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Lan Wangji was swarmed with paperwork and inscribing texts. He was stuck in his study all morning till his Sunlight peeks through the door.

"MingXia, it's impolite to spy on people.", Lan Wangji only smirked as he wrote. He hears a slight giggle from the girl as the door creaks open. "I wasn't spying on people, I was watching my Father work.", Lan MingXia had on her favourite purple gown; hand-stitched with ruffles on the sleeve. The young miss hops right in with both hands behind her and when she stood in front of Wangji she bowed respectfully as her tutors had demonstrated. Lan Wangji takes pride in watching her...When she's done, he puts work aside and waits for her to fall into his arms. Hugging MingXia was one of the best therapy a parent could get.

"Young Miss, is your class already over?", Unlike the twins, MingXia was homeschooled by a female disciple from the Lan Clan. She didnt mind the venue, but it was often quiet without her brothers.

"Teacher says I've improved a lot.", MingXia made herself comfortable on her father's lap.

"Is that so, why dont you show me?", Lan Wangji put a blank paper on his working space and encouraged the girl to pick up the pen. MingXia did not dilly dally.

"What shall I write?", The girl asked.

Lan Wangji picks a copy of what he was translating and points at a line.

Although it hurt her wrist at first, Lan MingXia preferred holding the pen as her father taught her to. Carefully, she painted words on the sheet, mumbling the letters as she wrote.

"Done!", Her eyes shone over her work as she leaned back into Wangji's bosom while the adult leans forward to inspect it.

"Well done, daughter. Can you read what you've written?"

"I can give it a try.", MingXia was a lively one. "If your mind is strong... all difficult things will become easy... If your mind is weak, all easy things will become difficult.", she took her time with it and was spot on.

"Excellent...", Lan Wangji beamed.

"Does that mean I get a reward?", She smiled so wide, her teeth showed.

Lan Wangji chuckled, "You deserve a reward dont you?", It was Wei Ying's idea of encouraging the kids. Although Wangji was against training them that way, he let it slide often.

"Yes I do.", MingXia's brow knitted almost like she knew her old man was going to pull one of those Lan rules against her.

"But MingXia, I do not have any candy with me...neither do I have money to give."

"Oh Father, you know me so little. Mother says material things are fine, but memories are better.", Lan Wangji was not expecting that domineering comeback but he found everything MingXia did to be adorable. Even her frown.

"Memories?"

"Mhm, he said it is worth more than a chest of gold and silver... I dont want money or candy, I want you to take me on a father-daughter picnic." MingXia had a bright idea. "We get to sit, enjoy the breeze, drink tea and talk about adult stuff- but you can't tell anyone what we talk about."

"...", Wangji was stunned. Just what kind of adult stuff is Wei Ying telling their five-year-old when he is not present? Well, today he would find out.

Leaving the pile of work behind, Lan Wangji tells the servants to prepare all the necessary things needed at a picnic. He asked the young Miss of her favourite spot to have picnics and MingXia picks the small pond closer to the mountains. Lan Wangji did enjoy setting up the matt and arranging their snacks. MingXia was very particular about what things went where on the mat.

"Perfect...", She took her seat when it was to her liking. Lan Wangji sat on the mat, watching the girl serve three more cups of tea for empty seats. When he asked she said they were for her friends.

Hanguangjun is in awe listening to the girl rant about everyday life in class and what dress colour did not match her skin. Wangji discovered that MingXia, like him, was not a fan of colours that were too loud but then she introduced him to invisible figures.

"What about your purple dress?", The jade drew her attention to what she was wearing.

"Oh, this?...purple is my best colour in the world, so it doesn't count. Am I right ladies?", MingXia points out to the other guests at the picnic then goes back to being non-stop talkative. After minutes of getting no serious reaction from Lan Wangji, MingXia paused. "Father, are you not enjoying our picnic?", she seemed a little sad.

"I am..."

"But you're not saying anything or making any interesting faces. You've not said a word to my guests... Mother always gasps or frowns or laughs and even backs me up when I say something. And you're not drinking your tea!", she sounded upset.

