I Fancy You (Wangxian)

Consequences and Reflections

The loud banging at the door startled Wei Ying awake. He stumbled to the door and opened it to find a group of Lan disciples standing there, their expressions grim. They brushed past him and entered the room, quickly taking in the scene: Jiang Cheng, Jin Jixuan, Jin Guangyao, Nie Huaisang, and Wei Ning were sprawled across the floor in various states of deep sleep, while Lan Wangji lay peacefully on the bed.

"Everyone, wake up!" one of the Lan disciples shouted, rousing the group from their slumber.

Bleary-eyed and confused, they slowly sat up, their minds still foggy from the previous night's revelry. As their surroundings came into focus, their eyes widened in realization.

The disciples approached Lan Wangji. "Second young master Lan, Master Lan Qiren asks for you at the punishment hall."

Lan Wangji nodded. "Mn, everyone follow me."

"Lan Zhan---" Wei Ying began, but the disciples were already dragging them out of the room and toward the punishment hall.

Upon arrival, they found Lan Qiren waiting, accompanied by the newly arrived Lan Xichen, Lan Qingheng-Jun, and Madam Lan.

"What's happening here, brother-in-law?" Lan Qingheng-Jun asked, a note of concern in his voice.

"Didi, what's wrong?" Lan Xichen added, his eyes filled with worry.

"Wangji," Madam Lan said softly, her expression unreadable.

"Leave this to me. I am the disciplinary master," Lan Qiren said firmly. "Xiongzhang, sister-in-law, I have to teach these heirs how to follow rules and become responsible young men."

"Brother-in-law, don't be so hard on them. They are still children," Madam Lan pleaded.

The heirs kneeled in front of the elders, with Lan Wangji, Wei Ying, and Jin Jixuan in the front row, and Jin Guangyao, Wei Ning, and Jiang Cheng behind them. Jiang Yanli and Wei Qing were held back by the disciples, unable to approach.

"Wangji is at fault. I will accept my punishment," Lan Wangji stated, his voice steady.

"Hey, hey, Lan Zhan, it's not your fault. Master Lan, it's my fault. Lan Zhan didn't want to drink; I forced him," Wei Ying interjected.

"Please, Shufu, punish me," Lan Wangji insisted.

Lan Qiren's gaze swept over the group. "Since Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji took the lead, they will receive 30 whips each. The rest will receive 15 whips. After this, Wei Wuxian, you will copy the rules 50 times since you are the mastermind behind this."

"What? 30 whips? Will I be okay?" Wei Ying asked, his voice tinged with fear.

"Start," Lan Qiren commanded.

The disciples began the punishment. Lan Wangji maintained his stoic demeanor, not showing any signs of pain. Wei Ying, determined not to show weakness, gritted his teeth and endured. The others, less accustomed to such harsh discipline, cried out by the third whip.

When the punishment was over, Lan Wangji stood up, bowed to the elders, and left without a word, his face a mask of calm. Wei Ying and the others struggled to get up, aided by Lan Xichen, Jiang Yanli, and Wei Qing.

"A-Xian, you should go to the cold springs. I'm sure Wangji is going there now. It will help your back," Lan Xichen suggested.

"What about the others?" Wei Ying asked, wincing as he moved.

"Don't worry about them, A-Ying. They didn't receive as many lashes as you and Wangji. I will help them recover with A-Li," Jiang Yanli reassured him.

"Okay, Jiejie," Wei Ying said, grateful for her support.

"You still have another punishment, A-Xian," Jiang Cheng reminded him.

"A-Cheng, don't remind me now, please. You're lucky you didn't get the same punishment," Wei Ying groaned.

"A-Xian, as much as we would love to help you, we don't want to be punished again," Jin Guangyao said sympathetically.

"I know, A-Yao," Wei Ying replied with a sigh.

"You should go now, A-Ying," Lan Xichen urged gently.

"Okay, Xichen-ge. See you all later. I'm off to annoy Lan Zhan now," Wei Ying said, forcing a smile.

Wei Qing and Lan Xichen exchanged knowing looks. They were both secretly hoping their brothers would realize their feelings for each other. Xichen knew that his brother had some affection for Wuxian, while Wen Qing recognized that Wei Ying was slowly falling for the younger jade, though he was too oblivious to acknowledge it. As their elder siblings, they would do their best to support them.

Wei Ying made his way to the cold springs, his steps slow and measured due to the pain in his back. As he approached, he saw Lan Wangji already there, the water lapping gently around him. Wei Ying stripped off his outer robe and slipped into the water, sighing as the coolness soothed his aching muscles.

"Lan Zhan," Wei Ying called softly.

Lan Wangji turned, his expression softening slightly at the sight of Wei Ying. "Wei Ying."

"How are you holding up?" Wei Ying asked, moving closer.

"I am fine," Lan Wangji replied, though his eyes betrayed a hint of discomfort.

Wei Ying smiled, his usual mischievous glint returning. "I can't believe you drank so much last night. I thought you were going to handle it better."

Lan Wangji looked away, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "I underestimated its strength."

Wei Ying chuckled. "Don't worry, Lan Zhan. I won't let you forget it."

For a moment, they sat in silence, the only sound the gentle rippling of the water. Then, Wei Ying spoke again, his tone more serious. "Lan Zhan, thank you for standing up for us. You didn't have to take the blame."

"We are friends," Lan Wangji said simply. "It was my responsibility as much as yours."

Wei Ying felt a warmth in his chest at Lan Wangji's words. "You really are something, Lan Zhan. I'm glad to have you as a friend."

Lan Wangji met his gaze, his eyes filled with an emotion Wei Ying couldn't quite place. "And I, you."

As they soaked in the cold springs, the tension from the morning's punishment began to fade. They spoke quietly, sharing stories and laughter, and for a while, the weight of their responsibilities and the rules of the Cloud Recesses seemed far away.

When they finally emerged from the springs, they were met by Lan Xichen and Wen Qing, who had brought ointments and clean clothes. Wei Ying smiled at his sister and friend, grateful for their care.

"A-Ying, try not to get into any more trouble," Wen Qing said, her tone half-serious, half-affectionate.

"I'll try, Jiejie," Wei Ying replied, his smile mischievous.

Lan Xichen placed a gentle hand on his brother's shoulder. "Take care, Wangji."

Lan Wangji nodded. "Thank you, Xiongzhang."

As they walked back to their quarters, Wei Ying felt a sense of peace. Despite the punishment, despite the rules, he knew that the bonds he had formed with his friends—and with Lan Wangji—were worth it. And as long as they had each other, they could face anything that came their way.

Back in his room, as he prepared to start copying the rules, Wei Ying couldn't help but smile. Life in the Cloud Recesses might be strict, but it was also full of moments that made it all worthwhile. And with friends like his, there was always a reason to laugh, even in the face of punishment.

This chapter has also been gone when I check this morning so have to upload it again. So to line up with the whole chapters.