#i am in zhan-ge time

[starsxinxthexbluexsky]

Xiao Zhan - Xiao Chunsheng | Where Dreams Begin

[accio-victuuri]

merry christmas to us turtles, my gift to you is this clowning post for yibo’s new song ( i am not here ) concept poster. of course, we have multiple cpns already with this material alone. lol. i’m sure we will know more when the track is released and other bts stuff. reminder to enjoy the song & if it’s cpn leaning or not doesn’t really matter. we are here to support yibo and this is his yearly “gift” to fans 🎁

as with xz’s we album art, our minds immediately went to the cql connection. it’s too easy! this is because the chinese title is 我在 which is i’m here but the english title and what’s on the poster is i am not here ( possible explanation of why this happens is at the end of this post ). it could be that these two lines are in the song — anyway, the “i am here” is something that lwj said 🥹🥹🥹🥹

in the novel, this has more weight and makes me wanna scream actually 😭😭😭😭

i will just include here the part/s in the novel that people are referencing:

Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian called out. Lan Wangji’s breathing wasn’t as steady as it usually was—it was slightly short, probably from overexerting himself in hand-to-hand combat while carrying Wei Wuxian on his back. However, the tone with which he answered him had the same steadiness he’d always possessed, and it was still that word: “Mn.” After that, he added, “I’m here.” Hearing those two words, a feeling Wei Wuxian had never felt before spread into his heart. It was like an ache. His heart throbbed a little, but it was also a little warm

LAN ZHAN…” Wei Wuxian murmured. He reached out and grabbed one of Lan Zhan’s sleeves. Lan Wangji, who had been keeping watch by his side, immediately leaned over to answer him softly. “I am here.”

Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian mumbled. Everyone was overjoyed, thinking he was about to wake up, but Wei Wuxian’s eyes remained tightly shut. Lan Wangji, on the other hand, looked as he usually did. “Mn. I am here.”Wei Wuxian said nothing else. He nuzzled against Lan Wangji, as if feeling safe and reassured, and continued to sleep.

The moment Wei Wuxian heard the dog, his hair immediately stood on end and he shrank into Lan Wangji’s embrace. Scared completely out of his wits, he cried out. “Lan Zhan!” Lan Wangji already knew to hold him. “Mn!” he assured him. “I am here!” “Hold me!” Wei Wuxian pleaded. “I am!” Lan Wangji replied. “Hold me tight!” Wei Wuxian then specified. “I am!” Lan Wangji confirmed.

and if you think about it— this is what wyb is to xz. he is there. even when is not there physically, he is. and vice versa 🫶🏼

plus the photo of yibo with his eyes closed, similar to lwj. personally, it’s making me so jealous of his eyebrows again 😤😤😤😤

fans are also going back to that one post of xz that said i’m here, good night! and when you connect that to the goodnight song that we think is a bjyx inspired track. and now yibo releases i’m here.

if you wanna clown some more, you can say that wyb’s song is sort of an answer to goodnight. cause xz’s more about not being with that person physically but he cherishes the goodnight they share with each other at the end of the day. and wyb is saying i’m here / i’m not here. ybo’s caption for the teaser is “Close your eyes and the colors of the world bloom in your heart. The distant blur and the real reunion at hand.”

so it’s a reunion? being together after some time apart? Close your eyes? Sleep and you will see me there cause i’m in your heart too. but don’t worry, we will be together soon.

I SWEAR. 😭😭😭😭😭

ALSO THIS TYPE OF DESIGN:

and how their song titles have two characters. we and i’m here. it goes well together.

and pretty much like how hu ge used “we/us” in his caption before. the same happened with this track. what a coincidence! 👀👀👀👀

Lastly, i found someone explaining why there is a difference in the direct translation. We had experience with this in GG’s songs form his wo men album. In the same way that the english titles of Chinese movies almost always is not the direct translation.

If the Chinese name is "I’m here” and the English name is "I am not here", this may be due to the following reasons:

1. Cultural differences and artistic conception: When Chinese and English express the same concept, they often have different language styles and cultural backgrounds. Sometimes Chinese names may focus on conveying a certain kind of meaning & artistic conception or emotion, while English names are more direct or have reverse meanings. For example, the Chinese name "I am" may convey a sense of presence or some kind of presence. The English name "I am not here" may be intended to express an emotion or theme of absence.

2. The double meaning of the work: It is possible that this work focuses on a certain theme (such as existence, positioning, presence) in Chinese, but in English it uses negative sentences. The expression conveys the opposite meaning, thereby creating a certain sense of contrast or suspense. This naming scheme may be intended to pique the interest of viewers or readers and encourage them to explore the work and the deep meaning behind it.

3. Translation strategy: Sometimes in order to adapt to the habits and aesthetics of different language markets, translation will take a certain degree of freedom. The translator may think that the English "I am not "here" can better capture the essence of the original work in a certain context or can more effectively resonate with English audiences.

4. Difference in context; if "I Am" is a contrasting or symbolic name, then the English name "i am not here" may be related to the content of the story. For example, a character may not be physically present, but still "exist" or "affect" the story on other levels.

In short, the differences between Chinese and English titles may be due to differences in language and culture, or may be due to the creator or translator's attempt to better convey the theme or introduction of the story. A choice made based on the curiosity of the audience.

There is also this interpretation:

The philosophy of "presence" and "absence" of emotions:

The combination of the two can also be understood as a philosophical reflection on presence and absence. "I’m here" can be seen as a declaration and guarantee of love, meaning that even if you are not together in a space, two people can still perceive each other mentally and rely on each other; and "I am not here" faces the physical absence in reality and is an emotion.

Self-expression on the Internet means that although you are not in front of the other person, you are still with them in your heart. It symbolizes the silent understanding and spiritual bond between long-distance lovers. Even if they cannot always appear in each other's lives, their hearts will always be with them.

Resonance in long-distance relationships:

Summary:

For couples in long-distance relationships, "I Am Here" may be the singer's promise to his lover - "I am here, no matter where you are"; while "I am not here" It is to Acknowledge the difficulties and helplessness of reality, "Although I am no longer with you, I still care about you." The two combine to express the unique experience of long-distance love: between love and absences, there are both firm commitment and deep longing and helplessness.

The combination of "I am here " and "I am not here" shows the emotional tension in long-distance relationships. Together they express a profound emotional state: that of being physically. We are not together physically, but our emotional and spiritual connection is strong. "I am here” represents deep love and firm commitment, while "I am not here" is a positive statement.

Acknowledging the sense of distance and absence in long-distance relationships. Together, they convey a sense of emotional persistence and acceptance of distance from reality, while also demonstrating that even in absence, Love still exists and is still real.

The Chinese and English names of this song are not only a true portrayal of the emotion of long-distance love, but also express the two aspects of love - persistence and absence, presence and loss, embodying the duality in long-distance relationships. No matter where we are, our hearts will always find each other.

THIS IS ALL GUESSWORK/CLOWNING. The title could change. There could be a completely different meaning than we think. It’s still so early but this is what’s fun with being a turtle and doing cpn <3 don’t take it seriously! Again, what’s important is we will get a new song! 🙌🏼

source/s

[randomprose]

“What are you doing?”

Guan Shan doesn’t pause as he drops a piece of stir fried carrot on He Tian’s bowl.

“Feeding you, you ungrateful dick.” Guan Shan says over a mouthful of sweet and sour fish. And then, just to prove his point, he also picks up a slice of mushroom and deposits it on top of He Tian’s rice. “Eat up.” 

“What am I a rabbit?” He Tian grouses as he picks at the different vegetables Guan Shan kept on piling at his bowl over the course of dinner. There’s not even any meat in it. “I don’t remember being a vegetarian.”

“Oh, believe me. I know you’re not.”

He Tian makes a face at the greens on his bowl which Guan Shan pointedly ignores. Beside them, Jian Yi and Zhan Zheng Xi are fighting over the last piece of shrimp. On both ends of the table sit Qiu-ge and He Cheng quietly eating and the only ones exercising proper dining etiquette. 

Zhan Zheng Xi snags the last piece of shrimp but willingly relinquishes at Jian Yi’s pout. Qiu-ge rolls his eyes at the exchange as he reaches between them for another slice of pork feet.

They weren’t supposed to be part of dinner. The whole affair was supposed to be just for two. He Tian got a new place downtown and asked (read: demanded, made) Guan Shan come over and cook them a housewarming dinner. Ten minutes into Guan Shan bossing around He Tian to cut vegetables, the doorbell rang because somehow Jian Yi found out and wanted a free meal as usual. He bodied his way in with Zhan Zheng Xi in tow because where Jian Yi goes he goes. 

He Cheng and Qiu-ge arrived just as they were setting the table. He Tian had hit Jian Yi over the head for being a blabber mouth and didn’t want to let them in, but Qiu-ge muttered something about a burned house and a flooded bedroom as he pushed He Tian aside. He never did forget that incident the one (and only) time he bought them dinner. At least they brought dessert and wine. The good expensive kind. 

Guan Shan just thanked all fuck he followed his gut and made enough food to feed more than four.

He moves to put a piece of bok choy on He Tian’s bowl but his chopsticks get intercepted. He looks up and meets He Tian’s eyes. 

Stop. Don’t you dare.

His hand moves and drops it on the bowl anyway, delicately balancing it amidst the rice and all the other vegetables He Tian has moved around and still refuses to eat.

I dare.

“Fuck, Guan Shan. If you insists on shoving a balanced meal down my throat at least put some meat in it too.”

“Fine,” Guan Shang sighs muttering ‘picky eater, fucking child’ under his breath. “There.”

He puts a piece of chicken breast on He Tian’s bowl. Steamed. No Sauce. White meat.

He Tian sends him an annoyed smile. The glint in his eyes tells Guan Shan he’s about to try his patience some more and do something stupid.

“I’ll eat the vegetables if you feed them to me, darling~.”

He Tian says this with a sugary smile not caring if He Cheng is literally on the same table and witnessing his brother acting shamelessly. His tone is lilting with the pet name as an annoyingly cloying cherry on top, all meant to embarrass Guan Shan, he knows, but years of being exposed to He Tian’s shamlessness has somewhat immuned him to his antics. Somewhat.

This is one of those times. Guan Shan takes food and nutrition very seriously. 

“Fine.” Guan Shan picks up the piece of bok choy and puts it near He Tian’s mouth. “Open up.”

He Tian rears back as he looks at the piece of vegetable like it personally offended him. Then he looks at Guan Shan, nonchalantly but expectantly holding up his chopsticks as if feeding a child, and glares.

“Mo Guan Shan.” A warning.

“He Tian.” A challenge.

The table has grown silent as everyone watches the exchange. He Cheng sips at his wine and continues to eat, acting like he doesn’t care and pretending the scene in front of him doesn't interest him, but He Tian knows he’s waiting as well. No one has ever succeeded in making him eat his vegetables. Not the baby sitters, not the maids, not He Cheng, not even their own mother.

He Tian’s glare intensifies, feeling like a cornered animal. There’s oyster sauce dripping down the bok choy’s stem. He tries to convey a promise of wicked retribution to try and scare Guan Shan into backing down but he just meets He Tian's glare with a look that says 'If you don't eat your vegetables I will never cook for you again. Ever.' 

And He Tian can say he doesn’t care. It’s just food after all and he's got the money to eat good food whenever the fuck he wants if he feels like it. But the truth is it’s a real threat because he’s always really liked Guan Shang’s food. His cooking has truly elevated ever since he started apprenticing under a chef that own’s a famous family restaurant at Dongcheng. He’s saving up money to go to culinary school next year. Get proper professional training and get certified. When that happens, Guan Shan’s food is gonna be stupidly hella good and if He Tian doesn’t yield now Guan Shan will surely make good with his threat. He'll probably still cook for Jian Yi and Zhan Zheng Xi just to spite him and He Tian really doesn’t want that.

So He Tian opens his mouth and lets Guan Shan feed him his stupid vegetables. 

Beside them, He Cheng stifles a smile through his wine glass. ‘Whipped’ his eyes taunts and He Tian glares at him acidly through his mouthful of bokchoy. 

Later, when the table has been cleared and they’ve all had dessert, He Cheng gets a call and he and Qiu-ge excuse themselves to leave. He Tian walks them to the door, anticipating an order or a job assignment. There usually is something whenever He Cheng gets a call that requires him to leave immediately.

“Nice wife you got there,” He Cheng comments as he puts on his coat.

A teasing instead of an order.

It catches He Tian off-guard. His eyes stray to where Guan Shan is making Jian Yi do the dishes while Zhan Zheng Xi cleans the pots and pans. He’s got a plain white apron on and a towel drying a plate Jian Yi has finished washing. He makes him redo it when he deems it not clean enough. The kettle sounds off and Guan Shan goes to turn it off. There’s three mugs with instant coffee on the counter and one with a teabag of green tea for Jian Yi.

And suddenly, He Tian is hit with the word. Wife. Guan Shan will blow his top off if he finds out he’s being referred to as such so He Tian thinks of another word. Husband. The word hits him like a freight train, heady with the images it implies. 

Fuck. He Tian will gladly be called the wife if he gets to call Mo Guan Shan his husband.

“He’s uh—Huh. Hm. Yeah. That’s—He’s…Yeah.”

He Cheng follows Qiu-ge out the door. He lights up a cigarette, shaking his head at his brother and thinks, 'Whipped'.

[impatiencegyu]

Jin Ling and his Jiu-jiu

Jin Ling is seven when he almost understands love.

It's past midnight, and he had had a very bad nightmare. Someone was chasing after him, calling him names and yelling that he was an orphan, and that his uncle was dead, and that he had no one left in this world, and so on and on and on—

He had woken up screaming, rousing his uncle who was fast asleep and had gone to sleep dead-tired. I woke him up, Jin Ling thinks guiltily as he twists his fingers into his uncle's shirt, burrowing his teary face deeper into his neck.

"What is it, A-Ling?" Jiu-jiu's voice, though rough from sleep, is soft and comforting as he cradled the boy into his lap. "It's just a nightmare, alright? No one is going to hurt you — I'll break their legs before they get to you."

Jin Ling giggles wetly, wiping at his eyes before leaning his head on his uncle's shoulder and looking up. His jiu-jiu was the best in the whole world. He was so handsome, and so cool, and all his friends were jealous of him because he was just so cool. Everyone loved him, though he was often grumpy — the only person he didn't get grumpy at all the time was him. And Sang-gege, of course.

Ah, Sang-gege. Jin Ling thinks, suddenly straightening up, before lying back down against his jiu-jiu's chest.

"Jiu-jiu?"

"Hm?"

Jin Ling hesitates, before leaning his head slightly up. "Jiu-jiu, can I ask you something?"

"Well, go on," his uncle tilts his head to a side.

"Jiu-jiu," Jin Ling whispers, closing his eyes as he leans his head back on his uncle's chest.

"Jiu-jiu, do you love Sang-ge?"

He hears his uncle's breath hitch, and smiles a bit when he felt his heart speed up under his ears. "Jiu-jiu?"

He heard his jiu-jiu huff before he asks, "Suddenly? What brought this on?"

"Well, Sang-gege loves you. So I thought you would—"

"He said that?" Though he doesn't look up at him, Jin Ling heard the sudden softness and something — hope? — in his uncle's voice.

"No, but he looks at you like that."

"Like what?"

Jin Ling makes a face as he continues, "Like Zhan-ge looking at Wei Wuxian."

"That's Da-jiu for you," his uncle corrects, and laughs as Jin Ling makes a face again.

"Like Da-jiu and Zhan-ge look at each other."

"Do I look at him like that?"

Jin Ling contemplates that for a moment, before shaking his head. "No, you are different. Your eyes go all soft, and sometimes I think you don't even breathe when Sang-ge is here. You go all warm and soft even if you snark at him all the time, and you almost always look at him like that."

Jiang Cheng's mouth has fallen open at some point. He opens it, closes it, then lets out a snort. "That's way too observant for a 7 year old."

Jin Ling smiles smugly at him, before commenting in wonder, "Jiu-jiu, you are so red right now, you look like tomato soup."

His uncle's smile gives way to a scowl as he lifts Jin Ling off his lap.

"That's enough for now. Go to bed."

"But jiu-jiu!" Jin Ling whines as he's dragged into his uncle's bed, and immediately smothered by blankets. "I don't wanna sleep! I wanna talk about Sang-gege!"

"I said sleep." Jiang Cheng climbs under the covers with him, switching the light off, and cuddling him close. Jin Ling sighs, observing his uncle's face in the soft glow of the nightlight. Then he whispers.

"Jiu-jiu."

"What?"

"When am I going to fall in love?"

"Sleep."

"But jiu-jiu—"

Jiang Cheng now cuddles his nephew closer, closing his eyes as he hugs him tight to his chest.

"Another word and you can go back to your room. Sleep."

Jin Ling huffs, annoyed, then gives up and closes his eyes too.

"Good night, jiu-jiu."

"It's almost morning now, idiot child. Sleep. Wake me if you get a nightmare again, okay?"

Jin Ling smiles wide at that, and nods against his uncle's chest, before dozing off.

[jin-zixun]

also for the character ask meme: 7, 8 and 9 for jgy and su she (I would ask even more but am afraid that's too much....)

Not too much at all!

7. JGY is said to be like 5'7 or 5'8 and that seems fair to me. I know a lot of people want him to be shorter, and like, that's fine too I think, but I don't think he needs to be.

For Su She, I don't think he was ever given a canon height? I'm stuck between like, being slightly taller than JGY like he seems to be portrayed as. Like maybe 5'10-ish? Or like. Exactly the same height as the twin jades and people make comments about it despite it obviously being a coincidence please he's not copying Lan Wangji by being tall it just happened please come one, seriously? Because it would be funny.

Weight... Idk I'm pretty bad at weight ranges for like. Adults. I generally have to look up "what does someone at this height and weight look like" to visualize any of it. More than 100lbs. Probably less than like 200lbs? They're slender. Idk.

As for age... Oh, I don't think Su She has a canon birthday either, but WWX says he's the same age as him and Lan Zhan, so he's probably 15 in the Cloud Recesses Arc. JGY I feel is supposed to be the same age as Zixuan, born on the same day, but he might be a year younger? I think it would make sense if he went to Jin Zixuan's 15th birthday on his 14th birthday, but if Jin Zixuan is also supposed to be the same age as WWX (which he might not be, idk) then JGY would be younger than them, but NHS, who is also the same age if not older than WWX calls him "San-Ge" meaning he's older, right? Oh, well.

