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Chapter Text

Wei Ying will always remember the day his mother announced she was pregnant with his sibling. He was sleeping as usual in his mother’s tails, napping the afternoon away while his parents were visiting Caiyi Town. His mother had suddenly gotten sick again, vomiting in the bushes on the outskirts of town.

“A-Se, this is twice now today alone. We should get you checked by a healer.” Wei Changze mentioned worriedly as he rubbed her back and surrounded her with his wings.

“I’m sure I just ate some bad food. Nothing to worry about! Come on, I promise A-Mei[1] we would arrive soon.” Cangse Sanren replied while skipping towards Cloud Recess, some of her nine tails flicking in every direction while those that carried Wei Ying remained perfectly stilled.

Wei Changze sighed after his wife, promising himself to get a healer once they reached Cloud Recess.

…

Upon arrival at the entrance of Cloud Recess, Wei Ying started to wake up. It was mid-spring and the Dragon Boat Festival happened about 5-6 weeks prior. However, as Wei Ying awoke, he noticed that the temperature wasn’t as warm as when they had stopped by Yiling only a couple of weeks prior. He grabbed his mother’s tails closer to himself to gather some warmth, notifying his parents of his wakefulness.

“Ahhhhh! A-Ying, are you awake, Baobei?” His mother coos.

“Mm.”

“Are you cold, Baobei?” As she asked, she grabbed Wei Ying in her arms with her tails still around him. He sounded his protest at being moved, but cuddled up close to his mother, inhaling her sweet scent of spice and Wùwàngcǎo shǔ[2]. His father smiled at the adorable scene before him before he patted his son’s head.

“It is colder here than in Yiling, and with us approaching Summer, A-Ying has lost his winter coat,” Changze added as he continued petting Wei Ying’s fox ears all the while, his wife was chuckling to herself.

They continued to walk up the trek to Cloud Recess as Wei Ying snoozed in his mother’s arms. Upon arrival at the gates, two Lan disciples dressed in Blue and White stood at the gate.

“They really should come up with a better color than white and blue for their disciple robes. They look like they are wearing mourning clothes.” Cangse commented, causing Wei Ying to laugh and wake up more.

“A-Se.” Changze sighed.” You do realize you wear white robes, too.” At his father's comments, Wei Ying threw back his head laughing out loud.

“A-Ze!” Cangse exclaimed, offended. “How could you say that?! And you A-Ying, how dare you laugh at your mother?!” She added as she started tickling her son. The two laughed as their volume increased, causing the Lans at the gate to frown.

“A-Se, A-Ying, remember no loud noises in Cloud Recess.”

“But we aren’t in yet, Baba!” Wei Ying replied after his mother stopped tickling him, getting a breath of air.

“A-Ying is right! Until we pass the gates, we can be as loud as we want!” She added.

“You will quiet down if you want entrance.” Said a voice.

Both parents and child turned to see Lan Qiren huffing as he approached the gate. The Lans bowing in respect and answering with “Lan-Laoshi” as a greeting.

“You and your grumpy attitude are why the Lans don’t know how to have any fun. Besides, I am here to see A-Mei, not your prickly old face.” Cangse said, turning her head to the side, huffing. Wei Ying chuckled at his mother’s antics while Wei Changze bowed and greeted the Lan elder.

“Lan Qiren. It is a pleasure to see you well.” Wei Changze added quickly before Qiren could explode as his face got red with rage. “I see that the Dragon’s ability to communicate telepathically is still as unusual as ever.” He added to change the subject quickly.

Lan Qiren only huffed in response, waving the gates open with a swish of his hand.

“Why have you come here suddenly? Didn’t you have a Night Hunt to complete in Yiling?” Qiren said as both Huli Jing and Phoenix entered the barrier.

“Yes, we did. However, A-Se has received a letter from A-Mei that she needs to speak with her urgently and with A-Se being sick every morning for 2 weeks now, we decided to abandon the night hunt and inform one of the smaller cultivation clans in the area.” Changze answered his old classmate. The Trio of adults started walking up towards the Lóng dǎn wū[3].

“I am perfectly fine, A-Ze.” Cangse frowned at her husband leading Wei Ying while she held his hand. Qiren hummed in thought as Wei Ying took in the beautiful and serene surroundings of Cloud Recess.

“I do not know why she would ask you to come, however, I will send a healer to the Lóng dǎn wū to look at Cangse,” Qiren replied.

“Not you too! I swear I am fine!” said Cangse as Changze thanked Qiren.

As they continued to walk, Changze and Qiren were talking about any new scholarly information, while Cangse would add in her remarks, not missing a beat at teasing her dear friend Qiren. Wei Ying had tuned them out for the most part, clinging to his mother’s tails now and observing the quietness of Cloud Recess.

That is when he noticed a boy crouched down on the ground in the trees. Worried, he let go of his mother’s tails and walked to the boy.

“Are you okay?” He asked the young child, who looked up at the stranger who appeared before him. Upon coming face to face with the small dragon child, Wei Ying was amazed by his beauty. He had small white horns with a blueish tint that shimmered in the light, a white forehead ribbon with swirling clouds, hair as black as ebony with a white guan framed by blue swirling clouds along the same design as his forehead ribbon, and the prettiest golden eyes he had ever seen.

Best of all was his scent. He still smelled of milk like most children do at their age, but he had a hint of sandalwood and gentian. Surely, the scent would increase with time.

The child, in the meantime, is looking him over with a questioning gaze. He, however, does not answer Wei Ying. After a moment longer, Wei Ying, who can’t stand the silence, says:

“Why aren’t you answering me?” He replied with a slight frown.

“What are you doing here?” The young stoic boy says.

“What?! Oh! I am here with my parents visiting my mother’s sworn sister, A-Mei something.”

At this, the young boy looks surprised, but quickly schools his face back to a frown.

“Mm!”

“Mm?! What does that mean?” Wei Ying asks as the dragon responds with a humph.

“Now, that’s just rude. I came here to see if you are okay, but you don’t even say anything. Fine then! I am leaving.” Wei Ying says as he marches back to where his parents were. Except he has been gone so long that they aren’t there anymore, and he starts to panic.

“Mama! Baba!” Wei Ying yells upon realizing that he is lost and all alone.

“No yelling in Cloud Recess.” Comes the voice of the golden eye boy.

“Then how am I supposed to find my parents then?” Wei Ying all but shouts back, tears prickling his eyes. The dragon turns and starts heading away. Wei Ying watches him go and reaches out to stop him when the boy turns around and says:

“This way.”

Shocked, Wei Ying retracks his hand and follows the boy to a house surrounded by gentian. Upon getting closer, he starts to hear his parents’ frantic calls.

“A-Ying! A-Ying! Where are you?” His mother yells.

“Mama!” Wei Ying exclaims in joy upon seeing his mother looking for him. He rushes to her side. Upon hearing her son's call, she turns in his direction and runs to join him, embracing him in her arms.

“Ahh! A-Ying, you had me so worried.” She says, tears falling down her cheeks.

“I’m sorry, Mama.” Wei Ying replies, looking up at his mother. Seeing her crying, he shouts in surprise: “No, Mama, no crying!” He hugs her tightly. “A-Ying is so sorry. Please don’t cry!”

“Shhh! It’s okay, Baobei. I am just relieved. Don’t go running off anymore, okay? Let me or Baba know next time, okay?” She coos, petting his head and ears as she kisses the top of his head.

“A-Se!” Changze says from afar, joining his family after hearing Wei Ying call for his mother. He is joined by Lan Qiren and Mei Lan.

“Mama!” says the golden eye boy who had caught up to Wei Ying and his mother.

