Lan XiChen sat quietly in the Hanshi, waiting for Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian to join him momentarily. The regular meetings after the evening meal were indispensable for sharing information, supporting each other, and brainstorming new possibilities. He eyed the table before him as a servant laid out the makings of tea for three and nodded his dismissal when the activity was complete. Sinking deeper into his thoughts he startled slightly at the expected knock at the entrance but responded quickly with a pleasant "Enter".
The two newcomers bowed their greetings and took their usual places, side by side at the table, across from Lan XiChen. As had become their habit, Wei WuXian settled himself to the brewing and serving of tea. All three men had noted that the measuring, steeping, and serving of the beverage had a grounding and calming effect on Wei WuXian and helped him focus more effectively on the work to follow. The Twin Jades held a low-voiced conversation about a training issue while Wei WuXian went about his task. When the tea was properly prepared, Wei WuXian served Lan XiChen as the Sect Leader first, then Lan WangJi, as both HanGuang-Jun as well as his husband, despite his slightly younger age. Finally, Wei WuXian served himself and settled onto his cushion.
The three men sat in silence for several minutes as they collected their thoughts and prepared to share. When the first cup of tea had been drunk and the tea cups refilled by Wei WuXian, Lan XiChen opened the discussion.
"We have a lot to discuss this evening," started Lan XiChen. "I will start with the most immediately pressing concern. We have two very young children here, without guardians and alone in the world as best we know. Young Feng Tian has managed very admirably to follow her mother's wishes and bring her journal to us. She has miraculously brought both herself and her younger brother safely to us and it behooves us to ensure their continued well being. Despite my years as Sect Leader and the various co-operations the Lan Clan has shared with other regions, I am unfamiliar with any Sect, small or large, nor even any Large Family with the name Feng. WangJi, have you come across any such on your travels? What about you, WuXian? You have traveled the furthest of us all; is this name familiar to you from your travels? Is there some area you know of where it is common?"
Lan WangJi solemnly shook his head, denying any knowledge.
Wei WuXian also shook his head and added "I can't recall ever meeting anyone with this specific name, although with my notorious memory my recollection isn't reliable." He wrinkled his nose at the aggravations that continued to dog him due to his faulty recall. "As neither of you know anyone named Feng, I think perhaps they must either be a very small family we've not run across previously, or perhaps they come from a border area. Many smaller villages and country folk intermarry across borders and possess names not always known in cities. I'd be happy to speak with Feng Tian and see how much she is able to remember of her home. Perhaps the clothes the children arrived in may have some clues as to their origins... in her journal, the mentions made of the village where Madam Feng lived with her family clearly assumed knowledge of where they were. As she knew it so well, she never thought to include any particularly identifying information. Unfortunately, no location names whatsoever appear in her journal, which covers a period of around one year, perhaps a bit more or less. We can discuss the journal shortly, but I'm afraid it is little to no use in identifying where the children were born. It may even have been outside JiangNan... we just don't know."
Lan XiChen nodded gravely. "I see. Thank you for reading the journal, WuXian. I appreciate it very much. I will start drafting a letter to inform the family of Feng Tian and Feng Wei's safe arrival and their parents' demise, as well as our offer to see them safely home. It can be sent once we know more of their history and where it should be directed."
Turning to Lan WangJi, Lan XiChen continued. "Xiong-Di, would you please ask SiZhui to personally see to the arrangements for the children? I should like them both well looked after. Perhaps he can see if A-Wei is able to be accommodated in the day nursery with the Baby Lans. If SiZhui can be spared from other duties for a day, you might ask if he can determine young Tian's educational level. Hmmm..." he paused a moment, thinking, before he continued. "Depending on age and educational status, young Tian may be able to join the younger classes in their lessons. Also, as young as they are I think it is important that the children always have an adult easily available to them, particularly as Cloud Recesses is obviously different from their lives most recently. If you could speak with SiZhui following the education assessment and also have a word with the Matron of New Students, perhaps we can see if she would be willing to stand in for the time being... at least until we have a chance to consider how best to help these children while we await a response to any inquiry into their origins and know what arrangements would best suit their needs while they are with us."
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WangXian Untamed Together
FanfictionSequel to WangXian Untamed. Two souls bonded beyond death into a second life. They will do whatever it takes to protect their world, their loved ones and each other. Anything - as long as they're together.
