(no subject)

[shangba]

( Midday, past lunch observed with Xichen: )


How fared the children this morning?

Comments

[emperorssmile]

Did you tell him about Sizhui and Jin Ling?

[shangba]

No. Let fault be my own.

I have told him, as a sect member, I honour his burden. As a brother, I would bear it. As a father, I beg leave.

[emperorssmile]

You didn’t want to coerce him.

You won’t be alone. No matter what happens, I’ll bear it with you.

I’ll try my best not to be selfish.

[shangba]

Is it... too long for Wei Ying? A year. Two.

[emperorssmile]

A day would too long, but I’m not going anywhere. You’re not going to lose me or the kids for shouldering a burden you don’t even want.

[shangba]

How many years will you bear?

[emperorssmile]

Thirteen.

[shangba]

...no. Know yourself.

[emperorssmile]

It’s not like I have a choice. I’ll bear it however long you have to bear the title.

[shangba]

A year. Let us set hard line.

[emperorssmile]

One year, then. I’ll share my husband with the sect for a year.

Is it going to be the same as it has been over the past year or are you taking on more responsibilities?

Maybe I should let Sizhui and Jingyi go to the market by themselves and come home.

[shangba]

As has been. Perhaps Sizhui best removed.

[emperorssmile]

That’s not too bad, then.

He’ll understand. He might be relieved that you’re taking his crush seriously.

How do you feel about it? The year of continuing to sub in for Zewu-Jun, I mean.

[shangba]

Nothing has changed, yet all feels different.

[emperorssmile]

It’s because you’re not stupid.

I want to believe one year is all it’s going to take, too.

[shangba]

Will my love advise me?

[emperorssmile]

We’ll take it one day at a time. We hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

[shangba]

May I have your wisdom in matters of the sect?

[emperorssmile]

Any time you want! I can be your anonymous advisor.

[shangba]

You despise such matters.

[emperorssmile]

Not as much as you do.

[shangba]

Truly, Wei Ying knows me above all.

[emperorssmile]

It won’t be forever and you won’t be alone.

If I get selfish and make you feel bad, just remind me not to be an asshole, okay?

[shangba]

Would not speak to my wife thusly.

[emperorssmile]

Well, then a jerk or an insensitive meanie or whatever you wanna call it. I know how I can get. You don’t deserve me blaming you for something you can’t control.