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Chapter Text

It wasn’t a day that Lan Qiren would forget for the rest of his life. It was a gloomy day, he would recall. The skies were full of gray clouds and it was close to winter, not quite there just yet. Though, Lan Qiren noted, it was definitely cold enough to be. He would have to make sure that both Lan Huan and Lan Zhan had enough clothes for the winter. They were still small children that needed him to watch after them. Lan Qiren took in a deep breath and began to reread the missive. 

It hadn’t been addressed to Lan Qiren personally, it had merely been something that was sent to all of the current sect leaders of the sects, but it definitely felt personal to him. Why would Jiang Fengmian send a letter with such a venomous undertone otherwise? Even to Lan Qiren, it was no secret that Jiang Fengmian resented his sworn brother for marrying Cangse Sanren and leaving with her. This wasn’t gossip, Lan Qiren had reasoned at the time, this was just keeping up with the news that was surrounding the cultivation world. 

Lan Qiren took in another breath and began reading it for the third time, still not quite registering what the words were telling him:

Dear Lan Sect Acting Sect Leader, 

I have taken the liberty of writing to you to inform you of the deaths of my two beloved friends, Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze. What I can tell you is that they were supposedly on a night hunt to kill one of the dog yaos that were plaguing the streets of Yiling. I had only heard of this after the fact, otherwise I would have definitely sent some help out to them. This news had reached me when some of their valuable possessions were found in the woods by my disciples a week ago. 

Yunmeng Jiang wishes to do right by the late Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze by finding their young child. The child is young, about the age of five and has grey eyes. Of course, there will be a reward for finding the child. Yungmeng Jiang’s sect leader Jiang Fengmian, I, will also be personally out to find the child. 

I understand, Acting Sect Leader Lan, that Cangse Sanren was not someone that you agreed with during our time together, however, I want for you to understand that this is a child. I do not hope for your cooperation, but I do hope that you will find yourself compassionate and able to help us find the child. The child is young and not yet adept for the streets. Winter is coming soon and while the Yunmeng winters are not as unforgiving as Gusu’s, a child should not be on the street. 

I implore you, if you do happen across any information regarding the child, to send a message as soon as possible. Cangse Sanren’s and Wei Changze’s child belongs to Yunmeng.

Best Regards, 

Yunmeng Jiang

Sect Leader

Jiang Fengmian

Lan Qiren was angry. While he understood that there were times he and Cangse Sanren had butted heads, it was also a fact that they were friends. Almost everyone who had been at the Lan lectures with them knew that. Cangse Sanren was someone that Lan Qiren had admired. For being free with her words and her actions, for being free with her affection and her touches, for being so strong and bright otherwise. He had tentatively reached out to her, knowing full well that he did not have the best reputation as someone who was a good friend, but she had accepted him easily into the circle that surrounded her. 

Lan Qiren closed the missive, putting it down on the table. He took in another shuddering breath before allowing his eyes to close and a tear to fall down his face. This would be the only time that he would allow himself to lose his composure, Lan Qiren promised. Cangse Sanren was a dear friend, and mourning for her would always be allowed, the rules be damned. Lan Qiren would mourn and he would put Cangse and Changze in his heart, and live on righteously for them.

—

Lan Qiren had told himself that Cangse Sanren’s and Wei Changze’s death would be the last time that he would allow himself to lose composure, but he finds that he takes those words back not even two years later when the Madame Lan falls sick  and her son kneels in front of her door waiting for her. His heart hurts for the child and though he is able to mollify Lan Zhan away from his spot in front of the cottage, he finds that he cannot stop the child again when Madame Lan falls victim to that same sickness. 

He makes sure that he puts warming talismans up on the floorboards to make sure that Lan Zhan does not also fall sick during the cold season and he makes himself walk to the cottage every day to leave food and water for the young child. His heart hurts and he finds himself blaming the Council of Elders for Madame Lan’s death. 

If they hadn’t trapped Madame Lan in that small cottage at the edge, she wouldn’t have become so weak as to fall prey to a mere seasonal cold. She had been a strong cultivator, after all. Though she had never reached the level of the strongest cultivators in their generation, she was strong nonetheless. Or perhaps, if she had not been trapped so far away from the centers of the Gusu Clan, she would have been able to get the help that she needed to make it through the winter. 

But, alas, the Council of Elders had put Madame Lan far away, at the very edges of the Cloud Recesses and she had succumbed to her illness and now her youngest child was kneeling in front of her cottage waiting for her. He sighs at the heavy steps he was taking, not that it seemed as though he could take any other type of steps any longer, and he reminded himself of the rules.

“A-Zhan, is it not cold? Come back inside so that we can get you warmed up.”

“Uncle…” and as Lan Zhan looked up at him with the saddest eyes he had ever seen from the calm child, Lan Qiren knew that he had lost the argument that had barely started. 

“A-Zhan, will you continue to kneel here even after your mother will no longer open the door?” Lan Qiren sat down right by Lan Zhan where he knelt and he made sure his posture was open and fixed on Lan Zhan. His youngest nephew seems to feel much more than his older nephew, though he knew that both his nephews were still grieving over their mother. 

“A-Zhan must sit and wait. Mother will open the door soon. She has to. It is that time of the month,” Lan Zhan’s voice was stubborn though Lan Qiren could sense the sad quake that was underlying it. Lan Zhan must know that there was no chance that his mother would open the door for him anymore, but the Elders had forced him to follow the rules so strictly that he still held on to the belief that his mother would open the door for him merely based off the fact that it was the rules. 

Lan Qiren sighed softly and put a hand on his nephew’s head, running his hand through the immaculate hair his nephew had adorned. Lan Zhan turned to him and Lan Qiren could sense it before it happened. Lan Zhan quickly threw himself at Lan Qiren and Lan Qiren felt the squeeze around his waist and the spot on his chest grow suspiciously wet. Though Lan Zhan never made a single noise, Lan Qiren knew that the young child was crying and so he did what any uncle would do. 

Lan Qiren rubbed Lan Zhan’s back and did his best to hold back his own tears at the thought of the usually unflappable Lan Zhan shedding tears. Lan Qiren’s heart hurt. 

—

Lan Qiren put Lan Zhan into his own bed for the first time in almost a week and he sat by Lan Zhan with a hand in his head, patting it gently as Lan Zhan slept. There were small sniffles occasionally and each one sent a pang through Lan Qiren’s heart.

A small creak turned his head towards the entrance only for him to see his older nephew standing by the doorway, half of his young body still hidden by the wall. He beckoned for his older nephew to come over and Lan Huan did as he told obediently, his expression unsure. It seemed as though his heart would hurt a lot tonight, and Lan Qiren accepted it if it meant that he could provide his nephews with some sense of comfort.

“What have you come here for, A-Huan?”

It did not seem possible for Lan Huan to seem meeker, but as the young boy stood there hunched over, Lan Qiren tugged him in for a one-armed hug, his other arm still running through Lan Zhan’s hair. 

“I…I was merely trying to check up on A-Zhan, Uncle…I did not mean to interrupt you. I just…I did not see him at Mother’s cottage earlier and I was hoping that he had come back to his room and I just…”

“A-Huan, “ Lan Qiren started, breaking yet another rule. “It is quite alright. Thank you. For looking out for your brother. I just wanted for you to know that it is not your job to look out for your brother just yet. You are young. Allow this uncle to take care of the two of you for a little longer, yes?”

Lan Qiren could sense it before it happened with Lan Huan too. This time though, he saw Lan Huan’s face scrunch up slightly before the tears welled in his eyes and Lan Huan nodded before wrapping his arms around Lan Qiren and crying softly into his shoulder. Lan Qiren’s eyes closed and he rubbed his nephew’s back as he allowed Lan Huan to cry out his feelings. 

He blamed the Council of Elders for this as well, Lan Qiren mused later on in the night as he was watching his two nephews cling to each other in their sleep. If the Council had investigated properly before merely imprisoning their mother, his nephews would not have had to lose their mother so early. They would have had someone to teach them how to feel because god forbid he is able to show his own emotions. They would not have to cry so quietly for the loss of the one person in their life that treated them like children.

Lan Qiren made a promise that night as well. He found himself promising to the late Madame Lan that he would take care of the children as she had taken care of them. He would allow them to show their emotions with him and he would make sure that they knew he was someone who they could always come to. He would always have expectations for his nephews (they were his nephews, after all, and they would always be the best to him), but he would always care for their emotions first and foremost. 

He made that promise as the candle finally died out and the only noise was the soft sound of snowfall in the Cloud Recesses. Lan Qiren knew that although no one had heard him make the promise, it was the only promise that he would keep no matter what. His heart would hold him to it.

