[ Flattered thought he is, regardless. A silent moment lulls where, out of practice hosting others, he inwardly flails for an appropriate subject. There is nothing as interesting as the fluster worn by Jiang Cheng, however, or causing it. ]
I like very much your penchant toward honesty and admire how it comes to you so naturally. [ Xichen tips his head forward, lowering his gaze to give Jiang Cheng a break from it. ] I can do without kindness, but not truth.
[ This is likely one of the first times someone has told him that his brutal honesty is a good thing, and he shakes his head, trying not to frown too severely. ]
You would be the first, but I am glad you welcome it all the same.
[ It's likely better than lies and dancing around the truth, and well... ]
I trust you. [ He looks up, solemn around the edges of a soft smile. ] You would not be in Cloud Recesses if I did not.
[ Nie Huaisang has not, on a debatable technically, done anything wrong, but Xichen's skin crawls when around him and he won't permit that man anywhere near his beloved home. Depression may have made Xichen wilt at the edges but he is still fully capable of barring anyone he likes.
I appreciate that, and I understand the importance of my welcome.
[ The rest, though, but... Jiang Cheng frowns a little. The idea of trusting anyone strange to him isn't something he is comfortable with, and trusting for something as important as a marriage... Well.
He sighs. ]
I have faith in her ability to do her job, but I do not trust her, no.
Did you seek her out because you had no faith in your own judgement?
[ It is curious to him why Jiang Cheng would go to such an extreme and not simply have his pick of beautiful, clever women. Yunmeng is large, there are surely some of a manner to match his. ]
[ It's much easier to write a list of demands and hand then over than try and talk to women, he has found.
Because he can't talk to women, at all. He ends up getting embarrassed, or a little irritated, or his voice gets too loud, and it just makes things worse. ]
You are far too busy for those kinds of things. I appreciate the sentiment, but I will let the professional do her job. If someone can meet my expectations then it will be an easy process.
[ Now he's wondering how he would even go about meeting someone if they weren't introduced first. Wander around Gusu's inns? That sounds so soul-wearying. He would rather sit alone and play Clarity or mend books. He would rather pet the rabbits in the snow than take a chance on another unknown pretty face wreathed in sweet promises of a happy future. ]
I think, in general, and it would apply to a marriage too ... if you enjoy the presence of another person and the sound of their voice, you can never hear it too much. Each time they want to speak to you, it's because they like to hear what you have to say in return, so they don't think you are ever too talkative either.
[ Sentimental. ]
They would also quickly learn when words are not needed.
[ He sighs under his breath, feeling oddly sad for his friend. Intensely so, even, much as he keeps a lid on that emotion and channels his determination to rouse up some hope in Jiang Cheng into the pink of his own ears. ]
You have a good voice, it is not to be merely tolerated. I have sat in silence for near days, [ also sad but focus on his point, ] and now I am noticing how much I like the light of the lamps when they are lit and the taste of food again, because Jiang-zongzhu is here talking with me.
[ Well, that’s something that’s worth embarrassment, and he stops partway through eating to huff a nervous, embarrassed little laugh, shaking his head. ]
After days of isolation I think any company would suit, not just mine. But thank you.
[ His mouth twitches into a smile. ]
I cannot fault the company myself, though I might be falling into repetition.
I would not like any partner chosen for you who did not welcome the sound of your voice.
[ He is going to be honest and gripe about that, softly so as he forces himself to sip his tea and be humbled by the fact it's none of his business. It is as much sternness as he has shown so far, though it is not truly angry and more frustrated. ]
You could come to Cloud Recesses and talk all day long here in the library, while I mend books.
[ The ones the matchmakers do, he thinks, shaking his head. Marriage seems such an uncomfortable and foreign concept for him, one that hasn’t ever held a lot of appeal. Having seen what a poor marriage was like… He doesn’t want that.
Leaning back, he tries to offer a smile. ]
Perhaps one day you might find some joy in Yunmeng, too.
[ That sounds… Miserable, and Jiang Cheng is immediately against the idea, but this isn’t his sect. He can’t exactly make demands or criticise what other people do. ]
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I'm glad to hear it, Lan-zongzhu. It means a great deal, from someone like you.
