[ Preparing Cloud Recesses for an informal visit from another sect leader still means a lot of fuss goes on, from stocking up the kitchens with more fish and meat than vegetables to account for a visitor's tastes to organising a private suite for Jiang Cheng not too far from Xichen's personal domain, should he care to speak with him in a hurry. Courtesies, all. Manners dictate he waits until Jiang Cheng is settled, so he does — the journey up the mountain is not a casual one to undertake, as the sect leader will remember from his youth — but once Xichen is certain his guest is comfortable he heads over to say hello informally, before he ought to receive him in the hanshi.
He raps on the door like one of the disciples might, idle excitement in his chest at the prospect of having a visitor; but particularly this one, who is overdue some time in Gusu, and is the first Xichen is meeting post-seclusion. ]
[ There were preparations for Jiang Cheng as well, be it picking the robes he would take or small gifts to show his appreciation for the hospitality offered, not to mention preparing an itinerary of what sect affairs to discuss even on such an informal visit.
Yet this time, Jiang Cheng had found himself busy with his own furtive preparations, and he is reminded of these at the knocks. He holds a qiankun pouch specifically embedded with cooling and preservation talismans and he can only hope whatever overexcited junior come to pick him up won't find it strange enough to investigate. ]
I'm coming! I'm coming! What's that noise! [ He opens the door with a token scowl, only to falter, mortified. ] Oh. It's you.
[ Hearing the yelling inside, Xichen wears a placid smile when Jiang Cheng wrenches open the door. The other sect leader brings a lot of colour and noise to Cloud Recesses (much like a certain other fellow that his brother prefers) and it's nice to have both after months of a cold, icy winter. ]
Forgive me, I know you were on your way to see me in the hanshi but that seemed awfully formal. [ Rules and customs will be observed, of course, but this isn't Lanling Jin where everything is pomp to be observed by the dozen at every corner. ] I came to ask if you were settling in and have everything you need?
I... [ He still finds himself flushed, on the brink of stammering like a foolish boy rather than the jaded, fearsome sect leader he likes to present himself as. ] I wouldn't have been that rude if I'd realized it is you. [ Well, not much better than stammering, really. Now Zewu-jun is only going to believe he is a bully to his inferiors, rather than to everyone. Great.
At last, he remembers the qiankun pouch he is clutching and holds it up. ] I brought the bribes.
People have been much ruder to me than that, it's alright.
[ His smile is unruffled and continues to be quietly amused, radiating calm to hopefully help Jiang Cheng relax. At the sight of the pouch, Xichen arches a brow and has to fight with a bigger smile that threatens to take over, eyes crinkling with mirth. ]
Perhaps we ought to refrain from calling them that, in the case of other ears crossing by.
[ But he still eagerly offers a hand to take the pouch, interested in looking at his gifts. ]
[ Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes at that playful chiding, yet he doesn't even try to resist a chuckle. ] That is wise, yes, though... I would like to hear the teahouse tales of how I have corrupted respectable Zewu-jun. That should be amusing.
[ As soon as the words are out, it occurs to Jiang Cheng that Lan Xichen must have had a lifetimes fill of featuring in teahouse gossip after Guanyin and the whole terrible Jin Guangyao affair, and he has to stifle another wince at his thoughtless words.
He clears his throat, trying to brush right past any awkwardness his words might cause. ] Regardless, now you see that I have kept my word.
[ The Guanyin temple is far from his mind, as was he for a long time after any gossip was hot about Gusu, so Jiang Cheng does not misstep there. He brings about a teasing edge to Xichen's expression, if anything, as Xichen brings a peach up to inhale the scent of. It is beautiful, sweeter than the apples they have on the mountain, and he briefly closes his eyes. ]
It would take more than bribery to corrupt me, I think.
[ He glances over with the same smile that touches his eyes, briefly resting the peach on his lips before sliding it back in the pouch for safe-keeping. ]
Unless I seem an easy target for someone as wily as Sandu Shengshou.
