return from lanling

[shangba]

A full moon, unblinking.

You did not sleep, to see?

Comments

[shangba]

New rules unnecessary. Only understanding for the old.

At times, you seek to rupture me from them.

[emperorssmile]

I'm just thinking out loud.

I thought Lan Zhan liked rules.

[shangba]

You jest.

[emperorssmile]

Yeah, I'm just teasing you.

[shangba]

...do not ask me to speak of vulnerability, then tease after.

[emperorssmile]

I didn't think about that. I'm sorry, Lan Zhan. I'll do better next time, I promise.

[shangba]

As you say.

[emperorssmile]

I can be such an asshole sometimes.

You know I don't judge you for it, don't you?

[shangba]

At times, you look down upon our ways.

[emperorssmile]

Sure, in general. You have to admit that it's a little extreme to have that many rules.

But I'm not judging you. I think it's cute that you start falling asleep at the same time every night.

[shangba]

If so extreme, why marry in?

[emperorssmile]

Because I love you so damn much. I could learn to follow ten thousand rules if it means I can be with the man I love more than anyone or anything else.

[shangba]

Grateful Wei Ying could look beyond my people and upbringing to love me.

[emperorssmile]

I'm trying to follow the rules while I'm there, aren't I?

[shangba]

Unnecessary to observe the rules past basics.

But respect their importance to us. To me. Do not deride them.

[emperorssmile]

Right, right. I'll be more respectful about the Lan rules.

You and Sizhui both come from Lan upbringings and you're two of my three favorite people.

[shangba]

I regret Wei Ying is yet to love our culture.

[emperorssmile]

I love parts of it. I liked crafting lanterns together and how you're always willing to cultivate the small stuff as much as the big stuff. But that second one is just you, isn't it?

[shangba]

Brother. Sizhui. We each interpret the rules.

The learnings of Lan An are born of fidelity. Of love.

[emperorssmile]

Do you want me to follow the Lan teachings? I’m willing to try if it’s something Lan Zhan feels is important.

If it’s important to you, it should be important to me, too.

[shangba]

No. Set your bounds.

I only wish no dismissal or derision. One son was raised in the spirit. Unless we leave — speak now — a second will follow.

They cannot be shamed.

[emperorssmile]

It's a good upbringing.

Like I said, two of my three favorite people were raised with the Lan precepts. My fourth will be raised with them soon, too.

[shangba]

Shall hold you close to thank you, shortly.

[emperorssmile]

Even though the Lan doctrines aren’t the right thing for me?

[shangba]

For that reason, not despite it.