Chapter Text
Lan Zhan really hated discussion conferences, simply because of how long they could be. This one was running especially long since the matter of who would care for Jin Ling was on the table. Hardly none of the other sects had a say in the matter but it was obvious this was not in Sect Leader Jiang's favor. He appeared to be keeping his calm as much as he could, but Zidian sparked on his fingers like a warning.
They had been at this for going on two hours and yet had not come to a conclusion. Lan Zhan didn't get it, Jin Ling was Jiang Cheng's only remaining relative, they should just give him to the Yunmeng Leader with visitations to Lanling as he got older. At least, that's what he would have done.
"With all due respect Sect Leader Jiang, you're mourning right now, furthermore you're unmarried and the child needs a woman's touch in his care," Jin Guangyao was saying.
The cultivators in the room hum in agreement at the sentiment.
Lan Zhan's face remained passive as ever, though he was internally grimacing. He hated Jin Guangyao's smile, it seemed so fake and it made him uncomfortable. Jiang Cheng scoffed and rolled his eyes, it was so unbecoming of a sect leader that Lan Zhan had to repress a smile. At least he wasn't the only one uncomfortable with these meetings.
"I see, it does make sense and Sect Leader Jin is married with a child of his own soon on the way," Nie Huaisang says.
He glances over at Jiang Cheng quickly with a smirk. Jiang Cheng misses the implication but Lan Zhan does not, and his head was beginning to hurt from all the senseless back and forth.
"Mn. If Sect Leader Jin has a child on the way he won't have time to care for Jin Ling. Sect Leader Jin mourns his brother as well," Lan Zhan says.
His brother looks at him with masked surprise as all the cultivators in the room seem to agree with that and even Jiang Cheng seems shocked at the helping hand. For a split second, Lan Zhan can see the smile slip from Jin Guangyao's face as Nie Huaisang looks at the younger Lan brother proudly, hiding behind a fan.
"For every three months he lives with me he can live a month with you, as he gets older that can change since he is the Jin Sect heir," Jiang Cheng offers.
"Three months is a long time," Some random cultivator says and Lan Zhan straightens up.
"Mn. Not long enough actually. Jin Ling is only a baby, he needs lot of nurturing and care right now, I believe Sect Leader Jiang can give him that," Lan Zhan says.
There's a pause, Lan Xichen's breath hitches from on side of Lan Zhan and the younger fears he's overstepped. The Jin Leader looks as if he wants to kill Lan Zhan on the spot.
"Are we sure you aren't being biased, we all know you cared for the Yiling Patriach who is Sect Leader Jiang's brother," Jin Guangyao says.
Lan Zhan balls his fist underneath the table, it was a low blow and honestly Lan Zhan didn't care for either of these men, he just wanted to go home. Luckily, Sect Leader Jiang begin to find his voice again at this moment.
"You dare question the honorability of Hanguang-Jun? Aren't you being rash now Sect Leader Jin?" Jiang Cheng challenges.
"We aren't getting anywhere with this, Chief Cultivator what is your solution?" Someone asks.
Nie Huaisang waves his fan in front of his face feigning idiocy. His cheeks flush red as he shakes his head looking surprised.
"I don't know, whatever Hanguang-Jun thinks," He says.
Lan Zhan can feel the marks on his back become irritated and he wonders why he even came. He needs to get to his room before he collapses and change his bandages. He sits up straighter and then looks at his older brother, who's watching him carefully.
"Mn. Three months to one." Lan Zhan says, voice holding finality.
"Then this matter is settled, can we have a break now?" Nie Huaisang asks.
There are murmurs of agreement all through the room and Lan Zhan stands when his brother does. Powering through the pain of his injuries, Lan Zhan bows to the others in the room, swiftly taking off before Jin Guangyao can approach him.
He doesn't quite sidestep Sect Leader Jiang however. The Sect Leader falls in step next to Lan Zhan until their out of the meeting hall before he pauses and then bows. It's so unlike him that Lan Zhan freezes upon the sight.
"Thank you," Sect Leader Jiang says.
Lan Zhan gives a stiff nod, while he wasn't exactly someone who liked the man, he didn't want to seem rude and he sort of needed the man just as the man probably needed him. However, that was something that could be addressed at a later time, when it didn't feel as if his skin was on fire.
"Mn. I only said what was appropriate," Lan Zhan says.
Jiang Cheng raises from his bow and clears his throat but Lan Zhan is saved from a meaningless conversation by the sound of a shriek. Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes but it's fond, something Lan Zhan would have never thought he could say about the man. Suddenly there's a thud against Lan Zhan's leg and then a toddler clad in gold at his feet.
"Jiujiu, we go home now?" The child asks, seeming to not care about the dirt covering his robes now.
It was so un-Jin like, his uncle must have been an influence already. The Sect Leader goes red in the face as he begins to scold his nephew on appearances. The child doesn't seem to care much about that however as he raises his hands to be held and Jiang Cheng wastes no time in doing so. With the clear distraction present, Lan Zhan sneaks off to his room.
He passes by his brother speaking to Jin Guangyao and neither party looks pleased. Lan Zhan assumes Jin Guangyao was whining to Lan Xichen about his interference in their 'family matter' but he truly did not care. Once in the confines of his room, he uses a talisman to prevent all sounds from exiting and locks the door.
He strips free of his robes and pulls a vial of oil from his qiankun pouch. He'd become somewhat of a pro at putting the oil on his wounds without help over the course of his seclusion. He had a feeling the elders would be upset upon knowing that he had spoken in stance with the Jiang Sect on his first discussion conference since he left seclusion. Especially considering the last time he spoke at one it was in Wei Wuxian's defense.
In his heart Lan Zhan still knew that Wei Ying had been framed for all those murders and events, he just had to convince Sect Leader Jiang of the same. With steady hands he wrapped his wounds and then played his guqin until he heard a knock on his door. He pulled his robes back on before opening the door only slightly. He came face to face with none other than his brother.
"Brother." He said before pulling the door open and allowing the older male in.
Lan Xichen took a seat while Lan Zhan immediately began to prepare tea. The two of them relished in the quiet while Lan Zhan prepared them cups. It wasn't until he had finished pouring the tea, that Lan Xichen spoke.
