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Chapter Text

The first time it happened, it was almost like a dream. Or - possibly - more like a nightmare. It did not feel real at all. He did not want it to be real. Wei Ying had been following the instructions of the head disciple, with Jiang Cheng by his side. They were thirteen at the time.

Madam Yu was watching them closely. “Wei Ying! What type of form is that? Straighten up!”

Wei Ying did straighten up, and Jiang Cheng followed him, almost on reflex. Wei Ying smiled at Jiang Cheng, and Jiang Cheng looked away, muttering a small, “shut up, Wei Ying.”

Then, a disciple ran up to Madam Yu, and Madam Yu ordered the head disciple to stop the training, “honestly, does he have to go now? He’s still in the middle of the training period, the nerve of that man. Wei Ying! The sect leader wishes to see you for something! After you’ve returned from whatever it is he wants, you are to return here to complete your training period, even if everyone else is already gone, am I understood?”

Wei Ying bowed to Madam Yu, “Yes, Madam Yu!” He straightened and patted Jiang Cheng on the shoulder, smiling when Jiang Cheng shrugged off his hand and told him to get going, then he ran off toward the main hall. He wished he hadn’t run so quickly.

When Wei Ying came back, no one was on the training field. He breathed a couple of times and went to pull out a training sword. He finished the training alone on the field. There was no one there to see him stumble every once in a while and no one to see him scrub at his face sometimes until it was red. When he was done with the training, he went into his room and slumped against the door when it shut. When he got up after sitting numbly against the door and staring into nothing, he walk-collapsed toward his bed and fell asleep without even removing his shoes.

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The instances are sporadic - Wei Ying never knows when they’ll happen but every time he’s asked to see the sect leader, he gets scared and freezes for a second. He’s tried to stop this reaction. Madam Yu has begun to notice by the way she squints at him whenever he’s called. Or, that could just be that he’s being called to see Jiang Fengmian more than even Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng said it didn’t affect him, but Wei Ying knew it did. Don’t worry shidi, it’s not at all what you’re thinking. The first one to actually figure out what was going on for the past year and a half was Wei Ying’s shijie , Jiang Yanli.

It was a good day originally when she found out. Madam Yu had begun to be more vicious with monitoring the training, seemingly because Jiang Cheng was, possibly, only a little bit, really, falling behind. Madam Yu was just angry that Wei Ying seemed to be getting better than her son, which wasn’t the case. At least, not according to Wei Ying. Madam Yu was just worried, which Wei Ying could understand. After this training session, Wei Ying slung his arm around Jiang Cheng and dragged him over to the lake. Jiang Cheng always loosened up when swimming. He didn’t comment that Wei Ying never removed his shirt, and he was all too eager to race Wei Ying and wrestle amongst the lotuses.

Jiang Cheng even slipped up when Wei Ying had pushed him underwater. He had come back up spluttering as Wei Ying laughed and exclaimed, “ Gegeee !” Wei Ying had immediately stopped laughing and turned wide-eyed towards Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng had turned beet red and stuttered out, “You didn’t hear that! You didn’t hear that, Wei Ying!” Wei Ying burst into laughter again, jumping to hug his little brother. 

That was when Madam Yu came over and yelled at them for being too loud and causing a racket. It all went downhill from there, because not twenty minutes had passed before Jiang Fengmian once again called for Wei Ying. Madam Yu squinted her eyes at Wei Ying when he tensed. Madam Yu continued to squint as she said, “Wei Ying, you will come of age soon, remember? You have to think of a name for the sword you will get. Join Jiang Cheng and me in the west pavilion when you’re done hearing whatever it is that Fengmian wants to talk to you about now. He better not keep you long, or I’ll kill him. He hasn’t been out of his bedroom in the last hour and a half! Go on, now! Scat! Come on, Jiang Cheng!” She said, already walking away. Jiang Cheng looked again at Wei Ying hesitantly and then ran to catch up to his mother. In his bedroom for the last hour and a half Madam Yu had said. Oh no… Wei Ying sucked in a breath and turned to go toward the sect leader quarters.

Wei Ying was numb. He was so numb. He couldn’t feel anything. Even the slap that sounded on his cheek didn’t register. He tried to cower away, once again, when the same hand came back to caress his cheek after the slap, seemingly soothing, and whispered, “sorry, A-ze , sorry A-se , I’m sorry.” 

That was when he heard footsteps outside, walking, searching. “A-Ying? A-Ying, where are you?” A-Ying. It had stopped. Everything had stopped. Very still. Wei Ying took that moment to scramble out of the hold he was in, and run. He managed to get only almost to the door, scrambling with his sleeve, before he was kicked hard. In the back, into the door. The door opened with a bam at his weight and he scrambled to get out of it. 

He could hear an almost silent exclamation from behind the door as it was left a crack, away from the influence of the silencing talisman. “Why did you go?! Why did you leave me? Where did you go?! Where are you going now!?”

He scrambled up and ran, turning the right corner and almost knocking over Jiang Yanli, who had turned around at the noise, and she took his elbows, saying, “ A-Ying ! Where have you been? I’ve been so worried! A-Niang has been near fuming because you didn’t-'' She stopped short and looked at Wei Ying. He looked dishevelled, he knew, his sleeve was still not all the way back upon his shoulder, he knew his pants were still missing underneath his robes, he knew there was something visible on his neck. He closed his eyes shut tight, waiting for Jiang Yanli to shame him, scorn him, push him aside. That didn’t happen. He felt her arm moving to adjust his right sleeve, and her hands move to smooth out his sleeves afterwards, “ A-Ying …” Wei Ying opened his eyes, and when he did, he saw something he never had in Jiang Yanli’s eyes, something that wasn’t there before. She was looking towards the corner, the door just around it. Her eyes were on fire. She whispered, “Come on, A-Ying , come on. Let’s go.”

Jiang Yanli leads him around the outer edges of Lotus Pier. It was a longer route, yes, but it didn’t draw attention to them. She told him, when they were nearing her quarters, “Wait here, A-Ying . Don’t move, hm?” And he didn’t. He watched her go around to her quarters, alerting a maid. He didn’t hear what they were saying, but when the maid turned and ran off again, Jiang Yanli turned towards him again and smiled. It was ok, whatever it is, it’s ok. It didn’t take long for her to come back, take Wei Ying’s hand, and lead him back towards her room, where there was a bath waiting. “Now, A-Ying , take as long as you need in the bath, ok? I will go make you some lotus root and pork rib soup and then I’ll brush your hair. Will that be ok?” Wei Ying nodded and watched his sister leave to make the soup. 

When he had dressed, he came out from behind the privacy screen. Jiang Yanli was there, sitting patiently with a bowl of soup on the table and a comb laid next to her. She looked up when he appeared, smiled, and began to pour soup into a bowl. “ A-Cheng will join us in a bit. I made sure there was some time for you to collect yourself and get comfortable again. Come here, A-Ying .” Wei Ying went over and sat next to his shijie . Jiang Yanli took his hair and began to brush. She assured him that he could always come to her, and she would try to - she paused - talk to her father. It felt nice to be treated with respect, to be touched nicely. He really loved his shijie - no. A-Jie . She was his elder sister. Jiang Yanli made a point to him that from now on she would not respond to shijie . She became more protective. Jiang Cheng ran into the room only a bit later and didn’t ask many questions. Jiang Yanli told Jiang Cheng that he needed to look out for Wei Ying. She said, “ A-Cheng . Look out for your brother, will you?”

Wei Ying pulled on her sleeve, “ Shijie -” She glared at him. “ A-Jie … really, it’s ok.”

Jiang Cheng looked from his older sister and his shixiong - no, his older brother. He had already slipped up once anyway. “Wei Ying!” When Wei Ying looked at him, he pulled him into a tight hug. Before Wei Ying could react, though, he was pushed back again, and Jiang Cheng looked away, crossing his arms, “I don’t know exactly what’s happening. But… But A-Jie and I are here for you, ok?” Wei Ying smiled at his shidi - no, his didi . He pulled him into a hug and didn’t let go even when Jiang Cheng began to wriggle trying to get away. When Jiang Cheng finally settled, he patted Wei Ying on the back saying, “It’s ok, Gege . It’s ok.” Jiang Yanli joined the hug and Wei Ying burst into tears. They stayed like that until Madam Yu called them for dinner. They went hand in hand.

Chapter Text

Madam Yu would not say her family was a good one. In fact, she would say her family was one of the most dysfunctional families to exist. She didn’t like it. It all started when that damned Jiang Fengmian brought Wei Ying in from the streets. She had an extended argument with Jiang Fengmian after that. It went on for days. She could tell Wei Ying knew it was about him.

Now, Madam Yu knew that it was not the child’s fault. She did. But she didn’t have any other outlet. Her children were her children. Wei Ying was not. Jiang Fengmian also wasn’t an option most of the time to Madam Yu’s great displeasure. He was always either away on “sect business” even though if it was actually sect business, Madam Yu would certainly know about it. She knew this. He knew this. He clearly didn’t care.

When Madam Yu confronted him about this once, he changed his story to “actually, San-Niang, it’s a night hunt I’m going on.”

No. it’s not, Sect Leader Jiang. Don’t you dare lie to me.

This progressed until her daughter was 15 and her son and Wei Ying were 13.

Then, he spent most of the time in his bedroom or office. Unless he called Wei Ying. At least… She hoped he was calling Wei Ying when he was in the main hall. She hoped. But she had her suspicions. They were horrible suspicions. She did not like her suspicions. But, for example, she was actually there when Wei Ying came back from that first meeting. She wanted to make sure the boy actually listened to her. He did. But he was clearly out of sorts, and he stumbled a bit more than usual during his time finishing the training routine. It was… odd.

And the instances continued.

She didn’t understand why her stupid husband needed Wei Ying so much. And she was beginning to get… concerned. Whenever a disciple appeared and said that the sect leader had requested Wei Ying’s presence, he had begun to - tense, for lack of a better word - tense and his eyes would get a bit of fear in them. She noticed this. Wei Ying did not ever get that look at any other time. Not even when she instructed him harshly. In fact, a bit before his fourteenth birthday, he had sought her out. He had looked so vulnerable when he had approached her in her pavilion.

He had asked her about the sect leader.

She had found it odd, but she did her best to answer the frankly odd questions he had. He left her with a small bow and a slight hesitation she could see. Was he going to hug me? No. No, he wouldn’t.

Now, Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng’s joint coming of age ceremony wasn’t that far away, and Wei Ying had disappeared for an extended period of time. After she had instructed him to specifically meet with her and Jiang Cheng about said ceremony. Wei Ying had been asked to see the sect leader over an hour ago, and he still had not reappeared. It wasn’t until she saw a maid scurry out toward her daughter’s quarters that she sincerely started to worry. Actually worry. She approached the door to her daughter’s quarters a little while after she saw the maid and heard some voices - her daughter and son’s voices were there - then… crying?

Wei Ying. Wei Ying was crying.

And Madam Yu knew why. She did. She called the children to dinner. During dinner, she monitored Wei Ying, and she monitored her hus- no - hell no. She monitored Jiang-Zongzhu. She noticed more than once that Yanli glared at him. Good.

She said, “Next year, GusuLan will be hosting their guest lectures. I think you should go.”

Jiang Fengmian stopped eating, “San-Niang, that does sound like a good opportunity for A-Cheng and A-Li, I agree.” Her children squinted their eyes. Wei Ying looked down.

She glared at Jiang Fengmian, and spoke, “all the children, Fengmian. All the children should go.” She pointedly did not look at Wei Ying when she said this.

Jiang Fengmian blinked and looked up from his food at her, “San-Niang?”

Madam Yu scoffed, “you heard me, did you not? Are you deaf? All of them will go. I’ll contact that old goat Qiren about it and get the invitation for them and some disciples.” Her children smiled at her. All of them.

Fengmian sighed, “San-Niang-”

She cut him off, “What? Is there a problem? No, I should suspect not, right? Don’t argue with me, Fengmian, you will lose. This conversation is over.”

Jiang Fengmian sighed and began to get up. Then Yanli spoke, “A-Die. May I speak with you, please?”

Fengmian did not look at Yanli. “Not right now, dear, I’m very busy.” He got up and began to walk towards his office.

Yanli spoke up after him, “When will you be available, A-Die?”

He continued to walk, and did not answer her.

Madam Yu scoffed, “Don’t bother, A-Li, you won’t catch him at an available time even if he was a street dog - he’d be too busy chasing rats in the street to even notice a piece of steak offered to him. You’re dismissed.” When all three children began to get up, she stopped Wei Ying. “Wei Ying, as you weren’t able to join A-Cheng and me earlier, I’d like to speak to you now, please.”

Wei Ying bowed his head a bit, “Yes, Madam Yu.”

“You’re joking.” Madam Yu deadpanned. “You have to be.”
Wei Ying smiled sheepishly, “I’m sorry, Madam Yu, I just… don’t have any ideas. Just name it whatever.”
Madam Yu ticked her head to the side, scoffing and rolling her eyes, “Okay. I will.” She got up and began to walk away. However, she stopped short and turned back toward Wei Ying. “A-Ying.” She said, noticing the flinch and widening of eyes of Wei Ying.
He stuttered, “I - you - um…”
Madam Yu turned and began to walk away, not turning back to see his reaction, she said, “get some rest, A-Ying. You’re going to need it.”

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It was not an immediate 360 from her initial attitude towards Wei Ying. That will take more time. But it was enough.

At least that’s what Yanli told her once the boys’ naming ceremony was over. She said the nod and slight smile she had offered both Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying gave both of them a new burst of energy to get through the ceremony without falling asleep. Which was good. She would have made both of them swim 50 laps around the lake if they had.

Jiang Cheng received his sword, Sandu, and the courtesy name Wanyin, and he smiled proudly at his father when he received them. Jiang Fengmian did smile at his son when giving Jiang Wanyin his sword, but Madam Yu could tell it was a formal smile - a smile Jiang Fengmian used when at cultivation conferences. Bastard. Wei Ying went next, as he was only head disciple, and not sect heir. But Madam Yu could tell that his nerves had skyrocketed throughout the ceremony until he could safely walk away with Suibian in hand and Wei Wuxian in name. That was when Madam Yu had smiled slightly at both the boys. That was apparently when she assured them they would get through the rest of the ceremony.

When it registered to Madam Yu that she had actually grown protective of Wei Wuxian was one day where Wei Wuxian was called during training before they went to Gusu.

Madam Yu saw the fear swirl quickly into Wei Wuxian’s eyes as he turned toward her.

Madam Yu scoffed and curled her lip. She refrained from cracking her knuckles as she said, “The boys will be going to Gusu soon. How are they to represent the sect well if they stop in the middle of training without even doing any ending exercises because they had to stop abruptly? Badly, that’s how. Continue training, A-Xian. I will go to the sect leader.”

Madam Yu turned abruptly away from the training ground, pointedly ignoring the smile Wei Wuxian had after her address. Stupid boy. Just continue training. I may not be your mother by blood but you are my family. I think I’ve accepted that by now. And no one hurts my family. No one.

Madam Yu slammed the door to her husb- the sect leader’s quarters open and immediately almost blew the roof off of the entire wing of rooms. “A-Ying?” Jiang Fengmian had said.

Madam Yu laughed as she smirked. Now was when she indulged herself in cracking her knuckles, Zidian alighting in time with the cracks, “You fucking wish, you perverted bastard.” She responded.

