Chapter Text
And thus, time flew quickly. Wei Wuxian grew into a routine of visiting Xiao Bai in the morning, then going to classes, and hanging out with Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang. Other times, Lan Wangji would accompany him as they tried to get the dragon rabbits out of the cave and into the Cloud Recesses. Wei Wuxian had cheered as he achieved a small victory; when Lan Wangji permitted the dragon rabbits to enter the fields and not tell his uncle about it.
One day, Lan Wangji woke up to see ‘Da Hei’ with Xiao Bai in his backyard. How they got there, he had no idea, but it seemed that they were together. He had read about how Dragon Rabbits mated, being monogamous for life. When he approached, Da Hei snuggled against his leg. He patted her, smiling. Xiao Bai also reached out, almost pleading for one too.
Lan Wangji left them alone after he brought some food to them, citing that he needed to go for classes and prepare. The moment he stepped out, he froze. There were more dragon rabbits outside his courtyard. In complete disbelief, he made his way to the dining hall, where the disciples were in an uproar at the sudden appearance of rabbits. The only thing that prevented widespread panic was their rules.
Throughout the Cloud Recesses, the lush greenery had been dotted with black and white fluffballs. Some disciples took a liking to them and patted them while others were more wary.
“Brother, what happened?” Lan Wangji immediately asked his brother.
“It seems that ever since you discovered the Dragon Rabbit warren at the back of the Cloud Recesses, they have decided to step out and make the Cloud Recesses a part of their territory.” Lan Xichen explained.
“...Uncle?”
“He fainted at the sight of one in his room. I’m not sure if the rabbits had paid a visit to Father’s room, but we will check. We are still trying to find the alpha rabbit.”
“She’s in the jingshi.” Preoccupied , which Lan Wangji does not add.
“Ah, I see.” Lan Xichen got the message. “I suppose we’ll let the rabbits run about, considering that some of their cultivation is very high, and they might not have seen the outside world for quite a while then.”
“Apologies.”
“I’m sure many of the disciples are happy to see something new. The children especially are having fun.” They turned to look at the children playing with the smaller dragon rabbits.
It has been a while since the Cloud Recesses was this lively. Lan Xichen smiled.
When Wei Wuxian woke up that day, he didn’t expect the Cloud Recesses to be flooded with the dragon rabbits. It was so much fun seeing ‘Xiao Bai’ take over the world. He laughed when he saw Nie Huaisang try to pat one, while Jiang Cheng just sighed at the inevitable. He patted each one he saw on the way, and some did not flinch. He entered class with an uplifted mood, to the extent that even glares from Lan Qiren did not put a single dent on it.
When class ended, Wei Wuxian immediately walked over to Lan Wangji. “Lan Zhan! What did I tell you about letting Xiao Bai into the Cloud Recesses?! Isn’t it a good thing after all? Admit it, you like this don’t you?”
“Wei Ying.” He doesn’t notice Lan Wangji’s ears turning red as they walk towards Xiao Bai.
He does realize the path they are taking is different. “Lan Zhan, where are we…”
“He’s there.” Wei Wuxian widened his eyes.
“Xiao Bai must really like you! He wouldn’t go to anyone else’s room but mine.” He sported a wide grin.
Upon reaching the jingshi, the two large white and black rabbits were curled up in Lan Wangji’s yard. They seemed to be taking a nap, so Lan Wangji decided to let Wei Wuxian into his personal quarters, and went to brew some tea. Wei Wuxian looked around the room, completely awed at the neatness of the room. As expected, the room had the necessary furnishings like the bed, study table, qin table, and maybe a painting for decoration.
The painting must have been done by his brother. He looks at the two rabbits, somewhat envious. Ah, I should have painted this!
“Your room is really clean. Who painted that?” Wei Wuxian asked when Lan Wangji came with the tea.
“My brother.”
“You should get him to paint the rabbits sometime. They look so peaceful sleeping in your yard.” Wei Wuxian looked at the rabbits, almost envious of them.
“He might.” Lan Wangji chose not to inform Wei Wuxian that Lan Xichen had been dying to paint the rabbits when everything’s settled.
“So the reason why Old Man Lan was so mad at me was because all the rabbits came out? No wonder he glared at me more than usual.”