Chapter Text

“I am tired of you being in this cursed house!” Lan Qiren was not sure when he had reached this point with his brother. It had always been a harmonious relationship between the two of them and Lan Qiren is not sure when the two of them had gotten so far apart that he could no longer read his brother’s mind. A long time ago, in another world, Lan Qiren may have blamed the late Madame Lan, yet now, he was not sure that Madame Lan was truly the one to break his brother. 

From what he had seen of the Madame, she was much like Cangse, though with more decorum. She was free-spirited and generous with her love, though she knew when to bow her head and when to use softer words. She smiled much like Lan Huan, though her cold anger rang clear through Lan Zhan. She was bright and brilliant, Lan Qiren realized, and so was his brother. It would make sense that his nephews were brilliant as well. 

“You do not have to come see me any more, Qiren. I have accepted my fate.” Lan Qiren wanted to yell at the top of his lungs despite knowing full well that it would be against the rules. When had the brother he looked up to turned into this shell of a man that could not even look at his own brother?

Lan Qiren saw the closeness between Lan Zhan and Lan Huan and he hoped that they would never become what he and his brother had. He saw how Lan Zhan looked at Lan Huan as if Lan Huan was his world and in turn, he saw Lan Huan give Lan Zhan his world. The two brothers were much closer to each other than what Lan Qiren could see from other siblings and though he was happy that the two of them found people they could rely on, Lan Qiren could not help but hope that they would not be so close. The ones closest to you are the ones that have the ability to hurt you the most. 

He had seen the way Lan Huan would smile softly at his peers as he helped them along while Lan Zhan led through example. He saw Lan Zhan blaze through his studies even at a young age and how his achievements encouraged the others in his year to do better. He saw how the both of them would seek each out when the expectations got to be too much. He was there when Lan Huan had shyly asked him to allow the two of them to Caiyi in order for them to have a day off. 

He had taken them and saw the way that their eyes had lit up as they made their way through the stalls. He had taken them and saw how they had still been uncomfortable being near so many people despite their curiosity and how they held onto each other. He saw how they relied on each other as he and his own brother had. He saw and he hoped that the closeness they shared would last through all the trials of adulthood. 

“You may have accepted your own fate, but have you accepted hers? Have you accepted that she has died? Have you accepted that though she is dead, she left behind two of the most important treasures in the world, your sons? You have accepted your own fate, but I am not ready to accept the fate that your sons will grow up with neither of their parents.”

Lan Qiren was angry. His brother had not been there when Lan Zhan had come to him late at night, having been woken up by his own dream. His brother had not been there when Lan Zhan had frowned slightly and asked whether or not their father would come see them. Lan Zhan was too young to understand why his mother and father were locked up and their family could not be like other families. Lan was not too young to realize that his father no longer needed to be secluded now that his mother was not under his father’s protection. 

Lan Qiren was not sure whether or not he resented his brother for this. He knew that his brother was still grieving over the fact that his wife had left the world, but how could he leave his children alone in the world? How could his brother leave without knowing these lovely nephews of his? 

“Qiren, I must still take my punishment. I had harbored and married a criminal…a person who had created a sin towards our very own clan.” Lan Qiren wanted to smack his brother for the first time and he let out a sigh. He reached into his sleeve before taking out two scrolls, setting them on the table for his brother to read. They contained the truth of the incident of Madame Lan, and whether or not his brother read it would be up to him. For now, Lan Qiren had two nephews to attend to, and they were much more deserving of his attention. 

—

Lan Huilang hadn’t been this unsure since he had been given the title of Qingheng-Jun. He was young then and he wasn’t sure that he was worthy of it, having only been in his early twenties and not having done much other than becoming the Sect Leader. He had been given the title anyways and he had always done his best to live up to that title. So, naturally, when he had seen a women being sentenced to death by the Elders, he had stepped in. 

He had never learned much about her before she became known only as Madame Lan, but he had learned enough to create two lifeforms with her. He had done that only partly because of his duties to his clan, Lan Huilang must admit to himself. He had been attracted to her as well, so he laid in her bed the night of their rushed marriage, and a few times in the coming years. 

Lan Huiland had considered those nights the only nights in which he had thrown away his title of Sect Leader, of Clan Leader, and of Qingheng-Jun. He had allowed himself to be just Lan Huilang and she had told him to only call her by A-Yin. She hadn’t seemed to want to be called by her name and so he called her his ‘sweetheart’. 

Lan Huilang realizes now, as he stares at the stack of scrolls on his desk, that perhaps they had never known each other at all. He had been hopeful during these last few years that they had grown closer, but he realizes that they were not close enough to have been considered the wife and husband that they were. As he continues to muse about his relationship with the late Madame Lan, but he wants to know more. He needed to know the truth. Lan Huilang opens the scroll.

Lan Qiren, 

I am not too sure why I am writing to you. I am sure that if I wrote a letter to Sect Leader Lan, he would hear me, but I also know that if I wrote to Sect Leader Lan would not be endeared by the Elders. They would not allow him another willful choice like the one he had made when he protected me. So I write to you, in hopes that you will hear my story and continue to investigate to find the full truth. 

That night, I killed your teacher. Yes, I must admit that. However, the truth is that I did not murder your teacher in cold blood, I had done it out of self-defense. He had come onto me, but it was a weird event. It did not seem as if the teacher was himself. I had taken a class with him before, on the day where the Lan lectures were open to everyone, and that night, the teacher seemed as if he had become a completely different person. His eyes were bloodshot, his face was gray, and he walked as if he had hurt a leg. 

I know still that it was a grievous crime for me to have prematurely ended his life, and I have learned to accept this punishment of mine, but I wish for Sect Leader Lan, Lan Huilang, to be free from his own punishment. Please, I implore you, Lan Qiren, find the truth.

Best regards, 

Madame Lan

Lan Huilang stared at the letter before reading it over a few more times, taking his time to process the letter. He felt hurt, his heart squeezing painfully as he recognizes the writing of his late wife and realizes the current situation in the Sect. He was a Sect Leader with no power. Qiren was the Acting Sect Leader with no power. If this continued, his son would be the Sect Leader with no power. Lan Huilang starts to understand that he does not want this. 

Lan Huilang takes in a breath to keep the tears at bay before picking up the next scroll. At only the glance to the heading, Lan Huilang could tell that it was already a report. He had read all the reports though, so why did this one seem to have such a foreboding presence?

Lan Night Hunting Report.

Summary.

On the day of the full moon, Team 4 [Lan Shihua, Qing Yulin, Lao Tingqu, Lan Rilao] went out to the small village of Qingqa. We managed to reach the village by noon and we rented out an inn room before walking around town. It was a strange town as the town itself did not seem as if there was a night hunt that needed to be done. The town was lively and the people there were not aware that a night hunt needed to be done.

However, later at night the Senior [Lan Shaoling]  that was with us went out to investigate more. This was when we found out that the entity that we were to hunt was going around and possessing people in town. However, it seemed as if the entity would be harmless when possessing someone as the town was not in any disarray. 

Fast forward to the next day, Senior came back and he started acting a bit weird. This was when we realized something strange. Senior was looking [leering] at other girls. This was strange as we all knew that this Senior was not someone who would be tempted by females. He seemed especially interested in a rogue cultivator that was residing in the same inn as we were. 

This continued on for four days as we tried to find out who was possessed by the entity, and this was when we decided to send out an SOS letter back to the sect. However, that night was when the incident happened. Before the Sect Leader and the rest of the entourage managed to arrive, we heard clattering in the room next door. This was Senior’s door and so Captain [Lan Shihua] went over to check up on the Senior. That was when the Lan entourage arrived, and the scene was such: the rogue cultivator was standing above the Senior with her robe messy and the Senior on the floor with her sword through his chest. 

At the time, the entourage was sure that the rogue cultivator was the one who had been possessed, though as we write this report, the strange actions of Senior could not be explained. Attached is a more detailed summary of each day to further explain the strangeness of Senior.

Lan Huilang couldn’t believe what he was seeing. At the time, he had believed that his wife had truly been the one who was possessed. Otherwise, there was no reason for her, a rogue cultivator, to have killed a Senior of the clan, his own teacher. According to the report, it seemed as if it was the opposite. As Lan Huilang continued to read, he could see that the implications were there. The implications that his teacher was possessed, had tried to force himself on a rogue cultivator, and the rogue cultivator had merely defended herself. 

