Story of Wangshu Inn | Xiao & Scaramouche Royal AU

{First Spring - Chapter One}

Xingqui

"It's Spring, I lie awake as morning breaks.
While everywhere are birds who cry,
Who heard last night the sound of rain and wind —
So do you know how many flowers fell?"

Xingqui's lips curled upward in a subtle smile as he finished reciting out loud. "Isn't this just perfect?"

Next to the tranquil pond centered at his family's mansion, Xingqui leaned comfortably against his companion, who only sighed.

Chongyun wasn't too much into the poetic works, but Xingqui would often ask for his input. "It feels rather tragic. Why would that capture your interest?"

Xingqui chuckled softly, the sound carrying a musical lilt that matched the gentle rustling of the leaves around them. Chongyun could only grin at the sound, and part of him was waiting to see if Xingqui would laugh some more.

"Well..." Xingqui hesitated, giving the poem some thought. "When I read this poem, it evokes a sense of longing. A longing for something that was lost, and a longing for something that could never be. Sure, it's bittersweet, but I think it speaks to the complexities of human emotions beautifully, and that's why I think it's perfect."

Chongyun gave a thoughtful nod, appreciating Xingqui's perspective even if he didn't fully share the sentiment.

"I suppose there is a certain charm to it," Chongyun admitted as he observed the fish swimming lazily in the pond, their scales shimmering under the sunlight. "It's just not quite my cup of tea."

"That's perfectly alright with me too." With a playful glint in his eyes, Xingqui nudged Chongyun gently. "But I do hope you can appreciate the beauty of this moment we're sharing, at least."

Chongyun couldn't help but blush a little and turn his head away. "Don't tease me this late into the day." The young exorcist then got up and tossed a pebble into the water, creating ripples that danced across the surface and startled the fish away.

Just then, a gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming silk flowers over the two, along with fallen petals.

It was finally spring again in Liyue.

A short but comfortable silence followed, but Xingqui was the first to speak again. "So," he mused, "I know it's still too early to tell, but...do you have a feeling about who the king's bride might be?"

Chongyun tilted his head to the side slightly as he sat back down. "Oh, that? I suspect the royal court racked their brains to find someone." He replied. "With all of Liyue's noble clans in the capital city for the lantern rite this week, I'm sure there will be an announcement on who they picked out, but I'm not sure this entire thing will go as smoothly as the palace wants it to."

Now Xingqui was amused. "Say, you've met our new king a few times; why do you say that? Think he'll scare the poor intended away?"

Chongyun leaned back in the grass, his pale blue hair catching the light and seeming to almost glow. After a moment of contemplation, he shook his head. "No, I never saw him show any interest in love or relationships. He always seemed content being alone."

"I still have no idea what my role will be as an attendant in the palace. My father made it clear that if I turned down this 'huge' honor, I would no longer have access to the family estate. But honestly, it feels like such a childish threat."

"Oh, come on, you don't want to miss out on all those special dishes your family's chefs make during the holidays," Chongyun teased with a smirk.

Xingqui rolled his eyes. "You're not funny. And I heard they were from Inazuma. I haven't had much exposure to people from there. What if I embarrass myself?"