Any maids or servants passing by the sect leader’s wing would later say that they couldn’t turn around and run the other way fast enough, as Madam Yu didn’t bother to put up any silencing talismans before she practically ripped into the sect leader. It is said that once the children left for the guest lectures at Gusu the only reason the sect leader wasn’t there was that he was still recovering from his two broken legs and jaw (one maid, the only one with the unfortunate position of being able to see Madam Yu drag the sect leader to the healers, swore up and down she saw the bottom of his jaw twisted almost completely to one side almost facing his ear, but there were no other witnesses, so that was mostly just hearsay).

When asked, the doctors were quick to divert the subject or turn anyone attempting to sneak a peek inside away, saying they had been sworn to secrecy by Madam Yu herself not to give any information away. Here’s what they would say, “The sect leader did indeed suffer serious injuries. Though it will take longer than normal to recover, he will do so with treatment and maybe by working his core slightly more. He will be back to normal with a couple months’ rest. I’m sorry, but telling you any more than that would breach doctor-patient confidentiality.” If you were so bold as to ask why Madam Yu was involved, the healers would turn you away immediately, saying, “I will say no more. Now, please, I have many things to do that will do more for the sect than indulging your curiosity.” And that was that.

Wei Wuxian, Jiang Wanyin, and, to most people’s surprise, Jiang Yanli went on the boat to Gusu not too long after the incident, which most everyone was quiet about, especially after the healers’ efforts to divert attention.

Wei Wuxian’s fears were assuaged a bit because he hadn’t been called by the sect leader in a couple days, but he didn’t ask questions. What would be the purpose in him doing so? He was perfectly content to leave it lying, and he told Jiang Yanli that when she asked.

Jiang Wanyin could be seen one day stalking the pier with a scowl on his face after speaking to his siblings. This led to him asking a question of his father’s whereabouts to his mother the day before they left, but his mother simply said, “Don’t you worry, A-Cheng. I’ve taken care of it myself.”

Jiang Yanli was happy to be completely oblivious to the entire situation. Though some say they once saw her looking quite satisfied - and a bit terrifying - as she looked toward the healers’ compound.

Madam Yu sent them off with a hug to Jiang Wanyin and Jiang Yanli and to Wei Wuxian as well - however - she only knelt down in front of him and opened her arms a bit for him. She didn’t want to do it without his consent. She wasn’t sure how he would have reacted, and that is for two reasons. The first, is because it is she who is offering the hug to him. The affection is still new to both of them. The second reason is she is not sure how comfortable he is with people touching him.

Her other children are a different story, obviously, which she expected in any situation, but she was unsure for herself. Given what Jiang Fengmian has inflicted, she felt it was safer to assume he would be uncomfortable with it. When Wei Wuxian launched himself into her arms with a sigh of what seemed to be relief, she held him close. She then pushed him back and made him turn around, “I’m going to tighten that insufferable ribbon.”

Wei Wuxian smiled at his siblings and turned around, saying, “of course, Madam Yu.”

When she watched them sail away, she hoped getting away for a year would help Wei Wuxian to recover, at least a small amount. The Lan sect are known for their rules and discipline, but they are also known to excel in the healing and musical cultivational arts. She imagined this would be good. For all her children. She could only hope she was correct as she walked from the pier after the boat cast off.

Chapter Text

To say Wei Wuxian was relieved to be going away from Lotus Pier for a year and at the same time overwhelmingly nervous would be an understatement. He was a ball of nerves bursting at the seams and he needed an outlet - and so, naturally, he went and sat next to his sh- jiejie . His jiejie . “Shi- Jiejie . I’m so nervous. I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous. What if the Lan get fed up with me in the first 20 minutes and send me back?”

Jiang Yanli was about to respond when Jiang Wanyin interrupted, coming over to sit next to Wei Wuxian on the other side. “If they try to do that, I’ll break every leg of every Lan I come across.” He crossed his arms, “however, if you purposely get yourself into trouble, I will not be the one to clean up your mess.”

Wei Wuxian smiled and put his arm around his brother, “Awwww, Chengcheng! That’s so sweet of you! Though, I doubt you’ll be paying much attention to me.” He wriggled his eyebrows and Jiang Yanli hid a laugh behind her sleeve.

Jiang Wanyin struggled to disentangle himself saying, “What do you mean? Wei Wuxian! Let me go!”

Wei Wuxian only tightened his hold. “Because I have heard from very reliable sources that a certain… person… will be there and -”

“WEI WUXIAN!”

“-SSSHH sh sh sh, Jiang Cheng, gege ’s speaking, and I think that paying attention to him will occupy a large amount of your time.”

Jiang Wanyin finally dislodged himself from Wei Wuxian’s hold. “Wei Wuxian! Shut the hell up! Do you want me to throw you over the side of the boat?”

Wei Wuxian got up immediately and ran toward the other end of the boat. “ Didiiii , that’s not very nice of you to say! I’m just teasing!”

Jiang Wanyin raised a fist, “I’ll break your legs, ge. ge ! Don’t try me!”

Wei Wuxian bowed over-exaggeratedly and said, “I would never, your highness.” 

Long story short, Jiang Yanli broke up her brothers multiple times on the way to Caiyi Town.

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If Wei Wuxian could describe Jin Zixuan in one word it would definitely be “peacock.”

If Wei Wuxian could provide one phrase that would improve Jin Zixuan it would be, “grow a backbone.”

If Wei Wuxian was being honest, he would like Jin Zixuan if it weren’t for his prissy attitude, lack of social awareness, and inability to tell people who he has authority over to shut their big mouths.

Unfortunately, Jin Zixuan is a peacock, has no backbone, has a prissy attitude, has absolutely no social awareness, and doesn’t say shit to the people in his entourage!

This is also what is going through Wei Wuxian’s head as they exit the inn the peacock had apparently bought out. He could have been nicer to JieJie too, but he obviously had no idea what to say to her, so he didn’t say anything, and so, here they are. Then Jiang Yanli said, “well, we might as well head to the Cloud Recesses early.” And so they went.

And then they weren’t allowed in. Wei Wuxian tried and tried but it just wasn’t clicking in the Lan’s head that, yes, we had an invitation, no we don’t have it now, we lost it, yes, we were invited, isn’t it obvious where we hail from? And so after a little while, “Fine! Fine! JieJie , Didi ,” he said, jabbing a thumb into his chest. “I’ll go back to the inn and look for the invitation; you guys just wait here, ok?” After he got their affirmations, he began heading down the mountain. 

He was nearly able to start sprinting to Caiyi as he had intended when he almost barrelled into someone after tripping down the last of the stairs to Cloud Recesses, only not falling face first because that same someone had caught him by the elbows. “Sorry! Sorry, that’s my bad! I’m-”

That’s when he looked up and came face to face with literally the most beautiful pair of golden eyes he had ever seen on anyone ever . And he had seen at least two pairs of golden eyes when he had the chance to escape down to town and shop for sweets back at Lotus Pier.

These eyes were golden gold. Rich- shiny and pure- sparkling brilliantly.

These eyes were like the sun over a mountain peak after the purples and pinks of dawn had receded.

These eyes had white like in the centre of the sun ringing his pupils, allowing the golden hue of his irises to pop out, blinding all who looked.

These eyes were like the sun coming out from behind cloud cover, melting the snow to allow flowers to grow to usher in the new Spring.

These eyes looked more valuable than every single piece of gold the Jins boasted they possessed.

They seemed so familiar in their warmth - he had seen these eyes once before... my rattle-drum…

“Um…” Good job, Wei Wuxian, wait a go! Eloquent! Smooth! Truly amazing, where did your ability to speak go?

Then the boy with the golden eyes spoke, “are you all right, gongzi ?”

Wei Wuxian pulled his arms back from the hold and said, “Ah! Um- yes, yes, I’m fine, thank you.”

The boy nodded once, said, “mn,” and went around Wei Wuxian, up the stairs, which was the perfect moment for Wei Wuxian to notice the ribbons the group with the boy who caught him wore, and the body that seemed unconscious but not quite dead they were hauling up the stairs. Yikes. Wei Wuxian didn’t dwell on it all too much before he rushed back to the inn to find the invitation.

The memory that had bubbled to the surface sank into the recesses of Wei Wuxian's brain, lost once again in the miasma of past trauma and repression, even older than Wei Wuxian remembers.

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Why the fuck did that take so long? Wei Wuxian was extremely tired. So tired, in fact, that he could barely make it up the stairs back to the entrance to Cloud Recesses, and when he did, no one was there. No one. “Hello? JieJie ? A -Cheng?” Wei Wuxian looked around, pursing his lips. “ Shidi ? Shimei ? Hello? Anyone?” Wei Wuxian groaned and made his way to the archway, before getting rudely pushed away from it by- the archway. Oh my god, that could have broken my jars of Emperor’s Smile if my balance was any worse. Wei Wuxian scrunched his nose and hit the air in front of him. A barrier. Right. Ok, we’ll play it that way. The barrier didn’t last too much longer after that.

Making his way up the roof was a piece of cake, so to speak. Keeping himself on said roof after being scared half to death was definitely not. Holy Tu’er Shen, he scared the crap out of me. “Uh…” He smiled wobbly, “What a coincidence! We meet again!” No response. “Um, you are out at this hour. Are you, um… admiring the moon?” He pointed behind him. No response again. Jeez, he seemed so warm when I literally fell into his arms, what’s with the switch? Why is he like this when there’s an opportunity for a normal conversation? “Um, I’m supposed to be here! My sister should be here! Ah, when I… when I fell into you earlier, I was going to get our invitation! I have it right here!” He nodded at the boy and reached for the invitation in his robes.

Then the boy spoke. “You broke through the wards. One rule broken. Those who come at night should not be allowed in until 7:00am. Two violations of the Lan principles. Unauthorised carrying of liquor. Three violations.”

Wei Wuxian held his Emperor’s Smile closer to him. If it were any other circumstances and he heard that voice- “Um. Handsome- gongzi -” If he wasn’t watching, he would have missed it, but he was, so he saw a minute flinch at the address. A startle. Wei Wuxian continued, “- I am new here, clearly you could figure that out? I’m sure that everyone in Gusu is adept at going up and down those many steps without stumbling once, haha… um, I don’t know the Lan rules and principles! How am I supposed to be aware of and follow them, if I don’t know them? I just want to see my siblings. Make sure they got in, because… that’s probably what happened. And… and yeah...” He didn’t get too far before there was a sword in front of him. Wei Wuxian smiled and tilted his head, grabbing the tip of the sword to move it to the side. “ Gongzi , you were so nice to me when I fell, what is this? I’m a guest here, I swear! I’ll give you some Emperor’s Smile?”

The boy tilted his head at Wei Wuxian, almost as if he were saying, ‘seriously?’ “Trying to bribe a law enforcer. Doubly guilty.”

Wei Wuxian grimaced and said, “Doubly guilty? Of what? I don’t know anything!” Trying to get away was apparently not the move, because the next thing Wei Wuxian knew, he was in a sword fight. And it was exhilarating. Oh-ho-ho-ho! We’re evenly matched! And it wasn’t a lie. Every parry was blocked and every sprint was pursued. This fuddy-duddy has real skill!

It felt like forever. Attack, parry, defend, parry, attack, again and again. It was exhilarating, it was phenomenal, it was the best spar Wei Wuxian had possibly ever had. He never took his eyes away from him. Those golden eyes were blazing like the hottest of flames, almost orange. It kind of made him want to-

His Emperor’s Smile was broken.

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“Wei- gongzi , you are new here. I can’t blame the innocent. But under no circumstances can I defame our principles. So punishment is inevitable. As for how… Wangji, it’s up to you.” Lan Xichen was saying.

Lan Wangji, as Wei Wuxian now knows, looked towards Grandmaster Lan saying, “transcribe the principles 300 times.”

WHAT? nO NO NO. No. You can’t make me write principles of another sect 300 times! That’s absurd! “What?!” He turned to Lan Wangji, “Lan -er-gongzi , you can’t be serious!” When Lan Wangji remained stoic, he groaned. “You! You fuddy-duddy! Grandmaster Lan, please! There must be another way! I didn’t know!”

Lan Qiren looked at Wei Wuxian and said, “Wangji has decided your punishment. Classes begin at 8:00, don't be late tomorrow morning. You will meet Wangji in the Library Pavilion for your punishment for two hours before the evening meal.”

Wei Wuxian was about to groan again and walk out when he noticed something on the table. That’s the boy on the stretcher from earlier. Now, he seemed to be truly dead. A body covered in cloth. “Zewu-Jun, is he dead? Why is he covered with a white cloth?”

Lan Xichen seemed startled a bit, “what did you say?”

Wei Wuxian became more confused, “Am I wrong? When I stumbled int- haha!” He coughed, “I mean! Um!” He shook his hands frantically, continuing saying, “When I was going back for the invitation the Jiang sect had accidentally left behind, um, Lan- er - gongzi and his party were coming back from… their night-hunt, I suppose. I managed to catch a glimpse of… the body… as they were ascending the stairs, and he was still alive. Unconscious, certainly, but still alive.”

Lan Wangji was looking at him again. He smiled reservedly and silently apologised to him. Lan Wangji probably didn’t want him to stay too much longer.

Lan Qiren spoke, “Wei- gongzi , what made you think so?” He looked nervous suddenly, stroking his beard.

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath, “I’m not sure. I think it’s something in his skin. The pigment is different than he was, when I first saw him, he looked… well… now, he seems to have lost all colour in his face, at least.”

Lan Xichen stepped forward, “Wei- gongzi , if you could stay here for a couple minutes, I believe your eye could be a benefit.”

Wei Wuxian blinked and looked around. Lan Wangji spoke, “Mn. Outside perspective.” Wei Wuxian blinked again. All riiiiight…?

It was some time later when Lan Qiren said, “a puppet.” And then it clicked in Wei Wuxian’s mind. “Yes. He’s like a puppet. A manipulable puppet.” Wei Wuxian leaned in again to look at the dead man who was now sitting up, black veins going up his neck, pure white eyes staring into nothing.

Chapter Text

When Lan Wangji woke up in the morning, the one thing he failed to consider was that his life would completely change when the guest disciples were to arrive.

He brought back Lan Danming on a stretcher carried by four other members of his night hunt party and made his way back home. Dreading it. His brother had told him to be open to the opportunity to get to know other people his age from other sects but Lan Wangji didn’t want to do that. He knew Nie Huaisang. That was all he needed for multiple lifetimes. That boy could talk his way into an early grave and still continue talking. He was too lively. And if that was how all disciples outside the Lan clan were, he wanted no part of it.

Unfortunately for him, there was no escape, and also unfortunately for him, he was completely thrown off kilter by just one visiting disciple before he even entered Cloud Recesses. Someone he had only heard about through the other boy’s great cultivational achievements and the fact that he managed to place fourth on the list of eligible young bachelors despite his heritage of not being related to a sect leader directly. Ahem. Not that he paid any attention to that list. Of course.

That is to say, when Wei Wuxian came barreling into him from the stairs leading up to the Cloud Recesses, he was nothing if not a complete mess on the inside.

At least he could confirm that the list of eligible bachelors was wrong.

Wei Wuxian was much prettier than Jin Zixuan and definitely better looking than both himself and his brother combined. What were the women of the cultivation world even thinking? Are they blind? Have they seen- Have they looked at his eyes ? They are silver. Silver? Lan Wangji hasn’t seen many silver things in his life. He’d seen silver eyes once before, when he was a child. Now, here are silver eyes, twinkling with surprise and accentuated by the pink of Wei Wuxian’s cheeks. They look like stars on a clear night, like the moon at its brightest, when it’s full, providing light to a sleepless night. They sparkled like the sun reflected on water, a silver reflection of the light of a sun at noon. They were beautiful.

