front with him, along with his new favourite winter cloak draped across his shoulders. He sent a little burst of qi to blow snow off his regular sitting space on his porch, set his cushion on the newly cleaned space, and settled down with a sigh.
The air wasn’t that cold, but he knew he would be feeling it later if he stayed outside long. He watched his fogged breath float apart with each exhale and just enjoyed the silence of the early Christmas morning.
This was the first time he spent Christmas alone, well, not alone as Luo Binghe was here and all his cute little students, but away from his family. Since his father had a lot of business partners from western countries, his family always held a big Christmas party in his parents summer home located in the countryside. He and his siblings would always get a gift and give their own on Christmas morning, and his mother’s grandparents would always stop by on Christmas eve to give him and his siblings gift wrapped apples. He normally hated getting the things, but he missed it so much that he found himself handing out dried apples and mandarins the day before to his disciples’ confusion anyways.
It was kinda nice to be on the gifting end instead of his usual receiving end. Back when he died, he was only nineteen, still a child to a lot of his older family members, but here Shen Qingqiu was an immortal cultivator and a peak lord, his age was never mentioned, but this body could have been a hundred years old! Much too old to be receiving fruit from others on Christmas eve!
He gave another sigh. His sister would have loved teasing him about how old he was now. They were born barely a year apart from each other, much closer in age than the five year gap between him and his second older brother, and the seven year age gap from him and his eldest brother. He missed her. She loved Christmas, always going off on how this will be the year she gets a boyfriend to spend the holiday with, and the eventual sulk she has when, once again, she has to spend Christmas with her family and old corporate fuddy duddies out in the countryside.
He watched the snow drift dance in front of him, and started humming the Christmas song his younger sister was obsessed with last year. It was that Sia song, the one about a snowman. She would run all over the country house belting it out loud, playing it on repeat until someone shouted at her to stop. He thought it was a little depressing when she played it, but now, felt it was oddly fitting.
…. He wondered if he could play it on the guqin. He could definitely play some of the simpler songs like “Jingle Bells” or “Deck the Halls.” Oh, what if he could play “All I Want For Christmas Is You?” That would actually probably lift his mood a little bit, he loved that song.
A knock at the door startled him out of his thinking, not that he showed it other than snapping his fan open in front of his face as he turned around. Luo Binghe was at the opened front door, shivering a little from the cold wind that was making the loose snow dance around them.
“S-Shizun, breakfast is ready, if you’d like to come inside now.” He shivered again, his robes not nearly as warm as the older man’s.
Shen Qingqiu tutted, getting up to usher his cold little lamb back inside. “Binghe shouldn’t go outside if he’s not dressed for it, where are your warmer robes?” He shrugged off his own thick wool cloak without thinking and draped it across the young boy’s shoulders, not caring that the ends were dragging along the ground.
Honestly, it’s like the young protagonist wanted to catch a cold and get sick. Shen Qingqiu made sure that all his students had the proper winter gear, simply so when he was on trial later no one could say he neglected and abused his little ducklings. Sure, he’ll have shoved the poor protagonist into the Abyss by then, but that’s only one example of abuse compared to the millions the original goods had on him. So, go him! Clearly the better Shen Qingqiu! Hopefully that isn’t worth getting turned into a human stick over!
…. Knowing his luck it will be.
Luo Binghe flushed at his teacher’s mother henning and let himself be ushered inside, clutching the cloak tighter around his body. “This disciple apologies for making his Shizun worry. He just didn’t expect that Shizun would be waiting outside in the snow for his breakfast.” He paused, letting Shen Qingqiu gently push him into his regular seat at the fully set up table. “Can, can this disciple ask why Shizun was waiting outside?”
Shen Qingqiu hummed as he settled into his own seat, letting his eyes roam over the spread that Luo Binghe made over his fan. Ah~ Everything looks so good!
“This master just felt like this morning was the perfect time to watch the snow dance.” He served himself some congee then filling up his little white lotus’ bowl as well. He looked at the chrysanthemum tea his little student had put out and hummed and hawed over having a cup or going straight into the warmed huangjiu that he spotted in his second best tea pot.
Screw it, he was going to have the huangjiu.
He flicked his sleeves out of the way and began pouring the wine first for himself then for Luo Binghe, then also pouring his student some tea as well. Just so he didn’t feel pressured into drinking alcohol if he didn’t want to.
