It didn't come up much in the kind of xianxia novels Shen Yuan had liked to read, over a lifetime ago, but once he transmigrated into a xianxia novels himself it rapidly became clear: when everyone had hair down to their asses, hair-washing became an all-day affair.
Most sects and households turned it into a group activity: the elders and shizuns would receive assistance from their personal disciples, who in turn would receive assistance from the other disciples, who would then assist each other and any children in the sect. Shen Qingqiu had shifted for himself until the day he'd brought Luo Binghe into the Bamboo House; after that, still worried about Binghe being bullied by the other disciples, the two of them had assisted each other. The shocked look on Luo Binghe's face when his master took the comb out of his hand and bid him turn around had been adorable, especially when it quickly melted into happy smiles and shivering. Binghe had had the healthiest, most beautiful hair in the sect after that, truly worthy of the protagonist.
Of course it wasn't just the washing that took up so much time. The hair had to be dried too, and combed with scented oils to keep the strands supple and strong. No cultivator wanted to be seen with split ends! The oils chosen would usually also have a fortifying effect on the cultivator's qi, too, so it was a useful habit to keep up on multiple levels.
Of course the Lans washed and conditioned their hair too, and of course they turned it into a whole thing, with posted schedules and water rations and duty rosters. With his ambiguous status within the sect, Shen Yuan had expected to see his name near the bottom of the list, washing his hair with the servants and babies maybe, so it took him some time to actually find his own name.
Finally one of the apprentices had gently nudged him and pointed to the top of the list: Lan Qiren, Zewu-jun, Hanguang-jun, Lan Yuan. Attending: Shen Yuan.
The real Shen Yuan's brain broke a little. He was being asked to help the sect leader and his family.
In Lan Xichen's defense, it was not he that wrote the schedule.
"Between helping me and your brother," his uncle had gruffed, "you can use an extra pair of hands with your nephew. Besides, I'd like to get a measure of this other remnant of the Wen clan."
He was quite mortified to see the list posted before he had an opportunity to ask Shen Yuan, or finalize it.
"Uncle..." he groans under his breath, massaging the sides of his head where he can feel the beginnings of a headache.
Still, he arrives on time, helping his brother get situated. Lan Wangji's bare back was marked with barely healed, criss-crossing scars that still caused him obvious pain, and it was clear Lan Xichen would have his hands full attending to his brother.
Lan Qiren was relaxing, as was the wont of the elderly. A fresh batch of apprentices from some smaller cultivation families had their first lessons today, and things had gone about as expected. Lan Yuan was already fishing around in the water. When Shen Yuan arrives, Lan Xichen flashes him an apologetic smile.
"Good afternoon," he greets, though Lan Yuan is already on his feet, running to cling to Shen Yuan's leg.
"Big Yuan-ge," the boy greets, bright and cheerful as ever.
"Good afternoon, Sect Leader," Shen Yuan replies politely, bowing at the neck instead of the waist to accommodate the happily wiggling bean who's somehow wound up in his arms. How did he get there? It is a mystery. :)
(Shen Yuan scooped him up and hugged him as soon as he came within scooping distance, because A-Yuan is adorable and Shen Yuan just can't resist him.)
"Elder," he continues, with a bow in Lan Qiren's direction. They haven't yet spoken, but he knows the man's reputation within the sect and he's been secretly sweating about it all day. "Hanguang-jun." He effects not to see the whip marks on the man's back, instead turning to smile at A-Yuan and bounce him gently.
"And how have you been, sweetie? Have you been a good boy for uncle?"
"Yes," Lan Yuan answers dutifully before adding; "We're washing our hair today!"
Lan Qiren offers a gruff greeting, though Lan Wangji only spares him a brief, despondent glare, before resolutely turning his attention back to the floor.
Lan Xichen bustles up to him, an apologetic smile on his face.
"I'm sorry, I didn't get to ask you before I saw the finalized schedule. Would you be able to walk A-Yuan through this while I attend my uncle and brother? You keep your hair so beautifully, I'm sure he'll learn good habits quickly."
Man, cheerful bunch aren't they. He just bets Lan Xichen will have his hands full with those two.
"Thanking Sect Leader for the compliment," he says with a demure little smile. "I'll do my best to take care of A-Yuan." He bounces the kiddo on his hip again to make him giggle before carrying him over to the tub. (Thank god it's already filled, fetching that much water is for young people with strong backs.)