"Mn, I understand...I'm quiet because I enjoy hearing you speak.", Lan Wangji caressed her tiny face. MingXia melts into a smile and goes back to talking...

*

Later that day when Wei Ying came back, Lan Wangji had another beautiful evening to sit and have dinner with his family.

Alone in their room, the jade gets ready for an evening bath before bed.

"I had an interesting day with the students. There are three Jingyi's, one LiMin and two Zizhen's in this new batch.", Wei Ying commented on the student's behaviour. He chuckled as he took off his robes and joined Wangji in the bath. "So tell me, did you have a boring day without me?", Wei Ying sat on his husband's lap, tracing his chest with pecks.

"...", Lan Wangji flinched when a warm breath surrounds his nips.

"Are we going to talk or do you want us to do this first?", Wei Ying's hand was in the water, shamelessly touching Wangji's manhood. Lan Wangji pursed his lip at the sensation. "We're already naked, can't we do both?", he answered.

"Pfft, okay, not a bad idea...Tell me how your day went.", Wei Ying took his handjob seriously.

" MingXia learned a new proverb today and asked for a picnic as a reward... A picnic to talk about adult stuff.", Lan Wangji gave his partner the look- it lasted for five seconds.

"Ahh, am I in some kind of trouble?", Wei Ying nods before bending to kiss right below Wangji's lips.

"I dont know, are you?... It's fine that she talks like never before but Im a bit triggered that she set three other teacups when it was only the two of us. Is she playing with ghosts?", Wangji watched his tone.

"It's not what you think. Did you see any ghosts there?", Wei Ying was into this new trend of getting intimate.

"Why is her favourite spot by the pond?..."

"Have you forgotten what happened the day she was born?", Wei Ying lifted himself so he could submerge Wangji inside him. "The pond is the only water body safe enough to compare to a creek...Ever since her brothers left our daughter has been distant. MingXia is more like you Lan Wangji, she becomes reserved when she's troubled.", Wei Ying crouched as he makes himself comfortable. Lan Wangji adjusts to make it easier.

"...She won't complain when she's tired or cry for help when she cuts her finger...Her mat used to bruise her knees when she practices those greetings and sitting postures for hours but she never mentions it. As brave as that sounds it's also scary. As our only daughter, I worry that she may encounter problems and not feel the need to tell us...", Wei Ying takes another taste of Wangji's lips, trying to cleanse that worried expression but Wangji does not respond.
"They are imaginary friends, not ghosts or spirits, I double-checked that the first time I caught her playing tea time alone by herself... Look, they are the only ones our daughter confides in about her struggles since we took the boys to Gusu... I just found my way into her circle and made tea time an official thing- you know, special...that way I get to know whatever bothers her.", Wei Ying rocked himself judiciously.

Lan Wangji's mind was a little at ease but he did feel bad for not noticing his daughter had some discomforts. He agreed that it was not a healthy way for her to develop. What father wouldn't want to know when their child coughs or bleeds.

"I'll review her lessons and talk to her tutor. Maybe I should spend more time with her", Wangji run his hand over his partner's smooth back and held on. "Hah, alright... A'Xia listens to you better, you should talk to her but... do not kill her imaginary friends yet."

"Alright...", Lan Wangji munches on Wei Ying's neck and quickens their pace...

**************

Gusu Lan (Jingshi)

" Xing Ge... Ge wake up.", Xiang had gone back to his ritual of getting up thirty minutes before time to force his brother awake.

Lan Xing would toss and turn for the remaining thirty minutes before getting up.
"Geez, its morning already?", He stretched like a kitten and rolled over unto his back. Whenever persuasion failed, force was applied.

*Splash!*

"Aish!...HEY!", Xing jerked out of bed after a jar of water rained on him.

" It's five, time to bath."

"What the...!", Xing was soaked but pretty much awake.

