There is a part of Lan Xichen that wishes to point out that the halls of Jinlingtai house Jiang Wanyin's nephew and his family, by extension they are the Jiang Sect Leader's family. If one expected him to take the teachings of his clan literally, he would put the thoughts to words, but Xichen understands that the relationship is complicated and instead nods along to the younger man's assessment.

A-Yao has voiced his concerns in his own way.

He settles on something that rings truer instead, an offer that has stood long in his thoughts but he has not yet voiced. "Jin Ling is always welcome here, A-Yuan greatly enjoys his company and I am sure he will easily make more friends here as he grows. If you feel it would benefit him to visit in the future, the gates of Cloud Recess will always be opened."

There is no need to ask.

You are always welcome.

I would love if you were always close.

The thoughts are bold and with them, his chest constricts. Lan Xichen lifts a sleeve, coughing behind it with the hopes that he can keep the flowers blooming at bay. It passes without a fit, though a moment later it threatens to overwhelm him again as he watches Jiang Wanyin lean back and speak again.

This time his heart aches in a different way, longing to soothe.

"Your sister was very kind," he says softly, brows furrowed as he thinks of Jiang Yanli. "A meal made by someone or shared with someone we love often tastes better, I've found. The tanghulu Wangji and I were able to bring back to Cloud Recess to share with our mother. Even if it is not the same as your sisters, I am sure Jin Ling will enjoy the soup you will make him."

"Ah. I had not known that Wei Wuxian had chosen it." The 'lan' seems more poignant suddenly and Xichen wonders what Wangji will think when he leaves seclusion, if he'd known.