and sings the tune without the words

by Rose Thorne

Disclaimer: I don't own anything associated with The Untamed, and make no money writing fanfiction.

Chapter Seven

Jiang-zongzhu and Yu-furen,

I hope your family and sect are well. The sun has been shining brightly in the Cloud Recesses.

I'm writing to let you know Wei Wuxian had a particularly troubling episode, the details of which are inappropriate in a letter, after meeting Nie-zongzhu. He was, as you might imagine, quite concerned, and stayed until he woke.

Wei Wuxian explained his condition to Nie-zongzhu, as it's become quite normal for him to discuss the attack and resulting amnesia and complications in his brain.

I apologize, as I should have guessed meeting someone new could trigger an episode. He happened to be with my nephews when they came to greet Nie-zongzhu.

The episode seemed to shake him a little—it's the first he's had since arriving in Gusu, after all, and so shortly before he's set to return home. He's had several nightmares since, which he and Wangji resolved by sharing a bed. He finds comfort in Wangji, and may continue to do so at Lotus Pier.

The healers have worked with him to see if there are techniques that will help with his condition.

Your son did extremely well in his studies. It's unclear if he began remembering some of what he was taught in Yunmeng or if he is simply a very bright boy. His teachers all praised him, though some were bothered by his fidgeting. He has a lot of energy, and it simply needs to be directed at times.

One of his teachers found a unique solution; upon seeing him doodle in the corners of his papers, he set Wei Wuxian drawing while listening. This was far less distracting to the students, and he could answer questions and follow along with no problem. Another gave him a puzzle box to work with while meditating, to great effect.

His energy means he occasionally gets into mischief, but nothing harmful or untoward. Organizing a speed walking contest among his peers, for instance. Several of the elders were displeased, but it broke no rules.

Wei Wuxian is an especially promising musician. He seems to be very adept at remembering tunes and playing them on his dizi. He barely needs to look at the notes, a natural ear.

I will accompany them in a week's time for Wangji's stay in Yunmeng. Xichen has been somewhat obsessively packing a qiankun bag for him, a little concerned as this will be their first time apart for so long. I'm not sure if it will help them be more independent, and a good thing, or if it will be truly difficult.

We shall see when it comes time to return to the Cloud Recesses without Wangji.

A musician who can work with each of the children will accompany us and stay with Wangji to manage their musical education. She is also trained in the konghou and will be able to tutor your daughter, if you are amenable.

We will travel by boat from Caiyi, so while the trip may take some time, it will be leisurely for the children.

Lan Qiren

Lan-xiansheng,

My wife and I owe you our thanks for caring for our son and seeing to his education. Everyone here is well, the sun shining on Lotus Pier as it does at the Cloud Recesses.

A-Cheng received a letter from A-Ying detailing his episode, and I'm certain we'll hear details of it when you arrive. I even received a letter from Nie-zongzhu both inquiring after his health and asking if he may bring his two sons to meet our children. Such a thing could bring good intersect relationships, so that is a positive.

A-Ying's episode is concerning, but I'm guessing you've had Lan-daifu make sure his health is not threatened. Truly, the attack on him is mind boggling. We still have no leads, nor any idea who may have been behind it. San-Niang is frustrated, having taken it as an attack against the family—which it was, of course. But absent any clues, there is little that can be done.

While regrettable, his health condition is something that would eventually be known to outsiders. You could not have foreseen the episode, so please do not blame yourself. We will need to take precautions in the future.

Wen-zongzhu wrote to state that the head healers of the Dafan Wen, the medical branch, died recently in an accident, but their young daughter is becoming a doctor. Apparently she's only a little older than A-Li, but is a prodigy, and Wen-zongzhu will bring her once A-Ying has returned to see if she can help with his condition. I have written to give him a timetable, and his visit may coincide with yours. If Lan-daifu is amenable to accompanying you, he could consult with Wen-guniang.

A-Ying does have quite a bit of energy and a quick mind, and always has. His potential as a scholar and cultivator is impressive, and I'm happy to hear he settled into his studies well. The technique redirecting his fidgeting is a good one, and one we may use here. An option might include him practicing his fingering for his dizi during class as well.

The competition he organized, while mischievous, is just the kind of thing he would do here, though it would involve running. My guess is he altered it to fit the rules at the Cloud Recesses so as not to offend. Fostering these skills is good practice for emergencies, wouldn't you agree? These events can also foster camaraderie among disciples.

Wei Changze was similarly a natural on the dizi, unable to read music and not classically trained, but he could replicate any piece of music he heard played. It is good to know A-Ying has inherited his father's talent. When he wanted to play the dizi, I hoped he would.

We look forward to your visit, and all the disciples are excited for A-Ying's return. The children are impatient, as they miss their brother dearly, but they have held up well. San-Niang has missed him especially; she would never admit it, but she is quite protective of him.

Separation is difficult with family, particularly when there has been prior loss, as your nephews with their mother and A-Ying with his parents. It will be a difficult transition, but I'm certain Lan Xichen will acclimate as mine have. Remind him that we will care for his brother as well as you have cared for A-Ying, and he'll be able to write letters and send packages.

I suspect the true test will be separating Lan Wangji and A-Ying at the end of the visit to Lotus Pier. They seem extremely attached, and I know A-Ying takes great comfort in your nephew.

Your musician is welcome, of course. A-Li has read all the texts you've sent for her to study, and a tutor would be appreciated. We had been planning to hire one, as tutelage is needed to make stronger strides, but we can keep searching and hire one once she has returned to the Cloud Recesses. We will make sure to prepare quarters for her.

Quarters have been prepared for Lan Wangji with the help of A-Li, who consulted with Lan Xichen via letters to make certain he would feel comfortable with them. He told her of their mother's death and his brother's difficulty around that time of year, so we will do our best to ease his grief.

Lotus Pier is open to you, and we look forward to your arrival. May it be a smooth trip.

Jiang Fengmian

As a note, remember the reference to the sun following the Waterborne Abyss incident. They know they cannot speak openly in letters in case of interception, but they are warning each other.

They have, after all, set an intersect betrothal and the Jiangs adopted Wei Wuxian officially and made him Jiang Wuxian. This has garnered curiosity, and is why they wanted the details of his attack and condition kept quiet.

Now Nie-zongzhu knows about the resentful energy aspect, and Wen Ruohan is coming to visit.