Headcanon-wise, ignoring all of that, I think JGY is slightly but not by much older, like maybe a year or two older than WWX and LWJ and therefore SMS. I think that's cute.

8. Unpopular opinion. Well, I think they might all be unpopular opinions, since they aren't the most popular characters, especially Su She... But! I'll keep it to like... 5 each.

Unpopular Opinions about JGY:

1. he didn't kill his kid, that's a more popular opinion in pro-JGY areas, but outside of that...

2. He was devastated to lose NMJ. His main driving factor in playing turmoil for NMJ wasn't because NMJ would kill him or because he insulted his mother, although they didn't help, NMJ was dying anyway whether JGY did anything or not. IMO his main factor in doing things the way he did was to gain back some semblance of control over something inevitable. Since the confrontation on the stairs, NMJ was already gone from him, replaced, taken over, lost. Devastating.

3. I don't think he actually did anything corrupt as Chief Cultivator. Some people talk like he was out there killing people who didn't agree with him and shit and like there's no evidence of that and if there was it would've come up, but like WWX himself says, if they're secrets how do you know? People are just making shit up about JGY once he's persona non grata and that's like. That's a pretty big thing that happens and idk why people are like "yeah that's true!" about so much of it.

4. I think he was also sad to kill Wen Ruohan! Maybe not so devastated as NMJ or even JGS (more for the loss of what JGS wasn't but still) but WRH took him in when those other two wouldn't and brought him up to a high position, taught him himself, appreciated and cared for him... I think JGY also appreciated and cared for WRH, even though he knew he had to kill him, and did. I think it was difficult, but I don't think any other decision was ever on the table either.

5. I think he was close af with Su She, emotionally and everything. I think if he was with anyone after Qin Su it was Su She. I think he wanted to be with someone who he trusted and who understood him and would choose to stand by him and keep him safe. I also think he thought Su She was cute af but that might be my own bias of thinking Su She is cute af.

WHICH means it's time for unpopular Su She opinions? 1. He's not copying Lan Wangji fr, he's from the Lan Sect, he uses the techniques that he was taught as a Lan, there's no reason he shouldn't. The Lans fumbled him, they should look inwards for their own absolution.

2. He didn't have to trick his sect members into the second siege, they just acted like that and WWX didn't think about it hard enough because he didn't care. Like in CQL Su She *doesn't* die for the Lans who just kinda left him there and that's seen as a betrayal. Like a horrible betrayal, like apparently worse than actually attacking and possibly killing other Lans yourself like LWJ does. But Su She having his disciples do something that could get them killed is tricking them, like the expectations are so different for characters that are seen as undeserving, but I don't think the Moling Su disciples see their Sect Leader as undeserving. A number of them apparently followed him out of the Lan Sect. If he's already worthy of that, then...

3. He's probably one of the most talented cultivators in the jianghu. Like, he uses up a lot of spiritual power on teleportation, so we don't really get to see him at full power. Plus his cultivation is permanently damaged from the Hundred Holes curse and not only can he still use the teleportation talismans and *then* nearly hold his own against Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji not at full power and with damaged cultivation, but he can still have enough power left to shatter a sword? Absurd, the only reason he isn't immortal is bad luck. Hua Cheng coded.

4. I think he was treated badly in the Lan Sect. From the way they talk to him and interact with him (and the way we see people like Lan Qiren interact with other students, ie. bringing in LWJ to humble them) it isn't just that he feels inadequate or inferior, it's that he's *made* to feel inadequate and inferior. Deliberately. Even though, if you look at his actual abilities and what he manages to do after leaving the Lan, he's actually incredibly talented. Now whether the elders did see him as a threat to the inner disciples, particularly the twin jades (seeing just his prowess, WWX thinks he could be LXC or LQR and even once mistakes him for LWJ) dominance and want to tamp him down for that, or it just doesn't even occur to them that some nobody outer disciple could be that talented so they just treat them all that way, I don't know. Either one is just as tragic in their own way tbh. (Also why it's frustrating to see defenses of Lan Qiren that don't even mention his relationship to Su She like...)

5. He's hot. He just is. He's cute too. Adorable. And he's not annoying or an asshole or anything like that either. He's not arrogant, he's resentful. I don't even know why people find him annoying he's literally so inoffensive (if you aren't trying to kill JGY). Like people portray him as someone who overestimates his own abilities and importance and like... No, like he has fuck ups when he's younger, but his reaction is like, a horrified shame at himself for even thinking he could do anything right and like... Uh, that's not arrogance!

9. Scene that first made me love JGY: like the first scene he showed up in CQL (which I watched first) and the disciples were gossiping about him and he was smiling while looking so sad and yeah.

Scene that first made me love SMS: sorry babe it was protecting JGY in Guanyin Temple. Maybe I didn't pay enough attention to him at first, but oh boy, I love him now.

[rainbowsky]

Hi. I'm your new follower & new 🐢 . I want to say thank you for all your hardwork & comforting yet realistic words (which I really enjoy reading). You didn't sugarcoat your words & help me to see things from new perspective. I just want to ask about this photo- xiao zhan in water. Is this the official photo uploaded by zhan ge?

I read somewhere that there is a hidden photo of xz & wyb from ddu days in the photo. I just noticed that. I'm not sure if the hidden photo is matching or not but one thing- no matter how many times I look at this photo, I'll notice right away the circle part. Suddenly this part becomes so obvious to me that I can no longer ignore it. Am I only seeing things? Am I overthinking?

What do you think?

Thanks for reading this.

The suspected hidden photo from ddu:

Hi new turtle! 💛🐢💛

Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm glad you're enjoying my blog! 😊

Fake, fan fiction, CPN.

I do not tend to go in for this type of candy. It's a bit galaxy 🤡 brain for me. But let's take a look.

Yes, this is a real photo uploaded to the Xiao Zhan Studio account on 3 July.

The relevant section of the image, taken straight from the XZ Studio post and enlarged to 300%, no other alterations made.

Arguments in favor of this being real and intentional:

I do believe that GG hides things sometimes in his art and images. He's sneaky and seems to enjoy messing with people and giving them something to ponder (possibly including DD, who is likely the real target for most of this stuff). A good example of this is his ideal life painting, which most turtles know and love.

GG used to work professionally as a graphic designer. He's highly skilled in Photoshop and perfectly capable of creating something that leaves the right degree of doubt/plausible deniability.

Given the current climate it is harder to get away with dropping candies. This is the sort of thing that's pretty safe to do. It's totally harmless and not something that will go on hot search or be noticed by passersby, and those who believe in it will be dismissed as crazy even by some other turtles, let alone passersby.

Those ripples look 'wrong'. Regardless of whether it's the result of an optical illusion or intentional manipulation, there is something unnatural about the appearance of the ripples/reflections/shadows in that area.

Arguments in favor of this being imagined:

The image definitely doesn't match the DDU one turtles are claiming was used. Assuming this is two people talking, the heads are positioned entirely differently, and the clothing isn't the same. (That doesn't mean it can't be some other image, but using an image that doesn't match definitely weakens the credibility of this).

There's not really much point in doing this. It doesn't serve much of a purpose beyond entertaining the few turtles who buy it.

Humans are somewhat hardwired to see patterns in things that are otherwise neutral or meaningless. The phenomenon is called pareidolia. I would imagine it's even more likely to happen in situations where people are actively looking for patterns, as many turtles do whenever something new is posted.

Pareidolia in Iceland: elephant rock.

This isn't the first time turtles have seen 'hidden photos' in posts from GG.

Last year turtles claimed to see a photo of DD as LWJ in the ripples of a photo of him in a swimming pool. I was too busy looking at his leg hair legs to notice.

The relevant section of the image, taken straight from the XZ Studio post and enlarged to 300%, no other alterations made.

The shape some turtles believe is hidden in the image.

There is another ancient CPN about a photo supposedly hidden in one of GG's art posts.

(Sorry, I can't find the actual photo that people think he used, but it's the rear view of the one inset above. If anyone has the right photo please send it my way and I'll update the post. Thanks.)

EDIT: Here's the image showing the connection fans see. There's a detailed breakdown of some other hidden elements in this post.

Like I said, I'm not totally sold on this CPN. I go back and forth on it all the time. Sometimes they seem totally credible to me and other times I think they're an optical illusion. If I had to give it a percentage, I'd say I'm 60% in the 'these types of hidden photo candies are real' camp, and 40% 'they're not real'.

Everyone should just form their own opinions based on their own perceptions. CPN like this can't be proved, but it's also difficult to wash, so everyone is free to make up their own mind.

This CPN is pretty harmless, and (if real) I think that's kind of the point, right? Giving us something that is easily denied/dismissed.

As a new turtle you might also find my masterlist post helpful.

[mdzs-owns-my-ass-i-guess]

Gambling man

When Nie Huaisang all but dragged him out of his bed and away from his sappy, romantic K-drama marathon, Wei Wuxian had expected to be taken to some cafe, bar, night club or something down-to-earth like that - not the highest end casino in town in a limo that Nie Huaisang definitely shouldn't have been able to afford. Not after his older brother cut off his allowance due to his abysmal grades, that is.

"A-Sang, how did you even pay for this? Did you start selling drugs or something?"

Huaisang opened his fan in offense. He had dressed in his fanciest clothes and looked every bit as elegant as he did androgynous. "I'd never step on Xue Yang's turf like that, and he's my best dealer anyway, it would be a breach of trust."

Before Wei Wuxian could say anything (since when was Huaisang buying drugs, let alone from Xue Yang of all people? There was no way he didn't know of the massive scandal that broke out at their university over him), Huaisang continued, "And anyway, I only spent half of my allowance on this, it was a bargain!"

"A-Sang, half of your allowance is like 400$."

"Exactly! So cheap! Plus, we can't just show up to the Cloud Recesses in a taxi or something, it's bad taste and we're not poor!"

Wei Wuxian sent him a pointed look. "We are, though. I mean, I am."

A shrug. "Yeah but at least you're finally no contact with that terrible woman! And you have me! I'm also poor but not as poor as you - no offense."

"None taken, it's the truth. But since we're both basically broke, why are we going to a casino?"

Huaisang waved his fan closed. "To get rich, of course! Like hell am I going to live off 800$ every month! That's not even enough for makeup, do you know how much some good foundation costs nowadays?!"

"Uhh, no, not really..."

The fan was pointed so close in his face that Wei Wuxian felt Nie Huaisang might poke his eyes out with it. "Of course not, you people with good skin just don't get it! Da-Ge didn't even want to hear it! And all because old teacher Lan has it out for me!"

"He doesn't, A-Sang, you just only showed up to his class once and slept through it... never turned in an assignment, never showed up for the exam-"

"Who wakes up at 6 am to attend his lectures?"

"Me, Lan Zhan-"

"Okay, let me rephrase that: who in their right mind wakes up at 6 am to attend his lectures?"

The limo stopped in front of the large, lit up establishment. It looked every bit as luxurious and grandiose at night as it did during the day, white marble and light blue accents, the family crest serving as the logo on its large glass doors.

"What if we lose the money we do have?"

"Ridiculous! I never lose! Especially not when I'm wearing my tightest pair of pants. Have a little faith in me, A-Ying, I've been doing this for a long time! Come on in, and try to look as if you belong here!"

Wei Wuxian ran a hand through his hair, trying to tame it. "And how do I even do that?"

Huaisang opened his fan and undid the front two buttons of his silk shirt. "I don't know, just be self-centered and entitled I guess."

"So like Jin Zixuan."

"Exactly like Jin Zixuan!"

---

Nie Huaisang hadn't been kidding, he really was a pro - of course, he was surprisingly skilled playing all sorts of games, from the roulette to blackjack and poker, but if he just so happened to have a losing hand, he knew how to bat his eyelashes or wiggle his assets enough to still win something in the end.

"Men are easiest to distract." Huaisang instructed as he pocketed yet another win to claim at the exit. "Women are a bit more... subtle, and we're not in a position to play the long game right now. Anyway, you try it too, your ass is fatter than mine."

"Let's get a drink first, I'm too sober for this."

But just as they're about to order, Wei Wuxian noticed Nie Huaisang paling, as if he'd just seen a ghost (or their monthly expenses).

"What is- Lan Zhan?!"

Stone-faced, academic extraordinaire, rule-enthusiast Lan Wangji was just... standing there, glaring Nie Huaisang down. And he looked so good doing it, in a white suit so perfectly tailored on his body, and a loose side ponytail styled in such an elegant, subtle manner, a white ribbon woven through the-

"A-Ying, you're staring." Huaisang whispered in his ear as he hid behind him. "But he's staring too. I told you the tight shirt was a good idea."

Snapping out of it, Wei Wuxian let out an awkward laugh. "Uh, what a surprise to meet you here, Lan Zhan, I never took you as a gambling guy."

Nie Huaisang sighed in Wei Wuxian's ear. "His family literally owns the place, how do you not know?"

With a half mouth, Wei Wuxian replied, "I don't frequent the casino world like you rich people, I have a retail job!"

"Wei Ying. What brings you here?"

"Oh just..." he felt Huaisang glare at him subtly, "...just curious, I guess? I've always been good at poker and stuff and I was bored on this Saturday night so I decided to just... drop by!"

"Mn. Have you been successful?"

"Oh, I haven't really played yet... I'm, uh, trying to get used to the... atmosphere..."

"I could accompany you if you wish."

"I-"

"HE DOES!" Nie Huaisang all but shouted, emerging from Wei Wuxian's back and pushing him ever so slightly towards Lan Wangji. "He does want your company. More than you know. But, say, Wangji-xiong, is-is your brother here tonight?"

Lan Wangji gave Huaisang a long, judgemental stare. "Yes."

"Is my brother also with him?"

"Obviously."

You could see the cold sweat form on Nie Huaisang's temples, a wide, pleading smile on his lips. "Say, why don't you go ahead and spend some quality time with A-Ying and you pretend you never saw me?"

Wei Wuxian turned slightly towards Nie Huaisang, and whispered. "Why do I feel like I'm being traded right now?"

"You are." Huaisang whispered back. "Now be a good war prize so Da-Ge doesn't behead me and I'll give you half my winnings, alright?"

Lan Wangji didn't seem to react, but he did place a very respectful hand on Wei Wuxian's lower back, pointedly refusing to look at Nie Huaisang. "Follow me."

"Where are we going?"

"The VIP."

"The VIP?!"

"Mn. I do not like playing with an audience."

"Playing cards, right?"

"..."

"Lan Zhan, that's what we'll play, right?"

"Mn."

Nie Huaisang sighed, relieved, and downed both his and Wei Wuxian's drink in one go. Then, he reapplied his Chanel lipstick and sashayed towards one of the poker tables, where he had already seen someone checking him out from afar.

He had severely miscalculated when he saw who else was among the players.

"Ah, Wen-guniang... fancy meeting you here... haha..."

Wen Qing shot him a bored look. "Drop the act, Nie Huaisang, it's embarrassing."

He clicked his fan closed and sighed. "You're really going to leave me penniless, aren't you?"

"I've already shaken Jin Zixun off half his fortune, I'll go easy on you."

"Delightful."

---

(By the end of the night, Nie Huaisang managed to win some 5K back after a debilitating loss to Wen Qing, but at least Da-Ge never found out he'd been gambling a few rooms away from him. As the saying goes, a win is a win.

Anyway, Wei Wuxian didn't come home that night, but Nie Huaisang had expected that. After all, it was high time he and Lan Wangji confessed their feelings and fucked about it - it was getting insufferable to see them both pine like some cliche romcom.

Nie Huaisang would be more than happy to take the credit for finally pushing them in the right direction (AKA towards each other and a private room), and if it just so happened to have saved his ass in the process - well, that was just his quick wit at work.

Serves you right, old teacher Lan, I'm not as much of an idiot as you think I am!)

[toomanyplotbunnies-sendhelp]

Hello and welcome to Day 1 of "Let's Explore My Plot Bunnies"

This little bunny has been born today (while I was thinking of my other OLDER plot bunnies) and I don't that that much detail about it - like how would the story continue past the premise of it - so I thought this would be a good first plot bunny to begin with.

Edit: As of February 6th, this fic has a title:

"Shen Jiu's forceful adoption" (You don't choose family, family chooses you)"

Here goes nothing:

So, this would be a crossover between SVSSS (PIDW?) and MDZS, where Shen Jiu (the original goods) either runs away from Wu Yanzi or kills him before the Immortal Allience Comference where he meets Yue Qingyuan again. And so Shen Jiu just becomes a Rouge Cultivator (I wanna put forward that Wu Yanzi may have messed with Shen Jiu's head and made him believe that Qi-ge truly just left him behind and didn't care an ounce to come back for him, so Shen Jiu is not exactly in a rush to find his Qi-ge again)

During the first few months on the road, Shen Jiu ends up meeting (a three months pregnant), Cangse Sanren, and her husband Wei Changze. Shen Jiu is not really in the best shame when they meet (he is kinda feral and malnourished + has a distrust towards people a mile long), so of course WWX's parents are like "I am adopting this kid right now".

Since they are worried about Shen Jiu and they want to take care of him, both try to gain his trust, and after maybe half a year, they are somewhat close.

Needless to say, once Wei Ying is born, Shen Jiu is hooked since who can resist baby!WY. Like seriously - Shen Jiu may be a bit too mean sometimes (which is mostly due to trauma and the fact that ancient China had no way - to my knowledge - to treat PTSD) but he ain't someone who would ever be capable of killing a child (I shudder when I think that Shen Jiu and Yue Qingyuan may have seen more children die/suffer than be born in their life).

So this basically ends with Shen Jiu gaining a family, Wei Ying having a big brother that is very protective of him (watch out LWJ) and, in Cang Qiong Sect, we have Shang Qinghua (aka Airplane) who is very much freaking out because "the Scum Villain is nowhere to be found, how is the plot supposed to progress now System".

Small things to note:

• Shen Jiu is about 14 when he meets WWX's parents and 15 when Wei Ying is born - which means when Cloud Recess happens Shen Jiu is in his 30s (tho he still looks like a 20 years old man due to cultivation)

•As a child, Wei Ying couldn't pronounce Shen Jiu's name, so he called him Sè-ge (瑟) which means "zither"; Shen Jiu does in fact learn and (tries to) teach Wei Ying how to play this instrument while he is growing.