Initially, having two boys who look the same, dress the same and sound almost the same left many rooms for loopholes. Lan Qiren was not mentally prepared for the kind of trickery Xing orchestrated in broad daylight once his younger brother relocated. Hence the old man changed their appearance for better recognition. Xing would have to walk around, styled like his father- a decision he humbly opposed. Xiang was okay dressing like his uncle. "Hmph!", Qiren stroked his goatee with a proud gaze. " These are the twin jades of Lan indeed. Look at them Xichen, so dashing...hahaha, don't they bring back memories?"

"Yes, Uncle. It won't be long till they start cultivating.", Lan Xichen smiled.

" I can't wait to see that happen. Let HuiZhong teach them a thing or two. Iron sharpeneth iron maybe that will set things rolling.", the twins had a special effect on their grandfather.

None the less Xing managed to coax Xiang into letting him take on his style now and then, dressing like Zewujun instead of Hanguangjun.

Giving Huizhong the task of watching his brothers was like handing Lan YongMing more power. His cousin was no match for his antiques. When the adults were not in their way Lan Xing was followed around by his sidekick, another student who admired his wits, Lan Bolin. Xiang did not appreciate the new kid clinging to his troublesome half. He would snub Bolin and pretend that the boy didnt even exist. Well, that was until he discovered how rooted Bolin and Xing's connection was.

"Who gave you this money brother?", Xiang found a pouch full of silver in his brother's robe one evening.

"Mother sent it to me.", Xing used the oldest excuse in the book.

Xing narrowed his gaze, showing that he knew it was a lie. "..."

"Hand it over baby brother.", Xing used his sweet voice as he strolled toward the other cunningly.

"No. Tell me how you have this amount of money in your care?"

"Sheesh! How can I tell you when all you're going to do is snitch to Grandfather."

"You want me to show this to him before you talk?"

"Do that and Im replacing you with Lan Bolin.", Xing frowned.

"*sigh*...Talk, I promise to keep my mouth shut.", Xiang gave in.

"Get dressed first, why tell you when I can show you.", Xing smirked.

Sneaking out was absurdly a piece of cake for someone as short as Lan YongMing of Gusu Lan. When he went through the barrier, Xiang's mouth dropped. "How did you..."

"Mother has a whole bunch of letters about the weak spots at the Cloud Recesses. Weak spots HE created."

"Wait Ge.", Xiang pulled him back by the arm. "Did you write a spell all by yourself? Does mother know?"

"Hey hey hey, dont go mouthing off about this. Im too young and cute to start any tedious training. Do you know that the disciples do handstands as a normal routine? My precious palms are too delicate for such brutality.", Xing held up his palms then hid them.

"You sound like Uncle Nie.", Xiang said.

"Oh, do I?", Xing giggled. "Anyway let's hurry, I'm a very busy kid.", he marched on with his arms swaying beside him. Xiang stayed very close to his dangerous half as they wandered into the woods at night. "Ge what if we run into a corpse?"

"There are no corpses or ghosts on this route, besides, mother said our robes will always protect us. Live a little...ah we're almost there.", Xing quickened his pace when he spotted a glow in a distance. Walking the rest of the way, Lan Xiang was confused: why was a grown man about thirty years old waiting for his brother in the woods?

"Ah Young Master, you're here...and there's two of you? Wah, you're so powerful at such a young age."

"Dont be ridiculous. I did tell you about my brother Lan YongZheng...YongZheng, meet my hardworking business partner, Master Chang. ", Xing grinned.

"Hahaha, you honour me too much Young Master Lan. Er, which of you is the elder."

"I'm the elder.", Xing answered.

"Greetings Second Young Master Lan.", the man saluted Xiang respectfully but the kid stared at him in a way that made him shudder. Quickly the man turns to the other, "Master YongMing, is your brother okay?"

"He's just weird, ignore him. Let us see the products, did you double the amount?", they went around the wooden barrel beside the man's small wheeled cart. "Just as you ordered.", Chang rushed to show him what he had brought.

