Before Lan Wangji came here, he was happy. He recalls that happiness easily: he was married, a new and unbelievable boon; Sizhui was bright and promising and sweet, freshly exploring his ancestry with Wen Qionglin; his students were good, diligent and thoughtful even when they failed. The happiness of this mansion is less steady, and it is a happiness he could never have even known he might want. Dancing with Wei Ying without fear for any cruel eyes on them, playing weiqi with Claudius, Magnus' uncomplicated trust in him. These, too, are gifts of fate. "Nor have I," he says quietly.