"Wangji, is there a reason you spoke up for Sect Leader Jiang today?" He asks.
Lan Xichen had never been one to beat around the bush when it came to the two of them. Often times, it wasn't until they were in public that he spoke in riddles and proverbs. Lan Zhan looked up at his brother and he isn't sure what his face said but his brother made a noise that sounded kind of like 'ah'.
"I see, do you wish to send A-Yuan to Lotus Pier?" He asks.
Lan Zhan hadn't thought of that actually, he was simply going to request an audience with Sect Leader Jiang so they could talk about the overwhelming elephant in the room. As of now, no one even knew of A-Yuan except the Lan Sect and they weren't sure if they were going to keep him or not. Sure they had been caring for him while Lan Zhan was is seclusion but that was mostly his brother's doing and not the sect's.
"No, then are you maybe trying to make amends for Wei Wuxian?" He asks.
Lan Zhan swallows thickly, if anyone knew the extent of Lan Zhan's feelings for Wei Wuxian it was Lan Xichen. While three years was a long time to mourn someone, hearing his name still made Lan Zhan's heart ache. The Lans love for life thing wasn't a joke, but he could admit it got a bit easier over time, though he would never forget Wei Ying, especially when no body had been found.
"Nie Huaisang spoke on the matter so I did as well, nothing more," Lan Zhan says.
Which was not a lie, Lan Zhan really wasn't going to say anything since it was a family matter, but his wounds were irritated and the debate had been dragging on. If Nie Huisang hadn't said anything, he doubts he would have.
Lan Xichen seems to think for a second before accepting the answer. He knew better than anyone when Lan Zhan was lying, which was never, and his brother was telling the truth at that moment. Lan Zhan brings his cup to his lips slowly, as another knock sounds on his room door. Lan Xichen raises his eyebrow at the sound.
"Were you expecting someone Wangji?" He asks.
Lan Zhan shakes his head no as the knocking becomes more insistent. Lan Zhan opens the door and sees no one, before a flutter of robes fly past him and he sees tiny feet climb into his bed.
"Lan gege hide me," Jin Lings yells before ducking under the blanket.
Lan Xichen smiles behind his glass as Lan Zhan looks on at the child in awe. How he had managed to sneak past Jiang Cheng, he couldn't understand. He looks to his brother but Lan Xichen looks away, leaving his brother to deal with the active four year old.
"You're a Lan too," Lan Zhan says.
Lan Xichen smiles and stands up, clearing the teapot and cups from the table.
"Yes, but this is your room, the meeting resumes in an hour, I should go speak with A-Yao before then," Lan Xichen says.
Lan Zhan has no choice but to watch as the traitor leaves the room, smiling the entire time, leaving him with the Jin Sect heir. Lan Zhan takes a seat at the edge of his bed and tugs the blankets from over the child's head.
"Not safe," He says, mouth formed into a thin line.
The child looks at him with wide eyes, as if he's surprised Lan Zhan could speak. He hadn't met the child before today, only seen him in passing. So why Jin Ling had sought him out and was trusting him, he didn't understand. Children were always too trusting anyways.
"Who are you hiding from," Lan Zhan asks.
The child pouts and then crawls towards Lan Zhan, he grimaces at the mud on his sheets, making a mental reminder to have them changed later on. Jin Ling doesn't say anything immediately, he holds out his arms and Lan Zhan, without second thought, lifts him. He's careful as to not dirty his robes.
"Hiding from the mean nanny," Jin Ling says.
Lan Zhan frowns internally though the expression on his face doesn't change. Children tend to be dramatic however, something he learned from A-Yuan. He can remember the boy going on about how a disciple pushed him into a pond, only to find out that A-Yuan had tripped and the disciple tried to catch him but could only grab ahold of his shirt.
"I'm sure she's worried sick looking for you," Lan Zhan says, brewing yet another pot of tea.
It would help calm his nerves as he thought about how to get Jin Ling back to his nanny without seeming like he had kidnapped the child.
"Uhn uhn, she hits me," Jin Ling says.
Lan Zhan freezes while steeping the tea leaves. He tries to tell himself that it's not his business, but flashbacks to bruises on A-Yuan make him hesitate. Should he tell Sect Leader Jiang of the claims since Jin Ling is his nephew even if there is no proof, or should he tell Sect Leader Jin since it's happening in Koi Tower and not Lotus Pier.
"Have you told your uncle?" Lan Zhan asks.
The child huffs and continues to cling to Lan Zhan while he prepares tea. Lan Zhan takes two cups and pours tea into them, before using his spiritual energy to cool one of them down. He gently sits Jin Ling down before pushing the cooler cup towards the child. Luckily, Jin Ling remembers to put his hands together and bow in thanks before drinking the beverage.
"I told shushu once, he said I have a very strong ima-imagi- I forgot the word," Jin Ling huffs.
Lan Zhan is saved from having to respond to such shocking information by a hard pounding on his room door. Jin Ling immediately sits his cup on the table and climbs Lan Zhan's back to hide. Lan Zhan tries to ignore the throbbing of his wounds as he walks to the door. He's completely ready to turn a way a disheveled nanny but that's not who he meets at the door.
"Sorry to bother you Hanguang-Jun, Jin Ling is missing, you wouldn't have happened to see him right? He was with the Jin nanny and she claims she hasn't seen him in a while, useless I swear," Jiang Chengs says.
Up close Lan Zhan can see how worn down the young male looks. Bags under his eyes, dark circles, and permanent frown lines adorn his face but somehow he's still strikingly handsome. Lan Zhan envies how put together he looks despite those obvious cracks. He is about to tell Jiang Cheng that he has the child when Jin Ling decides to make his own presence known.
"Jiu Jiu, will you have tea with me and Lan gege?" He asks, way too excited for someone who is no doubtly about to be scolded.
Still, Lan Zhan pushes his room door open as an invitation. Jiang Cheng looks between the two of them curiously before stepping forward, so Lan Zhan moves back to let him in. He glances around the room before taking a seat on the floor and waiting for Lan Zhan to do the same.
