"As long as I am with you, Jiang-xiong, I am happy." Huaisang gave his arm a squeeze and he smiled up at his friend again, charmed by Jiang Cheng's earnest confusion. "But it would be nice to have a little bit of variety in our meal locations, where possible. You might show me around some of the finest restaurants in Yunmeng, or take me on a picnic to a scenic location. On some evenings, I would like it very much if we dined privately in your room or mine. Much more intimate that way."
Light fingertips stray along the length of Jiang Cheng's arm, admiring the solid muscle beneath the fine fabric. "In courtship, and in marriage, it's good to always show off a little bit. Making an effort to impress your partner and going out of your way to make them happy shows them that they're valued. And a good partner will reward you with praise and affection, in addition to trying to impress you in return."
There was a pause as he considered Huaisang's words before he nodded. These were things that he never would have considered on his own. He had just assumed that it would be easy to find someone to agree to be mistress of Lotus Pier without having to go through all this trouble.
"That would be fine."
There was another pause as something occurred to him.
"How do you know so much about all this anyway?" He knew the rumors that were told about the other man though he had never been one to listen to idle gossip. Huaisang was unmarried though and never showed any interest in changing that.
"Mm, try that again, Jiang-xiong," Huaisang gives him an amused and encouraging little smile, nudging him to do it over. "If it's just fine, then it sounds like it's an ordeal you're only enduring because you must. No one wants to feel like their husband considers them an ordeal. Try to say instead how you look forward to being able to share your favorite places with me, or that you will enjoy spending more time in my company. I want to feel like my presence brings you pleasure."
Further amused at the question, Huaisang glances away coyly. "You know that I've always had an interest in... romantic literature." That's putting it mildly. "And I hear plenty of gossip about everyone's romances. Perhaps you aren't aware, but I have a reputation for giving excellent advice with matters of the heart. You may ask anyone."
"Romantic literature isn't the same as real life." At least, that's what he assumed. He never would have described his parent's marriage as romantic. His mother had been strict and unyielding, never sparing his father from her sharp tongue. But his mother was the strongest person he knew, aside from his father. Huaisang was showing him a part of marriage he had never seen before.
He tried not to flush as he tried to find the words. He was determined to get this right even if it was difficult and he found it a struggle. "It..it would be a pleasure if you join- joined me out in Yungmeng- " He took a moment to find the right words. "- or dine with me privately."
Huaisang grins happily at the stammered words. They might not be elegant, but they were heartfelt, and that was what mattered. "Well done."
Jiang Cheng deserved a reward for that effort. Lifting briefly onto his tiptoes, Huaisang kissed his friend's cheek, warm breath tickling for a moment against the skin before he drew away. "I'd like that very much. You don't have to change tonight's arrangements at all. I do not wish to inconvenience anyone. But tomorrow it would be pleasant to try some of those other possibilities."
He managed a little smile at the compliment. Maybe this wasn't entirely hopeless though he knew he had a way to go. At least Huaisang was being patient with him.
"Perhaps tomorrow night we can have dinner in Yungmeng," he suggested. He flushed a bit when his friend kissed him on the cheek but he didn't pull away. When they reached the guest quarters, he pulled away slowly. "I'll see you shortly. If there is anything you require, let me know."
Huaisang nodded as he pulled away, giving Jiang Cheng a slight bow and a playful smile that seemed to belie it. "Thank you, Sect Leader Jiang. I look forward to dinner."
He slipped into the guest quarters, glancing back once over his shoulder with a smile before disappearing.
Changing into relatively informal robes--a mere three layers of soft gray silk--Huaisang fussed over his appearance for a few minutes, but there was simply nothing else to do. His braids were tight and perfect, and he could not yet risk any flamboyance or informality.
A polite guest and respectable sect leader, Huaisang emerged from his chambers looking slightly softer but still the lofty Sect Leader of Qinghe.
He returned the smile with a slight one of his own. It was nice to have the company of an old friend. He paused for a moment as a thought occurred to him.
"Tomorrow we can take dinner in your rooms. And perhaps we can have some drinks, though perhaps not get as drunk as we once did when we were younger." Granted they had gotten into trouble when they had gotten drunk at the Cloud Recesses but that night had been entertaining. He wasn't as young and foolish as he was when they were that young but he would allow himself one night.
Huaisang nodded gladly at the suggestion, eyes lighting up at the prospect of mischief. Perhaps not as drunk, but surely they could get pleasantly drunk enough to get up to some kind of wicked shenanigans. "I'd like that."
He licked his lower lip, sucking on it briefly with delighted anticipation. "I'll see you at dinner, Jiang-xiong."