“The rabbits would follow the alpha rabbit wherever they go, and perhaps they got curious about the space.”
“The Cloud Recesses is definitely a good place for rabbits! Maybe it should be renamed to The Rabbit Recesses!”
“Shameless.” Lan Wangji shook his head, almost fondly.
They waited for a bit before the rabbits crawled into Lan Wangji’s personal quarters from the yard. Lan Wangji would have never expected to bring someone outside of his family to his personal quarters like this, let alone have rabbits encroach into his bedroom, but it’s happening. He then reasons with himself that it is fine as long as Wei Wuxian is happy.
Xiao Bai immediately leapt towards Wei Wuxian, and barreled into his arms. “Xiao Bai!” Wei Wuxian hugged the white rabbit, nearly losing his balance, but caught his rabbit just in time.
In contrast, Da Hei quietly hopped over to Lan Wangji, allowing him to pat her. She snuggled against him, making him smile very briefly. Wei Wuxian continued holding his rabbit for a while before his arms began to ache from the strain, and he finally put Xiao Bai onto the floor carefully. He didn’t want Xiao Bai to break the floor like he did to the table in the Library Pavilion.
“Xiao Bai, who’s your mate?” Xiao Bai turned to Da Hei, then to Wei Wuxian. “Wait, you mean she, the leader of the rabbit warren is your mate!? Holy crap! I thought she would have been taken already.”
Da Hei growled in disapproval.
“Sorry, I mean the records Lan Zhan showed me told me that the alpha rabbit would have exclusive mating privileges. As long as you are happy, then so be it! I can’t wait for your babies. They will be the most adorable kits ever!” Wei Wuxian patted Xiao Bai.
Da Hei proceeded to squeeze between Wei Wuxian and Xiao Bai, trying to make Wei Wuxian get away from her mate.
“Okay okay! I had Xiao Bai for twelve years, you can have him for the remainder of his life, Da Hei!” Xiao Bai held onto Wei Wuxian, seemingly upset. “Aww, Xiao Bai, I will miss you too, but I’ll be around for the rest of your life too, don’t worry!”
Just like that, they spent the rest of their afternoon in the jingshi. Wei Wuxian played with the rabbits in the yard. He would then try to convince Da Hei to give him a chance, only for the black rabbit to ignore him and play with Lan Wangji instead.
“Hmph, it’s okay, I have you, Xiao Bai!” He hugs Xiao Bai in order to comfort himself.
Afterwards, Wei Wuxian would go back to his dorm, and Lan Wangji expected the dragon rabbits to leave. They did not; seemingly content in staying where they were. He fed the rabbits, and proceeded to provide some hay for them to sleep. Thus, Wei Wuxian visited the jingshi whenever he wanted to see the rabbits and Lan Zhan. It was really fun. At times, he would sneak up on the rabbits, but Da Hei would foil his plans.
Lan Wangji wished this could last forever. However, all good things must come to an end. Soon, Wei Wuxian would be leaving after completing the course of his studies. Wei Wuxian talked to all his friends and saved Lan Wangji for last, probably because Xiao Bai was with him.
“Today is my last day in the Cloud Recesses. Time really flies so fast. Just a year ago I was busy smuggling this little guy into the Cloud Recesses.” He snuggled with Xiao Bai. “Now he has found a warren to belong to and even a mate! I know it was a good choice to bring him to the Cloud Recesses.”
Da Hei hopped over, and tried to grab his pant sleeves. “Aww, I know you would finally warm up to me! You better treat Xiao Bai well, okay?” He patted her, before standing up to face Lan Wangji. “This is really goodbye, huh?”
“Have a safe journey.”
“I will! Keep the rabbits with you, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian said.
“Why?”
“Xiao Bai found his mate here, and I think he should stay with you.”
“But you can’t live without him.” Lan Wangji pointed out.
“I just have a feeling that I want him to stay with you, Lan Zhan. He has already accompanied me my entire life. I think he deserves to start his family here too.” Wei Wuxian says solemnly. “I’m going to miss you so much, Lan Zhan.”
Lan Wangji lifted a hand to tuck a messy lock of hair behind Wei Wuxian’s ear, “...Will miss you more.”