"...", Xiang was taken aback by the contents in there as his brother explained dramatically. "*Sigh*... Before I was banished to these lands by our Father, Mother explained the horrid food situation here... Yes, I've learned to eat my vegetable broths but it is not a treat I want to consume three times a day with nothing but two bowls of rice. Who can survive on just two bowls of rice!", Xing stressed passionately with knitted brows. He eased up. "When I got here, it turned out that most of the students, especially those who were from other Sects and Clans felt the same. As a good cultivator, I decided to suppress the Chaos and fix this."

"You're not a cultivator Ge.", Xiang interjected.

"Let. me. finish...I caught a student with beef jerky one day and that lead me to Master Chang over here. He is an expert at grilling, marinating, roasting. You name it.", YongMing drooled at his own words. He gets the meat to me, and I find a way to save those poor malnourished souls by selling it to them.

"What."

"Bolin is my assistant. He is quite good at rounding up the best team. Of course, only Bolin, I and Master Cheng make money out of this but I make sure that my helpers never run out of meat or go hungry. And I get to eat as many bowls of rice as I want."

'No wonder some of the students are getting fat.", Xiang thought to himself. "But how do you also get them the rice?"

"I have a connection in the kitchen. There's this cook who makes some of the best bean buns.", Xing took his brother through everything and told Chang someone else would come for the products with Bolin.

The twins went back to their room with a few portions of beef for taste. "This is bad Ge. What if you get caught or get in trouble.", Xiang had to admit that the meat was too delicious not to get tempted.

"Relax, I've been caught so many times yet Uncle and Grandfather never find out...Pfft! You should see how those disciples lecture me first when I tell them I'm Hanguangjun's son. Hehehe...But for some weird reason when I mentioned Mother's name they cower in fear. How is that even possible? Our mother is the most loveable and kind person in the universe. These people are silly.", he laughed. Of course, Xiang will not agree to help him run an illegal trade in the Cloud Recess and Xing was okay with it. He wouldn't want to force his precious brother into the life of crime at such a young age. Hehe.

***********

Lan Wangji was meditating at dawn when he heard his spouse scream. Forgetting that Wei Ying was not some damsel in distress he flew into the bedroom, only to smile at the other's childishness. "Lan Zhan, there's something on my face!", Wei Ying was staring at a bowl of water, crying over a small pimple sitting on his forehead like a horn. "It will go away on its own.", Lan Wangji rubbed his back. "When did I start getting these monsters on my face Lan Zhan!", Wei Ying was on the verge of tears, moping over one spot. Lan Wangji hugs him sweetly and says, "It's alright, just give it a day or two."

But in a day or two one zit had multiplied all over Wei Ying's face. "It's like a curse!...wait, someone cursed me? Lan Zhan, I've been cursed.", Wei Ying was all over the place.

"You've not been cursed, maybe you ate something unhealthy. You've never fallen ill since you returned from your Grandmother's. Dont worry, it will all clear soon.", Wangji gave him a bear hug and kiss on the lips. Lan Suyin came up with soaps and scrubs to help her mother in law but it had little effect on the stubborn stumps on Wei Ying's face.

The family took Wei Ying seriously when he started complaining of fatigue and restlessness. Soon he lost his appetite and buried himself in a blanket all day. His students had to go back to Gusu so he could take care of himself properly.
Wei Ying became a weeping mess when he felt his body bloat a little. "I told you it's a curse."

"Wei Ying, you're curse proof, we all know that.", Lan Wangji fed him soup in bed. These days his partner ate less and could only eat food with a little spice in it. Sizhui visited more often to check on his health. One evening he and Suyin had important news to share with his parents.

"You're going to be grandparents.", Sizhui was grinning from ear to ear.

"Whaaa, that's such great news. Congratulations son.", Wei Ying could barely sit for so long.

"Mother, since Aunt Jiayi is not coming anytime soon I asked for a second opinion for you. The physician will be here tomorrow. She's very good, Im sure you'll be back on your feet soon.", Suyin said. Wei Ying nodded and smiled it off. The Yilling Louzu, bedridden over an unknown ailment, how embarrassing.

The next day Suyin stayed with Wei Ying when her physician showed up to examine him. "Hmm, this is odd. Have you been taking any medicine of late?"

