Chapter Text
In their field of work, betrayal is death.
With Li's mysterious death, he who was a high ranking executive among the House of Rex's associates, it's not strange for fear to start to spread. Words of his violation of one of House Rex's most important rules, the exploitation of Teyvats Citizens. He dared to dabble in human trafficking behind the Boss's back.
His body was found washed up on the shore of one of Dihua Marsh's many swamps. His skin a rubbery grey hue, and his body was missing a hand and one of his feet. His eyes were most likely eaten away by the Marsh's various aquatic species.
Li's missing decomposing hand is discovered days later trapped in a fisherman's net; some larger animal most likely bit it off.
A single knife wound lays between his eyes like a silent warning from the Administration to the entirety of Liyue's underground world.
Don't betray our ideals; dare to cross us, you will end up like him.
When a traumatized fisherman discovers Li's hand, that's the same day, his financial accountant testifies in front of the Qixing. He speaks about Li's illegal human trafficking business.
Soon after, Li's entire business network in Inazuma vanished as if it was never there in the first place.
Some of Li's business associates end up in the same place where Li's body was found.
Some of those associates who were found to be directly connected to the prostitution dens are more unlucky.
They all end up with battered bodies and multiple gaping wounds, their hands and legs broken.
They are left naked for all to see in the middle of Yujing Terrance; they were barely alive when the early-risers shopkeepers found them. The Qixing aren't too pleased with that last part, but it effectively sends a message amongst Liyue's underground ranks.
You do not mess with the Boss's work unless you have a death wish.
The sight of a black sedan rolling through the streets of Liyue's harbor is like a grave reminder.
He lives among you, and he is watching your every move.
It is a reminder to even the most ruthless debt collectors and highest-ranking traders associated with House Rex and it's iron-fisted rules.
But there are always those who remain unsatisfied with their current ruler.
It's human nature for man to try and overcome the power of God.
It's how we, as a species, have evolved and become a greater force than we once were.
Liyue's folktales favor dramatic stories of the Liyuen people rising from the ashes of the Great War to thrive and become what they are today. Like a burning phoenix, who keeps dying, only to be reborn from its ashes, each time becoming stronger than it was in its previous life.
So the sight of the current Head of House Rex, a young, foreign man, sitting on its most powerful throne, is an eyesore to many of Liyue's high ranking men.
The Qixing, with their Tianquan as the host, has thrown a charity dinner at Yujing Terrance.
Both to celebrate yet another year of prosperity for Liyue's people and to fundraise for the Qixing's newest humanitarian project, schools for children in villages at the far edges of Liyue. So children in villages like Qingce and Jueyun Krast don't have to travel almost a country away to the Habor for an education.
There truly is nothing that powerful, rich men love more than flaunting their wealth through acts of charity.
The little money they throw into the laps of the members of the Qixing is nothing comparing to their private fortunes.
But to the common folk, it is a sum of Mora that many would never dare to dream of.
Therefore after the main event is over and the Qixing has collected enough funds to build three schools and start a free lunch program, the millionaires and business owners, both Liyuen and foreigners alike, begin to mingle and talk amongst themselves. Acting as if they actually care about the children of Qingce, instead of striking business deals and forming relationships.
Those eyes still linger, wandering towards the Executive tables from time to time, situated on a platform above the rest. Their seats are more like thrones, with a smaller table next to each chair and a short, beautifully painted byōbu to provide a sense of privacy.
Sitting in the middle of it all is Ningguang, striking up conversations and smiling her sweet diplomatic smile. One of her secretaries is standing behind her, taking notes on her notepad, as well as filling up Ningguang's wine cup from time to time. The small table next to them looks like a small mountain covered in diplomatic gifts from those wishing to earn her favor.
The table to her right is currently empty. Its owner, the second son of the Feiyun Commercial Guild, had long grown bored of the fraudulent friendly conversations of men who only want his Father's power. He has moved himself to a quieter part of the Terrance, his small, light blue-haired friend chasing after him. Regardless, there are still boxes upon boxes of elaborately wrapped gifts left on his little table. Knowing his taste, they probably contain lots of rare books that the givers had hoped to use as a conversation starter.
But perhaps, the most eye-catching sight out of the three Executive tables is the one for the Head of House Rex.
Its owner sits on his chair like a throne, his eyes sweeping the crowd of mingling bodies beneath him like a bored God, looking down at his creations.
His elaborate Snezhnayan formal attire with its black suede fabric, collar trimmed in intricate white, oceanic embroidery with the hems of his sleeves made to match. Cor Lapis and Noctilucous Jade scattered amongst the embroidery. The hidden pieces of jade are of a shade that matches the deepest blue in his eyes.