Wei Wuxian slowly blushed to the tips of his ears, hiding his face behind an arm. “Lan-Lan Zhan!”
When and how did he become such a lovestruck maiden?! No, he can’t be! Wei Wuxian immediately ran out of Lan Wangji’s reach and tried to calm down his beating heart, before turning back to face him.
“Remember to come visit me in Lotus Pier, okay!” Wei Wuxian waved.
Xiao Bai looked fondly at Da Hei, before suddenly dashing out and barreling into Wei Wuxian. He stumbled, before hugging him tightly.
“Xiao Bai, this is not goodbye. I promise you I will be back to see you soon. I’m going to miss you so much. You better have kits by the time I come back, okay?” Xiao Bai pushed into him, still unhappy. “I promise I will bring you home next time. Plus, Lan Zhan will take good care of you! Be a good mate to her, okay?” He caressed the rabbit as soothing as he could.
In the past, it was always just him and his rabbit, never to part. He thought they would always be together. Yet, their paths will inevitably diverge. Wei Wuxian held back the urge to cry as he hugged his rabbit tightly. He knows they will meet again.
“Be well, Xiao Bai.” Wei Wuxian released his dragon rabbit from the hug and waved again at Lan Wangji.
Then, he ran off. Lan Wangji and Da Hei caught up to Xiao Bai, and watched him go.
“It’s going to be a bit lonely for a while.” Lan Wangji said, and he led the rabbits back to the jingshi.
After Wei Ying’s departure, Lan Wangji began trying to write letters, but panicked to the point where he even asked his brother for help. Then, just as he was trying to write his 13th letter, he heard a crash from behind him. Xiao Bai had crashed into Lan Xichen, and his poor brother held a letter in his hands as he laid on the floor.
“Xiao Bai, do not do that.” Xiao Bai kept lunging for the letter in Lan Xichen’s hands, before circling the cultivator hopping around his legs.
“It’s fine, I think he got very excited for what’s in my hands.” Lan Xichen chuckled as he got up, patting dust off himself before handing the letter to Lan Wangji.
It took a while for him to register the words on the letter. Two beautiful characters, 蓝湛, were etched across the envelope in beautiful calligraphy. He held back the urge to smile in front of his brother until Lan Xichen excused himself. Seeing Xiao Bai so excited for the letter, he sat down and patted the rabbit, reading the letter aloud to him.
Lan Zhan,
I miss you and Xiao Bai so much! And I know you probably don’t know how to write letters without sounding like a report, so here is mine! Lotus Pier is pretty warm compared to the cold mountains of Gusu, but I’m sure Xiao Bai will adjust well. You probably were busy with the Gusu Lan duties and taking care of the dragon rabbits.
Lan Wangji raised a brow at this. Half of that may be true, but Lan Wangji won’t admit the real reason.
It’s been a week but I really miss the time we spent at the Cloud Recesses already. Jiang Cheng doesn’t miss Xiao Bai though, but the joke’s on him! Xiao Bai may not be around but his dogs ain’t taking over any time soon! Shijie misses Xiao Bai but was really happy to hear about Da Hei and the others! At any rate, Madam Yu’s training got even stricter since we returned. She must have missed Xiao Bai in her own way. Remember to tell Xiao Bai that everyone at Lotus Pier misses him!
Wei Ying
Xiao Bai hopped around in joy, fortunately not destroying his floorboards. Lan Wangji could not help but chuckle at how cute he was when happy. The letter gave him the courage to write a reply, even if it wasn’t perfect. He then wrote his reply.
Dear Wei Ying,
As promised, I am writing a reply to you. Xiao Bai is well, and so is Xiao Yin. When we received your letter, Xiao Bai was very happy and hopped in joy. He misses you very much. His diet has been relatively stable. The other dragon rabbits have settled in nicely, and some even found new owners.
The Cloud Recesses is quiet, and peaceful. I have been well and focusing on my cultivation. I hope that we can meet again soon, Wei Ying. I look forward to your reply.
Lan Zhan
It is silly, but he hoped that Wei Ying would write back as promised. And Wei Ying does reply to him, complaining that he needed to be more detailed.
