The peaceful days at Cloud Recesses were filled with love, and new beginnings. With the Lan clan's future secured through the birth of Lan Yichen, Lan Zhihao, and Lan Meixue, happiness flourished.
In the midst of this joy, a new, secret love began to blossom. Lan Xichen, the esteemed Sect Leader, had been harboring a secret relationship with Jiang Cheng, the Sect Leader of Yunmeng and Wei Ying's brother. Their bond had grown in the shadows, and they cherished their stolen moments together.
One morning, Wei Ying was strolling through the gardens, carrying Lan Meixue in a sling while Lan Zhihao and Lan Yichen toddled beside him. He happened upon a secluded spot and stopped in his tracks when he saw Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng sitting close, their hands entwined.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Wei Ying called out, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng sprang apart, their faces flushing with embarrassment. "Wei Wuxian!" Jiang Cheng exclaimed, trying to regain his composure.
Wei Ying chuckled, adjusting Lan Meixue in her sling. "No need to hide, you two. I think it's wonderful. I knew there was something more than just political alliances keeping you two close."
Lan Xichen cleared his throat, his cheeks still red. "It's... complicated, A'Ying."
"Complicated? More like beautiful," Wei Ying replied, his eyes twinkling. "You deserve happiness, both of you. Just make sure you don't keep it a secret forever."
Jiang Cheng grumbled, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "Mind your own business, Wei Wuxian."
Wei Ying laughed, giving them a knowing look before continuing his walk. "I'll leave you two lovebirds to it. But remember, I'm always here if you need someone to talk to."
Meanwhile, Wen Ning, Wei Ying's loyal friend and soul brother, had taken it upon himself to be the protector of Wei Ying's children. He adored the little ones and considered them his own family. Wen Ning's presence brought a sense of security and warmth to the Cloud Recesses.
One sunny afternoon, Wen Ning was in the courtyard with the children, playing a game of catch. Wei Ying watched from a distance, his heart swelling with gratitude and affection.
"Thank you, Wen Ning," Wei Ying said as he approached. "You're always there for us."
Wen Ning smiled softly. "They're like my children too, Master Wei. I'll always protect them."
The arrival of Baoshan Sanren, Wei Ying's grandmother, brought even more joy to the family. She had come to see her great-grandchildren and spend time with her beloved family. Her visits to Cloud Recesses were filled with stories of the past and wisdom for the future.
One evening, as the family gathered around a fire, Baoshan Sanren held Lan Meixue in her arms, her eyes sparkling with love. "You have built a beautiful family, Wei Ying. I am so proud of you."
Wei Ying, sitting beside Lan Zhan with their sons in their laps, smiled warmly. "Thank you, Grandmother. Your presence makes it all the more special."
Baoshan Sanren nodded. "And remember, my mountain is always open to you. You are welcome to visit anytime."
Lan Zhan added, "We will, and we look forward to it."
Time passed, and the family often visited Baoshan Sanren at her mountain retreat. These trips were filled with laughter, exploration, and the forging of deeper bonds. The children loved their great-grandmother's stories and the adventures they had in the mountains.
Back at Cloud Recesses, life continued to flourish. Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng's relationship grew stronger, and they began to slowly reveal their love to those closest to them. Their bond brought a new sense of unity between the Lan and Yunmeng clans.
Wen Ning remained a steadfast guardian for the children, his presence a constant source of comfort. Wei Ying and Lan Zhan's love only deepened with time, their hearts entwined in a bond that nothing could break.
One evening, as the sun set over Cloud Recesses, Wei Ying and Lan Zhan stood outside, watching their children play with Wen Ning and Baoshan Sanren.
"We've come a long way, haven't we?" Wei Ying said, leaning into Lan Zhan's embrace.
Lan Zhan nodded, his eyes filled with love. "Yes, we have. And I wouldn't change a thing."
*******
Three years had passed since the birth of Lan Yichen, Lan Zhihao, and Lan Meixue. The Cloud Recesses were now bustling with the energy and laughter of the children. Lan Zhihao and Lan Meixue, much like their Baba Wei Ying, were mischievous and full of life. Lan Yichen, on the other hand, was calm and reasonable, a reflection of his father Lan Zhan.
---
One bright morning, Lan Zhan was in his study, going over some clan documents, when a loud crash echoed through the hallways. He sighed, already suspecting the cause. Moments later, a young disciple burst into the room, looking flustered.
