A/N Translations: Ergeng and wugeng are times of the day, approximately 21:00 and 5:00. Shen shi is 15:00.
The mid-day sun shone down on the courtyard and the temperature was milder than it had been the week before. Happy to be outside after being cooped up all morning, Lan Wangji slowed his steps to enjoy the fresh air. He spent the whole morning in discussion with his Minister of Finance and Minister Steward about the state of the treasury and what could be spent on this year's Spring Festival. Finally, after much discussion, a budget was set for the New Year celebrations. Now all that was needed was another meeting with the Minister of Ceremonies to put planning in motion. He had Nie Huaisang arrange the meeting for the next day, not wanting to spend another minute of the day talking to more ministers.
"Some of the palace swordsmen have gathered to practice in the Northern Courtyard," Nie Huaisang informed. "Perhaps his majesty would like to go and see."
It was well known that the emperor enjoyed dropping in from time to time to see the guards train. Unlike previous rulers who only watched from the comfort of the shaded viewing alcoves above the training grounds, Lan Wangji often joined in with the training, offering pointers and sparring with some of the guards.
The emperor turned a corner to head towards the Northern Courtyard, eager to get some exercise himself. Up ahead of him a group of giggling maids and manservants were rushing in the same direction they were heading.
Nie Hauisang's voice cut through their laughter. "Mind your behaviour in the presence of his majesty!"
They immediately ceased moving and dropped to their knees, bowing till their foreheads touched the ground. "Please forgive us your majesty," they said in unison.
"Explain yourselves," Lan Wangji said.
A manservant that Lan Wangji recognized as one of Nobleman Zizhen's lifted his head and said, "We apologize your majesty. There is word that an omega manservant from the Jin convoy is practicing with the guards and that nobody can beat him in a fight. Now all the guards are lining up to challenge him."
Lan Wangji sent Nie Huaisang a look to indicate he should deal with the maids and manservants and he went ahead towards the training grounds with the rest of his retinue. Eager to see the omega's swordsmanship, Lan Wangji hastened his pace.
Instead of taking the longer route that would lead him to the shaded viewing area, he decided to take the path that would lead him directly onto the training grounds. He heard the rushed footfalls of Nie Hauisang running to catch up with him.
He turned his head slightly to give the eunuch a questioning look.
"They have been assigned to clean and sweep all the corridors of the northern wing on top of all the duties they have," Nie Huaisang answered the emperor's unspoken question.
They arrived at the gate to the training grounds and Lan Wangji raised a hand to Nie Huaisang to stop him from announcing his presence. "Stay here," he said to his guards and servants. "Eunuch Nie will accompany me."
He stepped through the gate to find all eyes riveted on what was happening in the centre. No one noticed he was there and he shook his head at Nie Huaisang indicating he didn't want to make his presence known. Like all others in the vicinity, his eyes focused on a certain omega standing in the centre surrounded by six guards.
A devilish glean shone in Wei Wuxian's eyes and he lifted his lips into a smug smile. "Six of you? Well, this is a very brave group of soldiers," he baited.
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The Legend of Moonflower
FanfictionWhile growing up, it was assumed that Lan Xichen was next in line for succession. No one could believe it when the moody and quiet second son of the emperor presented as the alpha and not the more amicable and diplomatic first son. Lan Xichen kne...