Lan Wangji smiled when he helding the crisp paper in his hands. It is a letter for him to read alone. He wasn’t sure if his letters to Wei Ying were shared with anyone, but this is fine. A warm feeling blossomed from within whenever he read them. Wei Wuxian’s handwriting, while neat, still had strokes of messiness from time to time. His subsequent letters would talk about how everyone missed Xiao Bai, the food in Yunmeng, and the ‘rule-breaking’ adventures he had without Xiao Bai.
“Xiao Bai, Wei Ying has written to ask about you again.” Xiao Bai’s ears perked upwards, hopping over to him.
Lan Wangji would read the letter quietly the first time, then read it out to Xiao Bai afterwards. The rabbit splayed over on his lap, testing his muscles but also providing a source of reassurance for him. Xiao Bai seemed content.
Lan Wangji’s letters were very brief, detailing mostly Xiao Bai’s life throughout that month, with Da Hei mentioned every now and then. Wei Wuxian almost felt like it was a daily report of Xiao Bai’s lifestyle, as he noted in his reply. It took a lot of effort for Lan Wangji to escape that writing style, but alas. All of Wei Wuxian’s letters were kept neatly with all the other things Wei Wuxian had given him.
One time, Lan Xichen visited his quarters, citing that he wanted to paint, so Lan Wangji allowed him to spend the whole day in the jingshi.
“Brother, this…” Lan Wangji was stunned when Lan Xichen had finished painting.
“They were nesting so quietly, I could not resist painting them.” Lan Xichen smiled.
Da Hei then moved over, and snuggled into Lan Xichen’s thigh. The cultivator patted her softly, inwardly screaming as he felt the gentle fur. Lan Wangji shuddered at the sight of this. Compared to all the other dragon rabbits, Da Hei made it hard for people to approach her and would lash out at everyone else recently. Fortunately, his fear of his brother getting mauled by her did not materialize.
“Will you visit Lotus Pier soon?”
“But the rabbits…” Lan Wangji looked at them.
“We can handle them in your absence. Besides, I think Xiao Yin should not travel too far, given that she has barely acknowledged the Cloud Recesses as her territory and is feeling unwell recently. The species is endangered, so we cannot risk exposing them to external dangers even if they are strong. Furthermore, the pair is completely inseparable now.” Da Hei then snuggled against Lan Xichen again, seemingly in approval. “We have plenty of correspondence from Madam Yu demanding the rabbits show up, so you may go on our behalf to explain to her to show our sincerity in caring for the rabbits and in apology.”
“Thank you, brother.”
“Please do take the painting over to Lotus Pier for me. I believe the residents would love to see Xiao Bai happy even if he is not physically present, and see his beautiful mate.” Lan Xichen smiled as he patted Da Hei.
Lan Wangji then began penning his letter after his brother left.
“A-Xian, a letter’s here for you.” Jiang Yanli said, and Wei Wuxian perked up at that.
She smiled as she watched Wei Wuxian smile as bright as the morning sun and dash towards her. It always made her chuckle, as she had never seen Wei Wuxian be so enthusiastic to exchange letters with someone. It was pleasant to know that Xiao Bai was doing well, mated with a rabbit named Da Hei by Wei Wuxian, although the rabbit was referred to as Xiao Yin or Little Shadow in the letters from Lan Wangji.
Jiang Yanli wouldn’t tell her brothers but she vastly prefers that nickname. It’s adorable and fitting. Like yin and yang, two perfect halves. She hopes to see the rabbit sometime, and maybe their kits. Moreover, watching her brother squeal in happiness made her feel happy. Wei Wuxian treated each letter as though they were precious treasures to him, keeping them in a secure wooden box.
“Yeesh, you act as though you got a love letter.” Jiang Cheng commented when he caught up with them, completely disgusted at how his disciple brother behaved.
“At least Shijie and I get love letters!” Jiang Yanli blinked in surprise at that mention.
Jin Zixuan got coerced into writing to Jiang Yanli after the incident with Xiao Bai, and now the two were on good terms. Madam Yu was very pleased at this development, though she still scolded Wei Wuxian for not reigning Xiao Bai in.
“Hey, take those words back!” Jiang Cheng began to brawl with Wei Wuxian, and Jiang Yanli chuckled at the sight of them.
“A-Xian, stop bullying A-Cheng.”
“Xianxian was foolish, for he is three years old!”
