The move to the guesthouse next to the Hanshi goes smoothly, although one of the new residents is still stewing about their dietary recommendations. While the boys are in classes, Lan Qiren uses the opportunity to speak with Cangse Sanren about Wei Ying's superb ability regarding talismans. He's not sure if Wei Ying's father has said anything, but he feels as if Cangse Sanren should know about it, even if Lan Qiren is not going to go against what Wei Changze wants, which is to treat Wei Ying as if he's normal.
"Do you know how bored I am, Qiren?" She asks, glowering at him from the corner of her eyes when he walks into the room. That's the first thing she says. (It's more of a snarl.)
"You'll have to forgive my wife. We are beyond grateful for everything you've done," Wei Changze hurries to remedy what could be construed as bad manners. "It's just-"
"Why don't we discuss my romantic inclinations instead," Lan Qiren finds himself saying drily, "as that might provide some comedy relief?"
Wei Changze looks between the two other adults and wonders how on earth this could be any better, and is he mistaken regarding his own assessment because as it appears, he IS the only adult in the room.
Cangse Sanren looks gleefully interested suddenly, like a ferocious wolf salivating and baring its teeth, about to pounce on an innocent bunny, while Lan Qiren resembles a puffer fish, with purple and red splotches all over his face.
Maybe he should just walk away, Wei Changze thinks, wishing for it to be an option. But even more frightening is what these two would do to each other if they were left without supervision. It's definitely that thought which makes him stay.
"Are you about to reveal passionate encounters, Qiren?" Cangse Sanren whispers loudly, her voice tantalising and rich with anticipation of the choicest gossip entering her ears. "Any clandestine hot spots around the Cloud Recesses we should know about?"
"Quite the opposite, actually." Lan Qiren isn't sure why he's bringing this up now. Or why he's chosen to do it with both of them. He's quite certain that when he tells them the truth, Cangse Sanren will be mercilessly teasing him.
"You sound serious," Wei Changze says, motioning him to sit at the little table near the bed.
"Here, let me." Lan Qiren misses the glances between the husband and wife as he throws back his robes to sit elegantly at the table in preparation of making tea.
This is one of the first rituals taught to all students, turning a mundane activity into meditative contemplation. He measures out the correct amount of leaves, a unique blend of peppermint and chamomile enhanced by a hint of jasmine. Pouring it into the strainer, he lets the boiling water trickle over the dried leaves to rejuvenate them into releasing their flavours while he thinks about what he wants to say.
Letting it steep is the next step as he rinses out the porcelain cups with boiling water so that they will keep the tea hot - this is a secret that few pay attention to, because if the boiling tea meets cold cups, the shock of that interaction infuses the tea with intent. Warming the cups beforehand eases the process and promotes a peaceful transition from pot to cup.
When he is ready, Lan Qiren takes his long sleeve and holds it back, picking up the elegant heirloom from the table and pouring out freshly brewed tea into three cups. He sweetens each one with a drop of osmanthus honey and serves the other two adults first.
Wei Changze helps his wife sit up before giving her the cup to hold.
Lan Qiren expects her to say something scathing about her situation, or perhaps infuse her words with sarcasm, or even make an inappropriate joke, but she remains curiously quiet, watching him contemplatively with solemn silver eyes.
