Chapter Text
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were baffled when they were informed to meet Lan Shuang, Lan Wangji, and their sister at the training grounds the following morning. The both of them grabbed their swords and tied them to their waistbands as they usually did.
” What are we going to be doing with your Little headspace that involves the training grounds?” Jiang Cheng asked as they walked from the dining hall. He was in a slightly less grouchy mood, his face slightly relaxed as he walked next to his brother.
Wei Wuxian shrugged, his nose scrunching up in thought, “ No idea… maybe testing my physical skill with some sort of outdoor game?” He scratched his head in thought, his mind racing as he contemplated if the Lans were crazy enough to give a Little weapons when in their headspace.
Sure, he was beginning to understand the differences in the headspaces. Yet he wasn’t sure if he would be able to control his golden core and his weapon as effectively as he normally would. The teen was definitely nervous about this portion of the testing, especially if his Shijie was going to be standing anywhere near him.
They walked the pathway at a quiet, sedate pace. Jiang Cheng gave him glances, the Alpha growing concerned as he examined his Shixiong’s tense expression and body language.
When they came to the archway signifying the training grounds, he halted his older brother from crossing under. Jiang Cheng pulled them to the side, his face slightly soft as he looked down at the surprised teen. “ Do you want me to argue for you to skip this part of the test, if it proves to be too much?” He asked the teen with a serious look.
” Huh?” Wei Wuxian blinked at his Shidi in surprise. Jiang Cheng remained silent as he tried to read his mind through every minute change of the Little’s expression. “ Aiyah, A-Cheng! There’s no need for that…I’m just a bit nervous is all,” He admitted sheepishly.
” I trust Lan Shuang to know if this portion would be too much, I mean, she’s been a kind Caregiver so far,” Wei Wuxian argued, smiling when Jiang Cheng’s brow furrowed in frustration.
” I’m not going to let her force you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with, even if you think it’s for the best,” he warned the teen who gawked at him in slight outrage.
” A-Cheng, seriously? Do you have such little faith in your Shixiong?” He questioned the Alpha with a light frown, crossing his arms at the teen. “ It can’t be anything too serious, so stop getting yourself all worked up,” he scolded his brother, easily wrapping his arm around his shoulder and bringing him in through the gate.
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes in exasperation, his expression long-suffering as he was teased and prodded by the teen. They walked into the field, their gazes instantly caught by the stark white robes of Lan Wangji and Shuang as well as their sister.
Wei Wuxian stopped his chattering as he greeted them, his gaze curious as he looked at the laid-out dummies. The Little gulped when he caught sight of Jiang Fengmian on the farthest side of the open field, a slightly glowering Yu Ziyuan by his elbow.
He turned his head to swivel and try to find any other unexpected guests, but he relaxed when he found no one else there. “ Auntie Lan, why are they here?” He quietly whispered, a frown settling onto his lips.
Lan Shuang reassuringly placed her hand on his arm, “ I apologize for the interruption, A-Ying,” she softly told the boy. “ They asked to be able to observe the physical portion of the test, and Lan Qiren has allowed it as long as they remain at that distance and do not do anything to distract you.”
Wei Wuxian chanced a glance toward them, sighing in relief when he saw the way that Yu Ziyuan seemed to be regarding him with a neutral gaze. It gave him a slightly negative premonition, but he couldn’t help but smile when Jiang Fengmian gave him a thumbs-up.
” I also set up an uncrossable barrier, of course,” Lan Shuang patted his arm before redrawing her hand. Wei Wuxian gave her a small, grateful smile making her smile down at him. “ It also keeps noise out and our noise in. I could also make it opaque from the inside if A-Ying wishes,” she told him, briefly ruffling his bangs when Wei Wuxian nodded.
” Thank you for your consideration, Ayi,” he sighed out in relief, Jiang Cheng relaxing as well from where he was hovering by Wei Wuxian’s elbow. “ I think I would be too stressed out with the idea of not being able to see people approaching though, so we can keep it translucent now,” he told her after a moment of thought.
Lan Shuang gave him an easy nod in understanding, “ Whatever A-Ying would feel most comfortable with, I will attempt to do as he requests,” she gave him a pointed look. Her dark eyes sparkled with determination. Wei Wuxian gave her a grateful smile as he fully relaxed with the woman’s support and attempt to soothe him.
“ Now, let’s discuss this portion of the test before implementing anything,” she gestured for them to sit down on some cushions she had brought. She poured them all tea and began to explain the goals of this series of tests.
” Often when a cultivator is classified as a Little in the Lan sect, we have studied that they are often able to skillfully use their spiritual weapons due to their muscle memory,” she told them. Wei Wuxian perked up in interest, while Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli shared a wide-eyed look.
” No offense A-Xian, but wouldn’t there be an increased chance of them injuring themselves or losing control of their weapon, Lan-Laoshi?” Jiang Yanli politely asked the woman after raising her hand. She held a collection of paper in her lap, the book already partially full of her notes.
Lan Shuang nodded her head, “ Depending on the cultivator’s progress in training as well as their age range, there is always the risk of injury,” Wei Wuxian deflated slightly.
” I wouldn’t lose all hope, A-Ying,” Lan Shuang kindly smiled at him, keeping him from spiraling into a pitying shell of depression. “ We’ve conducted many tests to gauge the probabilities of scenarios and factors that can help aid Little cultivators from dropping. There are also certain stress tests we could perform if you wish to establish a basis for some of these scenarios.”
The Jiang trio gave her a range of amazed and flabbergasted expressions at this information. “ Those tests would usually be performed later after you have spent a year or so getting used to your classification of course,” she informed them, taking a sip of tea from all of the talking.
” What kind of stress tests, are we talking about exactly?” Jiang Cheng gruffly asked the woman, his eyes narrowing as she raised her brow at him. Sure, he knew the future was somewhat rocky with what was to happen to Wei Wuxian. But Jiang Cheng wanted to make sure his brother wasn’t going to be put in harm's way if he stayed here.
