Loyalty - MoShang

I-in sickness and in health

It had been a week. A very long week in Shang Qinghua's opinion. He had been avoiding Mobei Jun like the plague and it seemed the king had been doing the same. Whenever the brunette saw Mobei Jun in the halls of the palace he would immediately turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Although, every time he ran off, he half hoped the demon would call after him. They had hardly spoken since their little incident, only exchanging a few words if absolutely necessary.

Shang Qinghua often found himself walking past Mobei Jun's room. It infuriated him how he couldn't muster up the courage to talk to him. The days were long, and he spent most of his time on An Ding Peak working his way through paperwork. He hated staying in Cang Qiong, whenever he went out, he would receive weird stares and people would start whispering. Although they were never quiet enough for Shang Qinghua not to hear. He often sought refuge in Shen Qingqiu's home but the threatening glares the possessive half-demon gave were never welcoming. So, the best place to stay was his own house even if he spent a lot of time venting to his friend who looked at him as if he were stupid.

"Wait, wait, wait, you're telling me you sucked off Mobei Jun and now you refuse to talk to him?"

"Yeah, that's what I've been saying for the past half hour."

"I'm sorry man but you brought this onto yourself."

"I know! But a few encouraging words wouldn't hurt."

They had similar conversations almost every day. However, Shen Qingqiu seemed to have had enough of his constant rambling.

"Binghe?"

"Yes?"

The man's dark eyes lit up with enthusiasm at his name being called.

"I need your help with something."

...

Later that afternoon Shen Qingqiu asked the brunette if he could come over for a cup of tea with the excuse of having a sore back and wanting an escape for the evening. Shang Qinghua agreed as he didn't have anything else to do.

He sat by his desk, and the only noise that could be heard was the soft swishing of the brush against parchment. He gave a sigh when he finished writing the last report, stretching his arms over his head. He stood up when he heard a knock at his door. Shang Qinghua expected to see Shen Yuan entering his room. To his surprise the person who stepped in was his head disciple; Hua Cheng (bc I'm uncreative and can't remember the name I gave in the first place). He was carrying a tray with a teapot and two cups. His high ponytail swayed as he walked to the table at the center of the room. The boy set down the tray and poured a cup for Shang Qinghua.

"Ah, thank you."

He sat by the table and lifted the cup to his lips.

"By the way, do you have anything to report to me?"

"Yes, there are a few damaged buildings on..."

Shang Qinghua interrupted him with a sigh.

"Let me guess, Bai Zhan peak."

"That is correct."

"I thought so, I'll have to take care of that tomorrow though. They can't keep making me work until midnight."

Hua Cheng sat by his master hesitantly. Shang Qinghua noticed that he wanted to say something and gave him a reassuring look.

"If shizun agrees, perhaps I could take over some work, so you don't have to work so late."

Shang Qinghua smiled making a pink tint appear on the boy's cheeks.

"That is very kind of you, but it is my responsibility as peak lord to take care of these things. You already help me a lot so don't worry too much about this."