He was surprised by himself when he managed to ask Wei Wuxian if he was all right and, after getting a response, get away as quickly as possible.

When he delivered Lan Danming to his uncle and avoided the questioning eyes of his brother who kept on trying to regain eye contact as he made his way out of the main hall, he finished writing up what happened on the night hunt. After that, he began his shift on patrol. He was not two hours into his shift when he saw Wei Wuxian climb the wall. No. Why? Why me? This is not happening. But he managed to keep his face neutral and stood there. Waiting.

When Wei Wuxian finally noticed him, he was startled, recovered, saying “Uh…” and then he smiled. Don’t smile at me. “What a coincidence! We meet again!” Wei Wuxian was not discouraged by Lan Wangji’s lack of response. Interesting. “Um, you are out at this hour. Are you, um… admiring the moon?” Wei Wuxian pointed behind him, at where Lan Wangji knew the moon to be. He did not respond, nor did he move. “Um, I’m supposed to be here! My sister should be here! Ah, when I… when I fell into you earlier, I was going to get our invitation! I have it right here!”

Why would you so casually mention falling into me? Don’t do that! Lan Wangji finally said, “You broke through the wards. One rule broken. Those who come at night should not be allowed in until 7:00 am. Two violations of the Lan principles. Unauthorised carrying of liquor. Three violations.” And it was true, of course. Lan Wangji wouldn’t overlook the violations just because he thought the perpetrator was good-loo- ahem . Never would he allow that.

But of course, Wei Wuxian had to ruin Lan Wangji’s composure by speaking. “Um. Handsome- gongzi -”

Lan Wangji was so surprised by the address, he actually broke his façade of uncaring.

Wei Wuxian continued, “-I am new here, clearly you could figure that out? I’m sure that everyone in Gusu is adept at going up and down those many steps without stumbling once, haha… um, I don’t know the Lan rules and principles! How am I supposed to be aware of and follow them, if I don’t know them? I just want to see my siblings. Make sure they got in, because… that’s probably what happened. And… and yeah.”

He started to move to descend the roof. This, Lan Wangji was prepared for, he jumped from the tower and levelled his sword in front of Wei Wuxian, preventing him from going further. “ Gongzi , you were so nice to me when I fell, what is this? I’m a guest here, I swear! I’ll give you some Emperor’s Smile?” Lan Wangji tilted his head at him.

Seriously? Why would you mention that?! I’m not mentally prepared for that! And I don’t drink alcohol, you idiot, I thought everyone knew this? “Trying to bribe a law enforcer. Doubly guilty.”

Wei Wuxian grimaced, “Doubly guilty? Of what? I don’t know anything!” Then, Wei Wuxian made an escape attempt. “Attempt” being the operative word, as it didn’t go as Wei Wuxian had clearly planned. They ended up in a sword fight, if one could call it that. Wei Wuxian did not draw his sword even once. Xiongzhang is going to have a field day with this… Lan Wangji thought, feeling even more dread crash upon him.

----------

“Wangji.” Lan Wangji restrained a sigh. Here it is. You can do it, Wangji. He won’t tease you that much . Lan Wangji bowed to his brother, “Xiongzhang.”

Lan Xichen stepped in front of him. “Wangji. What’s the matter?”

What’s the matter? There are many things the matter. Wei Wuxian is one. Lan Danming is another… Lan Danming is a safer road here. “You and shufu were preoccupied with the puppet.”

Lan Xichen sighed and walked a bit. Lan Wangji followed, “I just had a conversation with shufu . The reason remains unknown, but we can preliminarily infer that it must be caused by someone trying wicked sorcery. If it is true, the culprit must be ambitious. Cultivators going missing may just be the start.”

Lan Wangji asked, “What is your plan?”

Lan Xichen sighed again, “For now, we can only investigate. But what if…”

Wangji turned to his brother, “ Xiongzhang ?”

Lan Xichen shook his head, “nevermind. Maybe I’m just thinking too much. Wangji, look into the missing case again. But remember, don’t be reckless.”

When am I ever? He nodded, “I know, please rest assured.”

Lan Xichen smiled, “I always am. I sometimes wonder whether I have been too strict on you.”

Lan Wangji internally grimaced, “You have taken on a lot of duties and I’m just helping with the burden.”

Lan Xichen smiled and looked at his brother, “It’s good for you to be with me during the lectures.” No, it’s not. It’s really not. “Many disciples from different clans are the same age as you.” Oh no. Here we go. “It’s time for you to make some friends.” Isn’t Nie Huaisang enough, though? I think Nie Huaisang, though he is afraid of me for some reason, is enough. “I actually feel good about that Young Master Wei.” What. You’re joking. “Even though he does some excessive things, he is smart, and has a lively and cheerful character.” Lan Wangji clenched his fist over his sword. Xiongzhang. ThaT IS PART OF THE PROBLEM. “Wangji, doesn’t he have some real skills? You two tied against each other?” No. Not doing this.

He didn’t need to look back to know that his traitorous older brother was smiling.

----------

“Wangji- xiong ! Wangji- xiong , wait up! I need to ask you something!” Lan Wangji did not slow down as Nie Huaisang chased him down. What could Nie Huaisang need that would warrant questioning Lan Wangji? Nothing, that’s what. He’s obviously up to no good. Wangji had observed that he is friends with Wei Wuxian. No good. “Wangji- xiong ! Why do you walk so fast? You may as well be running.”

Lan Wangji stopped abruptly, Nie Huaisang almost walking right into his back. “Running is forbidden.”

Nie Huaisang rounded around him, waving his hand in dismissal. “Yes, yes, I know. Why do you think it was so hard for me to catch up to you? And if you say it’s because I don’t train like Da-Ge wants me to, I’ll… I’ll cry.” Lan Wangji didn’t raise his eyebrow at the boy, but it was a very close call. Nie Huaisang knew this. “All right all right, I know. I know, Wangji- xiong . But I truly do need to ask you something!”

Lan Wangji started walking away again. “What?” He still said.

Nie Huaisang kept pace with him. “Well, I was wondering if you truly fought Wei- xiong last night!”

Lan Wangji closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and forced out a “yes” through gritted teeth.

Nie Huaisang was undeterred by Lan Wangji’s reaction. “Amazing! I got Wei- xiong ’s side of things, and now I want yours.” He didn’t look at Nie Huaisang but he knew he was smugly crossing his arms, the little fluttering koel. They were approaching the Jingshi at this point. Safety. Nie Huaisang seemed not to notice this.

Lan Wangji had just entered the Jingshi and, with his hand on the door, facing Nie Huaisang said, “ridiculous.” He shut the door before Nie Huaisang could react.

Lan Wangji could hear Nie Huaisang leaving, but was mortified by what Nie Huaisang said as he left. “Joke’s on you Wangji- xiong ! We’ve known each other most of our lives! That ‘ridiculous’ told me all I needed to know! And don’t think I didn’t see your ears either!”

Lan Wangji wrenched his door open, ready to - speak relatively loudly at Nie Huaisang, however he was already running - running - back down the path towards the main compound. Lan Wangji exhaled forcefully through his nose, muttering “running is forbidden.”

That night, Lan Wangji did the unthinkable. He went to bed at 8:00 pm because he was just that tired.

----------

After the introductory ceremony and the Wens’ interruption, Wei Wuxian was quiet in class. Why? That did not seem like it should be the way it is. Lan Wangji looked towards Wei Wuxian. Oh. That’s why. He is definitely daydreaming about something. Lan Wangji shook his head and returned back to the front of the class. Ridiculous. And he didn’t give Wei Wuxian another thought.

That is, until his uncle noticed. “Wei Wuxian!”

Wei Wuxian startled and stood up, “Yes, Lan- Laoshi ?”

Lan Qiren glared at him, “If you are not paying attention in my class, it must mean that you know everything already. Tell me, are yao, demons, ghosts, and monsters the same?”

Wei Wuxian smiled, “no, sir.”

Lan Qiren tilted his head, scrutinising Wei Wuxian, “why not? How are they differentiated?”

Wei Wuxian pursed his lips, “ Yao are formed from living, non-human beings; demons are formed from living humans; ghosts are formed from dead humans; and monsters are formed from dead, non-human beings.”

Lan Qiren stroked his beard. “ Yao and monsters are often confused. What is an example that distinguishes the two?”

Wei Wuxian smiled again, “Simple. If a living tree was tainted with the energy of books, cultivated into a conscious being, and caused mischief, it would be a yao. If I took an axe and cut it down the middle, so that only a stump was left, and then cultivated it into a being, it would be a monster .”

“What was the profession of the founder of the QingheNie sect?”

“A butcher.”

“The heraldry of the LanlingJin sect is a white peony. Which type of white peony is it?”
“Sparks Amidst Snow.”

“Who was the first in the cultivation world to focus on the rise of his clan rather than his sect?”

“The founder of the QishanWen Sect, Wen Mao.”

Lan Wangji, admittedly, was impressed. His uncle was being a bit unfair, as he only asked Wei Wuxian, and there were clearly a few certain disciples who were also not paying attention. However, they stopped whatever it was they were doing when Lan Wangji looked at them. Nie Huaisang was fanning himself leisurely, only looking up every once in a while at Wei Wuxian, who was still standing up, seemingly still answering questions, this time on the process of disposing of a resentful spirit, which he seemed to also be able to answer well. Jiang Wanyin and Jiang Yanli both looked at their brother, which Lan Wangji supposed was partly paying attention, and then-

“How dare you!” Lan Wangji was suddenly fully alert to what was happening in the front of the room.

His uncle looked furious, and then Wei Wuxian spoke, “There are some things that have no use after liberation, so why not find a way to make use of them? When Yu the Great tamed the flood, obstruction was the inferior method, and redirection was the superior. Suppression is the same as obstruction, so it wasn’t inferior…AH!”

Lan Wangji saw Jin Zixuan and Wen Qing stand and that was when Lan Wangji noticed his uncle, with his arm extended, the scroll he held no longer there, looking genuinely surprised. He turned to Wei Wuxian, who had screamed , and noticed him crouched on the ground, almost frantic with… fear? “Please, I’m sorry! I’m sorry! It was a question! It was a question! I’m sorry! I won’t ask again! I’m sorry! Please don’t hurt me! Please. Please-”

It was a rant. A terrified rant. Lan Wangji’s eyes widened minutely, and then the Jiang siblings stood up. Jiang Yanli did not even acknowledge Lan Qiren and went straight to Wei Wuxian, kneeling down, opening her arms and allowing Wei Wuxian to fall into them, hugging him, whispering things Lan Wangji could not hear. Jin Zixuan had awkwardly sat back down, Wen Qing had walked swiftly to Jiang Yanli’s side and taken Wei Wuxian’s wrist. The rest of the class was shocked silent.

After a minute, Wen Qing pinched Wei Wuxian on some seemingly hidden point, instantly knocking him out. She stood and bowed, “Lan- Laoshi , Jiang- guniang , Jiang- gongzi , Wei-gongzi is mostly unharmed physically.” She picked up the scroll that had caught on the desk behind Wei Wuxian, and walked up to his uncle, handing it to him. Turning back to the Jiangs, she said, “I imagine he might have some bruises on his knees, maybe his legs, from the impact of his abrupt drop to the floor, but nothing major. Physically.” She bowed to the Jiang and then to Lan Qiren, before sitting down.

Jiang Wanyin had, at some point, moved to stand in between Lan Qiren and his siblings. After Wen Qing sat down, he bowed. “Lan- Laoshi . Please excuse my siblings and me from the rest of the class. As you can see, my gege is not in any condition at the moment to continue with the lectures, and will absorb no new information. Other YunmengJiang disciples will still be here taking notes, which we will teach ourselves later. Sorry for the disturbance.”

And before Lan Qiren could even utter a single syllable, Jiang Cheng had straightened, bowed again, headed towards his siblings, taken Wei Wuxian into his arms, and with their sister holding Wei Wuxian’s hand, headed straight out the door. Nie Huaisang stood as well, maybe to leave as well, but seemed to think better of it and sat back down.

“What… what was that?” an outer Lan disciple asked.

Lan Wangji couldn’t recall his name at the moment. His uncle was still standing still looking out the lecture hall’s doors. Then Lan Xichen stood and bowed to Lan Qiren, “ Shufu , there is clearly something we are missing here. I advise that after class officially ends, we go and talk to - maybe not Wei Wuxian - but the other two Jiang siblings, and plan accordingly.”

Lan Qiren shook his head, cleared his throat, and furrowed his eyebrows. “Yes, yes, that sounds like a good idea. Everyone! Continue paying attention! We’re not done yet!”

At the groans, Lan Qiren shot out a withering glare, and they were silenced. Lan Wangji, however, for the first time, could not concentrate at all. Wei Ying… are you ok?

Chapter Text

“I don’t give a shit if he’s our teacher and is a respected elder and didn’t know or whatever the fuck else kind of bullshit excuse can be given, I am never going to listen to that old goat ever again!” Jiang Wanyin was angry. Very angry.

Wei Wuxian had woken up and apologised a total of 54 times even after leaving the lecture hall and had cried and stopped and cried again a total of 12 before he wore himself down enough to pass out and sleep again. Jiang Wanyin and Jiang Yanli stayed in his and Jiang Wanyin’s shared guest quarters at a table they had pulled up closer to Wei Wuxian’s bed, and were drinking tea. If it weren’t for the fact that his sister was here, he would have taken the tea and thrown it against the wall by now.

“A-Cheng. I know how you feel, but A-Niang will be angry if we don’t pay attention in class, even… even after this.”

Jiang Wanyin scoffed. “Oh, she’ll be angry. A-Niang will be angry after she hears about this, I can guarantee. She was almost relieved to send us here, if you recall. Imagine how she’ll react when she finds out gege had a panic attack on account of Lan Qiren of all people?! She’d shave his beard off!” Jiang Yanli sighed and nodded her assent. Jiang Wanyin tipped his glass back and drank its contents, looked at his brother, and then growled, “I wish I could have some goddamned alcohol! What’s with that rule, anyway? How do these people survive?!”

Jiang Yanli grimaced, “A-Cheng…”

“WEI-XIONG! JIANG-XIONG! JIANG-GUNIANG!” And there was Nie Huaisang.

Jiang Wanyin almost opened the door and picked him up just to throw him back out, but not through the door, no no. That was too easy. He almost defenestrated Nie Huaisang.

Jiang Yanli was the one who opened the door. She put a finger up to her mouth, “Nie-gongzi, please be quiet. A-Xian is asleep.”

Nie Huaisang’s eyes widened and he put a hand up to his mouth and patted it twice, walking in. He looked and saw Wei Wuxian shift on the bed, tapped his mouth twice again and sat down next to Jiang Wanyin, “sorry, Jiang-xiong.”

Jiang Wanyin hit his shoulder, “you dumbass.”

Nie Huaisang waved his hand at him, almost flapping it, as Jiang Yanli gave him a teacup. “Thank you, Jiang-guniang.” He turned to Jiang Wanyin. “Here, one of your disciples asked me if I was going to your room and asked me to give you the notes they took for you.” He placed a few pieces of paper in the centre of the table. “Now, obviously whatever this is was well hidden whenever I came to visit, so I am not going to ask and will wait until Wei-xiong himself feels he should tell me, however, I do worry after something like today happens. And! I’m not the only one! I’m pretty sure even Jin-gongzi was worried.”

Jiang Wanyin scoffed, “That peacock? As if.”

Jiang Yanli swatted his shoulder lightly, “A-Cheng, be nice.”

