Wangxian Prompt/Self-fill Dump

Bride of the Twin Jades Pt 3

The Twins give soft sighs as they leave behind the Qinghe boarder where the small escort from Nie Huaisang left them. They had spent a good month or two getting to know the 15 Omegas and attempting to form a connection, but sadly they did not click and quickly lost interest. They traveled through towns, cities and settlements of all shapes and sizes, scoping out the offerings in each. Song Lan kept out of their way, chuckling softly as the twins enjoyed their trip. It was rare for them to leave the palace and even then they were kept on strict schedules and only allowed to go to certain areas. So it was nice to see them fluttering about like over excited butterflies. Though that was a bit of a stretch when it came to Lan Zhan, who was so expressionless, that an uncarved stone would be jealous. But never the less, he's caught sight of him not quite smiling at anything with bunnies on it and he's certain he bought a bunny charm from that sweet young lady who hand carved them from polished white stones she found by the river banks. They were slowly making their way toward Yunmeng before they would head on toward the outlaying villages. Form there they would have little choice but to go to Lanling and then home because it was agreed that no matter what, they would avoid Qishan. Even if the rumors reached Wen Rouhan about their Hunt, it would be too late and the man is likely to take offense one way or another so there was no point anyway.

Days and months passed and the Twins grew into themselves. Lan Huan was beloved by all because he was so personable while everyone was in awe of Lan Zhan's quiet beauty and oddly touching actions when one is lucky enough to see him do something kind, like buying steamed buns for a group of orphans, aiding an old woman carry her packages home and sitting quietly beside some men on night watch, just quietly offering his company. Song Lan enjoyed watching every moment and has taken the time to try and find himself a wife as well, though so far no one has truly caught his eye. He guesses it is because of the ridiculously high standards of the twins, but oh well. They made it to Yunmeng proper almost five months into the Hunt and were riding in a boat toward the palace, Lotus Pier. Apply named for it was built on and surrounded by piers and lotus filled lakes and rivers. As they rode by, the Twins suddenly perked up. There was a sweet scent in the air, not unlike the lotus flowers, but with something citrusy like loquats and spicy, like many of the scents in the air. They look frantically around for the someone who might have the scent, just missing when a young man dressed in black runs past, angry yells following him. When they turn to see what the commotion was, they are instead met with Madame Yu of the Jiang Sect, her two maids behind her and all three looking quite imperious.

"Welcome young master of Lan... We did not receive any notice that you would be arriving or we would have prepared for your arrival." Madame Yu says bowing to them and they give her one back.

"We did not want anyone to know. The point of a Hunt is to make a connection on our own." Lan Huan reminds the Madame, who scowls but says nothing as she guides them into her home and towards the greeting hall where she hopes her daughter is, dressed in full regalia. Like any woman, Madame Yu is looking for an advantageous marriage for her daughter and there is no place higher than the Queen or even concubine of the future Emperors of China. She had to chase that street brat, Wei Wuxian away to make sure he did not ruin Jiang Yanli's chances at being picked. If neither prince picked her daughter, she would beat them into submission, no one turns down Madame Yu!

The Twins silently calculate the chances of leaving Yunmeng still allies if the mix of scents the Madame was giving off were any indication. They would keep a close eye on her while hopefully finding the source of that wonderful scent from earlier...