Langhua: The Codependence of a Prince and His General

Future

"This is the most popular restaurant in town. Their sesame glutinous rice balls are especially good in the winter, but in the summer their mint jelly is very popular too.

"That store's where all the ladies buy their cosmetics. They don't carry the extremely expensive things, but they have a good selection of products for commoners. Just tell them your price range.

"That stall over there has been selling steamed buns for four generations. Apparently, their savoury ones are slightly better than the sweet ones, but it's a fine line.

"And that building usually only opens at nightfall, but if you sneak around the back and ask for a specific name—"

"Wait!" Xuanyuan Lang had to interrupt at that point. "How do you know all this?"

Hua Yuheng made a face. He hated to admit it, but... "My senior brother told me. He gets around."

"I think I can see that." Xuanyuan Lang was exasperated, but also a little happy for Hua Yuheng's sake. "So you're adapting well to the capital?"

"As well as I can hope for, I guess. Do you want a bun?" Hua Yuheng shrugged as he walked over to the stall. "Everything's more expensive than I'm used to, and there are tons of people everywhere. It's cramped, and there's just... so much. Of everything.

"But that means there's a lot to see, too. And to hear. Lin Xiangyang showed me just how much information you can get from just standing around quietly in the right places. Sweet or savoury?"

"Savoury."

"Then we'll have one meat bun and one pickled vegetable bun, thanks." Hua Yuheng reached for his wallet and poured out a few coins.

"Wait, let me." Xuanyuan Lang fumbled for his, but he was not used to handling his own money. If Consort Liang had not pressed a few coppers and loose silvers into his hand, he would have left the palace with nothing but gold pieces and paper notes that could only be exchanged at the bank but would have just as soon been stolen by a nifty pickpocket. As it was, by the time he counted out the right amount, Hua Yuheng had already accepted the buns from the vendor.

"My treat," Hua Yuheng said. "Besides, it's just a few coins. Don't worry about it."

"Your new friend, Master Hua?" the vendor said, his tone teasing. "First time I'm seeing you without your senior brother. Where is Master Lin today?"

"Last I saw him, he was flirting with a maid. Heavens knows where he is now."

"Back at Scarlet Pavilion, I reckon. The girls don't mind sacrificing a bit of sleep when he's around." The vendor sniggered, but he did not miss the glance Hua Yuheng gave the young man next to him. "Oops, was that too vulgar of me? Sorry, Young Master."

"Oh no, it's fine." Xuanyuan Lang waved him off hastily.

"I haven't seen you around before. Are you new to the capital?"

Was he? Xuanyuan Lang hesitated. "You could say so."

"He lives around here, but he hasn't gotten out that often," Hua Yuheng interjected smoothly. "But we'll be hanging around a lot more from now on. Isn't that right, Qilang?"

"Yes." Xuanyuan Lang cleared his throat. "Of course."

"You heard him. So give us a discount whenever you see us around, will ya?" Hua Yuheng grinned at the vendor.

"Pfft, as if I don't give you and your senior brother a twenty percent discount already! What more do you want?" The vendor shook his head at Hua Yuheng, then he turned back to scrutinize Xuanyuan Lang. The prince stiffened under his gaze. "So you're the seventh son of your family, are you? What's your family name?"