•I have no idea how to handle Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze tbh. I kinda want them to remain alive (albeit very injured) after that Night Hunt just so that Shen Jiu isn't alone in taking care of Wei Ying and himself.

•I want Lou Binghe to be a Bai Zhan Desciple in this AU and both him (+ a few other deciples) and Liu Qingge to be present at Cloud Recess just to have them meet Shen Jiu (sorry Binghe, you are literally Wei Ying's age (if not a bit younger); Shen Jiu won't look at you. Liu Qingge on the other hand.... (¬‿¬) )

•Shen Jiu, upon meeting the Jins the first time: "I don't trust you. Get the hell away from me and my brother Satan."

•Shen Jiu immediately after Wei Ying is born: "I only had Wei Ying for less than 5 minutes but if anything happens to him, I will kill everyone here and then myself."

•Shen Jiu, after realizing LWJ likes his little brother: "I will be watching you very closely, mister. Don't you dare try anything with my little brother"

And this is all I have for this Crossover AU.

So what do you guys think?

Good? Bad? Very much looks like my brain is on Crack? (I personally agree with the 3rd one)

Either way, I will be stopping here for today, but if I get any more ideas for this specific au, I will try to expand on it. (I am 89% sure I will be expanding on it at one point or another)

Till next time,

TooManyPlotBunnies - Send Help

[igratecheeseonbenedictcheekbones]

WIP Wednesday

I’ve been working on this for a while and actually it’s the first time posting a fic in the untamed fandom or any fandom. Hope you like it! Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian have a long overdue conversation.

____

“You don’t like me very much do you, Xichen-ge?” Wei Ying asked.

Surprise rippled across Lan Xichen’s body and he turned newly alert eyes on Wei Wuxian. It was the first real emotion Wei Wuxian had ever seen him express towards him/since he entered his seclusion.

“Why would you say that? You are a guest in my home, husband to my brother, I care for you a great deal.”

Wei Wuxian laughed, “A very diplomatic deflection, Xichen-ge.”

Lan Xichen gave no response and continued to stare at him intently.

“‘A guest in your home, a husband to your brother’,” Wei Wuxian repeated with a bitter smile, “those are all descriptions of obligations, Xichen-ge, delineators of behaviour. None of that tells me how you feel about me personally or my marriage to Lan Zhan.”

Lan Xichen was still for a long moment, gaze piercing through Wei Wuxian like he could see into the very core of him, then, almost as if it were never there, an imperceptible line of tension in his shoulders eased. “Truly your skills of perception are remarkable, Wei-gongzi. It’s been a very long time since someone has caught me in a lie, ” he said, placid expression still on his face as he brought the cup to his lips, “You’re right, I’m not very fond of you.”

It was soft as blows went. After all this was not news to Wei Wuxian. He knew, of course, he knew. He saw the way Lan Xichen’s eyes could never seem to settle on him too long, as though he couldn’t bear to look at him, the way his gaze grew colder, more distant whenever it did land on Wei Wuxian, the way the muscle along Lan Zhan’s jaw would tense whenever Lan Xichen addressed him. What had taken Wei Wuxian months to figure out, Lan Zhan had probably known from the beginning. It was because he knew that it had taken so much effort to muster enough courage to confront him like this and yet the confirmation still stung.

“Wanji and Sizhui love you very much and you bring both them great joy. Even the students are very fond of you it seems, your classes have become a crowd favourite or so I am told. So it is my responsibility to see to your comfort here, to ensure that your every need is met. Despite the stark differences between The Cloud Recesses and your Lotus Pier, it is my job to make sure that you can find peace and happiness here so that one day this could be a home to you.” He spoke so gently and earnestly that Wei Wuxian could almost forget what prompted this conversation in the first place. He could almost believe his brother in law held some kind regard for him.

“But personally I don't really care about your needs or your comfort. I care only in so much that they care/your well-being affects the happiness and comfort of those whom I do care about. Your presence here is dictated solely by and is entirely dependent on their love for you, else you would never have been able to step foot on this mountain much less allowed entry into The Cloud Recesses. As for my thoughts on your marriage,” he chuckled faintly, “you are not worthy of my brother nor will you ever be. Had it been my choice, you would never have been chosen for him. But as we both know, Wanji can be quite stubborn when he wants to be and when it comes to you his obstinacy has no limits. So no, Wei Wuxian, I do not like you. Yours is not a presence I am grateful for or rejoice in, your addition to this family is not one I welcome or celebrate, it is one I endure.”

He said all this neither cruelly nor scornfully, just with that same pleasant, inoffensive expression on his face as though they were discussing nothing more important than the weather outside or the taste of his new blend of tea. All the while Wei Wuxian had his fists clenched so tightly where they rested on his thighs, he was in danger of spilling blood on the fabric. He had to be careful, he was wearing his Gusu Lan robes today and if he dirtied them, the stain would never come out.

“Thank you, Xichen-ge, for answering me so honestly.” He was fine. It was not the first time he had been the subject of such disdain. He was used to being disliked by the people he loved and admired, from as early as he could remember. There had been a time when he had very much wanted to be loved by Madam Yu. Long years under her tutelage had taught him the futility of that desire. He was an acquired taste, tolerated and stomached rather than savored. No matter how hard he tried he was always too loud, too annoying, just too much. Nothing he did was ever good enough. Even now, Jiang Cheng…He felt a pain in his chest and his mind skittered away from the thought. It wasn’t a surprise that yet another person he respected and cared for, someone so known for their kind and just nature, someone who Lan Zhan loved so much, also disliked him. It was just a bit harder to withstand, was all.

[hulijingemperor2]

I have exceeded my word limit for tumblr, so I have to post this chapter in parts■■■■ this is part 1

Yao : Xiaobao, Xiaoyu, this is your Nainai. 

Xiaobao: hey, Nainai.

Meng Shi: hi baby. *strokes his hair* you're so energetic, like A-Song. 

And you look so much like Lingling. 

Taihua: *shyly hugging Meng Shi's leg*

Xiaobao: Lingling?

Meng Shi: your biological grandma. 

Xiaobao: oh! 

Meng Shi: I'm so happy to have you. 

Your Meng genes are showing.

Xiaobao, this is my personal maid, sister figure and confidante, Sisi. 

Xiaobao: Sisi? That reminds me of when I went to Yucui building. There was someone named Sisi. 

Zhaocai: *face palms*

Sisi: isn't that a brothel in Huaizhou?

Meng Shi: you went to a brothel? 

Xiaobao: yea, I used to. 

Yao: Xiaobao, that's strictly prohibited. 

Huaizhou isn't a part of my empire, but still.

Xiaobao: ok A-Die, I won't do it again.

Yet one time I had saved a woman from being mistreated, so you should give me some credit! 

Yao: how virtuous! You're definitely my son. 

Qin Su: that's really heroic of you. 

Your A-Die had banned exploitation of women, then he let them get proper jobs. 

Equal to men. 

Xiaobao: A-Die is an amazing emperor indeed. 

Why don't you add Huaizhou? 

Yao: because it's owned by another emperor.

Huaien's dad.

And I don't think there are fox spirits there. 

Xiaobao: oh.

Yao: I own Annan though.

Meng Shi: mn. 

Babies, meet Huahua. 

*sits and put taihua on her lap* 

Xiaobao: hii taihua. I'm your new brother.

Call me, San ge.

Taihua: San ge. You look very fun.

Xiaobao: of course I am!

Taihua: are you going to be cool with Song gege? 

Xiaobao: yup. 

This is Xiaoyu, your big sis.

Taihua: oh waw! Hey Xiaoyu. 

Xiaoyu: you're a princess?

Taihua: mhm. 

Xiaoyu: I'm one too! 

And don't worry, Hua. I'll share my toys with you. 

Taihua: and I'll share mine with you too! But dont touch my gifts that Song gege gave me. 

Xiaoyu: I understand. I'm close to my gege too!

Wen Ruohan: *enters* Yao'er. So this is your adopted son with Meng blood. 

Xiaoyu: *scared* Nainai.

Meng Shi: he won't hurt you, dear.

Taihua: that's just yeye.

Yao: yes A-Die, isn't he lovely? 

Xiaobao: no offense, but you look so scary. 

Wen Ruohan: offense? That's a compliment. 

I'm Wen Ruohan, the former Wen sect leader! But now I'm Meng Shi's concubine.

Xiaobao: you're my yeye then?? So cool!

Wen Ruohan: yup. 

I'm only scary towards Yao'er's concubines.

Xue yang: no you're not.

Wen Ruohan: xue gui fei, would you mind.

Xiaobao: xue gui fei?

Yao: ah, now to introduce you to team dimple.

This is Xue yang, Xue gui fei.

Xue yang: 'sup.

Xiaobao: are you a relative of Xiaoyu? Her name is supposed to be xue lianqing, but she lost her memory for a while and we adopted her.

Xue yang: I don't really know actually. 

I grew up on the streets in Kuizhou.

Xiaobao: oh, how tragic. 

Xiaoyu's entire clan was massacred. And my family were good friends with the xues.

Xue yang: huh. What a surprise to see a fellow xue. 

Jiggy, I made her! Just for you. Just for you Jiggy.

Yao: *laughing* yangyang, this is not the time. 

Xue yang:  then when is the time, Jiggy. 

*hugs* Jiggy, I love you.

Rusong: you'll get used to it.

Xiaobao: team dimple is something else! I could look at them and laugh all day.

Mo xuanyu: Xiaobao, you're just like Yao gege! Fabulous as always. 

I'm your uncle mo, and I can give you a makeover if you like.

Xiaobao: I'll keep that in mind.

Su she: well you know me already. And Suyin is my cousin and head member of the Moling Su sect.

Xiaobao: yea. I'm a little familiar with you.

Suyin: Minshan. *points to Xichen* is that the Lan Zhan who gave you hard time? I'll give him a piece of my mind.

Su she: no no, that's his brother, Lan lips. 

Suyin: what? Lan. Lips is his name? 

Su she: it's actually Lan Xichen. But he's just as irritating. He always takes up Huangdi's attention.

Suyin: but Huangdi belongs to team dimple, well  it's the other way around.

Anyways I want to meet Lan zhan.

Meng Shi: oh Suyin, why do you want to see whiny zhan? There's nothing interesting about him.

Suyin: taihou, I hated how he treated Minshan, as well as Yao Huangdi. So I want to beat him up.

Meng Shi: oh my. 

You're a lot like your cousin. 

Xichen: ah, Taihou. You see I just mind my business 

Xiaobao, welcome to the family. I'm Lan Xichen.

Xiaobao: hey. Nice to meet you. You know Huaien can pass as a Lan sect member.

He's gorgeous too.

Xichen: that's right. He's very goodlooking and elegant.

But he seems shy.

Xiaobao: he'll open up soon. 

Xichen: I'm an introvert whisperer.

Huaisang: hey Xiaobao. So you're a Meng? That is really interesting.

Xiaobao: yea, and I'm happy I'm here.

I'm glad that the Meng dynasty is progressing. 

Huaisang: I'm happy too.

Mo xuanyu: Huaisang was shady. Like really shady. 

But he's afraid of Wen Ruohan so. 

Huaisang: xuanyu shhh!! I don't know anything at all.

Mo xuanyu: Huaisang, you know I'll call you out. Team d is the most real people you can meet.

And Xiaobao needs to know. 

Xiaobao: A-Die sure has some dramatic  people in his harem. Guess he's never bored.

Yao: you're right.

Mingjue: I'm nie Mingjue. Huaisang's elder brother.

Jiang cheng: and I'm Jiang cheng.

Xiaobao: ah, cool. Nice to meet you. 

Yao: I'm so glad you met everyone, dear.

Now time to unlock your hulijing attributes. 

Can you please kneel. 

Xiaobao: yea *kneels*

Team dimple: *kneels* 

Yao: not you, team dimple. 

Rusong: team d, can you simp a little later? 

Xiaobao: *closes eyes* 

Yao: *rests his thumb on Xiaobao's chest* 

Thereafter, his fox tail and ears appeared.

Yao: there you go.

Xiaobao: wooohoo!! I'm a fox!! I'm a hulijing! I'm so happy, A-Die! Huaien, look!

Do I look cute?

Huaien: *caresses his cheek* very cute* 

Xiaobao: heehee.

Rusong: you look fabulous. 

Xiaobao: thank you Rusong gege!

Xiaoyu: gege, can I touch your hulijing tail? 

Xiaobao: sure! 

Meng Shi: this is pure happiness, Yao'er. 

Yao: isn't it precious. *smile* 

Meng shi: he deserves all the love. 

Yao: definitely. *signals an attendant, who brought a tray with a golden hairpiece (guan) with a jade hairpin, a ceal and a couple of valuable gifts. 

Xiaobao: are these for me? 

Yao: all for you! Then I'll gift Xiaoyu something. 

*puts the guan in his hair* you're officially a Meng Dianxia, so you deserve a guan. 

I'll design you guans to look like the golden hairpieces you wear on a daily basis. 

I figured you like that style.

Xiaobao: thank you! But this one is beautiful too! 

Yao: this is your Dianxia ceal. And these are just boxes of precious gems, gold and ornaments. 

Xiaobao: I love that!! 

Yao: I have already commissioned clothes and jewelry for you and Xiaoyu, as well as these beautiful outfits for tomorrow. 

Xiaobao: tomorrow? Is there any event?

Yao: of course there is. I'm hosting a party for you. 

Everyone must know that you're a part of the Meng family.

Xiaobao: I can't wait! 

Jingyi: A-Die's parties are always the best.

Rusong: yea. Last time we got a chocolate fountain.

Xiaobao: REALLTY??? I heard that's really exotic! 

Rusong: Nothings really exotic when it comes to A-Die. 

Jingyi: remember when xue yang got a sugar rush?!

Rusong: oh gosh *laughing* he was bouncing off the walls.

Jingyi: we should ban him from the chocolate fountain.

Xue yang: oh you try! 

Xiaobao: why is he like this.

Rusong: he has a crazy sweet tooth. And A-Die always gives him candy. 

But it's just a coping mechanism and the childhood trauma. 

You recognize his broken finger?

Xiaobao: no? 

I thought he just liked fancy gloves to be honest.

Rusong: some idiot rolled over his hand and broke his finger, when he wanted candy. 

Xiaobao: that's so cruel. 

Xiaoyu: *thugs on his sleeve* Huangdi diedie. What are you going to gift me? 

Yao: well dear *lifts her up* All Meng ladies deserve Meng jewelry. 

Qin Su: here you go, baby. *puts a bracelet on her hand* You're also a Meng now. 

Xiaoyu: oooo shiney. Thank you A-niang! 

Qin Su: now you and Hua can match.

Yao: amazing..

Xiaobao, do you have a sword? Do you know how to play any instrument?

Xiaobao: yea I have a sword but I'm bad at swordfighting. It's not really my thing.

Yao: that's fine. I won't force you then. 

But if you wish to learn, I'll teach you. 

Xiaobao: thank you! Can you teach me music?! 