He watched Huaisang vanish into his rooms, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. He turned to head back towards his own quarters. He had some work to handle before the evening but he found it difficult to focus. His thoughts kept drifting back to the whole proposal and what adjustments to his life he would have to make. But it would enable him to finally be able to find a wife and follow in his father's footsteps.
He was a bit late to dinner in the evening, hurrying to the dining hall as soon as he was finished. "I trust you settled in," he said as he entered, waving away the attendants once the food was served.
Huaisang was lingering around, toying idly with his fan and wondering how long his friend would make him wait. He smiled at the sight of Jiang Cheng, settling with him to eat. "Yes, thank you, Jiang-xiong."
His place had been set near to Jiang Cheng's, a place of honor with only the two of them in the hall. Huaisang was a little bit amused. Jiang Cheng had gone to the effort to have them dine privately, but the banquet hall was still far too formal for Huaisang's tastes.
Tomorrow, he thought, he would tour around some of the available reception halls and parlors of the Jiang Sect in order to find one appropriate for the Sect Leader to host a small number of honored guests in order to make them feel that they were taken into his confidence. It would be a useful tool in his arsenal, and Huaisang would see to it that he understood how to use such a thing.
Starting to chatter pleasantly as they ate, Huaisang talked about things he'd noticed on his journey. He spoke with praise on new developments of interest in Yunmeng--an inn, a temple, a bridge--and complained with good-natured innocence about inconveniences along the way in order to diplomatically slip them onto Jiang Cheng's radar--a washed-out section of road, a damaged stone array, a bridge support starting to rust. The travelogue of Huaisang's experiences edged a few times into boring territory, except for how his sweet-natured charm made it all exasperatingly amusing. ("I swear the bridge was shaking as we crossed it, one of those bridge supports had rust on it, and it was so high up, I was frightened, I couldn't help clinging a bit to one of my attendants, I might have shrieked once...")
He found himself relaxing during dinner as he listened to Huaisang chat about his journey and his observations in Yunmeng. A smile slowly appeared on his face as Huaisang recounted his trip over the unsteady bridge. He could clearly imagine the other man clinging to one of his attendants with worry.
He let out a short laugh at the end of the story, amused. It was easy to relax in Huaisang's presence, his friend was skilled at entertaining conversation that would be boring coming from anyone else. He made a note about the work that needed to be done to deal with later- it could wait until tomorrow. He hadn't had the chance to have company for dinner like this in a long time.
By the end of the evening when they finished, he felt more relaxed as he finished his last glass of rice wine. "I should retire for the night. I take tea in the pavilion by the lake in the morning before I work for the day if you want to join me."
"That would please me very much." Huaisang rises with a smile, bowing deeply to his friend and host. He steals no extra touches or flirtations this time. There will be plenty of opportunity for that, and the idea is to take things slow. Relatively slow. Huaisang can't wait for their courtship to deepen enough that he can begin suggesting that they practice kissing and other intimacies.
Slipping away, he glances back at the doorway, gaze lingering on Jiang Cheng for a moment before he steps through.
Huaisang has never been a morning person. When one of his attendants rouses him that he should dress if he wishes to take Sect Leader up on his invitation, Huaisang whines and rolls out of bed only with difficulty.
When he turns up at the pavilion, he's wearing a mere three layers--undergarments, inner robes, and outer robes, and his braids are wound in a simple bun rather than his usual elaborate knot.
Eyes bleary with fatigue, Huaisang drops onto the cushion across from his friend and immediately slurms across his side of the table. "Jiang-xiong, do you really always get up this early? How do you function??"
Maybe if he hadn't stayed up late reading erotic poetry, he wouldn't have had so much trouble with the early hour.
Jiang Cheng had been getting up early every morning for as long as he could remember. He wanted his father to be proud of him and wanted to prove to him that he was taking his duty as the future sect leader seriously. It hadn't been easy to do as a child when he just wanted to sleep in while in bed with his dogs, especially on cold mornings.
He looked up at Huaisang as he arrived, surprised at his appearance. "I'm used to being up at this hour, I find it peaceful." Lotus Pier was almost silent at this hour, it gave him some time to mentally prepare himself for the day ahead.
A servant came by to silently serve them tea and food before leaving them alone. "You could sleep in tomorrow if you would like."
"I might have to." Huaisang sits up eagerly enough when the tea and food appears. "As happy though I am to be here with you, I am not used to these hours." He yawns, eagerly helping himself to tea and closing his eyes blissfully at the taste of it. When he opens his eyes again, his smile is bright and sweet, as playful as ever. "For the view and the company, I'm willing to make the effort."
