Call On Me

26

Lan Zhan was never a person to go back on his word. He said he'd stay at San Bao and help out now that the war was over. I was still recovering from being stabbed but it's just about healed. He hasn't left my side much at all since.

Lan Zhan has been helping the younger disciples with their swordsmanship. All those who cultivate in San Bao were between the ages of twelve and fifteen. The younger ones work with Lan Zhan, while those who are fifteen train under Baoshan once a week.

Baoshan loves San Bao. She has taken a liking to the little community of Dafan Wens, and she praises me a lot for protecting them and keeping safe when I did. Between her mountain and San Bao, those were the two places you'd find her.

Though I was still recovering, I was well enough to sit down with Baoshan, Lan Zhan, and Zewu Jun. I didn't expect Lan Qiren to show up of all people either but he did. He wanted to discuss the engagement with us.

"Elder Lan, it has been a little while since we have seen each other," Baoshan told him.

Lan Qiren cleared his throat and nodded...this was the first time I have ever seen this man tremble. Was he afraid of Baoshan?

"Are you alright, Master Lan?" I asked.

"Yes I am, why do you ask?" He questioned.

"You just seem uneasy is all," I pointed out, "you are safe here in San Bao of that is what you are concerned about. We are a small clan of healers with about ten cultivators. None of which are over fifteen. So we are no threat I assure you."

"I saw," he said, "I have noticed that San Bao is run very well."

I nodded, "we try our best," I said, "I appreciate that you and Zewu Jun took the time to come by."

"We are here to discuss the terms for your engagement," Zewu Jun said, happily, "though I believe Wangji will be here mostly, we hope that you would consider visiting Cloud Recesses on occasion."

"Of course," I said, "as I am the leader here. I still respect that Cloud Recesses is Lan Zhan's home. With me being a leader, Lan Zhan would be the same upon our marriage...also, there would be an alliance between Gusu Lan and San Bao. We'd be able to share some of our medical training with you, even allowing our disciples to learn at Cloud Recesses."

Lan Qiren nodded, "it would be beneficial for us to be alliances with a healer clan. Also, we would happily allow your disciples to join our class sessions."

"There would also be benefits on my behalf," Baoshan said.

"How so?" Lan Xichen asked.

"Any disciple fifteen and up will have the opportunity to train under me once a week if any Lan Disciple were to come visit here," Baoshan said, "I train them here so if any Lan disciples wish to learn skills from A'Ying, I will also be doing the same."

"That is very generous of you," Lan Qiren said, "since Wangji would be marrying into San Bao, would you still consider a second ceremony at Cloud Recesses?"

Lan Zhan and I glanced at each other and then nodded, "I do not see why not. It is to make it official within the Lan Sect, correct? Not just here in San Bao."

"Yes," Lan Qiren said.

"I will be alright with it," Lan Zhan agreed.

"So then, everything is pretty much settled, we would just need a date," Lan Xichen said.

"Lan Zhan and I would have to meet with an oracle to find an auspicious date," I said.

"I can do that," Baoshan said, "it would take the same amount of time for me to get a date as it would an oracle."

"Honestly, I think you'd be more accurate," I said.

"Of course," Baoshan said, "also, before we discuss anything further, I do have to say this. The Dafan Wens are under my protection, therefore, under Lan Wangji and A'Ying's protection. Since the war ended, I have heard there has been unfair treatment towards anyone who has the name Wen. You would have to do your part in protecting these people too."

"Of course we would," Lan Qiren said.

"That's all I ask, these people here are just trying to live. I have done my part in keeping it hidden from everyone else but there is no telling what will happen in the future," Baoshan said.

"We will do our part and help you in any way we can," Lan Qiren assured her.

I let out a sigh of relief. This meeting went on longer than I expected but it was necessary to be done. Setting up plans for the Lan Zhan and mine's future was important.

Lan Zhan followed me to my workshop after the meeting to talk, "that went better than I expected," he said.

"Were you expecting something different?" I asked.

"If Baoshan was not there, Shufu was going to try and convince you to live in Gusu," Lan Zhan said.

"I cannot just leave this place behind and expect to forget about them all," I said, "I am glad Baoshan was there. She made it easier to negotiate terms."

Lan Zhan nodded, "I know this place is important to you, and I want to be by your side and protect it with you," he said, "Shufu just likes control and order."

"This little clan isn't going to be like the other major clans. It's for those who wish to seek refuge too," I said, "is it so wrong to want to protect and defend others?"

"Not wrong," Lan Zhan said, "just most clans forgot the meaning of cultivation."

I smiled, "our paths are to help protect others. Cultivating is a step toward enlightenment, to reach immortality, we have reached that but we still have plenty of things to do."

"Mnn," Lan Zhan said and pulled me into a hug and held me against his chest, "I will follow you, Wei Ying. I will not lose you again."

I giggled and wrapped my arms around him, "I know, and I am happy that you are here with me."

He kissed me. Such devotion and love through this one act. I will protect this man with my life, and I'm sure he'd do the same for me.