Yao: of course. We're a musical family, so you must. 

~~~ 

[aishangotome]

Chapter 11-4 Strengthen the Walls and Clear the Fields (堅壁清野)

Chapter 11-3

.

.

.

Feng Yuan: We're afraid we won't be able to wait for General Yunhui's troops.

I stepped into the county office and saw Feng Yuan, with a worried expression, staring at the "confrontation" between the two armies on the sand table.

Feng Yuan: The scouts said that the Red Robe Army has been constantly moving. It is estimated that by tomorrow morning at the latest, he will... attack.

Feng Yuan abruptly stopped. I ignored everyone's awkwardness and turned to Ge Qing, who was standing at the side.

Princess: Ge Qing, you didn't finish what you were saying last time. What is the way to defeat Han You?

Ge Qing: I do have a plan, but... I'm afraid the Princess will not agree to it.

Princess: Let's hear it.

Ge Qing: There are still some unburned dead rats in the city. If we manage to get them into the Red Robe Army camp, within half a day, an epidemic will surely break out among them.

Feng Yuan: No! We finally eradicated the plague. How can we use it for war...? Besides, although the Red Robe Army is led by Han You, they are also our fellow countrymen of Dacheng!

Ge Qing didn't argue with Feng Yuan, but calmly looked at me.

Ge Qing: The enemy's forces are far greater than ours. If we want to win, we must use extraordinary measures. It has always been this way since ancient times.

Princess: ...You're right. I will not agree.

I walked to the sand table and studied the deployment before me.

Princess: If the situation were reversed, Han You might do this to win this battle, but I am not him.

Princess: ...Once we use such tactics, the nature of this war will change, and we will also lose our only advantage.

Ge Qing was not surprised by my answer and did not press further.

Princess: Lingzhou City needs stronger defenses. Feng Yuan, you and Zhan Yun take people to build another wall within the city walls. You have one night. Can you do it?

Feng Yuan: No problem. There is enough sand and stone here. The ditches and traps outside the city have also been dug.

Princess: This is not enough. Gu Zhao's troops have not arrived yet, we must find a way to delay them.

Princess: Although we can't use Ge Qing's plan, I have an idea—

I pointed to the Red Robe Army camp on the sand table. Among the neatly arranged formations, there was a very conspicuous mark.

Princess: Here, this is where they store their food and supplies. Logistics are crucial in war. The Red Robe Army has traveled a long distance and is already exhausted.

Princess: Gu Zhao said that Han You is arrogant and underestimates his enemies. He hasn't deployed heavy troops to guard the supplies. The continuous heavy snow and harsh weather, once they lose their food and supplies, their morale will collapse.

However...

Princess: ...The Red Robe Army has a large number of troops, and the supplies are at the rear of the army. It will not be easy to launch a sneak attack. Who should we send?

Feng Yuan, Zhan Yun, and Ge Qing had no experience leading troops in battle. The Lingzhou army was a mixed bag, many of them newly recruited and without unified training.

To succeed in a sneak attack, the person leading the troops must be smart, trustworthy, and have combat experience. That would only leave—

Chenqi: Princess Jie Jie, are you looking for me?

Chenqi had arrived at some point. He leaned against the door, arms crossed, smiling at me.

Chenqi: The Black Cloud Cavalry can fight a hundred men each. They are the most suitable, aren't they?

Princess: Chenqi...

Chenqi: I also fought several battles with my brother when I was in Nancang. Princess Jie Jie can trust me.

The morning light shone on him, highlighting his features. His blue eyes sparkled with determination.

Princess: Han You's strength cannot be underestimated. This journey is extremely dangerous. Even if you can successfully reach the rear of the Red Robe Army and burn their supplies, it will be difficult to retreat safely.

Princess: I originally wanted to wait for Gu Zhao to arrive before taking action, but now the situation is critical, and Han You also...

I thought of Yin Zhong, and my worries deepened.

Chenqi: Princess Jie Jie, let me fight for you.

It was the same face, but the childishness and innocence of the past were gone, reminding me that the person standing before me now was the commander of the Black Cloud Cavalry, the young general of the Chen family of Nancang.

Princess: If something happens to you, I won't be able to face your brother.

Chenqi: When my brother entrusted the Black Cloud Cavalry to me, he knew what I would do. Besides... I've been waiting for this day for a long time.

He gazed at me intently.

Chenqi: I am willing to die for you, Princess.

Princess: ...

Princess: Chenqi, hear my order.

The young man before me knelt on one knee, looking up at me.

Princess: Tomorrow night at midnight, I command you to personally lead the Black Cloud Cavalry to raid Han You's camp and burn the enemy's food and supplies.

Chenqi: Yes!

Princess: Once you succeed, do not engage in prolonged combat. Break out quickly and make sure to... return safely.

He gave me a bright smile.

Chenqi: Chenqi obeys!

-

Standing on the city wall of Lingzhou, I softly asked Feng Yuan.

Princess: Feng Yuan, look, the tents of the Red Robe Army stretch for more than ten miles. It will take them less than half an hour to attack.

Princess: Do you think we can hold out for long against a full-scale attack from fifty thousand troops?

Feng Yuan looked out at the endless tents in the distance, his face heavy. I continued:

Princess: Now that Lingzhou's forces are thin, every additional person we can rally to our side will give us more time to hold on.

Princess: ...I must wait for Gu Zhao to arrive.

Feng Yuan: Princess, you can bury gunpowder along their necessary path. Once the battle starts, at least we can give their vanguard a major setback.

Princess: Gunpowder... you've reminded me. There is someone I should pay a visit to.

.

.

.

.

Chapter 11-5

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[squeaky-n-blushy]

How

How do you keep writing such amazing, adorable fics even after you've written so many? BECAUSE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS WAS BEYOND CUTE. Kanene. I am enamoured with the way you write Lan Xichen. I adore how much of a gremlin you make him, BEING ALL PLAYFUL AND SOFT. This entire fic had me giggling in joy, BECAUSE IT'S IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO BE GIDDY READING YOUR PORTRAYAL OF THIS CHARACTER AND THE SITUATIONS™ YOU PUT HIM INTO

LET'S GO SPOILERS BELOW THE CUT

IT STARTS OFF ADORABLE. AND THEN IT JUST STAYS ADORABLE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE THING, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???? (The tiny bit about Madam Lan at the beginning though ooooohhhhhh ooaaauuuggghhhhhh)

THE VERY FIRST SCENE OF THE LAN BROTHERS AND LAN QIREN READING TOGETHER WAS ABSOLUTELY PRECIOUS- JUST IMAGINING THE TEENY TINY LANS HAS MY HEART SOARING. And the small mention of Lan Huan tucking A-Zhan into bed AAAUUGGHH i feel like everything about this fic is out to kill me

AND TINY LAN HUAN PLANNING TO SNEAK INTO HIS DIDI'S BED PLEASE PLEEEAAASEEE IM GONNA DIE IS THIS WHAT PEOPLE CALL BABY FEVER? They're not around their parents often, their shufu isn't too affectionate, but they'll always have one another <3

Lan Qiren you really had an entire monologue in your mind just to convince yourself to show your nephew some affection, that stick in your ass must be too far up, old man. BUT SEEING HIM BEING SOFT WAS SO SWEET <3 <3

[(he was still learning when touch was and wasn't welcome for him)] Kanene. get outside right now. we're gonna fight we're gonna sair na mão. IT'S THE TEENY TINY PRECIOUS LITTLE DETAILS LIKE THIS THAT MAKES YOUR WRITING SO PHENOMENAL. EVERYTHING MAKES ME WANT TO CLAW AT THE WALLS BUT THE WALLS HAVE DONE NOTHING TO DESERVE MY INSANITY SO IM GONNA CLAW AT YOU INSTEAD GET OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW WE GONNA FIGHT

TINY LAN ZHAN GIVING HIS BROTHER BUNNY KISSES TOO I AM GOING TO DIE.

The Tickle Monster awakening within Xichen for the first time and him being like "Huh- *blinks* I don't know where this came from but that's just the way things are now :D"

“Xiongzhang is very bad at bunny kisses.” AS HE LOOKS SO SERIOUS AND EXASPERATED WITH THAT TINY POUT AND THOSE CHUBBY LITTLE CHEEKS. THAT'S A BAAAAAABYYYYYY

Sect Leader Yao slander RAAAAAAAAHHHH 🔥🔥🔥💪💪💪

[There was barely a movement of white and suddenly Lan Wangji froze in his careful, unbothered march, lips pressed in a tight line as his arms unfolded from their position from behind his back to clue on his sides protectively. The feeling of a silly urge to smile bubbled, just as his attention immediately turned to his older brother.] HE'S BEEN CONDITIONED JADKSHALDHAJSH he already knows what to expect

The two of them just standing at the door, not wanting to leave themselves open to an attack omfg how does the silliness fit inside of them

THEIR BANTER WHILE THEY'RE PLAYING AROUND. I LOVE THE HEADCANON THAT LANS ARGUE USING THE RULES

"No tickles" Wangji says and Xichen sighs in defeat, like a LIAR

No wonder Lan Wangji grew to be such a talented cultivator, usually cultivators have to join night hunts to practice getting away from monsters' attacks. Lan Wangji had a monster is his very own home, so he could train whenever <3 how thoughtful of Xichen, helping his didi grow more agile <3

LWJ still being jumpy afterwards when Xichen was innocently just trying to eat his dinner hakdhakdhsks

NEXT SCENE AND OOOOOOH, OOOOHHHHH JIN GUANGYAO MENTIONED ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️AND XIAO JIN LING IS HERE TOO!!!!! ITTY BITTY SMALLER THAN AN ATOM

Pause. Jingyi and A-Yuan calling LXC Xichen-ge is actually the sweetest thing. Especially Jingyi, who's not really related to Xichen as far as we know. Xichen may be the future Sect Leader, but he watched these kids grow, helping them along the way and goofing off with them, letting them be children. Xichen may be the future Sect Leader, but to the baby Lans, first and foremost, he's Xichen-ge <3

[Lan Yuan’s belly recoiled from the idea of taking the baby away from his family. If he was Jin Ling, he would be very sad with this plan.] Ooohhhhh sweet boy,,,,, honey,,,, A-Yuan,,,,,,,,

LXC CALLING A-YUAN "little bunny" YEEEEES YEEEEEEEEEES YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES BOFU LAN XICHEN‼️‼️ THAT'S HIS LITTLE NEPHEW WHO HE ADORES DEARLY

It's always funny seeing Lan Yuan and Lan Sizhui together, just by looking at them you'd never guess which one was born into the Lan Sect and which one was (partially) raised by Troublemaker Supreme Wei Wuxian.

Jin Guangyao watching it all with a knowing smile as the chaos happens eheheheheeeee

["No tickling" Lan Xichen agrees] LIKE A LIAR

"No sneaking to talk with Jin-Zongzhu far away!" TEEHEEEEE TALKING. YES. THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THEY DO, FAR AWAY FROM INNOCENT EYES.

LER!LAN XICHEN COULD RIVAL NIE HUAISANG IN HIS BURRINHA INOCENTE ACT. IT'S ALWAYS "Am I?" THIS "Am I?" THAT, BATTING HIS LONG AND PRETTY EYELASHES WITH THE FACE OF SOMEONE WHO'S DONE NO WRONG IN HIS LIFE EXCEPT LIE BLATANTLY WHILE HE WRECKS HIS LOVED ONES WITH TICKLES

A-Yuan wanting raspberries too- what if I ascended

[“Er-ge must be really hungry today.” A-Yao glided closer, uncaring for how Jin Ling chewed at the string of his hat, a playful light in his eyes. “Perhaps I should assure a larger assortment of snacks during our time in the conference. Jintali is proud of their hospitality, especially for allies.”] MY BLORBO MY BLORBO IT'S MY BLORBOOOOOOOOO💕💖💕💖💕💖

[“What is happening here? Who is being murdered?!”] YOUR BLORBO!!!!!! THE SOUR GRAPE HIMSELF OMG HIIIII

Jiang Cheng's demeanor softening as he stares at the kids- again, I AM GOING TO DIE.

WHAT WAS UP WITH THAT FROWN AFTER A-YUAN SPOKE. IS JIANG CHENG THINKING A-YUAN SEEMS A LITTLE FAMILIAR OR WHAT?? 👁️👁️

[“And then he’s gone forever?” Lan Shizui held Jingyi’s hand tightly, voice so small and low that it broke their hearts a little. A-Yao pressed his lips firmly, a bit guilty. ] BABY BABY NOOOOOO. Also,,,,,, Jin Guangyao,,,, Jin Guangyao,,,,,,,, how much do you know?

JINGYI WANTING TO MOUTH OFF TO JIANG CHENG AHDKSHKSHSKDHSM IT'LL ONLY GET WORSE AS YOU GET OLDER KIDDO

THE ENDING- JINGYI AND SIZHUI WERE LITERALLY JUST DOING THEIR OWN THINGS IN PEACE AND LAN XICHEN DECIDED IT WAS ATTACK TIME

KANEEEENEEEEE I AM OVERJOYED WITH THIS. THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS WITH US AND OMFGGGGG I CAN'T BELIEVE WE'RE GONNA GET MORE CHAPTERS OF THIS. I AM GOING TO DIE AND ASCEND SO MANY TIMES I'LL BEAT XIE LIAN'S RECORD. THE NEXT CHAPTERS WILL BE EAGERLY AWAITED <3

The Collection (First Chapter)

1. Escape

Kanene's notes: I USED TO PRAY!!!!! I USED TO PRAY FOR TIMES LIKE THIS. Finally after so much time and struggling and writing and screaming this is done!! Watch me fall dead on the floor okijuytrfgthjkjh. This is the longest chapter from the all to start with a golden star! I really hope you all like this, it's a personal project of mine that I am very happy to complete

Kanene's warnings: Light Angst, nostalgia, tooth-rooting fluff, mouth tickles (raspberries and nibbles) and tickles between family, all sfw ofc! Around 10.000 words. Ler!Lan Xichen and Lee!Wangji + Jingyi + Shizui

[~*~]

Lan Xichen is a collector of treasures.

He doesn’t remember when it started or for which reason. Perhaps the idea had been a fruit of seeing his shufu dutifully making copies of his most treasured scrolls and aligning them with care in his room. Maybe who set his heart on it had been his own mother, who learned to preserve her favorite flowers from their monthly bouquet and keep them guarded in between the pages of her favorite poetry books, always smiling and never complained when he and A-Zhan asked her to see them again and again. Perhaps it was one of the elders who teached him that precious things must be guarded safe and close, maybe it was a lesson he got from a book… In the end, none of this truly mattered.

His collection had little to do with pages or books. It was not something he could proudly show someone or be afraid of getting too large and running out of space. However, it was full of riches much rarer than the most expensive fabric or the purest gold, each one of them was unique and special in a way that could never be shown or gathered again. They were small enough to be carried with him all the time, always close to his heart and he would (or could) never think about selling or giving not even one away. They had no physical attribute to be priced and no human in the world capable of seeing its complete value.

It’s nature, in his feelings, could be also a result of his values and sect, a part of being a Lan, of having something that you love so deeply ingrained thoroughly into every fiber of yourself until there's no point in trying to understand where it ends and you begin.

However, Lan Xichen does remember the very first item of his collection.

(...)

“And the fluffy bunny thanked the kind cultitrator-”

“Cultivator.”

“Cultivator.” He pronounced each syllable slowly, until it sounded more like the adult’s correction. Lan Quiren hummed lightly in agreement without opening his eyes, so he must have said it right. Lan Huan controlled his big, proud smile, the best he could (one must not be arrogant, for it spoils the soul and destroy the humanity) but it still escaped when Lan Zhan’s small hand tugged his robes impatiently, eyes dropping with sleep, and yet refusing to give up, being held awake only by his own stubbornness to listen to the end of the story. “The fluffy bunny thanked the kind cultivator with lots of bunny kisses, happy to have a new friend and finally get back to home again. With a juyuful jump-”

“Joyful.”

“With a joyful jump,” he sneaked a look at his Shufu, who hummed again, “she landed on the green grass, tasty and fresh, and hopped back to her family. The end.”

Lan Zhan watched him close the book, soft and content, finally giving up to his exhaustion, eyes closing slowly. Shufu, in contrast, opened his and turned to look at Lan Huan with a short nod, a hand coming to press on his back until it was set into a straighter posture. 

His gaze travelled and then stopped at the younger boy. “A-Zhan, wish a goodnight to your Xionzhang and Shufu. It’s time for you to sleep and for me to retire.”

Lan Huan had time to put the book back to the shelf where it belonged, back with his other books and scrolls for studies, and then come back to tuck his didi in as shufu prepared Lan Huan’s bed, until Lan Zhan eventually did what was asked. He waited until their eyes were on him, stared deeply at the adult and then just as long at his Xiongzhang and then hummed clearly, head falling back on his pillow, quickly falling into a deep leep.

“Good night, A-Zhan.” Both him and Lan Qiren answered in sync, the first with a smile and the second with a huff, watching the smallest with their own kind of fondness. 

His shufu cleaned his throat softly and Lan Huan climbed in his own bed, plans of sneaking in the middle of the night to his didi’s own momentarily forgotten with how much his mind was too occupied, brow furrowed in contemplation. Like this, he took off his forehead ribbon and carefully folded and placed it with his outer robes, next to his bed.

A gruffy, low voice pulled him back from his thoughts the same time it tucked him under a pair of thick blankets. The fall was getting closer.

“One must speak if there is a reason to do so and avoid letting fruitful thoughts fester.”

“Shufu…” His voice slow, hinted with a serious thoughtfulness that has been appearing more and more with the passage of the years.

Lan Qiren felt himself get even more straight, sharp eyes looking in his nephew’s face, hoping to find something that would help him get a glimpse of what was going into the boy’s mind. Lan Huan was growing faster each day and he knew that very soon he would start to make questions that Lan Qiren would either dread or not know the answer. He didn’t think it would be so soon.

“Can a human give bunny kisses?”

The adult almost sighed out loud in relief, then chided himself for his presumptions. It was yet too soon. Only then he registered his words.

“Where does your doubt come from?”

“The bunny said thank you to the cultivator, but didn’t receive anything back.” Lan Huan sounded worried. “They were happy together, but the human can’t live together with the bunny’s family…Couldn’t then the cultivator give her a bunny kiss too? Before she went away forever?”

“She received her entire family back, so she showed gratitude, the bunny kiss was already the result of a gift, not the beginning of one. Besides, one must not assume too much, perhaps they can continued visiting each other.” He answered, a hand holding his beard, which soon was forming into a nice goatee, maybe Qiren could let it grow, see how it would turn out. “As for your question, I think a human can give someone a kiss akin to the bunny in the story, holding the same purpose, even if different in their nature.”

“How?” 

“You rub the tip of your nose softly on the person.” He carried himself stiffly, his words quick and cutting. For a moment the quiet prevailed and the adult let the boy think about his words.

It was a calm night, soon enough the wind would get strong enough and sweeping the old leaves of their streets would become a new punishment and chore. Another winter would come and then would go again. Lan Huan would start his music lessons soon and begin to learn etiquettes and greetings necessary for conferences, presentations and the rest of his future. He already didn’t need his strict uncle to read his favorite story before bed anymore or hold his hand tightly before departing to his morning classes. He learned how to tie his own forehead ribbon and how to control his thoughts to be shared after meals, and talked more and more excitedly for the day he would receive his courtesy name. 

Lan Zhan too, as every good younger brother did (as Lan Qiren once did in a forgotten past, as well), started following Huan’s every step, eager with hawk eyes watching in awe his older brother’s every move, every word, his every right and wrong, mirroring it with all the skill could. He waved away Qiren’s help in dressing himself and ran to Huan to ask for his nightly stories. They no longer went searching for him during his nightmares nor cried for him when they were hungry or fuzzy, too tired to comprehend their own feelings.

And yet, Lan Zhan still held his robes and trailed after him for hours, pouty and determinately protective, everytime after Qiren came back from a long conference. Lan Huan continued to look at him for guidance with such bright, curious eyes after watching him spar and flooding him with questions, never afraid of being admonished for how long or simple they were.