[ Jiang Cheng's lips twitch at that teasing and he really tries to affect a forbidding face as his reputation demands, yet he can't help an amused snort from slipping out. ]
Wily? [ he asks, brows arched in mock surprise. ] Is that better or worse than terrifying? Fearsome. I'm rather fond of that one. But I will take wily, too.
[ Really, it surprises him how easy it is to tease and joke with Lan Xichen, to simply be at ease with him. It's nothing that comes easily to him, or that he takes for granted - but right now, it is easy. ]
As a wily man, I will have to work harder on my bribes.
And I will accept every bribe, even if I would host Wanyin each time without such generous gifts.
[ He steps in closer, expression warm with a more subtle, frank fondness and steady confidence. Xichen's dark gaze flicks over Jiang Cheng, visibly considering and taking him in. ]
If it helps with your reputation, feel free to spread the news I quailed before such ... fearsomeness.
[ This time, a louder bark of laughter escapes him, and he doesn't even try to hold it back first. Amusement glints in his eyes and his body language is relaxed, leaning slightly towards Lan Xichen as he carefully tracks his approach. ]
How could I turn down such a generous offer? I will brag to all that Zewu-jun found me most impressive.
[ Jiang Cheng's eyes soften, some genuine concern showing now as he lets his gaze wander over Lan Xichen once more, this time taking in his health. ]
Would you host me again? [ he asks, then realizes it is a too roundabout way to ask. He does better with bluntness, anyway. ] I was surprised that you would have me as your guest at all. When we exchanged these letters, I was not convinced you would truly break your seclusion to see me.
It is not bragging if it is the truth, as it has always been on that note.
[ Jiang Cheng is impressive, everyone knows it. Somewhat blacklisted among very particular circles but those have nothing to do with Gusu Lan, nor would Xichen care for the gossip of such people.
He glances down when asked so straight-forwardly, a ghost of a laugh on his lips as he considers this is exactly why he wanted to meet with Jiang Cheng who is famed for his candidness. Seclusion was ... necessary, while he stitched his heart and head back together, feeling more sensible after doing so. He knows he would not be shamed for requiring such solitude but it still raises soft pink to his ears to acknowledge it. ]
Yunmeng Jiang is a sect well-known for its honesty. [ To put it politely. ] Since I have known Jiang Wanyin, from your days seated at our lectures to this moment, I have never known you to be a liar. I would like to discuss an all manner of matters with you concerning the sects, large and small, and gain your opinion of them as well as other things, because I ... think I can trust you. Perhaps above all others, save my own kin.
[ When he looks up, Xichen gives a shake of his head that passes for a shrug in Lan gestures. ]
Even if I do not wish to hear something, I think you will tell me. Not many would.
[ Specifically, only Wangji and his husband are undaunted by telling the First Jade of Lan their uncorrupted input. ]
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legbreakings; violet tiger @ blue mountain
[ Preparing Cloud Recesses for an informal visit from another sect leader still means a lot of fuss goes on, from stocking up the kitchens with more fish and meat than vegetables to account for a visitor's tastes to organising a private suite for Jiang Cheng not too far from Xichen's personal domain, should he care to speak with him in a hurry. Courtesies, all. Manners dictate he waits until Jiang Cheng is settled, so he does — the journey up the mountain is not a casual one to undertake, as the sect leader will remember from his youth — but once Xichen is certain his guest is comfortable he heads over to say hello informally, before he ought to receive him in the hanshi.