“A-Zhan!” said Mei Lan upon noticing Lan Zhan. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in class?” She says as she approaches Lan Zhan.

Lan Zhan pouts and turns his face away. Wei Ying, upon hearing Mei Lan’s words, thought Lan Zhan was getting scolded and lifted his head away from his mother and hurried to say:

“Don’t be mad at him! He helped me find Mama and Baba again. He brought me here.”

“Ohh! Is that true, A-Zhan?” Mei Lan asked curiously, a smirk forming on her lips.

“Mm!”

“Ahhh! That’s so sweet of you, my dear.” She replies, picking up A-Zhan in her arms.

“Mama!” Lan Zhan exclaims in frustration. Pouting about being treated like a kid.

At this, both Wei Ying and Cangse laugh. Changze, having come up to check on Wei Ying in the meantime, kissed his forehead upon realizing that his son was alright.

“What do you say to your saviour, A-Ying?” His mother smiles at him.

“Thank you!” Wei Ying says as he smiles so brightly it could rival the sun. Upon receiving such a smile, Lan Zhan, who has turned to Wei Ying, turns to hide in his mother's chest, his ear turning red with embarrassment.

“Ahhh! Is A-Zhan shy?” Mei Lan coos. When he doesn’t reply, both mothers laugh, and Changze sighs for the umpteenth time at his wife and her sworn sister’s teasing. All the while, Wei Ying looks confused, wondering what happened to make his mother and the other women laugh.

As the sisters keep cooing and laughing at their cute children, they head back into the Lóng dǎn wū.

Footnotes:

[1] Madam Lan's name is 美兰 (Měi lán), which means Beautiful Orchid

[2] 勿忘草属 (Wùwàngcǎo shǔ) are Chinese forget-me-not.

[3] 龙胆屋 (Lóng dǎn wū) means Gentian House

Chapter Text

As everyone arrived at the Gentian House, Cangse put Wei Ying down near Lan Zhan with some toys that Mei Lan had with her.

“A-Ying, how about you introduce yourself to A-Zhan?” Cangse said.

“Yes!” Wei Ying replied, jumping for joy. He turned to Lan Zhan and added, “I’m Wei Ying, and I am a mix between a huli jing and phoenix.”

Lan Zhan looked at Wei Ying and saw, for the first time, the little black wings on his back that flapped upon his statement. Additionally, he had two tails and fox ears. He had black fur that resembled his mother’s, but instead of the white tips that she had, he had bright red tips that matched his father’s feathers. Even the tip of his wings had that lovely red color. Lan Zhan focused on the two tails that were swishing in excitement.

“Ahh!” Wei Ying says upon realizing where Lan Zhan was staring. “I only have two for now. Mama says I need to work hard to cultivate all nine tails, but that I am already a genius for having two at my age.” He perked up and added. “Oh! Are you the same age as me … Uhm … what’s your name?”

“Lan Zhan,” A-Zhan replied curtly.

“Lan Zhan! That’s such a beautiful name! And it suits you perfectly!” Wei Ying smiled.

Lan Zhan turned away, ears turning red as he whispered, “Ridiculous!”.

“I know, right! It was the perfect name for my sweet little boy.” Mei Lan said as she pinched his cheeks.

“Mama!” Lan Zhan exclaimed as Wei Ying and Cangse giggled at the joy of Changze.

Thinking of helping the poor boy out of being teased, Changze asked: “How old are you, Second Young Master Lan?”

“A-Ze, so polite.” Cangse said at the same time that Lan Zhan replied with a simple 4, and Wei Ying, shocked, added: “Second Young Master?!”

Changze turned to his son as he sighed at his wife's antics, “Yes, A-Ying. Second Young Master Lan has an older brother, Lan Huan, who is 2 years older than you and Second Young Master Lan.” Changze turned to Mei Lan, who nodded at the unspoken question to confirm.

“Wait! That means Lan Zhan and I are the same age! That’s fantastic!” He proclaimed happily to his father. He then turned to Lan Zhan and added: “Let’s be friends, Lan Zhan!”

Lan Zhan looks at Wei Ying, shocked, not expecting the sudden declaration, while his mother and Cangse giggle.

“Ahh! A-Ying, why do you call him Lan Zhan, why not A-Zhan?” His mother asked.

“Lan Zhan is Lan Zhan.” He huffed, but then turned in concern to Lan Zhan and said: “Is that okay? You can use my birth name, too and call me Wei Ying.”

“Mm!” Lan Zhan replied, and then added with a small blush and smiled. “Wei Ying.”

“Ohh!” Mei Lan and Wei Ying said in unison, as Wei Ying covered his mouth with his hands. Lan Zhan was too beautiful when he smiled. He then proceeds to blurt out, “Lan er-gege looks handsome when he smiles.”

Both mothers burst out laughing at his declaration, while Lan Zhan simply blushed and turned his head away, his ears flaming red, as he whispered: “Shameless!”

As the mothers laugh at their children, before anything more could be said, a knock was heard at the door. Changze rose from his seat beside his wife and walked to open the door. Lan Qiren had returned with a healer, and Changze allowed them entrance.

“Can you not hold your volume to a reasonable level? I could hear you laughing outside.” Lan Qiren admonished.

“You’re just jealous of all the fun we are having,” Cangse responded, much to the delight of her sister.

“You!!!” Lan Qiren said, face turning red with anger. “See if ever I bring you a healer ever again.” He huffed as he went to sit down to join the adults at the table.

The healer simply laughs, covering it with his sleeve, but keeping within the cloud recess rules of no excessive noise that it sounded more like an exhale of air than a laugh.

“I told you I was perfectly fine,” Cangse said.

“Why do you need a healer?” Mei Lan asked, worry lacing her voice.

“Ohh! It’s nothing, A-Mei. I have just been sick every morning. Nothing to worry about.”

“Maybe I should be the one to decide that, Madam Sanren.” The healer added.

“Ahh! None of that, just call me Cangse or Sanren. No need for any of that formal stuff.”

“Very well! May I?” The healer said as he sat down next to Cangse and stretched out his hand, silently asking for her wrist. Before Cangse could deny it, her husband grabbed her hand as Wei Ying came up to his mother’s lap and asked all worried: “Is Mama okay?”

She sighed and extended her wrist to the healer, while responding: “Yes, A-Ying. Mama is fine. Baba just got a healer to check on me, because I have been sick in the morning, and like a good patient, I let myself be checked.” Wei Ying nodded at the lesson, while Changze smiled mischievously. In the meantime, Lan Zhan had climbed onto his mother’s lap, hugging her.

“And none of that smile, A-Ze.” She added, causing the healer to smile and Wei Ying to giggle and release the little tension he held.

“I am surprised you ask for a healer, considering your husband is a phoenix. Phoenixes are known for their healing abilities, are they not?” The healer asked as he checked her meridians.

All adults in the room looked down sadly.

“Why is Baba sad?” A-Ying asked.

Changze smiled at his son and grabbed him to plopped him on his lap, before explaining: “I am sad, A-Ying, because my mother, your grandmother, was a phoenix. Unfortunately, she died when I was a baby and couldn’t teach me how to use phoenix magic. A phoenix, like the other animal spirits, has a magic that is unique to them. Just like your mother, as a Huli Jing, has her spells, tricks and illusions, I, as a Phoenix, have healing magic. However, much of what I know is self-taught.”

“But wasn’t Baba part of the Jiang clan? Couldn’t he learn to be a healer like lan-yīshēng[1]” Wei Ying asked innocently.