They were growing into fine, young boys who would soon be fine, young mans. That was a good thing, Qiren thought. It was. 

In the end, he sighed and made his decision.

“Like this.” Lan Qiren lowered his head and lightly rubbed the tip of his nose on his nephew’s small (yet so, so small) forehead. Then he promptly straightened back and turned around, ignoring the delighted, soft gasp from the kid behind him as he walked away.

“Good night, A-Huan.”

And like this, it was born a tradition.

Right on the next day, Lan Huan got up and, seeing that Lan Zhan was awake too, immediately turned to him with an excited smile.

“Good morning, A-Zhan.” The younger one watched him with wonder in his eyes, clearly curious about what made his brother so bright so early. Lan Huan chuckled and wormed himself across the mattress until he could sit on its border, getting closer to the other. “I have a surprise for you. Do you want it?”

Lan Zhan turned to look at his empty hands with narrowing eyes, but his curiosity ended up winning, his head nodding as he stepped closer, confused and eager to know what he would get.

“It is a…” Huan gave it a pause to increase the antecipation, “a bunny kiss!”

His attempt to replicate the light nuzzle in his brother’s forehead was much more clumsy than his shufu, but as he quickly retreated to analyze his didi’s reaction (he was still learning when touch was and wasn’t welcome for him), Lan Zhan’s eyes were wider than normal, mouth open and eyes staring at him in surprise before looking up, hands slowly coming to rest on his forehead, just around the place the ‘bunny kiss’ was laid, being careful to not touch it. 

That was a good sign. The older brother beamed.

“I learned from your story!” Lan Huan got up and started to dress for the day, carefully tying his forehead ribbon before putting on the layers of his robes. Breakfast would begin soon and shufu would come to collect them not much long before. “Did you like it?”

“...Not a bunny.”

Lan Huan couldn’t really refute this, as it was true and lying was prohibited in Cloud Recess, so he simply hummed in agreement and continued his morning routine, just like he has been taught. 

Soon, there was a small hand tugging at his wrist and pulling his attention. As Huan whirled around, his didi smacked his face on his palm, turning from one side to another in an even more clumsy bunny kiss. Lan Huan felt like bouncing, body almost trembling with the effort of keeping his control. 

Lan Zhan looked at him and then, with a very satisfied air, went back to prepare himself.

Ever since then, Bunny Kisses became something to expect on their daily routine, except for their shufu, who who only fell to the tradition once or twice, always in quick bolts that would disappear as soon as they came to be never mentioned again. However, between the two kids it was their new way to say Goodmorning and Goodnight, a Thank-You for when Lan Zhan kept him company during his long afternoons of studies and a See-You-Soon for when they had to head different classes during the morning.

It was only natural, then, that soon Lan Huan’s mind, bright and curious in the peak of childhood, discovered how such a soft form of affection could be used for much more playful mischievousness than it was firstly intended. 

(...)

Lan Huan carefully set his brush down, mindful to not let any drop of ink fall on his table or calligraphy exercise, for the danger of having to write all of it again. With a quiet sigh of relief he looked at his didi, too concentrated in his little pile game to notice that Huan had already finished over and therefore they were free to go out to shufu. The tip of his fingers had a few light smudges of black from when he continued to grind the ink for Lan Huan even before the older could stop him and Huan couldn’t stop the happiness that filled his chest at that, watching as the little boy continued with determination at his task.

An idea rose in his mind.

Perhaps it was a result of how much time they spend sitting down, slowly falling into boredom or that Lan Zhan seemed extra clingy after his classes, but suddenly… suddenly Lan Huan wanted something.

There was a playfulness growing in him, something that looked at his didi and celebrated that he was so oblivious to his intentions. It was the perfect opportunity, just what he needed to attack.

Huh.

He blinked. 

In the next second, he was lunging, his arms full of his younger brother who barely had time to look at him in surprise before Huan was shoving his face on his neck, nuzzling it with energy until a squeak rang across the room, quickly being followed by quick, low snickers that made his shoulders bounce and him to try to hide the sensitive spot from the sudden onslaught of affection.

“Bunny Kisses!” He resurfaced again, gold bright eyes that looked exactly like his staring right back at him. Lan Zhan shook his head, still snickering and scrunching up his neck, phantom tickles dancing on his tingling skin and pulling a tiny smile from his closed lips.

“No?” Lan Huan shook his head together with him, his entire expression still twirling in mischievousness. The corner of his eyes crinkled with his smile “No Bunny Kisses? But you love them so much, right?”

His didi, his lovely, poor little didi, immediately nodded to answer his question and the flashing grin he received was the only hint he had before Lan Huan’s nuzzles descended to his belly, tiny raspberries being placed a couple and more of times until his quiet snickers grew to low, hysterical giggles, chubby hands pushing his head away as the younger squeaked and tittered at each new nuzzle, laughter growing a tad louder when the tickly affection got too close of his sides and bellybutton and then went back to unstoppable chuckling as his brother deviated and tickled from those highly ticklish spots to focus on the rest of his stomach a little more.

“No bunny kisses.” Even with each one of his syllables being caught in tons and tons of giggles, Lan Zhan concentrated on his interjection. “Tickles!”

Lan Huan gasped softly in an exaggerated surprise.

“Oh no, A-Zhan, am I tickling you?” He turned just enough to be able to see the younger one nod fervently. “I must correct this immediately, then!”

Purposefully, he shoved his face fully on his side. Lan Zhan gasped and started to wiggle from one side to another non stop, unable to escape the clutches of the tickle monster. The more the nuzzles attacked and teased the spot, the more squeals and small yelps escaped from his mouth, huffs and puffs of laughter filling the previous too quiet room. He shook his head fervently. 

“It tickles here too?” Lan Zhan nodded, again, and Huan began to rest tiny raspberries here and there, his laughter grew stronger. “What if I do this? Does it tickles less, didi?”

At Lan Zhan’s shaking head and squeaky chuckles, Lan Huan pulled one arm upwards without any resistance, starting to poke and rub his nose on his armpits, voice light and playful as he asked once more. “What about here? Does it tickle too, A-Zhan? Maybe I can try here, then?” Jumping now to his ribs, Lan Huan snickered when a louder squeal flew the air at this and hiccups began painting the younger’s quiet squeaking laughter. “Ah! Not here as well? Didi, you’re really ticklish all over.”

“Then… here.” Finally, Lan Huan gave up his tickle attack and placed the bunny kiss on his forehead, light and soft until the squirming and giggling slowed down a bit.

Lan Zhan felt his own happy giggles slowly dying as well until he felt a small smile and bright eyes staring, lingering in his face in a pout from the playful offense. When he looked, Lan Zhan’s face had gone back to his usual expression, but now much more relaxed and happy. The young brother Lan Zhan sighed deeply, as if burdened by a great duty, he then stared seriously into his older brother’s eyes.

“Xiongzhang is very bad at bunny kisses.”

This time, it was Lan Huan who couldn’t stop his laughter.

So, it started like this, and Lan Xichen began collecting smiles, laughter, light, and happiness. His collection only grew bigger as the time passed, in those moments when his little brother's eyes softened on the corners and he looked at him expectantly, with an attentive, excited attention, when his mother gathered his face in her warm hands and he made a silly face that never failed to pull a smile from her, when he his family continued to expand, full of opportunities and moments that only made Lan Xichen richer and richer.

(...)

They made it to the end, to everyone’s relief, and Lan Xichen thanked how the rules of his sect taught him how to move quick and quiet without resorting to an actual running, ill-mannered pace to escape. The Lans made their way to their rooms swiftly before any other Sect Leader could pull them away to joy idle conversation.  

It was clear in the tilt of his head and the vague sense of his eyes that Lan Zhan was beyond bored, wanting nothing more than for this to be over and them to go home. After listening to Sect Leader Yao complain about the tariffs for almost one entire shichen, Lan Huan could relate. He was sure their Shufu felt like that too, since that small tick in his left eye appeared in the middle of the ranting and hasn't gone away ever since, a clear signal of the adult reaching stress levels that could possibly equal to a qi deviation, besides when Sect Leader Yao’s long winded vent was over, with fingers being pointed to half of the other sects and no solution being proposed, Lan Qiren’s words came hot, scolding and educated in a way that only years of practice would result. The Ouyangs quickly ended the conference after it.

“I will retire to my room to meditate.” Lan Qiren huffed and nodded as Lan Huan and Lan Zhan gave him twin bows, equal in sentiment and execution, making something light appear in his eyes as a response. “Wangji. Xichen. I will see you at breakfast.”

“Mn.” His brother agreed at the same time he said. “Yes, shufu.”

He looked at his little brother and realized he was not going to be the one to ask, so when nothing more was pointed out, Xichen added. “May we attend to your morning meditations together?”

Lan Qiren caressed his goatee, a pleased air momentarily appearing in his face. “They said the blossoms came in earlier this year, creating a calm scenery to clear the mind and balance the spirit. Very well. I will collect you not long before sunrise.”

“We will be ready.” It would be good to change their usual place and enjoy the beauty of the sect they were in. If it was far enough away they could even press their uncle to join them for a few songs in the spirit of “practice” before heading to another exhausting conference. Xichen was plenty aware of how hard it was to deny them when he and Wangji combined his forces.

As the older changed directions and went to his personal quarters, the brothers kept calmly following their way. When the scenery no longer caught his attention, Lan Xichen turned his gaze to the younger, watching his expression vague and unseeing at his surroundings. Wangji was still bored and distracted.

Lan Xichen, after years and years of practice and patience, immediately recognized the quite mischievous feeling that appeared in his soul as his mind processed what a perfect opportunity this was.

There was barely a movement of white and suddenly Lan Wangji froze in his careful, unbothered march, lips pressed in a tight line as his arms unfolded from their position from behind his back to clue on his sides protectively. The feeling of a silly urge to smile bubbled, just as his attention immediately turned to his older brother.

Lan Xichen, of course, controlled his urge to snicker. 

“Is something the matter, Wangjii?”

Ah. He wasn’t as subtle as he expected. Golden, equally accusing and accessing eyes burned on his form as if they could read the plan in his mind. Xichen let a serenate air take over his expression, even though it was a futile attempt of distraction. There was nothing he could do. As much as he knew each expression and quirks of Wangji, the same could be said about his own expressions and his brother, who could read the playfulness in the light of his eyes with ease from lis away, and so took a petulant step away, muscles tensing.

Their gazes found each other. Thankfully, they were already close enough to their quarters that no other wandering disciple would think about appearing to bother them and their dinner had been long delivered at their rooms. Even if there was an emergency they would go first to Shufu. Therefore, there was no hurry at all, to catch some unexpected smiles and giggles today while chasing the exhaustion away.

Lan Xichen chuckled and calmly turned to continue their way, one arm crossed on his back and the other gesturing to the empty corridor. “Let’s go to our room. I am quite tired from the evening.”

Lan Wangji waited for him to go forward and then marched to his pace, right by his side, straying away when the older brother tried to get closer and matching his stride step by step, gaze unrelenting, watching him with the tail of his eyes. 

No words, protesting or accusing, were spared and anticipation was quick to twirl in the air around them.

They stopped in front of the door. Stared at it.

Wangji kept his expression carefully blank. Lan Xichen continued to smile, tranquil.

“Wangji, please?” He motioned for the door.

“Xiongzhang.” Lan Zhan nodded.

None of them moved, not wanting to give up their equal ground to a more vulnerable position. 

Maybe the conference really took a toll on his brother, because he partially caved, an annoyed huff leaving him as he turned the slightly bit away from him, angling his body just enough to open the door and keep him in his field vision in the case of a sudden attack. Unfortunately for him, Lan Xichen was still more practiced and quicker.

In no time at all, a wiggly finger rested on his ribs, sneaking a few tickles there before he dodged.

“Xiongzhang!” There was a gasp and a tune in his voice, a hint of titters. His eyes were attentive and bright, now, which only encouraged Xichen to sneak a few more tickle attacks, another wiggly finger poking  his armpit, a quick pinch on his sides, a bit of prodding on his spine when he kept turning away. They continued to twirl, jumping close and pushing away in a playful game of cat and mouse.

“I am sorry, A-Zhan, am I tickling you?”

Lan Wangji bit back a squeak and a wobbly smile, as too many memories flooded his mind. He was no longer a tiny, innocent and giggly kid to fall so easily to his older brother’s antics. Still, there was a hint of flustered red taking over the tip of his ears.“Lying is prohibited. One must not deceive with his words. One must not fight with the family, for there is no winner. One must not stray from the righteous path!”

There was no helping the joyful laughter escaping from Lan Xichen as they continued their chase, the thought of him walking away from the righteousness because he decided to tickle his younger brother by surprise was too hilarious for him. 

“One must show his true appreciation to his family and friends, to care and intervene when they’re needed. One must honor their elder’s gifts, their experience and wiseness. One must be just and kind, and only then will they be following the right path.” He countered.

“Not tickling.” Wangji highlighted and huffed, annoyed. In a sudden more he opened the door, fast to get into the room and close it, however, too slow to do it before Lan Xichen took the opportunity to burrow his fingers for a few kes on his neck, using the distraction to worm his way inside his room, too. 

“There are no rules saying they don't apply to tickling.”

“Xiongzhang is being purposefully obtuse.”

“Has Wangji grown too old for his brother’s affection? Does he no longer accept my bunny kisses, no long care for his Huan-ge?” Lan Xichen teased, letting his hands fall and looking away with a sad, disheartened face. “Poor is my heart.”

(He calmed too the piece of his soul that ached a bit too truthfully at his words.)

“Xiongzhang.” His ears were completely red now, which was completely endearing. Lan Zhan must have understood him a bit too well, as always, and gave a single step closer, in a suspicious support. “No tickles.” He emphasised.

Lan Xichen sniffed, looking at him with bright, big eyes, Lan Zhan looked back unmoved. “What about Bunny Kisses?”

Oh, they could get even redder. 

“No tickles.” Wangji repeated firmly while taking another step closer. 

Xichen sighed in defeat, and in the next second pounced. Wangji jumped out of the way with a wordless surprised sound. He would become a wonderful cultivator, with reflexes so quick as to catch up with him even with years of differentiation between them.

Still, they would yet have a few years before that. Xichen ranked his fingers up and down Wangji’s ribs, making him stumble out his grasp with a quick huff of laughter, arms hugging himself over the lasting buzzing tingles. He didn’t have a lot of time to recollect himself before the other was attacking again. This time, when Xichen managed to poke and scribble at Wangji’s bellybutton, he pried a quick, muffled snort before the other jumped away. 

Simple like that, they resumed their previous chase across the room, robes floating and dancing in the air as they jumped from one wall to another, going over the furniture and dodging all of their sparse decorations with ease, which definitely wasn’t an activity his shufu would ever approve, but it was very effective to exercise their precision and grace during fast movements.

Just as Wangji was jumping over their bed, preparing to propel himself on the nearest wall and get away, Xichen had the opportunity to catch him, one hand barely had time to secure a firm grip around his ankle before Xichen was pulling him down on the mattress, quickly latching his other hand on his calf and squeezing.

A high squeak floated across the space and Wangji immediately melted on the spot, his kicks completely uncoordinated as he tried to turn his every ounce of control into controlling his laughter. Lan Xichen, as he always did when he saw his younger brother stopping being so serious and having a little of fun, was endeared.

“We’re not in Cloud Recesses, Wangji-di.” Since he already decided to choose violence as a form of caring, Xichen began squeezing the calf non stop, walking up and up until he got to his knees, sparing plenty of light, maddening scribbles on the ticklish skin until it created a quick wave of airy titters before going downwards to his calves again, laughter morphing in deeper guffaws that only grew quicker and lower the more he tormented the muscle, kneading and tasering non stop. “You can laugh as much and as loud as you want.”

Wangji just shook his head, if it was a protest against the tickling or an affirmation that he was not discarding the rules outside his home it was unclear. Obviously, that was not helped by the way Xichen decided to tease his ankles, leaving tiny scratches around the bone and spidering his fingers all around them, collecting more and more squeaks and huffs of laughter by doing so, following those the sensitive spot no matter how much Lan Zhan tried to twist his legs this way or that, more softer giggles dancing on the air with his efforts.

Once more, Xichen decided moving upwards, scribbling and wiggling around his ankles, drumming on his calves, passing with plenty of scribbles and pokes on the underside of his knee until his dancing fingers fingers managed to scratch at that spot between his knee and thigh, which pried an louder flow of snickers, hand slowly creeping to the back of his thighs. He barely clawed the stop and suddenly Wangji was turning around, hands holding his wrists while a big, closed-lipped smile, eyes bright and ears red, stared back at him.

“Xiongzhang.” He admonished, still giggling a bit around his words, probably because that spot of his was a fisher of loud, shrieking laughter. 

Xichen showed him a tiny apologetic smile of his own, expression bright and happy. Wangji softened, still carrying a hint of a pout, and it was a proof of Xichen’s self control to not snicker out loud. It only resulted in another suspicious stare. Once more Wangji had been perfect in reading him. “Stop playing around.”

“I apologize, Wangji.” His tune was still light and playful and, truly, he couldn’t help sneaking a last tease. Poking a little of fun at his younger brother has been one of his delights for a long time now. “But aren’t you glad to no longer be burdened by boredom? There’s a new, more vivid air in you, now, don’t you think?”

Lan Wangji simply huffed and let his hands go, heading to their table without even a glance at his direction, petulantly ignoring him. 

When they finally began sharing their dinner, Lan Xichen noticed the more relaxed pose Wangji carried, a a slight twitch of his lips from time to time (especially when Xichen kept reaching to grab bowls and food next to him, which wasn’t actually any kind of teasing) and a happier, brighter kind of light in his eyes. 