"Thank you," he says, fondly watching on Shen Yuan play with Lan Yuan. Even Lan Wangji manages to sit up a bit and take notice.
For the most part, Lan Qiren needs little assistance, waving his nephew off, though Lan Xichen takes great care with his brother who seems to be in a much more fragile state. Lan Wangji does not visibly wince when his brother tends to his scars, but his knuckles whiten and his jaw goes tight.
When they've both finished, Lan Qiren offers to take care of Lan Yuan and Lan Wangji, until Lan Xichen and Shen Yuan have had their chance to bathe.
"Sorry again for this," Lan Xichen says, wetting his own hair. "It must have been a surprise when you saw."
A-Yuan is slippery and excitable, but ultimately he's a really sweet, well-behaved kid. Shen Yuan's in good spirits when Lan Qiren takes charge of him and carries him off to dry.
"It's fine," he responds to Lan Xichen with a small shrug. "I was a little worried some of the apprentices would be jealous, giving up a spot like this to a nobody like me, but no one tried to trip me up or distract me on the way here so maybe it'll be fine."
He starts wetting his own hair with a quiet hum, like he didn't say anything remarkable at all.
"Mm?" Shen Yuan looks up from the basin, blinking in surprise at his vehemence. "Not me personally," he says abashed, "but I saw it happen. Tried my best to stop it, but if a certain kind of person thinks they have reason to carry a grudge, it's hard to change their mind." He'd broken Ming Fan of his bullying pretty quickly, but the silly boy never did get over his grudge against Luo Binghe. Something else to blame the original goods for, really.
"And I am a nobody, really," he adds with an awkward little laugh. "I'm not a Lan, and I don't have an official role in the sect. Sect Leader should know that better than I."
The little snippet only makes him admire this young man more. Some part of him wonders if the fact that he tried to put a stop to such behaviour, that was the reason he'd lost his golden core.
"That does not make you 'nobody'," Lan Xichen counters.
Approaching, he kneels down at Shen Yuan's side, searching his expression for any kind of answer.
What's with this weird intensity all of a sudden?? Shen Yuan lets out an awkward little titter before he can stop himself, thoroughly caught off guard.
"I mean...nobody specific?" he tries, and taking a wild shot in the dark he adds, "if you're worried someone within the sect's been unkind, you needn't. Everyone's been lovely. It's just..." He shrugs again, smiling helplessly. "This is just the way the world works, isn't it? People want to hold onto what they have, even if they don't want for more. Nobody likes to see a stranger swan in and take what should be theirs."
It was a reality that Lan Xichen understood on some intellectual level, but was woefully lacking first-hand experience with.
"You haven't taken anything from anyone," he says. He hopes it's reassuring. "And whatever your status, you are not nobody. Though if you would like a permanent place within this sect, that can be done."
He smiles, getting back to his feet.
"I only did not ask because I wasn't sure if you would want to stay."
It's exactly what he's been hoping to hear (though he's internally sighing a little because really, where else does he have to go?). He bows his head, saying, "If the Lan Sect will have me, I'd be overjoyed to remain."
It's a little silly that they're sitting here having this conversation with half-wet hair. Shen Yuan beckons Lan Xichen closer and says, "Would Sect Leader allow me to assist him while we discuss this further?"
Shen Yuan hums happily and turns around, showing Lan Xichen his back. "Sect Leader will take good care of me, won't he?" he asks, looking over his shoulder demurely.
"Mm, please be gentle. It's been a long time since I let anyone do this for me." It goes without saying that Shen Yuan is blissfully unaware of any double meaning that could potentially lie behind his words, just as he's unaware of what effect it might have on someone to hear the happy sighs and humming that comes out of his mouth as Lan Xichen begins to massage soap into his scalp.
"Sect Leader is very good with his hands," he sighs. "Actually," he continues, one thought leading into another, "it occurs to me Sect Leader hasn't seen me handle a sword yet. There's all kinds of ways this one could be useful to the sect."
"I would enjoy seeing how you use a sword," he agrees, working long, deft fingers through Shen Yuan's hair. It really is lovely; long and luxurious. He must have been quite popular before the war.
"Perhaps you would consent to train with me?" he suggests, gently working free the beginnings of a tangle. "I am always interested in a partner."
