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Chapter Text

Following the unfortunate incident, as it was called, the teacher was swiftly replaced by Wei Changze. Although his teaching method differed vastly from the Lans, his new and insightful approach was very welcome by the student, giving a breather from some of their stuffy course. Wei Ying was always super proud when the children would talk to him after class, and rave about how lucky he is to have such a cool father.  

However, there was one soul who did not appreciate Wei Ying getting so much attention. Lan Zhan would wait patiently after Wei Ying once both their classes was over so they could walk to their private classes with Qiren together. However, lately, more often than not, some of the other student would join, causing Lan Zhan to become very upset with others monopolizing his Wei Ying. Although he definitely does not call Wei Ying his. 

So it is to no surprise that when another child grabs Wei Ying to stop him from crossing the threshold into the surrounding of the Hashi to ask another question, Lan Zhan sees red. He slaps the hand of the child away and grabs Wei Ying to drag him into the Hashi. Wei Ying is so shocked that he lets it happen, without even knowing what to says. 

Unfortunately for Lan Zhan, Qiren, Cangse and Lan Huan happened to witness this exchange. Qiren could only sigh as Lan Huan hid a snicker behind his sleeves and Cangse started laughing so hard, she fell on the ground holding her stomach. Ears red with embarrassment, Lan Zhan could only turn his head away. Wei Ying, finally getting over his shocked, said: 

“Mama, what’s so funny? Lan Zhan, why did you slap Lan Yin’s hand away? He just wanted to ask a question.” 

Lan Zhan simply huffed and sat down at his desk, while Cangse started laughing again. Wei Ying looked between Lan Zhan and his mom with a confused look on his face while Lan Huan and Qiren took their seat. 

“Cangse! If you are only going to keep laughing, then I would like you to leave.” Qiren exclaimed.  

“Oh, I am definitely leaving to tell A-Mei about this.” Cangse said as she rushed out the door to go tell her sworn sister that they might have a wedding to plan for the future. Qiren could only sigh some more as Lan Huan tried really hard not to laugh at his brother expense. Especially after seeing his horrified look when Cangse mentioned she would tell their mother. 

“I still don’t get what is so funny!” exclaimed Wei Ying. 

“Never mind that A-Ying! Your mother will explain it to you later.” Qiren said, as Wei Ying pouted at having to wait, causing Lan Zhan to glare at his uncle for making Wei Ying pout (although he was definitely not thinking it was very cute). 

Qiren cleared his throat and was about to start the lesson when someone knock on the door. 

“What now?” Qiren muttered under his breath before answering: “Who is it?” 

“Lan-laoshi, Sect Leader Nie and his two sons are at the gate. They said they had a meeting with you schedule for today.” Said the disciple at the door. 

“Ahhh, yes! That was today. Let them in and send them to the receiving hall. I will join them shortly.” Qiren answered the boy. After hearing the footstep rushed to invite the guest in, Qiren added: 

“A-Huan, A-Zhan and A-Ying, would you like to come along?” 

“Yes!” answered Wei Ying and Lan Huan as Lan Zhan simply pouted but acquiesce, since Wei Ying wanted to go. 

… 

While Qiren and the kids headed off to meet with the Nie, Cangse went to Mei Lan. Although she definitely wanted to tell her about their kids wedding, she unfortunately had to inform her best friend that they hadn’t found anything new to absolve her of her crime. 

Cangse was getting frustrated with the lack of information and that somehow the stupid elders were brilliant when it came to hiding their misdeeds. As she walked onto her friend’s porch, she couldn’t help the sigh that escape her. 

“From the sound of that sigh, I am guessing nothing has come up.” Said Mei Lan as she opened the door to invite her friend in, having heard the approaching footsteps. 

“Regrettably, yes.” 

“Did you at least find any other transgression of theirs?” 

Cangse shook her head in denial as she walked into the house.  

“Well, instead of dwelling on this, how about you tell me what the kids did today? I haven’t seen them since yesterday and it’s weighing on my heart.” Mei Lan fake swoon to cheer up her sister. 

“Ohhh, do I have a story for you…” Cangse smirks, as she starts to tell Mei Lan about what happen earlier today, knowing her sworn sister will enjoying teasing her son about it when they stop by later tonight. 

… 

Meanwhile, in the receiving hall, Sect Leader Nie has arrived with his two sons. Upon arrival, he is greeted by Lan Qiren, Lan Huan, Lan Zhan, Wei Changze and Wei Ying, who bow as per custom. 

