audio | un: wei laozu

[weifinder]

Hey, hey, a little bird told me—truly little, only about the size of a bear or two—there are all these little bits of letters raining down with the rest of destruction, so help me figure something out:

Friends, fellow not-of-this-worlders, what did the loving letter bits you pick up say?

Comments

[beitangmoran]

If one does not wish me to read their private correspondance, one is cordially invited to make sure it doesn't get dropped on my head.

[downswing]

The dead may lack ability.

[beitangmoran]

The dead will then have to deal with that on their own terms, Master Lan.

[downswing]

You spare them no regard. No compassion.

[beitangmoran]

My compassion goes to the living first, as they are in more urgent need of it.

We, at this moment, are in more urgent need of knowing what happened, than they are of having their long-dead privacy respected. I am sorry if that offends you, and your scruples honor you, Master Lan, but I do not believe we have time for this right now when the ghosts are literally trying to order us around and flying monsters are dropping rocks on our heads.

[downswing]

You are wrong.

[beitangmoran]

You are free to think that, Master Lan.

[downswing]

Truth requires no permission.

[beitangmoran]

And I do not require your permission to do what I deem necessary, Master Lan.

Your opinion of my actions has been noted. I disagree with it. Must we continue to belabor the point endlessly when neither of us is going to change our minds? And haven't we had exactly that same conversation before, on another topic?

[downswing]

Apologies. At each turn, I mistake your strength of character.

[beitangmoran]

[There is the sound of laughter from this side, not mocking but appreciative. Moran does like cutting wit and double-entendre, Wangji, and he got the message loud and clear.]

You would have done well at court, Master Lan. It is a rare talent to be so cutting in so few words.

[And yet he will remain unbothered.]