Jiang Wanyin could feel a petulant whine almost break through if only Nie Huaisang weren’t here. “A-Jie, come on! You know he is! The only reason you defend him is your-”

Jiang Yanli swatted his arm lightly again. “A-Cheng.”

Jiang Wanyin sighed, “Fine! Fine! Go on, Nie-xiong.”

Nie Huaisang pursed his lips and continued, “Though, there is something that was said before the class recommenced that I took note for you, so you could be prepared for it.” He paused. “Lan-gongzi suggested to Lan-laoshi that they talk to you two specifically about… what happened… after class. I rushed here - not running, I didn't want to get in too much trouble, but as fast as I could! After everyone’s actually left the hall, they may be on their way already.”

Jiang Wanyin almost spit out his tea. “Absolutely not!”

“If they want to know, they can, but I can’t be held accountable for how I act around them afterwards.” 

All three people sitting at the table whipped their heads around saying almost simultaneously, “A-Xian!” “Gege!” “Wei-xiong!”

Wei Wuxian gave them a close-mouth smile and shifted to allow himself to slide down to the floor on the other side of Jiang Wanyin, still leaning against the bed. “It might be better, actually, for them to know. They’re known for their healing, right? Do you think that could be… mental too? OH! Oh no, Nie-xiong! Please, please tell me Lan Zhan isn’t coming too.”
He ignored Jiang Wanyin’s incredulous “Lan Zhan?!”

Nie Huaisang pursed his lips, “that I don’t know, Wei-xiong. It’s likely?”

Wei Wuxian groaned and leaned back against the bed. “Nooooooo.”

----------

About ten minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Jiang Wanyin noticed Wei Wuxian taking a deep breath as their sister took his hand. Now or never, I guess. If they’re rude about this in any way, I don’t care who they are. I'll break their legs so they never heal and then tell A-Niang so that she can whip them into oblivion. Jiang Cheng opened the door and there was Lan Qiren, Lan Xichen, and hey great, Lan Wangji too.

Lan Xichen spoke, “Jiang-gongzi, I’m sorry for the intrusion, but may we speak with you and your sister, please?”

Jiang Wanyin sighed and opened the door wider, “Wei Wuxian is also going to be present, Lan-Laoshi. He thought he should be the one to tell.” He put his hands on his hips and glared at Nie Huaisang. “Nie Huaisang.”

Nie Huaisang’s eyes widened and he quickly shot from his seat. “Right! Yes, yes, I’ll go, I’ll go.” Nie Huaisang went towards the door as the Lans made their way in.

Before he left, though, he took Jiang Wanyin by the elbow, pulling him slightly outside. “Jiang-xiong, I’m not expecting to know everything, but, please, please tell me how it goes?”

Jiang Wanyin looked at him for a second, then he nodded once.

Nie Huaisang smiled at him, saying, “Thanks, Jiang-xiong.”

He squeezed Jiang Wanyin’s elbow once and hastened away.

Jiang Wanyin went back in and took his seat on the opposite side of his brother from his sister, across from the Lans. Oh good. I can look Lan Wangji right in the eye. 

Jiang Wanyin glared down Lan Wangji, and then glared down Lan Qiren, and then Lan Xichen, who was furthest from him, across from his sister. Wei Wuxian inhaled, laughed hesitantly, and smiled. “Ah, this all feels so pressuring. It’s like a formal meeting.” Jiang Wanyin clenched his fist.

Lan Xichen spoke, “Apologies Wei-gongzi. We - We’re just worried, honestly. We just want to know what caused your reaction so we can be mindful in the future. We are your hosts. If we cause you fear, then we must work to prevent that.”

Wei Wuxian waved his hands, “no no! You’re right! I just… I’m not sure…”

Jiang Wanyin spoke up, “I’ll begin - start things off, make sure we can do this without…” bloodshed he thought, “problem.” he said. Wei Wuxian put his head down, and Jiang Wanyin started. “At home… there’s a situation that Wei Wuxian has found himself in, against his will, that is - delicate.”

Jiang Yanli spoke up after that, “yes, quite delicate, and - and it’s contributed to A-Xian’s mental condition negatively. We- we hope that this does not affect GusuLan’s amicable relationship with YunmengJiang.”

Lan Wangji tilted his head a bit, looking at Wei Wuxian while his uncle stroked his moustache and Lan Xichen frowned. “Of course not.”

Well, at least they’ve said it. Now, the hard part. “Wei Wuxian-”

Wei Wuxian said, “There is someone high up in the ranks of YunmengJiang that has… has taken advantage of certain situations and… used me for-” he inhaled sharply, closing his eyes. Lan Wangji’s eyes widened noticeably, and Lan Xichen gasped. Lan Qiren has gone still. “And it’s - sometimes there are things thrown or directed at me, which is why I reacted the way I did to the scroll.” Wei Wuxian stood and bowed - for some reason that made Jiang Wanyin angry. “For which I am deeply apologetic for. I apologise for my disruption of your class, Lan-Laoshi. Truly, I was just curious about something, but I promise I will never ask again.” Wei Wuxian remained in his bow. From his position, Jiang Wanyin could see Wei Wuxian’s eyes close. He wasn’t going to straighten and meet anyone’s eyes. 

Lan Wangji stood up and nearly ran from the room. Wei Wuxian pursed his lips from his bow. I’m going to break your kneecaps, Lan Wangji.

Lan Xichen was the first to speak. “Wei-gongzi, I am truly sorry for asking you to reveal this… sensitive information to us. Please straighten from your bow, there’s no need for that. Right, Shufu?”

Lan Qiren, upon being addressed, broke from his stupor, “Yes! Yes, quite right, Xichen.” He put a fist to his mouth and cleared his throat. “Wei-gongzi, there is not any reason you should be apologising. I apologise for triggering you. And reacting as I did. You were just asking a question. It was irrational of me to assume the worst. I should have instead actually answered your question. Do not succumb to rage. Do not make assumptions about others. Harmony is the value. Learning comes first. Be easy on others. Do not be unreasonable. I have broken these rules and will discipline myself accordingly. If you need to, you should go see healer Lan Xiulian. I will personally inform her of your… situation, and only her. You may go for checkups if needed and also see her as a therapist. Would that be adequate?”

Wei Wuxian smiled slightly, “thank you very much Lan-laoshi.”

Jiang Yanli smiled and bowed, “Thank you, Lan-laoshi, Lan-gongzi.”

Jiang Wanyin nodded along with his sister. Wei Wuxian looked toward the door, “Lan Zhan…” Jiang Wanyin continued the sentence in his head. -is going to have two broken legs when I see him next.

Lan Xichen stood and bowed, “Wei-gongzi, please rest assured, my brother was probably just alarmed. I guarantee he does not see you as any less than he previously did.”

Wei Wuxian looked down, smiling slightly, nodded once. I AM GOING TO BREAK LAN WANGJI’S LEGS AND NO ONE CAN STOP ME.

Jiang Yanli spoke again, “That is good to hear, Lan-gongzi, I hope you’re right.” Everyone bowed, and the Lans left. Wei Wuxian all but collapsed onto the bed, tears brimming in his eyes.
Jiang Yanli, noticing, went and sat on the edge of the bed, taking his hand in hers, “A-Xian…”

Wei Wuxian rubbed his eyes with his free hand, “A-Jie, I’m fine. I wasn’t going to be able to keep it a secret forever. His reaction is… understandable.”

Jiang Cheng remained standing, glaring at the door. I am definitely going to break Lan Wangji’s legs. And arms. And then get A-Niang to whip him, specifically.

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji, for one, knew when he fucked up. And Lan Wangji had fucked up.

When he left the room after Wei Wuxian’s… revelation… he almost immediately ra- sped walked to the cold springs to calm down. He was angry. Very angry. At the sect leader of one of the biggest sects right now - because he didn’t know about his brother or uncle, but he could pick up signs people made with their bodies and faces that even they may not know they’re making. And it told Lan Wangji the most crucial point of their revelation.

If Lan Wangji had his way, he would fly to Lotus Pier and kill Jiang Fengmian. In an unspeakable fashion. Unfortunately, that would force YunmengJiang to declare war on GusuLan, and that would not be good for anyone and would accomplish nothing.

Regardless! Lan Wangji realised when he was about four steps outside of the Jiang guest disciple rooms that his action could have been interpreted… incorrectly.

And was also aware that the sect heir to the Jiang sect, Young Master Jiang Wanyin, was a very protective younger brother.

And this was enough to make Lan Wangji aware that he - Lan Wangji - had made himself a target to get ripped into.

He took a deep breath and went underneath the water. He stayed beneath to collect himself for a minute or two and then resurfaced. He took another deep breath, brushed the hair that had fallen over his face back, and got out and dressed. May as well get the confrontation with Jiang Wanyin over with sooner rather than later.

----------

Unfortunately, Lan Wangji did not even begin to come up the stairs from the cold springs when Jiang Wanyin found him. “Lan Wangji!”

Lan Wangji closed his eyes, took a breath, and opened them to find Jiang Wanyin almost in front of him already. Well, here goes nothing .

Jiang Wanyin stopped abruptly, taking a step back when Lan Wangji went into a full ninety degree bow in front of him. “Lan Wangji, what are you doing?!”

Lan Wangji pursed his lips and spoke, “I know why you have been looking for me, and I would just like to apologise. I realised my actions could be perceived differently from what I intended. Please forgive me.”

He couldn’t see Jiang Wanyin, but he imagined he grimaced at him. He ignored what Jiang Wanyin said under his breath. Then he heard a scoff and felt himself being pulled back up. “What the hell are you doing, Lan Wangji? Gods above, don’t - don’t - I feel like that’s- don’t bow like that to me, okay? I’m thankful for your sincere apology but I am most certainly not the one needing an apology. Apologise to Wei Wuxian! You really hurt my gege ! Your hasty retreat affected him a lot more than I think it should have but the point is that it affected him a lot! So… so apologise to him if anyone! Wei Wuxian is stupid, but he can be hurt really easily by those he cares about, and based on today, I can see he really cares about you! Again, more than I think he should! So! Just! Go find him!”

Lan Wangji swallowed, “Okay.”

Jiang Wanyin raised his chin and crossed his arms, saying, “Good!” 

Lan Wangji blinked once at him. Jiang Wanyin blinked once back. Lan Wangji said, “you’re still blocking the path.”

Jiang Wanyin’s eyes widened. “Oh… right.” He took one step to the side, stopped, then said, “I did come here with the intent to… break your legs so this is kind of… anticlimactic for me. And especially since you almost fucking kowtowed -” Lan Wangji cringed at the curse. He had been able to ignore them up until now. Jiang Wanyin noticed. “Yes, I know, sorry. But it just seems wrong now to even begin the process, so just to satisfy my - um. Can I punch your arm?”

Lan Wangji sighed. “Yes.”

Jiang Wanyin then stepped back into his initial position on the path and landed a slightly hard punch to Lan Wangji’s shoulder, close to his collarbone, which did hurt minimally. Jiang Wanyin sighed, “I had to do it in a place where it would hurt the most but also not be… too bad. Uh, you can go now.”

That said, instead of moving aside, he turned around and went back up the path in front of Lan Wangji. Brat. Lan Wangji grimaced after his thought and mentally told himself to copy Righteousness five times for it.

----------

Lan Wangji didn’t really know what to do with himself after he finished copying. It was dinner time. He knew Wei Wuxian- Wei Ying would take dinner in his room. He decided to go to the back mountains to recollect his thoughts. He wasn’t hungry.

When he got there, he noticed Wen Qing and Wen Qionglin. Wen Qionglin was sitting with his head and arms resting on his knees and Wen Qing standing nearby, staring out at the waterfall. Wen Qionglin noticed him first, shooting up and stuttering, “Lan- Lan- er-gongzi !”

Lan Wangji bowed and said, “Wen -gongzi . Wen- daifu .”

Wen Qing moved to stand slightly in front of Wen Qionglin, “Lan- er-gongzi . May I help you? Or are we in, perhaps, a secluded area?”

Lan Wangji looked out towards where Wen Qing was looking, “No. It is less frequented by guests but it is not secluded nor forbidden to be here.” When Wen Qing nodded and started to bow, presumably to excuse herself and her brother, Lan Wangji spoke again, “Wen- daifu . W… Wei Y-Wuxian?”

Wen Qionglin also looked at his sister, lips pursed. Wen Qing, who was looking at him with a scrutinising gaze, said, “It is as I said. He wasn’t hurt all that much physically. He didn’t hit his head on a desk or break anything. Luckily he ducked before the scroll reached him. I am glad it veered a bit, or maybe didn’t have enough force behind it to go further than it did and hit another student. As for his reaction beyond that, I am afraid I am not in that field. Not to the extent I fear I need to be regarding him, anyway. I can make guesses, but I only have basic training in the mental medical fields.”

Lan Wangji nodded, “of course.” He bowed and continued, “pardon me.”

Wen Qing nodded, pulling Wen Qionglin into another bow before leaving the vicinity.

----------

“ Just! Go find him! ”

Lan Wangji pursed his lips. Easy for him to say .

Lan Wangji did not want to interrupt a session at the Lan healers. Not only because it wouldn’t be proper, but also because it was Lan Xiulian - and she was terrifying .

When he was eleven, she found him after he had fallen into the cold springs one time and was convinced that he was as clumsy as a newborn foal. And she made sure he was aware of it. She spoke loudly but not quite loud enough for it to be yelling, saying how he should be more careful where he’s stepping, be aware of his surroundings, all the while dragging him by the upper arm all the way to the medical pavilion.

Lan Qiren nearly had a qi deviation when he arrived and was immediately not quite yelled at. She did that to S hufu . She’s terrifying .

He couldn’t imagine what she would do to him if he interrupted an appointment.

He’s seen her do things… he tries not to think about when he, for example, stumbled upon her in the back hills with her sword sheathed but hovering - sheathed but hovering - above her.

He nearly had a heart attack when she pulled herself up by holding onto the sheath so her chin cleared the sword’s height and dropped back down only to do it again .

His brother would call him dramatic but really it’s only self-preservation . All that to say, he probably won’t be able to speak to Wei Wuxian until tomorrow.

What if he doesn’t forgive me? What if I’ve ruined our relationship forever? What is our relationship? What if I’ve destroyed any hope of a relationship even forming ? What if I can’t explain myself? What if he doesn’t understand what I’m trying to say? What would it mean if he does? What if he-

Lan Wangji spent so long playing his guqin and writing music to ease his thoughts so he could think of a more complete way to apologise than just an “I’m sorry” that he didn’t go to sleep until the rest of the Cloud Recesses had already been retired for hours.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian knew that it would not have gone incredibly well when he told… anyone about what goes on at Lotus Pier.

But he had almost no choice after his panic attack.

Lan Wangji’s reaction was expected. At least to Wei Wuxian. He knew he was disgusting. He just didn’t expect it to hurt so much when it came from Lan Zh...Wangji.

However, Lan Xichen and especially Lan Qiren’s reactions were reactions Wei Wuxian would have never even begun to consider possible.

After he calmed down and Jiang Cheng left, Jiang Yanli took his hand, “ A-Xian , get some rest. I’ll bring food from dinner to you. I’m sure exceptions can be made when it comes to where you eat tonight.”

The sun had sunk low in the sky, and it would start to completely set soon. Dinner would not be long after that.

Wei Wuxian turned his head from the mattress and nodded against it toward his sister, who squeezed his hand and let him be.

----------

After dinner, Jiang Cheng took Wei Wuxian’s dishes saying, “I will take your dishes just this once . Lan Qiren said that Lan- daifu will see you now, if you’re willing. Do you know where the healing pavilion is? Do you want to go now?”

