He sends her a smile that made her brow twitch with annoyance, the humor in his gaze telling her he knew what she was thinking. Stare a second longer and I will tear your eyes out! Da Chualin laughs softly at her declaration of war in her pretty eyes and turns back to his master. "With all due respect master, junior sister Wang is too young. Although her relations with the others are good, having her lead will cause a rift to appear in the hearts of others for the unfair treatment. Junior sister is already very talented and given the best treatment by master as she is master's adopted daughter."
"-Though junior sister is clear-headed and decisive, she is unfit to lead as she does not speak a lot nor cares much about the consequences of her actions even to the point of offending other elders." Hearing his reasoning Minglan who was even more clear on his adopted daughter's attitude hesitates as well. What Da Chuanli spoke of is all too true, although Lan Biyu is talented and lovely in his eyes. She was an eyesore to others because of how perfect she was. And even he was aware of his own bias when it came to her matters of angering and even beating up disciples from other mountains. She gave them absolutely no face at all! But he refused to give up just yet taking "her side" again.
"Even though Lan is inexperienced," Da Chuanli almost couldn't back his loud laughter hearing him label her arrogant personality as 'inexperience'. The laugh did not deter her adopted father, but Lan Biyu saw his mirth and looks towards the window with pursed lips. "-she is still an obedient pupil. I'm sure if you give her guidance she will be successful." Da Chuanli attempts once more to coax his master into seeing past his bias and thinking for the entire group. As amusing as it would be to see the girl forced into a position of command, he would rather not risk the safety of his fellow disciples just to amuse himself.
"Even so, a leader having to take advice throughout the trip and not speaking can not be considered a leader at all. If it is me speaking the majority of the time then it would only cast junior sister Wang in an even worse light for not stepping up when her place as a leader is outshone by her advisor. They would think she was hugging a golden thigh while reaping the benefits." Being forced to see the reality of the consequences that would have been made had Da Chuali not stood his ground. Minglan was reluctant to admit it but when he turns to see that even Lan Biyu wasn't going to comment or fight her case at all. He was also forced to accept the situation.
Minglan could only reluctantly agree with Da Chuanli. What a shame, he truly wanted other people to see just how amazing this daughter of his was. The man wanted to show her off as he had long considered her a pearl in the palm of his hands. "Alright. Then let us do it your way, Gao Chang and Fuqing will be the leader of the two groups. You will be in charge of making sure they do not step out of line and watch over them in my stead. The Azure elders joining the departure will only watch from a distance and will meet with you all at the gates of Àn Xīng. Keep an eye on your younger brothers and sisters, the city is dangerous and full of evil-hearted people willing to take advantage of young people like you."
Names were written down and put into two groups with Da Chuanli's advice and observations from the past few years of watching the others interact. Who disliked who and who got along better with who was all clear to Da Chuanli. Even Lan Biyu hated to admit that he was extremely accurate with his judgment. "To keep harmony amongst our peers in the future. Gao Chang and Fuqing will have to prove that they can handle discord on their own. If the situation becomes out of hand I will step in."
Minglan approves of his words, smiling at his disciple proudly. "Good idea. Then we will put Biyu under that boy Fuqing, he has always been sweet on Biyu and will protect her properly. She can become his reinforcement if needed and you are not there." Minglan was not willing to part with his adopted daughter, so he had already made some plans for her future. The man could not bear to see her suffer under the hands of someone who only wanted to use her for her position and strength. The sect master wanted Lan Biyu to have the backing of someone who would truly protect her genuinely out of love not out of greed.
He had observed his students and kept an eye on who treated his daughter especially well while planning to make a match in the future for her that wouldn't be at her disadvantage. He long ago knew Fuqing adored his daughter almost as much as he did. Plus Fuqing was a dedicated youth who had a very promising future, so although it would still be a long time before he allowed Fuqing to court Lan Biyu he allowed the boy to keep close to her. Even if there wasn't Fuqing, Minglan would search for someone to take care of her in case something happened to himself and take her side if anything happens. The girl herself doesn't pay any mind to his words, already long used to this kind of talk as Minglan had brought up this subject to her many times in the past.
She refills Minglan's cup without a word of complaint or dissatisfaction, acting like Minglan had mentioned the weather instead of her long-time future. But again, a bubble pops in his dreams and dashes his hopes away with Da Chuanli posing as the culprit again. "Master, junior sister isn't fit to join any groups." She stiffens, the teapot in her hands jerking back up to abruptly stop the flow of tea being poured, causing some droplets to spill onto the table. Minglan too gave Da Chuanli a surprised and displeased look because of his words. Lan Biyu blinks at the droplets on the table briefly before bringing her gaze back up to narrow her pretty fox eyes at Da Chuanli untrustingly.
He was already looking at her with a mischievous glint and light smile, she didn't know what this smiling person was scheming this time. His smile made her scowl automatically. Whatever it was he was trying to do, she knew immediately she would not like it. Minglan on the other hand, took offense for her. Glaring at him openly while slamming his hand on the table shaking the cups on top uncaringly. Lan Biyu steadies the table with ease like it was second nature long used to his temperament and behavior. "Imprudent! You dare say my Biyu isn't good enough for those people?! Although she is young Biyu is ten times better than any of those brats!!" Lan Biyu knew what Da Chuanli said next would seal her fate so before he could say something she spoke up to calm her adopted father down.