“A-Ying…” His father said. Wei Ying couldn’t understand why his father wouldn’t explain and why he looked so sad, but before he could question it further, Qiren said.

“While you are staying at Cloud Recess, you can look through our libraries. There are many books on Phoenixes, and I am sure lan-yīshēng would not be opposed to teaching you about medicine.” At this statement, both Cangse and Changze look shocked as the healer nods his agreement.

“Besides, considering Cangse’s condition, it might be wise to remain here for the duration of her pregnancy to ensure she receives the proper care.” The healer added as he withdrew his fingers from her wrist.

“What?!” Everyone exclaimed in shock.

Both Cangse and Changze looked at each other with happy tears in their eyes. While Mei Lan shouts congratulations.

“Mama, Baba, what’s pregnant? Why are you crying?” Wei Ying is getting more nervous as time passes.

“Ahhh! A-Ying…preg..” His mother starts choking on a sob, overwhelmed, causing Wei Ying to worry further.

“Pregnant means that you will have a younger sibling soon, A-Ying. Just like Lan Zhan has an older brother, you will be an older brother soon, too.” Mei Lan adds, misty eyes, so happy for her friend as she knew that she wanted more, but thought she couldn’t be due to an accident on a night hunt more than a year ago.

“I’ll be an older brother?!” Wei Ying shouts in joy.

“Yes, Baobei,” Cangse says as she hugs him tightly to her chest, while Changze hugs his family to him. His wings come to cover them both in their embrace, while Cangse's tails wrap around both Wei Ying's tails and her husband’s waist.

“Well, considering this news, I would like to give my congratulations and extend an invitation for you to remain in Cloud Recess.” Lan Qiren said, quietly turning away to wipe his tears.

“Thank you, Lan Qiren. We will take you up on that offer.” Changze replied, hugging his family even closer if that was even possible at this point.

Footnotes:

[1] Yīshēng means doctor

Chapter Text

After the healer has left with Lan Qiren, both congratulate them again, with Lan Qiren mentioning that he will return with information on their lodging. The children started to yawn, and so both mothers set their children on the bed behind the privacy screen for a nap.

Upon their return, Cangse sat in Changze's lap while both their hands went to her stomach, sharing a kiss. Mei Lan simply smiled at the loving gestures.

“Uhmm… So why did you call me, A-Mei?” Cangse said, blushing all the way down from being caught by her sworn sister.

Mei Lan looked down, her smile fading. Upon this reaction, both Cangse and Changze looked at each other and then back at Mei Lan with a serious expression.

“What’s wrong?” Cangse added.

“I need you to promise me that you will believe me and keep this quiet. Even Lan Qiren and Lan YuanYun don’t know this. However, I want someone to know the truth about what happened, so if ever something happens to me, my children won’t be blamed for it.”

They both nodded in agreement.

… Backstory of Mei Lan coming into the Lan clan and why she is in seclusion…

Both Cangse and Changze look at Mei Lan in shock.

“A-Mei…I…” Cangse started to say, but the words kept getting caught in her mouth. She didn’t know what to say to her sworn sister. This was all just sad and wrong. “A-Mei doesn’t deserve this!” Cangse thought as her sadness was replaced with anger. She turned to Changze, who simply nodded at his wife, thinking the same thing. They both turned back to Madam Lan, who was still silently crying.

“A-Mei,” Cangse grabbed her hands within her own and squeezed them reassuringly. “We will absolve you of this. You didn’t do anything wrong, and you don’t deserve to be locked up for what some old bastards have done. You didn’t even kill him. He just tripped and died due to the lack of maintaining his cultivation. Everyone knows that with age, you become more susceptible to dying from injuries, especially those that cause internal bleeding in the brain, if you don’t maintain your golden core. Like how stupid these elders are to not even check that or learn the truth.” Cangse huffed in anger.

“A-Se, calm down. You mustn't let your emotions control you, especially in your condition.” Changze added as he hugged his wife close to him to let her tears fall from anger or sadness, he wasn’t sure anymore.

Cangse took a deep breath to calm herself as her husband suggested, and then turned to kiss him and thank him for the reminder. Changze then smiled at his wife and turned to Madam Lan and said:

“We will bring you justice, A-Mei!” Changze declared.

“Thank you!” Mei Lan whispered.

The trio then continued to chat about anything and everything until Lan Qiren arrived to bring the Wei family to their accommodation for their time within the Cloud Recess.

…

The next morning brought Cangse and Changze with Wei Ying to the Hanshi, where Lan Qiren was staying temporarily while his brother was in seclusion. The Hanshi was used to house the Lan Sect Leader. It contains a bedroom, a room to receive others, a kitchen, a bathroom and an extra room that the current Sect Leader could use as they see fit. Qiren used it as a study and a place to tutor his nephews.

It had been decided that Wei Ying would join Qiren, Lan Zhan and Lan Huan to find out where he was in his cultivation training, his knowledge of the sects, his knowledge of the animal traits, the Lan clans’ rules and more. It was also to ensure that he could catch up to the others of his age and join their classes with Lan Zhan.

Upon arriving at the Hanshi, Changze holding Wei Ying in his arms at hip level, who was still snoozing as he was woken up much too early, knocked on the door and announced their presence. Once they were welcome inside and Cangse and Changze went to bow to greet Qiren, Wei Ying interrupted by shouting: “Lan Zhan”.

Lan Zhan immediately turned and looked at Wei Ying as Qiren sighed from the loud noise and answered with a “Wei Ying” of his own.

Changze put Wei Ying down, who was struggling in his father’s hold to get to his friend and ran up to hug Lan Zhan. He looked up at him, smiled and said:

“Morning!”

“Good morning, Wei Ying!” Lan Zhan replied, while his brother next to him covered his giggles with his sleeves, happy to see his younger brother letting someone else touch him.

When Wei Ying heard the giggle, he looked to the side to see Lan Huan.

“Another pretty gege!” At this comment, Qiren spurted, Cangse laughed out loud, Changze smiled and sighed at his son’s antics, Lan Huan blushed while Lan Zhan tightened his arms around Wei Ying, pouting at the declaration. This caused Cangse to laugh harder and Huan to giggle.

“Hello Wei Ying, I am Lan Huan, Lan Zhan’s older brother. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Mhm!” Wei Ying nodded. He then looked at Lan Zhan and added. “Lan Zhan still looks better and therefore, is my favourite. But Lan Huan can call me A-Ying.” At this point, Cangse was on the ground laughing, while Lan Zhan blushed and turned away. Qiren and Changze both had their hands over their face as if they couldn’t believe this was happening.

“Well then, A-Ying, please call me Huan-gege.” Lan Huan replied with a smile.

“Mhm!” Wei Ying nodded.

After Cangse had stopped laughing, she hugged Wei Ying and told him that she and Changze had things to take care of, but they would remain within the sect grounds. Therefore, if he needed anything, he could just call for them and they would come immediately. Wei Ying nodded and waved goodbye to his parents as Qiren directed his nephews to his study. Wei Ying joined them and sat at the desk next to Lan Zhan. Qiren, at the head of the table, sat down as well.

“A-Ying, you will be joining A-Zhan and A-Huan in a private lesson with me, until we can integrate you into the same classes as A-Zhan and his age group. While you are here, you will learn about the clans, the Lan clans’ rules and history, how to cultivate and the sword path. I will start by asking you questions to see what you know, and I will fill in the blanks. If you have any questions, just raise your hand. Afterwards, you will join Lan Zhan in the library to focus on learning the rules of Cloud Recess. Once you are at the same level as the others in your age group, you will join Lan Zhan in his morning classes and then join him in his private lessons with me. Do you have any questions so far?” Qiren said with his stern teacher's voice.