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath, “I do, A- Cheng, I’ll go now. Might as well get it over with.”

As he left, he ignored Jiang Cheng cursing and sprinting after him saying, “Don’t you know mind healing requires more than one session? Take it seriously!”

When Wei Wuxian didn’t turn his head, but instead hurried along the path faster, Jiang Cheng groaned and stopped behind him, “Good luck, dumbass! Be back by nine or I’ll break your legs!”

----------

“Well, Wei- gongzi , you certainly have been through a lot, for which I am extremely sorry.” Lan Xiulian told him, leaning forward with her arms crossed in over her stomach, her parchment pressed into her lap. “I always say it’s best to get it all out if you can. I wish you could confront the… problem … head-on, without causing a scandal, but, fortunately, you seem to have good support from your siblings and mother.”

Wei Wuxian inhaled sharply, and Lan Xiulian raised an eyebrow at him.

Wei Wuxian spoke, “she’s not - Madam Yu, she’s not - she’s not my mother-” 

“Wei Wuxian.” Lan Xiulian interrupted. “So sorry to interrupt, I can assure you I will copy the required rules tonight for it, but I had to. Wei Wuxian, do you know where I came from before I came to GusuLan?”

Wei Wuxian furrowed his brows and Lan Xiulian exhaled sharply through her nose, smirking, and leaned back in her chair.

“My name before I married into GusuLan was Yu Xiulian. I took the Lan name when I married in, of my own volition. Now, I was married off relatively young, mmm I don’t know, say sixteen? And I have never met the Madam Yu of the Jiang Sect personally, I admit, but though I left early, I was in the MeishanYu sect. That’s the blood that runs through me. And if I know my family - if I know the Yu, I can tell you this. Even if it may not seem like it, Madam Yu is obviously, at least beginning to care for you like her son. A bit delayed, a bit stilted, but it’s there, from what you’ve told me. And of course, I am most certainly not saying she replaces your mother. Cangse- sanren was one of the most chaotic women I have ever known - I was here when she began lectures here, of course - but she most certainly is still your mother. However, I think that Madam Yu is beginning to fill that mother role . Do you understand?”

Wei Wuxian’s mouth was open. Lan Xiulian pursed her lips and tilted her head a bit, waiting. Then Wei Wuxian said, “yes, Lan- daifu.”

Lan Xiulian scowled, “What’s this? When you first came in here, you called me jiejie -”

Wei Wuxian shot up, face ablaze, “That was an accident! I was still-” Wei Wuxian pursed his lips and quickly shot back down to his seat.

Lan Xiulian laughed, “My my, look at you! I’m a doctor, yes, Wei- gongzi , but not usually for mental stability and health, though I am more skilled in it than most. I was the best fit to what was needed as I have been through enough to be able to guide others. You know, it was not three years that had passed since I came here when my husband died a terrible death on a night hunt. Ah-ah! Don’t start apologising. It has been a while, Wei- gongzi . I am not so fragile that it still affects me so much, but as a young girl of barely twenty when it happened, I had to cope in ways that others in the Lan sect hadn’t. I was a special case, having married so young and having the misfortune of my husband dying so early, but I coped. And the methods I taught myself have made me more equipped than most of the healers here to help you - which I will be doing. That is why I am the one helping you. So I wouldn’t say I am a daifu at the moment. In terms of you, unfortunately, I can’t go over to Lotus Pier and gut Jiang Fengmian - upupup! Don’t even try! I would if I could! However, it would be unseemly.”

Lan Xiaolian pouted, sighed, and then leaned back in her chair more, looking up at the ceiling, causing her chair to lean back on two legs, propped up by her extended legs. Her arms were crossed. “I think, though, that we’ve both gotten to know each other over the course of this time here. Which will make it all the easier to get through this. Now, I expect you here every other day for at least the next two weeks. We’ll see how we are by the end of that time. I will update both your siblings and Lan- xiansheng at the end of every week on our progress, whether that be positive or negative. Is that okay with you?”

Wei Wuxian nodded, “Thank you, Lan- daifu .”

Lan Xiaolian leaned back even more in her chair, to the point that Wei Wuxian was worried she would fall backward, and raised an eyebrow.

Wei Wuxian pressed his lips together and looked down, “Lan- jiejie .”

Lan Xiaolian then shot up, the chair clattering backwards, barely missing hitting her, the parchment falling to the floor, clapping her hands together once, all startling Wei Wuxian, saying, “Excellent! We are done for today, Wei- gongzi ! I will see you again the day after tomorrow! Oh! And the time of all of our sessions will be right after lectures end. If you do not come within twenty minutes of their end, I will hunt you down myself and drag you back here, is that clear?”

Wei Wuxian nodded gravely, still frozen in his position from the startle.

Lan Xiaolian smiled and pulled him up, almost pushing him toward the door, “Well, that’s that! Do try to enjoy yourself here, Wei- gongzi, please, as much as possible, go to the lake, fish, I know you Yunmeng folk like to fish-” she clenched her teeth and continued, “throw them back when you catch them, though, wouldn’t want to break rule number one, right?” She unclenched her teeth and said again, “study hard, be with friends, just please. Enjoy yourself. This is your homework, you understand? Next session, I will begin by asking you what you did between now and then, yes?”

Wei Wuxian smiled, now on the porch, “Yes, “Lan- jiejie. ”

Lan Xiaolian bent at the waist a bit, “Wei Wuxian, you are worthy, okay? And you have people who care for you. Remember that. Now go! It’s nearly nine!” And then Wei Wuxian was walking out into Cloud Recesses proper, feeling lighter than he did before.

----------

Wei Wuxian would like to say he can bounce back from pretty much anything.

However, Lan Wangji ignoring him had to be the thing that broke that streak.

He had thought he was making progress in becoming his friend, but maybe not.

Lan Qiren told him to take it easy, but he did expect him to pay attention at least a little bit so he at least learns something.

The real main thing he’s learned since he first collapsed was that he really hates rejection.

Jiejie told him to give Lan Wangji time, but it was killing him.

...

He had resigned himself to watching Lan Wangji from afar again.

Perfect guy, hair falling over his back, ribbon blowing in the wind, delightfully red ears when he shows what Wei Wuxian thought to be music sheets to his brother that get redder and redder as Lan Xichen does the Lan equivalent to what Wei Wuxian thought must be teasing-

Lan Wangji had bowed to him and apologised, yes, but as soon as Wei Wuxian scrambled to raise him from the bow, Lan Wangji had withdrawn and walked hastily away towards the classroom. Then, at the end of class, something truly horrible happened.

Wei Wuxian was about to approach Lan Wangji again, to see if there was still any possibility at all of them being friends when he overheard a conversation. “Jin- gongzi , who do you think is the best girl?”

Then someone else, “Why are you asking him? He’s already betrothed!”

Wei Wuxian turned, Lan Wangji looking the same direction after him, and Jin Zixuan replied, “Forget it.”

Wei Wuxian spoke, “What do you mean, ‘forget it?”

Jin Zixuan didn’t turn around and said, “just forget it. I don’t want to speak of it.”

Wei Wuxian walked up to him, “turn around.”

Jin Zixuan did, and then his eyes widened. Wei Wuxian tilted his head, “What? Did you not even realise who had joined your conversation?”

Jin Zixuan sighed, “Please, Wei Wuxian, I don’t want any trouble with you.”

Suddenly, Jiang Cheng appeared at his other side, “But you still dare to insult our jiejie ?”

There was a murmuring suddenly, mostly people realising the situation. Jin Zixuan said, “I just don’t want a relationship with her.”

Wei Wuxian was almost ready to punch him, but Jiang Cheng apparently was faster. Crap.

Jin Zixuan reeled back and held his chin while staring wide eyed at Jiang Cheng.

Lan Wangji, then, was finally able to force himself through the crowd. “Fighting is prohibited in the Cloud Recesses. Though the circumstances are understandable, it should not have progressed this far. Please come to Hanshi for punishment.”

Wei Wuxian started to breathe heavily, “ A-Cheng …”

Jiang Cheng held up his hand, “honestly, it’s better me than you.”

Wei Wuxian followed anyway.

Chapter Text

Madam Yu has come to a conclusion. Her children, though their reactions to certain situations could be said to be justified, were stupid. Utterly stupid.

It took a lot, but Madam Yu weaselled her way into coming with Jiang Fengmian to go to Gusu and confront the matter. Because he insisted only he needed to go. Because if she didn’t, she was honestly terrified as to what would happen. Like her fucking husband somehow making Wei Wuxian come home and then immediately take what he’s been so obviously missing.

Which he wouldn’t even be able to do. Not on her fucking watch.

Therefore, Madam Yu followed the sect leader to Cloud Recesses despite said sect leader saying it did not require both of their presence. Multiple times. In the air. With wind whipping around their ears. On their swords.

Yes, it did. Of course it did! The letter was addressed to her! Actually! Jiang Cheng had punched Jin Zixuan! Wei Wuxian was involved! Jiang Yanli was involved! That’s all of her children! She was coming!

“ San-Niang , it involves our son and the Jin. Of course I will go. But if you go, who will watch the sect with both of us gone?” Jiang Fengmian had argued.

“I didn’t know you gave a flying shit given you inserted yourself in a matter you weren’t involved in and you took it upon yourself to volunteer your going. It is a matter of sects only insofar as multiple are involved. If the letter was addressed to me, which you know it was , then it is none of your concern . Jinzhu and Yinzhu, obviously, can watch the sect - you think they can’t?” Madam Yu had fired back.

Jiang Fengmian had sighed and turned away from her at that.

Madam Yu had felt Zidian itching to flay him alive, but she restrained her emotions. He recovered much too quickly for her liking. She didn’t think she had held back but maybe she subconsciously did from some old, misconstrued, miniscule inkling of whatever affection she may have had for him. She hopes it died upon realising he is inserting himself in a matter he shouldn’t.

She sent her children to the Cloud Recesses for multiple reasons and the fact that the letter from Cloud Recesses about the… altercation was addressed to her told her all she needed to know.

Her husband must have lost all his brain cells that could have put that together to his depraved lust for a memory.

It is unfortunate it would be hard to explain away how he might have fallen from the sky burnt to a crisp.

It was odd, but nonetheless unfortunate, the way that brief spot of storm affected our former sect leader. The lightning seemed to have a mind of its own and he veered too far from one bolt into another. How am I unharmed? How dare you underestimate my abilities right in front of me? No, no… unfortunately that wouldn’t work. And we’re already this far out of our territory, it would be more of a hassle to explain to an outside sect leader or mistress who would deal with their disciples running around like chickens with their heads cut off because they found Jiang-Zongzhu after he plummeted.

When they arrived , finally, there was an air about the place that seemed… well, if Madam Yu could pick up on the stress and unease permeating the area, something else must have happened. They were greeted by Lan Qiren after the guarding disciples granted them entry.

“Madam Yu, thank the- oh.” Lan Qiren blinked when he saw her husband but recovered his wit in time to smoothly cover up his errors. “ Jiang-zongzhu , Madam Yu, thank you for your hasty arrival. I will admit that something else has happened that will also require your attention, however, I believe it is imperative to discuss the matter with the Jin as soon as possible.”

“What-” She started but was interrupted by her barnacle.

“Thank you, Lan-Xiansheng . Am I to assume that the second matter has to do with the Jiang but not the Jin?”

Lan Qiren looked to her when he heard Zidian spark, but answered the question. “Unfortunately yes, but I don’t want to add to any emotions you may already have about the original matter I sent…” He cleared his throat, “you both for. I assure you that everyone who can is working on the second matter as we speak. Jin-Zongzhu has already arrived-”

Madam Yu could see the scowl that Lan Qiren almost let show when her parasite interrupted again. “Well, we mustn’t keep him waiting, then. It’s best not to let issues like this simmer.”

Madam Yu could feel Zidian spark again and had to reign in her emotions so that it didn’t unfurl as Lan Qiren responded, “Of course.” With a smile that was only just polite enough, he motioned to his right, “Please.”

“Ah, Jiang-xiong , excellent. I’d like an expla- what is your wife doing here?”

If Madam Yu had any less restraint, she might have broken the no killing rule. “Jin- Zongzhu , I was under the perhaps false impression that you had a bit more manners than this. The letter was sent to me, of course I am here.”

Jin Guangshan smiled, “of course, Madam Jiang, I meant no offence.”

Zidian sparkled again but Jiang Fengmian interrupted, “Jin- xiong, I am sure the matter isn’t as serious as we perceive.”

Lan Qiren cleared his throat and spoke, “Sect leaders, Madam Yu, if you would please settle, I will relay the necessary information to you.” Once all were seated, he continued, “As you know, I have called you here because Jiang- gongzi… punched Jin- gongzi , resulting in minor injuries to Jin- gongzi ’s face and Jiang- gongzi ’s hand. I assure you that the extent of disciplinary action that could have been handed out from out sect to visiting disciples have already been distributed. Jin- gongzi is in the hospital wing and Jiang -gongzi is currently kneeling as punishment.”

Madam Yu nodded her head. Jin- Zongzhu spoke, “it doesn’t sit well with me that the family of my son’s future spouse is so quick to do my son physical harm.”

Before Jiang Fengmian could open his mouth, Madam Yu smiled politely at Jin Guangshan. “Jin- Zongzhu , don’t misunderstand. It’s not that there is any haste to do your son physical harm. Lan- Xiansheng , how long did it take for the altercation to become physical?”

Lan Qiren stroked his beard, “According to Wangji, the altercation lasted barely half an incense stick of time, but, if what you are looking for is quickness… it wasn’t immediate.”

Madam Yu nodded, “Thank you. From what I understand of the situation, your son had been insulting and looking down upon my daughter-”

Jin Guangshan sighed and made a tsk sound, “Madam Jiang-”

Zidian sparkled. “ MeishanYu have female sect leaders and the spouses of said sect leaders are known as “Sirs.” I have been given special position from my family to go as “Madam Yu” because the name is not taken and I wanted to keep that part of my identity. It is Madam Yu to you, Jin- Zongzhu , as it is to everyone else. Respect that. Now, as I was saying, Jin Zixuan was making a scene over his displeasure with my daughter. My sons were defending their sister.”

Jin Guangshan smiled slightly, “of course, of course. Now that you say so, I am sure I can forgive Jiang- gongzi . Wei Wuxian did start the-”

Madam Yu slammed her hand on the table, ignoring both Lan Qiren, who flinched slightly and pursed his lips and her husband who looked at her and said plainly, “ San-Niang. ”

Madam Yu didn’t break eye contact with Jin Guangshan, “Shut up, Jiang Fengmian. Let me… advise Jin- Zongzhu on why he is currently treading dangerous waters. Wei Wuxian did what, you say? From the letter I received, one which I assume you also received, correct, Lan- Xiansheng ?” She turned her head briefly to Lan Qiren.

Lan Qiren nodded and stroked his beard again, perhaps a nervous habit, “Yes, Madam Yu, to the letter but for the address.”

Madam Yu nodded to him and faced Jin Guangshan again, “Right. So, we have the same information. Therefore I can say with confidence that this is the information you have received . From the letter we both received , Jin Zixuan incited the incident through slight defamation and condescension toward my daughter. My sons overheard this.”

“ San-Niang , we could avoid this if we, perhaps, agreed to call off the engagement.”

Madam Yu abruptly turned on her cockroach of a husband, “ What. ”

Jiang Fengmian sighed and spoke to Jin- Zongzhu , “Don’t you agree, Jin- Zongzhu ? Our children are clearly unhappy, and we can avoid hassle if we let them come into themselves more and develop feelings on their own accord for whom they please.”