When they sit, Jin Ling decides to climb down and make himself a spot in his uncle's lap instead, the sight is mildly endearing. Sect Leader Jiang looks soft, which isn't a word Lan Zhan would have used to describe him before today.
"Spoiled brat, why are you running away from your nanny huh? What if i knock you out?" He asks, but the child giggles.
He must know the threats are empty.
"I wanna go home with Jiujiu, I don't want to stay here," Jin Ling pouts.
Jiang Cheng ruffles his hair and then kisses his forehead.
"Well, thanks to Hanguang Jun, now you will," He says.
Lan Zhan's ears flush, he didn't think he did much besides say the truth, there was no need to express extreme gratitude to him or anything. Somehow Lan Zhan feels like he's intruded in his own bedroom, he's unfamiliar with seeing Jiang Cheng with a child, and children tended to make even the iciest hearts melt, Lan Zhan would know.
"No need. I only said what was true," Lan Zhan says.
Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes, quite childish if Lan Zhan was to say so. He then stands and dusts off Jin Ling's robes. The child seems to be content with his uncle holding him.
"Well let me go inform the nanny and Jin Guangyao that I've found the little brat," He says.
Lan Wangji doesn't say anything and Jiang Cheng turns around and heads for the door. Now really isn't the time to discuss Wei Wuxian and definitely not the place, but Lan Zhan fears he may not have another chance, besides they still had some time before the conference continues.
"Stay. There's something I want to discuss with you," Lan Zhan says.
He mentally pats himself when Jiang Cheng turns back around with a raised eyebrow.
"And it need to be discussed now?" He asks.
"Mn. I fear we won't have another chance," Lan Zhan says.
Jiang Cheng looks at his nephew, who's playing with the bell hanging from his waist before grumbling to himself as he sits. Lan Zhan brews his third pot of tea in the last hour with a heavy heart. He knows Jiang Cheng hates Wei Wuxian, but they were brothers before everything and maybe he could convince the man to join him.
"Alright then, speak. Or are we just going to look at each other like two idiots?" Sect Leader Jiang says.
Lan Zhan has to suppress his own eyeroll. Leave it to Jiang Cheng to ruin a calm atmosphere the second he opens his mouth. Lan Zhan simply wants to ask him to help search for Wei Ying's body and investigate Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli's unjust death. When he opens his mouth, that isn't exactly what comes out.
"I have a child," He says instead.
The look on Jiang Cheng's face would be considered comical if it weren't for the fact that Lan Zhan was beating himself up for saying something so stupid. He hadn't wanted to say that, exposing A-Yuan could be putting them both in danger. To his surprise, Jiang Cheng laughs. It's such an unusual sight, Lan Zhan doesn't think he's ever seen the man laugh, he can count on one hand the amount of times that he's seen him smile.
"Yeah right, you don't even like women Hanguang Jun and you expect me to believe that you have a child," He says.
Lan Zhan frowns.
"Sect Leader Jiang, lying is forbidden. I never said that the child was of my blood, however he is a Lan by name," Lan Zhan says.
He feels the need to defend himself and Lan Yuan. Jiang Cheng's face straightens out into something serious and he looks down at Jin Ling who has fallen asleep in his uncle's arms.
"What? How? Explain," Jiang Cheng says.
He's at a loss for words. What did Lan Zhan mean he had a child? Furthermore, why wasn't he denying Jiang Cheng's allegations of him being a cut-sleeve, though that wasn't the most important thing. Lan Zhan straightens up and refills Jiang Cheng's cup first.
"What we discuss doesn't leave this room Sect Leader Jiang,"
"You have my word Hanguang-Jun"
Lan Zhan looks passive as ever but Jiang Cheng can at least tell that the man is frowning. He doesn't want to be an asshole, but he's not a very patient man, and the entire conference was probably looking for Jin Ling at this moment.
"Three years ago when the Burial Mounds was burned to the ground I went there, looking for Wei Ying," Lan Zhan says slowly.
He watches Jiang Cheng inhale sharply as the information connects and then the realization hits. His face turns to it's usual hard expression and Lan Zhan hopes that this isn't going to backfire on him so soon.
"You found the Wen child and took him in," Jiang Cheng says.
It's not a question, he knows the answer. So Lan Zhan nods, and watches Jiang Cheng's face. Zidian sparks upon his finger and Lan Zhan's hands find Bichen's hilt immediately. Jiang Cheng scoffs and gives Lan Zhan a blank look.
"She reacts to all of my emotions, her spark isn't always a threat, I'd be an idiot to threaten you with my four year old nephew in my hand," Jiang Cheng says.
He has a point, so Lan Zhan relaxes his hold on his sword and nods at Jiang Cheng once again.
"Why me? Why tell me this?" He asks.
"Sect Leader Jiang takes good care of Jin Ling, works well with kids, I have no such experience," Lan Zhan says.
They've strayed from Lan Zhan's original goal, but maybe that was okay. In the month he's been out of seclusion, A-Yuan has refused to leave his side, and he's had constant nightmares. Lan Zhan has hardly gotten any sleep or any work done.
"Are you— you want my advice?" Jiang Cheng asks in disbelief.
Lan Zhan simply nods while moving to clear away the tea set for good this time. Jiang Cheng shuffles so that he can be a little more comfortable with the sleeping child in his arms while trying to collect his thoughts, there was so much to take in.
"A-Yuan is very polite and well mannered, however he has nightmares and likes to sleep with another person, I have not slept in a month," Lan Zhan admits.
Jiang Cheng clicks his tongue, just as there's a loud knocking on Lan Zhan's door, he must have been popular today.
"Visit me in Lotus Pier and we can discuss further," Jiang Cheng says.
Lan Zhan nods before opening his door, he cones face to face with his brother once again, however this time he's accompanied by Jin Guangyao. His eyebrows furrow yet before he can say anything, Jiang Cheng steps in front of him with a grimace on his face.
"Zewu-Jun," He says politely.
"Sect Leader Jin, I was just coming to find you, A-Ling was asleep in Lan Zhan's bed when I got here, see to it that he gets fresh sheets, A-Ling got mud all over the man's bed," Jiang Cheng says.