Shen Qingqiu probably would have been very popular, if it weren't for that terrible personality. Shen Yuan tried to repair the damage where he could, but some things just aren't fixable ~_~
"Sect Leader honors me," he replies with unconcealed pleasure at being asked. "I think I'd enjoy that very much. What weapons does Sect Leader favor?"
Personality can mean very little when one has a pretty face.
Lan Xichen gently guides Shen Yuan's head back so he can rinse his hair a second time with warm water. He's very careful, ladling it out the basin and down his scalp, gentle fingers combing and coaxing it through the thick curtain of Shen Yuan's hair.
"The sword as well," he affirms. "Though I'm always intrigued to see different techniques. And it will be nice to spar with someone other than Da-ge; he is always so rough."
It would be interesting to see how the moves Shen Yuan had picked up on Qing Jing Peak compared to the Lan styles...It seemed like their two sects had similar aesthetics, but since Shen Yuan hadn't seen any of the Lans fight beyond a beginner level in training classes, he had no idea if they carried over to their combat styles...
"Mm?" he's surprised out of his train of thought by what seems to be a totally new piece of information about his friend and benefactor. "I was under the impression Sect Leader was the oldest son of his generation," he says, peering over his shoulder at Lan Xichen. "He has an older brother after all?"
Shen Yuan has to literally bite his tongue, actually chomp on it with his own literal teeth, to keep from blurting out anything stupid. There's no guarantee that it's his Jin-ge; it might be a completely different person, and even if it's technically the same Jin Guangyao it might still not be his Jin Guangyao; people come to Trench from all different universes and points in time, after all. He might have transmigrated into a parallel universe or some point in Jin Guangyao's past; there's no reason to suppose that if he and Jin Guangyao met in person, the other man would recognize him at all...
But god, Shen Yuan's heart aches to see a familiar face. Lan Xichen's gone above and beyond for a stranger, Shen Yuan couldn't ask for a better benefactor, but that doesn't change the fact that he's still starting from scratch in a strange world. Just seeing someone he knows, even if they don't know him...it'd probably hurt like hell, honestly. But maybe it would help too?
And maybe, just maybe, just this once the odds will be on his side after all. "Jin Guangyao?" he asks hoarsely, and has to immediately clear his throat. He tries again afterwards, saying, "This one might be mistaken, but it feels as though I once knew someone with that name."
Shen Yuan goes alarmingly tense under his ministrations, and Lan Xichen looks up at him, bewildered.
"It's possible," Lan Xichen says. If Shen Yuan were formally of the Wen Sect, Jin Guangyao's name would stand out; he was the one who snuck into Wen Ruohan's service and slew him after all.
"He is the friend I wrote. He'll be visiting within the next few days, once he wraps up some business for his father."
Well, that was convenient. And hopefully didn't mean anything untoward for his cover story, if Lan Xichen had already wrote about him...
"I'd like to meet him," he says quietly. "I don't mean him any harm!" he adds anxiously, looking back at Lan Xichen over his shoulder. "I'd just like to know. If he recognizes me."
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timeasmymeasure
When in Chang'An Part 4: Rubber Duckie, You're the One
Date: 2022-10-24 04:50 pm (UTC)Most sects and households turned it into a group activity: the elders and shizuns would receive assistance from their personal disciples, who in turn would receive assistance from the other disciples, who would then assist each other and any children in the sect. Shen Qingqiu had shifted for himself until the day he'd brought Luo Binghe into the Bamboo House; after that, still worried about Binghe being bullied by the other disciples, the two of them had assisted each other. The shocked look on Luo Binghe's face when his master took the comb out of his hand and bid him turn around had been adorable, especially when it quickly melted into happy smiles and shivering. Binghe had had the healthiest, most beautiful hair in the sect after that, truly worthy of the protagonist.
Of course it wasn't just the washing that took up so much time. The hair had to be dried too, and combed with scented oils to keep the strands supple and strong. No cultivator wanted to be seen with split ends! The oils chosen would usually also have a fortifying effect on the cultivator's qi, too, so it was a useful habit to keep up on multiple levels.
Of course the Lans washed and conditioned their hair too, and of course they turned it into a whole thing, with posted schedules and water rations and duty rosters. With his ambiguous status within the sect, Shen Yuan had expected to see his name near the bottom of the list, washing his hair with the servants and babies maybe, so it took him some time to actually find his own name.