"Hangung Jun! Lan Zhihao and Lan Meixue... they've... they've caused another incident in the courtyard!"
Lan Zhan rubbed his temples, a weary smile forming. "What did they do this time?"
The disciple hesitated. "They... they tied ribbons to the tails of the training horses and set them loose. The horses are running wild, and it's chaos out there!"
Lan Zhan stood up, taking a deep breath. I'll handle it."
As he made his way to the courtyard, he found Lan Zhihao and Lan Meixue giggling behind a bush, watching the pandemonium they had caused. Lan Zhan approached them, his expression stern but his eyes soft with affection.
"Zhihao, Meixue," Lan Zhan called out. "What are you two up to now?"
The children looked up, startled but not afraid. Lan Zhihao grinned sheepishly. "Just having some fun, Father."
Lan Zhan crossed his arms. "And is causing chaos fun for you?"
Lan Meixue, ever the charmer, batted her eyelashes. "We're sorry, Father. We just wanted to make the horses pretty."
Lan Zhan couldn't help but chuckle. "I see. But remember, there are rules for a reason. You must learn to respect them."
Just then, Lan Yichen appeared, holding a book and shaking his head in disapproval. "Father, I've told them to behave, but they never listen."
Lan Zhan smiled at his son. "Thank you, Yichen. You're always so responsible."
Lan Zhihao rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh, come on, Yichen. Don't be such a stick in the mud."
Lan Zhan knelt down to their level, his voice gentle. "Zhihao, Meixue, you need to understand that your actions have consequences. Promise me you'll try to be more careful."
The twins nodded, their mischievous grins replaced by earnest expressions. "We promise, Father."
---
Later that day, Wei Ying found Lan Zhan in the courtyard, supervising the children as they played. He wrapped an arm around Lan Zhan's waist, smiling. "Heard about the ribbon incident. How are our little troublemakers?"
Lan Zhan sighed, though his eyes were filled with love. "They're a handful, but I wouldn't have it any other way."
Wei Ying laughed. "They take after me, you know. But don't worry, Lan Zhan. I'll help keep them in check."
As the days went by, the mischievous antics of Lan Zhihao and Lan Meixue continued to bring both joy and exasperation to the Cloud Recesses. One afternoon, they decided to switch the herbal teas in the kitchens, causing a wave of unexpected energy among the usually calm disciples.
Lan Zhan was in the middle of a meeting when another disciple rushed in, looking frazzled. "Hangung Jun, the children... they've swapped the herbal teas with a stimulant blend. Everyone is too hyper to focus!"
Lan Zhan couldn't help but laugh. "Where are they now?"
"In the kitchens," the disciple replied.
Lan Zhan made his way to the kitchens, where he found Zhihao and Meixue in fits of giggles, while Lan Yichen tried to reason with them. "This isn't funny. People need their rest."
Lan Zhan picked up his two mischievous children, one in each arm, and gave them a stern look that was softened by his smile. "You two are going to be the end of me."
Wei Ying appeared at the doorway, shaking his head but clearly amused. "What have our little rascals done now?"
Lan Zhan explained the tea switch, and Wei Ying burst into laughter. "Oh, that's brilliant. But you two," he said, turning to the twins, "need to learn when enough is enough."
Zhihao and Meixue nodded, still giggling. "Sorry, Baba. We'll try to be good."
Lan Zhan set them down, and Wei Ying ruffled their hair. "Go on and apologize to the disciples. And no more pranks today."
As the twins ran off to make amends, Lan Zhan and Wei Ying exchanged a look of shared understanding. Their children were a handful, but they brought immeasurable joy and love into their lives.
That evening, as the family gathered for dinner, Wei Ying looked around the table, his heart full. Lan Zhan sat beside him, a serene expression on his face, while their children chattered and laughed.
"We're doing alright, aren't we?" Wei Ying whispered to Lan Zhan.
Lan Zhan nodded, his eyes shining with pride. "More than alright, Wei Ying. We're a family. A happy, mischievous, wonderful family."
And as they shared stories and laughter, the Cloud Recesses felt more like home than ever before.
