"Rules are against noticing one's own physical attributes," he says, fingers making swift work of tiny braids that he plans to pull up into the knot. Such a hairstyle will show Wei Ying's nape which is sure to drive Lan Zhan mad in short time but will undoubtedly look beautiful.

"Ought not to lust after others. That one was difficult for me," he admits in a very soft voice in case anyone has noticed the improper scene they are making. "Difficult once I allowed myself to care for Wei Ying."