Wei Ying shakes his head, indicating that he has no question. Deep down, however, he was happy that he would get to stay with Lan Zhan at all times.

“Great! Now let’s get started! What do you know about the sects?”

“Uhm! There are five major sects and many minor sects. The five main clans are separate from the minor clan due to the animal traits that were given to them by the heavens. Each clan is represented by a single animal, and uhm…” Wei Ying trails off. He wanted to make a good impression, but he couldn’t remember all his parents had taught him. He never thought it was super important anyway, as he wasn’t part of a sect. However, he didn’t want to disappoint Lan Zhan. So he looked down, all ashamed at not knowing more. Lan Zhan reached out and took hold of his hands, giving them a gentle squeeze as if he could tell what Wei Ying was thinking. Strange, seeing as they only met yesterday.

Qiren noticed the gesture but refrained from commenting. Instead, he said.

“Yes, that is correct!” At the confirmation of a right answer, Wei Ying looked up at Qiren. Seeing that he looked pleased with his answer, Wei Ying started to feel better. “Every main clan has a different animal trait and a myth or legend about how they got them. That myth and legend is a clan secret and not to be repeated to others. So far, there are six known animal traits.”

“Six?!” Wei Ying interrupted, lowering his head when he noticed the slight anger passing Qiren's face.

Qiren sighed and returned: “Yes, Wei Ying. Although there are five main clans, there are six animal traits. If you have a question, please raise your hand and do not interrupt. One of the Lan clan rules is ‘Do not interrupt others’. Please remember it in the future.”

Wei Ying nodded, lifting his head to see that Qiren was not upset with him. Wei Ying was also grateful that Qiren didn’t scorn him for interrupting, but explained to him why he didn’t appreciate the interruption.

At his nod, Qiren continued.

“The six animals are the Qishan Wen Vermillion Birds, Gusu Lan Dragons, Qinghe Nie Tigers, Yummeng Jiang Tortoise, Langlin Jin Lions and the Baoshen Sanren Huli Jing.” Qiren then saw Wei Ying raise his hand. As he smiled, he said: “Yes, A-Ying!”

“If there are six, why is Baba a Phoenix. Are Phoenix and Vermillion Birds the same? Also, Baba is a phoenix from the Jiang clan. Why isn’t he a Tortoise?” Wei Ying asked.

“Very good question!” Qiren said. Wei Ying beamed at the praise, and Lan Zhan looked enamoured at the sight while Lan Huan covered his face with his sleeve to softly giggle. Qiren coughed to acquire everyone’s attention. “Phoenixes and Vermillion Bird are not the same. However, they are part of the same sect and as such, they are counted the same. It is noted, however, that only the Dafan Wen are phoenixes, and the rest of the Wen clan are Vermillion Birds. As for why Changze is a Phoenix over a Tortoise, it is quite simple.”

“If a human and a human have children, all their children will be humans. If a human has children with an animal trait, they will have the animal trait. However, it will dilute the bloodline of the animal trait until eventually they are only humans. If two of the same trait have children together, then the children will possess that trait. If they are different animal traits, then the stronger trait will take, or both will appear. If you have a diluted bloodline and a pure bloodline, the pure bloodline will win. Do you understand?” Qiren questioned. When Wei Ying shakes his head in denial, Qiren draws out a chart and shows it to Wei Ying.

“Let’s say we use a Dragon and a Tiger for traits. A human and a human will give a human. A human and a dragon will give a dragon, but if it keeps going with a human, it will eventually become human. This is why pure bloodlines are valued. A dragon and a dragon will yield a dragon. A dragon and a tiger will give either a dragon, a tiger or a dragon and tiger. If you have a human-dragon and a pure tiger, then you will get a tiger. In the case of Vermillion birds and Phoenixes, as they are both birds, it will either be a Vermillion bird or a Phoenix. Do you understand?”

“Yes!”

“As for your father, Changze’s mother was a pure Phoenix, and his father was a diluted Tortoise. That is why he is a Phoenix. Does that answer your question?”

“Yes!” Wei Ying replied cheerfully.

“Now, to continue, as an animal trait grows in cultivation, more of their animal traits appear. Like how a Huli Jing can only acquire their nine tails from cultivation.” Qiren nods to Wei Ying.

“Mhm!” Wei Ying agrees.

“They also cultivate to enable them to switch forms. Lan Zhan, what forms a cultivator with animal traits can have?” Qiren asks Lan Zhan as he strokes his beard. Wei Ying turns his eyes to his friend.

“A cultivator with animal traits has three forms they can take. The first is called a full shift, which is when they become their animal. The full shift can also have a sub-shift depending on the animal. For example, a Dragon can have their wings out or not. A Huli Jing and a Tiger can decide on the number of tails they show. A Phoenix and a Vermillion Bird can have fire in their wings or not. A Tortoise can have a tail or not, and a Lion can have their mane extend to their paws or tail. One can also change their size from being as small as the size of one hand to as big as their natural form.” Lan Zhan replied as Qiren nodded.

“The second form is the one that we currently all have, which is a human form with our animal traits showing. In this form, we can decide which traits to show. Ears, tails, wings, horns, claws and scales can be shown or hidden. The final form is a complete human form which allows us to blend in with the common folks.” Lan Zhan finishes.

“Correct!” Qiren says. “Now let’s move on with the LAN rules. A-Huan, please list the first hundred of our three thousand rules.”

As Wei Ying gawks at the number of rules, Lan Huan starts reciting the rules.

Chapter Text

After a week of private lessons with Qiren, Wei Ying is finally up to speed to join the others in his class. Although he still joins Lan Zhan and Lan Huan in their private lesson with Qiren.

Qiren was so surprised by Wei Ying's speed at grasping knowledge that he quickly became his favourite student. Asking questions that made him, Lan Qiren, question his knowledge and the information he had. Wei Ying, in one week, had already caught up to Lan Zhan, who was way ahead of his classmate. The pure genius, Wei Ying, surpassed all of Qiren’s expectations. Qiren was so amazed that he started challenging him with more advanced lessons. He was worried at first that Lan Zhan and Lan Huan wouldn’t be able to keep up, but to his astonishment and delight, they both followed. Qiren was so proud that he had to punish himself by writing lines as he was breaking many rules with that thought alone.

Therefore, between Wei Ying lessons in class with Lan Zhan, the private lessons with Qiren, the lessons with his parents, where his father was teaching him talisman theory and the Jiang sword style, and his mother was teaching him Huli Jing’s magic and Sanren sword style, Wei Ying was very busy to says the least. However, you could still see him smiling all the time as he truly enjoyed learning, much to the awe and joy of many Lan elders. Even lan-yīshēng could not contain his joy upon seeing Wei Ying join his father in his lesson with the healer.

Unfortunately, not all elders enjoyed the arrival of the Wei family. While Changze would learn more about healing and perusing the library for knowledge on phoenixes, Cangse spent her time with her sworn sister, much to the ire of those elders.

Which is why, during the talisman class taught by one of those elders, Lan Yanjin, when Wei Ying raises his hand to ask a question, the elder ignores him. Wei Ying waits patiently for a while, and when he notices the teacher purposefully ignoring him, he interrupts the teacher to ask his question.

“This is where you would transcribe the ..”

“Lan-laoshi, what do you …” Wei Ying starts asking.