Life at the Cloud Recesses had never been more lively. Lan Zhan and Wei Ying were enjoying the joys and challenges of raising their three spirited children. However, amidst all the happiness, Lan Zhan found that his attempts to share intimate moments with Wei Ying were constantly thwarted by their mischievous little ones.
One evening, after a particularly exhausting day, Lan Zhan and Wei Ying finally managed to get the children to bed. The moon was high, and the night was quiet. Lan Zhan led Wei Ying to their room, the soft light of lanterns casting a warm glow.
Lan Zhan wrapped his arms around Wei Ying from behind, pressing a gentle kiss to his neck. "Finally, some time alone," he whispered.
Wei Ying leaned back into Lan Zhan, smiling. "I've missed this."
Just as they were about to deepen their embrace, the door creaked open. Lan Zhihao peeked in, his eyes wide with mischief. "Baba! Father! Can we sleep with you tonight?"
Wei Ying sighed, his forehead resting on Lan Zhan's shoulder. "Zhihao, you should be in bed."
Zhihao pouted. "But we had a nightmare."
Wei Ying chuckled, turning to face his son. "Alright, come here."
Before Lan Zhan could protest, Lan Meixue and Lan Yichen appeared behind Zhihao, each holding their favorite stuffed toys.
Wei Ying glanced at Lan Zhan, who shook his head in defeat but couldn't hide his smile. "Come on, then," he said, lifting the covers.
The children scrambled into bed, snuggling between their parents. Lan Zhan and Wei Ying exchanged a resigned but loving look over their heads.
Another time, Lan Zhan had planned a special picnic for just the two of them. He set up a cozy spot near a secluded part of the gardens, away from the usual hustle and bustle. They had just settled down, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, when they heard giggling nearby.
Wei Ying raised an eyebrow. "Do you hear that?"
Lan Zhan sighed. "Yes, I do."
Before they could investigate, Lan Zhihao and Lan Meixue burst through the bushes, followed closely by Lan Yichen.
"Baba! Father! We found you!" Lan Meixue exclaimed, running to hug them.
Wei Ying pinched the bridge of his nose, and burst into laughter. "Looks like our romantic picnic has turned into a family outing."
The children plopped down on the blanket, digging into the food. Lan Zhan watched them with a mix of exasperation and amusement.
"Well, at least they keep things interesting," Wei Ying said, giving Lan Zhan a playful nudge.
One night, Lan Zhan decided to try again. He had arranged a bath with fragrant sandalwood oils and candles, hoping to have a peaceful moment with Wei Ying. They were both relaxing in the warm water when the room door swung open.
"Baba! Father! We can't sleep!" Zhihao cried out, followed by Meixue and Yichen, who were rubbing their eyes.
Lan Zhan groaned softly, resting his head against the edge of the tub. "Children, it's late. You should be in bed."
Wei Ying laughed, splashing some water playfully. Lan Zhan, you can bath let me handle them, he dressed and went to the room. "Come on, you can sit with us for a bit."
The children sat on the bed, a moment later Lan Zhan joined them, chatting away and asking questions about the stars they could see through the window. Lan Zhan, though slightly frustrated, couldn't help but smile at their curiosity.
Finally, one afternoon, Wei Ying and Lan Zhan managed to sneak away to a quiet spot in the library. Lan Zhan leaned in to kiss Wei Ying, his lips just inches away when they heard a loud crash.
"Not again," Lan Zhan muttered, pulling away reluctantly.
They hurried to the source of the noise to find Lan Zhihao and Lan Meixue surrounded by fallen books, while Lan Yichen stood by, looking mortified.
"We were just looking for a storybook," Zhihao explained, trying to look innocent.
Lan Zhan sighed deeply. "Alright, let's clean this up."
As they helped the children pick up the books, Wei Ying couldn't help but laugh. "Well, at least our lives are never boring."
Lan Zhan smiled, pulling Wei Ying close. "True. But one day, we'll get that uninterrupted moment."
Despite the constant interruptions, Lan Zhan and Wei Ying wouldn't trade their lives for anything. Their children brought so much joy and laughter into their world, even if it meant their romantic moments were often cut short.
As they tucked the children into bed that night, Lan Zhan and Wei Ying shared a look of pure love and contentment. They knew that one day, the children would grow up and these chaotic, beautiful moments would become treasured memories.
For now, they embraced the chaos, finding love and happiness in every mischievous smile and giggle that echoed through the Cloud Recesses.