return from lanling

[shangba]

A full moon, unblinking.

You did not sleep, to see?

Comments

[emperorssmile]

Yeah, your uncle does have a reputation for shaping kids into good little Lans.

I’m glad Sizhui’s defiant in his own little ways.

[shangba]

Perhaps, after tumult, our peace and structure suited him.

[emperorssmile]

Maybe so.

He’s such a great kid. He’s got a strong sense of justice and he’s more mature than most of the adults I know.

[shangba]

But embodies Wei Ying's flexibility.

[emperorssmile]

You raised him well, Lan Zhan. He’s got all our good parts.

[shangba]

And Wei Ying's bad taste in men.

[emperorssmile]

I have great taste in men!

I was going to say he likes guys his elders would disapprove of. Doesn’t that mean his taste in men is inherited from you?

[shangba]

Once, Wei Ying excelled in everything. And Jin Rulan?

[emperorssmile]

But you excelled at everything, too.

Jin Ling is a work in progress.

[shangba]

What of Wei Ying's road progress?

[emperorssmile]

I love you, Lan Zhan! I have the best taste in men and you’ll never convince me otherwise!

We just passed that abandoned well we saw on the way.

[shangba]

Where lovers seek the reflections of their fated?

[emperorssmile]

That’s the one!

I know who it would show if I looked.

[shangba]

A jug of wine?

[emperorssmile]

You got it.

But you missed a part. A tall, handsome, distinguished cultivator in white holding a jug of wine.

[shangba]

Flatterer.

[emperorssmile]

Just stating the truth.

Ah, I get to see my fated one today! Are you as excited as I am?

It’s been a long time since it’s been just the two of us. You should hold A-Liang until we part ways with the others. He misses his father.

[shangba]

As I miss my sons. Sizhui, also.

Elder but sensitive.

[emperorssmile]

I don’t think he would appreciate being cuddled by his dad while he’s trying to eat.

As cute as it would be to see you holding both kids at once.

[shangba]

Wei Ying's talismans should revert Sizhui to youth at will.

[emperorssmile]

Whose will?

Sizhui misses you too, you know. He asked me about you this morning. Has he written you?

[shangba]

He writes little since our disagreement.

Responds curtly.

[emperorssmile]

He wouldn’t have asked about you if he didn’t care.

When we get to Cloud Recesses, we should have him come see the new house and have some meals with us.

[shangba]

He will have his quarter there, as long as he wishes it. And empty, when he does not.

[emperorssmile]

He’ll always have a place with us.

You should try to talk to him.