Lan Huilang took a deep breath and decided. He needed to be there for his sons, he needed to protect his late wife’s honor, and he most definitely had to allow Qiren a break. However, all this could wait until tomorrow for him to start. Tonight, he decided that he needed some time to mourn the decisions he had made. 

Right, he also had to apologize to Qiren. He had to apologize to his sons. He wasn’t sure if they would ever forgive him, but he knew that before he could even ask for it, he would need to prepare himself to change. He would change and then beg for forgiveness. Yes, he could do this. He could try and be a dad and a brother again.

Chapter Text

When he was asked by his brother to attend the upcoming discussion with the Jiang Sect, Lan Qiren didn’t mind coming at all. Not when he knew that his brother was still adjusting to the life of a Sect Leader as well as the life of a father. Sometimes, Lan Zhan would prefer to come to Lan Qiren when he felt overwhelmed and while Lan Huilang would feel sad at these times, he knows well enough that it would be a slow process. He could wait just as his sons had waited for him. 

Lan Qiren was slowly carving out a place for himself in the Lan Sect, not only as a venerated professor, but as the Head Scholar, a position that had held too many responsibilities for him to have taken up before. Of course, he would still help his brother with the sect when needed, but now he was able to throw himself into the research and the teaching that he had foreseen himself doing as a young child. 

The other scholars had welcomed him in with open arms, having remembered the bright student that Lan Qiren had been as a child and Lan Qiren could not be any happier about it. He, although it would never be said out loud, was scared and nervous about his peers’ reaction to him coming back. He didn’t want to seem like a person who had just taken someone else’s spot, but rather someone who was working hard for the spot that he deserved. 

His life had been running smoothly, three days with his brother, helping him get acclimated again, three days with the scholars, helping himself get acclimated again, and one day of forced bonding for his brother and his nephews. This one day was often the most fun for Lan Qiren though he would never admit it to himself. It was fun in a way he didn’t know could be fun before. He found himself being amused by the antics that his nephews came up with and the games that his brother was willing to play.

Of course, all of this was done in the little cottage right outside of the Cloud Recesses territory. This was where the recently deceased Madam Lan had lived and though Lan Qiren is not sure of the discussion that his brother had with his kids, there was a weekend where the four of them renovated the area. There was a memorial tablet put up here in honor of the late Madam (as well as in the Lan Ancestral Hall) and the garden was weeded out and new flowers were planted (Madam Lan’s favorite, of course). 

The entirety of the cottage had been repaired and the inside was cleaned and aired out before the family added some decorations that they thought the late Madam would have liked. Lan Qiren himself went down to Caiyi Town and bought a few more books of poems that were more of the whimsical romantic tales, knowing full well that the vendor had looked at him weirdly. 

Safe to say, his life in the Cloud Recesses has had many changes during the past few months as the Lan Sect got used to having their original Sect Leader again and not just their Acting Sect Leader. His brother has seemed to have gotten most of his strength back, his nephews seemed happier, and Lan Qiren knew that he was feeling a lot more content in the life that he was living. 

The upcoming trip to Lotus Pier would be the first one that his brother would make as the real Sect Leader though, so Lan Qiren could understand why his brother had asked him to come along and even he knew that it would be best. Of course, if the both of them went though, that meant that both Lan Zhan and Lan Huan would have to come as well (though he would never say it in front of the kids, Lan Qiren and Lan Huilang were in the midst of clearing out the Elders). 

When Madame Lan had died, Lan Qiren saw how his nephew had been. Lan Zhan had acted as if the world had stopped without his mother, and while Lan Qiren could not fault the young child, he would always be happy that his brother finally came out to pick up the pieces that had been left behind. Lan Zhan was much more comfortable telling the brothers his wants and needs, and Lan Qiren could not be happier. When Lan Zhan had gone mute for those few weeks, Lan Qiren had felt as if he had failed and there was an ever growing pit in his stomach. The pit swallowed his heart when he saw Lan Huan stepping up and faking smiles left and right in order to pretend that all was well for his brother. Lan Huan had grown up much too early, and though Lan Qiren would never admit it even under oath, Lan Qiren had promised himself to always be attentive to Lan Huan’s smiles. He could not call himself their uncle if he could not even tell when a smile was fake. 

It was through this that Lan Qiren knew how to get the promises of courtesy. Lan Qiren made sure that all the preparations his brother had made were up to date with what was expected from today’s politics (this was the easy part) and he made sure that his nephews also knew how they should behave. He told them that while there would be a lot of time for them to play around at Lotus Pier, there should also be a modicum of decorum that they will carry themselves with. Lan Huan was always much quicker on the uptake of politics than Lan Zhan was, but Lan Qiren had managed to get a promise of good behavior out of him in the end.

When the day finally came for the small family to depart from the Cloud Recesses for Lotus Pier, Lan Qiren took Lan Huan in his arms almost immediately. His brother had been getting along with Lan Huan easily, but Lan Huilang still seemed much more awkward with Lan Zhan and perhaps this would be the push that Lan Huilang needed. They rose on their swords, a group of eight disciples behind them carrying gifts for the Jiang Clan, and Lan Qiren waited until his brother started flying forwards to fly himself. 

The journey itself was uneventful for Lan Qiren as he and Lan Huan enjoyed some small talk about the classes that Lan Huan had been taking as the Sect Heir. Lan Qiren glanced over at his brother, feeling pleased when he saw Lan Zhan in his arms and the two of them seemingly in a serious conversation. He knew that it was very likely that the conversation was something that Lan Zhan had experienced in his day (most likely seeing a bunny), and Lan Qiren was proud that his brother was playing along. He was surprised when he found that he was content these days despite all the change that was happening at the Cloud Recesses. Rather, the changes that were happening made him happy.

–

Lan Zhan felt as if the world had stopped when his mother stopped receiving his brother and him. He didn’t understand why his mother no longer wanted to see him, and he didn’t understand why his Uncle and Brother felt so sad. But then, his Uncle changed and he brought out his Father. His Father coming out changed his life again and the world started spinning again, albeit slowly. 

Now that they were going to the Lotus Pier, Lan Zhan was struck with the realization of how much his life had changed in the last year as he talked to his father about his calligraphy. His father talked to him and listened to him seriously even as he complained about the difficulty of making his strokes look elegant. A year ago, he couldn’t even dream of speaking to his father, much less complain about something so mundane. Lan Zhan was not ashamed to admit that he was sad as the group descended onto the Lotus Pier. He really wanted to talk to his father a little bit more. 

As soon as they arrived, Lan Zhan made sure to act like the proper heir that he was, bowing at the exact correct angle. Though he didn’t speak or give any greetings, he could tell that Sect Leader Jiang felt respected enough to allow Lan Zhan to keep his silence. As Lan Zhan looked up, he caught a glance of Madame Yu and he immediately felt a sense of fear. This was not a person that he wanted to mess with, he realizes. She had a fierce look on her face, not a stern one like his uncle nor a friendly one like his brother. It wasn’t even a serene one like Sect Leader Jiang or the nostalgic face of his father. It was fierce and it scared him, so Lan Zhan did what made him feel safe. He moved to hide behind his Uncle, gripping at his pants’ leg. 

“Uncle…Xiongzhang and Lan Zhan goes.”

Lan Zhan would always be grateful for the attention that his Uncle and Brother gave him, he realizes. At this sentence, his Uncle immediately stopped the Sect Leader Jiang from giving any more of his speech as he placed a hand on Lan Zhan’s head.

“Ah, Sect Leader Jiang. This is my brother, Sect Leader Lan. I’m sure that the two of you will have much to talk about. If you’d like, I’d be happy to take the children to the pier and watch them for the afternoon. It seems as though my nephews would like to view the Pier as well.”

“Right! That sounds great! Qiren can take the children while we talk, Sect Leader Jiang. It has definitely been such a long time since I’ve been in seclusion, shall we catch up?”

Lan Zhan looked up at his Father in shock when he heard the quick agreement only to be met with a playful grin and a wink. His ears warmed at the thought of his Father being kind enough to help him out and he went over to hug his Father’s legs, rubbing his cheeks as a thanks. 

“Sure, sure! That sounds great. Please, Qiren, if the children are too much, do bring them back.”

“Of course, come along children, let’s go,” his Uncle takes Lan Zhan’s hand in one and his Brother’s hand in another as his Uncle leads the way to the Pier. The Jiang children followed along and it seemed as though Young Lady Jiang and his Brother were getting along well enough. They were both kind with smiles that seemed ever present and Lan Zhan hoped that the Young Master Jiang would be the same. His hopes were dashed when he was met with a scowl.

Oh. This would be a challenge, Lan Zhan thinks to himself.

