return from lanling

[shangba]

A full moon, unblinking.

You did not sleep, to see?

Comments

[emperorssmile]

I don’t have half as much hubris as I used to and he’s got more ire than ever.

[It’s hard to be prideful after seeing his own downfall.]

[shangba]

So Wei Ying says.

[emperorssmile]

Okay, maybe two-thirds as much.

[shangba]

Shall cross paths with Wei Ying.

We have stopped briefly at a market. A red and silver cloth procured for Wei Ying.

[emperorssmile]

Good! I’m relying on my own core’s qi now, but I have enough to keep going for a little while longer.

[shangba]

Shall see Wei Ying shortly.

[emperorssmile]

Ah, I can’t wait!

Should we slow down? Stop and wait? Keep going?

[shangba]

A shichen longer. Until Master Chengxin's inn.

[emperorssmile]

Got it! It won’t be long until we get there, too.

Liang’s been sleeping for a while now. He’ll have plenty of energy when we meet up.

[shangba]

You have been content with the nursemaid?

[emperorssmile]

Sure! She’s riding with that guy with a wart on his nose. I can’t remember his name.

[shangba]

...Wei Ying. You cannot coax me to speak untowardly of Lan Danseng.

[emperorssmile]

I’m not! He’s been completely gentlemanly about it.

I don’t think she minds his company at all.

[shangba]

Your new proclivity for matchmaking?

[emperorssmile]

I can just tell these things.

[Except when it’s directed towards him.]

That and she asked me his name earlier and now I know it.

[shangba]

Wei Ying. Do not matchmake blindly.

[emperorssmile]

I won't, I'm not. I'm just answering a question she asked me. It's not any of my business what she uses it for.

[shangba]

Wei Ying.

Do not send the nursemaid to the stream when Lan Danseng bathes.

[emperorssmile]

When does he bathe?

I can’t believe I did that. What was going on through your head when you noticed me?

[shangba]

All Lan men keep the same hours.

Wei Ying. I did not... understand you had not heard my confession before you...

Upon return, every gesture of forced intimacy mocked me. I thought you derided the foolishness of unwanted attention.

[emperorssmile]

Lan Zhan! I was just kidding about his bathing schedule.

I’m sorry.

I hurt you over and over again and you never once wanted to leave my side. You never loved me any less.

If I remembered, I could have never mocked you like that.

[shangba]

Shhhhhh. I know.

Now, Wei Ying's gaze pleases.

[emperorssmile]

Lan Zhan, I miss you even more now!

I want to kiss away all that pain.

[shangba]

No. No pain.

I have you now. You are sufficient. You fill me with wonder, with gratitude.

[emperorssmile]

You have me now and forever!

And I still want to kiss you all over.

I wanted to comfort you and now you’re comforting me instead. You make me so happy, Lan Zhan.