” Some smaller examples that we could consider would be smaller night hunts with three to four high-ranking Lan cultivators. The Little would have to do a multitude of things such as cleaning and taking care of a wound, documentation of their fighting and research, and other duties around camp,” Jiang Cheng frowned in thought.
” Huh, so a more controlled night hunt then,” Wei Wuxian hummed in thought as he stroked his chin. “ Well, let’s get onto what we’re gonna do today, I’m itching to do whatever Lan Ayi has planned for today,” the teen informed her with a confident grin.
Lan Shuang smiled fondly at the teen, “ Alright,” she nodded, “ Today differs from the past in that we are not going to be pushing you toward either mindset, but instead seeing where your exhaustion may or may not affect you,” she informed them as she stood.
” Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng will be leading your exercises,” the woman instructed the boys to stand. “ If Wei Wuxian is to notice any difference in his headspace, we will briefly check in, and then continue training until you wish to stop,” Jiang Yanli brought her hand to her lip, rubbing at it in slight discomfort.
For her, it was difficult to imagine Wei Wuxian with a sword in hand now. To encourage it and then have him train in a younger headspace seemed almost sacrilegious to the young woman.
“ Ah, good luck in your testing A-Xian,” she called to the boy before he could walk away. Wei Wuxian noticed her stressed stance and expression, a rueful smile spreading on his lips as he briefly held her hand.
” Don’t worry Shijie, Lan Zhan, and A-Cheng wouldn’t actually hurt me,” he reassured the older girl, patting her hand with a brighter grin as a thought occurred to him. “ I wonder if I would still be able to win a spar against A-Cheng, even when I’m dropped,” he cackled as his Shidi pushed him.
” Don’t get too cocky, who’s to say you're not going to be some sniveling baby sitting on the ground and crying for Shijie,” he huffed as he rolled his eyes. He stiffened and then turned to glare at Lan Wangji from where the Caregiver was giving him a dirty look.
” I’m just stating a possibility, don’t give me such a nasty eye, you block of ice,” Jiang Cheng snapped at the other cultivator as he and his brother joined the Lan at the center of the training grounds.
Lan Wangji turned and ignored him, merely focusing his attention on Wei Wuxian, “ Must go through a series of stretches first, then can start with whatever type of training A-Ying wishes.”
Wei Wuxian laughed at the entertainment the two provided as he nodded, “ Alright, that sounds good to me. I think I’ll want to do some hand-to-hand combat, and then we can build up to the sword and bow. Does that sound good, Lan-LaoShi?” He turned to look at the woman off to the side.
She nodded, outlining his proposed plans in her notes as she stood near Jiang Yanli and observed them from a distance. Wei Wuxian then led them through their usual stretching routine in Lotus Pier. He couldn’t help but chuckle when Lan Wangji furrowed his brows at the amount of flexibility-based stretches.
” How do the Lan stretch before they train?” Wei Wuxian asked the man, his chin propped on his hands as he did a forward stretch in a split position. His elbows touched the ground as he leaned his chest forward, his legs extended perfectly.
Jiang Cheng snorted as he raised his head from his perfect position, mirroring Wei Wuxian’s position as he observed how the Lan teen struggled with the pose. He sat there for a moment in silence, before he attempted to force himself straight to the ground stubbornly.
” Some flexibility, but mainly strength and normal stretches…Not this,” he admitted after Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian pulled him out of the position. The both of them had jumped to save him from tearing something.
” Well, Lan Zhan can’t force himself to grow flexible through brute force,” Wei Wuxian lectured the other teen, raising his brow when the Lan cultivator gave him a stubborn eyebrow raise.
” Oh? Touch your hands to the ground then,” Wei Wuxian demanded, “ If Lan Zhan can’t touch and hold his hands to the ground with minimally bent knees, he needs to train his flexibility.”
Lan Wangji gave him a competitive nod as he straightened himself and then folded to touch the ground. His hair fell to the ground as it would when he did handstands, yet he winced slightly as he felt his calves pull and burn. Stubborn as always to prove a point, he forced his fingertips to touch the ground.
Wei Wuxian stifled his laughter at the slow movement, clutching his mouth close with his hand in desperation. Especially as he caught how Lan Wangji trembled and his knees cracked as they locked. The teen’s balance wavered as he let out a grunt, “ Impossible,” he ended up muttering, shaking out his legs with a slightly frustrated look.
” Tsk, no it isn’t,” Jiang Cheng scolded him, “ You. have. to. train. Duh,” he spoke slowly and pointedly before he fluidly touched the ground and held it with perfectly straight knees. “ Our sword styles are different, so we’re bound to have different strengths and weaknesses– I’m sure there are some training exercises that you excel at.”
Lan Wangji thought for a moment before he gave a determined nod, “ Handstands,” he merely stated.
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng shared a look before breaking out into peals of laughter, “ Handstands?! Lan Zhan does handstands before training?” Wei Wuxian asked him with a curious look.
” Meditate one-handed,” Lan Wangji clarified, his lip quirking into the barest smirk when the two of them looked at him with slacked jaws and wide eyes. He then backed up and kicked into a straight handstand, expertly transferring his weight to his right palm and putting his other hand behind his back.
Lan Shuang’s amused laugh drifted toward them and they looked over at her. Lan Wangji craned his neck at his relative. His ears flushed as he met her amused eye and realized that he had been swept away by his more competitive nature. He dropped out of his handstand, his eyes glancing toward an intrigued Jiang Fengmian and unamused Yu Ziyuan.
” Let’s get to training,” he told them, slightly embarrassed at being caught having a bit of fun by the outsiders. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng nodded in agreement, the playful atmosphere sharpening into one of seriousness.
They positioned themselves for hand-to-hand combat, the Little bouncing with his nervous energy as he stood before Jiang Cheng. “ You ready?” He asked the Alpha, grinning when the boy merely widened his stance and nodded.