"Yes...but the medicine I take is to prevent...", Wei Ying recalled that this person knew nothing about him. "You wouldn't understand."

"Mother In law, I told her about your condition- that you're not entirely a man. I trust her, she won't breed this to anyone else.", Suyin said undertone. Wei Ying took a rain check- since when was he not a full man. Either way, he let it slide and continued his statement. "The medicine is to prevent any unplanned pregnancies.", he cringed.

The physician sighed. "Well, it seems the medicine failed to do its job.", She dropped a boulder on Wei Ying's head.

"What now...", Wei Ying turned his head sharply. "Hehe, you dont get it, my sister's medicine never fails."

"May I see this medicine?"

"Sure, I'll send for it.", Suyin sent one of her servants to bring her the herbs often brewed for Wei Ying. "This is not it, this is mine.", Suyin said when the maiden brought the said herbs.

"Madam, this is the medicine Master Wei has been taking. The other jar is empty."

"Master Wei, these herbs are not for preventing conception, they prepare the body for it.", the doctor concluded after taking a look. Suyin was dumbfounded, not knowing what explanation to give her inlaw. She never thought the servants would make such a mistake. Wei Ying had been ingesting the wrong medicine all this while.

It was all begging after the physician left. "Forgive me, Master Wei, I had no idea they would keep our medicine so close. Please forgive me.", Suyin was on her knees.

"Get up Suyin, you're pregnant remember... I just... let's not talk about this anymore I need to rest.", Wei Ying lay down thinking about his predicament.

"But I...I."

"Daughter, it's okay, I'm not angry. But I want to sleep right now, so let's worry about this later.", Wei Ying forced a smile.

"O..okay.", Suyin bowed and sat up. She left reluctantly, feeling a little blue.

Wei Ying did not sleep a wink. He lay on his side brooding over what Suyin's physician said. How could he have taken seed again after he and Wangji had decided not to have any more children? When did it even happen, he wondered. That was before he recalled the many adventures he and Wangji had been on, doing it anyhow, anytime, anywhere because they thought they were out of the woods. "What do I do, how do I tell Lan Zhan about this?...No, I'll have to stay quiet till Jiejie gets here. Maybe the physician is wrong.", he said to himself.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Xiao Jiayi came rather sooner than he expected and confirmed what the first doctor said in Wangji's presence. Wei Ying had no choice but to explain himself. To his surprise, Wangji did not get upset. "It is not your fault my love.", Wangji had mercy on him.

"You dont get it Jie, how can I be having a baby when I'm going to be a grandfather? This was not in the plan!"

"Well, now it is. Some pregnancies can be difficult. Just get some rest...This might be another girl, seeing the way it's made you this stressed. She's going to steal all your beauty Wei Ying.", Jiayi winked.

"Hmph, more like kill me before my time.", Wei Ying snorted. "MingXia didnt give me this kind of trouble and look at her. Who's more beautiful than my little goddess."

"Hehehe...Brother in law will have to pay more attention to your health from now on. You're strong Wei Ying, so there's nothing dangerous about this baby. You just have to raise it with extra care. I'll be checking in from time to time.", Jiayi put it in a way the couple would understand.

***********

Gusu Lan

Xiang kept quiet about his brother's dealings within the Cloud Recesses. As his brother said, disciples became tight lipped whenever the name of their mother was mentioned. Xing's business flourished so much that it extended to the senior classes. Inevitably he decided to add other items seemingly not permitted in the Cloud Recesses. Chang was up for anything.

"This new item is strictly for the seniors, do not under any circumstance, open these jars or try the contents. Do you understand?", Xing told his minions, which now included other adults. Xiang only listened in on their meetings and made no contributions.

One day Xiang chanced upon two disciples speaking about his twin. "That kid is a menace. Why hasn't the Clan leader noticed what he's been up to."

"I would keep my mouth shut if I were you. Have you forgotten who his parents are? Their father may be the light-bearing hanguangjun but do not forget who the other parent is. Master Wei Wuxian will not take kindly to someone snitching on his sons."