The early morning light on the lake is absolutely beautiful, cresting the lotus blossoms with pinkish light, and Huaisang takes a moment to admire it before offering the next topic of conversation. "What do you propose for our itinerary today?"
"Getting up early is easier the more you do it." He returned the smile a little, amused.
"Perhaps you may be interested in visiting Yunmeng? The weather promises to be pleasant, and I could join you later in the afternoon," he offered as he took a drink of his tea. He didn't think that he would be that busy today. At least, he hoped so.
"Is there anything you wanted to do while you were here?" he asked. He wasn't used to planning out events for his guests, mostly leaving them to their own devices.
"The theater and the lake excursions we had discussed." Huaisang nods eagerly. "I think that's a lovely idea. I'll enjoy Yunmeng for the day, and then perhaps later we can go out on the lake. You can row and I can admire those powerful arm muscles."
Huaisang hides his wicked grin behind his cup, eyes glinting playfully over the edge of it. Being able to tease Jiang Cheng wakes him up faster than any tea.
He flushed slightly, not used to the flattery. He never considered himself vain by any means but the comment was appreciated nonetheless. Huaisang seemed to know just how to flatter without making it seem insincere.
"That would be nice then. Tell me when you get back from Yunmeng and we'll go out on the lake after lunch." He rarely got the chance to go out on the lake just to spend time. But now he had an excuse to do so at least. He took a drink of his tea, hiding a slight smile of his own.
It's such a pleasure to watch how Jiang Cheng reacts to being courted. He doesn't know he's being courted, not yet, but Huaisang is deeply pleased to find that Jiang Cheng seems to really like his attention and flirtation. The blushes and smiles are cute, and Huaisang is eager to earn more of them.
"I will." Huaisang nods, giving him a warm smile before turning his attention out across the lake. It is beautiful to be here in the early morning, with the tea and company to warm him. "What do you think about when you're here alone in the mornings?"
Jiang Cheng noticed Huaisang's gaze moving to the lake and looked out there himself. He was quiet for a few long moments as he considered how to answer the question. His expression was composed but there was emotion in his eyes that he couldn't hide.
"I think about how Lotus Pier used to be. Before I was sect leader."
He missed his parents. His sister. And even, just a little, he missed Wei Wuxian. Normally he didn't allow himself to indulge in these thoughts but it was hard not to give in during these peaceful moments.
"I wish I could have seen it then." Huaisang understands the feelings of loss. His are different, but no less all-encompassing. They both lost their entire family.
He looks back, toward Lotus Pier as it is now. Rebuilt and beautiful, almost as strong as ever. "They must be so proud of you."
Huaisang smiles toward the rebuilt city, sorrowful but sincere. Jiang Cheng has accomplished so much. He was barely twenty and yet he rebuilt his sect almost from scratch. His ancestors must indeed be proud.
"I hope so. He hoped his father would be proud of him at least. He had spent his life trying to prove himself to a father who always gave so much praise to his brother. But he knew he was the sect leader he was today because of his mother who had taught him that he was always worthy of being his father's successor.
But he smiled a little as he looked back at his friend, deciding to move on and change the subject. He didn't want to make this more depressing than it already was.
"I have to attend to business soon. If you need an escort, I will arrange it."
"I'll manage fine with my own attendants. Thank you, Jiang-xiong." Huaisang rises, bowing deeply to his friend and host. "I look forward to seeing you for lunch."
He unfurls his fan in front of his chest, smiling fondly at Jiang Cheng over it before he excuses himself.
There are diversions aplenty to be found in Yunmeng, and Huaisang spends liberally, selecting gifts to take home and making sure to make a good impression among the local artisans.
When he returns for lunch, he bows in greeting again to Jiang Cheng, then holds out a cloth-wrapped bundle for him. It contains a pretty bird statuette.
"I know it is not to your typical taste, Jiang-xiong, but the artisan's skill impressed me and I wish very much for you to have something that will remind you fondly of my presence, even when I am away."
He had spent the day busy with his work, trying to concentrate on what needed to be done but his thoughts kept drifting to Huaisang and their arrangement. He still wasn't sure what to make about it but his friend was willing to help, which he appreciated. Lotus Pier needed a mistress now that things were settled and the clan had been re-established. His mother would want him to select the best possible wife.
He returned the bow to his friend before they settled down to lunch, surprised when he was offered a gift. He was quiet as he unwrapped it.
"It's beautiful." And there is even a smile on his face now. "Thank you, I will keep it always."
