What if Lan Yi emerged from the Cold Cave with Lan Wanji and Wei Wuxian and assumed Sect Leadership?
While in the Cold Cave, Lan Yi learns of the current happenings in the Lan Sect and is dismayed by some of the stories Wei Wuxian tells of Lan Qiren. When he mentions there are nearly 3000 rules, she wonders how they got that high from the <500 that used to exist during her time as leader. She makes a decision to personally evaluate the state of the Lan Sect.
Whether or not the Yin Iron plays a role in the story is up to you. Perhaps she takes it with her, or she leaves it behind in the cave - applying new wards to secure it. Or, it doesn't exist in the story at all.
After the boys fall out of the cave, tangled on the ground, Lan Yi steps out after them. They did marry and Wei Wuxian learns in that moment: "Young Lan, help your husband regain his feet."
Lan Qiren and the Elder Council are shocked and mildly unnerved about Lan Yi's appearance. When Lan Qiren explains the current state of leadership - Lan Qingheng-jun in seclusion, the Madam deceased after being separated from her family - Lan Yi decides to visit Qingheng-jun.
During her talk with Qingheng-jun (he cannot refuse her visit), she has him formally renounce his Sect Leadership and assumes the role of Sect Leader in his stead.
This puts Lan Xichen and Lan Wanji's roles as Sect Heirs in question. Lan Yi indicates they can remain as First and Second Disciple, as the Twin Jades of Lan, but she will re-evaluate the heir position after some cleanup happens first. They are happy; Lan Qiren is frustrated.
Cleanup involves reducing the power of the elders, relegating Lan Qiren to scholarly duties only, and building an administration. She reforms many of the rules, debating those in conflict with each other, and removing ones that have no current application. The number of rules reduces to less than 1000 after she's done.
Lan Xichen can liven up a bit, focusing on his own cultivation, night hunts and leading juniors. He continues to be best friends with Nie Mingjue.
Lan Wanji is now married and his husband is astonished with all the changes happening left and right in the Lan Sect. He learns about more classes available now that he is part of the Lan Sect and enjoys spending time in the Jingshi with his Lan Zhan.
Other Great Sects are shocked and skeptical as they hear of revolution occurring with the Lans, and the Jins and Jiangs suspect they will lose power as a result. Instead, the Lans emerge stronger and more aligned than ever. New class structures are introduced for different ages and the Lans become a leading teaching institution in the cultivation world.
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