Finally one of the apprentices had gently nudged him and pointed to the top of the list: Lan Qiren, Zewu-jun, Hanguang-jun, Lan Yuan. Attending: Shen Yuan.
The real Shen Yuan's brain broke a little. He was being asked to help the sect leader and his family.
no subject
Date: 2022-10-24 06:43 pm (UTC)"Between helping me and your brother," his uncle had gruffed, "you can use an extra pair of hands with your nephew. Besides, I'd like to get a measure of this other remnant of the Wen clan."
He was quite mortified to see the list posted before he had an opportunity to ask Shen Yuan, or finalize it.
"Uncle..." he groans under his breath, massaging the sides of his head where he can feel the beginnings of a headache.
Still, he arrives on time, helping his brother get situated. Lan Wangji's bare back was marked with barely healed, criss-crossing scars that still caused him obvious pain, and it was clear Lan Xichen would have his hands full attending to his brother.
Lan Qiren was relaxing, as was the wont of the elderly. A fresh batch of apprentices from some smaller cultivation families had their first lessons today, and things had gone about as expected. Lan Yuan was already fishing around in the water. When Shen Yuan arrives, Lan Xichen flashes him an apologetic smile.
"Good afternoon," he greets, though Lan Yuan is already on his feet, running to cling to Shen Yuan's leg.
"Big Yuan-ge," the boy greets, bright and cheerful as ever.
no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 12:12 am (UTC):)
(Shen Yuan scooped him up and hugged him as soon as he came within scooping distance, because A-Yuan is adorable and Shen Yuan just can't resist him.)
"Elder," he continues, with a bow in Lan Qiren's direction. They haven't yet spoken, but he knows the man's reputation within the sect and he's been secretly sweating about it all day. "Hanguang-jun." He effects not to see the whip marks on the man's back, instead turning to smile at A-Yuan and bounce him gently.
"And how have you been, sweetie? Have you been a good boy for uncle?"
no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 12:45 am (UTC)Lan Qiren offers a gruff greeting, though Lan Wangji only spares him a brief, despondent glare, before resolutely turning his attention back to the floor.
Lan Xichen bustles up to him, an apologetic smile on his face.
"I'm sorry, I didn't get to ask you before I saw the finalized schedule. Would you be able to walk A-Yuan through this while I attend my uncle and brother? You keep your hair so beautifully, I'm sure he'll learn good habits quickly."
no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 02:23 am (UTC)"Thanking Sect Leader for the compliment," he says with a demure little smile. "I'll do my best to take care of A-Yuan." He bounces the kiddo on his hip again to make him giggle before carrying him over to the tub. (Thank god it's already filled, fetching that much water is for young people with strong backs.)
no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 02:54 am (UTC)For the most part, Lan Qiren needs little assistance, waving his nephew off, though Lan Xichen takes great care with his brother who seems to be in a much more fragile state. Lan Wangji does not visibly wince when his brother tends to his scars, but his knuckles whiten and his jaw goes tight.
When they've both finished, Lan Qiren offers to take care of Lan Yuan and Lan Wangji, until Lan Xichen and Shen Yuan have had their chance to bathe.
"Sorry again for this," Lan Xichen says, wetting his own hair. "It must have been a surprise when you saw."
no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 04:24 am (UTC)"It's fine," he responds to Lan Xichen with a small shrug. "I was a little worried some of the apprentices would be jealous, giving up a spot like this to a nobody like me, but no one tried to trip me up or distract me on the way here so maybe it'll be fine."
He starts wetting his own hair with a quiet hum, like he didn't say anything remarkable at all.
no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 04:34 am (UTC)Modesty is all well and good, but Lan Xichen will not abide self-deprecation.
"And tripping someone up over who has which bathing duties is..."
He shakes his head. There are no words.
"...Were you treated like that in your old sect?"
no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 05:12 am (UTC)"And I am a nobody, really," he adds with an awkward little laugh. "I'm not a Lan, and I don't have an official role in the sect. Sect Leader should know that better than I."
no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 05:26 am (UTC)"That does not make you 'nobody'," Lan Xichen counters.
Approaching, he kneels down at Shen Yuan's side, searching his expression for any kind of answer.