“Do not interrupt an elder when they are speaking.” The elder interrupts harshly. Wei Ying goes to starts to apologize even if he knows the elder was ignoring him as he didn’t want to get into trouble, especially since Lan Zhan was in guqin classes right now (the only time they are not in class together) and would be disappointed in him. Still, the elder follows up his words with:

“Honestly, I don’t see what Qiren sees in you. You are nothing but the son of a servant. As worthless as they come. Thinking you are above your station, just because you get the privilege of training with the heirs of our glorious sects. You should learn your place like your father did when he was demoted to a servant for being born an insignificant phoenix, like that whore of a women he called his mother, who seduce the great Jiang clan leader. Remember your place, child, and that is to be a servant, like your useless father.”

Wei Ying stares back at this elder, shocked beyond compare. He rises from his seat and yells, “That isn’t true. My father is not worthless.” He storms out, rubbing his eyes as he cries.

As he rushes out, Wei Ying misses Qiren, who had arrived at the door upon hearing yelling. When he saw Wei Ying running away from class, he frowned and followed the boy, wondering what had made a boy who loved learning as much as Wei Ying run out of class.

Wei Ying doesn’t know where he is going, but stops at one point and falls to the ground, hugging his knees, crying while telling himself that it isn’t true. He flinches when he feels someone's hand land on his shoulder. He raises his head and sees Qiren looking at him with a sad expression.

“A-Ying, what’s wrong?” Qiren asks as he sits down and brings Wei Ying into his arms to hug him.

“Lan-laoshi … Hic… said Baba was… Hic... worthless, and that he was demoted to a servant, …Hic... because he was born a phoenix…Hic…, and phoenixes are useless. He said I should act as my…Hic… standing dictates, which is as a servant. But it’s not true. Baba is not worthless. Baba is amazing, Baba is…” Wei Ying says and starts to sob again towards the end.

Qiren, listening to all of this, feels his arms tightening the more Wei Ying speaks, and his anger grows.

“You are right, A-Ying. Most of what he said isn’t true. Yes, your father was demoted to a servant, but your father is amazing, and a great father and husband. He is a true friend and a loyal mate. He is righteous and honourable, whereas many are not, and he stands for justice. He helps the weak and is kind to a fault. All qualities that he has passed down to you.”

Wei Ying looks up at Qiren, sniffling. “Why was Father demoted to a servant, then?”

“Why don’t I bring you to your father, and you can ask him, alright?”

“Mhm!” Wei Ying nods, making Qiren snort at the resemblance to Lan Zhan. “My nephew has already imparted some of his traits.” Qiren chuckles as he thinks to himself.

Qiren carries Wei Ying to the Wei residence. Upon arrival, Qiren knocks on the door. Changze and Cangse were sitting on the bed, Cangse sitting between Changze's legs, with both pairs of hands on Cangse's stomach, when they heard the knock. Exchanging a look of surprise, Changze gets up and goes to open the door.

Upon seeing Wei Ying with red, puffy eyes, tear-stained cheeks and snot all over his face, in Qiren’s arms, Changze exclaims, “A-Ying, little lotus, what’s wrong?”

Cangse, upon hearing Changze’s words, immediately gets up and joins Changze, who has taken Wei Ying from Qiren into his arms. Changze wipes Wei Ying's face with his sleeves as Wei Ying responds.

“Lan-laoshi, from talisman class, said that you.. are…” Wei Ying burst into tears again, unable to tell his parent what happened. Changze is immediately shocked and holds Wei Ying tighter to himself, letting his son bury his face in his neck, where his scent is the strongest. He lets out a calming scent, rubbing his son's back as Wei Ying keeps crying.

“Ohhh, Baobei. Who made you so sad?” Cangse comes to Wei Ying, bringing her wrist close to his face, still buried in his father's neck, letting her scent calm him as well, making him leave his father's neck.

“Maybe I can explain as A-Ying is too distressed to speak at this moment,” Qiren says.

While both parents nod, they let Qiren enter. They all sit at the table. Changze repositioned Wei Ying so he is sitting in his lap with his face still on his neck. Cangse comes to Changze's side and starts rubbing Wei Ying back as well, letting her tails wrap around Wei Ying's own two tails. Changze lets his wings come around both his wife and his son, keeping them close.

Meanwhile, Qiren prepares the tea and recounts what Wei Ying has told him. Upon learning this, Cangse is outraged, while Changze sighs in defeat. Before either of them can say anything, Wei Ying speaks up and says:

“It’s not true! Baba is not worthless!”

“You're right, Baobei. Your Baba is not worthless. He is amazing. I wouldn’t have married a useless person. Besides, A-Ze is perfect the way he is. Which is why A-Ying is adorable and exceptional, and why I am sure your new sibling will be just as awesome.” Cangse replies, while Changze looks fondly at his mate.

“Why don’t both of you take some time to talk to A-Ying about your time with the Jiang, while I go deal with this elder?” Qiren mentions as he gets up.

“Thank you, Qiren! We will do that.” Changze says.

“I apologize on behalf of the Lan clan for the distress this elder has caused you and your family.” Qiren bows.

“None of that, Qiren. We know it is not you. There are just some bad apples.” Changse waves him off. Qiren bowed once more before showing himself out.

…

After a while, Changze and Cangse were able to bring Wei Ying into their nest. While lying down with Wei Ying between both parents, Changze starts:

“A-Ying, little lotus, do you want to know why I am no longer with the Jiang and why that elder said such things?” Changze asks cautiously as Wei Ying turns to look at his father.

“Mhm!” Wei Ying nods as his mother combs her hands through his hair.

Changze takes a deep breath and looks to his wife, who nods in support.

“You know that Jiang Fengmian is the current sect leader of the Jiang clan and a mix between a human and a tortoise.”

“Yes!” Wei Ying answers, even if his father didn’t ask the question.

“Well, Jiang Fengmian is my half-brother. We share fathers, but we have different mothers. My mother was a phoenix from the Dafan Wen clan, a branch of the Wen clan. Jiang Fengmian’s mother was a human whom our father fell in love with and married, despite the Jiang elders' wishes. When Fengmian’s mother died, the elder forced my father to mate with my mother. She was a servant of the Wen clan. I never knew why she became a servant of the Wen clan, and my father never told me, even on his deathbed. The elders were hoping I would be born a Tortoise, as our father was from a pure bloodline. Although Fengmian was a Tortoise, he still had human blood in his veins, which the elder considered corrupt. As such, they had hope I would be a Tortoise and therefore lead the Jiang clan in place of my older brother.”

Changze took a deep breath a kept going.

“When I was born, all the elders' plans came crashing down, as I was born a phoenix. My mother, due to her poor health, died while giving birth to me. My father, as he didn’t want me in the first place and only complied with the elders' demand, neglected me from the start. He focused all his energy on Fengmian and, consequently, reduced me to a servant. The elder who would have been backing me let my father do whatever he wanted. Given that I was not what they wanted, I was useless to them and the Jiang clan. In any event, it became known that I was demoted to a servant, even if I am a half-brother of Fengmian.”

“The years went by, where I trained with the outer disciple and proved that I was good enough to be Head Disciple. My father decided to give me the position so I could be a shield for Fengmian. When I got the position, he explicitly told me that the only reason I have this post is to protect Fengmian. I went along with it because I had nothing else. When it came time for the Gusu lectures, I was allowed to join due to my position as Head disciple. During the lectures, I met your mother and fell in love with her. As you know, she and Madam Lan saved my life and others back then.”

“Thank the heavens we got to you in time,” Cangse adds, making Wei Ying giggle.

“Yes, A-Se, and I am eternally grateful. However, although I loved your mother, I knew that Fengmian loved her too. Given my position and the fact that your mother was a disciple of the immortal Baoshan Sanren, I ignored my feelings and let Fengmian court your mother. Fengmian and many others had asked your mother for permission to court her, as she didn’t have any father to ask permission from and therefore, had to ask her directly. She turned them all down. Fengmian didn’t want to give up, so he asked her to come to Lotus Pier with us for a visit.”