Huaisang beams happily at the sight of Jiang Cheng's smile. His friend's smiles have always been so rare, and Huaisang feels triumphant about having earned one. "I'm glad you're pleased. The artisan was so skilled. They worked with a variety of stones."
As they settle down to eat, Huaisang chatters pleasantly about the artisans he met that morning. Lotus Pier has always attracted artists, and Huaisang loves art, so he's happy to praise them and to talk about some of the art pieces he picked up as gifts, filling more space in their conversation.
"Will you still be able to go out on the lake with me after lunch? I'm looking forward to it very much."
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Light fingertips stray along the length of Jiang Cheng's arm, admiring the solid muscle beneath the fine fabric. "In courtship, and in marriage, it's good to always show off a little bit. Making an effort to impress your partner and going out of your way to make them happy shows them that they're valued. And a good partner will reward you with praise and affection, in addition to trying to impress you in return."
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"That would be fine."
There was another pause as something occurred to him.
"How do you know so much about all this anyway?" He knew the rumors that were told about the other man though he had never been one to listen to idle gossip. Huaisang was unmarried though and never showed any interest in changing that.
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Further amused at the question, Huaisang glances away coyly. "You know that I've always had an interest in... romantic literature." That's putting it mildly. "And I hear plenty of gossip about everyone's romances. Perhaps you aren't aware, but I have a reputation for giving excellent advice with matters of the heart. You may ask anyone."
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He tried not to flush as he tried to find the words. He was determined to get this right even if it was difficult and he found it a struggle. "It..it would be a pleasure if you join- joined me out in Yungmeng- " He took a moment to find the right words. "- or dine with me privately."
There, he tried.
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Jiang Cheng deserved a reward for that effort. Lifting briefly onto his tiptoes, Huaisang kissed his friend's cheek, warm breath tickling for a moment against the skin before he drew away. "I'd like that very much. You don't have to change tonight's arrangements at all. I do not wish to inconvenience anyone. But tomorrow it would be pleasant to try some of those other possibilities."
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"Perhaps tomorrow night we can have dinner in Yungmeng," he suggested. He flushed a bit when his friend kissed him on the cheek but he didn't pull away. When they reached the guest quarters, he pulled away slowly. "I'll see you shortly. If there is anything you require, let me know."
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He slipped into the guest quarters, glancing back once over his shoulder with a smile before disappearing.
Changing into relatively informal robes--a mere three layers of soft gray silk--Huaisang fussed over his appearance for a few minutes, but there was simply nothing else to do. His braids were tight and perfect, and he could not yet risk any flamboyance or informality.
A polite guest and respectable sect leader, Huaisang emerged from his chambers looking slightly softer but still the lofty Sect Leader of Qinghe.
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He returned the smile with a slight one of his own. It was nice to have the company of an old friend. He paused for a moment as a thought occurred to him.
"Tomorrow we can take dinner in your rooms. And perhaps we can have some drinks, though perhaps not get as drunk as we once did when we were younger." Granted they had gotten into trouble when they had gotten drunk at the Cloud Recesses but that night had been entertaining. He wasn't as young and foolish as he was when they were that young but he would allow himself one night.
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He licked his lower lip, sucking on it briefly with delighted anticipation. "I'll see you at dinner, Jiang-xiong."
Winking playfully, he slipped into his rooms.
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He was a bit late to dinner in the evening, hurrying to the dining hall as soon as he was finished. "I trust you settled in," he said as he entered, waving away the attendants once the food was served.
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His place had been set near to Jiang Cheng's, a place of honor with only the two of them in the hall. Huaisang was a little bit amused. Jiang Cheng had gone to the effort to have them dine privately, but the banquet hall was still far too formal for Huaisang's tastes.
Tomorrow, he thought, he would tour around some of the available reception halls and parlors of the Jiang Sect in order to find one appropriate for the Sect Leader to host a small number of honored guests in order to make them feel that they were taken into his confidence. It would be a useful tool in his arsenal, and Huaisang would see to it that he understood how to use such a thing.
Starting to chatter pleasantly as they ate, Huaisang talked about things he'd noticed on his journey. He spoke with praise on new developments of interest in Yunmeng--an inn, a temple, a bridge--and complained with good-natured innocence about inconveniences along the way in order to diplomatically slip them onto Jiang Cheng's radar--a washed-out section of road, a damaged stone array, a bridge support starting to rust. The travelogue of Huaisang's experiences edged a few times into boring territory, except for how his sweet-natured charm made it all exasperatingly amusing. ("I swear the bridge was shaking as we crossed it, one of those bridge supports had rust on it, and it was so high up, I was frightened, I couldn't help clinging a bit to one of my attendants, I might have shrieked once...")
