THE DAY BEFORE THE DESTRUCTION OF THE YIN IRON PIECES
Lan Qiren never, ever thought he would be sneaking out of his own office and yet, here he is, looking both ways to make sure it's empty before crossing the courtyard and hurrying towards the guest house.
He's supposed to be resting, and he knows this. But it's been one thing after another in a hectic schedule that is making him dizzy with everything he's done, reviewing actions and making plans, and everything he's still got to do. But surely, he can be allowed to have one cup of tea with his friends?
That isn't too much to ask, right?
A heavy breath leaves his lips as he jumps behind a building to avoid an upcoming group of young disciples as they walk past, excitedly chatting about something. Lan Qiren doesn't pay them too much attention, but he's increasingly aware of the growing tension in Cloud Recesses.
It's been present like a small cloud in the sky, pale, white and fluffy to begin with, but steadily growing in size and darkening day by day, until the whole of his home is covered by a cold, dark shadow as it gathers in strength, readying to unleash the might of the Heavens with crashing thunder and brilliant, blistering white-hot lightning.
Ever since they returned from Nightless City after the conference with the Murder Babies (he rather likes that name!), it's as if his mind has been counting down the days and the weeks passing until today. The day before the Big Day, when they will destroy the Yin Iron pieces. An invisible countdown of sichen, putting each one aside as it passes, and unconsciously counting how many are left.
Exactly seven sichen* (*14 hours) until they will begin activating the array. It is You Shi* (*between 5pm and 7pm) at the moment, and still an hour to go before dinnertime. Chen Shi* (*between 7am and 9am) has been decided to begin the process, with the hope that the divine Celestial Dragon will aid their endeavour. All twelve sichen are governed by one of the Celestial Zodiac animals, and the most powerful one is the one they've chosen specifically.
Lan Qiren extends his hearing past the door of the guest house, unwilling to go inside if the newborns are awake and if Meihua is crying, since she's the only one that does, and it doesn't feel fair to insinuate that An Jing cries as much as her. In fact, Lan Qiren still hasn't heard him cry, and that's saying a lot for a newborn baby. Again, Lan Qiren chastises himself; the newborns can't be called that anymore since they are a couple of weeks old already. Luckily, the rooms are silent, so Lan Qiren knocks on the door and waits until he is called in.
Both babies are peacefully sleeping in the gently swaying cradle, even though nobody is tugging on the string that lies discarded on the floor to swing it. Meihua seems angry even while she's sleeping, tiny and red-faced, chubby fists clenched on her chest. An Jing looks peaceful in comparison, his sweet little mouth open as he breathes in and out gently, his large phoenix eyes shut, with dark long lashes curled onto his cute squishy cheeks. Both children have a full head of hair, soft wisping curls that frame their wide foreheads. They're tiny and perfect and so, so beautiful.
Lan Qiren looks up to see both Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren looking up at him from the bed, where Wei Changze is perched on the side with an arm around his wife while she rests her head on his shoulder. They look peaceful together, and Lan Qiren soaks up this feeling like a sponge. It's exactly what he needs.
Not wanting to make any noise in case he unintentionally wakes any of the babies, Lan Qiren bows and then gestures towards them.
“Oh, you can talk normally,” Cangse Sanren tells him, without bothering to lower her voice. “A-Ying has created a new talisman that allows us to hear them, but acts like a bubble so they're protected from us. You could start yodelling and they wouldn't bat an eyelash!”