Without any more chattering, Wei Wuxian darted at the other teen. He threw his dominant fist toward Jiang Cheng’s face, his other hand guarding his cheek. Jiang Cheng ducked under his fist, swiveling and throwing his elbow at his gut as he dodged away from the boy.
Wei Wuxian skillfully dodged the hit and threw himself to the side with his momentum. He tucked his shoulder and rolled, forcing himself to his knee to face the sect heir.
Wei Wuxian pushed off of the ground and did a low swiping kick at the other teen, forcing him to jump up and away from the advancing cultivator. Jiang Cheng swiveled as the Little jumped up and darted after him, as relentless as always.
They exchanged a few kicks and blows to each other’s sides before Jiang Cheng grew impatient with Wei Wuxian’s darting and dodging. “ Hold still, you wily fox,” Jiang Cheng growled as his eyes narrowed under the sweat pooling on his forehead.
Wei Wuxian let out a joyful cackle as he used the Alpha as a launch pad after the teen threw a series of bold and forceful punches. Facing his back, Wei Wuxian kicked at the back of his calf and forced him to the ground. He pulled Jiang Cheng’s arm behind his back and used his body weight to subdue him.
” It’s not my fault that A-Cheng grew a bit stagnant over the past month or so,” Wei Wuxian laughed as the Alpha’s back vibrated with his growls and he continued to struggle. The Little was amused as his Shidi began to try and shake him off as he tended to do when he was desperate to win.
Flinching as his arm was jostled into a truly uncomfortable position, Jiang Cheng elbowed his free arm back and tried to stomp on his Shixiong’s feet as a last attempt. Wei Wuxian merely pushed him off balance, laughing as the Alpha groaned in annoyance.
” Wuxian, let me save some face you brat,” Jiang Cheng mumbled as he huffed from his position on the ground and tapped out. Getting off of his back, Wei Wuxian grinned as he held out a hand to help the Alpha up. The teen gave his signature frown up at him before begrudgingly taking it.
In the past, he would have scoffed and slapped the teen’s hand away. But when faced with those happy eyes and relaxed, dopey grin… he just couldn’t bring himself to act so harshly. It also wouldn’t have been a great move in front of the Lan Shuang and Lan Wangji.
” Good job, boys,” Jiang Yanli politely cheered from where she had been breathlessly watching them jump to and from each other. Her claps were a bit more energetic than they would be in Lotus Pier. Her posture relaxed given that her mother wouldn’t be able to punish the both of them as she would back at home.
” Very good,” Lan Shuang echoed, her eyes observant as she watched Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian continue to prod and jostle each other in play. “ Does Wei-Gongzi feel prepared to cross blades with Wangji?”
The Little startled and looked over to the serene Caregiver standing off to the side. He felt his stomach swoop in anticipation before he beamed at the boy and darted over to his side. “ I can’t wait to see the Lan style of swordsmanship– are we using wooden swords or our weapons?” he asked the woman, with a curious head tilt.
Lan Shuang hummed in consideration, “ I will allow you to use your weapons, however, you two will follow the typical standards for sword practice– no blood drawn with one round until draw or killing blow.”
Wei Wuxian nodded, his eyes and face growing serious as he looked up at Lan Wangji. He placed a hand on his arm and looked over the boy’s serene face, “ Does Lan Zhan trust Wei Wuxian not to hurt him on accident?” He asked the teen with a slightly worried look.
Lan Zhan nodded, placing his hand over the other teen’s as he returned Wei Wuxian’s gaze. “ I trust A-Ying’s skill, as well as my own skill,” he reassured the Little, he looked down toward Wei Wuxian’s sword sheath at his waistband and quirked a brow.
”...Suibian?”
Wei Wuxian let out a surprised giggle at the confusion and the narrowed look on the teen’s face, “ Ah, Lan Zhan that’s a bit of a funny story for later– let’s just see if my Suibian can go against your Bichen, eh?” He teased the stuck-up boy.
Subtly throwing a misplaced dirty look over to Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan, Lan Zhan nodded and went to his place. They unsheathed their swords and gave each other the proper bows for the training duel.
Smirking softly, Wei Wuxian darted toward the Lan cultivator once they straightened out. His feet were nimble as he thrust his bronze-gleaming blade at the boy’s side. Expecting the lightning reaction, Wei Wuxian braced himself for the study hold and bounced off of it.
His eyes widened as Lan Wangji gracefully followed after him with a large, overarching swipe. Wei Wuxian tilted himself out of the way, expertly curving backward and springing off of his free hand. He straightened up with Suibian parrying against Bichen, their colors sparking as they crossed.
Faced with Lan Wangji’s firm and unbudging forearm strength, Wei Wuxian decided to implement one of his own techniques. Relying on his agility, he sidestepped Lan Wangji and twirled, his motions quick as he slashed and jabbed at the Caregiver.
Lan Wangji remained graceful as he expertly blocked and defended against the quick series of lighter attacks. His eyes were focused as he honed in on Wei Wuxian’s fluttering and quick steps and sword thrusts.
Giddy at meeting his match endurance and strategy-wise, Wei Wuxian let out a gleeful cackle when Lan Wangji caught a weak point and forced him onto the defensive. Given Suibian’s sleeker frame and Lan Wangji’s considerable strength, the Little was forced to be mindful of his defending.
If he took a blow head-on, he was bound to tire his arms so he relied on his two-handed guards and dodging. Sweat beaded down his neck and face, yet Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but grin as he felt his golden core grow fulfilled by the exercise. As well as his limbs feel a satisfying tiredness after not training as hard as he usually would.
Lan Wangji’s eyes widened as he watched Wei Wuxian misstep and start to trip, his sword lowering as the Little wavered. Then he was startled as he caught the trick at the last minute, slightly too slow as Wei Wuxian darted at him and forced him to still at the resulting killing blow.
The Caregiver raised a brow down at the Little in slight reprimand for the dirty trick, Suibian hovering a good few inches from his unguarded throat. “ Must not rely on dirty tricks in training,” Lan Wangji told him, huffing slightly as he caught his breath.