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He let out a short laugh at the end of the story, amused. It was easy to relax in Huaisang's presence, his friend was skilled at entertaining conversation that would be boring coming from anyone else. He made a note about the work that needed to be done to deal with later- it could wait until tomorrow. He hadn't had the chance to have company for dinner like this in a long time.
By the end of the evening when they finished, he felt more relaxed as he finished his last glass of rice wine. "I should retire for the night. I take tea in the pavilion by the lake in the morning before I work for the day if you want to join me."
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Slipping away, he glances back at the doorway, gaze lingering on Jiang Cheng for a moment before he steps through.
Huaisang has never been a morning person. When one of his attendants rouses him that he should dress if he wishes to take Sect Leader up on his invitation, Huaisang whines and rolls out of bed only with difficulty.
When he turns up at the pavilion, he's wearing a mere three layers--undergarments, inner robes, and outer robes, and his braids are wound in a simple bun rather than his usual elaborate knot.
Eyes bleary with fatigue, Huaisang drops onto the cushion across from his friend and immediately slurms across his side of the table. "Jiang-xiong, do you really always get up this early? How do you function??"
Maybe if he hadn't stayed up late reading erotic poetry, he wouldn't have had so much trouble with the early hour.
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He looked up at Huaisang as he arrived, surprised at his appearance. "I'm used to being up at this hour, I find it peaceful." Lotus Pier was almost silent at this hour, it gave him some time to mentally prepare himself for the day ahead.
A servant came by to silently serve them tea and food before leaving them alone. "You could sleep in tomorrow if you would like."
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The early morning light on the lake is absolutely beautiful, cresting the lotus blossoms with pinkish light, and Huaisang takes a moment to admire it before offering the next topic of conversation. "What do you propose for our itinerary today?"
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"Perhaps you may be interested in visiting Yunmeng? The weather promises to be pleasant, and I could join you later in the afternoon," he offered as he took a drink of his tea. He didn't think that he would be that busy today. At least, he hoped so.
"Is there anything you wanted to do while you were here?" he asked. He wasn't used to planning out events for his guests, mostly leaving them to their own devices.
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Huaisang hides his wicked grin behind his cup, eyes glinting playfully over the edge of it. Being able to tease Jiang Cheng wakes him up faster than any tea.
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"That would be nice then. Tell me when you get back from Yunmeng and we'll go out on the lake after lunch." He rarely got the chance to go out on the lake just to spend time. But now he had an excuse to do so at least. He took a drink of his tea, hiding a slight smile of his own.
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"I will." Huaisang nods, giving him a warm smile before turning his attention out across the lake. It is beautiful to be here in the early morning, with the tea and company to warm him. "What do you think about when you're here alone in the mornings?"
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"I think about how Lotus Pier used to be. Before I was sect leader."
He missed his parents. His sister. And even, just a little, he missed Wei Wuxian. Normally he didn't allow himself to indulge in these thoughts but it was hard not to give in during these peaceful moments.
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He looks back, toward Lotus Pier as it is now. Rebuilt and beautiful, almost as strong as ever. "They must be so proud of you."
Huaisang smiles toward the rebuilt city, sorrowful but sincere. Jiang Cheng has accomplished so much. He was barely twenty and yet he rebuilt his sect almost from scratch. His ancestors must indeed be proud.
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But he smiled a little as he looked back at his friend, deciding to move on and change the subject. He didn't want to make this more depressing than it already was.
"I have to attend to business soon. If you need an escort, I will arrange it."
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He unfurls his fan in front of his chest, smiling fondly at Jiang Cheng over it before he excuses himself.
There are diversions aplenty to be found in Yunmeng, and Huaisang spends liberally, selecting gifts to take home and making sure to make a good impression among the local artisans.
When he returns for lunch, he bows in greeting again to Jiang Cheng, then holds out a cloth-wrapped bundle for him. It contains a pretty bird statuette.
"I know it is not to your typical taste, Jiang-xiong, but the artisan's skill impressed me and I wish very much for you to have something that will remind you fondly of my presence, even when I am away."
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He returned the bow to his friend before they settled down to lunch, surprised when he was offered a gift. He was quiet as he unwrapped it.
"It's beautiful." And there is even a smile on his face now. "Thank you, I will keep it always."
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As they settle down to eat, Huaisang chatters pleasantly about the artisans he met that morning. Lotus Pier has always attracted artists, and Huaisang loves art, so he's happy to praise them and to talk about some of the art pieces he picked up as gifts, filling more space in their conversation.
"Will you still be able to go out on the lake with me after lunch? I'm looking forward to it very much."
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