“Changze, I was not expecting to see you in Cloud Recess. I thought you were on a night hunt near Yilling.”  

“An unexpected news causes us to abandon the mission and take a detour to Gusu, Haoyu. Although surprising, it was very welcome.” Replied Changze. 

“OH! Will I get to hear the good news?” asked Sect Leader Nie, intrigued. 

“I will let my wife give you the news.” 

“Very well! And may I ask who’s this little one here?” 

“This is my son, Wei Ying.” Changze presents. 

“Hi, I’m Wei Ying.” Smiled Wei Ying. 

“A pleasure to meet you, Wei Ying. I am the Sect Leader of the Nie clan in Qinghe. My name is Nie Yitang, courtesy Haoyu. These are my sons, Nie Xuanye, courtesy Mingjue and …” Nie Haoyu said as he curtsied to Wei Ying, before presenting his sons. “Hey Anning, where did you go?” He added upon noticing that his youngest was not beside his brother. 

Upon hearing his name, Anning poked his head out from behind his fathers’ legs and whispered a quiet “here”. Immediately after seeing Anning, Wei Ying squealed and tugged on his father’s sleeves, saying: 

“Baba! He’s a mix phoenix like me.” 

“Yes, he is.” replied a shocked Changze, gazing between Anning and his friend HaoYu. 

“Ahhh, yes. My little Anning does take after his mother.” Chuckled HaoYu. 

Wei Ying let go of his father’s sleeve to rush to Anning. He grabs his hand and asks: 

“Since we are both phoenixes, do you want to be my friend?” 

Nie Anning had never had anyone wanting to be his friend before due to his tranquil nature. So, when Wei Ying offered it without question, he grabbed his hand with both hands and yelp a “Yes”. Wei Ying, overjoyed, turned to Lan Zhan and said: 

“Lan Zhan! Can you believe it? I have a friend who is a phoenix like me.” 

“Mm.” Replied Lan Zhan. Although he was happy for Wei Ying to have found a friend that could share in his phoenix heritage that was so lacking, he couldn’t help, but pout that he would need to share his beloved with another, again. Not that Wei Ying is his beloved or anything, just a friend. 

“If you are phoenix, does that mean you know how to use healing magic? Baba doesn’t, because Nainai died before she could tell him all about what being a phoenix means.” Wei Ying questioned as he turned back to Anning. 

Anning, happy that he could share his knowledge, brighten up and said: “Yes! My mama left me many books with all the information I would need as a Phoenix in case I was one. I could teach both you and your Baba what I know and send you copies, if you want.” 

“Yes, please. I’m Wei Ying by the way. You can call me A-Ying.” 

“That would be very generous of you Nie-er-gongzi. Thank you very much!” Added Wei Changze, nodding to Haoyu in the process. 

“It’s no problem.” Blushed Nie Anning at Wei Changze comment, before telling Wei Ying: “I’m Nie Anning, courtesy Huaisang. You can call me A-Sang.” 

“Wow, you already have your courtesy name!” exclaimed Wei Ying. 

“Ahh! In the Nie clan, you get yours right away at birth, instead of when you turn 13 or when you received your sword like the Lans.” Huaisang said. Understanding with a nod of his head, Wei Ying turns to Changze to ask: 

“Baba, when do I get my courtesy name?” 

“When you get your sword like the Lan, little lotus.” Grinned Changze. 

“Mm!” Nodded Wei Ying. 

“Well, now that the introductions are over, how about the children go on to play while we discuss.” Suggested Lan Qiren. 

“Excellent idea, Qiren.” Responded Haoyu. 

“We can go to the back hills.” Wei Ying declared. 

“Be careful!” Lan Qiren shouted, as he saw his nephews, the Nies and Wei Ying head out towards the hills. 

... 

As soon as they were all seated with tea served and Changze’s silencing talisman up, Haoyu voiced: 

“I have been invited by Sect Leader Wen to Qishan to compare sabers. He has recently acquired one and would like my input on it, given we Nie specialize in sabers.” 

Both Changze and Qiren look disturbed by this news. 

“Maybe it would be wise for one of us to join you.” Qiren offered. 

“We could use the children as an excuse as to why either of you are visiting Qinghe, given their sudden friendship.” Haoyu schemed. 

“That would be wise. It would also allow the children to visit someplace new.” Changze countered. 

As they all continue to sip their tea, a plan formed for the coming visit.