–

Lan Zhan does not like the Lotus Pier. He had spent the day out in the sun with his Uncle, his Brother, and the Jiang children. While it was pretty, Lan Zhan could not stand the heat nor could he stand the Young Master Jiang. Jiang Cheng had been angry at everything. When Jiang Yanli had been splashed by his Brother in a game that the two of them seemed to enjoy, Jiang Cheng had gotten up and pushed his Brother into the lake.

Lan Zhan could not say that he had ever hated a person before, but he might hate Jiang Cheng. He realizes that this may be irrational, but he can not stand the fact that someone had tried to hurt his family again. No one is supposed to be able to touch his family, his little world. 

It was much past when he was supposed to be asleep, but he found that he could not sleep. These thoughts plagued him. He was very rarely outside the Cloud Recesses, and Lan Zhan thinks that he may understand why his Uncle dislikes going to other Sects now. He had always found that going down to Caiyi Town was interesting and fun, yet going any further was not fun to him at all. Rather, it was an annoying experience and he found that he didn’t like the other Sect Heirs.

Lan Zhan gets out of bed and decides that he should go over to his Uncle’s room. He could tell his Uncle about this and he’s sure that his Uncle would definitely listen to him and give him a solution. As Lan Zhan walks outside, he squints his eyes in the dark.

Were those sparks? Lan Zhan rushes a little to his Uncle’s room, throwing open the doors and going over to grab his uncle’s sleeves. 

“Uncle! Sparks!” Lan Zhan leads his Uncle out to the spot where he had seen the purple sparks from before, pointing to it. His Uncle squinted as well, the sleep not yet having fully left his face. They made their way to the suspicious spot, his Uncle holding a few protection talismans up as a way of defense. 

As they got closer, Lan Zhan’s eyes widened at the sight before his Uncle’s hands covered his eyes, hearing his Uncle’s angry voice, “Yu Ziyuan!”

Lan Zhan knows he won’t ever forget the scene. The scary Madame Yu had been bringing her whip down on a small boy. The purple sparks were from the whip. The small boy had looked up at Lan Zhan and his Uncle. The small boy had met his eyes. The boy had eyes that were filled with the most pain that Lan Zhan had ever seen.

Lan Zhan thinks to himself that he may hate Yu Ziyuan more than he hates Jiang Cheng.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian wasn’t sure why he still stayed in Lotus Pier. Sure, he realized that by staying he had food, a roof, and a safe place to hide away from the ghouls and monsters that haunted the world. At least, that’s what Shijie tells him when he goes to her after his disciplining sessions with Madame Yu. 

Shijie was kind to him. She tended to his wounds, she gave him kind words, her touches were gentle, and her soup was warm. Wei Wuxian thinks that she’s his favorite from the Jiang Clan. Though he's been taught that she was not family and that she was kind to everyone, he wants to believe that she had a soft spot for him. Otherwise, there was no way that she would have given him such kind words, right? She doesn’t protect him like the other older siblings that Wei Wuxian had seen on the streets, but he understands. Shijie was born with a weak heart and she couldn’t go up against her mother. Her hugs didn’t hurt, and Wei Wuxian welcomed the change.

Jiang Cheng was nice too. In his own way, he was kind to Wei Wuxian. Jiang Cheng talks to him, though his words can be a little bit harsh. Wei Wuxian knows that Jiang Cheng doesn’t mean it. He knows this because every time he’s chastised, Jiang Cheng always comes to apologize. Jiang Cheng threatens him but never acts on those threats, so Wei Wuxian thinks that that’s just the way Jiang Cheng is. Jiang Cheng is tough, but kind. 

Uncle Jiang is also kind, Wei Wuxian thinks. Uncle Jiang found him on the streets and offered him a home. He gave Wei Wuxian a home that sheltered him. Uncle Jiang gave him food and always had a smile ready for him. Uncle Jiang consistently fought for him to be able to stay, and Uncle Jiang even gave him a courtesy name ready because it was the last present his parents had left for him. Uncle Jiang may not have been able to allow him to wear the purple of Jiang, or to be adopted properly, but Uncle Jiang had told him that he was always welcome in the Yunmeng Jiang. 

Madame Yu…was kind. Wei Wuxian has a hard time thinking this thought sometimes, but he reminds himself of this fact every night. Madame Yu was taking the time out of her day to discipline him. She allowed him to eat with them at the dining table everyday and she allowed him to form his own golden core. She allowed him to train with the other disciples and she allowed him to stay, even when she really didn’t seem to want him there. 

But, just because they were kind didn’t mean that Wei Wuxian felt like he belonged. He knows that he should be happy here at the Lotus Pier, but he wasn’t. He felt lonely despite being surrounded by friends. He felt hated despite the praises that he got from everyone. He felt inferior despite being the ward of the Sect Leader. Wei Wuxian thinks that sometimes he would rather have stayed on the street. 

Wei Wuxian likes to go out to the pier at night, when no one is there, hanging his feet above the water, sometimes even dipping his toes in. He likes to sit there and look at the moon. Sometimes, just looking at the moon will calm him down. Sometimes, he asks the moon why it had taken his parents away. Other times, he makes the wish that he would find a place to belong. 

Tonight, Wei Wuxian looks at the moon and asks for a family. He has accepted that his own family will not come back and that the Jiang Clan will never be his own family and so, he wishes for a brand new family. One that would love him and made him feel like he belonged. He had just taken off his shoes, about to dip them in when he heard a hiss from behind him.

Wei Wuxian quickly turns around, the blood draining from his face and his eyes widening when he sees who stood behind him, “M-Madame Yu!”

“What do you think you’re doing?” Wei Wuxian scrambles to his feet, only one of his shoes put on as he hastily does a bow to the Lady of the Sect. He didn’t want to anger her any more so he stayed silent, knowing that if he tried to speak, it would make it worse. She hated listening to his answers. 

“I asked you a question, are you not going to even answer me?” her voice rose a little and Zidian sparked purple. Wei Wuxian glances at her wrist, gulping loudly. He already knew what she wanted so he meekly stands up and sheds his outer robe before turning around and kneeling on the dock. “Oh, so I have managed to teach you something after all.”

The first hit didn’t hurt. Wei Wuxian thinks that it may have been because it still came as a shock to him every time. The second time hurt and Wei Wuxian had to bite his lip in order to keep in his whimpers. Madame Yu told him that good children don’t make noise when they’re not supposed to. She hated it when he made noises as she was disciplining him. The fifth hit makes his eyes squeeze shut, tears starting to roll down his face. The tenth hit causes him to fall down onto the floor, and by the fifteenth hit, Wei Wuxian could feel his vision start to go black.

He hears another voice and some more movement, the sounds starting to be more hurried. He looks up and Wei Wuxian swears that he saw an angel that day. An angel with golden eyes.

–

Lan Qiren was furious. There were not many times that he could say he felt furious, the only times that he could remember being angry in his adulthood was when Cangse Sanren shaved off his beard, his brother left the Sect to him, and now. There was a small child that was laying on the floor, having passed out from the actions of Madame Yu and Lan Qiren could not take that. How could someone be so callous as to whip a child to the point of unconsciousness?

Lan Qiren hurries forward to pick up the small child, taking note of how light the child seemed to be, shooting a glare of the Sect Madame, “We will talk about this later. For now, I am bringing this child to the infirmary. If they will not treat him, just know that we will also talk about that.”

After picking up the child, Lan Qiren is surprised to feel a tug on his robes. He looked down only to see Lan Lan Zhan near his robes, a clearly worried look on his face. Lan Qiren hadn’t known Lan Zhan to be an emotional person, and even though getting his father back had made it so that Lan Zhan had been seen a lot happier these days, Lan Zhan had never been so outwardly open with his emotions before. 

Lan Zhan had gotten attached to a child that was half his size despite not having ever talked to him before? Lan Qiren was confused, this was not something that Lan Lan Zhan would do. Yet, before Lan Qiren could dwell on it, the child in his arms let out a small sound of pain. Lan Qiren could only hold the child closer to his chest, doing his best in order to shield the child from any biting winds that would come their way. 

Lan Qiren took Lan Zhan’s hand into his as he quickly, but calmly, made his way towards where he knew the Jiang Healer’s Pavilion would be. Xichen had gone there a couple of summers ago because of a small accident and Lan Qiren had never forgotten where it was. 

The instant he made it to the pavilion, he called out for a healer. A person came out, who he assumed was the Head Healer, and when he presented the child to her, he was met with horrified gasps. It seems as though this happened quite often, as the Head Healer quickly went to the backroom and brought a few more healers with her, all of which began grabbing materials in order to help the child. 