Wei Wuxian grinned up at him as he pulled away from the Lan cultivator, “ It wasn’t a dirty trick, it was merely a feint with some dramatics,” Wei Wuxian giggled as Lan Wangji’s eyebrows drew together.
” ZhanZhan can’t get too mad at this one,” Wei Wuxian prodded at the Lan’s side as he sheathed Bichen in silence. “ A-Ying had to resort to his agility and flexibility since ZhanZhan is surely strong enough to break Suibian in half!” He exclaimed as he sheathed Suibian and they walked over to Lan Shuang.
Lan Shuang was jotting down some notes when they reached the trio, the two of them hydrating as Jiang Yanli showered them with praise over the expert moves they had done.
” I think I get the Lan style,” Jiang Cheng commented idly, having been quiet in thought as the two settled down. The Caregiver gave him a curious look, “ Our style obviously focuses on overwhelming with agility and the series of our attacks. While you focus on strength and defense,” the Alpha explained, his gaze thoughtful.
Lan Shuang called them over once more to check in with Wei Wuxian, her face serene as she asked the Little questions. She wrote some things that the Little tried to sneak a glance at, to which she smiled and told him they could go over her notes later.
” Would A-Ying like to do some archery now?” Wei Wuxian gave her a determined nod, his cheeks slightly puffing out as he chewed a bun that Jiang Yanli had materialized from thin air. Jiang Cheng gave him a jealous look, only smiling when his older sister gave him one as well.
” Does Shijie want to join me in this round of training?” Wei Wuxian looked over at the young woman with a warm smile, startling from where she was refilling the cups of tea. Jiang Yanli lightly blushed as Lan Wangji and Lan Shuang gave her curious looks, unaware that she possessed any interest in weapons.
Jiang Yanli spared a look at her parents, who were likely bickering by the way that they were speaking to each other. She then turned to her hopeful-looking Didis and gave them a shy smile. “ I suppose I can shoot a few arrows with A-Xian if the Lans have any light, recurve bows,” she gave them a pleasant look as she turned to look at them.
” Of course, Wangji,” she nodded at the teen as he stood to go and grab a few beginner bows from the storage. The longbows and arrows laid out already from their earlier preparation.
” I didn’t know A-Li held an interest in archery,” Lan Shuang lightly remarked, watching with interest as the two boys turned toward her with protective looks on their faces. Jiang Yanli giggled at their pouts, easing their reactive nature with her relaxed smile.
” My Niang wished for me to focus on my studies given my lower constitution, but A-Xian and A-Cheng loved to teach me the bow after they grew more skilled,” she explained as she looked up at the older woman. Lan Shuang nodded with a proud smile and sipped at her tea.
” I believe it is best to prevent complacency in the boxes we are born in. I am glad to hear and have a chance to see your skill with the bow,” she politely complimented the girl as the two stood up. Lan Wangji carried three bows over, the movement drawing the attention of their audience.
Jiang Yanli weighed the bows and took in the tightness of the strings. They were all perfect, as the Lans clearly took care of their weapons. She chose the lightest bow while Wei Wuxian grabbed a longbow and two quivers of arrows for them.
The two forced themselves to ignore Madam Yu’s displeased expression, as well as Jiang Fengmian’s intrigued look as they watched their eldest wield a bow. Lan Wangji laid out the targets, and they placed themselves in the closest marker to warm up.
Jiang Yanli went through her usual warmups, rotating her arms and stretching while Wei Wuxian happily chattered at her. The Caregiver laughed before she lined up with him after a few moments. While she was weaker than the teen, she was well-disciplined in her practice and had grown some muscle despite her weak constitution.
” Shijie gets first shot,” Wei Wuxian chirped as he twirled the long bow in his hands, his hands growing used to the slightly different shape and style of the Lans woodworkers. Jiang Yanli nodded, slightly nervous as she joined him at the marker and lined up with the target.
She grabbed an arrow and got into position, drawing in a breath as she drew the arrow back. Her eyes remained tracked onto the bullseye, her formal robes slightly uncomfortable as she executed a perfect, taut position.
The arrow snapped out of her hold and curved along the bow as she let out a sigh and allowed the arrow to fly. With a solid thud, the arrow reached its mark on the red inner circle.
Wei Wuxian excitedly clapped for his Shijie in celebration as he usually did, his grin brilliant as she happily relaxed and ruffled his hair. “ A-Xian’s turn,” she told him, her chest warm and her lowly golden core awakening from the light physical activity.
” Yes Shijie, watch me get a bullseye too,” he cheerfully exclaimed as he grabbed an arrow and lined himself up. His posture was perfect as he calmed himself to pull the arrow back into the proper position. With a satisfied grin, Wei Wuxian watched as the arrow thudded right next to Jiang Yanli’s.
Their feathered ends lined next to each other, and Jiang Yanli mirrored his energetic celebration. “ Let’s go further out after a few more,” the Little told her as he turned to hold her hands. Jiang Yanli nodded, her face open and bright as it usually was when she was around her brothers.
They fell into their usual flow of shooting their bows, the two of them gradually working through the distances under the observing eyes of the Lans and their family.
It was only when they were across the clearing that Jiang Yanli’s arm strength began to falter and Wei Wuxian’s attention wavered. Their arrows began to land in the middle rings, to the Little’s frustration.
Wei Wuxian wiped his brow as Jiang Yanli idly fanned herself, the sun had risen high into the sky as the test had progressed. The Little pouted heavily as he looked at his arrow, “ I think it’s probably time that we take a break, A-Xian,” Jiang Yanli softly comforted the clearly dropped Little.
” I want to get one more bullseye before stopping, Shijie,” he whined and shook his head as she rubbed at his arm. All of the exercising and the warm sun had made him tired, but he was determined to get a good shot before finishing training.
Jiang Yanli gave him a fond smile, “ Does A-Xian want to move closer? Shijie is tired from shooting so far away,” she calmly asked him. Looking at her content yet tired expression, Wei Wuxian nodded and joined her at the halfway marker.