It makes him look younger, like a dashing prince or a charming suitor, who is about to strike pleasantries with a beauty. Not at all like the Dijun of Liyue's underground network. Even without his Snezhnaya attire flaunting his foreigner status, the burning red of his hair is a dead give away.
Many young ladies and gentlemen can't help but turn and stare at him, hiding their shyness behind their decorative hand fans as he catches their eyes and wink playfully.
But their eyes are too shy to linger for long without feeling like an intruder.
Because despite Master Tartaglia's playfully flirtatious smiles, in his lap is a lovely man of Liyuen descent, dressed in Liyue's traditional imperial robes of a maroon color.
The long skirt pools out in front of them, spilling onto the floor as if it wasn't made out of the most expensive silk. The skirt is detailed with the intricate embroidery of a golden dragon.
This man turns his head to blink at them with his amber eyes and smiles knowingly, bringing his hand up to touch over Master Tartaglia's heart.
A silent but loud warning, Mine!
With that, Master Tartaglia laughs, taking the other man's hand from over his heart and bringing it up to his lips to kiss.
Master Tartaglia then uses his hand to nudge the man's chin up, turning his head for Master Tartaglia to kiss him deeply, in front of the whole crowd, for all to see. The beautiful man laughs gently, the jewelry and expensive gems in his long hair jingling like bells.
The man makes Nigguang's intricate hair and outfit look subdued. It's almost an insult to their host how extravagantly he is flaunting House Rex's wealth in front of some of the most wealthy women in Liyue.
But truth be told, Zhongli dislikes all the attention he gathers.
Even when he first got out of their limousine, the noise of what could have been at least a hundred cameras clicking makes him turn his face into Childe's neck, hiding away from the blinding flash of cameras.
Unfortunately, that only causes the flash from the cameras to intensify, journalists finding his discomfort amusing. That alone makes him regret coming to this charity dinner with Childe.
But being able to dress him like a pretty porcelain doll makes Childe happy. Dressing him in the most expensive outfits and showering him in the most precious gems.
Letting Childe hold him and kiss him whenever and however he likes. Being able to showcase Childe's ownership over him to bring Childe joy that alone makes Zhongli happy.
He will forever pretend that he doesn't hear Xiao scoffing under his breath behind them, "You two are kinky little shits."
Zhongli likes acting the part of a harmless little doll in Childe's lap, to hide his face in Childe's neck.
To rest his lips over Childe's pulse and graze over it with his teeth, just enough to tease. To feel Childe stiffen underneath him, his voice quivering as he exchanges pleasantries with some trader whose name Zhongli has already forgotten.
Most of these new and upcoming merchants came into wealth long after his time.
He is confident that none of them know of his contributions to the Great War. They know of Morax and the all-powerful syndicate that he ran to smuggle weapons for Liyue's army, but they don't know him.
But now he is not Morax, just Zhongli, Childe's little lap doll, his arm candy, the piece of decoration that will bring Childe and the House of Rex what they need.
"... And I would like to present this gift to your belle if you don't mind, of course, Master Tartaglia.", the Fontainian tradesman who is talking to Childe presents them with a beautiful square, black jewelry box.
Oh, Zhongli likes this guy already, how bold.
Upon hearing the trader mention him, Zhongli turns his head to rest against Childe's shoulder.
Zhongli looks at the man before them and smiles sweetly.
A blush spreads across the merchant's face up to the tips of his ears, and his hands' quiver, almost causing him to drop the box. He quickly unclasps the box's intricate lock to present them with a big yellow diamond; its cut reflects the light from the crystal chandelier brilliantly against the box's black velvet interior.
Childe snickers under his breath, reaching out to take the diamond from its home, dropping it into Zhongli's lap like he is offering him a small fruit or a toy.
"Look, this kind gentleman has given you a gift. Do you like it?" but Childe can already tell Zhongli likes the gift.
Childe watches the man's hand caress the diamond's smooth surface carefully.
Perhaps he should buy Zhongli a diamond necklace then; his traitorous brain supplies him with the delicious scene of Zhongli wearing nothing but a blue diamond necklace, spread out beautifully on their bed.
" I like it very much. Thank you, sir, this was very generous of you." Zhongli looks back up to the Fontainian trader and gives him another smile.
Oh, Zhongli can already see how many feathers have been ruffled in the crowd. Especially those in line that are waiting their turn to talk to them.
He receives the box from the merchant, as the man continues to express his gratitude towards Childe for his help with the new trade route to Fontaine. Zhongli places the diamond into its box and drops it into Xiao's waiting hands.
The Fontainian trader thanks Childe once last time before scruffling off.