Lan Qiren could only place the small child onto the bed, feeling his heart ache when soft whimpers seemed to come from the child. The noises seemed to make the small child’s body shake and Lan Zhan went over to the bed quickly. Lan Zhan took the small child’s hand in his own tenderly, stopping Lan Qiren in his tracks when he almost scolded his own nephew for being too rough. Lan Zhan was a good child, Qiren would admit, but there was rarely a time in which Lan Zhan determined that someone deserved caring softness rather than blunt words. 

Lan Qiren sat down on the chair next to the bed, keeping an eye on everyone in the room. He made sure that the healers were actually helping the child and not harming him. He made sure that Lan Zhan was doing good for the child and that Lan Zhan was happy enough to not throw a tantrum. The most important thing was that he made sure he noticed it right away when Jiang Fengmian came through the door. 

Lan Qiren stood up as soon as he saw the Jiang Sect Leader coming in, going to intercept him at the door. He doesn’t want to admit it, but the next words that came out of his mouth were laced with poison, almost lowered into a hiss. 

“Did you know about this? Were you just a standby for this too?”

Chapter Text

“And what do you mean by that, Lan Qiren? Please be reminded that you are merely a guest here. You do not have the right.”

Lan Qiren couldn’t help but let out an unceremonious snort at what he was hearing. Though the words were polite, the glare on Jiang Fengmian’s face showed a different intent. Jiang Fengmian was trying to threaten him? Despite having this child that was already bleeding and injured on the bed? A child that Lan Qiren had personally seen Madame Yu whip to this state? Without knowing the entire situation, Jiang Fengmian was already determined to see Lan Qiren as a threat? The audacity could only make Lan Qiren laugh.

“Is that supposed to be a threat to me, Sect Leader Jiang? Perhaps you should remind yourself that while I am indeed a guest, I am also the current Senior Advisor to the Great Sect Lan. Not to mention, I am the brother of the Lan Sect’s current Sect Leader. You are not to hurt me while I am in your lands and you are not to threaten me. Or perhaps, you would like to breach the Great Clans’ Treaty?”

Lan Qiren could see Jiang Fengmian taking in a breath to calm himself and as much as the rules advised against it, Lan Qiren couldn’t help but feel amused. He had made the always so passive Jiang Fengmian lose his composure. As if to rub salt against the wound, Lan Qiren brought his sleeves forward and bowed his head, to the exact degree that was appropriate to greet another sect’s leader. He took on a more polite tone as well, bringing their relationship back to the proper one, acting as if the last few moments had not happened.

“Sect Leader Jiang.”

Lan Qiren couldn’t be sure if that was a growl that he heard come from Jiang Fengmian, but he would allow himself the small smirk hidden by his sleeves regardless. Maybe it was the late hour that was messing with his brain, but Lan Qiren couldn’t see a situation where Jiang Fengmian didn’t know about the abuse that the boy was going through. And honestly, to Lan Qiren? That was enough to warrant the hard time that he was giving Jiang Fengmian.

Jiang Fengmian regained his composure much too quickly for his liking. Lan Qiren had been enjoying the aggressiveness that Jiang Fengmian had been outwardly showing him, especially since he knew that Jiang Fengmian couldn’t do anything about it whether he wanted to or not. Jiang Fengmian returned the bow, his head slightly higher as Lan Qiren was no longer a Sect Leader.

“Lan Qiren. To what do I owe this late night commotion?”

“Uncle.”

Lan Qiren wasn’t sure how Lan Zhan had managed to sneak up on him but he would have to chalk up his inattentiveness to the strange situation that he found himself in. Lan Qiren put a hand on Lan Zhan’s head in order to try and give him some type of reassurance. Lan Zhan seemed to be attached to the boy already and this must be a tough situation for him.

“Lan Zhan, why don’t you go and get your Father and Xiongzhang?”

“Lan Qiren!”

“Tell them that they should come and meet us in the Main Hall. Ah, Healer, could I please bother you to lead Lan Zhan to the Sect Leader Lan’s sleeping quarters? He is still young and I do not wish for him to get lost.”

The healer that had just come in with another water basin to help clean the boy seemed to jump in shock as she was addressed, but Lan Qiren kept his eyes on Jiang Fengmian. He lightly pushed Lan Zhan towards the healer. He knew that Jiang Fengmian would put up a fight when the accusations against him and his wife started and having his own Sect Leader there would make things much easier, not to mention having his older brother there. As for Lan Zhan and Xichen, he was unsure if they would be safe by themselves and he would rather not have Lan Zhan here to watch the healers try and put the boy’s skin back together.

Lan Zhan put up resistance as the healer took his hand to go out of the pavilion. Lan Qiren spared a glance at his nephew as Lan Zhan continued to pointedly look between him and the boy with a look of betrayal, but Lan Qiren knew that it was best for Lan Zhan not to stay.

“Go, Lan Zhan. Bring your Father and Xiongzhang. It would help.”

“Lan Qiren! How dare you!”

“Then, Jiang Fengmian, should we have this discussion here? Shall we talk about it in the presence of the boy and where your healers are trying to heal? We would only disturb them. Let us discuss this in a more appropriate area, shall we?”

Lan Qiren felt smug as he saw Jiang Fengmian’s face grow red. Lan Qiren couldn’t tell where his sudden boldness was coming from tonight, but he wasn’t going to begrudge it when it seemed to be giving him the upper hand right now. He might regret how he was approaching this situation later after a night’s rest, but for now, he was enjoying making the Sect Leader lose his composure. 

“Fine,” Jiang Fengmian seemed to spit out. “Please, follow me, Advisor Lan.”

A miniscule sigh of relief left Lan Qiren’s lips when the Sect Leader acquiesced. While Lan Qiren knew that Jiang Fengmian was much more of a pushover than his wife, if Jiang Fengmian truly wanted, this incident would be an easy one for him to cover up. This was an unknown boy that was being hurt by one of the most well-known Sect Madames. There were a multitude of reasons that Madame Yu could make up in order to make her actions seen as reasonable. If they did it this way, however, there was a larger chance that Madame Yu would be seen as the villain of this story. As she should, there should never be a reason for anyone to whip a young boy so much.

Jiang Fengmian turned to lead the way to the Main Hall and Lan Qiren followed after him, doing his best to be aware of his surroundings. While beautiful in the daytime, the lakes and lotuses that surrounded Lotus Pier were haunting at night. When it seemed to represent the joy and cheer of the people that lived here during the day, the flowers seemed to be full of sadness during the night. Lan Qiren knew that it was probably because of the terrible sight that he had seen earlier, but he couldn’t help but think that the piers themselves seemed to cry in pain. 

The walk itself was short, but the silence seemed to stretch further than from one peak of a mountain to the other. As both of them were Sect Leaders at one point, they walked with the decorum of one, meaning that even their footsteps were light. As Jiang Fengmian opened the doors, Lan Qiren held himself back. As much as he wanted to disrespect the other by pushing through first, to have this discussion be successful, he couldn’t do anything that could jeopardize his arguments. He had to be polite. 

The two of them headed to the middle of the room where a small table was laid, the same table that had been used to welcome him earlier in the day. Lan Qiren stood at the guests’ side, waiting for Jiang Fengmian to sit down first before taking a seat himself. He swept his sleeves before placing his hands in his lap as was proper, continuing to keep his eyes on Jiang Fengmian. He felt his amusement return when he saw Jiang Fengmian begin to squirm slightly under his stare.

“Tea. Ah, would you like some tea?”

It seemed as though the walk here had made Jiang Fengmian lose the fight that had been in him before. Lan Qiren was curious as to what Jiang Fengmian had thought of during that walk, but he was not curious enough to ask. Instead, he merely inclined his head. Jiang Fengmian called in for some servants who left just as quickly as they came. 

The servants did not take long to return with the tea, but during that time, Lan Qiren could see that Jiang Fengmian was starting to grow more and more nervous with the entire situation.  Lan Qiren bathed in the energy that Jiang Fengmian was showing him, and it took all the etiquette lessons that he had taken as a child in order for him to keep the smirk off his face. 

The servants came back with the tea a few moments later, just in time for the Main Hall’s doors to burst open again, revealing the rest of his family standing in the doorway. His brother looked harried, as if he had just gotten out of bed which Lan Qiren supposed was true, but he had never seen his brother look like that regardless and it was a sight in which Lan Qiren wished he could have immortalized.  His nephews were the complete opposites of each other, one of them looked extremely angry while the other one looked sleepy. Lan Qiren supposes that it makes sense since there was no way that Lan Zhan wouldn’t have still been angry. Even though Lan Zhan was often considered a good boy, when he held a grudge over something, he would hold that grudge for a long time. 