"But Hanguangjun would praise us for exposing that little demon. How can he sell that small amount of rice wine in ointment jars at such an expensive price! It's like paying the price of a jar for a single cup."

"Shhh, lower your voice. At least you get to drink without getting caught. You have to hand it to him. He is a worthy descendant of Wei Wuxian. I heard he broke all the rules in the Cloud Recesses during his time. Master Qiren added an extra thousand rules all because of him."

"Woah, no wonder he is the Yiling Laozu."

YongZheng was taken aback at the mention of that name. Yiling Laozu? Everyone knows that Yiling Louzu is a monster who was apprehended by his father. At least that's what his mother said. This leads the Young Master to start an investigation on his own. Who is the Yiling Laozu and why is that creature associated with his mother!...

*

Lan HuiZhong took his cousins to town to visit the Ghost General. He's been learning a thing or two about fighting corpses from his Uncle Ning and Wen Li was a good sparring partner. The twins also get to play with Wen Li's brother so everyone gets to have fun.

Jiayi served up some snacks while Wen Ning took HuiZHong and Li through a few stunts. During that period a woman walked in with a gift basket, asking to see the lady of the House. Jiayi stood up when the servants brought her in. Behind her were two girls, one two years younger than Wen Li and the other just about the age of the twins.

"Are you busy, I hope we didnt disturb you with our visit.", the woman saluted with a bright smile.

"Not at all, we were just spending some quiet time with our nephews. Are those your daughters?"

"Yes. We came to thank you for saving my Husband's life."

"I was only doing my job. How is he?"

"He's getting stronger every day all thanks to you and your husband."

"Your effort made it easier, why dont I give you some herbs for husband. Come with me, the girls can wait here.", Jiayi went with the woman while her daughters stayed behind. Everyone else returned to the table to cool off. That was when Xing noticed how stiff his brother was. He also caught Huizhong taking peeks at the woman's daughter.

'Interesting. Aren't they too young to be looking at girls? Ew.', he shook the thought off. After some time he got bored of how quiet the place became and got chatty. YongMing was so outgoing he got the two visitors laughing and giggling in no time.

Sometime Later...

Lan Wangji had to greet his Grandmother with MingXia upon arrival. Baoshan Sanren was the only person who loved popping up when she pleased without notice.

"Grandma.", Wei Wuxian's mood brightened at once.

"Look at you, looking round again. I guess your HUSBAND is not done with you yet.", She gave Wangji a smug look. The jade broke a sweat, apologizing for getting his own wife pregnant.

"It's not our fault, we tried to be safe.", Wei Ying came to his rescue.

"I see. How far is my grandchild?... And where are the boys, why didnt they come with MingXia?"

"Actually...Haha.", Wei Ying laughed nervously as he scratched the nape of his neck. Telling her Wangji sent their sons to Lan Qiren will be the death of Wangji so he took the fall instead. "It's time for them to start training as Lans."

"What's wrong with training them as Weis? You'd rather let that despicable man who hates you raise your sons? They are my Grandchildren, dont I also get to decide how they are brought up? I came because of them, so you have to send for them, now!"

"What? But let's be reasonable here Grand..."

"I'm going to my room Wei Ying and I'm taking my great-granddaughter with me. You have a few days to do what I said.", Sanren made her way out without giving them a chance.

"Lan Zhan, what do we do now?", Wei Ying massaged his temple.

"I'll send Uncle a message... Are you hungry, you look worn out again.", Wangji drew closer to his significant other.

"If only your baby would let me eat in peace. Sometimes I ask myself if he or she is not some demon or deity who has come to torment me. Look at what he did to my face, Lan Zhan! He won't even let me sleep."

Lan Wangji chuckled and surprised Wei Ying with a kiss on the cheek. "You'll always be beautiful Wei Ying. Do not call my child a demon.", Wangji nuzzled against his face. "You've been lying down all day. How about I take you out for a stroll."

"Lan Zhan ah, my feet swell up easily when I walk for long."