“Madam Yu had been studying at the Gusu lectures as well as at the time, and became furious once she heard that Fengmian had invited her despite being rejected. You see, Madam Yu's father was of the Jiang pure Tortoise bloodline. A far-removed cousin. For this reason, Madam Yu and Fengmian were betrothed. Madam Yu had fallen in love with Fengmian and was jealous of your mother for the affection Fengmian easily gave to A-Se and not herself.”

“Not that I wanted it!” Cangse huffed.

“I know, dear! So, when A-Se agreed to go to Lotus Pier, Madam Yu was furious and demanded to join. Fengmian could not say no, so he accepted. What neither of us knew was that your mother wanted an excuse to spend more time with me, as she had fallen in love with me and wanted to court me.”

“And my plan worked perfectly.” Cangse smiled mischievously.

“Wait, Baba. Shouldn’t a man court a woman?” Wei Ying asked.

“Normally, yes, Baobei. But, as you know, I don’t care much for social norms and their sexism.” Cangse answers.

“No, you don’t. But that is one of the reasons why I love you.” Changze replied.

“Ahhh, sweetheart! Warn me before you say such things. My heart cannot take it.” Cangse fakes a swoon, making Wei Ying laugh.

“My apologies, dear. I will warn you next time.” Changze smiles. “That being said, when we returned to Lotus Pier, Father was furious with Fengmian and told him to knock it off. He was supposed to marry Madam Yu. To which Fengmian replied that Father married for love, so why couldn’t he? Father replied and said that it wasn’t the same, as his wife, Fengmian’s mother, loved him back, while A-Se does not, but Madam Yu does. Fengmian said he could win her over. Father answer that you cannot win over someone who doesn’t love you. They continue to argue, until Father ask me to escort A-Se out of Lotus Pier and that she was banned from it. I escorted your mother out, who made me promise to write to her every day.” Changze looks at Cangse and continues:

“Which I did.”

“Yes, you did! Which is how we ended up night hunting together until I proposed to you.” Cangse exclaimed.

“Wait! Mama proposed! How did Mama propose?” Wei Ying asked, just before he yawned.

“That’s a story for another time, Baobei. Now it’s time for little foxes to go to sleep.” Cangse says.

“But I’m a fox-phoenix.” Wei Ying protests.

“Ahh, yes. My mistake! Time for Fox-Phoenix to go to sleep.”

“But Baba is not finished with his story. He still hasn’t said why you and Baba left Lotus Pier?” Wei Ying counters.

“That’s a story for when you are older, A-Ying. For now, all you need to know is that Changze agreed to marry me, and then we left the Jiang sect together to elope.” Cangse replied as she started to pet Wei Ying.

“Fine!” Wei Ying pouted. “Baba?”

“Yes, little lotus?”

“Thank you for telling me!”

“Anytime, A-Ying!”

Both parents kiss Wei Ying goodnight on his forehead before they all snuggle up on the bed to fall asleep. Tomorrow will bring a new day and new challenges. One of which is changing Wei Ying's talisman class. Maybe they could teach him the dizi.

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. 

Chapter Text

It was a bright sunny October morning. The leaves were falling, and the wind would sweep them up into the air, as they danced around each other. The normal white and blue Cloud Recess was suddenly filled with beautiful colors, ranging from the bright vibrant red to the golden yellow. 

Within the comfort of his parent’s nest, Wei Ying was all cuddle up in the blankets, hugging his three tails. He had recently acquired his third tail, much to the delight of everyone around him.  As he heard the sound of footstep approaching, he couldn’t help but whimper and snuggle further into the blankets. 

Cangse coos at the sight of her first born, stroking her baby bump that was showing at 25 weeks. Her baby was already very active this morning kicking where her mother's hand was. As Cangse sat down on the bed that house the nest, tired from her feet swelling already, she leans forward to kiss her other baby on the forehead. 

“Baobei, it’s time to wake up.” Cangse whispered. 

“Noooo.” Wei Ying whimpered and hid his face in the pillows. 

“Well, I guess that means you don’t want to go to your birthday party then.” Cangse replied. 

“No!” screamed Wei Ying, spilling the covers all around him as he jumped out of his burrow of blankets. 

Cangse giggled as she grabbed Wei Ying into her arms, giving a big hug. 

“Happy birthday, Baobei! Do you know how old you are turning?” Cangse said as she inhaled the lovely scent of her son hair, the faint traces of lotus and spice coming through the milk scent that was slowing fading with age and time. 

“Mhm! I am four today.” Wei Ying looked up at his mother, showing her four fingers. 

“Correc...Oof!” Cangse started before she felt her little one kick again. 

Wei Ying giggled at the feeling of his sibling kicking. “I think Meimei wants to tell me happy birthday too.” 

“Meimei, how do you know it's a little girl we are having? You could be having a didi.” Cangse chuckled. 

“No, Meimei is meimei.” Wei Ying answered as he looks at his mother stomach, rubbing his palm on its expanse, feeling his little sister kick, as if to confirm that her gege was right. 

“Oof! Look at the two of you already ganging up on me. A-Ze, your children are bullying me.” Cangse fake swoon, much to Wei Ying delights. 

“They just love you too much, A-Se.” Changze returned, walking past the privacy screen and towards his family. 

“A-Ze, my heart! Warn me before you say such things. My heart cannot take it.” Cangse retaliate with a hand over her heart, as Wei Ying laughed. “And you Baobei, laughing at your mother’s expenses, let see how long that last.” She warned, just before she pounced on Wei Ying and stared tickling him. 

“Mama, no! Stop! It tickles. Apple! Apple!” Wei Ying said laughing. Upon hearing the safe word, Cangse stop tickling her son right away, and hugged him instead. Changze watch the scene with a fond look on his face, still feeling the wonder at being so lucky to have such a magnificent family. 

“As much as I hate to put an end to this, the Lans are waiting for us at the Lóng dǎn wū.” Changze, ever the voice of reason, said. 

“Yes, yes.” Cangse replied, waiting for Changze to take Wei Ying from her to get him ready before she got up herself. 

... 

Upon arriving at the Lóng dǎn wū, the Weis greeted the Lans and started celebrating Wei Ying birthday. There was cake and food with presents off to the side. Everyone was merry and filled with joy. After finishing the food and birthday cake, it was time to open present. 

From his parents, Wei Ying got a black spiritual dizi, that he names Chenqing. His parents got him the dizi after Wei Ying showed interest in his mother’s white dizi, named Lixue, meaning beautiful snow, following the first day of snow when she received the dizi from Baoshen. Additionally, since Wei Ying didn’t have private lesson with his dad on talisman anymore (with Changze replacing as the talisman teacher), Wei Ying started to learn the dizi from his mother instead. 

Chenqing was a black lacquered bamboo flute with protection sigil written all over it and a red tassel that matched the tip of his fox ears and tails. In addition, the tassel had a jade token attached to it that Wei Ying could use to enter and leave Cloud Recess. The jade token was in the shape of a fox with phoenix wings to reflect Wei Ying unique nature. 

Lan Zhan, for his gift, had given Wei Ying music score that he transcribes for the dizi. Lan Huan gave Wei Ying a new red ribbon that had clouds adorning the end, signifying his place with the Lan clan. 