“Brother, what is happening? Why did A-Zhan come to me all…like this?”

“Brother, come have a seat. Xichen, Lan Zhan, you guys too. We need to have a chat with Sect Leader Jiang now. I’ll tell you once you guys are all settled down. We have some tea here too.”

Lan Zhan immediately let go of his Lan Huilang’s robe and ran over to Lan Qiren, kneeling down next to him in the proper posture before taking Lan Qiren’s robe in his, turning his gaze up to him. Lan Qiren placed a hand on Lan Zhan’s head, softening his features slightly in order to reassure his nephew. The both of them dropped their hands as soon as Lan Huilang and Xichnen came over, the both of them settling down on the opposite side of Lan Qiren.

“Sect Leader Lan, Children, welcome. Would you like me to pour you some tea?”

“No thank you, Sect Leader Jiang. I only came at my brother’s behest. Shall we listen to what my brother has asked us all here for?”

Lan Qiren looked at Jiang Fengmian as he took a sip of his tea, setting his cup down afterwards with a sigh of appreciation. Despite the situation that he found himself in, Lan Qiren could not help but admit that the tea that was served was truly a good blend.

“Well, Brother, tonight Lan Zhan seemed to have a difficult time sleeping as he sometimes does. As we met, he managed to notice some sparks from the other end of the pier and imagine my surprise when I noticed that these sparks had a purple tint to them. Of course, we went to check it out as we were worried the sparks may cause a fire in Lotus Pier. As we arrived, we bore witness to Madame Yu bringing her first-class spiritual weapon, Zidian, multiple times onto a young boy’s back. A boy that appeared to be half than Lan Zhan’s age.”

“...A boy?”

“A boy, Brother. A small boy that is now laying in their Healing Pavilion as the Healers try to repair him and his skin.”

“Is this true, Sect Leader Jiang?”

His brother rose up and sat straight, the perfect posture and one that every single Lan Elder would be proud of. Lan Qiren picked up his cup in order to take a sip, already feeling himself relax. His brother may have not been out in the world of politics for quite a while, but before that, Lan Huilang was well known to be one of the best Sect Leaders. There was a reason that he had been chosen for the role over Lan Qiren, after all.

“I…I am not sure, Sect Leader Lan. At this point, isn’t it just hearsay? How do we determine who is telling the truth and who is telling the lie? My wife must have a very good explanation for all of this.”

“Then bring your wife out, Sect Leader Jiang. How could she not be here when she is the one that is being accused?”

“Well, my wife may-”

“Bring her out. Before I decide to bring her in front of a Discussion Conference for these matters instead.”

Lan Qiren’s jaw almost dropped at the shock he felt at the sound of his brother cutting off another Sect Leader. Sure, he could definitely understand the temptation to cut off the other as it was not the best situation to be having such a conversation, but he never thought that anyone from his sect would do it. He felt even more smug when he saw Jiang Fengmian signal to one of the earlier servants to go and get the Sect Madame. 

It didn’t take long until Madame Yu came through the door, her dress still covered in some of the blood that she had whipped from the boy and Lan Qiren felt rage run its course through his veins again. How could she walk in nonchalantly like that as if she didn’t just whip a small boy?

“San-niang…I was trying to protect you. But, I see that their accusations must have some truth to it. Who was it?”

“How dare you believe some strangers over your own wife? I am not even sure what I have been accused of and yet you sit there and demand for me to confess? Who is who? What are you even talking about?”

Jiang Fengmian sighed a slow breath and turned to the Lan Delegation that was sitting in front of him, bowing his head. Lan Qiren couldn’t help but feel relief. Relief that this wasn’t going to be dragged out much longer and when he turned to look at his brother, he realized that his brother felt relief too. Most likely because this bow of defeat meant that the Lans wouldn’t have to make an enemy out of another sect just yet. Lan Qiren reached over to Lan Zhan and tugged the sleepy boy onto his lap.

“I will talk to San-niang about this. Please accept our apologies. We will have this discussion again in the morning when we are all more…well-rested.”

“YOU!”

“Thank you, Sect Leader Jiang. We will take our leave now.”

His brother truly was fitting into the old role well, Lan Qiren had to admit. He was doing well, and even Lan Qiren could not have done any better in the situation. The both of them stood up, taking each of the boys in their arms and headed outside. 

Lan Qiren looked at his brother when they went outside, giving his brother a small smile of thanks before bidding him goodnight and taking Lan Zhan back to his room for the night, remembering the reason why they had managed to see the boy in the first place. He hoped his nephew would be able to sleep well after this. 

Chapter Text

Lan Zhan hadn’t managed to sleep a wink last night. After the discussion that his Uncle and Father had with the Sect Leader Jiang, he had gone back to the room with his Uncle, though the nightmare that he had seeked his Uncle out for in the first place had long been forgotten.

His Uncle had tucked him into the bed accompanied with a small kiss on his forehead, though Lan Zhan could sense the hesitation that had come before the action. He didn’t mind though. Rather, his heart warmed at the fact that his Uncle did it regardless of whether or not it made his Uncle uncomfortable. The Lans weren’t supposed to be so indulging, but Lan Zhan could not deny that it made his heart warm.

Regardless, that night Lan Zhan tossed and turned in the bed and as his Uncle was getting him ready this morning, he did something that he hadn’t done in a long while. Lan Zhan was always straightforward and steadfast in all his decisions, but he knew that this would be a little hard for even his Uncle to allow. Lan Zhan tugged lightly on his Uncle’s robes, a soft whisper leaving his lips, “Uncle…”

“What is it, A-Zhan? Do you still want to sleep some more?”

The concerned look on his Uncle’s face made Lan Zhan backtrack a little. He hadn’t wanted to concern his Uncle and he didn’t actually know what he wanted to say just yet. So Lan Zhan just shook his head, his face scrunching up involuntarily as he chose his next words more carefully. In the end, he got too nervous to state his real request, and so he ended up asking a more lighthearted request. 

“Uncle, am I needed today?”

“You are always needed by us, Lan Zhan. But, you have no duties for today. Is there somewhere that you would like to go instead?”

Lan Zhan nodded slowly as he brought his ribbon over for his Uncle to tie on his forehead. He hadn’t thought about it until now, but he supposed that he would really like to go meet the boy that he had met last night, Wei Ying as he had learned. 

“And where is that?”

“Lan Zhan wants to go to Wei Ying…please.”

Lan Zhan, as polite as he normally was, rarely ever said the words “please” as it was not required for someone of his station. He had a high enough rank that everything that he said, he could expect that it would be done for him. Rather than requests, his words were seen as a command. Though, at the same time, he had always had to be careful of what he was requesting because requesting too much could reflect poorly on himself and his family. But this was truly a request and while he expected that it would be fulfilled regardless, he knew there was a chance that it wouldn’t. 

The pause that his Uncle had gone into was stretching a bit too long and Lan Zhan was about to retract his statement, when a soft smile that Lan Zhan had never seen before graced his lips. His Uncle patted his head softly and Lan Zhan was ready to huff about his hair already being ruined when his Uncle gave his reply. 

“Of course you can. Let us have breakfast first. We will bring him lunch.”

Lan Zhan couldn’t help the slight smile that graced his lips. He didn’t notice his Uncle staring in shock as he merrily went on his way, unaware of the turmoil that he had just caused his Uncle. It does take a moment for Lan Zhan to realize that his Uncle was no longer following after him, but as soon as he does, he’s quick to turn around and hold out his hand. The action was so childish, but Lan Zhan felt too happy to truly care about how he was presenting himself. He’s sure that his Uncle would tell him if he was acting too out of line. 

His Uncle doesn’t take long before he’s by Lan Zhan’s side, taking the outstretched hand almost reverently, having never seen Lan Zhan so blatantly ask for the touch of another (not since his mom, Lan Qiren notes bitterly). He wasn’t someone that would give up this opportunity regardless of how selfish his intentions may be in taking his nephew’s hands. 

They continued to hold hands all the way to Lan Qiren’s brothers room, the place that they had somehow agreed to have breakfast in every morning. When they did this, Lan Qiren could not remember, but it was apparently what they were going to do whenever they could now. He only knocks once before he let himself in, knowing full well that despite being a Lan, his brother was not one to be an early riser when there was no need. Being in the Jiang’s domain definitely meant that there was no need as the Jiangs often woke up much later in the day than any of the Lans did. 