Jin Guangyao is smiling but Lan Zhan is sure if looks could kill, Sect Leader Jiang would be dead. However, Jin Guangyao smiles and shakes his head, immediately calling for a woman nearby. He goes to take Jin Ling but Jiang Cheng sidesteps him with ease. Lan Zhan masks his amusement at the sight.
"I'll bring him, I need to find his stuffed dog anyway, he can't sleep during the night without it," Jiang Cheng says.
Lan Zhan watches him leave before turning to his two other guests. He refuses to invite Jin Guangyao into his room, even though Lan Zhan was in Jin territory. He didn't trust the man at all, and he was unsure of why. Instead he steps out of his own room and closes the door behind him while his brother smiles politely.
"I was under the impression you and Sect Leader Jiang hated each other," Jin Guangyao says.
Lan Zhan's mouth is flat, the man hadn't even waited until Jiang Cheng was all the way down the hallway to speak of rumors involving him. He was sure his brother could tell he was agitated by the statement. Lan Zhan normally wouldn't be so rude or passive towards other Sect Leaders but he didn't think that applied to his brother's sworn brother.
"We are not enemies and we are not friends. I did not take you for one to listen to rumors," Lan Zhan says.
It's an insult and for a split second Jin Guangyao frowns, but it's just as quickly replaced by a smile.
"Walk with us to the meeting room again," He asks.
However, when Lan Zhan looks at his brother he knows it's not a suggestion, it's a command. He pulls his mouth into a deeper frown but moves to walk alongside his brother instead of Jin Guangyao. The man used to be a spy, there was no way Lan Zhan was letting his guard down around him, hence why he put up talismans so that no one could hear him and Jiang Cheng's earlier conversation. Even his brother didn't know A-Yuan was a Wen, and he intended to keep it that way.
Lan Zhan mainly listened to his brother and Jin Guangyao speak on their journey back to the meeting hall, giving a few hums when he was directly spoken to. When they entered, everyone stood to greet each other, and Lan Zhan gave a few half-assed bows. He took his seat next to his brother, who sat next to Jin Guangyao. This placed him in front of none other than Sect Leader Jiang, who shockingly had Jin Ling seated on his lap.
"Is it appropriate to begin with the child in the room? We know how your temper can be" Jin Guangyao says.
The man's smile doesn't leave his face but Lan Zhan inhale sharply, though it's only low enough for his brother to hear and look at him questioningly. Zidian sparks but not enough to be a threat and Sect Leader Jiang looks at Lan Zhan for some reason before he speaks.
"He's four, he can hardly understand what we say, also the last Jin nanny I left him in the care of, allowed him to wonder off and be lost for who knows how long," Sect Leader Jiang says.
Some of the other sect members hum in agreement as if he had a point. Jin Guangyao urges to defend his sect almost immediately.
"Jin Ling may be four but he's very sneaky and good at escaping the nannies, he's smart and often times he likes to trick them, it was hardly their faults," He says.
Jiang Cheng waves his hand as if to dismiss Jin Guangyao and Lan Zhan doesn't miss how the Jin Sect Leader grimaces at being ignored. He tucks the child closer to himself and then tells Nie Huaisang to proceed with the meeting, to which the Chief Cultivator agrees.
"The next order of business is complaints against The Jiang Sect," Nie Huaisang says hesitantly.
Silence, Zidian sparks, buzzes, and then dies out.
It was amazing how scared of a nineteen year old Sect Leader these men were. Lan Zhan hardly saw the man as a threat, but all the other sect leaders stood on edge around him, as if he'd take their heads off with Zidian at any moment. It was odd, Lan Zhan had always thought Sect Leader Jiang and Sect Leader Nie were close friends. They were very close at Cloud Recesses but then again, war changed people. They had both taken losses, Nie Husiang lost his nephew and brother, Jiang Cheng losts his parents, sister, brother, brother in law, and probably his pride too.
Something akin to pity settled into Lan Zhan's guts as he looked at the stress lines adorning the man's face, making him look way older than he actually was.
"—right Hanguang-Jun?" Jin Guangyao says.
Lan Zhan glances at his brother, who is looking at him with concern. Lan Zhan doesn't even know what they've been talking about, he was too busy staring at Sect Leader Jiang.
"Hmph, you had so much to say regarding Sect Leader Jiang earlier, not going to defend him now?" Su She asks arrogantly.
The other sect leaders give their acknowledgments in agreement to Su She's comment and Lan Zhan feels a headache coming on. He looks to his brother again and Lan Xichen sighs softly.
"Well? Do you think Sect Leader Jiang should lend out disciples to help with water spirits that have emerged in Jinlintai? It's only right considering the Jin Clan helped take down Wen Rouhan in that war," Su She adds.
Lan Zhan feels ice flood his veins, anger bubbling up inside of him but he masks his expression cooly.
"Everyone knows Sect Leader Jiang is rebuilding, he barely has disciples and the ones he does have are busy helping around Yunmeng. It would be unwise of him to send his disciples," Lan Zhan says.
Jiang Cheng doesn't smirk, but Lan Zhan sees his lips twitch for a split second.
"What about how the Jins helped him during the war?" Su She asks, now angry.
Lan Zhan stands with his hand on Bichen, other sect leaders place their hands on their swords as well. His brother grabs his hand cooly and Lan Zhan remembers where he is and takes a seat.
"Helped? Where were the Jins when Sect Leader Jiang's home was burned to the ground along with everyone he loved in it? Did they offer to hide him and his siblings from the Wens? Did they offer him money to rebuild? Did they offer him disciples? The same with Gusu Lan and Qinghe Nie? Everyone of us except the Jin Sect lost all we had. Where were any of you? How dare you lecture him about a war you didn't fight in? You were sitting on your new little throne while we fought for our lives, remember that Su She, and remember your place," Lan Zhan says coldly.
There's silence in the room as the weight of Lan Zhan's words settle. He doesn't look at Jiang Cheng, he doesn't look at his brother, he doesn't even look up, just brings his cup to his lips and begins to count how many rules he's broken. Nie Huaisang fans himself while covering everything but his eyes and Lan Zhan holds back a glare.
"Sect Leader Jiang is rebuilding, yes, and what you're saying is probably correct but the actual complaint on Lotus Pier is that, some of the other clan leaders' daughters keep coming back crying when trying to match with him for potential marriage, or something like that right?" Nie Huaisang asks.
