Moonlit Hearts

Chapter 10: Harmony in Silence - A Symphony of Memories and Promises

I am sorry It took me so long to write this chapter, I'll try and update more chapters soon
But I have so many things to do due to work it's hectic!
I'm not giving up on the fiction, I love it even if it's not perfect! haha

EDIT: I realized there was a small passage that had been deleted when I posted. It's near the end. I rewrote it!

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Gradually, Lan Wangji regained his mobility. Initially, he could sit for continuous hours, then move around inside the Jingshi for short periods. Slowly, his strength returned, enabling him to walk unaided once more. With his physical recovery underway, Lan Xichen intervened and passionately pleaded with the elders on behalf of Lan Yuan. Fueled by his impassioned plea for justice, the elders agreed to lift the child's seclusion. Relief washed over Lan Wangji upon hearing this news; the development vindicated A-Yuan, absolving him of any unjust punishment. Now, the child could embrace a more typical, joyful existence, liberated from the unfair retribution that had befallen Lan Wangji.

With the constraints of seclusion removed, A-Yuan was granted the freedom to explore the Cloud Recesses, much like other children his age. Wangji encouraged him to roam and immerse himself in the wonders of their surroundings. Although initially hesitant, A-Yuan gradually warmed up to the idea, now enjoying wandering through the Cloud Recesses with Jingyi. The latter's tendency to run more than walk infused the environment with youthful energy and exuberance.

Jingyi's presence in Wangji's life served as a bittersweet reminder of Wei Ying. The young boy's carefree spirit and easygoing personality warmed Wangji's heart, yet they also deepened the ache he felt due to Wei Ying's absence. Wangji was grateful that A-Yuan had a friend who didn't always adhere strictly to the rules, and he hoped that his son would have a happier and less lonely childhood than he himself had experienced.

Wangji dedicated his utmost effort to caring for A-Yuan. In the child's early years, questions about Wei Ying were a common occurrence, but over time, these inquiries became less frequent. Wangji grappled with conflicting emotions regarding this development. On one hand, he feared that A-Yuan might forget Wei Ying, yet on the other hand, he was hesitant to broach the subject, worried that discussing it could unintentionally cause his son pain. He observed A-Yuan's growth with a mix of joy and sorrow, striving to provide a loving and stable environment as a father and guide, all while feeling the weight of the knowledge that Wei Ying would miss witnessing it. Determined to offer A-Yuan a nurturing and fatherly presence, Wangji was careful not to impose excessive rigidity, recognizing that Wei Ying would have disliked such an upbringing for their son.

Fully embracing his courtesy name, A-Yuan became known affectionately as Sizhui among the residents of the Cloud Recesses. Wangji found solace in the fact that Odin had made no attempts to claim the child as his own.

With A-Yuan's seclusion lifted, the prospect of him attending lessons with the other children loomed ahead. Wangji saw this as an opportunity to commence teachings with his son. Finding solace in the rhythmic cadence of instructing A-Yuan, each lesson evolved into a symphony of precision, a dance between mentor and pupil, and, more importantly, between a father and his son. Amidst the serene landscapes of the Cloud Recesses, Wangji carefully guided A-Yuan through the ancient arts of cultivation and meditation. The profound principles of their sect resonated in each hushed conversation, passing down a legacy through the generations, a legacy that Wangji was now determined to impart to A-Yuan.

In the serene hallways of the Cloud Recesses, Lan Wangji perceived more than a mere student in A-Yuan; he discerned potential, a glimmer of resilience reminiscent of his own journey. With meticulous patience, he imparted not only techniques but also the unyielding discipline that defined their sect. Lan Wangji, a stoic guardian, shaped each lesson into a formative experience, constructing a bridge that connected A-Yuan to the traditions binding their community.