Jin- Zongzhu smiled and began, “Excellent, Jiang- Zongzhu , I think-”

Madam Yu slammed her palms into the table again and let Zidian emit multiple sparks and uncoil just slightly. “Excuse me. That does not solve anything. If it is such a concern for you that they like each other, then we can arrange for them to get to know each other without issue. Now, if we understand that, I would like to continue on my initial reprimand if you’d be ever so kind. Wei Wuxian did not start a single thing.”

Jin- zongzhu laughed, “Madam Ji-Yu. Please, there’s no need. Jiang- xiong and I have agreed-”

Madam Yu glared, “-on nothing. Lan- Xiansheng , please.”

Lan Qiren cleared his throat, “Sect leaders, as the original letter was sent not to Jiang- Zongzhu , but Madam Yu, I believe she has every right to contribute. If you could please allow Madam Yu to make her point and understand her clearly-”

Madam Yu interrupted and smiled at both her nuisance and Jin- Zongzhu , “then no one will suffer the consequences. Apologies, Lan- Xiansheng , whatever you would have said there would not have been wholly accurate. All my elder son did was make your son, Jin -Zongzhu , aware of not only his surroundings, but his uncouthness. He was making both himself and my daughter look bad. Wei Wuxian only asked him if he knew who he was speaking of and to, really. It was Jiang Wanyin who punched your son, and we have both been told that he is currently , as we speak, being disciplined.”

She let the moment rest a minute before she continued, “if there is another issue you’d like to discuss, Jin- Zongzhu , speak up now or-”

“Lan- Xiansheng ! Lan- Xiansheng !” A voice from outside yelled.

Lan Qiren went red and yelled back. “No yelling in the Cloud Recesses! Copy the rules 30 times! Come in! What is it?”

A harried disciple came in and bowed sequentially, “Lan- Xiansheng , Jiang- Zongzhu , Jin- Zongzhu, Madam-”

Jin- Zongzhu let out another tsk , “out with it, boy!”

If Lan Qiren had any less restraint, Madam Yu was sure he would have put his hand to his forehead by this point. He cleared his throat, “please.”

The disciple bowed again, “Lan- Xiansheng , an update to the search. They have been found, they are unharmed, and, and…”

Lan Qiren sighed again and after the disciple gave him a report, he said, “you may go.”

Madam Yu turned on Lan Qiren, “the search? Found?”

Lan Qiren sighed, “My second nephew, Lan Wangji, and Wei Wuxian have been missing for about a day and a night - since the night after Jiang- gongzi started kneeling.”

Madam Yu shot up, Zidian sparkling once again, “What?!”

Jiang Fengmian furrowed his brow, “missing? A- Xian?”

Madam Yu glared at Jiang Fengmian as Lan Qiren responded, “Yes, however, they have been found. Thankfully.”

Madam Yu clapped her hands together, “I will deal with this matter. I am going to go find my sons. Jiang Fengmian, I trust you will be able to suitably end this current matter without my help?”

Jiang Fengmian nodded, “of course, San-Niang . Make sure A- Xian is all right.”

Madam Yu scoffed and started to walk out, hearing Lan Qiren say, “I will leave you to negotiate as I don’t think mediation is necessary at this point. I need to go speak to my elder nephew, excuse me.”

When Lan Qiren exited, he stopped Madam Yu as she was walking down the path, “Madam Yu, I believe that if those two were together, it’s likely that they may be closer to the family wing. According to the report, Wangji went to the cold springs to meditate and Wei Wuxian ended up there because Xichen suggested it as a way to calm down. They got sucked into a cave below the cold springs.”

Madam Yu bowed and thanked Lan Qiren before she made her way in the direction he had indicated.

---------

Madam Yu had nearly made it to the edge of the residential area without finding her eldest son. She had found her youngest kneeling in a courtyard. She had scolded him lightly, but she knew he knew she was proud of him. He said he had half a shichen left to kneel and then he would come find her. “Is… he with you?”

Madam Yu had patted his head and replied, “unfortunately” and then had to calm her son down when he flailed and nearly blew himself up asking where his brother is and spouting - however valid and assuring - nonsense about protecting him and killing his father and how he’d been worried sick and unable to look for Wei Wuxian but- “ A- Cheng! It’s all right! Your… father… is currently occupied with the matter you’re kneeling here for . I am going to find your brother right now.” When Jiang Wanyin nodded, she patted his head and left.

Now here she was. She had turned around to make another round when she saw a field not too far away and her eldest with… goodness, four others around him as Wei Wuxian said, “thank you, guys! Lan Zhan and I didn’t know what to do or how to go about getting all these bunnies with only the two of us!”

That’s when Madam Yu noticed the heir to the Nie Sect, “No problem, Wei- xiong ! Happy to help! They’re cute, I’ll admit. I’m glad you two were able to completely make up, as well! Wei- xiong , I’ll see you tonight, right?” He seemed to startle and look at Lan Wangji, who was sitting on the ground with a bunny in his lap, ignoring everyone. “Er, before curfew, of course, haha…”

Wei Wuxian smiled and waved a hand at Nie Huaisang, “yeah yeah, see you, Nie- xiong .”

The woman who was with them, who Madam Yu only recognised as being of the Wen sect, wiped off her robes, and grabbed the hand of the other Wen member. “You’re a dumbass, Wei Wuxian, I hope you know what you’re doing.”

The second Wen nodded, “he does, jiejie !”

Wei Wuxian put a hand on his hip and motioned to the Wen boy, “see, Wen Qing? I know what I’m doing. You’ve examined me like… hundreds of times by now. I’m healthy, clean, and… uh- happy.”

“Wen Qing” grunted and started walking away, her brother trailing after her, “Good! Come on, A- Ning. I haven’t slept because of that nuisance.”

Wei Wuxian laughed as he sat next to Lan Wangji, “love you too, Qing -jie !”

Madam Yu waited for the two Wen to get out of sight before she began to actually enter the field, but what Wei Wuxian said next stopped her in her tracks. “Wow, it was lucky, wasn’t it? Thanks for lending me your ribbon to prevent that guqin from attacking!”

Madam Yu could feel how high her eyebrows rose as she closed her eyes and shook her head because, eh?

Lan Wangji responded, “Mn. No trouble.”

As if he wasn’t in big trouble right now with Madam Yu.

Wei Wuxian pouted as a rabbit ran away from him but smiled at Lan Wangji when he placed one in his lap for him, “Thanks, Lan Zhan! Anyway, I’m also glad we were able to make up! Especially since we got sucked into the cave right after! I’m glad you don’t… well, it’s one less thing to tell Lan- dai - aaah, she’d kill me if she heard me! Don’t tell her I addressed her wrong, Lan Zhan! Lan- jiejie .”

Lan Wangji once again said, “mn.”

Madam Yu thought it was acknowledgement but apparently it also held a question because Wei Wuxain answered it. “Well, I think it is, but… I don’t know how helpful it actually is. Lan- jiejie said that communication is key with relationships so communicate with the people I want to keep close to me. She said I could try to communicate with people who I didn’t want to keep close to me, but it may not always be effective. She also said that in the case of… well, she said I should just run away. Ha! I tried to tell her I can’t just do that and she dragged me out of the room by the elbow. I could tell she would have preferred the ear. You know what she said, Lan Zhan?”

“Mn.”

“She said, ‘Wei Wuxian, that is not how you should think about it. How have you been with the friends you’ve made here? How about all your intellectual debates with Lan- Xiansheng ?'”

“Wei Ying is very smart.”

“Thank you, Lan Zhan! Anyway, I think her point was that all of those require communication, whether it be to create friendship or to feel comfortable enough with an authority figure to challenge them. What do you think, Lan Zhan?”

“Mn.”

Wei Wuxian laughed then and fell backwards into the grass, the bunny in his lap hopping out and hopping away. When Wei Wuxian said, “awwwww” in response, Madam Yu could have sworn she saw a tiny smile on the face of- all right, that’s enough. She’ll have to figure out how to breach the subject of the headband to the appropriate people at a later date.

“ A- Xian.”

When she made it into the clearing, Wei Wuxian shot up to a standing position and Lan Wangji placed the bunny in his lap aside.

Wei Wuxian gathered himself and bowed saying, “Auntie Yu.” Then he seemed to realise what came out of his mouth and his eyes widened as he froze.

Madam Yu came to stand in front of them and raised Wei Wuxian out of his bow, pulling on his ear. When Wei Wuxian began to whine, Madam Yu said, “about time you started calling me appropriately. All of your letters were the same. I’m glad you were able to get the help I had assumed you would.”

Wei Wuxian rubbed his ear and looked briefly at Lan Wangji before looking at her again, “you did?”

Madam Yu scoffed, “of course.”

Wei Wuxian smiled and turned his head to Lan Wangji. Madam Yu also turned to Lan Wangji, “ Lan-er-gongzi .” Lan Wangji bowed again. Yeah, you better bow to me . She continued, “I have much to discuss with you at a later date about what you think about… certain measures.”

She wasn’t sure if he understood what she was implying but he still blinked at her and then replied, “mn.”

Madam Yu raised her chin and said, “Good.” Then she grabbed Wei Wuxian by the shoulder and wiped at his forehead, “there are leaves in your hair. Honestly, A- Xian, do you care about your image at all?”

Wei Wuxian giggled, “not with you, Auntie Yu, I feel safe with you! And Lan Zhan is my friend now!”

Madam Yu glanced at Lan Wangji, “friend, you say?”

That was probably when Lan Wangji understood some more than he did because he stiffened. He did, however, manage to reply, “mn.”

Madam Yu smirked and said, “good. We’ll discuss this more later. I need to get back and make sure…”

She winced when she felt Wei Wuxian stiffen, “Auntie Yu?”

Madam Yu hit the top of his head lightly, “Don’t worry about it. You’ll have to tell me more about how everything’s been going later, at Lotus Pier. Stay here. Don’t move, all right? It’s secluded enough. Just stay here for another shichen at least, okay?”

Wei Wuxian was stiff, but he nodded. Lan Wangji grabbed his hand and squeezed it before releasing it again.

How bold .

He looked Madam Yu in the eye and Madam Yu looked back. Madam Yu continued, “ Lan-er-gongzi , I will discuss certain matters with your uncle in the near future. Wei Wuxian may have been asked if knows what he’s doing but I ask you to assure me, right now.”

She ignored Wei Wuxian’s confused face and stared Lan Wangji down. Lan Wangji replied, “Of course, Madam Yu.”

She smirked again. “Excellent.” She turned back to Wei Wuxian and hugged him tight. “I will see you again in a short time, A- Xian. Be safe.”

Wei Wuxian hugged back after a moment, “I will, Ma-Auntie Yu.”

They were just pulling apart when Jiang Wanyin came sprinting into the clearing. Madam Yu and Wei Wuxian both said, “ A- Cheng!” as Lan Wangji bowed and then sat down again.

Madam Yu guided Wei Wuxian back down as Jiang Wanyin approached, out of breath. “You’re okay-” He took a deep breath and let it out, “good. A-Niang , it’s A-Die .”

Wei Wuxian stiffened again and Madam Yu put a hand on his head as Lan Wangji placed another bunny in his lap.

Madam Yu gritted her teeth. “What did he do now?”

Jiang Wanyin took another deep breath and said, “he broke off A-Jie ’s engagement.”

Madam Yu felt Zidian spark and her aura become more oppressive. “Auntie Yu…” “ A-Niang !” “Madam Yu.”

Of course he fucking did. Why is everything happening all at once now? She calmed herself as much as she could and gritted out from behind clenched teeth, “after I specifically turned exactly just that down as an option?”

Jiang Wanyin pursed his lips and said, “if you said that… then… um. Probably?”

Madam Yu let out an incredulous laugh. “Perfect. Just perfect. I don’t want that man going looking for us now that he thinks it’s all over with. A- Cheng, you stay here. Pet some bunnies.”

She saw out of the corner of her eye as she left that her second son had sat next to her first and nodded to Lan Wangji as Wei Wuxian gave him a bunny from his own lap. Madam Yu sighed to control herself but her anger acted up again when she saw her husband talking calmly with Jin- Zongzhu and Lan Qiren.

Lan Qiren was saying, “Jiang- Zongzhu , are you certain-”

Before a response could come out, Madam Yu interrupted, “Of course he isn’t. He’s lost his damn mind.”

“ San-Niang …how is A- Xian?”

“Don’t you dare call out to me! And I forbid you from uttering my son’s name like that ever again, you… you… you scoundrel! What’s this I hear about you calling off A- Li’s betrothal after I specifically turned down that option?”

Chapter Text

Jiang Wanyin would be the first to admit that his temper is not the best.

Believe it or not, he would be the first to admit it.

He’s been working on it. He has.

It’s only that his temper flares when certain people mess with other certain people who Jiang Wanyin just happens to give a shit about.

And so the fact that his father insisted on coming to the Cloud Recesses really pissed him off. Why-

“Here he is!” Jiang Wanyin looked up from the bunny he had been, admittedly, none too gently petting when he heard Nie Huaisang’s voice. He was grimacing just a bit and leading a woman who was not quite running behind him.

Wei Wuxian, who had been holding both his and Lan Wangji’s hands very tightly and staring at at least four bunnies that had settled in his lap, immediately raised his head upon hearing extra footsteps and then cried, “Lan- jiejie ! Guys, this is Lan Xiulian!”

Jiang Wanyin closed his eyes and sighed. Thank the heavens .

Nie Huaisang collapsed at his side then and put what seemed like all of his body weight on him. “Yah, Nie Huaisang, what the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Nie Huaisang groaned and buried his face deeper in Jiang Wanyin’s shoulder. “Have mercy on me, Jiang- xiong . That woman tracked me down like a bloodhound and then I had to risk punishment for breaking the running rule just for trying to avoid her boots tearing my ankles to bits! Give me a bunny, Jiang- xiong , lend me your shoulder, and sshh .”

“You just want gossip, Nie-”

His eyebrows rose beyond his hairline when Nie Huaisang reached a hand over and covered his mouth. “Sh! I’m trying to listen!”

“-saw that man, I almost broke several rules then and there. Lan Wangji, take a note, so that I can write imaginary lines for the rules broken in my imagination.”

Jiang Wanyin yanked Nie Huaisang’s hand off his mouth and held his wrist away as Lan Wangji heaved probably his biggest sigh to date and replied, “ Daifu , I don’t think that’s neces-”

“Rule one, do not interrupt. ”

She smiled when Wei Wuxian let out a small laugh and continued, “Rule two, no running , I almost ran up to Jiang Fengmian to enact the actions that would mean the next rule broken, no killing in Cloud Recesses . I almost killed that man. Oh, and also, I broke an unspoken girl rule of yielding the first punch to the first girl who claimed it. And Madam Yu, I could tell, certainly has that claim. I- Lan Wangji! Are you even listening? Say yes!”

Lan Wangji didn’t even look up as he said, “ Lying is forbidden .”

This, of course, led to the most heated debate Jiang Wanyin was sure he would ever see between two Lans - one almost breaking the Lan front to become full Yu it seemed, and the other - well, the other was Lan Wangji.

Throughout all of this, Jiang Wanyin noted, Wei Wuxian was smiling and laughing slightly, petting rabbits and sometimes dragging one up against its will to nuzzle his face.

“See?” Nie Huaisang whispered amongst the squabble, “Lan- daifu told me that she knew the best way to redirect Wei- xiong ’s thoughts and thus improve his mood, so that’s why I led her here.”

Jiang Wanyin raised an eyebrow, “are you certain it’s not because she’s scary?”