He glanced over the spread once more, then decided to serve both him and Luo Binghe some dim sum as well. It wouldn’t hurt to have more warm food on such a cold day, especially if his little white lotus was cold.
Luo Binghe was watching him, chewing on his lower lip in thought, still snuggled himself into Shen Qingqiu’s cloak. “If this disciple may, can he ask Shizun a question?”
Shen Qingqiu gave an amused huff as he took a sip of the huangjiu. Aiya~ this was the good stuff! Zui Xian peak really outdid themselves with this batch! He will have to thank Long-Shidi next time he sees him!
“That disciple already has.”
Luo Binghe flushed a little and ducked his head into the cloak at his Shizun’s teasing tone. “Ah, no this disciple would like to know if he could ask a, um, a personal question?” He glanced up shyly.
Aiya! His little white lotus was really too cute! A little puppy! “Of course you may, Binghe. This master is listening.” He set down his cup and lifted his fan. He fluttered it a little, ah, maybe he should have eaten before going straight for the booze first thing in the morning. He really is turning into a lush.
Luo Binghe straightened up at the permission given to him. “This disciple would like to know if Shizun is feeling alright? Ever since the solstice, Shizun has looked a little upset. He’s been quite, more melancholy than his usual contemplative. The only time he hasn’t been was when he went around giving all the disciples on Qing Jing fruit yesterday.” Luo Binghe lost a little steam and shuffled in his seat, ducking his head a little back into the cloak. He paused, took a deep breath, then continued. “This disciple wonders if there is anything he can do to help lighten any burdens his Shizun might have?”
Shen Qingqiu fluttered his fan, thinking. Ah, maybe he has been a little depressed lately, doing nothing but thinking about his family and being away from them for the holiday. He can’t really tell Luo Binghe that, since there aren’t any major holidays around Christmas in this story anyways. Would he get docked points for mentioning a holiday that doesn’t exist? Maybe if he dances around the edge…
“Ah, this master is sorry he has worried you Binghe. In truth, he is simply remembering his past. This winter, it seems, has brought back memories of this master’s childhood, and a party that his family once threw a few days after the solstice. It was, ah-” What the hell could he call it? Oh wait this will work- “It was a birthday celebration for an immortal. He was important to some of my parent patrons, so they offered to host a celebration in his honour as thanks.” There, that was a good way to describe a Christmas party.
Luo Binghe didn’t think so. He tilted his head confused. “They threw a birthday party for a man they never met? Just because it made their patrons happy? But why?”
“Ah, well why not have a reason to have a party? It is the darkest time of the year, Binghe, and lots of people tend to need some cheering up, and the best way to do that is to throw a feast, give some gifts, and all be together during such trying times.” He lowered his fan to take another sip of wine. Ah, fuck it. If Luo Binghe is gonna keep asking hard questions he’s not gonna waste the good liquor.
This seemed to both confuse Luo Binghe even more, and help settle some questions. “You give other people gifts on this immortal’s birthday? Why not give the gifts right to him?”
“Because he was not at the party. This immortal lord is always roaming the world, helping those in need and he is known most commonly by how he gives gifts to everyone, especially children, no matter their status in life. So to honour him and his deeds, on his birthday people give gifts to others in his steed.” Shit, now he was confusing Jesus with Santa. Aiya, he needs to stop talking!
The light seemed to click behind his disciple’s eyes now. “Oh, is that why Shizun was giving everyone fruit yesterday? To practice the celebration of this immortal lord?”
Shen Qingqiu nodded, “Yes, this master thought all his disciples were working so hard, and deserved a little gift. He thought using his celebration would have been a good excuse, even if others did not know of it.”
Luo Binghe’s eyes sparkled at the indirect praise. He went to bow, and then almost got his sleeves into his now cooling food. “This lowly disciple thanks Shizun for his gift of fruit! He will treasure it!”
Shen Qingqiu waved off the undeserved praise. “This master would prefer if Binghe just enjoyed the fruit. Now, let us not waste the delicious looking meal Binghe had worked so hard on.” He gave his little white lotus a small smile again and started to eat. His eyes danced with amusement as he watched Luo Binghe scramble to eat and follow his Shizun’ order.
________________________________________
The memories couldn’t be staved off for long.
It was now late afternoon, and Shen Qingqiu has done nothing but drink warmed huangjiu, sat outside with his cloak to watch the snow drift dance along the unbrushed path leading up to his bamboo house.