“What did Second Young Master Lan write to you this time?” Jiang Yanli asked.
“I bet he’s just going to report about Xiao Bai again. Let me go see my dogs, I need to feed them.” Jiang Cheng got up to leave.
“Shijie! Lan Zhan said he is going to visit Lotus Pier!” Jiang Cheng tumbled onto the floor in shock.
He immediately stood up and screamed. “What!?”
Lan Wangji began packing for his trip to Yunmeng. He remembered to keep some of the paintings from his brother, as well as another copy of a journal he kept for Xiao Bai and Da Hei into the Qiankun Pouch. Yu Ziyuan would probably rather have her own copy than take it from Wei Ying, most likely, and his letters are not appropriate to be disseminated after all. Da Hei and Xiao Bai sent him off, with Lan Xichen waving at him.
The boat ride seemed long, but Lan Wangji felt relieved when he saw a familiar boy in purple at the docks.
“Lan Zhan! You’re here!” Wei Ying waved his hand. “I can’t wait to show you all of Lotus Pier! And oh, I’ll carry these for you, let’s have a good meal at this amazing inn first. It has all my favourite foods!”
In the blink of an eye, Lan Wangji found himself sitting in a private dining booth with Wei Wuxian. He then took a cup of warm tea to his lips before he began to speak.
“So Lan Zhan, how's Xiao Bai’s mating going?” Wei Wuxian asked nonchalantly.
Lan Wangji immediately choked on his tea and coughed. Wei Wuxian immediately ran over to pat his back gently, hearing peals of laughter. “Wei Ying!”
“Sorry, sorry. I just wanted to know if they had mated yet. I’m not sure if Xiao Bai knew how to… you know.”
“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji glared at him. “Speech is forbidden during dining.”
“Relax! We’re not in the Cloud Recesses, this is Yunmeng! But okay, let’s eat first. You must be famished!”
The dishes finally arrived, a delectable mix of spicy and non-spicy food. Lan Wangji saw so much red he thought someone had spilled blood on the table.
“Lan Zhan, you should try this!” Wei Wuxian put a lot of spicy food into Lan Wangji’s bowl, and looked at him with great anticipation.
The Gusu Lan cultivator gulped, before tasting the food in his bowl. He steeled his expression, his throat burning aflame.
“Well? Is it delicious?”
Lan Wangji nodded. “It is delicious.”
“I am surprised you can take spice, Lan Zhan! Here, eat more!”
After a torturous yet pleasant lunch, they stepped out of the inn. Wei Wuxian managed to pay before he did, even though Lan Wangji was fully capable of paying for it.
“Are you not supposed to pay?” Lan Wangji grew confused.
“Well, all my expenses are paid for by Uncle Jiang. The shopkeepers will tally and send the accounts over to him at the end of each month. Come, Lan Zhan, you have to try this snack. I bet you never ate these before and you will love them for sure!”
Wei Wuxian grabbed Lan Wangji’s wrist and pulled him along. Yunmeng was vastly different from Caiyi town. Though there were many waterways, lotuses were prominent. The people were friendly and even interacted with Wei Wuxian. Finally, they arrived at Lotus Pier.
“Lan Zhan, we prepared a room for you, so don’t need to worry about inn expenses!”
And suddenly, a bark from somewhere made Wei Wuxian freeze on the spot.
“Wei Ying?” Lan Wangji then saw Jiang Wanyin walk out with not one, but three dogs.
Wei Wuxian then ran behind him and hugged him. “Lan-Lan-Lan Zhan, save me!” Wei Wuxian screamed, clinging tightly onto him. “Xiao Bai! Help me!” Completely taken aback, Lan Wangji stumbled, but fortunately did not fall.
“Oh, I didn’t expect you to be back so quick. Sorry.” Jiang Cheng immediately put his dogs behind him, yet it did not make Wei Wuxian relax a single bit. “You know that these cute doggies won’t hurt you, right?”
“Just because Xiao Bai isn’t here doesn’t mean you get to bully me like this!” Wei Wuxian wailed.
“No one’s bullying you, but okay.” Jiang Cheng then turned to his dogs. “Okay, be good, now go back to your kennels! I’ll come see you later okay?” The dogs barked again, and Wei Wuxian tightened his grip.