He raps on the door like one of the disciples might, idle excitement in his chest at the prospect of having a visitor; but particularly this one, who is overdue some time in Gusu, and is the first Xichen is meeting post-seclusion. ]
no subject
Yet this time, Jiang Cheng had found himself busy with his own furtive preparations, and he is reminded of these at the knocks. He holds a qiankun pouch specifically embedded with cooling and preservation talismans and he can only hope whatever overexcited junior come to pick him up won't find it strange enough to investigate. ]
I'm coming! I'm coming! What's that noise! [ He opens the door with a token scowl, only to falter, mortified. ] Oh. It's you.
no subject
Forgive me, I know you were on your way to see me in the hanshi but that seemed awfully formal. [ Rules and customs will be observed, of course, but this isn't Lanling Jin where everything is pomp to be observed by the dozen at every corner. ] I came to ask if you were settling in and have everything you need?
no subject
At last, he remembers the qiankun pouch he is clutching and holds it up. ] I brought the bribes.
no subject
[ His smile is unruffled and continues to be quietly amused, radiating calm to hopefully help Jiang Cheng relax. At the sight of the pouch, Xichen arches a brow and has to fight with a bigger smile that threatens to take over, eyes crinkling with mirth. ]
Perhaps we ought to refrain from calling them that, in the case of other ears crossing by.
[ But he still eagerly offers a hand to take the pouch, interested in looking at his gifts. ]
no subject
[ As soon as the words are out, it occurs to Jiang Cheng that Lan Xichen must have had a lifetimes fill of featuring in teahouse gossip after Guanyin and the whole terrible Jin Guangyao affair, and he has to stifle another wince at his thoughtless words.
He clears his throat, trying to brush right past any awkwardness his words might cause. ] Regardless, now you see that I have kept my word.
no subject
It would take more than bribery to corrupt me, I think.
[ He glances over with the same smile that touches his eyes, briefly resting the peach on his lips before sliding it back in the pouch for safe-keeping. ]
Unless I seem an easy target for someone as wily as Sandu Shengshou.
[ Tossing a title back. ]
no subject
Wily? [ he asks, brows arched in mock surprise. ] Is that better or worse than terrifying? Fearsome. I'm rather fond of that one. But I will take wily, too.
[ Really, it surprises him how easy it is to tease and joke with Lan Xichen, to simply be at ease with him. It's nothing that comes easily to him, or that he takes for granted - but right now, it is easy. ]
As a wily man, I will have to work harder on my bribes.
no subject
[ He steps in closer, expression warm with a more subtle, frank fondness and steady confidence. Xichen's dark gaze flicks over Jiang Cheng, visibly considering and taking him in. ]
If it helps with your reputation, feel free to spread the news I quailed before such ... fearsomeness.
no subject
How could I turn down such a generous offer? I will brag to all that Zewu-jun found me most impressive.
[ Jiang Cheng's eyes soften, some genuine concern showing now as he lets his gaze wander over Lan Xichen once more, this time taking in his health. ]
Would you host me again? [ he asks, then realizes it is a too roundabout way to ask. He does better with bluntness, anyway. ] I was surprised that you would have me as your guest at all. When we exchanged these letters, I was not convinced you would truly break your seclusion to see me.
no subject
[ Jiang Cheng is impressive, everyone knows it. Somewhat blacklisted among very particular circles but those have nothing to do with Gusu Lan, nor would Xichen care for the gossip of such people.
He glances down when asked so straight-forwardly, a ghost of a laugh on his lips as he considers this is exactly why he wanted to meet with Jiang Cheng who is famed for his candidness. Seclusion was ... necessary, while he stitched his heart and head back together, feeling more sensible after doing so. He knows he would not be shamed for requiring such solitude but it still raises soft pink to his ears to acknowledge it. ]
Yunmeng Jiang is a sect well-known for its honesty. [ To put it politely. ] Since I have known Jiang Wanyin, from your days seated at our lectures to this moment, I have never known you to be a liar. I would like to discuss an all manner of matters with you concerning the sects, large and small, and gain your opinion of them as well as other things, because I ... think I can trust you. Perhaps above all others, save my own kin.
[ When he looks up, Xichen gives a shake of his head that passes for a shrug in Lan gestures. ]
Even if I do not wish to hear something, I think you will tell me. Not many would.
[ Specifically, only Wangji and his husband are undaunted by telling the First Jade of Lan their uncorrupted input. ]