” Shijie’s turn,” he reminded her, the young woman chuckling as she nodded. Her back, core, and arms lightly throbbed from the motion, but she was satisfied when the arrow hit its mark.
The Little jumped up and down in his cheers, making Jiang Yanli blush from the enthusiastic support and praise. The Little’s grin was slightly wild as he eagerly positioned himself. He expertly drew his arrow back and released it, his arrow accidentally splitting Jiang Yanli’s.
Lan Shuang applauded the two, surprising them as they remembered that they had an audience. Jiang Yanli chanced a glance at her mother and father, surprised by their various degrees of surprise and different expressions of pride. She turned back and focused on clearing the targets, Wei Wuxian eagerly helping her.
” Here you go, ZhanZhan,” Wei Wuxian happily presented the arrows to the Caregiver, who softly praised him with hints of a fond expression lining his stoic face.
” Very good, A-Ying,” he murmured as he opened the quiver for the Little, watching in satisfaction as the teen instantly focused on the task. There was that typical unguarded look that came over the Little, his eyes bright and his expression even more open when he was relaxed.
Lan Wangji placed the bows and the arrows to the side to put away after they concluded the test. He wished to give his full focus to the Little as he usually did when he was regressed.
Wei Wuxian happily clamped onto his arm once it was free of the quivers and bows, the Little clingy despite his rising sweat and warmth. “ Can Lan-Gege feed A-Ying and take him to swim,” he begged the older teen, his lips pulling into a begging pout as the Caregiver looked down at him.
Lan Wangji’s ears flushed a light pink under the cute look and he nodded, “ Mn, take A-Ying to the streams in the mountainside,” he promised. Jiang Yanli giggled at the easy and quick agreement, drawing the golden gaze of the younger Caregiver as they joined their group.
” Will also invite Wanyin and Yanli, if they wish,” he said after a moment of thought, the three of them sitting down as Lan Shuang finalized her notes. Jiang Cheng’s lips drew up into a smile at the chance for the four of them to bond, before he schooled his face into its usual look of annoyance.
” As long as Jijie is allowed a moment to clean up and we can grab something edible to eat from the Jiang servants, then yeah,” Jiang Cheng agreed. Lan Wangji ignored the sect heir’s attitude as he focused on Wei Wuxian’s tired babbling, the Little yawning before he rubbed his face into the crisp white sleeve in his grasp.
Cringing internally at the spread of sweat, Lan Zhan was glad to have worn his usual four layers. Lan Shuang softly cleared her throat to catch their attention, her eyes soft as she looked over the sleepy Little and her cute, younger relative.
” I am pleased to inform everyone that Wei Wuxian’s muscle memory appears to have transferred over to his younger headspace,” she told them as a summary of her notes. “ With more training and exposure, I am sure A-Ying will be able to perform just as well as he did before he experienced his classification. Especially under Wangji’s observation and with more guidance.”
Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng let out satisfied sighs at the founding, their souls at peace as the weight that had rested on their shoulders melted away. If Wei Wuxian hadn’t been able to continue cultivating and training…the two feared to imagine the depression that the Little would have fallen into.
” If I may, A-Ying?” She gestured for his arm to take his vitals, and the Little merrily grabbed her hand. A chuckle fell from her lips as she brought her other hand over and placed it on his wrist pulse point.
” Very good. You did wonderfully, A-Ying,” she praised him as she let go and gathered her notes. Packing everything up, they all stood up and exchanged bows as they concluded for lunch.
The Head Caregiver’s eyes narrowed as she caught the Jiang parents standing and trying to make their way through the barrier. Their faces were slightly surprised when they encountered the invisible array. After a moment, Lan Shuang allowed the formation to break, watching the Jiang children’s faces closely.
” Good afternoon, Head Caregiver Lan,” Jiang Fengmian greeted her politely, the two of them going into the proper salutes. Madam Yu’s face was composed, if a bit disdainful when she looked over at Wei Wuxian’s position under Lan Wangji’s arm.
” Hi Uncle, Madam Yu,” the Little shyly greeted them, his eyes flickering between them before deciding to stay on the Jiang Sect Leader’s more welcoming face. The man gave him a soft smile, his eyes pleased if bittersweet as he observed the Second Jade and his protective hold on the Little.
” Hello A-Xian,” the man returned his greeting, “ You did very well, you surprised your uncle,” he spoke in a slightly condescending tone for Wei Wuxian’s position as First Disciple. Jiang Cheng grew uncomfortable and scowled slightly at his dad, while Lan Shuang and Jiang Yanli hid their grimaces.
Not reading into his tone, Wei Ying merely beamed up at the man and thanked him. His silver eyes then glanced over at Lan Wangji as the teen’s grip on him tightened in a sign of his displeasure toward the man.
” We are going to go with Lan-Gege to swim and eat after training so hard,” Wei Wuxian told the man, happily cuddling into Lan Wangji’s side. Madam Yu’s brows furrowed as she frowned at the boy, her eyes moving to regard Jiang Yanli suspiciously and Lan Wangji.
” I hope a chaperone will be there,” she remarked, still unhappy with the idea of the teen boy going anywhere with her daughter. No matter if he held deep feelings for Wei Wuxian or not, their closeness was still inappropriate in her eyes.
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes slightly before he stepped forward to reassure her, “ Of course Niang, I plan on going… and I was going to ask if we could invite Nie Huaisang as well. He is a close friend of mine and Wuxian,” he looked over at his sister and Lan Wangji. His Shijie hid her amused smile, her eyes bright as she nodded her agreement.
Madam Yu and Jiang Fengmian raised their brows in surprise as they looked at their son. “ Nie Huaisang is an Omega, isn’t he?” Jiang Fengmian asked curiously, his expression intrigued as he gave Jiang Cheng his full attention.
Jiang Cheng nodded meekly, his cheeks lightly blushing under the uncomfortable sensation of his parent’s joint attention. Madam Yu’s face flashed with a serious expression, “ I hope you haven’t been spending time with him unchaperoned, or else you’ll prove yourself to be an even more pitiful Alpha. I’m already disappointed in you losing sparring sessions with a Little of all thi—,” she stilled in shock as her tirade was cut short.