The Yunmeng Jiang head disciple finally heaved a sigh of relief when Jiang Cheng dismissed the dogs. Lan Wangji suddenly felt he could breathe after Wei Ying got off him.
“Finally, the demons have been exorcised.” Wei Wuxian remarked.
“Excuse me? My precious Jasmine, Princess and Little Love are not demons!” Jiang Cheng bellowed, and his disciple brother promptly muffled in discontent.
Those are… cute names. Lan Wangji did not speak out.
“At any rate, welcome to Lotus Pier, Second Young Master Lan. Sorry for my disciple brother for hugging you like that. My mother is awaiting you in the hall, so I’ll go ahead first to inform her.” Jiang Cheng bowed, before leaving.
“Sorry about that.” Wei Wuxian mumbled.
“You don’t like dogs?”
Wei Wuxian bashfully rubbed his nose against Lan Wangji’s shoulder. “When I was busy surviving in the streets, I had to fight with them for food. Xiao Bai did protect me from them, but I stopped him since I was scared that they may come after him for hurting their dogs. But I’m definitely better now. It’s taking a while to adjust not having Xiao Bai protect me from the dogs.”
“I am sorry.”
“No, it’s fine!” Wei Wuxian waved a hand. “Jiang Cheng has been quite understanding, and it’s not your fault Xiao Bai is not here. Xiao Bai will compensate me when I finally see his kits!”
Some Yunmeng Jiang disciples greeted them as they walked past. Most were heading out to train or shoot arrows at flying kites. Wei Wuxian badgered Lan Wangji to join one of these sessions tomorrow when they had time, and he agreed. As they entered the main hall, they encountered Yu Ziyuan, dressed in her regal purple and seated on the lotus throne. Both Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli sat at the sides, drinking tea. It seemed they were chatting and had been awaiting them.
“Greetings, Madam Yu.” Lan Wangji bowed.
“Welcome, Second Young Master Lan.” Yu Ziyuan greeted, then turned to Wei Wuxian. “I hope you did not embarrass the Yunmeng Jiang sect in front of our guest, Wei Ying. Remember, you are our head disciple, so act like one.”
“Of course not.” Wei Wuxian was much more polite, bowing. “I was about to bring him to his room after having treated him to our local cuisine.”
Jiang Cheng muttered something before being silenced by Madam Yu’s glare.
“A-Cheng, behave like the sect heir you should be. Well then, I hope our head disciple has not been discourteous to you, Second Young Master Lan.” Yu Ziyuan asked.
“To answer Madam Yu, Wei Ying has been an exemplary host. As for the rabbits, Xiao Bai recently bonded with his mate, and thus cannot afford to leave as Xiao Yin is the alpha rabbit of the warren. The Gusu Lan sect would like to invite the Yunmeng Jiang sect to take a look at the dragon rabbits at a later date.”
“I see. Continue.” She asked.
“Xiao Bai is doing well and he spends a lot of time with his mate, almost inseparable. In fact, I have been told that Madam Yu cares greatly about Xiao Bai, and have chronicled his life in the Cloud Recesses thus far for your reference.” Lan Wangji then passed the journal to Yu Ziyuan’s handmaiden, Jinzhu.
Jinzhu took the journal and passed it to Yu Ziyuan, who flipped through the pages.
“I can’t believe you went to all that trouble.” Wei Wuxian commented, before shutting up when Yu Ziyuan shot a leveled glare at him.
We also offer a painting of both dragon rabbits to Lotus Pier. Please accept this painting as an apology for not bringing them over.” Lan Wangji then pulled out a painting from the pouch, and unveiled it.
Everyone in the room gasped at the painting. It depicted the grassy plains, and two majestic dragon rabbits resting by each other. The whilte one was a rabbit they recognised, Xiao Bai, with blue eyes and sleeping softly in the grass. Right next to him rested a black, larger dragon rabbit with red eyes that made one’s nerves jump. The other handmaiden, Yinzhu, took the painting from Lan Wangji and brought it to her mistress to peruse.
“This is well painted. Was this painted by Eldest Young Master Lan?” Yu Ziyuan asked, and Lan Wangji nodded. “Please give him our thanks.”
“My brother was honoured to paint them. He hopes to paint more of these and present some to Yunmeng, so we may strengthen our relations further.”