The rest of the morning goes quite fast, Lan Qiren notices. He had to shake his brother a few times to wake him up and he got a glare for his efforts. He had breakfast, a quiet affair though Lan Zhan does make a face at some of the foods. He doesn’t admonish the young boy though, knowing that some of the foods are a bit too strong in flavor for him. He takes Lan Huan and Lan Zhan out to the piers to take a walk, explaining some of the history behind the Jiangs, hoping that seeing the place where their fellow cultivators resided would help them in remembering the information that he was giving them. His brother could handle the paperwork that they had brought on their trip, he decides, he had done it for so long after all. 

By then, lunchtime had already come, and he found Lan Zhan’s shining eyes on him again. Lan Qiren doesn’t notice (his brother definitely does) as a soft smile finds its way onto his lips at the silent request. He takes the time to go to the kitchen with Lan Zhan and, while it does forego some sect decorum, asks for a small bowl of porridge that he’s sure the boy in the infirmary could eat. They have their own food as well, the cooks in the kitchen fussing over them all and giving extra snacks for the boy that he finds is named Wei Wuxian (and all of a sudden, everything makes so much more sense though it doesn’t make it right ).

They make their way over to the infirmary and he lets Lan Zhan knock on the entrance. They are quickly ushered in by the Head Healer and lead over to the boy that is already awake and watching them carefully. Lan Qiren is unsure of what he may have remembered, knowing that it was late and the boy (Wei Wuxian, his mind corrects) had suffered a lot of injuries the night before. 

To be honest, Lan Qiren isn’t sure how to approach Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian is the manifestation of his parents, and Lan Qiren had never been sure of how to approach Cangse Sanren. It was easier when Lan Qiren had thought that Wei Wuxian was just some unfortunate servant, but now that it was light out, he could see all of the similarities that he couldn't before. 

The silver eyes for one. Those were a clear resemblance to Cangse but there was also the way his face was mischievous even when he was still. It was the way his lips were pouty, but it seemed wrong if there was anything but a smile on his face. It was the way he had high cheeks and his eyes seemed to crinkle at the corner slightly. And when he saw the smile that was offered their way, it was the way the smile was so gentle and inviting and caring. And all of those similarities made Lan Qiren miss Cangse even more than a normal day. 

Though Wei Wuxian was almost exactly like Cangse, Lan Qiren could see his father too. It was Wei Changze’s eyes, and his nose. It was Wei Changze’s calm countenance that was reflected in Wei Wuxian’s eyes and the small fidgets as if Wei Wuxian couldn’t stay still. Lan Qiren did not know Wei Changze well, but looking at Wei Wuxian, there was no doubt on his parentage. Lan Qiren thinks Madame Yu even more stupid that she couldn’t see the same. 

“Hello! You guys are the ones that saved me last night right? I’m Wei Wuxian! It’s really nice to meet you. I’m sorry I can’t get up and bow to you.”

The guilt that had been constricting Lan Qiren’s chest seems to only constrict him more, the sunny countenance of the boy making him feel guilty about not being able to protect him all this time. He knows, logically, none of this is really his fault, but he still can’t help the guilt. He could have helped Wei Wuxian earlier. Wei Wuxian would have scars now. He couldn’t protect Cangse’s child. 

“Lan Zhan.”

Lan Qiren had been so caught up in his thoughts, he didn’t notice Lan Zhan climbing up onto the bed, settling himself by the other. The food is left haphazardly on the chair by the bed that was quite obviously made for the guests, Lan Zhan having decided that it was more important to introduce himself rather than give them the food. 

Wei Wuxian was cute, Lan Zhan had decided. Lan Zhan knew that he was being a bit pushy and a little bit overbearing at the moment, but he couldn’t help himself. There was some type of pull that he could feel towards Wei Wuxian even if he had barely seen her for two seconds. But, it didn’t seem to bother Wei Wuxian at all. Rather, it seemed as though Wei Wuxian liked the fact that Lan Zhan was on the bed with him, and to Lan Zhan, that was more than enough for him to continue doing what he was doing. 

“Wei Wuxian. Open.”

Lan Zhan watched as Wei Wuxian’s head tilted to the side slightly,as if he was confused as to what Lan Zhan meant. But, Lan Zhan also watched as Wei Wuxian opened his mouth with that same quizzical look and Lan Zhan was content with that. He takes the porridge that he had brought for the bright boy in front of him, taking a small spoon and placing it into Wei Wuxian’s mouth. 

Wei Wuxian spluttered a little, and Lan Zhan’s eyes widened minisculely as he realized that the porridge must still be hot. He wants to comfort the boy in front of him, but he’s also extremely aware that he had the porridge in his hand. 

Lan Zhan felt like crying. He had been alone most of his life, barring his brother and his Uncle, and he had never felt the effects of this until now. He didn’t know how to comfort the person that he wanted to comfort and the more he dwelled on this fact, the more his chest hurt. 

“I’m sorry, Wei Wuxian.”

“Ah, don’t worry, don’t worry!” 

Wei Wuxian stated with a wave of his hand. The bright grin was back on his face, but that only made Lan Zhan want to cry even more. He didn’t want his newfound friend to have to pretend around him, and make no mistake, Lan Zhan knew when someone was faking their happiness around him. He had just never cared before. 

The tears that had been welling in his eyes finally tipped over and he could see the worry in Wei Wuxian’s eyes. He could also probably see his Uncle’s worry if he deigned his Uncle any type of attention right now, but he could only think about the boy in front of him. The boy who he, for some reason, couldn’t bear to see hurt in any type of way. Lan Zhan had decided that Wei Wuxian should only smile from now on, and he swore it to himself that that was what he would do. 

But first, the porridge. Lan Zhan took in a few deep breaths until he had composed himself well enough to realize that he could put the spoon back into the bowl first, and he did so before wiping away any tears that had fallen with his sleeve. Afterwards, he takes the same hand, his only free one, and reaches out to pat Wei Wuxian’s cheek lightly. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it was hot.”

The words came out in murmurs, much softer than Lan Zhan would have liked to apologize, but it seemed to do the trick in stopping Wei Wuxian from having that worry etched all over his face. It was replaced with a soft smile, genuine Lan Zhan noticed, and he considered it a win. He also considered it a win when Wei Wuxian leaned in closer to him and whispered in his ear as if there was some large secret that nobody besides the two of them should know. 

“Wei Ying. You should call me Wei Ying! You’re the only one who feeds me porridge besides my parents and they only call me Wei Ying or A-Ying, so you need to too!”

Wei Ying. The pretty boy that Lan Zhan had met in Lotus Pier. 

Chapter Text

The trial that had been set for Madame Yu ( Yu Ziyuan , Lan Qiren’s brain supplies bitterly, she is no Madame ) is set much faster than Lan Qiren thought it would be. While it had still taken over a month for the date to be announced, set to happen a week later, Lan Qiren suspects that the only reason it had been announced at all was because he had stayed behind the entire month. While this would normally be a fatal political mistake, Lan Qiren had taken advantage of two facts to stay for so long. 

The first was his current strange, tentative position in both his own Sect and in the cultivation world as a whole. Lan Qiren was no longer the official Lan Sect Leader, but he had significantly more sway than a regular Lan Elder did. He would no longer be their representative at any Conferences, but he still held the power of veto and the official stamp for the Sect. People may have expected that the Lan Clan’s leadership would be stabilized already, but this was not the case. Both he and his brother had agreed to take it slow with the leadership, trying to get his brother not only accustomed to running a Sect again, but also to form the bonds with his sons that he had let wither throughout the years. 

Speaking of the children, they were the second reason that Lan Qiren had been able to stay for so long. It seemed as though Lan Huan had formed a close bond with the Young Lady Jiang, perhaps over their experiences as being the firstborn and the woes of having younger siblings. Lan Zhan had also formed a strong bond, though it was not with the Young Master Jiang. It seemed as though he had taken to the small boy that he had saved, the both of them only referring to each other by their birth names, something that Lan Qiren could not imagine doing with even the closest of his friends. 

The both of them had been visibly sad when they were told that they had to leave during the original date, and that had been enough for Lan Qiren’s brother to agree that they could stay behind. He had gone straight to Jiang Fengmian, declaring that the Lan delegation would have to stay for a much longer time, but Jiang Fengmian had blanched at the idea of having all those extra people in his Sect for so much longer, and so, even though Lan Qiren didn’t believe he deserved it, Lan Qiren had taken pity on him and came up with a compromise. 