Her eyes flashed over to Lan Shuang, who held the silencing charm signal with a serious expression. “ If Madam Yu can refrain from insulting A-Ying and her son, we would appreciate if she would follow the Lan sect rules,” the Head Caregiver's low voice reprimanded her as she held her challenging gaze with a firm look.
Sensing she was losing the fight, she scowled and allowed her husband to finish making sure everything was planned out. The purple-clad woman stepped to the side and crossed her arms in displeasure as she waited out the silencing charm.
” Ah yes,” the man cleared his throat, a slightly pleased smile lining his lips as he turned to his son. “ From now on, A-Cheng should make sure to be chaperoned by either A-Xian or perhaps...Lan-Gongzi. Only if he is agreeable to act as a minor liaison between our sects during the lectures?” He addressed the Lan second sect heir with a polite smile.
Lan Wangji looked over at Jiang Cheng in consideration before he nodded, saluting to the man as he best could. “ Mn. Sect Leader Jiang must also understand that I hold no interest in Jiang Yanli,” he looked pointedly at Madam Yu, a stubborn boldness taking root in his chest.
Lan Wangji gently moved Wei Wuxian from his side so that he could give the man a deep bow, his face hidden as he nervously licked his lips. ” I wish to take care of A-Ying and seek a position as his Caregiver if Sect Leader Jiang sees Wangji fit for him,” he formally requested, his words startling everyone.
Lan Shuang lightly gasped at the sudden proposal, her eyes widening slightly as she looked at the teenager. She knew they were growing closer, yet she hadn’t been prepared for Lan Wangji to boldly request Jiang Fengmian for such a close position so soon.
Or in person, as she recalled her and Qiren’s discussion earlier in the morning regarding the proposal that had resulted from last night’s discussions. She knew the man had told his nephews as well, so to see the obedient and patient boy boldly jump onto the proposal was startling.
Jiang Fengmian’s eyebrows rose higher as he regarded the stoic boy’s deep bow, as well as the scene that was Wei Wuxian noisily clinging to his side. His amused chuckles startled Jiang Cheng and Yanli from their surprised silence, the two turning narrowed eyes onto him.
” Ah, Lan-Gongzi please rise. You mustn’t worry yourself over seeking our approval,” he regarded the boy’s expressionless face with a considering look. He flashed a look over to his son and daughter, “ I have been pleased with your care so far. So please continue to do so over the guest lectures…As I’m sure your uncle has told you of our discussions last night?”
Lan Wangji nodded, relaxed under Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli’s curious and suspecting gazes. The Caregiver turned his attention to the clingy Little at his side, pleased as he soothed his need for attention and waited for the Jiangs to finish talking.
Blinking at the quiet dismissal, Jiang Fengmian looked over to Lan Shuang and his children. He bowed to the woman in thanks, before pulling the two to the side and promising to fill them in on the discussions later in the week. As well as to properly remind Jiang Cheng to inform them if he wished to court the Nie Sect Heir.
Lan Wangji had finished cleaning up the training grounds with Wei Wuxian when they walked over to a quietly talking Madam Yu and Lan Shuang. The trio joined them a few moments later, their energy slightly low.
” Today’s testing concludes for the day,” Lan Shuang informed the large group, her eyes stern as she regarded the adults. She then smiled over at Wei Wuxian from where Lan Wangji had decided to carry him on his back before looking at the other three teens.
“ I will inform the kitchen of the plans to take lunch by the lakeside, if you four stop by at the kitchens they will have a basket prepared once everyone is ready.” They nodded in agreement, the group splitting as Jiang Yanli joined her parents to go to their quarters to freshen up.
Jiang Cheng walked by Lan Wangji’s side, his gaze slightly hesitant yet hopeful as he looked over at the expressionless teen’s profile. Feeling the gaze on his face, Lan Zhan caught his gaze and hummed in confusion.
” Ah,” Jiang Cheng awkwardly startled, rubbing the back of his head as Lan Wangji led them to the guest disciple quarters. “...I just wanted to thank you for agreeing to act as a chaperone for me and… Nie-Gongzi,” he haltingly gulped out as his gaze fell to the ground.
” Mn, wouldn’t mind,” Jiang Cheng’s head whipped up to look at him, his eyes narrowing as he tried to examine and understand his expression. “ Wouldn’t mind helping Wanyin… Just no kissing or other uncouth behavior,” he firmly stated, the Caregiver’s nose scrunching in distaste.
A startled laugh fell from the Alpha’s lips as he noted the unamused expression and distaste. The sound startled a dozing Wei Wuxian, who jolted slightly from where his cheek was resting on Lan Wangji’s back. “ Loud, A-Cheng,” he mumbled scoldingly before he nuzzled back into the Caregiver’s inky hair.
Jiang Cheng threw him a fond look as they stopped by the porch for the guest disciple’s quarters. “ I promise none of that will happen, Wangji,” he gave the teen a small, grateful smile.
“ I’ll just grab some things and then we can meet up with Jie at the kitchens. Feel free to come in,” he smirked slightly as he turned, “ Maybe you’ll be able to bully Wuxian into cleaning his side of the room once you see the state of things.”
Lan Wangji was not amused when he saw the clutter and pure chaos. But that was for a later time, the Caregiver wearily decided. Jiang Cheng was amused if unsurprised when the Caregiver decided to set the napping Little down and clean up a little for him.
—-
A well-rested and energetic Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, and Jiang Cheng met up with Jiang Yanli at the kitchens. Jiang Yanli carried her own basket as she walked over to them, smiling when she caught sight of the kitchen staff entertaining Wei Wuxian and the other waiting teens.
She raised a brow at the baskets held in both Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng’s arms. She giggled when she noticed the fabric peeking from her brother’s baskets, her fingers going to pat the Alpha’s arm when she reached them.