Their next patron is a Liyuen man, dressed in an expensive-looking garb covered in delicate embroidery. He looks much older than the two sitting on their throne, looks more experienced. His skin a shade that speaks of a man who usually travels to sunny, far away places.
"This is Chen-xiansheng. He is a small salt trader from Sal Terrae. A Liyuen loyalist." Xiao leans down to whisper in Childe's ear.
The word "loyalist" piques Zhongli's interest immediately, with Childe tensed up beneath him. Zhongli places his hand on Childe's wrist, rubbing it softly.
Lots of Liyue's traders who have declared their loyalty to the Qixing have a strong dislike of the House of Rex. Mostly because they hate Childe, a foreign man who holds the seat of power.
The only reason they do not act upon their hatred is the strength and influence behind House Rex's name. Along with Xiao's infamous reputation toward those who seek to harm those belonging to House Rex, and for that, Zhongli is grateful.
" Master Tartaglia." The man bows deeply at Childe with both of his hands at his stomach.
How quaint.
"Chen-xiansheng. It's a pleasure to meet you", Childe answers, smiling. The cold sweat on the hand Zhongli is holding is the only give away to his discomfort.
"I have thought long and hard about what to gift House Rex to celebrate another year of success. In my many travels, I have come to realize the best way to get into a man's good graces is through pleasing his partner. For the beauty that you have at your side, I felt it would give you pleasure seeing your partner receive something that he would like, don't you agree, Master Tartaglia?" the man says eloquently. Childe's eyes narrow.
He does not know what this man wants, but something tells him it's nothing good. It is not uncommon for business associates to shower his love with gifts to get on his good side. But this is the first time a loyalist has done so. He decides to play along with it, his arm around Zhongli's waist tightens unconsciously.
"Let us see what it is that you deem worthy of my parter's beauty." With that, Chen unclasps the small lacquered box.
He reveals a beautiful hairpin, made of gold and decorated with transparent crystals, shaped into the image of a flying phoenix, its wings spreading, head rising upward as if in flight. Its red and gold highlights were glimmering in the light.
"I had this commissioned from one of Liyue's most famous jewelers. This phoenix, its name is Feng Ming Jiu Tian or Phoenix that Sings in the Nine Skys. It is named to wish for your partner's good health and everlasting beauty. You can also consider it to be a wish for House of Rex to prosper like a phoenix that can fly to heaven" Chen presents his gift proudly to those behind him, its meaning earning a couple of gasps.
Childe already has a great dislike for this man. Chen turns back to face Childe, pleased as he catches Zhongli's curious eyes. He has commissioned this work, knowing that Tartaglia's arm candy has a love for Liyue's traditional handicrafts.
"If I can, may I please place this beautiful ornament in your hair myself, xiansheng?" It takes Childe a pregnant pause before he realizes Chen was not talking to him but Zhongli himself.
Zhongli glances up at Childe, his eyes waiting. Chen has been nothing but the perfect diplomat, whose only wish is to give a gift to Childe's partner in gratitude.
Not receiving his gift would reflect poorly on Childe, but the thought of Chen touching what is his makes Childe's possessiveness rolls in the pit of his stomach, like an angry ocean storm.
He clenches his arm around Zhongli's waist, deciding that Chen wouldn't be willing to do anything to Zhongli, especially in a crowded place such as this, especially with Ningguang's controlling eyes staring at the commotion next to her.
"Go ahead then. My doll would enjoy such a beautiful gift, wouldn't you?" Childe waves a hand at Chen to let him come near, Zhongli blushes a deep red that could easily rival his outfit in color at hearing the pet name.
He leans outward to offer Chen access to the top of his head, where most of his hair ornaments are.
Chen carefully takes the hairpin out of its box and then removes the central hairpin that was already placed in Zhongli's elaborate hairstyles.
And then, out of nowhere, Chen jabs the new one forcefully into his skull.
Zhongli cries out in pain; he pushes Chen away from him as he pulls his head away from Chen's traitorous hand, falling back into Childe's embrace. He holds the back of Zhongli's head, letting Zhongli hides his face against his chest protectively.
The noisy atmosphere around them suddenly still. They can all feel a storm coming.
On the floor, Chen sits where he landed on his backside, with Xiao's dagger pressed against his throat. Xiao's golden eyes shine incredibly bright with anger. Ningguang observes the scene in front of her like it is an everyday occurrence.
"What exactly do you think you were doing?" Childe asks lowly, his affect much calmer than what most of the people present thought it would be.
" It was merely a mistake, Master Tartaglia! I am not used to such an elaborate hairstyle. I have made a grave mistake! Please forgive me!" Chen is on his knees; his palms pressed tightly together in prayer and apologies spilling from his lips.