He would stay with his two nephews and two more disciples. The rest of the Lan delegation would have to return with his brother. Jiang Fengmian had wanted to deny this as well, but Lan Qiren simply mentioned that he wanted to be here for Yu Ziyuan’s trial in which he had the right to be, as a witness in it all. Jiang Fengmian could do nothing but agree when it was brought up, and Lan Qiren revels in the fact that he could still win in a match of facts, not that he would ever admit it. 

“Uncle, may I go play with Wei Ying?”

Lan Qiren looks down at Lan Zhan who peered up at him with a small pout. Lan Qiren is sure that Lan Zhan isn’t even aware that he dons a small pout these days whenever he asks to play with Wei Wuxian, and Lan Qiren wasn’t going to reprimand him for it. Not when it seemed to only be whenever he wanted to meet with the boy, it wasn’t a hindrance to anything else anyways.  

“You may. I’ve been told that he will be down at the piers today, learning how to swim again with his injuries. You may join him if you so wish.”

Lan Qiren could almost see the wheels in Lan Zhan’s head turning, most likely thinking about all the options that he had and whether or not he would be willing to get in the water. Seeing how he had to think so hard about something so small made Lan Qiren grieve for what could have been. While he had been struggling to accept all his new roles, his nephews were forced to accept the consequences of his inadequacy. Of course, it wasn’t entirely his fault. He protected them as best as he could, no matter how anyone else tried to spin the story. 

The Lan Elders, for all their preaching about ‘righteousness’, were just a bunch of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Lan Qiren knew that the second anyone from the main family showed any kind of weakness, they would descend and tear them apart. So, if he were honest, this small vacation was for the children’s benefit as much as it was for his own. Here, they were allowed to play more than they were allowed to at home, which was ironic considering Lan Qiren considered them to be in enemy territory.

At least his nephews were given some semblance of freedom here, as small as it may seem at times. Lan Qiren is happy enough with that. This train of thought is what brings Lan Qiren to the pier with Lan Zhan, settling himself at the edge of the dock while he watches the other two. He closes his eyes to meditate, though he knows that this meditation was just a pretense to try and pretend to have some nonchalance. 

He had spread his Qi all over the area, making sure to keep track of Lan Zhan’s energy so that he could make sure that his nephew was being safe. He then went on to make sure that Wei Wuxian’s energy and the Jiang Healer that was assigned to help him that day was also well-known to himself. He would keep track of where they were, but he would also close his eyes in order to give them the freedom that they so enjoyed. 

The rest of the afternoon was peaceful and Lan Xichen came to join him a few minutes into his ‘meditation’. Lan Xichen sat down next to him and seemed to meditate as well, though Lan Qiren is sure that Lan Xichen was actually meditating, unlike him. 

It was a good day. Even with all the things that seemed to loom in the horizon.

—

The day of the trial came much faster than Lan Qiren had anticipated, if he were to be honest with himself. Perhaps it was because he found himself enjoying the much needed time with his nephews. Now though, his nephews were off playing with Wei Wuxian (he did not have permission to call the boy anything but, and he will continue to respect this) and he was sat at a table in the Lotus Pier Reception Hall. Jiang Fengmian had already taken his seat on the throne, and while Lan Qiren would normally feel miffed about this, he knows that it is tradition. Lan Qiren had always been a traditional man. 

Multiple Sect Leaders had been invited to take part, to bear witness to Madame Yu’s trial. They were all subsidiaries of the Jiang Sect and yet, looking at their countenance, they did not seem fond of the Sect Madame. The Elders were present too, and this shocked Lan Qiren. He had been told that the Jiang Elders tended to prefer to stick to their own, almost never getting involved in the decisions of their Leaders. 

Perhaps that too was Madame Yu’s influence. 

“Bring her in.”

The severity of the situation could be seen in Jiang Fengmian’s eyes and yet, Lan Qiren was unsympathetic to it all. How could he feel sympathy for a man that was apathetic to the dangers that his ward was in? No. Lan Qiren would not be sympathetic to Jiang Fengmina, but he would hope that Jiang Fengmian is able to rebuild the Jiang Sect to what it had been. Before the Violet Spider had woven her webs everywhere. 

“Let me go! I’ll have you punished!”

Yu Ziyuan was heard before she was seen, her voice carrying into the hall where all the other Sect Leaders were sat. Many of them had the decorum and the respect towards Sect Leader Jiang to keep their gazes looking forward and ignoring the loudness, but the Lan Delegation did not have the same. Lan Qiren turned his head to evenly look at Jiang Fengmian sitting on the throne, his gaze full of judgment even if there was no change in his expression. Jiang Fengmian avoided his gaze just as evenly, but this didn’t deter Lan Qiren from staring at him. He’s sure that Jiang Fengmian would be able to recognize what he wanted to say regardless of whether he actually reacted or not. 

Yu Ziyuan is forced onto her knees, though her eyes are still full of murderous rage as she looks up to the Jiang Sect Leader. Lan Qiren can see that Jiang Fengmian is ready to cave under her malicious gaze, the only thing keeping him from doing so probably the other leaders that had attended. 

A disciple came up, unfurling a scroll that was long and Lan Qiren could feel the headache coming back. This scroll was how the Jiang Sect did things, having their investigation done separately and only having their will read aloud. However, the Leader would have written this proclamation, and Lan Qiren would never trust Jiang Fengmian with the fate of Yu Ziyuan. He was always too soft of a man to deal with her. 

“Leader of the Jiang Sect, Third Daughter of the Yu Sect, Yu Ziyuan is now on trial for the mistreatment of Jiang Sect Disciple, Song of Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren, Wei Wuxian. All the spectators here promise to do their duty in making sure that the most righteous trial will be held in accordance with the Jiang Sect Laws and the overall Cultivation Laws. Are there any disagreements?”

Finally , Lan Qiren almost blurts out. A chorus of agreements sound across the room and Lan Qiren echoes the sentiments, wishing for this entire thing to be over with. It was a fuss. Though, he supposes that it’s a much better thing that this trial happened at the Jiang rather than at the Lan. The Lan Trial was much longer, after all. 

“Then, in accordance with the Jiang Law, a committee has already looked into the claims. We have found that Yu Ziyuan is guilty in many aspects. Use of a first-class spiritual weapon repeatedly, excessive force with weapons repeatedly, unfair treatment in terms of punishment, neglect, and last of all, she is guilty of all of this against a child. Though the Jiang have no laws against this, in accordance with the Cultivation Laws, her punishment shall be more strict.”

The disciple that was in charge of reading out the scroll hesitated here and Lan Qiren begins stroking his beard. He knows that what comes next would make his heart rate spike, but he was here for one thing and one thing only. He had to stay to the end for his goal.

“However, taking into account that she is the Sect Madame of the Jiangs and Wei Wuxian is a disciple of the Jiangs, we can not allow her to be executed. Therefore, as the Sect Leader commands, Yu Ziyuan will be banned from nighthunts for the year.”

There is a long pause, Lan Qiren is waiting for more. After a few silent moments, Lan Qiren turns to the coward of a man sitting on the throne, “That is all?”

“Yes. What more should I do?”

“You must at least take Zidian from her. She has shown to be unreliable with it.”

“That is her weapon. I have no right to–”

“She had no right to do what she did.”

Another leader in the room had spoken up. Lan Qiren is glad that he is not the only one that sees how absolutely absurd this situation was. Jiang Fengmian begins arguing again and Yu Ziyuan is finally able to open her mouth, and vile words are the only things that seems to leave it. Lan Qiren closes his eyes and takes in a deep breath, the commotion around him slowly growing to be too much for him to handle. If this were the Cloud Recesses, there would never be something as unfair as this.

“No more nighthunts until she is a proper Madame. No more Zidian. Wei Wuxian is to come with me to the Cloud Recesses. I will not accept any less.”

“Lan Qiren! Do not be so bold as to tell me what to do in my own clan.”

Lan Qiren was able to easily meet Jiang Fengmian’s venomous look with one of his own. While he was unsure of whether or not he would be able to actually raise the child well, given how stretched he already was with his nephews and his brother, he was absolutely sure that he would be able to do better than whatever Jiang Fengmian was allowing in his home. 

—

It takes a few hours for all the details to be straightened out and for the discussion to be over, but Lan Qiren is proud of what he manages to do. He had gotten everything that he wanted and some more. Wei Wuxian would be able to come back to the Cloud Recesses with him. Yu Ziyuan would not be given access to the child. Jiang Fengmian has a look of utter defeat on his face. 

Whatever else was discussed had nothing to do with him, and Lan Qiren allowed himself to take more of a background character in those talks. He was content and there was a rule about being too happy. Or being too greedy. Lan Qiren is too satisfied to care, he decides.