#guqinstrings

Ji Naizhu is fully aware that this is stupid. It is just a ball, but the children were crying and he couldn't stand to see them so sad, so of course he said he would fetch it. He also told them to not play so close to a cliff edge, there really should be some kind of fence here. Though right now, he's only thinking about reaching the ball that's nestled perfectly in one of the branches of a small tree, perched on the edge of the steep cliff. One wrong step and he will fall. Yes, he is a cultivator and he will most likely be able to save himself in time, but he has also done a lot of healing today and would rather not find out if he'd survive the fall or not. Still, he's set on collecting the woven bamboo ball.

Sitting on the branch, leaning his back against the trunk for a brief break, he then carefully crawls out on the thinning branch. It's a good thing he's very light, since the branch still makes a few worrying sounds, but doesn't seem to crack.

HBO’S HOUSE OF THE DRAGON |still accepting|

The grounds of the Lan Sect was the place where the former Yiling Patriarch found himself since it was the only place he could go. He knew that he couldn’t return to his childhood home. He doubted that Jiang Cheng would be willing to let him in with open arms, but he wasn’t going to force that matter. Only time would tell if things would get better between the two brothers because of the suffering that they both went through. 

The loss that was experienced from the moment that their home was attacked to the sister who was taken away from them. A sister that Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng loved dearly. 

There was only one person who was willing to support, there was only one person who still believed him. That person was Lan Wangji. 

The raven-haired man found himself resting in the room that he had been placed in since he was still recovering from his wound. A wound he received from his dear nephew out of anger. He wasn’t upset with Jin Ling though, he couldn’t blame him for using that sword of his. 

A gentle smile moved to grace his lips at his words though knowing that Lan Zhan could be trusted. Wei Ying did trust him 

Lan Wangji isn’t good with his words, this is something both of them and entirety of the Cloud Recesses is aware. Somehow, being quiet makes him come off as conceited, narcissistic and cold. The last one, at least, he can see within himself. The others? There is a rule against being such ways and he doesn’t believe himself to have broken it yet.

With Lan Sizhui alone with him, he wanted to try and convey something though. So, while they walked along the beaten, dirt road, Hanguang-Jun paused in his steps and turned to face the young man. Already, he’s grown so much. The little, dirty boy, he had carried home from the Burial Mounds had turned into such a kind and capable young man.

Many times he sees Wei Wuxian in him. In the way he acted and how much of himself he gives to others. Ironically, he can also see a frightening amount of himself in him too. It makes him wonder, some days, if he was to harsh with him.

He can still smile though, and that is something he takes comfort in.

Lan Wangji took a breath and tucked his left hand behind his back, watching the boy he had raised as best he could. The boy he had named for the emotions that have held his heart in captivity for years. He is everything to Lan Wangji, and he would give whatever he could for him. To protect what was left of Wei Wuxian and everything he sacrificed for.

“I am proud of you.”

The young man was always attentive but when it was just he and his baba he was by far more at ease. He did not have to focus his attention on those who were less alert. It was always a pleasure to have him there with him. It was like a family outing. Not that Sizhui regretted spending time with Jingyi or the other juniors. He knew that Jin Ling liked the acceptance he found with them. None of them cared that Jin Ling was a future Sect Leader, it did not matter with Ouyang Zizhen when he could get away and it did not matter with A-Ling either.

At the call of his name Lan Sizhui turned his attention to the man who had raised him and lips curved up at the side. as he adjusted his guqin across his back. Giving him his attention to see what was needed. If someone were to speak ill of Lan Wangji it was absolutely certain Sizhui would correct them. Nothing of his baba was arrogant, arrogance was against Sect Rules. He was a good leader even though he did not have a lot to say. All of the juniors looked up to him, he was not on a pedestal . He was approachable and kind within the things he was most comfortable with. He had the right to not like someone and he had the right to not indulge someone's haughtiness.

The young man paused turning his blade rested against his shoulder as he folded his arms around it looking at him curiosity etched on his features.

Sizhui had developed his own views, his own morale. He knew what was right and what was wrong. He trusted in the teachings of his Sect and he was bright. He was able to form his own views and had been given those tools. He embodied the view Wei Wuxian had spoken of without knowing. Attempt the impossible. It was also Jin Ling's jiujiu's sect motto. Sizhui felt it was the role of a cultivator, they were to defend the weak, protect those that were in need and above all else be kind. It was what was right. Which is where he felt he was like Lan Zhan. He was upright and loyal. More so, he was noble without the arrogance of someone who knew they were as good as he was. Restraint was important as well.