"Master, this disciple also thinks she is too young to join this year's event. This disciple thinks it would be better to stay back and cultivate instead. Senior brother Ling is correct in saying I am not fit to join their expedition." Minglan felt his heart ache to hear her speak up and attempt to quell his anger. Turning to her with a conflicted expression, he thought she said this to only soften to discord between disciple and master. So while he felt touched he also did not want her to miss out on bonding with the other disciples. But he had it wrong. Lan Biyu only spoke up to not bring more trouble to herself. If she didn't have to go then she would not have to deal with whatever it was Da Chuanli was planning.
Although she was worried about many times going wrong in her absence, she knew this two-faced senor brother would never let harm come to the others. "On the contrary, master, you have misunderstood. Although Junior sister is not fit to join any of the group, it doesn't mean I disagree with her coming with us." Minglan glances over and narrows his eyes at the smiling Da Chuanli not fully understanding his words. His countenance became cold as well as his tone of voice as he was rather protective of Lan Biyu. "Are you telling me to send her alone?" Lan Biyu, being as smart as she was finally understood Da Chuali's intentions and felt dread in her heart for his next words. He wouldn't...
As if once again reading her thoughts Da Chuanli briefly sent her a sly glance, his lips threatening to let out another laugh. "Junior sister only needs to stick by my side at all times. Since I am the closest to master as your first inner disciple, junior sister should find no issues listening to me when I give orders. It will be a good experience for her while learning by my side." Minglan relaxes his posture and thought about his proposition, momentarily thinking about the pros and cons of this pairing. He was oblivious to his two favorite disciples sending many looks at each other.
Lan Biyu glared daggers at the boy while Da Chuanli sent her looks of innocence and sincerity she did not trust at all. Coming out of his thoughts and finding nothing wrong with his suggestion. The man was satisfied and even praises Da Chuanli for his thoughtfulness. Indeed! If it's this brat looking after her, Biyu will never be in any danger at all. He would not have to worry if Lan Biyu would bully-Ahem! He did not have to worry if his daughter would be bullied by anyone in the group outside of his watch.
"I didn't think of this, good good! Since Lan is still young and doesn't know much of the outside world you can have her by your side at all times. Although Fuqing is only a year younger than you and is quite capable, this master can trust Biyu in your hands better than his." He didn't waste time raising this disciple after all! The youthful-looking man strokes his teacup and took a sip with peace of mind. Lan Biyu bit her lip and held her protests in, she lowers her head to hide her expression from her foolish adoptive father. He was completely unaware of Da Chuanli's hidden intentions of causing Lan Biyu headaches to laugh at. Master is too...trusting.
After settling the rest of the arrangements Minglan was fully smiling at Da Chuanli, the foolish peak master was happy with Da Chuanli's insight and growth. "Then I leave the rest to you. You are dismissed." Da Chuanli cups his hands and bowed to Minglan acknowledging his orders with a smile. In the corner of his eyes, he saw the young girl purse her lips even more as if she had eaten something sour. His eyes crinkle at the edges as he doesn't bother hiding his grin.
Minglan seemed to be the only one unaware of their strife, turning back to speak gently and dotingly to Lan Biyu. His eyes held a gentle warmth one would have when looking at a loveable and obedient child. "Biyu, since it will be a few days without seeing you. Come play your father a song or two." "Yes, master." She nods waiting for him to stand up before following his lead. Lan Biyu observes the humming Minglan who as he said was leisurely making his way towards his pavilion reluctantly. She was all too aware of the "good-hearted" student watching them leave with amusement and wanted to claw his eyes out but she restrained herself.
"Father, it really is alright if I do not take part in the event. It would be too troublesome for senior brother to look after the group and myself all on his own." Minglan scolds her with a frown, finding her words foolish and unacceptable. "Nonsense! Since your senior brother is offering so generously to personally care for you then you must accept his offer graciously. That child, Da Chuanli does not offer his services to just anyone. He may not look like it but he is very stubborn and does not like stuffing his nose into other people's business if it doesn't benefit him. But since your senior brother is showing care then take advantage of him while you can."
Lan Biyu showcased a closed-off expression while lowering her head after having been scolded by Minglan. It was only then that she reluctantly accepted her fate of being a pawn in the hands of Da Chuanli. She would not go against what her master orders her to do, even if it would be to her disadvantage. "Then, this disciple will do as Master-..as father says." He nods happily to have her see reason and went on his merry way toward the outside pavilion. Minglan wasn't as simple-minded as he appeared to be having lived as long as he has. Lan Biyu knew he had a bias towards her, it was obvious as she had provoked many other elders but did not get a single hair on her head touched due to his protection.
He would even shamelessly claim that the elders did not teach their disciples proper principles as they always provoked Lan Biyu into fights but ended up beaten badly each time. But although he was lenient and protective of her, there were some matters that he was more biased towards Da Chuanli too. Her brows wrinkle showing a rare trace of annoyance and jealousy. She knew far too well Da Chuanli had her master's full trust, unlike Lan Biyu herself.