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Now you are being kind to me.
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The Jiang do not flatter, nor be overly kind.
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[ Flattered thought he is, regardless. A silent moment lulls where, out of practice hosting others, he inwardly flails for an appropriate subject. There is nothing as interesting as the fluster worn by Jiang Cheng, however, or causing it. ]
I like very much your penchant toward honesty and admire how it comes to you so naturally. [ Xichen tips his head forward, lowering his gaze to give Jiang Cheng a break from it. ] I can do without kindness, but not truth.
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You would be the first, but I am glad you welcome it all the same.
[ It's likely better than lies and dancing around the truth, and well... ]
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[ Nie Huaisang has not, on a debatable technically, done anything wrong, but Xichen's skin crawls when around him and he won't permit that man anywhere near his beloved home. Depression may have made Xichen wilt at the edges but he is still fully capable of barring anyone he likes.
He opts to try and lighten the mood. ]
Did you trust the matchmaker?
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[ The rest, though, but... Jiang Cheng frowns a little. The idea of trusting anyone strange to him isn't something he is comfortable with, and trusting for something as important as a marriage... Well.
He sighs. ]
I have faith in her ability to do her job, but I do not trust her, no.
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[ It is curious to him why Jiang Cheng would go to such an extreme and not simply have his pick of beautiful, clever women. Yunmeng is large, there are surely some of a manner to match his. ]
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[ He didn't want to look, and he didn't want a woman who was intimidated by him or who would treat his nephew poorly. ]
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Xichen Hmms after a moment, a laugh parting his lips like a breath. ]
I was going to offer assistance by way of introductions, but I don't know any young ladies.
[ ... It feels, oddly and with clarity, like he probably should.
Is this a new level of lame he is discovering about himself?]no subject
Because he can't talk to women, at all. He ends up getting embarrassed, or a little irritated, or his voice gets too loud, and it just makes things worse. ]
You are far too busy for those kinds of things. I appreciate the sentiment, but I will let the professional do her job. If someone can meet my expectations then it will be an easy process.
[ ... He is kind of lame too. ]
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What are your expectations?
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I would like someone naturally beautiful, hard-working, from a respected family, not too talkative… And they just treat Jin Ling well.
[ He’s edited it down to try and sound a little less demanding. ]
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[ It's all very reasonable. ]
Although ...
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Yes?
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[ Sentimental. ]
They would also quickly learn when words are not needed.
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[ You saw his parents, Lan Xichen. ]
Someone who would be happy to be my wife would be fine, better if she could tolerate my voice, and the same on the opposite.
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You have a good voice, it is not to be merely tolerated. I have sat in silence for near days, [ also sad but focus on his point, ] and now I am noticing how much I like the light of the lamps when they are lit and the taste of food again, because Jiang-zongzhu is here talking with me.
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After days of isolation I think any company would suit, not just mine. But thank you.
[ His mouth twitches into a smile. ]
I cannot fault the company myself, though I might be falling into repetition.
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I would not like any partner chosen for you who did not welcome the sound of your voice.
[ He is going to be honest and gripe about that, softly so as he forces himself to sip his tea and be humbled by the fact it's none of his business. It is as much sternness as he has shown so far, though it is not truly angry and more frustrated. ]
You could come to Cloud Recesses and talk all day long here in the library, while I mend books.
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[ The ones the matchmakers do, he thinks, shaking his head. Marriage seems such an uncomfortable and foreign concept for him, one that hasn’t ever held a lot of appeal. Having seen what a poor marriage was like… He doesn’t want that.
Leaning back, he tries to offer a smile. ]
Perhaps one day you might find some joy in Yunmeng, too.
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I cannot leave Gusu.
[ He cannot leave the Hanshi often, let alone Cloud Recesses. ]
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[ That sounds… Miserable, and Jiang Cheng is immediately against the idea, but this isn’t his sect. He can’t exactly make demands or criticise what other people do. ]
Yunmeng is not going anywhere.
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I am only needed to be Sect Leader. I can do that from here.
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[ Jiang Cheng scoffs, putting his bowl down. ]
That’s wrong.
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