The young man overachieved for reasons even he didn't fully understand, part had been fears of being put out of the Sect if he had not proved good enough. The other part was just a desire to learn and protect. Grand Uncle had said he was the best of his generation. He was head disciple, but the boy didn't take too much into the title. He was proud, without being full of himself. It was why he balked at Sect Leader Yao and his juniors who acted much like their sect leader.

Sizhui was happy he had been a happy child once he had gotten over the skittishness of being a tiny boy in a huge Sect. Even when eyes turned to look at him knowing that he belonged to the Second Jade. He put his best foot forward. Little Sizhui had disliked loud noises and startled easily. It was something that took him years to conquer but conquer it he did. Though he owed that to Jingyi. Who had been the loudest Lan A-Yuan had ever met.

The smile brightened greatly and he felt heat flood his cheeks. The smile took in his eyes as well and he bowed his head."Thank you, baba." he whispered. Sizhui rarely used the endearment in his older years because he understood that Hanguang-jun belonged to the Sect and he must share him. "All I have wanted was to make you proud and help others."

To Sizhui he was the world. He loved the man unconditionally and he had always done his very best to live up to the standards placed to him. He still lived at home even though he was getting old enough to be on his own. It had never struck Sizhui that he should move. He would with time. He just liked the comfort of knowing if the nightmares came, that he could go listen to Inquiry being played by his skilled father.

The only good thing with cultivation conferences was new gossip and good wine, the rest was painfully boring. Normally, Huaisang stay mostly quiet on these gatherings, for obvious reasons, but occasionally, he feels the need to speak up. This time, he felt such a need.

A comment about the trustworthiness and morality of Lan Wangji's words since he had supported the Yiling Laozu. Huaisang feels his anger flare, but he keeps it at bay. Anger at their hypocrisy. Anger at them so easily throwing such an honourable man as Lan Wangji under the cart wheel and anger at how everyone just remember the bad things Wei Wuxian did, like they themselves have never done regrettable things.

"Gongzi, I admit I don't really know anything, but I fail to see how Hanguang-jun's words about this event has anything to do with his previous actions. This has nothing to do with the Yiling Laozu or demonic cultivation and even if it did, the venerated Hanguang-jun has never promoted the ghostly path, he simply stood by a man everyone first celebrate, just to throw away once his services was not needed anymore, without regards to why he did what he did. When everyone else was judging based on appearance and rumour, Hanguang-jun tried to look at facts. I'd say that makes him more trustworthy and moral." Huaisang spoke softly, but clearly, his words making the others squirm even though there was nothing harsh with what he says, except for the call out nestled in them.

•---------• 𓆩⟡𓆪 •---------• 𓆩⟡𓆪 •---------• 𓆩⟡𓆪 •---------•

The gate was left open. Open for anyone to come or leave. Mo Xuanyu can't pass that opportunity. Not that he knows where to go, but anywhere is better than Mo Manor. The young man bolted, running as fast as his weak body can. Of course he is detected almost immediately and the Mo guards are after him like dogs hunting a rabbit. By pure luck, he is almost out of the village when he feels someone tackle him. He hits the ground with a loud thud, the guard on top of him. For a moment he can't breathe, darkness clouding the edges of his vision, pain spreading through his chest and abdomen. Mo Xuanyu whines pitifully. He is not a strong man, nor a brave one. Crazed and a little dimwitted, quick to please and show his belly to anyone who raises their voice.

Before he can fully comprehend what just happened, he is dragged up by his hair, making him cry out, tears now streaming down his sunken cheeks. "Don't hurt me! Don't hurt me! I'll come! I'll come! Don't hurt me!" he cries out over and over, but the guards don't seem to listen to his pitiful pleading and are about to strike him when another voice is heard. Someone is demanding that they let him go. Who would dare to go against guard wearing the Mo Family Crest?

There's another pull on his hair, tugging his head back, but he manages to see the stranger: tall and white with a forehead ribbon. A Lan Cultivator! There's a flicker of hope in Xuanyu's chest. Perhaps he won't get beaten this time? He'll get beaten once he returns to Mo Manor, but one beating less is always good, even if another one will come soon.

However, they don't let him go. Instead one of the guards huffs and glares at the Lan Cultivator, Mo Xuanyu didn't get a good enough look to see who it might be. "This is none of your business, Lan-gongzi. This mutt belongs to the Mo family. He's crazy and escaped. We need to bring him back for other's safety." One look at the malnourished, dirty youth is enough to tell anyone with half a mind that there's nothing dangerous with him. Crazy or not, he doesn't look like he would have the strength to even hurt a child.