(no subject)

[shangba]

Pledge you do not sleep in the vanquished cave.

Comments

[shangba]

My interest would swell too ardently.

[emperorssmile]

From just a hug?

You’re so sensitive, Lan Zhan. You must love me a lot.

[shangba]

Can I be faulted?

[emperorssmile]

Nope. Not at all.

I’m the same way. If I think about being in your arms, I feel the same.

[shangba]

Let us not. Our hearts will sorrow.

[emperorssmile]

Too late!

But you’re right. Let’s talk about something else. How about you tell me what you have planned for A-Liang when you get home?

[shangba]

Had thought, perhaps, to teach him the start of calligraphy.



[ Or, given his age, to let the boy play with a brush. ]

[emperorssmile]

You’ll save his first attempt so I can see it when I get home?

[shangba]

Certainly.

Then, perhaps, we may learn the etiquette of dining outdoors.

[emperorssmile]

While the weather permits.

We don’t eat outdoors often enough. Is it because I talk while we eat?

[shangba]

My work prevents our sorties.

[emperorssmile]

Only for now. I expect you at my side constantly once Zewu-Jun is ready to come back.

[shangba]

A full month's seclusion.

[emperorssmile]

A whole month with my family and no obligations. Do you think you’ll be relaxed by the end of it or ready to get out of the house for some peace and quiet?

[shangba]

How many children by then?

[emperorssmile]

Two, it we’re inviting Sizhui to stay with us. More if you think it’ll be longer than we think before he comes back.

[shangba]

With two children, shall be relaxed.

[emperorssmile]

If we’re in the new house, we’ll have enough room to spread out, too.

You weren’t thinking about adopting another kid before then, were you?

[shangba]

If a daughter is found, accepted.

[emperorssmile]

A daughter! I knew you wanted a girl someday. You’re ready?

[shangba]

If one arrives, so be it.

Perhaps not yet sought. I miss you.

[emperorssmile]

I miss you.

If the opportunity presents itself, I’m ready for a daughter, too.

I hope she’s sweet like my shijie and strong like Wen Qing.

[shangba]

You misunderstand.

I am selfish, Wei Ying. So selfish as to desire us for ourselves a time.

[emperorssmile]

Just us… I like spending time when it’s just the two us, too. These last two weeks have reminded me of how things used to be when we didn’t have to worry about waking the baby.

[shangba]

Do you regret?