Nie Huaisang sat up straight and looked him in the eye. “Jiang- xiong .”

He looked back at the other three present and opened his fan to cover the bottom half of his face, “I will admit that was… part of it. I was walking by, and… she had just seen Madam Yu walk up to Lan- Xiansheng , Jin- Zongzhu , and Jiang- Zongzhu . She was horrifying. Her eyes were on fire, Jiang- xiong ! She pulled on my arm and silenced my yelp. She said, - before she told me she knew how to help Wei- xiong - and I quote , Jiang- xiong , ‘take me to Wei Wuxian before I murder a man.’ That was a direct quote! She only said the other thing once we were away from the main courtyard. She’s terrifying!”

Jiang Wanyin smirked, “you’re just weaker than you’re capable of being.”

Nie Huaisang pouted and slapped Jiang Wanyin’s arm, “rude.”

Satisfied, Jiang Wanyin once again redirected his attention.

“Lan Zhan! Pay attention to me!” Wei Wuxian had somehow gotten Lan Xiulian to sit down across from him and pet a bunny, presumably to calm her down?

Regardless, now Wei Wuxian was being embarrassing.

“Wei Wuxian! I don’t want to see that!"

Jiang Wanyin pointed at his brother who turned to him with wide eyes and innocently replied, “see what?”

Jiang Wanyin had to close his eyes and take a deep breath.

“Lan- daifu ?” Nie Huaisang cut in, semi-hiding behind Jiang Wanyin’s shoulder, gripping it.

“Mn-hm?” This woman might be crazy , Jiang Wanyin thought, as he watched her respond while holding a bunny by the front paws in one hand and the hind paws in the other, making it move up and down like a stagnant wave.

Nie Huaisang spoke again, “what do we do now?”

Jiang Wanyin twisted his lip and raised an eyebrow at Nie Huaisang, who looked back with a strained smile.

Lan Xiulian placed the bunny down with a pet down its spine. Then she looked up to the sky, “It’s nearly dinner. I imagine if Madam Yu isn’t still chewing that man out, she’s on her way back here. All right, kids!”

Wei Wuxian groaned as Lan Wangji placed his own bunny down and stood.

Jiang Wanyin began to get up as well until he was nearly pulled down next to Nie Huaisang, who had collapsed in a heap.

Jiang Wanyin got up and kicked his shin, which made Nie Huaisang whine.

Jiang Wanyin kicked him again before he rolled his eyes and picked up his arm, pulling him up to a standing position.

He looked over to see Wei Wuxian still sitting with his lips pursed.

Lan Xiulian put her hands on her hips and addressed Wei Wuxian, “if you don’t get up, I’ll make you sit in silence for two shichen while I-”

Wei Wuxian shot up so fast Jiang Wanyin was sure he got dizzy.

Then Wei Wuxian spoke, “you said Auntie Yu-” Auntie Yu?? That’s new… “-would be coming back this way, probably? Let’s go!”

Lan Xiulian smirked as Wei Wuxian grabbed Lan Wangji’s hand and pulled him to go ahead of him down the path.

Jiang Wanyin was happy with that arrangement as he didn’t know where his father was right now.

While they didn’t meet Madam Yu on the path, they did see her pacing in the main courtyard. Standing with her off to the side, sometimes talking was-

“ Jiejie !” “ A-Jie !” Both Jiang Wanyin and Wei Wuxian both nearly broke into a run to reach their sister, who pulled them both into hugs.

“Oh, thank goodness! I was so worried! I leave for additional classes and you two immediately stir up trouble! A- Xian, how have the meetings been going?”

When Wei Wuxian started telling tales of how he’s been improving, dragging both Lan Xiulian and Lan Wangji into discussion along with him. Jiang Wanyin went to his mother.

Nie Huaisang wavered for a couple seconds before following him.

“ A-Niang ?” Jiang Wanyin looked around for the other one while Nie Huaisang bowed.

Madam Yu bowed back to Nie Huaisang and sighed, taking Jiang Wanyin by the shoulder, “do you trust Nie Huaisang?”

Huaisang’s eyes widened and he started the skittishly turn around, “I can leave if-”

“Yes, mother, I do.” Jiang Wanyin pulled on Nie Huaisang’s hand and held him in place.

Madam Yu looked at them consideringly and began to speak. “ A- Cheng, I have occupied your father with checking on the other disciples but it won’t last too much longer. I’m glad A- Ying is doing well, but I fear regression if he encounters… your father. He had also, apparently, tried to argue for bringing every disciple back to Lotus Pier after this incident. He’s running out of options when it comes to getting what he wants early.”

Jiang Wanyin frowned. “He can’t get what he wants ever . Let alone early .”

Nie Huaisang seemed to sense something and put his hand on Jiang Wanyin’s shoulder. “Madam Yu, if I may be of assistance?”

*********

“ Jiejie , are you all right?” They were sitting together at a table, snacks placed nearby. Wei Wuxian had taken Jiang Yanli’s hand while Jiang Wanyin was peeling lotus seeds their mother had given them.

“Of course, A- Xian, why wouldn’t I be? You’re finally doing so much better! I’m so glad to hear of your progress!” She brushed Wei Wuxian’s nose and Jiang Wanyin cut in.

“That’s great, A-Jie , but that isn’t what he meant.”

“Oh, boys, I’m just fine. A-Niang will take care of A-Die ’s blunder as best she can, and I can build my relationship with Jin Zixuan myself now even if A-Niang can’t reverse what he did. At least the… oh.”

She looked at her youngest brother and he pursed his lips.

“What?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“The… the lectures… are nearly over…”

“Oh.”

Wei Wuxian sat there for a second and then withdrew his hand from his sister’s hold and put his hands on his temples. Then he murmured so quiet they could barely hear him. “Table, lotus seeds, dormitory. A-Jie, myself, birds. Hands, hair, legs.” He then took a deep breath and sat up straight. “It’s okay. I’m okay.”

Jiang Wanyin leaned forward, “are you sure?”

When his brother turned to him and said, “yes” Jiang Wanyin only narrowly accepted it.

He hoped Nie Huaisang’s plan was a success because he didn’t know how much longer things could last.

Chapter Text

Patience is a virtue best practiced in the face of tumult.

Jiang Fengmian was well regarded and known for his patience in almost every matter.

Patience was eluding him more frequently recently.

Yu Ziyuan had sent him away again to check on the progress of the disciples while they were here while she went to make sure the children were all well.

It made no sense to Jiang Fengmian.

Yes, he was the sect leader, true, but Yu Ziyuan was the head of discipline in the sect and always claimed that she had just as much power as he did.

So why was he who had to check on the disciples? Time is short and opportunities are limited. Now, it was less likely to find A- Xian al-

“ Zongzhu .” He approached the training grounds where the Jiang disciples were being supervised by a relatively young man in white.

He smiled slightly when after the first greeting, the other disciples were quick to follow suit. “Hello everyone. Are you causing trouble?”

He didn’t notice how more than a few disciples narrowed their eyes at him as they replied in the negative.

The instructor approached. “Jiang- zongzhu , pardon me, I am Lan Yuchi. Classes have been postponed due to the… Well, the disappearance incident I heard about has been resolved. So, your disciples asked me to supervise their training practice.”

“ Unauthorised fights are prohibited in the Cloud Recesses. ” One of the younger disciples exclaimed, which caused both Jiang Fengmian and Lan Yuchi to smile.

“I see they’ve also done well in memorising the rules of your sect.”

Lan Yuchi bowed, “only as much as they need to not to get into trouble, Jiang- zongzhu . I can assure you that the rules will probably leave their minds as soon as lectures end.”

Jiang Fengmian nodded and motioned to his disciples to continue their training.

He turned before he could notice a few sticking their tongues out at him and a few others turning and raising their feet behind them at him.

Lan Yuchi remained stoic when he saw them doing this, but he internally wondered why every single disciple seemed so… disillusioned? No… well, just plain against their sect leader.

Jiang Fengmian also didn’t hear them as he was leaving - when Lan Yuchi asked why they were being disrespectful and they replied with, “we don’t know the details, but we know he’s done something to our dashixiong and has been for years. There has to be a reason Madam Yu is even more hostile to him and much more loving towards dashixiong .”

When he arrived at the main compound, he saw his wife waiting impatiently with Lan Qiren beside her.

Jiang Fengmian almost sighed aloud. No children were with her. “ San-Niang . Lan- xiansheng .”

While he bowed to Lan Qiren, his wife began to speak. “Jiang Fengmian, where have you been? How long does it take for you to make sure the disciples are doing well and behaving themselves?”

Jiang Fengmian smiled and motioned for her to calm down, which he momentarily forgot did the exact opposite.

He replied, “ San-Niang , I was also talking with the instructor. We have a lot of disciples, of course it took some time to check on them.”

Jiang Fengmian noticed Lan Qiren seemed to be holding something back, but before he could ask, his wife interrupted again. “Well, everything has been settled. We need to return to Lotus Pier. We’ve been gone for long enough.”

Jiang Fengmian felt a flash of panic but pushed it down. “But San-Niang , I haven’t seen the children yet.”

Madam Yu scoffed, “how is that an issue for me to solve? We’ve been gone for long enough and you’ll see them soon enough. The lectures won’t last much longer.”

Jiang Fengmian gritted his teeth and looked at Lan Qiren who bowed his head and indicated for them to follow him, presumably right out the gates of the Cloud Recesses.

That’s when he saw his children walking away from the library pavilion, A- Cheng and A -Li leaving A- Xian outside of it.

If I don’t break away now, I never will .

And so when Madam Yu turned her head briefly away from him and Lan Qiren was well enough in front of them, and A- Cheng and A- Li were far enough away, he bolted.

Right to the Library Pavillion, stopping A- Xian before he could get fully into the pavilion, gently knocking him out before he could make a sound.

He heard at least four people yell out, his wife the loudest, his daughter the most hysterical, as he used qinggong to speedily leave the Cloud Recesses to find a secluded location where no one would find them.

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji desperately wished someone had told him sooner.

It took Nie Huaisang, Jiang Yanli, and his uncle to prevent him from immediately tracking down and killing Jiang. Feng. mian. He really wanted to kill him. He almost managed to get to a point where he could have.

Jiang Wanyin said that he was so worked up that his heart rate had increased to the point where he had needed to be taken to the medical pavilion.

“Why did you stop me?”

Jiang Yanli, Jiang Cheng, and Nie Huaisang all looked at each other and then back at Lan Wangji.

Nie Huaisang replied, “It would have kind of… ruined the plan if you interfered.”

“Plan?”

Jiang Wanyin spoke, “ A- Sang came up with a plan that would-”

Lan Wangji interrupted. Do not interrupt . “That involved kidnapping ??”

Nie Huaisang, the coward, hid behind Jiang Wanyin. “Wangji -xiong , it’s not what you think! Madam Yu informed me that… that man was getting particularly… uh…”

“Desperate.” Jiang Wanyin finished, arms crossed and face twisted into a clear expression of disgust.

“Right, yes, desperate - he, uh… I thought that he might break if we put Wei- xiong in… semi-danger. It took a lot of convincing to get Jiang- guniang and Madam Yu especially to, uh, agree. And Wei- xiong knew!”

Jiang Yanli cut in, “which we know is not something that should have been readily agreed to, of course, Lan- er-gongzi , but… he said if it would solve everything, he was willing to-”

“Get kidnapped by his abuser.” Do not interrupt.

Lan Wangji’s fists were clenched as he stared at Jiang Yanli who looked down and Jiang Wanyin who placed himself more fully in front of Nie Huaisang, a hand behind himself, presumably holding onto Nie Huaisang’s, fully obscuring him from view.

“Lan- er-gongzi , we know it sounds really bad but we wouldn’t have agreed had we not known exactly how it would play out. I assure you.” Jiang Yanli bowed low and only straightened when Lan Wangji clenched his jaw - do not succumb to rage - and looked at Jiang Wanyin, who tapped his sister’s shoulder to raise her.

“Explain. Now.”

Nie Huaisang jumped from behind Jiang Wanyin and placed a placating hand on his forearm before saying, “Wangji -xiong , notice that Madam Yu isn’t here? She only waited a minute or two before going after Wei- xiong . She should have not only found them by now but probably had Lan Qiren called to um. To arrest Jiang- Zong- AHEM. Jiang Fengmian. We didn’t exactly know he would do this so early. We agreed that we would leave little tiny , really miniscule openings for Jiang Fengmian to do… basically what he did, but we didn’t expect him to lose composure so early… that’s why we were so surprised. Sorry we didn’t inform you too… you were right inside the pavilion, weren’t you?”

Lan Wangji had a lot of emotions suddenly, and a lot of them required these three to leave him alone. Do not succumb to rage. Nie Huaisang seemed to realise this and led the other two outside. He tried to regulate his breathing, he tried counting as high as he could, he recited the rules. He needed-

“I see that most of you are already outside! Get all guest disciples out here! Everyone! I have an announcement.” That was his uncle. He stepped out and made his way to the centre of Cloud Recesses where everyone was gathering. He focused on his uncle so as to not… do anything drastic. “There has been another incident. This time it is more serious than before. I know all of you have been enjoying your break from classes, but I will tell you now that due to recent events, I hope you remember everything we had been learning because I will give you one last test in two days’ time. Stop yelling! If you would quiet yourselves I will explain-”

“This is outrageous!” Do not interrupt. “Lan- xiansheng , what right do you have-” Jin Zixun was cut off when Jin Zixuan hit him upside the head.

Then he bowed, “please pardon my cousin, Lan- xiansheng , he has become complacent recently due to his doing only two points better than normally -” He stopped for a brief moment, staring at his cousin without blinking, still in a bow, before he turned his head back into his bow and continued, “on the last test we had taken, actually. Please proceed.”

Lan Qiren opened his mouth, closed it again, blinking, before once again addressing the disciples, “Right. Well, to put it simply, there has been an intersect development that requires the involvement of at the very least the five major sects to congregate. I have already sent out notices to the other sects to meet here in three days. I believe that the lectures will end early due to this. If your parents believe you need the last couple weeks we won’t have, I look forward to seeing you next year, for at least some of the time. Thank you.” He walked away as many complained loudly.

Lan Wangji stepped up and said, “Do not interrupt. Yelling is prohibited. Do not succumb to rage. Do not disrespect the elder. Learning comes first. Be respectful. Honour your teacher and respect his teachings. Don’t be unreasonable. Do not let your studies go to waste. All of you, except for Jin Zixuan, have violated these rules. You are still in Cloud Recesses. Maintain your own discipline. Discipline your own words and behaviour. Copy the rules, each of you, five times. Jin Zixun, ten times.”

Jin Zixuan pushed his cousin back before he could protest and bowed to Lan Wangji, “thank you, Lan- er-gongzi .”

**********

“Where.” Lan Wangji had been pacing in front of the Jiang dorm.

Jiang Yanli had been mindlessly peeling more of the lotus seeds Madam Yu had brought and putting them in the bowl which Jiang Wanyin was slowly eating out of, watching the path like a hawk.

Nie Huaisang pursed his lips. “Wangji- xiong , you have to trust me! And believe me, please. It’s probably only taking a while because Madam Yu is making sure that Wei- xiong is… recovered-”

“I thought he would be with you! Where is he? Who do I have to kill?” Lan Xiulian came up the path at that moment. She was seething. She marched right past Lan Wangji and took Nie Huaisang by the ear. “Nie Huaisang, is it perhaps you?”

“Ah! A- Cheng! A- Cheng, save me!”