"Who told you such a thing?"
no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 05:34 am (UTC)"I mean...nobody specific?" he tries, and taking a wild shot in the dark he adds, "if you're worried someone within the sect's been unkind, you needn't. Everyone's been lovely. It's just..." He shrugs again, smiling helplessly. "This is just the way the world works, isn't it? People want to hold onto what they have, even if they don't want for more. Nobody likes to see a stranger swan in and take what should be theirs."
no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 04:49 pm (UTC)"You haven't taken anything from anyone," he says. He hopes it's reassuring. "And whatever your status, you are not nobody. Though if you would like a permanent place within this sect, that can be done."
He smiles, getting back to his feet.
"I only did not ask because I wasn't sure if you would want to stay."
no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 05:04 pm (UTC)It's exactly what he's been hoping to hear (though he's internally sighing a little because really, where else does he have to go?). He bows his head, saying, "If the Lan Sect will have me, I'd be overjoyed to remain."
It's a little silly that they're sitting here having this conversation with half-wet hair. Shen Yuan beckons Lan Xichen closer and says, "Would Sect Leader allow me to assist him while we discuss this further?"
no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 05:18 pm (UTC)He perks up at the mention of helping with his hair. After looking after his uncle and brother, an extra pair of hands would be welcome.
"I get to officializing your apprenticeship then. And thank you, though if you prefer, I can get yours first. It's much longer than mine."
...They are talking about hair, right...?
no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 05:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-10-25 07:21 pm (UTC)Truly Shen Yuan's hair is enviable; so long and elegant. He's quite thrilled to have this chance to help him.
"Do you have any specific preferences...?" With his routine, of course. "I'm happy to accommodate however possible."
no subject
Date: 2022-10-26 04:12 am (UTC)"Sect Leader is very good with his hands," he sighs. "Actually," he continues, one thought leading into another, "it occurs to me Sect Leader hasn't seen me handle a sword yet. There's all kinds of ways this one could be useful to the sect."
no subject
Date: 2022-10-26 05:52 am (UTC)"Perhaps you would consent to train with me?" he suggests, gently working free the beginnings of a tangle. "I am always interested in a partner."
no subject
Date: 2022-10-26 05:57 pm (UTC)"Sect Leader honors me," he replies with unconcealed pleasure at being asked. "I think I'd enjoy that very much. What weapons does Sect Leader favor?"
no subject
Date: 2022-10-26 07:25 pm (UTC)Lan Xichen gently guides Shen Yuan's head back so he can rinse his hair a second time with warm water. He's very careful, ladling it out the basin and down his scalp, gentle fingers combing and coaxing it through the thick curtain of Shen Yuan's hair.
"The sword as well," he affirms. "Though I'm always intrigued to see different techniques. And it will be nice to spar with someone other than Da-ge; he is always so rough."
no subject
Date: 2022-10-26 08:59 pm (UTC)"Mm?" he's surprised out of his train of thought by what seems to be a totally new piece of information about his friend and benefactor. "I was under the impression Sect Leader was the oldest son of his generation," he says, peering over his shoulder at Lan Xichen. "He has an older brother after all?"
no subject
Date: 2022-10-26 10:09 pm (UTC)"Not by blood," he says, once Shen Yuan's hair is rinsed. "He is my sworn brother, Nie Mingjue. And there is a third of our triad, Jin Guangyao."
no subject
Date: 2022-10-26 10:29 pm (UTC)But god, Shen Yuan's heart aches to see a familiar face. Lan Xichen's gone above and beyond for a stranger, Shen Yuan couldn't ask for a better benefactor, but that doesn't change the fact that he's still starting from scratch in a strange world. Just seeing someone he knows, even if they don't know him...it'd probably hurt like hell, honestly. But maybe it would help too?
And maybe, just maybe, just this once the odds will be on his side after all. "Jin Guangyao?" he asks hoarsely, and has to immediately clear his throat. He tries again afterwards, saying, "This one might be mistaken, but it feels as though I once knew someone with that name."
no subject
Date: 2022-10-26 10:33 pm (UTC)"It's possible," Lan Xichen says. If Shen Yuan were formally of the Wen Sect, Jin Guangyao's name would stand out; he was the one who snuck into Wen Ruohan's service and slew him after all.
"He is the friend I wrote. He'll be visiting within the next few days, once he wraps up some business for his father."
no subject
Date: 2022-10-27 02:17 am (UTC)"I'd like to meet him," he says quietly. "I don't mean him any harm!" he adds anxiously, looking back at Lan Xichen over his shoulder. "I'd just like to know. If he recognizes me."
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