MUCH DIFFERENT FROM HIS OWN HOME, jiang cheng was not accustomed to such tight rules. he was used to being able to do as he pleased — being the son intended to take his father’s position, most of his bad behavior was easily overlooked; no one dared to do anything but turn a blind eye to the misgivings of the yunmeng’s eldest son. though, that did not mean that while he was in the cloud recess he had intended to shame his family. his temper knew no limits at times, but he didn’t go out of his way to be recognized as a troublemaker. the title had simply been attached to him the same way that wei wuxian had. he’d made his own decisions to partake in behavior that was not accepted there, but it was under the guise that it was accepted where he’d grown up; he could learn the rules just the same as anyone else, but no one there had truly grown up in a situation that was nearly as strict as the lan family. they had expected this behavior upon taking in young students, boys had quite the habit of being troublesome in youth. the more that the leader of their group would climb over the wall to supply them all with alcohol, the more they would act out. drinking was strictly prohibited, but after sunset, in the confines of their own quarters, none of them seemed to care. it was only too bad that the one who supplied them with it couldn’t seem to keep himself well - hidden when breaking the rules.
in the library, jiang cheng tried to assess whether or not he was lucky at the moment. lan xichen was someone he was somewhat familiar with — but he’d only known him as a friendly face. when it came to punishment, he really had no idea what kind of person he was. some of them could be quite strict, whereas others were lenient. with a happy face like that, he had little trust for him. with the heel of his palm pressed into his forehead, he tried to soothe his aching head. waking up for early morning punishment really was far less pleasant with a hangover.
the soft tone of voice as he places the tea in front of him was enough to have him raising his head some, eyes looking bloodshot & exhausted. what he wouldn’t give to just sleep it off at the moment. though, no matter how pleasant he was being for now, he didn’t doubt that if he’d tried to put his head down on the desk, that would quickly change. ❝ isn’t this supposed to be punishment ? ❞ he asks, eyeing the tea up with some suspicion. there is hesitance to pick it up, but he does so — using his nose to give it a quick sniff before he’d dare put it anywhere near his lips. ❝ i was expecting something a little — more. ❞
the jade smiles pleasantly at the display ; a quiet huff of laughter escaping his lips . the young master seated before him was a pitiful display , dishevelled , tired ... visibly unwell . colour drained from complexion , along with the starkness of their uniform .. this one seemed outright sickly . ixchen he had almost been concerned . hence the tea .
such activities were to be expected . restriction wrought rowdiness ... it only proved the existence of a strong spirit . not so easily falling in line . really , he could turn a blind eye . if the disciples were smart about their discretion - but to be caught ? so easily by wangji . it was almost purposeful . aha , but that wasn’t jiang’s doing , was it ? it wouldn’t be right to punish one so harshly for the wrongdoings of another .
“ i’m sure you’ve already learnt your lesson . “ lan xichen nods , settling across from the other . robes splayed neatly behind him . a picture of elegance ; in contrast with the others sorry state . “ unless you haven’t ? “ he questions , his own cup poised at his lips .
“ if you’d prefer , i could have you practice guqin for me ? “ with a sweep of his sleeve . the lan gestures to the instrument behind him . quiet a soothing instrument ; such sounds could put one at absolute ease ; leaving them floating in a air of tranquillity , quieting the mind and spirit ... that was given the talent . but .. to an untrained hand ? such sounds could prove torment to a already wary mind . it would be a torture not befitting the crime .