(no subject)

[shangba]

( Midday, past lunch observed with Xichen: )


How fared the children this morning?

Comments

[emperorssmile]

I’ll spend time in groups when we’re not together, then.

So… what about Sizhui? I doubt he’s thinking about what it looks like from the outside.

[shangba]

Mmmmm. In truth, mere fledgling courtship, not betrothal.

Jingyi, a childhood friend.

Perhaps...

[emperorssmile]

Would you feel more comfortable if I bring them home now?

[shangba]

No. Perhaps I merely overthink.

[emperorssmile]

Let’s talk to him together, then. Maybe he’ll talk to Jingyi about his courtship now that I’m not there.

[shangba]

Are we perhaps too strict?

[emperorssmile]

Maybe, maybe not. It would be easier if one of them were a woman, since it’s natural for men to hang out together.

[shangba]

...is it?

[emperorssmile]

Cloud Recesses separates the sexes, so it would be easier on him to avoid spending time alone with any of the women. He grew up with his martial brothers, so it’ll be tough having to stop spending one-on-one time with them.

[shangba]

...will Jin Ling restrict himself so?

[emperorssmile]

Good question. I’ll write him.

Maybe it would be best to let them decide how to handle it.

[shangba]

We are but old-fashioned men.

[emperorssmile]

We’re just a couple of old men trying to keep up with our teenaged son!

[shangba]

Wei Ying yet young. Nubile.

[emperorssmile]

True! I just have an old fuddy duddy of a husband.

[shangba]

How embarrassing at the marketplace. A kept thing.

[emperorssmile]

My husband is sexy and kind, but I’m sure passersby assume I married you for your deep purse.

[shangba]

Silver did not harm my suit.

[emperorssmile]

I would’ve married you even if you were poor, Lan Zhan!

[shangba]

Wei Ying has earned riches. Comfort.

[emperorssmile]

I’m not saying I don’t like living a comfortable life. I’m just saying if I could have a rich life without Lan Zhan or a poor life with him, I’d choose the poor life every time.

[shangba]

Riches cannot warm ankles.

[emperorssmile]

Mmm, they can’t kiss me, either. Or hold me when I need it.

[shangba]

Do you, on this day?

[emperorssmile]

I do. As soon as I get home!

I want Lan Zhan’s arms around me, holding me as tight as he can.