Jin Guangyao shakes his head like he's proud before clearing his throat. If the water spirits weren't the issue why did Su She ask him such a thing? Was he trying to embarrass Lan Zhan because he obviously had not been paying attention? Lan Zhan clenched Bichen in his hand, underneath the table.
"Perhaps he's a cutsleeve like his former head disciple was," Someone says, it makes a lot of people laugh.
Luckily Jin Ling is asleep and doesn't have to hear the obvious insult thrown at his uncle. They're talking about Wei Ying obviously and Lan Zhan clutches Bichen harder at the mocking laughs. Jiang Cheng is tense, obviously angry but probably not wanting to start an intersect war for simple rumors and comments.
"Are we sure Sect Leader Jiang is the problem?" Lan Zhan asks.
He never talked much at these things but for some reason it seemed as if everyone got stupid in the three years he was secluded. He wasn't stupid, he knew of the rumors surrounding him and Wei Ying's friendship, and while it wasn't true, not everything was a lie. Lan Zhan did love Wei Ying, and they had even kissed once, but nothing more and they were not cultivation partners. They fought too much when Wei Ying wasn't joking around and had to be serious.
"Nineteen is very young to be married, and with the rebuilding of the sect how could he have time to consummate?" Sect Leader Ouyang says.
For the rest of the meeting, Lan Zhan is silent. He had nothing further to say and he had exhausted all of the energy he could muster on his ramble about the war. He would not be staying any longer, he would fly to Gusu as soon as morning came. Surely his brother could handle two more days of this on his own.
When more light hearted topics come around and people begin drinking, Lan Zhan sees Jiang Cheng slip out of the room. While noticing his brother distracted with Jin Guangyao, he does the same. Jiang Cheng still has Jin Ling tucked safely into his robes and he turns around the instance Lan Zhan exits the room himself.
"Let's have a chat Hanguang-Jun," Jiang Cheng says.
"Mn." Lan Zhan nods.
Jiang Cheng gestures to the child in his hands and then gestures to his rooms. Lan Zhan doesn't understand at first but he nods anyways. Jiang Cheng enters his quarters and when he comes back out, his hands are absent of the four year old he was just holding. He begins walking and Lan Zhan doesn't run but he quickens his pace so that they're walking side by side.
They stop upon a quiet spot in the back of Koi Tower near a pond. It's silent as Jiang Cheng looks out at the water, Sandu clutched between his fingers. Lan Zhan hesitates before walking closer to Jiang Cheng so that only the sleeves of their robes are touching.
"Bring the boy to Lotus Pier, plan to stay a week, I have a few different remedies that may work, tricks i've used to get A-Ling to sleep in his own bed, and trinkets I use for my own nightmares," Jiang Cheng says.
"Mn" Lan Zhan nods.
Jiang Cheng holds his breath and sighs. It's like he was expecting Lan Zhan to say something but the older male had exhausted all of his talking for the day, more than anything he was feeling embarrassed for losing his temper the way he did.
"How old is the boy?" Jiang Cheng asks.
"Six," Lan Zhan says simply.
Jiang Cheng nods and steps to the side placing some distance between the two of them. He turns and bows before straightening back up, in surprise Lan Zhan does the same.
"I'll see you soon then Hanguang-Jun," He adds.
All Lan Zhan sees is the flutter of purple robes and the Yunmeng Jiang clarity bell swaying from the sect leader's waist as he leaves. Lan Zhan waits until he's completely disappeared before retiring to his own rooms. Oddly enough, he doesn't leave that night, deciding to stay the full length of the conference, though he doesn't give his opinion anymore after that.
It's a full two months before Lan Zhan is able to travel with A-Yuan to Lotus Pier. Between the elders sending him to several matchmakers, and Lan Yuan being sick, he has no time. Lan Yuan makes his recovery after a month and Lan Zhan gets punished for refusing to speak to one of the women his uncle set him up with, after she had been rude to him and spilled tea into his lap.
The second his punishment is up, he packs for him and Lan Yuan and tells his uncle that he'll be back soon. Lan Qiren goes red in the face wondering what he had done to gain Lan Zhan's disrespect. Lan Zhan holds Lan Yuan to his chest as he travels by sword to Yunmeng.
When he lands two women meet him at the gate and bow to him respectfully, and with Lan Yuan in his hands he does not bow back. He had expected Sect Leader Jiang to greet him, the less people that knew of his child right now the better. He didn't bother to hide the displeased look on his face as he followed them to the gate of Lotus Pier.
"Hangun— Hangang— Lan gege," A voice called.
Lan Zhan didn't bother to change his expression although he did bow to the Jin Sect Heir. Jin Ling hastily tried to repeat the action but almost fell, and he would have if not for the purple ring covered hand that grabbed him before he could hit the ground. The child whined and reach his hands up for Jiang Cheng to lift him. The man did so without hesitation before he bowed to Lan Zhan with the child in his hand.
"How was your trip? Everything went smoothly?" He asks.
Lan Zhan doesn't say anything, choosing to nod instead. Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes, lips forming a frown that Lan Zhan had become way too familiar seeing. He gestures to the two women who greeted Lan Zhan when he first stepped into Yunmeng and they step forward.
"Clan Leader,"
"Sect Leader Jiang," They greet at the same time.
Jiang Cheng waves them off as he turns to Lan Zhan instead.
"Hanguang-Jun these are two of my spiders, Yu Hua and Yu Fang, while you are here they will be at your service, if you need anything tell one of them and don't hesitate to come find me if they do anything wrong," Jiang Cheng says.
"Mn. Yu as in Meishan Yu?" Lan Zhan asks.
It's the first thing he's said since his arrival and he can feel Lan Yuan stirring now that they are no longer flying. He wasn't sure how to tell Jiang Cheng without telling the spiders as well, and he wouldn't trust just anyone, not even the people Jiang Cheng trusted.
"Yes, Yu Hua is my mother's niece and my older cousin, Yu Fang is a former member of the Yu Sect as well. I was able to choose eight spiders from the Meishan Yu Sect once I began rebuilding since the clan leader is my great uncle," Jiang Cheng says.
