Chapter 19 Asking for Praise
The next morning, Si Zhui had just finished practicing sword when he was pushed by Wei Wuxian to Lan Xichen's study.
“Go ahead, tell your uncle about what happened yesterday. I guarantee he’ll praise you.” Wei Wuxian smiled mischievously. “Your uncle loves you the most. He might even give you a nice jade pendant.”
Si Zhui felt a little embarrassed by what he said, but he really wanted to tell Lan Xichen about his experience at Moon-Watching Mountain. He was carrying a small box of freshly made almond cookies—a gift Wei Wuxian had specifically asked him to bring to Lan Xichen as a thank-you gift.
Lan Xichen's study was always quiet. As Sizhui reached the door, he heard the sound of pages turning. He knocked gently, "Uncle Immortal Governor, I am Sizhui, your disciple."
"Come in." Lan Xichen's voice remained gentle.
Si Zhui pushed the door open and saw Lan Xichen sitting on a soft couch by the window, holding a book in his hand. The sunlight shone through the curtains onto him, making him look as gentle as jade.
"Uncle Xiandu." Sizhui placed the almond cake on the table and bowed. "Daddy made this and asked me to bring it to you."
Lan Xichen put down the scroll, smiled, and nodded, "That's thoughtful. Please sit down. I heard you went hunting at Moon Watching Mountain yesterday?"
Si Zhui was stunned for a moment before realizing how quickly news spread. He quickly sat down beside the couch and recounted everything that happened yesterday, from discovering the woman's crying, to exposing the little beggar's pretense, to Wei Wuxian teaching them how to discern people's hearts. He spoke with extreme seriousness.
“…Finally, Daddy said that night hunting requires not only the ability to exorcise demons and monsters, but also the ability to understand and empathize with others.” Si Zhui finished speaking, looking at Lan Xichen expectantly, like a child waiting to be praised.
Lan Xichen smiled as he listened, and after he finished speaking, he spoke gently, "You did a great job. Especially you, Sizhui. You were able to remain calm when you noticed something unusual, investigating the cause before making a decision. This composure surpasses that of many older disciples."
Si Zhui's ears felt slightly hot, and he whispered, "Daddy and father taught me well. And Jing Yi and Jin Ling, they are also very smart."
“It’s even more rare to be neither arrogant nor impetuous.” Lan Xichen nodded approvingly, took a small wooden box from the bookshelf, and handed it to Sizhui, “This is for you.”
Si Zhui took the wooden box and opened it. Inside was a transparent jade pendant carved with flowing cloud patterns, and it felt warm to the touch.
"This is……"
"I saw this jade pendant's excellent quality when I went down the mountain a few days ago, so I thought of giving it to you." Lan Xichen smiled, "You handled things thoughtfully yesterday. You neither condoned mischief nor lost your compassion. You deserve this commendation."
Si Zhui held the jade pendant in his arms, feeling warm inside. He knew that this jade pendant was not just an ordinary reward, but a sign of recognition from Uncle Xiandu.
"Thank you, Uncle Xiandu!"
“Silly child.” Lan Xichen ruffled his hair, his eyes full of kindness. “You are now able to stand on your own two feet. Your father and I are very pleased. Just remember, at all times, you must uphold your original aspirations and not lose your composure due to momentary impulsiveness.”
"Disciple will remember this." Si Zhui nodded vigorously and carefully placed the jade pendant in his arms, as if he was carrying a heavy warmth.
When Si Zhui came out of the study, he happened to meet Lan Wangji. Seeing that he was smiling and holding a wooden box in his hand, Lan Wangji knew what was going on.
"Did your brother praise you?"
Si Zhui nodded, his eyes sparkling: "Yes! Uncle also rewarded me with a jade pendant." He took out the jade pendant and showed it to Lan Wangji, his tone filled with unconcealable joy.
Lan Wangji looked at the jade pendant, then at his happy expression, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly: "Well, very good." He paused and added, "Brother rarely praises people easily."
Sizhui felt even happier, as if he were happier than having received any treasure. He knew that Uncle Xiandu's praise was not only an affirmation of him, but also an acknowledgement of his father and his father's teachings.
When he returned to the quiet room, Wei WuXian was sitting in the yard feeding rabbits. Seeing him come back, he immediately waved, "How's it going? Did your uncle praise you? Did he even give you something as a reward?"
Si Zhui smiled and took out the jade pendant: "Well, uncle said we did a good job and said that this jade pendant is a commendation."
Wei Wuxian took the jade pendant and looked at it, saying in amazement, "Not bad, boy! This is top-grade warm jade. Even your uncle himself wouldn't wear it." He returned the jade pendant to Sizhui and patted him on the shoulder, "Keep it well. You deserve it."
Sizhui put the jade pendant back on, hiding it close to his body. The sun fell on him, warm, and his heart felt like a little sun.
He suddenly felt that the days spent in the Cloud Recesses were like the warmth of the jade pendant—not blazing, but enduringly warming. And these little bits of praise and recognition were like the patterns on the stone steps, little by little carving into his path of growth, making him walk more steadily and with more determination.
In the distance, Lan Xichen stood at the study window, watching the cheerful figure in the quiet courtyard, smiling and shaking his head. He picked up the almond pastry on the table and took a bite, the sweet flavor melting on his tongue. This child was becoming more and more like Wei Wuxian, knowing how to share and cherish the warmth around him.
Life like this is so good.
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