On the morning of the fourth day of the conference, Lan Qiren takes Lan Zhan and Wei Ying past the library on the way to the infirmary. Through the open doors, they can see two senior disciples sitting opposite Jin ZiXun and Su She, both placed at different positions so that they can't see each other. Both are hard at work, writing as fast as they can.
"Is it true," they hear Jin ZiXun ask the person overlooking his punishment, "that I can't go home until I finish?"
"Yes, Jin-Gonzei. I believe it was your aunt's suggestion. Acting Sect Leader Jin-Furen insisted. Now, please continue."
"What about me?" Su She asks the person sitting in front of him.
"What about you?"
"When can I go home?"
"That is unclear. Your father was prevented from coming here, but he is upset with your conduct. Lan-Zhongzhu is displeased with your behaviour. In light of this, one should knuckle down and complete the punishment. But I have been asked to inform you that if it is not completed by tomorrow evening, it will have to be redone." The senior disciple sounds impatient.
Su She lets out an awful noise, and Lan Qiren continues walking on ahead, trying not to smile. That's a great suggestion, he thinks, and reminds himself to commend Lan Bobo for his creativity. If it wasn't an actual suggestion before, it certainly can be a new addition to the punishment of the two in the library. He doesn't see either child completing their copying of the rules by tomorrow night, and while it will keep them out of trouble for the duration of their stay, following through means they will have to be tolerated until they finish, plus there is the added palava of making sure they reach their homes safely, if their family members have left Cloud Recesses already.
He hadn't expected any support from Jin-Furen, and when she had requested to see him, Lan Qiren had honestly thought she was there to chew him out, from the slight incurred towards the Jin Clan. But she strongly voiced her opinion that Jin ZiXun was in need of a few more such punishments and that she thoroughly approved of Lan Qiren's verdict.
Certainly, this conference was shaping up to be quite exciting so far.
But if things proceeded as they had these past few days, then tomorrow's swimming expedition could be expected to go ahead. Surprisingly, all the Clans and Sects have been succinct in evaluating their needs and expressing any concerns. Lan Qiren counts his blessings and opens the door to the infirmary.
"Ah, welcome, Xiao-Yisheng*!" The Healer from yesterday greets them. "Come and tend to your patient. He is just about ready for his breakfast." (*Little Doctors)
He leads both boys towards the back of the room to a sectioned off part where a fluffy blanket is laid inside a wicker basket, and their bunny is sitting quietly, looking up at them.
"Xiao-Tuzi, how are you doing today?" Wei Ying asks the little fellow, pulling Lan Zhan closer, and then they both sit cross-legged in front of it.
As Lan Zhan lets it sniff his fingers, and Wei Ying offers it a piece of crunchy lettuce, Lan Qiren takes the Healer aside.
"Is it really alright? Did it give you any trouble during the night?" He asks with concern.
"As you know, we wrapped him tight in a blanket last night, and that helped with his trauma. As soon as the shock wore off, he polished off the strawberries and even chewed some hay. Dropped right off to sleep and didn't wake up until this morning, just a while ago. He's going to make a full recovery, don't worry, Lan-Zhongzhu."
Lan Qiren nods slowly, turning his attention back to the three a short distance away. He certainly hopes so.
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