Mei Lan gave him a black bunny plush toy with a red bow on one ear to match the white bunny plush toy with a forehead ribbon that Lan Zhan has and Wei Ying loved. Wei ying was thrilled to see this bunny and couldn’t put tell Lan Zhan that now he has one too and they could play together, much to Lan Zhan joy. Wei Ying also mentioned that the black bunny was very much like him while the white bunny was Lan Zhan, making the mothers coos at the sweetness of the exchange. 

Furthermore, he got a letter from A-Sang with a gift. The gift was a fan that A-Sang had painted. He had painted the landscape of Qinghe mountains with a white Phoenix in flight. A reference to A-Sang having pure white phoenix wings with his twin white tiger tails with black stripes and white and black tiger ears. The gift also contained a green twin tailed tiger with black strips craving that look identical to Da-ge and Haoyu's full shift form (Mingjue having given Wei Ying the authorization to call him Da-ge too). A-Sang note included a hint that his Da-ge had become rather fond of A-Ying and that they were both looking forward to their visit to Qinghe in the coming weeks. 

Finally, Lan Qiren had presented Wei Ying with a box. Wei Ying opened the beautifully carved box carefully and exclaimed upon seeing what was inside. With cautious and meticulous hands, he lifted the forehead ribbon with clouds adornment. 

“As you know A-Ying, this ribbon represents not only our restraint, but the knowledge that we are part of the Lan clan. The clouds signify that you belong to the main clan of the family. Your parents and I discuss and decided that should something happen to them, both you and your sibling will be adopted by me and taken care of by the Lan clan. This ribbon symbolizes that.” Lan Qiren voiced, trying hard to not let his emotions take control and cry. 

Wei Ying, upon receiving such statement, could keep the tears away any longer and jump into Lan Qiren arms to hug him. 

“Thank you, Shufu! Thank you! I will always wear it with pride.” Wei Ying declared with determination, as his parents watch the scene with a fond look in their eyes, knowing that once they start night hunting again, should something happen, their loved ones would be safe and care for. 

As the day went by, Lan Qiren attached Wei Ying forehead ribbon around his head for him, his eyes misting while doing the task. The rest of the day was spent in joyous harmony. 

Chapter Text

After the visit from the Nie's, where A-Sang promised Wei Ying to send him copies of his books on phoenixes in exchange for them to continue corresponding with letters and following Haoyu congratulation speech to the Wei family on the surprised pregnancy, life at Gusu continue on it course.

The main and Wei family spent a lovely day celebrating Wei Ying’s birthday, enjoying the festivities for a week. Somehow the rule about no excess was ignored, mostly due to Cangse influence (is what Qiren would have you think).

Although the festivities were a good reprieve from all the discouraging lack of finding on Mei Lan’s case, eventually, Cangse and Changze managed to convince Mei Lan to tell Lan Qiren what truly transpired. Upon learning the truth, Qiren was furious. He couldn't believe that some elders in his sect behaved so cruelly. It was beyond inappropriate, and down right barbaric. He not only apologize to Mei Lan, having assumed the worst, but also punished himself for falling to uphold the main principles of the Lan clan, righteous and integrity.

He committed to assisting in the investigation to uncover all transgressions within the clan. To do so, he requested Changze cooperation in speaking with his brother. His brother needed to hear the truth, much to Mei Lan reluctance.

As such, one bright morning saw Qiren and Changze arrive at Yuanyun seclusion house deep within the back hills of Cloud Recess. Approaching the front door in measure and even steps, Qiren knocked on the door.

“Who is it?” replied the voice inside.

“Qiren.” Qiren returned.

“Come in.”

Qiren and Changze both entered the house. Inside, there was a small kitchen to the side where one could cook their meals in seclusion. To the other side, lied the bed with a privacy screen blocking the view. Further back, hidden from view, was a bathroom with a tub. The main area had a table with tea already on it and the patio door open, overlooking a small courtyard.

There on the patio sat Yuanyun, sipping his tea. His horns and scales were an identical color to Lan Zhan. They were light blue in color and seemed to reflect a clear blue lake color with hints of turquoise. However, once he turn his face to look at his guest, his features were a carbon copy of Lan Huan. One could clearly see the resemblance between father and child. The differences, like the white in the scales and horns the brothers shares, attributed to their mother.

“Changze, what a surprise?” exclaimed Yuanyun. “I had thought you and Cangse would be travelling the world with your son?”

“Hello Yuanyun, it is good to see you. The originally idea was to do exactly that, but a letter from A-Mei and an unexpected surprise led us to deviate to Cloud Recess for a time.”

“A surprise?” Questionned Yuanyun.

“A-Se is pregnant.” Changze said as his face soften.

“Ah! Congratulation! However, I don't think you came here just to tell me that.”

“Unfortunately, we have some upsetting news to deliver.” Qiren jumped in.

Yuanyun looked at his brother that share the same deep ocean blue scales and horns as Huan, his son, and frowned. When looking at both brothers, with only blue scales, one could see why the Lan dragon’s wear mostly white robes with an identical blue accent to their scales and horns.

With a simple hand gesture, Qiren and Changze sat down to join Yuanyun for tea and inform him of what happened to his wife. Having discovered the real reason behind his seclusion and his wife confinement, Yuanyun was appalled at the revelation.

He got up within moments, and headed out, determined to right the wrongs he and his zhiji had suffered. Qiren and Changze could not help the sigh that escape them, relief that Yuanyun truly did love his wife and could not stand the injustice.

…

The first thing that Yuanyun did immediately after returning to his position of Sect Leader was to free his wife and relieve his brother from his duties of intermediate Sect Leader. He started an investigation on all elders and all activities within the sect.

He added a box in his office where disciple could leave anonymous tips on what truly happens, without being discovered. It is to note that disciple also did the servants chores since there were no servants in Cloud Recess, given them access to all sorts of gossip, even though there was a rule forbidding it.

Additionally, he would lend a helping hand in classes and spent time catching up with his wife, sons and friends. Although both Huan and Zhan were skeptical at first, the joy their mother had whenever their father was around, was contagious as it was a blessing. They ended up quickly opening up to their father. They both learnt what it meant to be a good sect leader and how to be firm and uphold their beliefs , while still remaining politically correct.

With the help of Cangse and Changze, they even discuss the rules and learned that maybe there were too many. Additionally, some didn't really make sense. Therefore, they trimmed it down and added a clause that the reasons behind breaking a rule would be taken into consideration. Sometimes life happens and in between following a rule or saving a life, saving a life should always be the priority.

The changes were immediately felt by the disciples. One could see that they were now more relaxed and showing their unique personality. This had the added benefit of not only reducing the amount of punishment delivered, but also of enabling disciple to express themselves. This led to new discoveries, new topics being explored in class, and more students advancing quickly in their studies.

To say Qiren was shocked would have been the understatement of the year. Even his nephews seems to enjoy the changes. Although, he did not appreciate the added teasing he had to suffer from Cangse, as she was proven right again. And, as much as he was happy to have his brother back, him joining Cangse in the teasing was not appreciated.

However, the highlight of the reform was when numerous anonymous tips came in about the elder’s inappropriate behavior. It seems that the same elders that disapproved of the major shifts in the rules, where the elders with reprehensible conduct.

These tips permitted Qiren and Yuanyun to catch many of these elders in the act. Fortunately, they made it in time to spare the victim from further irreparable abuse. Even though the damage and trauma was already done, Qiren and Yuanyun, with the help of lan-yisheng and Nainai, an elder women that has been in the sect for so long no one knows how old she really is and therefore has received the title Nainai for her indiscriminate help towards all, were able to put in place a program to support and heal those impacted by the actions of the elders.