” A proper picnic, hmm?” She lightly teased the boy, watching his face lightly flush with a fond eye. “ Let’s go see if we can catch A-Sang as he leaves the lecture halls,” she tilted her head, properly bowing to the kitchen staff members as they turned to leave.
The four of them walked at a relaxed pace with Lan Wangji and Jiang Yanli setting the pace in the front, and Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng bringing up the rear. The gong signaling the time ending for the lectures rang as they came to the side, waiting for the students to filter out.
Their group drew the attention of many of the disciples, especially the narrowed gaze of a certain Jin Sect heir. Jiang Yanli was quietly sharing a recipe with Lan Wangji when her eyes caught Jin Zixuan’s. She shyly smiled and waved at the boy, her face dimming as he scoffed and coldly frowned at her.
The arrogant Alpha and his group stopped in front of them for a moment, his gaze disdainful as he regarded Jiang Yanli and Lan Wangji. The Caregiver gave him his usual cold and expressionless look, to which the Alpha’s frown grew even deeper.
” Hello, everyone… Given your presence here and your...closeness, I must ask. Are Young Lady Jiang’s interests so easily swayed that she desires the attention of the Second Jade of Gusu, after years of being my betrothed?” Jin Zixuan narrowly looked down at his betrothed, making the young woman flinch and flash the distant and unpleasant boy a hurt look.
Wei Wuxian let out a highly offended sound while Jiang Cheng loudly growled at the man. Rumors of why the Jiangs had suddenly come to the Cloud Recesses had made their way through the guest disciples. From Wei Wuxian getting in trouble, to discussions of engagement, as well as a plethora of more unfounded rumors. With Jiang Yanli and Lan Wangji’s sudden connection over the week, the students had come to theorize that the two were developing feelings for each other.
” You shut your mouth, you– you Peacock,” Wei Wuxian stuttered in his outrage, pushing away from his position by Jiang Cheng’s side to make his way into the Jin Sect heir’s space.
” My Shijie doesn’t deserve to be talked about like that from the likes of you. You mindless Alpha,” he pointed in the boy’s face, angrily stomping his feet to emphasize his point. “ She’s the best Shijie ever, and ZhanZhan is a proper gentleman so he is wayyyy better than y–”
The Little’s tirade was halted by Lan Wangji, the gathering guest disciples were surprised when the Caregiver grabbed him by his waist and pulled him to his side. “ A-Ying,” his deep voice broke the silence, his gaze stern before he looked over at Jiang Yanli in concern.
He then looked over to Jin Zixuan with a slightly furrowed brow and frowned lip, “ One must not make assumptions of one’s character or listen to unfounded rumors… There is nothing between Jiang Yanli and me… Have grown closer to the Jiang family because of Wei Ying,” he scolded the teen with a serious expression. His intense, protective gaze made the Jin disciples sweat and look at each other in growing alarm.
” Yeah! So, don’t you hurt Shijie’s feelings with your big mouth,” Wei Wuxian scolded the teen, his temper still sparking despite Lan Wangji’s soothing hand and aura. Grateful for his protective display, Jiang Yanli drew her attention away from Jin Zixuan’s startled expression to look over Lan Wangji at her angered brothers.
” A-Cheng, A-Xian calm down,” she told them, giving the two of them a bittersweet smile as Jiang Cheng ceased his posturing and clenched fists. Wei Wuxian merely pouted at her before sticking his tongue out at the Jin sect heir and cuddling into Lan Wangji’s side.
She politely bowed at the shocked Alpha and his group. “ Apologies for the misunderstanding, Jin-Gongzi,” she politely regarded him, her eyes guarded and her smile strained. She refrained from speaking further, unwilling to disclose Wei Wuxian’s classification without his permission… No matter if his behavior was rather telling.
” We were merely waiting for Nie-Gongzi,” she politely informed them, “ So I was telling Lan-Gongzi of A-Xian’s favorite recipes,” they looked over at the stoic Lan cultivator as their surprise sparked once more.
Nie Huaisang’s amused laughter broke through the silence as the Omega parted the gathering crowd with his own group. “ Ah, Yanli-Jie,” the teen called out to the young woman with a pleased smile, subtly pushing the Jin disciples to the side as he grabbed at her hands.
” This one apologies for starting this whole mess then,” his cousin and the interested Nie cultivators around him rolled their eyes at his innocent act. Nie Huaisang fluttered his fan as he turned to look at Jin Zixuan with a displeased eye, “ Jin-Gongzi sure was rude to jump to assumptions and accuse Young Lady Jiang of such things,” he tutted disapprovingly.
With the disapproval of an uninvolved sect heir, the Jiang sect heir, the accused sect heir, and Wei Wuxian; Jin Zixuan’s couldn’t help but flush under the attention. He hurriedly gave Jiang Yanli a deep bow in apology, his back stiff and shoulders hunched to his ears.
”...A-Apologies, I shouldn’t have been so quick to speak of Young Lady Jiang’s character in such a manner,” he awkwardly stumbled through the apology. His eyes flicked to the unimpressed gaze Lan Wangji was giving him.
He was startled when he heard Lan Qiren’s unamused voice sound behind them, “ What is going on here?” Their teacher remarked as he walked out of the Lanshi, their graded papers held under his arm as he observed the group.
Nie Huaisang fanned his face in amusement as he watched Jin Zixuan’s face pale and morph into one of deep unease at the situation that he found himself in. “ Ah… Nothing of importance, Grandmaster Lan. It was all a mere misunderstanding,” Jiang Yanli reassured the man as she politely saluted the man in greeting.
The others gathered around them hastily followed her example, their bows rushed and messy as they addressed the stern teacher. Wei Wuxian pouted over at his sister as he tried to pull away from Lan Wangji’s protective arm around his shoulder.
” Lan-Shufu, Jin Zixuan was being rude and assuming things of my Shijie and Lan Zhan,” he tattled on the teen. Wide eyes flickered from Lan Qiren and Wei Wuxian as they took in the casual way that the Little addressed the strict man. The guest disciples minds running wild with the new information and possible theories that were forming in their heads.