They really knew each other too well, when Wangji’s eyes found his Xichen grinned, the other immediately turned around with another flustered huff.

He had fun, Xichen was glad.

His plan had really worked.

(....)

Lan Xichen smiled warmly, steps silent as he approached the two kids who were too distracted whispering among themselves to notice their new observant. He beamed when he found Jin Guangyao’s, watching the kids from a bench under a colorful gazebo, bouncing a shrieking little A-Ling on his leg. Xichen put a finger in his lips and A-Yao turned back to pay attention to his nephew, pretending to not see the other stop right behind Jingyi and Yuan, bending down quietly, being careful in not letting his shadow fall on them to not be noticed.

“We just need to revise our plan.” Jingyi whispered (which, to him, was a slightly more quiet shout. A-Yuan was watching him with an attentive gaze and he preened under the attention) and, with a stick, moved a few pebbles on the grass. “You stay here with Xichen-ge and while Liangfang-zun is distracted with Sandu Shengshou  I will grab Jin Ling and put him in our room! He can wear my extra robes and hide so no one can find him. I’ll be extra clear so I will not need to change my clothes, too. No one will notice him with so many Lans here.”

“But… won’t Jiang-Zongzhu get sad because we stole his nephew?” A-Yuan didn’t seem as confident in this plan as Jingyi. He looked at Jin Ling in the distance before turning back at his friend. “Won’t he be missing his jiujiu?”

“A-Yuan, he is going away today. If we let him, we won’t be able to play anymore! The adults will order us to wait for when the next Conference happens and it will take forever. And! He will have us, Xichen-ge and his shushu here with him so he won’t be feeling alone.”

Yet, his friend didn’t seem much convinced, Lan Yuan’s belly recoiled from the idea of taking the baby away from his family. If he was Jin Ling, he would be very sad with this plan. But he being Lan Yuan, he was also very sad to see the baby going away. 

His fingers fiddled with the hem of his robe before pressing it until it was free of wrinkles. When he looked up, his eyes were determined. “I think we should ask Xichen-ge to play more with him  He will help.”

“Xichen-ge and Liangfang-zun are really close friends, but Liangfang-zun and Sandu Shengshou are not.” Jingyi pointed and Lan Xichen felt surprised with how attentive the younger was. To keep the relationships between sects as peaceful as possible, very few, almost none, people knew that A-Yao and Jiang-shixiong, no, Sect Leader Jiang didn’t like each other, besides, both of them tried to keep appearances for Jin Ling. “I don’t think it will work if we ask.”

The two kids sagged, stuck in an impasse. A-Yuan poked one of the whitest pebbles, lost in thought. “How can I even distract Xichen-ge?”

Lan Jingyi opened his mouth, but the voice that answered his friend wasn’t his. “I might have an idea.”

The kids squealed and jumped in surprise, Xiao Jingyi turned to look at him with wide eyes and A-Yuan pressed his hands on his mouth, as if to take back the loud noise. Before he could get that guilty expression in his face, Lan Xichen scooped him in one of his arms and started his most successful distracting technique. An even louder squeal was pried from his nephew. 

(They were in Lanling, after all. There is no need to enforce Gusu Lan rules so strictly when there is more pressing matter at hand, like a very likely war between the Jin and the Jiangs if Jin Ling disappears under the care of the first. Besides, if they did start reinforcing the rules, Xichen would also have to pay his fair punishment and write some extensive lines about eavesdropping.)

“Gege! Xichen-ge!” A-Yuan squirmed in his hold, kicking and trying to push his hand away as it began to squeeze his side non stop, playful, restless fingers spidering and pinching every inch of ticklish skin. His high squeaky laughter began traveling across the air and the younger one wiggled and wiggled until he could turn around and shove his face in his shoulder, melting completely on him as his entire body shook with his giggles and crackles.

“Yes?” Xichen smiled and wormed his hand up until it was attacking that silly spot right between his shoulder blades with fluttering fingers and a barely there touch that never failed to fill his uncontrollable laughter with snorts and high pitched snickering. A-Yuan trashed a bit more, finally realizing that there was really no escape from his tickly end. The kid then hugged him closer, shyly muffling his laughter. 

Lan Xichen nuzzled the top of his head, happily. He would have to move him soon, both to be sure that Xiao Yuan was breathing properly and also as a chance to see that delightful smile of his.

“No need to get shy, little bunny, your strategy to distract me is very efficient, I say. I already forgot what I even came here to do.” 

He sneaked two fingers to lightly scratch at his neck, successfully making him pull his face out of his shoulder to scrunch and protect the spot. Lan Xichen flashed an eager grin to those gleaming, squinting eyes. “Maybe I only  need to keep tickle-tickle-tickling you until I remember, then! Doesn’t it sound like a perfect plan?”

A-Yuan was too occupied wiggling his form from the new, previous free hand that found the back of his ribs and was attacking him with vigorous scratching to answer. It didn’t help that the other hand had only crawled up to tease the shell of his ears with an onslaught of soft, light tickles too.

Even so, it didn’t take long before a grip pulled the hand that wasn’t holding his nephew up away and another little boy answered him.

“Let him go!”

“But, A-Yi, then he will fall.” His reply was goodnaturedly and, like a very caring adult, his grin only expanded further at Jingyi’s groan. The boy didn’t despair for long, however, quickly tugging his sleeve once more with a more determined look on his face.

“Don’t worry, A-Yuan. I have an idea!”

Lan Yuan adjusted his face to look at his best friend, uncovering it enough that only one teary eye and half of a bright smile were visible, his hands still held the white fabric under his grip tightly. He looked quite like a worm, squirming from one side to another like this.

“A-Yi!” His giggles got bubbly and full of snorts as Lan Xichen started making his fingers walk up and down and up and down and up and down (again!) his spine. “R-run!”

“Never!” Jingyi protested, putting all his strength in pulling Xichen’s hand away while tiptoeing and putting his other hand between A-Yuan’s back and Lan Xichen's tickly fingers. “I won’t leave you behind! He can’t fight both of us at once, A-Yuan, don’t worry.”

“Is that so? Perhaps, you should come closer to defeat me, I believe.” Xichen stopped tickling A-Yuan and let him become boneless on his hug, tiny snickers still escaping from his lips. With his other arm, he scooped Jingyi up, gracefully suppressing a grimace when the young one shrieked right next to his ear. “There we go. I am excited to see your new, brilliant plan that will lead to my fall.”

Jingyi clumsily straightened himself, poofing out his chest with pride. 

“You already fell for it, Xichen-ge!” With a gleaming smile, A-Yi beamed smugly. He straightened himself even more, both arms resting on his back in a pose that he and Lan Wangji usually assumed when teaching their classes. Lan Xichen easily stomped over his desire to chuckle at the morrorining. “Now both of your hands are full! Which means you can’t use them to tickle us now, aha!”

The adult gasped in faux despair and Jingyi bounced in pride. 

“How didn’t I see this? Jingyi, I am afraid your mind has long surpassed mine. Such a good plan…” A-Yuan patted his arm, still giggling softly, in consolation. Lan Xichen tried very hard to keep his faux despairing tune one and not become endeared. “I fear there is no other choice for me, then. I will have to use my secret technique.”

For a little bit of suspense, he let the silence guide their nerves high, refusing to meet their searching eyes as the xiao lans exchanged looks between themselves and then turned back to watch him tensely, expecting the  moment of his attack. Glancing at his friend, Lan Xichen noted both him and Jin ling staring at the silly moment, the first with a knowing smile and the latter with wide, attentive eyes.

“The Snacking Attack.”

“That is a stu- silly namEEEEEK!!” Jingyi's commentary grew louder with another shriek as Lan Xichen tilted him a little to the side and pressed his face on his belly, placing freely and playfully nimbly nibbles and buzzing raspberries on every inch of the tickle spot. “NO! XICHEN-GE!!”

Different from Lan Yuan, who was always fond of muffling his reactions and closing his eyes from the uncontrollable, loud laughter tickling usually pried from him, Lan Jingyi did the completely opposite, he crackled and shrieked freely, limbs trashing, kicking and squirming with no hope of coordination or escape, missing his every attempt to pushing the buzzing, electric feeling that jumped and tingled his nerves away with every tickle. Lan Xichen made sure to bury his face as much as he could on the spot before replying, shaking it from one side to another with another raspberry.

“Hm?” The words vibrated from his belly to his entire torso. Lan Jingyi wheezed and crackled in reply, one hand coming to his hair to push him away. Lan Xichen hummed again, just to be sure. “I apologize, could you repeat that? I couldn’t quite grasp your words. Someone is laughing really loudly nearby and it muffled your sentence. It’s a good thing that we’re not in Cloud Recess, I suppose, otherwise I would have to catch that giggly person and explain the benefits of keeping a calm, collected mind.”

It would be quite amusing to try to hold a conversation with him. While A-Yuan would at least try to stay focused on what he was saying and in his surrounding, Jingyi seemed to forget every and any single thing in the very moment a small poke attacked his side, his mind focusing in nothing else but the sensation and in almost no time the boy would be jolting and squealing in surprise every time a new spot was tickled, even if he saw the attack come from a li away.

“NO!” He squawked, laughing non stop “No tickling! You’re cheating!!”

“Is that so? I wasn’t under the impression we were playing a game.” Satisfied with the wheezing turn that his laughter took, Lan Xichen lifted his face, smiling calmly at the kid when his beaming eyes found his, airy chuckles and subdued crackles still spilling from him, arms crashing down to protect his torso “I apologize. Please, if you would be so kind, explain to me, then, the rules of this game.”

“Yehehah!” Jingyi cheered excitedly, no longer hugging himself and starting to grin in mischievousness. He pointed a wobbly finger at him! “No ticklihihing.”  

“No tickling.” Lan Xichen agreed. “What else?”

Jingyi pursed his lips, thinking. Suddenly, his eyes twinkled. “You must put A-Yuan on the ground!”

With narrowed eyes, he watched as Lan Xichen complied, his friend sagging and clutching the larger, white sleeves with a few snickers before letting them go and stumbling on the ground. Jingyi bounced in his arms in happiness, seeing that his wishes were truly being followed. 

“Jin Ling must be here as well, for this and all of our games, tomorrow and then the tomorrow after that and then tomorrow after tomorrow! We have to tickle him too when he comes, so it’s fair. You must come to more of our games! And play fairly! No sneaking to talk with Jin-Zongzhu far away.”

Feeling his cheeks burn and how the kid didn’t look anywhere close to stopping, Lan Xichen finally pulled his final card.

With a light tune, he interrupted Jingyi.

“Excuse me, this is a very long list, I might if I am not in the best conditions, and to carefully contemplate each of your points and try my best to find a common place between us with them I will need to gather my energy and strength, alright?” Jingyi pouted, but there was no throwing a fit or planning another kidnap, which was a good signal though. “For that, you won’t mind if I have a snack, do you? To replenish the body and calm the soul. It will be really quick.” 

They boy must have started to recognize his quirks, for the way he immediately became suspicious. However, when he realized the possible meaning of his words, it was already too late.

“Would you like some more raspberries?”

He gasped. “NO-”

Suddenly his entire ribs were being devoured in long, loud and buzzing raspberries that made him almost fall from the other’s grip. Unrestrained, high pitched, squeaking and shrieking laughter filled the yard as his mind was completely taken over by the mischievous attack.

Lan Xichen lifted his mouth, but for the way that the squeaks and squeals continued to fill the air, he might as well had continued his tickly endeavor.

“A delicious meal, indeed.” Jingyi crackled and laughed, legs kicking and tiny hands coming to rest in his face. “A-Yi, please,” his tune was amused and exasperated. “You’re aware of our rules: one must not talk during their meals. Yet, I can hear your cute laughter loud and clear, you must cease this loud behavior at once.”

“You’re tickling me!!” 

“Am I?” Deciding to finally stop his playing and teasing, Lan Xichen stopped his tickles and pulled himself back to his usual straightened posture, a fond smile gracing his lips as he watched the young one in his arms giggle and squirm. “I was under the impression that I was simply offering some raspberries for a snack. I apologize.”

As the other recuperated his breath, the adult turned to look downwards, seeing big grey eyes staring right back at him. A-Yuan jolted and looked down, holding the hem of his clothes and stepping closer to him.

It was not difficult at all to see what he wanted.

Adjusting A-Yi, Lan Xichen scooped the kid again, laying tiny raspberries all across his neck and cheeks, until a twin pair of giggles were ringing loudly in the air.

“Er-ge must be really hungry today.” A-Yao glided closer, uncaring for how Jin Ling chewed at the string of his hat, a playful light in his eyes. “Perhaps I should assure a larger assortment of snacks during our time in the conference. Jintali is proud of their hospitality, especially for allies.”

“A-Yao.” Lan Xichen huffs a laugh, lightly scolding.

A shout and trashing attracted his attention back to the Lans on his arms, who, at some point, engaged in a tickle fight between themselves. Jingyi had captured Yuan’s feet and was attacking his friend with energetic scribbles while the other tried to pry his fingers away, laughing and squirming freely, one hand getting dangerously close too A-Yi’s own leg, but the kid was much preoccupied shouting about his victory to notice.

Lan Xichen's heart was truly weak, seeing both of them having fun and being loud like that made it melt from cuteness. Of course, his sect’s rules weren’t as harsh for the kids as it was for the adults who should know better, but the sight of the boys playfully fighting and being unapologetic loud about their joy was a rare enough occurrence that should be enjoyed.

After a few moments of a light brawl and more giggles, Lan Xichen couldn’t help but turn around to rest a fond kiss on the top of their heads. He sighed contentedly, uncaring for a few kicks or slaps that found their way to his chest. Nothing better to light up after an exhausting conference than to hear such some bright laughter, it was almost as if all his energy was being replenished after this moment. The fact that both kids would be tired enough for their bedtime today was also a good consequence of all this fooling around.

Shrieking laughter and snorts ran like a lovely melody across the yard.

“What is happening here? Who is being murdered?!” 

Lan Xichen turned in time to see Jiang Wanyin's frowning face emerge from the inner’s doors as he stormed across it. His gaze clued on him, eyes passing through his face and the laughing kids in his arms as confusion blinked for a moment in his eyes before being replaced by his usual closed expression. 

“Zewu Jun.” He bowed formally and, as Lan Xichen lowered to put the kids on the ground and return the gesture, lifted his hand in a halting motion. “No need. I am not staying long, I only came here to get my nephew.”

“Sect Leader Jiang.” A-Yao stepped close, receiving the bow from the other and answering in kind with a smile full of politeness but with little truth. In his arms, Jin Ling squirmed until he put him on the ground, the little one wobbling to his jiujiu until he could latch on his legs with a squeal and a long winded babbling.

For a moment, the fondness on both of Sect Leader’s eyes was so strong that Lan Xichen really wished they could get along easier, being so equally caring about Jin Ling. 

The spell was over soon, however. 

“Of course, I will ask the maidens to prepare his belongings for the trip.” Jin Guangyao made a flourish with his hand and sent a message butterfly to the inner part of the palace. One of Wanyin’s eyes twitched. “Has this year’s conference been fruitful for you?”

“As much as it can be.” Jiang Wanyin replied with a slightly less polite tune, but with an equal void of truth. “The Jiang Yummeng Sect thanks the Jin Sect for their hospitality.”

“Of course, our sects have been strong allies for years, and I am glad our hospitality shows my appreciation. Tell me, how has the rebuilding of Lotus Pier been?”

Before he could listen more of their exchange, Lan Xichen felt Jingyi squirming on his arm and remembered to put them on the ground, patting and adjusting their clothes until they were less wrinkled. All the while, Jingyi kept stealing glances at Jiang Wanyin and Jin Ling and then turning to him with big, pleading eyes. Yuan did the same, although his eyes barely found his before he was looking down, playing with the hem of his robes sadly.

The adult sighed and got up.

“Sect Leader Jiang.” Said one stopped what he was saying and turned at him sharply, his displeased face turning into a confused scowl, once again. “About Jin Ling’s departure, I believe there is something A-Yi and A-Yuan wanted to ask. They’ve already recomposed themselves.” He joked, reminding about how the other had found them playing in the yard.

Jiang Wanyin huffed, the corner of his lip twisting for a brief as if it wanted to break his sharp expression, but as quick as it came it was over. The Jiang turned completely at the kids, staring as Jingyi stared fiercely back. Lan Xichen laid an encouraging hand on their backs, pushing lightly forward.

“We would like to play a little more with A-Ling, please, Jiang-Zhongzhu.” A-Yuan bowed the proper height and then turned to Lan Xichen, who nodded in agreement.

Wanyin frowned (it felt a bit different than his previous one, even if Xichen couldn’t quite put his finger on why. His face was more expressive than his brother, moving and changing from expression to expression much more visibly, however, it was still hard to distinguish each one). “I will stay for a few hours while me and Liangfang-zun share a cup of tea and all of Jin Ling’s stuff gets prepared. You can play with him then, until we leave.”

“And then he’s gone forever?” Lan Shizui held Jingyi’s hand tightly, voice so small and low that it broke their hearts a little. A-Yao pressed his lips firmly, a bit guilty. 

“He is not going to die,” Sect Leader Jiang rolled his eyes, tune half exasperated and half clipped, then seemed to realize whose presence he was and set himself even more straight. “You will see him again if Zewu Jun brings you for the next conference.”

“He is our friend! You can’t-”

“Lan Jingyi.” Lan Xichen cut before the boy could get even more worked up or Sandu Shengshou could get offended by his demeanor. Jingyi huffed and quieted down. “Do not let your emotions overcome you.” When all he received was a small nod from Jingyi and a big, sad eye from his nephew, with an internal sigh, he continued. “Perhaps Sect Leader Jiang would be amenable in setting a visiting date at Lotus Pier in the near future?” He doubted Jin Ling would enjoy the Cloud Recesses being so little.

Jiang Cheng tensed and looked at him, searching for something before his eyes fixated on the kids. The corner of his eyes were tight and expression seemed more sharp than normal. Eventually, he bowed, nor higher or lower than necessary. “The Gusu Lan Sect is always welcome in Lotus Pier. I will personally send a letter to set the date and details a couple of days after I settle in my office and take care of the most urgent matters.”

“Of course.” Lan Xichen bowed back. “Gusu Lan thank Sandu Shengshou for his offer. Me, Lan Shizui and Jingyi do thank you as well.”

“Yes!” Shizui caught his clue first and pulled him and Jingyi into a clumsy, too low for the situation, bow. Sect Leader Jiang’s face lost some of its tension then. 

