Lan Wangji placed Wen Yuan on the bed, he rented a small room for them to stay. he cant take him back to Gusu like this his fever should be treated first. placing his Zither and Bichen on the table he grabbed a basin with warm water and a cloth. Lan Wangji sat on the side of the bed slowly rolling his sleeves he started to wipe Wen Yuan’s face to rid of the dirt, the poor child must have suffered a lot. The soul he was able to communicate earlier happened to be Wen Yuan’s grandmother who died during the purge of the Wen clan, desperate to save her grandchild she hid him to safety.
After cleaning Wen Yuan and changing him in fresh clothes Lan Wangji took a small pouch and looked through it, taking out some small pills and herbs, he paused when he heard a knock on the door and went to it.
“The porridge that you asked for” the woman carried a tray with porridge and water, Lan Wangji requested for it earlier. Taking the tray with a small nod and ‘mm’ the woman excused herself and left, Lan Wangji closed the door and went back to the bed he grinded the pills and mixed it in the porridge as well as some of the herbs. His movement stopped when he felt a grip on his sleeves and saw Wen Yuan’s unfocused eyes looking around.
“Its okay” He murmured and pushed back his hair feeling his forehead he frowned a bit as he kept stroking it.
“.. X..Xian-ge?”
Lan Wangji’s hand paused and he looked at Wen Yuan, his other hand clenched tightly and he sighed. “Hungry?” he slowly helped the child up, carrying him he propped him into his lap and blew into the spoon before feeding Wen Yuan who eagerly ate it. “Slow down” Lan Wangji murmured and Wen Yuan looked at him.
“eat slowly” Lan Wangji fed him again, this process continued until the bowl was half empty, He made sure that the child ate well, he was concerned that Wen Yuan would not like the taste mixed with medicine but the child didnt even complained and just ate once they are done Lan Wangji helped him to drink and set him back down to bed tucking him carefully.
“Sleep” He placed a wet cloth on his small forehead “if you feel pain just say” he added and held his small wrist, feeling his pulse Lan Wangji sighed in relief, its returning back to normal, the child only need rest and food to recover properly. Wen Yuan looked at him and slowly closed his eyes, falling asleep.
Lan Wangji stood up and went to sit on one of the couch he unwrapped his zither and placed it on his lap. slender fingers caressed the strings carefully as he started to play Inquiry, the wind from the open window blew the curtains and his music was carried outside, his longing and hope was heard by the people passing by and his melody drifted in the night sky seeking for someone he desperately want and yet no matter how many times he called his name…there is still no answer.
“Wei Ying.. “
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Lan Wangji walked in the town of Gusu on his way back to Cloud Recesses, his Zither hung behind him protected by a white linen cloth, Bichen sheathed beside him and on his other side a small child following his footsteps holding unto his robes. He spent three days taking care of Wen Yuan until the child was able to return to his good health, he didnt speak much nor asked anything and just silently followed Lan Wangji. Lan Wangji asked him some few questions but the child could not respond accurately, it seems the experience and shock made him forget some events on his past. Lan Wangji paused when he felt a small tug on his robes and looked at Wen Yuan who pointed on a stall.
“You want? “ He asked and the child nodded smiling at him. Lan Wangji walked to the stall where they sold some snacks and candies, he picked up a small stick of tanghulu and paid for it handing it to Wen Yuan who accepted it with a huge grin. The stall owner who was quite familiar with the cultivators from Cloud Recesses looked at them.
“Is that your child Young Master?” the owner said eyeing the two of them.
Lan Wangji looked at Wen Yuan and then back to the stall owner and shook his head “No” he slowly turned back and led Wen Yuan back to Cloud Recesses.
Once they arrived the word spread of his return and Lan Xichen was waiting for him, he had been worried when Lan Wangji did not return for three days nor they could not locate his whereabouts and upon seeing his younger brother in a good state he sighed in relief walking towards him to meet him
“Wangji, where have you been? you did not send a word to us, i was concerned” Lan Xichen frowned showing that he was disappointed, Lan Wangji bowed and looked away.
“Im sorry brother.. i had some things to do” Lan Wangji murmured.
“Even so, next time do-- hm?” Lan Xichen finally noticed a small child clinging on Lan Wangji's robes, he had a small tanghulu on his other hand while looking up at Lan Xichen “This” he raised one elegant brow.
“Brother i need to speak with you and Uncle” Lan Wangji asked and reached down to pat Wen Yuan’s head. Lan XiChen looked at them and nodded.
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Lan Qiren took a sip from his tea as and looked at Wen Yuan beside Lan Wangji that was playing with the Bichen’s tassel. he frowned and looked at Lan Wangji. “You mean to say this child is a Wen?”
“mm” Lan Wangji nodded and explained to them how he found Wen Yuan, the two did not ask why he went to Yiling in the first place, they both know why and decided not to pry too much on that information. “I would like to keep him”.
“Well, wont this raise some questions from the other elders?” Lan Xichen asked and looked at Lan Qiren who was in deep thought.
“How could we accept someone from the Wen? this would surely raise questions and furthermore if other Sect heard about this” Lan Qiren trailed off stroking his goatee.
“He is a child, whatever the Wen did, this child’s innocence is pure, i will keep him” Lan Wangji said sternly it was not a question but a statement and the tone he used had no rooms for objection. “Brother, i asked you before that i will bring someone back in Cloud Recesses.. I.. failed to bring him back.. now i would like to get your word of acceptance back then for the sake of this child”
Lan XiChen eyes widen and he looked at Lan Qiren, both having a silent conversation he finally smiled and looked at Lan Wangji. “Alright, but he should adopt our name from now on” He added.
“We cant let anyone know he is from Wen the Sunshot campaign just ended a few years back its still a sensitive topic” Lan Qiren added.
Lan Wangji looked at Wen Yuan, the child was behaved and listening to them even though he doesn't understand what they are talking about he just sat there munching on some snacks. Lan Wangji recalled Wei WuXian back in Yiling spoiling this child, walking around the market with his bright smile and beautiful laughter, Lan Wangji feels like it was just yesterday. that was such a lovely memory he had but no matter what he do now, Wei WuXian and his beautiful smile, he wont be seeing it anymore unless he close his eyes.
This person who he was desperately chasing after back in the days, until now he could not stop thinking about him. Lan Wangji didnt know how long does he have to wait for his return.. or would he even return?
“Sizhui”
“Mm?” Lan XiChen looked at Lan Wangji who muttered something and was stroking Wen Yuan’s head looking at him softly.
“This child will be named Lan Sizhui”