Luckily he begins walking and his spiders wait for Lan Zhan to do the same before following. The obviously older woman lets out a chuckle and Jiang Cheng turns to glare at her.
"If anything we chose A-Cheng, my aunt was fierce and she made our entire sect proud, when he showed up demanding disciples and aid I saw her fierceness in his eyes, I knew there would be strength in standing by his side, and well he hasn't disappointed me yet," Yu Hua says.
Jiang Cheng's cheeks flush red and he quickly turns his head walking forward so that it's hidden, but it's too late, Lan Zhan has already marked down the way he looks for later use. When they reach the courtyard where the disciples are practicing sword forms, Jiang Cheng pauses.
"I'm going to take Hanguang-Jun to his room, and then we'll be going on a tour, I'll find one or both of you when you're needed," Jiang Cheng says.
The women bow to him and then take their leave with a chorus of "Yes, Sect Leader" before they go. Yu Fang stops to scold the disciples who have begun to play around and Jiang Cheng smiles slightly before he begins walking again. Lan Zhan follows him until they reach a few sets of doors. Surprisingly, Jiang Cheng is blushing again as he stands in front of the door.
"These are my rooms, I gave you the room right next door so I can hear for the child's cries and best aid you, they are technically the rooms for my future spouse so they have a connecting door. It locks from both sides, so if you don't want me coming in then please lock it," Jiang Cheng says.
He realizes that he's rambling a second too late, and the blank stare that Lan Zhan gives him doesn't make him feel any less stupid. He looks down as he opens the door and waits for Lan Zhan to enter first. When the door shuts behind them both, Lan Zhan carefully removes the cloth that had been covering Lan Yuan, only to be met with large curious eyes.
"Fuqin? Where are we?" He asks immediately.
Jin Ling blinks curiously at the older boy before looking back at his uncle and then the boy again. He frowns and wiggles to be put down to which Jiang Cheng obliges, curious about how they would react to each other.
"Jiujiu? Who's that?" Jin Ling asks.
The sound of his voice seems to make Lan Yuan realize there's another child in the room as well. He looks down at Jin Ling and Lan Zhan places him on his own feet so that the children can see each other. Lan Yuan crouches down so that he's Jin Ling's height and seems to inspect the younger boy before nodding and turning to his father again.
"Fuqin, this is my baby," He declares to which Jin Ling stomps his feet not liking that statement whatsoever.
"Not a baby," He says pouting.
Jiang Cheng bows to the six year old and Lan Yuan hastily bows back. He's very precise and gentle in his movements, a replica of Lan Zhan himself.
"What's your name little one?" Jiang Cheng asks.
He tries to speak softly but it comes out gruff like an order anyways. He couldn't help it, he talked to Jin Ling the same way. Although he wasn't good at coddling, children seemed to love him all the same. The members of his sect who had children often brought them along when they knew Jiang Cheng was free because of how much the children admired him. Why? He wasn't sure because in his own eyes, he was nothing special.
"My name is Lan Yuan mister," The child says, seeming to not be scared of Jiang Cheng's tone.
"My name is Jiang Wanyin, I'm the leader of this sect, and this is my home," He says.
Lan Zhan sits and Jiang Cheng follows suit easily, Jin Ling takes his place on his uncle's lap and yet Lan Yuan is too shy to do the same with his father so he sits at Lan Zhan's side instead.
"Do you know how to swim?" Jiang Cheng asks.
The little Lan shakes his head and then looks to his father for agreement. Lan Zhan pets his hair softly but gives no other reaction. Jiang Cheng purses his lips together, Lan Zhan is unsure of what the expression means.
"Once the two of you get settled in, come find me and Jin Ling and I will give you a tour of the new but old Lotus Pier," Jiang Cheng says sarcastically.
He stands and Lan Zhan moves to do the same but Jiang Cheng doesn't allow him to. He engulfs Jin Ling's tiny hand inside of his own and then waves at Lan Yuan. The child repeats the action with a smile on his face and so immediately Jin Ling does the same.
"Mn. Would like to bathe first," Lan Zhan says.
Jiang Cheng nods and then Lan Zhan watches him disappear through the adjacent door into his own room. With the sect leader out of sight, he pulls his qiankun pouch from his sleeve and prepares their clothing for when they are done bathing. Once he's got that sorted, there's a knock on his door and then both Yu Hua and Yu Fang enter carrying water pails.
He shields Lan Yuan from view as the two women fill the basin with water. They both bow to him before exiting the room with swiftness. He lets A-Yuan bath first, but doesn't wash his hair since they would be leaving the room and he didn't want the child to end up sick again. After Lan Yuan is cleaned, Lan Zhan bathes himself all while making sure the child is in his eyesight at all times.
Foregoing washing his own hair as well makes the baths quicker and pretty soon he's hesitantly walking to the door leading to Jiang Cheng's quarters. He takes a breath, feeling much lighter since he had rewrapped his bandages and applied healing balm, and then pushes the door open.
Jiang Cheng is on the floor meditating while Jin Ling ran circles around him. The sight was amusing to see, Jin Ling was trying anything to get his uncle to lose focus and failing. It startles a genuine smile out of Lan Zhan.
"Lan gege," Jin Ling shouts.
Jiang Cheng sighs but opens his eyes which makes the four year old start clapping. Jiang Cheng glares at him and he freezes looking like he's about to throw a tantrum, but a harsher glare stops that from happening immediately.
"Are you ready for the tour? Once we finish dinner should be served, I had my chefs stick to Gusu scheduling but the kitchen is open all night if you need it," He says.
Lan Zhan nods and waits for Jiang Cheng to call Yu Fang. When the women enters, Jiang Cheng explains that he needs her to watch the children while he gives the second jade of Lan a tour of his home. Lan Zhan wishes he had visited when Wei Ying was still alive, so that he had something to compare it to in his memory, but there was nothing.
Lan Zhan is wary of leaving Lan Yuan with the Spider but he knows he has no other choice and he only had to trust Jiang Cheng for the moment. Lan Yuan seems content with having Jin Ling show him each and every one of his toys anyway. So with that settled, he follows Jiang Cheng out of the rooms.
