return from lanling

[shangba]

A full moon, unblinking.

You did not sleep, to see?

Comments

[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.

[emperorssmile]

I think I get it.

I guess I’m a little hard on the Lan way of doing things.

[shangba]

Shall speak to uncle.

[emperorssmile]

What for?

I’m guess I need to be a good Lan example for A-Liang…

[shangba]

You are already.

But if Wei Ying believes the rules extreme, he has been stifled.

[emperorssmile]

I just want him to be able to be who he is. If he wants to laugh in public, he should be able to laugh. I guess Jingyi is still accepted, so there’s nothing really to worry about.

[shangba]

We depart at any sign of your or our children's unhappiness.

I pledge on my mother's peace.

[emperorssmile]

You really mean that?

It’s too soon to make any big decisions. We’ll see how happy A-Liang is once he’s in classes.

[shangba]

Thank you.

Your house will assist. We may visit tomorrow.

[emperorssmile]

What are you thanking me for, Lan Zhan?

I just want what's best for the kids, like you.

[shangba]

Wei Ying yet learns fatherhood. Should his effort not be praised?

[emperorssmile]

Shouldn’t I be the one thanking you? You said we could leave if a Lan upbringing isn’t what’s right for A-Liang.

I’m sure it’ll be fine to raise him in Cloud Recesses. I like that we have options, just in case.

[shangba]

...cute.

[emperorssmile]

Me?

Lan Zhan, are you teasing me?

[shangba]

An earnest Wei Ying is cute.

[emperorssmile]

You really think so?

[shangba]

I do.

[emperorssmile]

Only you would think something like that is cute.

But it does make me want to be serious more often.

[shangba]

My heart could not bear it.

[emperorssmile]

Mine couldn’t either, to be honest.

What else makes you think I’m cute?