After breakfast he flew down to the main section of Qing Jing peak and told his disciples that they had the day off from training and studying, and instead were told to relax and have some fun today. With that, he hoped back onto his sword to fly back to his little house. He had noticed that Binghe, who was also told that he had the day off to do whatever he pleased, was brushing the new fallen snow off the path leading up to the bamboo house.
“Ah, Binghe doesn’t have to do that.” He protested weakly. “He should be relaxing and spending today doing what he wants.”
“This Binghe wants to brush away the snow.” He claimed, clutched the broom tightly to his chest, as if Shen Qingqiu would snatch it away from him and send him away.
Shen Qingqiu just sighed, and peeled off his gloves. “If Binghe insists on doing chores, then at least he can be more comfortable. Here, wear these before your hands get frostbitten.” At least he was wearing his warmer robes and had the cloak Shen Qingqiu had given all his disciples who didn’t already have a cloak before the first snowfall. He eyed the boy up once more, watching him flush pink as he donned the gloves.
Oh, this master apologies for embarrassing you, Binghe! He was a teenager once before too, so this old man knows how uncool it is to dress properly for winter, but you’ll catch your death!
Well, maybe not death, what with his protagonist halo, but he might get a sniffle!
He nodded to himself and walked back into the house, knocked the snow on his boots off onto the already cleared porch so he didn’t trek it indoors. He shortly came back out with a thick, pale green, wool scarf that Mu Qingfang had insisted he wear, since he was already weakened from the qi deviation and the Without A Cure poison. He wrapped the scarf around his little white lotus’ neck, amused at how his cheeks flushed scarlet at the doting.
Ah, to be a teenager again, so embarrassed about the simplest things.
Since then, he's sat on his porch like the old man he is, drinking, watching the snowfall dance around them in the chilled wind, and watching Luo Binghe bustle around the yard doing his daily chores and exercises. All bundled up like a cute little green and white penguin.
After most of the morning was lost to reliving memories, and generally feeling like shit for spending the holiday alone, and not really celebrating it like he used to with his family, he decided fuck it, he’s teaching himself how to play “All I Want For Christmas Is You” on the guqin.
After an hour of mentally cursing himself for forgetting some of the lyrics, mentally yelling at the System because it never told him that it could Actually Play him music, and then listening to Mariah Carey’s absolute bop of a song on repeat as he practiced, he finally could do it without the song accompaniment.
Luo Binghe had taken to refilling his huangjiu teapot between chores, changing it out at least once for regular tea so Shen Qingqiu didn’t only just consume alcohol all day, and piling a little table beside him with snacks so he didn’t also only have breakfast and wine all day. By the time Shen Qingqiu was finished with his practice, Luo Binghe had migrated to his side, cheeks flushed with cold and eyes sparkling with interest as he watched his Shizun apparently just invent a song right before his eyes.
“That sounds wonderful Shizun, a little strange, but really fun! What’s it called?”
“Ah, this is a song that is traditionally sung at that immortal’s birthday celebration. His title is Shengdan Laoren, and the common name for the celebration is just part of his title, is just “Shengdan.” Part of his tale is that he only travels off his snowy peaked mountain on the fourth night after the winter solstice, carried in a red carriage pulled by eight magical deer. He is supposed to be dressed in all red with white fur trim, and silver bells adorn both the carriage and his boots. This is how you can tell he’s coming, if you can hear the silver bells.” Shen Qingqiu gave a bullshit excuse, watching as Luo Binghe’s expression turned serious, as if Shen Qingqiu was imparting him with important knowledge instead of some bullshit about a holiday that didn’t exist here so he could understand a genre of music that also didn’t exist here. “The celebration first originated far west, and their music taste is a little different that way. They also use a different type of qin then we do here, which is why it sounds so strange.”
“This master was trying to remember the song, as it’s been so long since he’s heard it and has never played it himself. It’s called “All I Want For Shengdan Is You.” A little bit of a romantic song, this master will admit, but he’s always been fond of it.” And the memes that went along with it. God, he misses Vine so much.
Luo Binghe was silent, thinking, before he looked back up at Shen Qingqiu. “Can this disciple hear the song?”
Shen Qingqiu flushed a little, embarrassed about playing such a girly song in front of his student. Ah, but maybe Luo Binghe is a bit of a romantic himself, since he was always using such flowery words to woo his hundreds of wives. Maybe he’ll take some of the lyrics and use it to woo some girl. Alright! This master will help you out, Binghe!
