He takes his betrothed's arm, beaming at him. Autumn is in full swing, the air crisp and clear and the leaves an explosion of colour. The meadow is small, surrounded by a thick copse of bamboo, with a babbling stream cutting through it. There is a singular tree in its midst; an ancient gnarled willow under which Xichen procures a qiankun bag full of this afternoon's picnic supplies.
He had anticipated Wangji staying on a little longer, so there is quite a bit more than for just two, but it is a lovely spread, laid out on little trays with a blanket and cushions so they can enjoy the weather under the shade of the willow tree.
The food itself is, as expected, vegetarian fare. There is no meat served inside the bounds of the Cloud Recesses. Luckily, none of it is the bitter or bland medicinal dishes for which his sect is known for. Plump bao stuffed with mixed vegetables and rich sauces steam in their basket, fresh pulled noodles and sliced bamboo shoots simmer in savory broth, and there are even sweets shaped into little bunnies are on display.
"Alas," he says, offering one of the rabbit sweets to Shen Yuan, "didi will have to have his later."
A proper young master would never allow himself to engage in behaviors that might give him a reputation for gluttony, but Shen Yuan still can't quite hide his delight on the spread Lan Xichen lays out for him both, even lowering his fan and putting it away so he can better appreciate the gastronomical gifts on offer. Everything looked and smelled so delicious, he didn't even notice the lack of meat!
Still, he can't let his betrothed think he's gotten off the hook that easily (he totally has, but that doesn't mean he needs to know it). "What a shame," he says blandly, accepting the adorable sweet from Lan Xichen's hand. "Perhaps next time he won't be so quick to forget his duties." He arches his eyebrow knowingly before taking a nibble off the rabbit.
Immediately all pretense of annoyance melts away as the sugary flavor spreads across his tongue. "Lan Lang," he says, covering his mouth with his other hand. "This is delightful! Wherever did you get it?" Could there really be a shop in Gusu that makes such delicacies? If so Shen Yuan is going to become their number one customer!
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2023-06-04 09:57 pm (UTC)He had anticipated Wangji staying on a little longer, so there is quite a bit more than for just two, but it is a lovely spread, laid out on little trays with a blanket and cushions so they can enjoy the weather under the shade of the willow tree.
The food itself is, as expected, vegetarian fare. There is no meat served inside the bounds of the Cloud Recesses. Luckily, none of it is the bitter or bland medicinal dishes for which his sect is known for. Plump bao stuffed with mixed vegetables and rich sauces steam in their basket, fresh pulled noodles and sliced bamboo shoots simmer in savory broth, and there are even sweets shaped into little bunnies are on display.
"Alas," he says, offering one of the rabbit sweets to Shen Yuan, "didi will have to have his later."
no subject
Date: 2023-06-06 05:57 am (UTC)Still, he can't let his betrothed think he's gotten off the hook that easily (he totally has, but that doesn't mean he needs to know it). "What a shame," he says blandly, accepting the adorable sweet from Lan Xichen's hand. "Perhaps next time he won't be so quick to forget his duties." He arches his eyebrow knowingly before taking a nibble off the rabbit.
Immediately all pretense of annoyance melts away as the sugary flavor spreads across his tongue. "Lan Lang," he says, covering his mouth with his other hand. "This is delightful! Wherever did you get it?" Could there really be a shop in Gusu that makes such delicacies? If so Shen Yuan is going to become their number one customer!