Sadly, during their inquiry, they found many that had taken their life, unable to overcome the tragedy. For those, they built a dedicated shrine for them and surrounded it with lilies, marigold, poppies, hyacinths and lotus. All these flowers were in full bloom all year round. A miracle that no one questioned, thinking the victim needed this peace and reminder that beauty exists in this world.

With the help of the disciple, Qiren and Yuanyun managed to convicted all the elders that had forced Mei Lan confinement. Regrettably, while Mei Lan ensured that all the elders had their golden core removed, were publicly humiliated and banished from the sect without anything but their clothes on their back (a feat that would lead many to die of starvation or from being beaten to death by those that found their action deplorable) she soon learned that the girl she had saved, end up taking her own life after those said elders succeed in their original task that Mei Lan prevented.

Mei Lan was inconsolable for weeks on end. Her children her only solace.

Chapter Text

One fall morning had the Lan main family quietly eating dinner at the table, following one of the rule that remained about eating in silence (mostly to prevent disciple from chocking on their food again). As they were finalizing this peaceful time together, a disciple arrives and knocks on the door.

“Who is it?” answered Yuanyun, surprised by the unexpected knock.

“Sect Leader Lan, an urgent missive from Sect Leader Nie was just delivered and requires your immediate attention.” Responded the disciple at the door.

After hearing the urgency in the disciple’s voice, the leader rose from his seat and slide the door opened to retrieve the letter. Mei Lan joined her mate, leaving their sons at the table, holding their breakfast in suspense.

“Thank you for delivering this quickly!” Said Yuanyun, dismissing the disciple and closing the door behind him.

“What does it say?” Mei Lan questioned as Yuanyun opened and read the letter, a frown etching itself across his face.

“Sect Leader Nie has been invited to compare his Saber, Baohu, to Sect Leader Wen’s newly acquired saber. He wishes for my insight on the best approach to this situation.”

“Mmm! That’s a difficult situation to be in. He can’t refuse as Wen Ruohan would be offended. However, if he were to accept and fail to show up, it would be an even greater affront. Either way, he must go. But why would Wen Ruohan want to compare sabers to begin with? He never wanted to compare swords before, and I mean our actual sword, not the one men’s have.” Mei Lan teased with a wink.

“Mother!” “A-Lan!” Exclaimed in embarrassment all Lan’s in the room, causing Mei Lan to burst out laughing at the cute expression her kids and husband had.

Coughing to regain his bearings, Yuanyun continued “I guess a trip to the Unclean Realms is in order. Would you like to join me, my lovely gentian.”

“Ahhh! You know I can’t refused you when you call me that.” Replied Mei Lan, cooing at her husband.

The two continued their loving display of affection, much to the exasperation of their kids in the room, trying to find an excuse to leave their parents.

…

After having agreed to join Sect Leader Nie to his visit to Sect Leader Wen, Sect Leader Lan and his family left for Qinghe with the Wei family, having overheard (not eavesdropping as that was still against the rules) the conversation.

Changze had shared that, when Haoyu recently visited, he had mentioned the letter. Along with Qiren, they decided to join him in his visit to Qishan. Additionally, they thought of using the excuse of the kids visiting their friends in the Unclean Realm as a cover up.

Yuanyun and Mei Lan were astounded and quickly agreed with the strategy. As such, both family headed to Qinghe.

The following day, having arrived at the Nie stronghold, both mothers choose to stay with Nie Furen and the children in the stronghold of the Nie clan, while the husbands flew to see Wen Ruohan. Upon arriving at the door step of Nightless City, they were greeted rather rudely by the disciple stationed there.

“Who are you and what business do you have with the mighty and glorious Wen Sect?” inquired the disciple on the left, unsheathing his sword at the same time as his co-disciple.

“We are here by invite of your Sect Leader. I am Sect Leader Nie. Accompanying me is Sect Leader Lan and Wei Changze. Here is our invitation.” Haoyu respond with unwavering conviction as he demonstrated the letter in his right hand. His left hand went to the hilt of his Saber, as Changze and Yuanyun went to their sword. They didn’t unsheathe the blade, but the gesture alone spoke volumes: they were prepared to stand their ground.

The disciple to the right looked at the letter and than to his fellow disciple. They both nodded, silent communication passing between them, before the right disciple took the outstretched letter and mounted his sword - no doubt to double-check and inform their leader.

The other three remain still, watching the left disciple. Not even a few minutes had passed before the right disciple returned.

“Wen-Zongzhu is expecting you. I will escort you to the main hall.”

Before any of them could say anything, the disciple rush off, forcing them to follow. The disciple was in such a hurry, that it was impossible to look around the city before they arrived at the main gate of the Wen Clan Palace. The gates were guarded once more by disciple, but they looked much more intimidating that the ones keeping vigil at the city entrance.

Another nod from the right disciple was reciprocated by the disciples at the gate just before the doors open on their own.

“More than likely some kind of array.” thought Changze. A thought that reflected on both Haoyu and Yuanyun.

As they climbed the stairs leading to the Scorching Sun Palace, they noticed many disciple monitoring the hallways. The sheer number was concerning.

As they cross the plaza and entered the building, they are greeted by the sight of Wen Ruohan siting on a throne. The throne was located on a raised platform at the end of the wide room with staircase leading up to it. The grand hall was decorated from head to toe in lavished Wen color and design, their symbol etched into the wood as if claiming the natural world as theirs to rule and govern.

“Welcome to the great and mighty Wen Sect. I am surprised that Sect Leader Lan decided to join, given he was supposed to be in seclusion.” Wen Ruohan voiced his displeasure across the room, his face twisted in a scowl, repulsed by the sight before him.

“It is an honor to be in the Chief Cultivator presence. I have recently exited seclusion following the arrival of my friend, Wei Changze.” Bowed Yuanyun, gently reminding Wen Ruohan of Changze presence that he failed to greet.

“I see!” Wen Ruohan replied, clearly unimpressed by Yuanyun rebuked of his failure to acknowledge Changze.

“Xiandu, your letter mentioned you wished to compare my Saber to one you recently acquired. Is that correct?” Haoyu stated, trying to ease the tension in the room before anything escalated.

“Yes, I have acquired the strongest Saber ever made and wished to compare it to your mediocre Saber.” Wen Ruohan declared, standing to place said Saber on the table in front of him. He motion with a slight of hand for Haoyu to place his next to it.

Seeing and sensing nothing wrong, Haoyu placed Baohu on the table per Wen Ruohan request. When offered Ruohan’s Saber, he began examining it in his hand.

“It is quite light and very well made, Xiandu. Truly a fine Saber!” Haoyu remarked as he placed the Saber back and bowed to Wen Ruohan.

“Yes, it is!” Ruohan returned. “Yours however could use some work.” He added as he look at it in contempt before he smacked it twice with his palm - Baohu vibrating from the shock. He then proceed to sit back in his throne.

Confused by the strikes against Baohu, but not wanting to stay any longer after that hearing that declaration, Haoyu picked up his Saber and put her back in her sheath. He saluted and acknowledged Wen Ruohan words with “I am grateful for Xiandu’s wisdom!”

When Wen Ruohan didn’t return the salute, as was proper, the three of them bowed and exited the chamber. Once outside, the right disciple glanced at the them and started to head back to the entrance of the city. Forcing the three to obey the silent command of follow me.

Once outside the city, the gate closed behind them, the right disciple returning to his place. The stern gaze of both disciple conveyed the silence request to get lost. Seeing no value in lingering by the gates, Changze, Yuanyun, and Haoyu mounted their swords and saber respectively, soaring toward Qinghe, unaware of Baohu ever so slight tremble, overshadowed by the gate disciple’s presence.