The tour is boring, it's everything you would expect from a large sect, throne room, training yards, kitchen, ponds, classrooms and such. He doesn't say much just listens to Jiang Cheng's explanations with his mouth pressed firmly together. He does however notice every time Jiang Cheng unwillingly speaks of his past with Wei Ying, he stops himself and moves on quickly.
They stop on the pier and Jiang Cheng stands to watch the sunset, while Lan Zhan stands on side of him.
"Let's buy the boy a stuffed animal, Jin Ling likes sleeping with his so he doesn't feel so alone," He comments.
Lan Zhan nods and checks his sleeves to see if he had his money pouch on him. He does, so Jiang Cheng turns and leads him towards the gates. He informs a lady by the name of Mo Yi, another one of his spiders, that they would quickly be going into town and to have dinner ready by the time they come back.
Lan Zhan worries about leaving Lan Yuan on his own but he tries not to think about it too much as he follows the sect leader. They take their swords just because it's faster and Lan Zhan still had some energy left. As they walk through the market where people are beginning to put things away, Jiang Cheng greets them all fondly.
Lan Zhan sees him smile at some of the older women as they dote on him and pinch his cheeks. They stop in front of one lady who looks blind and yet she smiles when they come in front of her. She brushes her hand across the cart and then drops a packet of Lotus seeds into his hand.
"Sect Leader Jiang welcome back, I bought the last packet of these for you, something told me you would be showing up today," She says sweetly.
Jiang Cheng puts the seeds into his sleeve and holds his hand out with a smile. She grasps his hand and then gasps.
"Who is the handsome young man you brought with you, surely he isn't from around," She says.
Lan Zhan bows to the women stiffly, unsure and uncomfortable. Jiang Cheng snickers before folding his arms across his chest.
"Ah this is Hanguang-Jun of the GusuLan sect, we've come to buy a stuffed toy for a child, but add some of your magic to it please," Jiang Cheng says.
The woman nods and then holds out her hand. It's silent and then Jiang Cheng turns to Lan Zhan and grabs his wrist pushing his hand into the woman's. She runs her hands over his and then she gasps loudly. Jiang Cheng flinches and Lan Zhan goes even more rigid if possible.
"The poor child, I'll have him something ready in just a bit, walk around some more, see if you can get me some Lotus Buns before Old Man Xie closes down for the night," She says.
Jiang Cheng nods gratefully and waits for her to let Lan Zhan go so that they may leave. They walk side by side in silence, Lan Zhan is curious but he doesn't ask. Jiang Cheng gives the information anyway.
"Auntie Bao used to be a cultivator, she used her qi to specialize in reading palms, now that she's blind she still uses that energy to see, some people say she can read minds, I'm not too sure about that but I wouldn't doubt it if she could.
When I was struggling with A-Ling during his first few months with me she stopped me and grabbed my hand. Next thing I knew she was giving me this stuffed animal for free.
I gave it to A-Ling and left him in his bed and he ended up sleeping that entire night. I came back the next day and asked her what had she done, she explained that she uses spirituality energy and qi to manipulate the stuffed animal based on whatever the child needs.
Basically I drugged A-Ling without drugging him, and now we're going to do the same with Lan Yuan," Jiang Cheng explains.
Lan Zhan hums as they stop at another cart. A frail old man is standing there with about six Lotus Buns left. Jiang Cheng pulls out his money pouch and places some down.
"Can I have all that's left please?" He asks.
The man looks up and smiles happily at seeing the sect leader and it makes something twitch inside of Lan Zhan. It was obvious Jiang Cheng loved his sect and his people very much and apparently they treated him the same. The man packs the food and then hands it to Jiang Cheng who bows gratefully.
They stop at a few more carts, looking at all sorts of jewelry and trinkets. The food is a little too spicy for Lan Zhan so he politely declines each time Jiang Cheng offers him something. When they make it back to Auntie Bao, she's waiting with a smile on her face. She hands them a stuffed bunny wearing a blue bow with white clouds on them. Jiang Cheng goes to pay her but Lan Zhan gets his money out first and does it himself.
The lady pats his cheeks and then bids them goodbye. They fly away and reach Lotus Pier a little before dinner is served. Jiang Cheng uses this time to bathe Jin Ling since he knows the younger falls asleep right after eating. He doesn't see Lan Zhan again until they have dinner in the dining hall with all his spiders.
The first thing Lan Zhan notices is that dinner in Lotus Pier is loud, he and Lan Yuan are practically sitting ducks in the midst of the chaos all around. Sect Leader Jiang sits with Jin Ling in his lap, scolding the younger as he pushed away the vegetables on his plate not wanting to eat them. The second thing Lan Zhan notices is that all but one of Jiang Cheng's spiders are older than him. They all baby him and treat him with so much affection, by extension they treat Lan Yuan and Jin Ling the same way as well.
"If you don't eat at least half I'm telling Auntie Hua," Jiang Cheng says.
Lan Zhan never thought he'd see the day where Jiang Cheng stood down to anyone but it was like he and his spiders were all on the same level. No one was superior to another. Lan Zhan simply nodded or shook his head when asked a question but furthermore he didn't speak.
They brought out dessert and normally Lan Zhan wouldn't indulge in sweets but Lan Yuan's eyes widened and his lips formed a pout when Jin Ling got some cake and he didn't. So Lan Zhan caves and allows the younger to have one slice, hoping it wouldn't affect how he slept later that night.
After dessert, the spiders all hung around as the maids came and cleaned everything up. There was alcohol but no one drank, it was purely silent for once as they all seemed to wait for a command. It was at this moment that Lan Zhan realized Jiang Cheng was a sect leader and not just in name. His aura was full of authority as he walked to the front of the room.
"Line up," He calls.
It leaves Lan Zhan in awe to see all eight of the women line up quickly yet silently. It takes them less than thirty seconds to stand on either side of Jiang Cheng like a calvary. He asks them to give their reports and Lan Zhan watches as one by one the ladies gice detail reports of whatever job they had such as training the disciples and checking in with surrounding sects in Yunmeng.