“He may. Jinzhu, help me keep the journal so I can read it later and Yinzhu, store the painting for now until we decide where to hang it. To answer your invitation, we would love to visit the Cloud Recesses, not just for the dragon rabbits but for our disciples to continue pursuing their learning there. We wish you a pleasant stay with us, Second Young Master Lan. Wei Ying, A-Cheng and A-Li will be entertaining you as I will be attending to sect matters. If there is anything you lack, inform them, and Lotus Pier will see to your needs immediately.”
Yu Ziyuan departed with the gifts, leaving her children to her own devices.
“Welcome to Lotus Pier, Second Young Master Lan. I have heard so much about you from A-Xian, and it is pleasant to make your acquaintance. I always wonder what kind of person would make A-Xian so happy.”
“Shijie!”
“What? Isn’t it true? Every time you get his letter, you literally act like a maiden in love. Ever since we got back from the Cloud Recesses it’s all ‘Lan Zhan’ this and ‘Lan Zhan’ that.” Jiang Cheng said, and Wei Wuxian started blushing.
Lan Wangji blinked in surprise. He had no idea.
“Why don’t A-Xian take you to where you will be resting, and we will meet at the Lotus Pavilion? It gives a good view of the pier.” Jiang Yanli clasped her hands together, saving her disciple brother from her brother’s teasing.
Lan Wangji was then brought to the guest quarters to put down his luggage. It seemed he was sleeping near Wei Ying after all.
“Do you want to see my room? It’s still a bit messy no matter how much I tried to clean it up.”
Lan Wangji looked around the room. The room was very different from the jingshi; too much clutter and papers strewn all over the place.
“I was trying to invent some talismans, so that’s why they are left where they are. I need to know where they are so I can grab them without thinking.”
“You should organize them.” Lan Wangji then walked over to the bed.
“I will!”
“Okay, if you want to explore my room, we can do that later. Let’s go, Shijie is waiting for us!” Wei Wuxian immediately grabbed Lan Wangji and pulled him out of his room.
Lotus Pier is indeed beautiful and lively. In contrast, the Cloud Recesses were more tranquil and peaceful.
“Hey Lan Zhan, do you think about the future? Like… any girl you fancy that you want to marry?” Wei Wuxian asked all of a sudden.
“No.” Lan Wangji frowned.
“Really? Not even a single one? What if…” Lan Wangji gripped his sleeves tightly, “you like Da Hei!?” He shot Wei Wuxian with a look of complete disbelief, and then refused to give an answer. “Don’t ignore me! Lan Zhan! I’m sorry!”
They walked all the way to the pavilion, and saw Jiang Yanli already there with Jiang Cheng, with four bowls on the table. Wei Wuxian immediately pulled Lan Wangji to move faster in excitement.
“I had cooked some pork rib lotus soup, please have a taste.” Jiang Yanli placed a bowl in front of him as they all sat down.
“Lan Zhan, you have no idea how lucky you are; this soup is the best in the world! Eat more of it!” Wei Wuxian took one more bowl, but got stopped by someone.
“Hey!” Jiang Cheng cut in and defended his portion. “He can have some but don’t steal from me!”
“Relax, there is no need for him to steal when Shijie will cook enough for all of us, right?” Wei Wuxian smiled.
Lan Wangji sipped the soup. It had a slight spicy taste, but otherwise it was delicious. He slowly drained the bowl of its contents, before putting it on the table.
“You can take a second serving if needed.” Jiang Yanli suggested.
“No more than three servings of rice per meal.” Lan Wangji recited the rule out of habit.
“I already told you, this is not the Cloud Recesses, Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian laughed with Jiang Cheng. “We aren’t even having a meal too.
“Could you tell me more about how Xiao Yin is like, Second Young Master Lan?” Jiang Yanli smiled, breaking the ice.
The next few days passed quickly, and it was time for his wonderful stay to end.
“Lan Zhan! Next time, I’ll be the one visiting you, okay?!” Wei Wuxian shouted as he waved at him from the pier.
Lan Wangji only nodded, and smiled. Wei Wuxian gaped at the sight of this, and when he recovered, he saw the boat had disappeared.
If only these peaceful times would continue like this.