Lan Qiren’s eyes narrowed as he looked over to Lan Zhan for confirmation. Faced with his uncle’s stern expression and his own wish to have the teen punished for his assumptions and uncouth behavior, he nodded.
” What was this assumption?” Lan Qiren looked at the Jin sect heir, frowning pointedly when the teen awkwardly stalled for time and out of his discomfort at being reprimanded.
”...I hastily accused Jiang Yanli of having an interest in seeking out a romantic relationship with Lan Wangji,” he admitted, sweating slightly from the attention. Lan Qiren’s frown deepened as he regarded the embarrassed teen. He stood in silence for a moment, making the Jin sect heir sweat profusely from the attention and tense air as he waited for his punishment.
” Following our rules, Jin-Gongzi must copy the Lan Codes of Conduct under Wangji’s supervision for his uncouth behavior,” he nodded in satisfaction when his nephew nodded at the assigned punishment.
Jin Zixuan’s mouth opened for a moment in protest before he forced himself to nod and take the punishment. With that situation under control, the crowd of guest disciples dispersed as everyone made their way to the dining hall.
Nie Huaisang turned to give them a curious look after waving off the Nie guest disciples. “ Why were this one’s dearest friends waiting for him?” The Omega asked, his fan fluttering as he observed all of their faces. Jiang Cheng flushed when the teen’s dark eyes lingered on him.
” We’re going to go have a picnic and wanted to invite you along,” Jiang Cheng grumbled, his tone gruff while his body language remained awkward and a bit shy. “ If you have time of course,” the Alpha added in a hurried voice.
Nie Huaisang fondly smiled at him from behind his face before he nodded. “ I wouldn’t mind tagging along, you four are so much fun that I’m honored you even thought of little, poor me,” he closed his fan and openly beamed at them.
With that said, they eagerly walked to a beautiful spot a clearing surrounded by trees and the river that went through the mountain. “ Wow, this place is beautiful,” Jiang Yanli gasped out, her conversation with Nie Huaisang pausing as she looked around the clearing.
Lan Wangji watched in satisfaction as Wei Wuxian ran to the riverside and pulled his boots off and his pants legs up to walk in the stream. The Caregiver then focused on helping Jiang Cheng and Yanli lay out the picnic setup. His ear listening to the Little’s movements as the Omega joined him to sit at the water’s edge.
The three of them looked over at the sound of splashing and Nie Huaisang’s playful cries, the teens relaxing as they took in the sight of the Little splashing water at the Nie sect heir. Nie Huaisang jumped up and ran along the edge of the stream with Wei Wuxian chasing after him.
” You devious Little, you’re going to get my robes soaking wet,” the Omega scolded him, his mockingly stern expression cracking after a few minutes. He couldn’t help but smile at the carefree Little.
Wei Wuxian then slipped and flopped under the deeper current, making Lan Wangji jolt up out of his seated position out of pure instinct. His boots hit the edge of the water in mere seconds, his heart rate settling only when Wei Wuxian’s head popped out from under the water.
” A-Ying, are you alright?” Lan Wangji called out to the smiling teen, his worry pointless given the teen’s upbringing in Lotus Pier. Jiang Cheng laughed at his concern as he joined him, his hands resting on his hips as he regarded Lan Wangji’s hovering.
” Wangji, don’t worry about him drowning,” the Alpha reassured the two of them with an amused grin, “ We are swimming experts, don’t forget that Lotus Pier is surrounded by water.”
He then turned to the swimming teen and ordered him to get out of the water and dry up for lunch. “ Nope! A-Cheng will have to drag A-Ying out,” the older boy taunted him as he blew a raspberry, his head dipping under the water.
Jiang Cheng sighed from his years of suffering before he kicked off his boots and untied his robes. He tossed them to the side before darting into the stream, the two of them wrestling in the deeper parts. Nie Huaisang and Lan Wangji watched in amusement as the brothers threw elbows at each other and squabbled.
” I would get used to this behavior,” Jiang Yanli’s pleasant voice caught their attention as she walked over to them. The food was all laid out and the heating talismans applied. “ Besides A-Xian’s classification of course– the two of them have always been playful children at heart,” she watched her brothers with a fond eye.
Nie Huaisang chuckled, his smile growing fond as he watched Jiang Cheng through a squealing Wei Wuixan over his shoulder. The teen brought him over to the grass and tossed him out of the water, grumbling under his breath and wringing out his pant legs.
The Omega couldn’t help but hide his face behind his fan and avert his eyes at the handsome sight that the annoyed teen made. “ The brat’s your problem now, Wangji, A-Li,” the Alpha snapped without much bite as he tried to tame his sopping wet hair.
Lan Wangji nodded as he helped Wei Wuxian out of his soaked robes, the Little giggling and breathless from playing with Jiang Cheng. “ I want to swim again after eating,” he told the Caregiver pulled him up and wrapped him in a large towel.
” If you behave,” Lan Wangji agreed as he sat with Jiang Yanli and Nie Huaisang on the laid-out blanket and thin cushions. The two wet teens settled on the grass and dug into their food without any further conversation given how ravenous they felt.
Their lunch was peaceful as they enjoyed each other’s company. Jiang Yanli, Nie Huaisang, and Jiang Cheng settled into a comfortable flow of conversation as Lan Wangji watched Wei Wuxian play in the water.
The slightly warm last breaths of summer hang in the clearing as the sun's rays beam down on them. His gold eyes observed the scenery and the faces of his new friends, and Lan Wangji allowed himself to softly smile. He hadn’t expected these lectures to be as eventful as they had been. But he couldn’t help but welcome the change in his routine.
His hands were steady and firm as he rewrapped the towel around Wei Wuxian and brought them to join the others for tea. The Caregiver couldn’t help but cherish the sense of warmth and peace that filtered throughout his being. He knew their lives as adult cultivators wouldn’t always be as kind, but if he could have days like this…Lan Wangji was looking forward to the future.