Lan Zhan stays properly within the three-bowl limit, but does express appreciation to Granny for the delicious food.

Well, if she's sure. She's a nice young lady, anyways, complimenting an old woman like this. Would she be a dear and help her with the dishes?

Of course.

Once they're alone, she says, "I've seen you looking at my granddaughter for over an hour now, and I can't say as I disapprove--I was young once too, you know. But I have to ask: what are your intentions?"

"No intentions," she manages. "We are only travel companions."

"Only, hm? Is that what Ying-er would say if I asked her?"

Oh god please don't ask her. "I - do not...

I will not trouble her."

"Oh, relax. I don't know if there's a word for when you're like cutsleeves but women, but as I said, I was young once." 

That is -- unexpected! This whole conversation has been unexpected and stressful, even though Granny Wen is a delight. Lan Zhan wishes to Exit.

It feels slightly dishonest omitting that she and Wen Ying are actually married, but it isn't as though that will come up. Wen Ying doesn't know and isn't going to know and doesn't care, as far as Lan Zhan can tell, so it's never going to matter.

"...I see."

"Just be honest with each other if anything does happen. Nobody wants to be in a situation where somebody finds out only years after the fact that they drunkenly eloped with three different people and also a horse over the span of a month." 

"Not a problem."

"Good." Handpat. Okay, dishes dealt with, time to head back in to the grandchildren, Lan-guniang can accompany her or stay out here for a bit and hyperventilate, either one. 

DEFINITELY HYPERVENTILATE, THANKS.

Grandchildren continue to be really glad to spend time with her! Wen Ning starts telling her very excitedly about his archery progress at Cloud Recesses over the summer.

That's wonderful! She's so proud of him! He will definitely have to show her sometime, on their next visit if they can't make time tomorrow morning. 

Yay!! He would really like to do that!

Awww.

Wen Qing would like to hear more about how everyone else in the village is doing. How's baby Yuan?

He has two teeth now! It's so cute!!!

"Aww! That is cute! If we can't make time to see him tomorrow morning you have to convey an absolutely embarrassing amount of baby-talk and endearments from me." 

"Enough to embarrass Ying-er? I'm not sure my old lungs can handle that," Granny teases. 

"Nobody's lungs can."

"But what if A-Yuan deseeeerves that much?"

"Perhaps the combined efforts of a hundred men."

"Acceptable tribute."