Jin Ling begins to name them as he points showing Lan Yuan who they were. Lan Zhan stays silent the entire time, until Jiang Cheng beckons him over after the women have completed their reports. Jiang Cheng seems satisfied with all the things he had heard so far.
Lan Zhan strides toward the front of the room before coming to face Jiang Cheng. The sect leader's face hardens even more if possible.
"This is Hanguang-Jun of the GusuLan sect, he is an important guest, you are to treat him as such," Jiang Cheng says.
He steps to the side and points to the child sitting next to Jin Ling, who's watching them with pure interest.
"This is Lan Yuan, you are to treat him the same way you treat Jin Ling, with the utmost respect and care. Under no circumstances should you tell anyone about this child, unless you have prior confirmation from me or Hanguang-Jun. If any of you should betray this rule, there will be consequences, understood?" He asks.
Like a well rehearsed choir, the eight of them speak in sync.
"Yes, sect leader," They chorus.
Jiang Cheng hums and moves to stand next to Lan Zhan once again.
"They will be here a week, their rooms are the quarters right next to mine, should they need anything, you all are to assist them, they normally wake at 5am and rest at 9pm exact everyday, this means i want breakfast prepared and delivered to them by then, dinner will be at this time everyday as well until they leave, any questions?" He asks.
Lan Zhan feels his frown and he can only imagine how he looks. He hadn't expected Jiang Cheng to do so much for him and he didn't want to feel indebted to anyone. Still he doesn't say anything, not wanting to interrupt the man's bubble of authority he had over his sect. True to Jiang Cheng's word though, he feels himself begin to get tired as the time drags on.
"No, sect leader," They chorus once again.
He stares them down for a second before breaking into a soft, barely there smile.
"Alright then, enjoy yourselves, you've all done well today. Hanguang-Jun and I will retire for the night," Jiang Cheng says, not bothering to correct how it sounds.
There's a bubble of chatter as soon as he finishes speaking and Jiang Cheng walks towards the children. Jin Ling immediately whines, holding his hands up to be held. Jiang Cheng doesn't hesitate to do just that, bringing the boy into his arms with ease.
"Come with me," Jiang Cheng says.
Lan Zhan nods and grabs Lan Yuan's hand as they walk to Jiang Cheng's room. When they go inside Jiang Cheng sits Jin Ling on a little stool near his desk. He grabs a comb and a little vial of oil before pulling the child's hair down.
"The teddy bear from Auntie Bao gave me the idea to infuse my own spiritual energy into something as well for when we were away and I tried lots of things but what ended up working for me is oil. I learned how to infuse the oil and then use it to calm him. It helps for when he's struggling to sleep or when his body won't let him sleep, it has the same effects as meditation plus the natural oils help his hair grow," Jiang Cheng explains as he brushes Jin Ling's hair.
Once he's done the four year old is asleep and Jiang Cheng gives Lan Zhan a satisfied look. He lifts the child and then lies him in his bed. He then urged Lan Yuan to have a seat as well. He goes to untie the boy's forehead ribbon but Lan Zhan grabs his wrist. Jiang Cheng shakes him off in surprise before glaring.
"If you don't want my help just say that, but don't touch me," He practically growls.
"Apologies Sect Leader Jiang, Lan forehead ribbons symbolize restraint, only family members and spouses are allowed to touch them," He says curtly.
Jiang Cheng purses his lips but nods and waits for Lan Zhan to untie the ribbon himself. When it's done, Jiang Cheng repeats the same steps he had taken with Lan Yuan. The six year old doesn't even last halfway before he's asleep with his head leaned back and resting against Jiang Cheng's thighs.
When he does finish, Lan Zhan is barely staying awake himself. He picks Lan Yuan up and then says his goodbyes to Jiang Cheng.
"We'll do this a little earlier tomorrow so you aren't so tired," Jiang Cheng says as they leave.
When the door shuts behind them, Lan Zhan lies Lan Yuan on the separate mat in the room and tucks the stuffed bunny near him. Lan Yuan twitches but then curls himself around the bunny. Lan Zhan covers him with the blanket before getting into bed himself. He's asleep long before he can truly digest the day he's had.
When Lan Zhan wakes up at midnight, two things register in his brain. Number one, Lan Yuan is crying loudly and hysterically. Number two, someone is singing something, a voice that doesn't sound like his uncle or brother. His eyes shoot open, his hand already on Bichen's hilt. He blinks a little in the dark and sees Jiang Cheng sitting on the floor with Lan Yuan in his arms.
He's singing and surprisingly enough, the child is calming down. His little cheeks are red and wet with tears but his eyes are fluttering closed as well. He keeps blinking away the sleep in his eyes but he ultimately succumbs to the fatigue soon enough. Jiang Cheng lies him down still singing until the child is tucked back under the blankets with his rabbit by his side. Lan Zhan is startled by the whole situation but he knows a blessing when he sees one.
"The teddy bear helps with loneliness, the oil helps with exhaustion and fatigue, and while he needed those I completely forgot to tell you my remedy for nightmares," Jiang Cheng says.
He stands up shaking his head and though it's dark, Lan Zhan can tell the man is in his sleep wear, thin inner robes and unruly hair. He sits up in the bed and rubs his eyes feeling tired but not wanting to seem rude, especially after the miracle he had just witnessed.
"I normally sing to A-Ling before bed every night, except when he's in Lanling of course, I'm not sure what they do. You already know how to infuse your guqin with energy when in a fight, so maybe we can create a song for you to play that has the same affect as the song I sing to Jin Ling," Jiang Cheng says.
Lan Zhan nods then remembers the man can probably barely see him and clears his throat to speak.
"I'm willing to try anything, besides music is resourceful," Lan Zhan says, voice scratchy from having just been asleep.
Jiang Cheng stares at him for a while before humming to himself. Lan Zhan isn't sure what that's about but he watches as the man begins to walk to the door joining their rooms together. He pauses once again and then looks back.
"Yeah, let's talk in the morning Hanguang-Jun," He says.
Lan Zhan watches the door shut behind him and he mentally sighs in relief. He was so tired, he wasn't sure how much longer he would be able to pretend to be awake. He only hopes that Jiang Cheng's music would actually work and not disappoint him like everything else he had tried.
News flash; It works like a charm.