“It’s good for A-Ling to form strong bonds with the Lan Sect, maybe it will rub off some patience on his bad temper.” As to prove his words, he lightly poked the toddler’s nose and received an angry, long winded rant for it, tears gathering on the corner of his eyes as he moved his arms to clutch on the offending hand. The Jiang tsked and pulled him closer, bouncing in an attempt to ease him with an eye roll. Lan Xichen hummed in agreement, quietly amused.

“I will head to my quarters now and prepare the necessary documents for our discussion.” Both him and A-Yao nodded to each other and Lan Xichen followed the lead as well. The younger leader then turned his attention to the little Lans with an inexpressive face. “You two got something to say?”

Jingyi nodded and stepped forward, getting his arms full of a toddler when Jiang Cheng lowered Jin Ling back to the ground, Lan Shizui approached them and got trapped on the hug as well.

“I’m going to miss you.” He whispered.

Jin Ling simply accepted the affection before deciding it was enough and pushing them away. He turned around then and clung right back to his jiujiu’s leg, waving them as he gathered on his arms once more and they headed away, a Spider appearing from somewhere far, facing away from them following him close as Sect Leader Jiang marched back inside.

“Bye bye!”

After their shared dinner, Jiang Cheng announced that he would be staying for two more days (after, of course, the polite e politically expected back-and-forth where he stated not wanting it to be viewed as an imposition to the Jin Sect, to which A-Yao claimed that he was welcomed to stay as long as he felt like until it was decided) in Koi Tower before departing to Lotus Pier.

Only when Lan Xichen managed to put both children to sleep did he realize that this meant that Jiang Cheng and Jin Ling would be leaving the very same day he, Shizui and Jingyi were. An interested smile pulled at his lips at that. 

Ever since that day, much more play dates had been arranged and a stronger bond formed between them, both with the adults and children. Sect Leader Jiang (then Jiang Wanyin and now simply Wanyin) and A-Yao became more amenable to each other, even if they continued to have a pleased joy in poking each other to their limits. Lan Jingyi and Shiziu were no longer small enough to be carried by Xichen nor needed him to arrange playdates, both already starting to lose the baby fat of their cheeks and go out on night hunts accompanied. Which meant that xiao Jin Ling already claimed himself too old for such “childish things” as well and pestered his uncle to be taken together on his own night hunts, resulting in plenty of bickering and annoyed letters being exchanged back and forth between the sects. The more the days passed by, the more Xichen got surprised with how fast they were growing up.  

However, there was something they would never be too old to escape from.

Lan Jingyi’s surrounding awareness was growing better, Lan Xichen noticed, probably because of the uncountable shenanigans he and his friends (Shizui not excluded) continued getting into. The very memento Xichen approached him, stepping quietly closer as he saw the boy wander around while he was enjoying the calm evening, Jingyi immediately turned his head in his direction, freezing for a moment, eyes wide and body tensing, before dashing away.

Oh well, Xichen sighed, catching up with the young teen and gathering in no time a bundle of shrieking Jingyi in his arms. His smile was soft and his voice calm as he lectured him, no heat in his tune, but in a giant contrast with his hands, which were skillfully and fast at tickling his armpits, digging and drumming and making him thro his head back in laughter, legs kicking madly.

“Young Master Jingyi, I am sure you’re plenty aware of our sects’ rules, being an acquaintance to them just as much as I, despise our diffent ages.” Jingyi replied with loud crackling and Xichen sighed in faux admonishment, sparing a few fingers to wiggle over his highest ribs as his thumbs still tormented his armpits. “Therefore, we both know which rules you broke and are breaking at this very moment, don’t we? Can you please inform each one of them to me?”

Jingyi squealed and squirmed, trying in vain to escape him. When moments passed by with no response, Lan Xichen lightened his attack, deciding to instead scribble his fingers on his neck and pry higher pitched and uncontrollable giggles, in lieu of helping the boy.

“Take the time you need, A-Yi. I will be waiting for your answer right here.”

He highlighted the end of his sentence with even more tickles, Jingyi shook his head and fell completely on his arms, snickering and giggling non stop.

Patience was a virtue, and Lan Xichen wouldn’t want to hurry such a bright, young mind. Jingyi would come to share his answer when he was ready, he was sure. While that didn’t happen, Xichen was more than happy to stay exactly where he was, giving the boy all the motivation he needed.

Lan Shizui, (un)fortunately, was not so attentive nor as bold to break one of their main rules right in front of the heir of the sect, which allowed Lan Xichen to approach him and walk side by side before the boy was looking at him, his polite greeting vanishing on his lips when he saw the specific smile Lan Xichen had in his face, immediately changing, however, to the fastest pace possible one could get without running. 

It was a little funny to see. Xichen, of course, matched him step by step, continuing at his side.

Shizui jolted when a poke landed on his side, too quick to be dodged, while a loud and embarrassing high pitched squeal almost escaped from his mouth. As he tried to dodge or change his path, more and more pokes attacked, falling on his back, wiggling on his sides, teasing his ribs and prodding his shoulder blades determinedly and relentlessly until he was left squeaking and stumbling on his steps, no longer able to at least pretend to maintain a straight face as those playful and bright golden eyes (so much alike HuangJun that Shizui couldn’t help but feel himself smiling joyfully in reply) and being easily followed by his uncle.

“Young Master Shizui, where are you trying to go? Wouldn’t you accompany me for a walk?”

Shizui simply shook his head, snickers and chuckles muffled by his hands that immediately when to cover his face, red spreading across his ears and neck at the playful words and tickles that continued to tease him through all the way.

Jingyi and Shizui never got to really understand what impulsed the First Jade to get so mischievous asn silly around them, how he could find both when they were on a bad mood or after a rough day and put a content smile on their face, but each time they would be greeted with that same grin and a warm embrace. Memories would spill from when they were both tiny enough to hide behind him amidst his robes and they perhaps would never be able to admit out loud, but Jingyi and Shizui were more than happy to be reminded of such fond, cherished moments of their childhood. 

Xichen, as well, never told anyone, but all of them knew he was more than happy to continue to share this piece of playfulness with the ones he watched and helped to grow up. 

In the end, there are simply things that they wouldn’t truly wish to escape.

[~*~]

EXTRAS

The story Lan Xichen was reading for small Lan Zhan wasn’t something Lan Qiren choose (he favored the poetry books, but those would have to wait until the kids were older) but that the kids received as a present from one of the elder and, much for his chagrin, one that Lan Zhan loved with all his heart and asked to Xichen to read for him every night for years refusing to go to sleep otherwise and getting incredibly fussy on the next day if he didn’t.

Lan Xichen tickling Lan Yuan: <3 <3 <3 awwww look at my nephew he is so cute <3 <3 very smol very polite

Lan Xichen tickling Lan Jingyi: >:]] So you’ve chosen death >:]]]

To the little girl that I met on the park when I was 7 and who rattled out her little brother's worst tickle spot as his ankles: thank you so much I have never forget this moment and I hope I am doing right by your name to honor the knowledge you gave me and using it to torment my dear fictional characters <3

[accio-victuuri]

5/16/24 LRLG post + interpretations ❤️💛💚

so it’s not enough that we’ve been struggling for the past days, they really put meaning to the saying of “when it rains it pours”. at least they let people sleep and then released this in the morning. it is an unusual posting time cause it’s usually evening or even late like 1:00 AM but not this early.

original link from the rumor house is here. i will omit some parts and just explain what happens but i tried to preserve the integrity of the post. all of this is fake. if i missed some cpn related to this, feel free to comment or just reblog and add on. enjoy ^^

XZ: "Do I have to buy the flowers myself? I can't spend hundreds of dollars."

WYB: “You don’t need to buy it and use it at home. The bottle is also pretty.”

XZ: 🙄

WYB: “Your skills are really top-notch now.”

XZ: "Why don't you try to be more yin and yang?"

WYB: "Well done. Well done."

XZ: “Don’t let me go if you don’t have any symptoms”

WYB: "You know if I have a fart or not, I'm so awesome."

XZ: "gun"

WYB: 😘

XZ: "There is also gas in the mouth"

WYB: 🙄

XZ: "Hey, your skills are also top-notch."

WYB: “I can’t compare to you, but practice makes perfect”

XZ: “It’s boring.

WYB: “Come and play”

XZ: "If you don't want to play, you won't come from xx"

👧: "Looking for me, I won't delay the fun of you two"

WYB: "Then shall we leave?"

👧: “I also know that practice makes perfect”

WYB: “Excuse me”

XZ: "Whose number should I use?"

WYB: "I'll log in for you

Yibo really be buying useless stuff again. lol. I can only imagine him scrolling through shopping apps in between takes and ordering everything. Thank you ZZ for being the voice of reason. LOL. and them complementing each other’s skills in gaming, even the log-in, we think is for the game. && how they are trolling each other talking about gas/fart, it’s so them 😂😂😂😂

the part about the kiss emoji makes us think that wyb kissed xz but then xz had to comment like that lol and be a gremlin 😂😂😂

i saw one guess that the bottle/vase he is talking about where you can put flowers may be a souvenir from abroad that wyb gave him

WYB: XZ believes in Buddhism and doesn’t believe in anything.”

XZ: “Watch me assist”

WYB: "You are not playing support role."

XZ: "Okay, I won't go even if you call me daddy."

WYB: “Don’t help, you still have to help”

No but seriously i will pay good money to watch them livestream a game lol. to those who are not familiar of why XZ was saying “call me daddy”, it’s a common quip among people. kinda like saying “im your father” cause i’m helping you and more superior than you— nothing kinky okay?

WYB: “Where did the cat come from?”

WYB: "Can I not hear it when it’s meowing at me? "

WYB: "What to record"

WYB: “So where did the cat come from?”

WYB: “Questioning you on behalf of 🌰🌰”

WYB: “Oh, great shooting”

people are thinking it’s this chonky cat that xz got attached to

and all of us are cackling at how wyb is “asking for 🌰🌰” because his dad is being a traitor and looking at other cats! 😤😤😤 yibo is so loyal to their daughter lol

WYB : super cold, i’ll eat a fried egg for you in awhile

WYB: look closely, i’m going to eat one for you (fried egg = sun that just appeared ☀️)

WYB: i ate it too early, it’s not fully cooked yet

WYB: sure, i’ll wait for you to eat a cooked one

i swear their conversations don’t make sense unless you have some background. cpfs are saying here that it means, wyb gave xz a fried egg ☀️ and then xz ate a cooked egg, the way he did it in that milan vlog

and like, if we are talking about a literal egg, that was featured as well in the Milan vlog 🍳 so could that be a bit for bobo? a literal easter egg? lol.

next part is bobo asking xz why doesn’t it look the same to him and how xz hasn’t responded to the group chat. and how he will call him later 📲

them having a gc is not even a secret but just 🥹🥹 that must be one hell of a group chat to be in.

WYB: “How was the restaurant you ate at last time? Let's go there when Zhan ge comes."

🧔‍♂️: "Their ribs are amazing, but the chops are not as good as they should be. Why don't we order one for you tonight and try it?"

i won’t include this part anymore but it’s a conversation between yibo and members of his staff about food and what to eat. i love how wyb is always thinking about xz when he sees something that is good to eat. feeding xz is really his love language. i’m cackling how they are conscious about the carbs to eat. planning what and where to eat with your loved one seems so simple but really special too. there were talks about fruits, which we know what xz is fond of eating in CQL BTS. ( sorry for the screenshot lol xiao zhan i love youuuu. you have no bad angle! )

there was also a part that wyb was telling them to buy blueberries and the staff is like: "Just tell me what you want to eat and I'll give you whatever you want" but yibo was all "Let's see what he wants to eat" 🥹🥹🥹 it all depends on XZ.

and then this scene in the wedgwood ad. which is most likely a coincidence. but still 👀

WYB: “Look at this big pot”

XZ: Saw it

WYB: "I won't let you try the dishes in advance."

XZ: "If you want to eat, just say so and don't take the blame."

👧: Boss Xiao, we have already eaten it.”

XZ: "Grateful and thankful"

WYB: "Why are you so happy?"

XZ: You guys are going to have another meal in two days.

WYB: ☺️☺️🤭☺️🥰🥰🥰😍😍😍

XZ: "Eat quickly and fight again when you get back."

WYB: “🫡Received”

XZ: "Idiot, hang up, bye"

WYB: "Bye"

with this fake rumor i feel so soft cause having a meal together is something they look forward to. i especially loved this comment from a cpf which u think perfectly explain why this romantic: But I especially understand how dad feels. . . When you are in a long-distance relationship, if you already have a date for your next meeting, you will really feel like you don’t want to taste the delicious food you want to eat with you before meeting! Just like "I want to share the surprise of the first bite with you" is the real thing. I only want to taste one-fifth of the taste. I want to wrap this little bit of deliciousness with the anticipation of seeing you soon. I want to see you soon. I have been stuffed to the brim these last few days, so that the day I see you I will explode with happiness!” 🥹🥹🥹

next part is wyb talking to a staff about eating and then this one, yibo! give your assistant a vacation! and well the boss is not taking a vacation too sooooo….

👧: “When can I take a vacation?”

WYB: "Anytime, if you have anything to do, just take a break."

👧: “Want to take a big vacation”

WYB: “It’s early then”

👧: “This year’s Qingming Festival and May Day are all in vain”

WYB: "Have arrangements been made for May Day?"

and the final part of the rumor contribution:

WYB: "Where"

WYB: “Okay, be safe.”

WYB: "I don't have time to ask you to keep the fake house.

WYB: "good"

-END

[stiltonbasket]

Jueying has the same initials as big bro Jingyi, and is 50x more chaotic. I imagine if she'd been in wwx+lwj generation, the only person who'd broken more rules than her would be wwx, but I might just be exaggerating.

"Shameless!" Lan Qiren barks, throwing a scroll at Wei Wuxian's head. "How can you say that lingli and resentment are the same? To think that I should have lived to hear such words from the dashixiong of Yunmeng Jiang!"

Wei Wuxian leans backwards, missing the scroll by a hairsbreadth as it flies over his shoulder and hits Nie Huaisang full in the face. “But Laoshi!” he yelps, leaping into the aisle between his seat and Jiang Cheng’s as Lan-laoshi grabs another scroll. “Lingli is energy, and resentment is energy. I’ve dissected walking corpses with our sect’s Pan-yishi, and we found out that resentment moves through human meridians just like—”

Lan Qiren lifts the second scroll, looking more incensed than ever; but before it can leave his hand, a crash and a scream echo in the white-pebbled courtyard outside the Lanshi, followed by a girl’s raucous shriek of laughter and a tremendous bang that makes Lan-laoshi blanch.

“Wangji,” he says, sounding deceptively calm. “Nephew. Go outside, see what the matter is, and tell me that Jueying did not light another firework on the roof of the Yashi.”

Lan Zhan rises and goes to the door, peering out into the courtyard with the resigned air of a monk who had caught his novices gambling when they were meant to be making blessing talismans.

“Dishonesty is forbidden, Shufu,” Lan Zhan says at last. At the front of the room, Lan Qiren puts his head in his hands. “But it was not another firework. Another six is likely nearer the mark.”

“Nie-xiong, who are they talking about?” Wei Wuxian whispers, sidling back to his desk. “That sounded like a guniang’s personal name. Do you know who Jueying is?”

Unexpectedly, Nie-xiong laughs.

“You know my Da-ge and Lan Xichen are married, don’t you?”

Somehow, Wei Wuxian had managed to forget that fact, for the current Lan-zongzhu’s elder son is much older than Lan Zhan, just as Nie-zongzhu is more than twice Nie Huaisang’s age.

“Well, I remember now,” he nods. “But who’s this Jueying-guniang, then?”

“My niece. Da-ge and Xichen-gege have two children—Jingyi-didi was born when Wangji and I were three, and Jueying came along two years later. She’s nearly thirteen now, and according to Laoshi—” and here Wei Wuxian hears another great crash from the courtyard, followed by the deafening whoop of a dozen fireworks going off at once, “—she’s responsible for half the gray hairs on his head.”

“Jueying!” Lan Qiren screeches, now tearing down the stony path outside the Lanshi. “Come down from the roof before you break your neck!”

“I won’t!” a young girl’s voice says defiantly. “Shugong, if I come down, you’re just going to catch me and send me back to the Baoshi again!”

“Of course I am! The point of punishments is that you do not like them,” Lan Qiren shoots back. “Now come down before I count five and go back to finish the laundry, or I will send your shushu up to get you!”

“Which one of you is Shushu?” Wei Wuxian wonders, before snorting as Lan Zhan rolls up his sleeves and marches out of the Lanshi like a soldier going to war. “Ah, looks like Shufu is Lan Zhan. What do they call you?”

“Technically, I’m Shushu,” Huaisang grins. “A-Yi and A-Ying call Wangji-xiong shufu most of the time. But I encourage them at every turn, so Laoshi won’t make me lift a finger to stop them when they misbehave.”

In the end, it takes Lan Zhan nearly half an hour to catch his recalcitrant niece; and after Lan Jueying has been safely bundled off the roof, one of the Nie disciples volunteers to escort her back to the Cloud Recesses’ nursery.

“Ying’er has her punishments there,” Nie Huaisang explains, when Wei Wuxian asks why a thirteen-year-old would be studying in the Baoshi. “When she misbehaves, she has to do laundry for the babies.”

“Poor xiao-guniang!” Wei Wuxian sighs, recalling similar punishments at Lotus Pier. “If she’s being punished, I’ll give her the all-purpose laundry talisman I invented last year. She’s still young, and even if she doesn’t listen to Lan-laoshi, she should be out playing in the sun instead of washing clothes.”

Nie Huaisang nods approvingly.

“She loves everyone who helps her skip her punishments,” he says conspiratorially. “If you want to make friends with Wangji-xiong, the quickest way would be to make friends with her.”

The back of Wei Wuxian’s neck starts to burn.

“Do you really think so?” he asks, fighting back the urge to check his brow for fever. “He must care for his zhinu and zhizi very dearly, mustn’t he?”

“En, he does. Both of the little ones drive him mad, but he worships the ground they walk on.”

Somehow, the thought of a younger Lan Zhan watching over two little children makes Wei Wuxian’s throat ache.

He does not dare to think on the matter too long—at least not now, not when Lan Zhan has yet to say a friendly word to him. But if he were to see such a sight tomorrow, then perhaps—!

“Go visit the Baoshi tomorrow,” Huaisang advises him. “Ying’er will be there, and you can meet Jingyi. He’s not so much younger than we are, you know. You two can be good friends, and then you’ll surely be able to get along with Wangji.”

Wei Wuxian inclines his head, feeling strangely bashful at the prospect.

“All right, then,” he says, speaking to the fallen scroll abandoned near his knee. “I will.”

[bloody-bee-tea]

24 Days of Mingcheng 2022 Day 5 - Honeymoon

Jiang Cheng is laughing at something Nie Huaisang said when he notices Wei Wuxian coming his way and just like that his laughter dies down.

“Here we go,” he mutters, just loud enough for Nie Huaisang to hear, who immediately snaps his fan open.

“I’m right here,” he reassures him and Jiang Cheng briefly leans into his side, because he knows that.

Nie Huaisang has his back, no matter what and it’s not only at the threat of having his legs broken by Nie Mingjue.

Nie Huaisang does genuinely care about him and he wouldn’t let Wei Wuxian—or anyone for that matter—hurt Jiang Cheng.