He cleared his throat, took a sip of tea, and then played.
The entire time he sang Luo Binghe’s eyes were focused on him. He seemed enraptured, dazzled by the foreign song and lyrics full of longing. He really did look like a child on Christmas getting to hear his Shizun sing this strange song.
And Shen Qingqiu also was getting a little into it, letting his voice carry around their secluded little yard. He hasn’t sang in front of somebody else in years, so while this was a little embarrassing, the amount of alcohol he’s consumed meant he really didn’t care as much as he should.
Once the song was done, Luo Binghe clapped and cheered, thanking his Shizun a million times, which Shen Qingqiu just laughed off.
He spent the rest of afternoon and evening like that, relearning and adapting Christmas songs for the guqin, while Luo Binghe did chores or was making snacks. Once the song was presentable, Shen Qingqiu would call his little student over and play and sing for him. A little Christmas concert for one.
Luo Binghe seemed to love the romantic songs, was indifferent to the songs that seemed to just praise the holiday or were about the birth of Jesus (which Shen Qingqiu had adapted to be about Santa Claus), and seemed distressed about all the songs about heartbreak. Which was a shame, because Wham’s “Last Christmas” was another great song that Shen Qingqiu was pretty proud about learning.
By the time the sun had set, and the moon was high in the sky, Shen Qingqiu had finally called it a night. The wine had affected him enough that his vision was fuzzy and his mind was quiet and pleased. His belly was full of Luo Binghe’s delicious snacks, and good wine, so much so that he hardly felt the cold on his hands or cheeks. But it was late enough that he let himself be carefully ushered into his bedroom by his little white lotus.
Luo Binghe helped him with his hair, pulling out his crown and combing through the knots. Shen Qingqiu just hummed at the feeling, not noticing how long it was taking Luo Binghe to do the simple task, or noticing how his disciple spent a long time when he was finished just running his hands through the silk locks before braiding it for sleep. The teen also quickly helped Shen Qingqiu get undressed from his millions of layers, cheeks flushed and eyes averted, until he simply just turned around when Shen Qingqiu got down to his third layer, stammering that his sleep robes were on his bed and fled the room, face scarlet and ears burning with shame from seeing his old teacher in such a state.
Shen Qingqiu snorted in amusement as he watched his little white lotus flee, shrugging off the layers left and letting them pool around his ankles. He really should try to limit the embarrassment he’s putting his poor student through. He might not have enough face to last a day if he keeps on like this. Maybe he shouldn’t drink so much again.
He pulled on the clean sleeping robes and slipped under the covers. Oh well, these consequences are for tomorrow Shen Qingqiu, who’ll be less drunk and has more face.
______________________________
Once he was sure Shizun was asleep, Luo Binghe crept out of his room and into the main area.
The moon was high in the sky as the fifteen year old slid open the front door and slipped out. In his hands, he carried a small plate full of various baked sweets, and in the other he carried a large cup of soybean milk. He knelt down on the porch by the path. He knew Shizun had said the immortal visited the night before, but he felt that it wouldn’t be right to leave him a late offering. Especially since he gave Luo Binghe such a wonderful gift he will treasure for the rest of his days.
The teen set down the offerings in clear view of the path, then pulled a few incense sticks from his sleeve pocket. He plucked the misshapen baked treat he brought for this exact purpose off the plate, and used it as a holder for the incense sticks. He lit the incense and bow his head in prayer before the offerings.
“Shengdan Laoren, I, Luo Binghe, thank you for your visit and giving me something so precious. It is because of you, and the celebration around your birth that allowed me to spend this day with Shizun. I will treasure the gift of his voice singing songs sung in your honour. I thank you for allowing me to spend a day alone with him in celebration towards you. The day spent caring for him, and being cared for so openly in return is the greatest gift I could have received, and I thank you for the opportunity.”
He stayed, knelt in prayer for a little bit longer, really hoping that the immortal could feel how grateful he was for this chance, for this wonderful day with the person he loved, before he stood. He brushed the bits of snowdrift off his shoulders and slipped back inside to sleep.
He has to get up early tomorrow, his Shizun is surely going to need some hangover cure from Qian Cao peak, which Luo Binghe will be more than happy to go fetch before his Shizun wakes up.
He drifted off to sleep to the sound of silver bells, and an angelic voice singing songs of love.