There is genuine fear in his eyes. Childe stares at him wordlessly. He leaves Chen on the floor, using his hand to feel around Zhongli's head, quietly asking if he's okay, and when Childe receives a small nod against his chest, he waves a hand at Xiao to take back his dagger from the man's throat.
"Go, I don't want to see you again tonight. We will receive your gift out of respect for you, but by no means do we forgive you for your mistake." Childe says, and Chen flees from his sight, not before thanking him for his kindness multiple times.
Xiao then collects the expensive hairpin from the floor, put it in its box, and tucks it into his inner pocket.
Ningguang brings a hand onto her mouth and smiles secretly.
"Please, do continue your conversations, everyone. Master Zhongli is fine, is he not, Master Tartaglia?" Ningguang smiles at him, addressing the room at the same time.
Behind him, Xiao glares at her; his dagger goes back to its sheathe on his hip.
"Yes, he is fine. Please don't let this small hindrance spoil your night. Please note we will not be accepting any more gifts tonight." Those standing in the line before him groan. "If you have business with me, please do come and speak to me, but we will accept no gifts."
And with that, the grand hall slowly resumes its conversations and chatter. Most of the people who had been patiently waiting in line leave.
This causes Childe to snicker. They do so enjoy wasting their money on him in hopes of kissing his ass.
"Hey, you good?" Childe pats the back of Zhongli's head a few times, while the other continues hiding his face against his chest. Childe kisses his temple in concern, pulling Zhongli away from his chest, with a little struggle to get a good look at him.
"I am okay. Just a bit tired." Zhongli whispers back, his eyes closing.
"Do you wanna go home?" Childe waves a hand at Xiao, stretching his back and ready to stand up and leave.
"It's okay. There are still people waiting to speak with you. They seem to bear no gifts, so that must be a good thing, yes?" Zhongli opens his eyes to look at the small line of people still eagerly waiting for Childe's audience.
Zhongli recognizes some of them as good samaritans that could do with Childe's help. He pats Childe's hand, resting his head against his shoulder like earlier.
"I might fall asleep though, will you carry me home if I do?" Zhongli closes his eyes again, nudging against Childe like a small cat asking for love and affection.
"For you? Anything." Zhongli smiles in response to Childe's answer, and the Head of House Rex plants another kiss on his forehead before waving a hand, signaling the next person to come and talk to him.
After a while, Childe feels the weight of Zhongli's head slump against his shoulder. He must be out like a light.
Next to him, Ningguang has abandoned her chair to mingle amongst her guests, her smile still diplomatic as ever.
Childe kisses Zhongli's temple, and when he doesn't feel him so much as stir, he looks at his watch and decides that even if the night is still young and there are still people he's supposed to entertain, it's time for them to go home.
He let Xiao know about their departure, and the teal-haired man talks into his earpiece to arrange for their driver to pick them up. Childe informs the line of people still waiting for his audience that he would be retiring for the evening. He extends an invitation to his Mansion to continue business talks at another point in time. Childe shrugs the shoulder Zhongli is resting his head against, feeling the man protests softly in his throat.
"Xiansheng, it's time to go home. Would you mind sitting by yourself for a bit? I have to say goodbye to Ningguang. Or would you prefer to be bridal carried to go bid her farewell?" Childe laughs softly as he listens to Zhongli's protests, the thought of being carried in public. Even when acting arm candy, he still has a reputation to uphold after all.
The younger man shifts allowing Zhongli to sit on the padded throne properly. Zhongli's sleepy eyes look at him as if he doesn't want to let the younger man go. Childe shrugs his jacket off to put it over Zhongli's shoulders, placing a kiss between his eyes.
"I will be back quicker than you can properly wake up, promise." And when he receives a small nod, he goes off to where Nigguang is on the other side of the room.
The Liyue's Tianqian laughs breathlessly when she hears his farewell, saying something along the lines of old people go to bed early.
She bids him goodbye, waving her gloved hand towards Childe's back. When Childe's strides bring him back to Zhongli's side, Xiao is already helping Zhongli to his feet. The older man slumps into Xiao's body, Childe's jacket falling unceremoniously from his hand onto the granite floor.
"Zhongli xiansheng...?" Childe calls softly. Something bad stirs in the depth of his stomach.
He quickly takes Zhongli from Xiao's grasp and brings him into his arms. Getting Zhongli's head to rest on his chest, Childe watches as everything around him seems to go in slow motion, horrified.
Zhongli coughs weakly, once his hand covering his mouth, then, to everyone's horried yells, blood spurting out between his lips, soaking the thin silk of his outfit.
He only remains conscious long enough to hear Childe frantically calling his name, and the world turns black.