“Chengcheng,” Wei Wuxian calls out as soon as he is close enough to not have to yell through the entire room and Jiang Cheng supposes he has to be grateful for that. “I didn’t know you would be here!”

“I’m accompanying Huaisang,” Jiang Cheng stiffly says, keeping an eye out for either of his parents to join this absolute disaster but he can’t spot them. Small mercies.

“I see, I see,” Wei Wuxian mutters and then leans in close. “And when are you going to introduce him formally to the family?” he then asks and Jiang Cheng frowns at him.

Nie Huaisang—curse him—doesn’t say anything and simply watches everything with hawk eyes.

“Formally? As what?” Jiang Cheng wants to know because this doesn’t make sense.

He doesn’t have to formally introduce his friends.

“As your boyfriend, of course,” Wei Wuxian immediately shoots back and Jiang Cheng reels back as if he’s been hit.

“He’s not my boyfriend,” he tells Wei Wuxian who gives him something akin to a pitying look. It certainly makes Jiang Cheng’s hackles rise.

“Chengcheng, we all know you don’t want to be here, so for you to show up can only mean that you’re here out of love.”

“Well, yeah,” Jiang Cheng admits and doesn’t like the way Wei Wuxian’s eyes sparkle at the admission. “I’m here for Mingjue.”

That seems to bring Wei Wuxian up short.

“What now?”

“Da-ge asked A-Cheng to accompany me to this function because he himself couldn’t make it. A-Cheng hates it here but he loves my brother enough to accompany me anyway,” Nie Huaisang finally chimes in and Jiang Cheng relaxes slightly.

So Nie Huaisang is not going to let him be eaten alive by Wei Wuxian, that’s good to know.

“Right,” Wei Wuxian snorts out. “You’re dating Nie Mingjue, CEO of Nie Security and one of the top five bachelors of this country.”

Jiang Cheng definitely doesn’t like the tone Wei Wuxian is taking with him and he scowls at him.

“What is that supposed to mean?” he demands, crossing his arms in front of his chest and even Nie Huaisang’s eyes narrow at him, so he doesn’t seem to like where this is going at all either.

“It just means that no one is going to believe that. Why would Nie Mingjue ever date you when he can have his pick out of everyone. That’s more than unlikely, isn’t it? You and Huaisang here on the other hand—”

“I would be very careful with your next words now,” Nie Huaisang interrupts him. “Because either it’s going to be insulting to me or A-Cheng, and at worst both, and I am not going to let that slide.”

His voice is ice-cold and even though he’s speaking in defence of Jiang Cheng a cold shudder still runs down his back.

He wouldn’t want that tone of voice to be directed at him but it seems as if Wei Wuxian does not have the same survival instincts because he soldiers right on.

“I was just going to say that you two fit well together,” Wei Wuxian defensively says and Nie Huaisang narrows his eyes at him.

“Sure. So you don’t think A-Cheng is brilliant enough to capture my brother’s eyes and you think my standards are shit at the same time. Noted.”

Wei Wuxian opens his mouth at that but then closes it without saying another word. Maybe the cutting edge to Nie Huaisang’s voice finally got through to him.

“I think I have to—Lan Zhan, you know,” he babbles.

“Of course,” Nie Huaisang says with a sharp smile, accompanied by the snap of his fan as he closes it. “Do leave. And please make sure to not come back this evening.”

Wei Wuxian turns around on his heels and is gone in an blink.

“Well, that was awful,” Jiang Cheng mutters and Nie Huaisang pats his arm.

“You want to go home?” he asks. “Da-ge is probably missing you like crazy right now.”

“You damn well know that he’s going to have both our heads if we should leave before we hit the two hour mark,” Jiang Cheng shoots back because Nie Mingjue was adamant about that.

They are here to represent the company and as such they have responsibilities.

“I guess he’ll forgive us if we tell him what happened,” Nie Huaisang says and then gives Jiang Cheng a sweet smile. “How about you leave. It’s just another half hour and I promise to be good.”

Jiang Cheng would love to say yes to that but half an hour is plenty of time for Nie Huaisang to ruin lives and overthrow companies. And Nie Mingjue would have his head if he left Nie Huaisang unsupervised.

“I can manage another half hour,” Jiang Cheng says and doesn’t miss the disappointed look on Nie Huaisang’s face. “Especially when it means it’s going to stop you from a hostile take-over or two.”

“You like my take-overs,” he snappishly says, flicking his fan back open.

“Not when it means more work for Mingjue, I don’t. He’s already busy enough as it is and he has scheduled a break next month. You pestered him about that. If you upset the entire delicate balance of these companies he won’t be able to take that break.”

“That’s just mean,” Nie Huaisang whines but he deflates with a sigh. “But I guess you win.”

“Thank you,” Jiang Cheng nods and bumps their shoulders together. “I learned from the best.”

It earns him a radiant smile from Nie Huaisang and in face of that Jiang Cheng completely misses the way a pair of eyes bore into their backs.

~*~*~

Jiang Cheng has barely sat down at the table when Jiang Yanli speaks up.

“I didn’t expect you to show up alone,” she says as she pours him tea and Jiang Cheng shrugs.

“Yeah, I know, but there was a last minute issue that Mingjue had to deal with. He sends his regards and apologises. He will definitely be here next time.”

It takes him a moment to notice that Jiang Yanli has fallen silent and even stopped moving and when he looks at her he’s surprised to see a sad look on her face.

“A-jie? What’s wrong?”

“A-Cheng, why can’t you tell the truth?” she wants to know and Jiang Cheng frowns.

“About what?”

“A-Xian saw you and Huaisang at the function last week, remember?”

“Yeah, so?” he asks but he’s starting to get a bad feeling about this.

“We know it’s you and Huaisang. Why do you insist on lying about that? Don’t you ever think about how Huaisang must feel about this, if you keep denying your relationship?”

“Not really, because there is nothing to deny,” Jiang Cheng starts but he already knows that it’s futile.

She is not going to believe him, much like Wei Wuxian hadn’t believed him and this time he doesn’t have Nie Huaisang with him to come to his aid.

“A-Cheng,” she says in that sad tone she gets and the one that Jiang Cheng hates the most.

“A-jie, I keep telling you, Huaisang and I are not together. I am with Mingjue and I have been for a while.”

“Then how come we have never seen you two together? How come you only ever show up with Huaisang? A-Cheng, what is the point in lying about this?”

“There is no point because I’m not lying! Mingjue is busy, it just never worked out that we show up anywhere together. And whenever I invite you over to meet him you decline.”

“Because we don’t want to support whatever kind of game you are playing with all of us,” she shoots back and it’s so close to snapping that Jiang Cheng rears back.

He has never heard his sister like that.

“A-jie, I am not playing any kind of game. Mingjue and I are together.”

“A-Cheng, he’s so—successful. And rich. He’s one—”

“—of the top five bachelors of this country, yes I know, goddamit. But he didn’t make the list this year, did he now? And you know why that is? Because he’s no longer a bachelor. Even the press acknowledges that, so why can’t you?”

“They just don’t know you like I do,” Jiang Yanli whispers and Jiang Cheng stands up.

“Clearly they know me better than you if you still believe I am lying to you all about this.” He turns around and walks back into the hallway, already half in his shoes before his sister speaks up again.

“It’s just not very believable, that’s all,” she tries and he doesn’t turn around to her but he can imagine how she’s wringing her hands in front of her chest. “Surely you understand that.”

“And what is not believable? That Mingjue should find anything loveable about me?”

“How would you two even have met?”

“A-jie, I have been going over to the Nies regularly since school. Whenever dad forgot to pick me up or when mom told me not to come home because of a grade that didn’t please her I went over to them. I have known Mingjue for years!”

“Then it makes even less sense,” Jiang Yanli starts before she seems to catch herself but Jiang Cheng already has had enough about this.

“Because how could he fall in love with me if he knows me that well? Is that what you wanted to ask? Thanks, a-jie, it’s really nice to know that you deem me to be worthy of love. Just great. I will be leaving now.”

“A-Cheng, wait,” she calls after him but he doesn’t stop.

Jiang Cheng is gone from her house without looking back and he doesn’t think that he wants to be coming back any time soon.

~*~*~

Jiang Cheng is leaning into Nie Mingjue’s side, completely content to simply watch the engagement party around them for a short while but of course his happiness is short lived.

“Here comes your family,” Nie Mingjue mutters and Jiang Cheng briefly thinks about straightening up just a little bit, just to give them the illusion that he cares but in the end he decides against it.

What does he care about his family anyway.

“Mingjue, my boy,” Jiang Fengmian greets Nie Mingjue who immediately stiffens.

Jiang Cheng presses more into his side, hoping to diffuse his tension and he allows himself a small smile when it works.

At least until his mother tugs him away to the side.

Nie Mingjue looks as if he wants to reach out for him to pull him right back, but Jiang Fengmian very expertly distracts him with one question or another and Jiang Cheng barely refrains from rolling his eyes when he realizes that this is a coordinated attack.

And he sure as hell is not going to like where this is going.

“Wanyin, I expected better of you,” Yu Ziyuan tells him and now, Jiang Cheng really does roll his eyes.

“You always do,” he tells her. “If you want me to know what you are talking about then you need to be more specific.”

“Do not take that tone with me,” she snaps. “Your boyfriend is right there, so please do tell, what do you think you are doing?”

“I—don’t get it,” Jiang Cheng says, even though he can guess where this is going.

He’s just really very tired of trying to convince his family of his relationship with Nie Mingjue especially seeing as they are her to celebrate their engagement. They really should have taken the hint when they agreed to come.

“Nie Huaisang is right over there. What business do you have to be this close with his brother? Aren’t you ashamed? Do you not even think about what this scandal could mean for the family?”

“No, not really, because there is no scandal. I am here with my fiancé Mingjue, and Huaisang is here with his boyfriend to celebrate his brother’s and mine engagement. There is nothing more to it.”

“Please,” Yu Ziyuan scoffs and looks back at Nie Mingjue. “You really want us to believe that you are dating him?”

“I am really fucking tired of all of you telling me that he is too good for me.” He briefly pauses. “And I am honestly offended on Huaisang’s behalf because you are all implying that he is not.”

“He’s a good for nothing, we all know that.”

“So we two would fit perfectly together, wouldn’t we, seeing as I can’t ever do anything right,” Jiang Cheng mildly says, because he is long over this.

His family doesn’t care, they don’t think him capable and there is nothing he can do about it. It took him way too many therapy sessions to finally come to that conclusion but at least he got there in the end.

“My heart, I think it’s time we leave,” Nie Mingjue suddenly says and when Jiang Cheng looks over to him and his father he has to suppress a laugh.

Nie Mingjue must have said something incredibly rude to Jiang Fengmian because he’s still standing where Nie Mingjue left him, his mouth slightly open.

It’s a picture Jiang Cheng rather enjoys.

“Do you never think about the consequences your actions could have? You could ruin his entire life with this farce,” Yu Ziyuan says from the side, whispering in his hear like a snake tempting him to end the only good thing in his life, but Jiang Cheng is no longer listening to her or her poisonous words.

“I thought we established that I am just a stupid idiot,” Jiang Cheng tells her even as he reaches for Nie Mingjue’s hand. “So the answer to that should be pretty obvious. And yes, I think it’s time we leave, my soul,” he then says to Nie Mingjue and doesn’t waste another moment to walk away from his parents.

It’s easy to do with Nie Mingjue’s hand in his.

~*~*~

Jiang Cheng is still snuggled up in bed, his husband’s arms around him when his phone rings.

“Make it stop,” Nie Mingjue grumbles as he presses a kiss to Jiang Cheng’s shoulder.

Jiang Cheng isn’t inclined to move because he truly is comfortable but the ringing is insistent and annoying on top of that so he finally reaches out.

“It’s Wei Wuxian,” he sighs out, having half a mind of simply declining the call but then he would have to shut off his phone permanently and he doesn’t actually want to do that.

Nie Huaisang is on his own not-quite-yet-honeymoon and Jiang Cheng does enjoy the pictures he’s getting from him and Mo Xuanyu.

“One day of peace and quiet,” Nie Mingjue sighs out and Jiang Cheng drops a kiss to his forehead before he accepts the call and puts it on speaker.

If he has to be annoyed, then Nie Mingjue has to be as well. Married couples share everything after all.

“What?” Jiang Cheng asks, not bothering with any niceties.

“Chengcheng, what have you done?” Wei Wuxian asks, his voice slightly terrified and Jiang Cheng snuggles deeper into Nie Mingjue’s arms.

“I don’t know. You’d have to be more specific.”

“The paper says you and Mingjue married?!”

Jiang Cheng sighs.

“We did. So what?”

“Chengcheng! How? When? Why? I don’t understand!”

“What’s there to understand, Wei Wuxian? When two people love each other very much they get married. You should know that. You and Lan Wangji did it, didn’t you?”

“But Mingjue? What happened to Huaisang?”

“Nothing,” he sighs out. “Because it was never me and Huaisang but you wouldn’t listen to me.”

“Come on, you know how ridiculous it is that you and Mingjue—”

“We are married. How ridiculous can it really be?”

“You didn’t invite anyone to the wedding. Is it even real?”

“If you learned about this from the press you should know that it was a very big thing. Lan Qiren was there, as was Lan Xichen. Maybe you should ask them about it, last I heard was that they enjoyed themselves very much. And their gifts were more than generous.”

“You invited them but not us?” Wei Wuxian asks and suddenly his voice is very small. “We are your family!”

Jiang Cheng is just about to open his mouth to say something to that when Nie Mingjue takes the phone right out of his hand.

“Only people who believed us were invited. Sorry, but you had years to convince us that you could be polite guests at our wedding and yet somehow you didn’t manage it. Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Fengmian even accused him of a farce at our own engagement party. Excuse us if we don’t want that kind of behaviour at our wedding.”

“Mingjue?” Wei Wuxian unsurely asks and for the first time in years it sounds as if he might doubt himself. “What are you doing there with Chengcheng?”

“Enjoying our honeymoon, as you do when you are freshly married,” Nie Mingjue shoots back. “And I think we’ve had enough interruption now. Don’t call again.”

And with that he simply hangs up.

“Wow,” Jiang Cheng breathes out as he takes the phone out of Nie Mingjue’ hand. “That was entirely stupid of Wei Wuxian and very sexy of you.”

“Mh, do I get a reward for being sexy then?” Nie Mingjue asks even as he rolls Jiang Cheng over to hover above him.

“I think you just might,” Jiang Cheng says with a laugh that can barely be smothered even when Nie Mingjue leans down to kiss him.

By the time they finally emerge from the bed, the call and Jiang Cheng’s family have been long forgotten, completely smothered by the happiness both of them feel.

And honestly, that is just how Jiang Cheng likes it.

Link to my ko-fi

[jin-zixun]

I don't want to fight but who am I kidding I definitely want to fight. (Not in actual fighting ways its a tumblr poll about fictional characters its fine)

In what "intangible ways" does LXC support JGY that SMS does not? Other than LXC being a real Lan and having more credibility than upstart Su She?

(I'm adding a read more this got loooong sorry i promise i don't hate lxc or anything really!)

Upstart Su She who tanks his own credibility in order to protect JGY.

"Smear my name if you must, but how dare you slander Lianfang-zun!"

In fact LXC's suspicion of JGY is shown throughout the narrative, he defends the idea of his innocence, but he makes it clear he wants to find the truth and won't let JGY get away with murder and the like. LXC's suspicions and promises of impartiality are followed up multiple times with SMS defending him.

Lan Xichen asks Jin Guangyao to open the secret chamber during the secret afterparty scene and is rebuked only by Su She.

The jade token scene after LXC is shown the collection of turmoil reinforces that his distrust of JGY isn't just a lie told to LWJ and WWX

"If he is truly false I will not tolerate it."

It immediately leads into the second siege of the burial mounds. The scene where SMS goes from the 'bury and unbury your bodies' friend to the 'is actively gonna raze the world for you' friend.

JGY goes to LXC to protect him from his own fallout and finds whatever else he wants, LXC has made his decision. He can't look to LXC to protect him, but he has already gone to SMS. If that's who he looks to to protect him in such a way, why should he not feel supported by him? Because a lot of the relationship is 'offscreen' doesn't mean it isn't clearly there. As soon as JGY finds out even a little bit about what's happened with NMJ's body and somebody trying to take him down, he *has no doubts in going to SMS to defend him*. And SMS does without even a hint of suspicion or regret. All of JGY's secrets? Yeah he knows.

And sure, yeah part of that is that JGY cares about LXC and doesn't want to implicate him in bad things. Another part is that JGY cares about LXC and doesn't want him to know the less good parts of himself. Another part is that he just doesn't think LXC would be okay with things JGY has done. And he's right!

You can say JGY shows all of himself to SMS because he doesn't care about him as much as LXC. He's fairly willing to let him die after all, let alone doing all these terrible things. But you can't say SMS himself doesn't see all of JGY and love him and protect him and support him in all he is and all he does. That's just not true. He does. LXC doesn't. JGY's own feelings don't change that. I'm sure he'd love LXC to support him just as well regardless but that's just not what we see.

Then there is Guanyin Temple.

"[Jin Guangyao] fell to the ground...In his stead it was Su She who started to scream. There was a split second when Lan Xichen looked like he wanted to go over and support Jin Guangyao, but in the end, he didn't dare move."

Where LXC does, temporarily, listen to the woes JGY presents him with. Yet, he tells us he does not trust JGY, JGY lies, he tells other characters not to listen to JGY. He says not to call him Er-Ge. He attacks SMS when SMS is trying to flee with JGY. He leaves JGY alive but silenced and is tricked into stabbing JGY through the heart. Tricked, yes, but I don't know how to say better that SMS would never.

During JGY's explanation to LXC, WWX has to kick SMS down to stop him from trying to get to JGY. He saves JGY from the poisoning attempt, opens the medicine bottle for him, treats his wounds

"Su She is so condescending toward everyone, and especially resentful of Lan Zhan. But he treats Jin Guangyao with such respect"

tearing off his own robe to bandage JGY's wounds while JGY is bleeding out and while LXC is not. SMS *pleads with LXC to help*

"Sect Leader Lan! Sect Leader Lan, do you have any remedies? Please help. Sect Leader Jin has always treated you with courtesy."

SMS carries JGY on his back to help him escape the temple. He fights FC!NMJ. The last thing he does is to entrust JGY to LXC, the only person who could possibly protect him and the only saving grace is he doesn't live long enough to see LXC stab JGY!

"Su She's brilliance had only lasted a moment. He didn't even have time to cough up blood or say any respectable or ruthless last words before the life in his eyes was instantly snuffed out."

One of them dies to protect JGY and the other one, as I have reiterated, stabs him! In the heart! Fatally! I-- No. I do not want to fight.

Let JGY say it. "Su Minshan went this far to repay my kindness simply because I remembered his name. But you, Zewu-jun, Sect Leader Lan... Just like Nie Mingjue you cannot tolerate me... You won't even give me a way to live!"

(I'm using the Seven Seas translation but like "you refuse to spare me even a single breath of life" goes way harder unfortunately.)