Lan Wangji caressed his face with a sparkle in his eyes. "Then I'll carry you when you get tired.", he grinned. Wei Ying smiled, "Arent you being flirty for someone who's supposed to stay away from me? Hanguangjun, the Immortal Grandmaster will kill you if you touch me tonight.", his eyes lingered on Wangji's lips getting nearer by the second. Wangji grazed his lips softly, humming with a mischievous moan, "That makes me want you more. Besides, you're already pregnant. What's the worst that could happen?", the jade went in for a full kiss, touching the baby bump as Wei Ying put both arms around him. "Lan Wangji wait...huff...Are we gonna do it in the woods on our little stroll?"

"Do you want to do it in the woods tonight?", Wangji played oblivious.

"Pfft, mhm, I wanna do it in the woods tonight.", Wei Ying pouted just before the laugh. Wangji plays along, sliding his hand behind his lover's knees and lifting him in one heave.

"Then let's get going before she comes back.", Wangji answered. Wei Ying could not hold back laughing as he was taken out of his chambers...

Days later.

Lan Qiren did well to bring the children over since Xichen had travelled to Yunmeng. Wangji had to brief him again on why he needed the children to come home. Qiren became excited about meeting the esteemed legend, Baoshan Sanren. The only setback was that the Senior did not smile at him or accept his greetings.

"What's the meaning of this, do you Lans not know how to regard your elders anymore.", Sanren put on a mean face at dinner when Qiren took the seat meant for the family head.

"Sorry GrandMother...Uncle.", Wei Ying tilted his head, hoping old rat hair would get the message. Indeed Qiren did. "Pardon my manners.", Qiren did not fall into temptation and let Sanren have the seat. The twins exchanged glances, surprised.

Lan Qiren took a sip of his tea, wrapping his head around this awkward setting. For years he had heard of this person and fought with her student. But sitting at a table with this woman made him feel intimidated, like a fingerling faced with a full-blown predator.

Judging by the look on his grandmother's face, Wei Ying was beginning to wonder if these two were going to talk it out or fight to the death.

'Pfft, that's ridiculous, they wouldn't do that...would they?', Wei Ying shrugged to his thoughts.

"Lan Xing, A'Xiang, why are you not touching the meat?", Sanren knew the kind of training the Lans gave their young. Qiren would have to complain if they opened their mouth. The boys looked up at their father and grandfather. Qiren nodded, giving them permission to speak- that ticked their great grandmother off.

Xiang, "Grandmother, meat is not a healthy choice."

"Says who?"

"..."

"Your mother loves meat, your father is as slow as a slug because he won't eat enough meat. I eat meat yet I'm over a thousand years old. Eat more meat and grow properly!", She put some in the children's bowl.

Wei Ying took a silent breath, shrivelling at the table. He couldn't bring himself to look at Qiren or Wangji at this point because the demon in him would laugh without restraint. This is what his Grandmother had been dreaming of ever since she heard about Qiren. At this point, he prayed his sons would be smart enough with their words.

"Grandma, the Yiling Laozu would come for us if we ate too much meat.", Lan Xing said to lighten the mood. Wei Ying coughed the instant his son innocently dragged him into this conversation.

"Is this what you're being taught at Gusu Lan? That your mother eats children!", Sanren grimaced.

"Huh?", Xing became confused but it only confirmed Xiang's theory and investigations. "The Yiling Laozu is a beast.", Xing added more fuel to the growing flame. Wei Ying's cough grew more violent as he tried to signal his son to stop talking. But as the conversation continued, the cough became serious. Wangji had to quickly help him with a cup of water and rub his back.

"What is it now, are you dying?", Sanren was not moved at all. She sat in her seat, giving Qiren a death glare. And when nothing seemed to calm the cough she just cast a spell that hit Wei Ying's chest.
It worked wonders, Wei Ying found his breath soon enough...'It's going to be a long week.', he thought.

******************************************************************************************************************

Thanks for reading, sorry for any grammatical error and the length. I hope you enjoyed reading this. See you in the next update😹😘😋😋