return from lanling

[shangba]

A full moon, unblinking.

You did not sleep, to see?

Comments

[shangba]

Would not jest about rice.

But eaten before me.

[emperorssmile]

About taking me for each bowl of rice, then.

Oh right, you didn’t sleep well last night. Do you have the stamina for three goes?

[shangba]

Within a night's span, with certainty.

Perhaps sleep in between, a parting take before Wei Ying's rise. With luck, he stirs to witness.

[emperorssmile]

Oh, I’m sure I’ll rise to the occasion in more than one way.

If you’re not too tired, then let’s do it. There’s no baby to need our attention, so we can take our time.

[shangba]

If Wei Ying consumes his three bowls.

[emperorssmile]

I will! Just you watch, I’ll eat all the rice and the other foods too.

[shangba]

Good.

Will you wear your hair in the old way or the new?

[emperorssmile]

You really think the old way would suit this new body?

[shangba]

Would only wish to see it again.

Will not ask again.

[emperorssmile]

No, no, it’s fine to ask. I was only teasing you.

I’ll wear it the old way. Once you see me, you’ll have to tell me if it makes me look more handsome.

[shangba]

I will appreciate it, come what may.

[emperorssmile]

If you think it looks good, I can wear my hair like this sometimes.

Also, it’s not easy doing my hair mid-flight.

[shangba]

Perhaps await landing.

You yet remember how to bind your hair so?

[emperorssmile]

I wore it that way for a few years, didn’t I? I started doing my hair and my hands just knew what to do.

I can barely remember my reflection from back then, though.

[shangba]

Shall I describe it?

[emperorssmile]

You can if you want.

Or you could style it for me when I get to the inn.

[shangba]

Suitable.

Wei Ying's hair now smoother, flatter. Straighter.

Will fall differently.

[emperorssmile]

I’ll leave it in your hands.

My hair’s pretty windblown, too. But that might give it some volume and help the look.

[shangba]

Wei Ying.

You must know you will bathe. Surely.

[emperorssmile]

You mean before we cultivate or after?

[shangba]

Both.

Do you expect me to bed you with road filth, or share your sheets in sweat after?

[emperorssmile]

Okay, okay, we can bathe both times.

We can bathe together or have you already washed away the road filth?

[shangba]

We may, together.

[emperorssmile]

We can soak in the warmth until the chill leaves us.

[shangba]

One day, it will be Wei Ying who cannot prevail without bathing.