The Lotus Pier
Jiang Yanli looked up, her gaze lingering on the ancestral tablets, before letting out a quiet and almost unnoticeable sigh.
It wasn't long ago that her adorable little brothers were fighting over a bowl of soup she made, insulting each other in a fierce yet ridiculous manner before running back to her, looking for comfort, and she'd be force to make another bowl just so they'd settle down. It wasn't long ago that she sat at the dining table, peeling lotus seeds for A-Xian, the irritated tone of her mother scolding her lightly made the atmosphere lively, the subtle yet envious remark of A-Cheng and the soft smile that their father had gave her a warm feeling. It was nice and everyone was happy. It was unfortunate that it didn't last long.
Her slender fingers curled against the fabric of her robe. She'd rather find her little brother holding onto the tree for his dear life than find A-Xian lost in despair with the entire world against him. She'd rather mend the small wounds on A-Cheng than mend a broken and nearly hollow figure with lifeless eyes. She'd rather bear the arguments and small fights her parents had than bear the grief of their unjustified death. It was all too much.
She didn't know that the younger brothers she cherished so would soon grow up, hardened by the difficulties they've faced for the past few years. She wanted them to be able to enjoy their childhood a little more. She wanted them to be able to find love, to be able to experience all the wonderful things that life could offer. Was that too difficult?
Before any more depressing matters plagued Jiang Yanli, she was startled by a couple of hurried footsteps nearing her location.
"You're a grown man. Stop ordering my sister to cook for you," A muffled voice from outside stated.
"Why do you care? She's my sister too!" The other person huffed, stomping his foot. "It's not like I'm asking you to cook."
"My house, my kitchen, my rules."
"My house, my rules—your ass," The voice repeated in a mocking manner. "Wait till I tell shijie that you're being prick."
The other person scoffed and said, "Go ahead. It's not like she'll believe you."
Jiang Yanli shook her head and forced out a smile. It seems that despite everything that has happened, there's one thing that wouldn't change and that's the childishness of both her little brothers.
She stood up, dusting herself. It seems that even she needs to play the role of the big sister again. Jiang Yanli didn't even need to go to them as the doors burst open, revealing Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng rushing towards her.
"Sister!" They both yelled in unison, seemingly racing to get to her first before the other.
In all seriousness, Jiang Cheng said, "He's lying."
"I haven't even said anything yet!" Wei Wuxian fumed.
Jiang Yanli can't help but giggle at their ridiculousness. She was worried over nothing. Even if it was just the three of them now, they were still a family. Never mind the pain, hatred, and sorrow that the past brought. What mattered is that they were here together. What mattered is now.
She cleared her throat, catching the attention of the two. It seems that she underestimated the thickness of her brothers' faces.
"Silly A-Xian and A-Cheng," She said. "Knowing the both of you, I already made your favourites in the kitchen."
"With extra meat?" Wei Wuxian inquired.
Jiang Yanli nodded and lead the both of them out, but the playful bickering didn't stop there.
"I already ate the meat."
"What?! Then what do I eat now?"
"The plain soup and lotus roots, unless you want me to vomit out the meat."
Jiang Yanli felt happy and satisfied. Although they'll never regain what they once had, this was better than nothing.