Jiang Wanyin broke out of his trance briefly and clasped a hand around Lan Xiulian’s. “Lan- Daifu , please. A- Sang planned this all out. He’s fine. We know he’s fine. A-Niang is with him. A-D - Jiang Fengmian is probably not currently an issue.”

Lan Xiulian let go of Nie Huaisang’s ear and scoffed, “probably, huh?”

“Oh, believe me, he isn’t. And he won’t be when this is all over, either.” Everyone turned at the sound of Madam Yu’s voice.

“ A-Niang! A- Xian!” Jiang Yanli jumped up, but stopped, her eyes widening as she brought her hands up to cover her mouth and nose.

“ Gege! ” “ Wei Ying! ” Jiang Wanyin and Lan Wangji also exclaimed.

Jiang Wanyin got up and started walking towards his mother but stopped short when the… person being dragged behind her by the collar became more visible. “Is that…”

“Ha! Madam Yu, I love you!” Lan Xiulian exclaimed.

Lan Wangji ignored everyone and came up to Madam Yu to look over Wei Wuxian, who had his hands wrapped around Madam Yu’s neck. He was sitting in the crook of Madam Yu’s left elbow, held close until Lan Wangji approached. Madam Yu gently transferred Wei Wuxian into Lan Wangji’s arms.

“Lan Wangji. I am trusting you to hold my elder son and keep him calm when he wakes. He woke up just as I arrived, just in time, I may add, so he’s all right in that regard, at least partially. He did pass out again shortly after, as you see here. Lan Xiulian-”

“Don’t you worry Madam Yu, I will help Wei Wuxian get through this mentally.”

Madam Yu nodded as Lan Wangji adjusted Wei Wuxian into a princess carry. Jiang Yanli finally moved and told Lan Wangji, “Lan- er-gongzi , please, take my seat.”

Nie Huaisang had been hanging back but he then approached and stood next to Jiang Wanyin, who had been looking down at what Madam Yu had held in her right hand. “Oh my gods.”

Jiang Wanyin took his hand and turned to his mother as a groan was heard.

“ A-Niang … he’s coming to.”

Madam Yu sighed and dropped the collar she was holding so that the head of Jiang Fengmian hit the ground, only relatively cushioned by the grass he fortunately landed in. “No he isn’t, not yet at least.” She wiped her hands against each other in a gesture that probably normally would have been to wipe off soot, but now appeared to only be wiping off the feel of her husband’s collar from her hands. “Lan- er-gongzi .”

Lan Wangji had just finished fully adjusting Wei Wuxian into his lap and resting Wei Wuxian’s head in the crook of his neck. He looked up and said, “Mn.”

Madam Yu scoffed. “I assume that means I have your attention.” She put her fists on her hips. “If and when he comes to again, would you mind kindly silencing him?”

Lan Wangji didn’t nod, as that might disturb Wei Wuxian, but he said “Mn” again.

Madam Yu almost lunged at him, but Nie Huaisang dissuaded her. “Madam Yu! I assure you that he means no disrespect. He’s actually been talking-”

Jiang Wanyin interrupted, “sometimes in full sentences, A-Niang .”

Nie Huaisang shot him a look to which he put his hands up in a surrender. Nie Huaisang hit his chest with a fist, rolled his eyes, and continued, “a lot more than normal! He’s probably only drained his… uh… his reservoir. Please excuse him.” Nie Huaisang laughed a little awkwardly as Madam Yu stared him down.

She then raised her chin a bit and said, “I can see why A- Cheng likes you. You’re good at negotiation, if nothing else.” She looked at her youngest, his cheeks bursting red, as Nie Huaisang bowed and thanked her.

Jiang Yanli was also smiling, her hands occupied with checking on her older didi ’s meridians and physical health.

“Um…” Jiang Wanyin hesitated, then walked over to the unconscious man on the ground. “ A-Niang… there is a lot of… blood…”

“ A- Li, focus on A- Ying, please.” With that, Madam Yu put her heel in the crook of Jiang Fengmian’s neck and kicked him so that he rolled onto his back.

Lan Wangji made one single blink so heavy it almost gave him a headache before he opened his eyes again.

Nie Huaisang opened his fan and hid most of his face, though his wide eyes were still visible.

Madam Yu lowered herself to a crouch and said, “I suppose you’re right, A- Cheng. That is a lot of blood.” She stood, exhaled loudly and looked up to the sky, annoyed. “It would be better if he were able to be lucid enough to speak for himself, I suppose.” Then she kicked at the path once.

Lan Wangji refrained from saying anything; he just held Wei Wuxian tighter as Jiang Yanli put her knuckles on Wei Wuxian’s forehead, cheeks, and neck, probably to check for temperature.

Madam Yu sighed another time and crouched down next to Jiang Fengmian again. “ A- Cheng, do you have an extra wrap?”

“Yes, A-Niang .” Jiang Wanyin raised his hand so that his sleeve fell down his elbow, unclasped the wrist guard he wore, and ripped a piece from beneath.

Jiang Yanli waved a hand in front of Lan Wangji’s face, “Lan- er-gongzi ?” When Lan Wangji turned to her, she smiled before continuing, “I’m done. A- Xian seems to be all right as far as… physical health goes. He’s probably been set back a bit mentally…” She ran a knuckle across Wei Wuxian’s cheek, “but I think now, he’ll genuinely be able to get better. The end is nearer now than ever.”

Lan Wangji adjusted Wei Wuxian so that he was more sitting in his lap rather than laying in it, head still in Lan Wangji’s shoulder.

Lan Xiulian, who had been silently smiling while watching everything happen around her, turned her head then and said, “Don’t worry er-gongzi . I will make sure that our Wei Wuxian is well cared for in that department.” She then walked over to Madam Yu and said, “Madam Yu, while your pressure is good on the, uh… wound, would you like me to wrap it so that it is secure and you don’t have to bother anymore? At least until he faces trial.”

Madam Yu chuckled, “Picked up on that, did you?”

Lan Xiulian bowed as Madam Yu rose, just slightly, and tilted her head, “It doesn’t take a genius to infer it, I believe, but I also know, as a Yu, that this will certainly end with the most brutal punishment you can inflict without pushback.”

Madam Yu also tilted her head, raising her eyebrow.

Lan Xiulian smiled then and bent down, pulling more fabric from her sleeve. “Glad I thought this might come in handy today!”

Jiang Cheng and Madam Yu stepped away as Lan Xiulian… rolled Jiang Fengmian around - Lan Wangji thought it was a similar motion to what the children in Caiyi do when building a man out of snow - all the while wrapping the fabric securely around… the bottom part of him.

That was when Jiang Wanyin made his perhaps most uncouth comment, as if Lan Wangji wasn’t right there. “ A-Niang. Did you really use Zidian to burn and then pull off his dick?”

Nie Huaisang guffawed and Jiang Yanli pursed her lips, turning away.

Lan Wangji thought she was perhaps trying to save some of the dignity her family had.

Madam Yu didn’t even look up from where she was watching Lan Xiulian work, (Lan Wangji noted that Lan Xiulian was shaking a bit, presumably trying to hold in laughter) her fists once again placed on her hips. “ A- Cheng, that was a horrible way to phrase that. The word you are looking for is ‘castrate.’ The phrasing of your question should have been, ‘ A-Niang , did you really castrate him using Zidian ?’ And of course, obviously -”

Lan Xiulian cut in, “ evidently , even.”

Madam Yu scowled at Lan Xiulian and drew out her next word, “ evidently , the answer to that question is yes.”

There was a brief silence as Lan Xiulian finished up, raising a hand to Madam Yu, perhaps to help her stand, when Lan Wangji’s uncle came down the path. “I have sent messages to the other remaining sects, they should arrive in three days’ time. Wangji already knows this - the lectures will end early and we can- good heavens !”

Lan Wangji worried about his uncle’s blood pressure but couldn’t be bothered to transfer his role as Wei Wuxian’s keeper to Jiang Yanli at that moment.

Lan Xiulian, who had just been helped up by Madam Yu, said, “ Xiansheng , please remember your health. Guitong will never forgive me if I have to drag you to him myself for treatment.”

Nie Huaisang and Jiang Wanyin had retreated back to the table, helping themselves to some more lotus seeds, seemingly unbothered.

His uncle pointed at Lan Xiulian and then Madam Yu, then his eyes found Jiang Fengmian and he pointed at him, all the while emitting a drawn out “mmmm” varying in octave, face getting redder and redder.

Madam Yu dropped Lan Xiulian’s hand and crossed her arms, “Lan Qiren! Breathe before you faint from asphyxiation.”

His uncle took a deep breath, then another, bringing his hands in front of his nose, palms flat against each other. “Madam Yu.” He said after a while. “Please tell me you did not kill him.”

Lan Wangji couldn’t help himself. “ Killing is prohibited within Cloud Recesses. ”

His uncle went red again and pointed at Lan Wangji, “I am well aware of that!”

Lan Wangji glared at him, cradling Wei Wuxian’s head as the boy began to shift. “ No loud noises within Cloud Recesses. ”

Nie Huaisang and Jiang Wanyin stifled laughs as his uncle nearly broke a blood vessel in his forehead, “You-”

Madam Yu interrupted, “Lan Qiren, control yourself. Of course he isn’t dead.”

His uncle took a deep breath and closed his eyes, addressing Madam Yu, he still asked, “Then what is he?”

Madam Yu looked down at Jiang Fengmian and then back up at Lan Qiren, “passed out.”

Jiang Yanli put a finger up to her lips, a smile present nonetheless, looking at Jiang Wanyin and Nie Huaisang, who were now failing to stifle their laughter.

Lan Qiren stood there, speechless for a moment, before Lan Xiulian spoke again, “Oh, cut that out, xiansheng , what did you come here for? The sects are coming, you said?”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes started to show signs of moving under his eyelids as Lan Wangji’s uncle cleared his throat and stepped further to the side, away from Jiang Fengmian. “Yes. They should be arriving soon. Then we can… proceed with- are you sure he’s not dead?”

Both Lan Xiulian and Madam Yu let out twin sighs.

Jiang Yanli got up and bowed, “Do not worry, Lan- xiansheng . He was mildly lucid when brought here. Lan -daifu checked him over and wrapped his…wound. He should be able to participate in the… in the trial.”

Lan Qiren stroked his beard and nodded, “Thank you, Jiang- guniang . Now. Madam Yu, there have been guest quarters arranged for you and- well, there is another bed you can… put Jiang- Zongzhu on.” He grimaced as he said this.

Madam Yu sighed, “well, I guess it can’t be helped. Children, I will see you tomorrow. Rest well.” With that, she whipped Zidian out, making his uncle jump nearly one whole chǐ into the air, and wrapped it around Jiang Fengmian. “Lead the way.”

Nie Huaisang outright laughed, unable to control himself, which led to Jiang Wanyin also breaking composure. At least he had the decency to stifle his laughter into Nie Huaisang’s shoulder.

Lan Xiulian cracked her neck and bowed toward the group on the porch before following with a, “I’ll come with you all until I veer off to go back to the medical pavilion.”

Once they were gone, Jiang Yanli said, “Lan- er-gongzi , please take care of A -Xian.”

Lan Wangji immediately responded with “mn.”

Jiang Yanli smiled at him and planted a kiss on Wei Wuxian’s head as well as Jiang Wanyin’s. She rubbed at Nie Huaisang’s hair, causing mild protest, to which Jiang Yanli laughed and retreated down the path, presumably to her own guest quarters.

Nie Huaisang and Jiang Wanyin seemed to have a silent conversation before Nie Huaisang also bid his goodbyes and left.

Jiang Wanyin opened the door and then motioned for Lan Wangji to follow him inside.

Once the door closed, Jiang Wanyin crossed his arms and stared at Wei Wuxian in Lan Wangji’s arms. Lan Wangji did not move. Then, Jiang Wanyin spoke, “how much of a chokehold does he have you in?”

Lan Wangji replied, “not choking.”

This, of course, led to Jiang Wanyin raising an eyebrow at him.

Lan Wangji amended. “He is not choking me, but he is clutching onto me rather tightly.”

Jiang Wanyin hummed and walked to one side of the room. He sat down on the bed and began to pull off his boots. “ Gege ’s bed is over there. You can sit with him until he wakes up, I guess. It’s almost nine anyway, you won’t easily be able to get to your secluded ass - sorry - just secluded house - don’t panic, I only know because Wei Wuxian somehow knew. I don’t think you really want to leave him, either.”

Lan Wangji could feel his ears heating but ignored them and Jiang Wanyin, who was smirking as Lan Wangji made his way to Wei Wuxian’s bed and placed him on it to mild sleepy protest.

Lan Wangji began to sit on the bed so that Wei Wuxian could continue to rest against him as Jiang Wanyin said, “Thank the gods. He’s more lucid than before. He’ll probably come to not too much later now.”

Lan Wangji didn’t acknowledge him so Jiang Wanyin scoffed and got into bed.

Lan Wangji made sure he was sleeping before removing Wei Wuxian’s shoes and adjusting him so that he was a bit more in a reclining position.

*********

Lan Wangji could feel that it was nearly 5:00am when he felt shifting next to him and the tell-tale signs of a panic attack emerging.

Lan Wangji suddenly woke fully and hugged Wei Wuxian close, “I’m here. I’m here, Wei Ying.”

The hyperventilating slowed just the slightest bit so he began to hum the song he had been writing, and slowly but surely, - like the melody he had been painstakingly pouring himself into - Wei Wuxian calmed a bit more. “I’m here.”

It was another incense stick of time humming before Wei Wuxian fully settled and whispered. “Lan Zhan… is- is that you?”

“Mn.”

Wei Wuxian sighed, still not opening his eyes. He whispered again, “Lan Zhan. It is you. I thought I was dreaming. It all… happened so fast.”

“Rest, Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian shook his head against Lan Wangji’s neck.

Lan Wangji had to lean away slightly.

Wei Wuxian continued, “no. No, if I don’t-” He yawned and shivered but continued whispering, “I thought I was dreaming. I was so sure. Auntie… Auntie appeared and then I didn’t remember anything else. But then… I smelled sandalwood. I think it was you. I don’t… remember when I- I don’t remember. But I was suddenly so calm. It was you, I think. Auntie took care of me and brought me to you. And now here you are. So calming. Thank you, Lan Zhan.”

Lan Wangji’s ears were on fire.

He looked across the room when he heard shifting, but that was all it was - shifting. Jiang Wanyin hadn’t awoken.

Lan Wangji turned back to Wei Wuxian and held him tighter. “I am here. Rest.”

Wei Wuxian held onto the front of his robes, “is it nearly five? Time to get up?”

It was. Technically. Still…

“Rest, Wei Ying. I am here. Do not worry.”

Madam Yu must have persuaded Uncle to be lenient because it wasn’t until 9:00am the next day that any of them awoke again.

Chapter Text

“It feels weird to be studying for a test after everything that’s happened in the last… week.” Jiang Cheng was holding his notes up to his face and squinting.

Nie Huaisang threw a pillow at him, “you look like an old man, quit it.”

Jiang Cheng lowered his notes and squinted.

Nie Huaisang put his chin in his palm, resting his elbow in his lap, “I love you?”

Jiang Cheng threw his notes at him, “fuck off.”

Wei Wuxian laughed out loud and rested his own notes over his face. It was silent for a while before Nie Huaisang spoke again, “Wei- xiong ?”

“Hm?” came the reply from under his notes.

“Oh good.” Nie Huaisang rolled his eyes and smiled at Jiang Cheng, “ A- Cheng, good news. He hasn’t died.”

Jiang Cheng scoffed, “hard to tell. Gege , focus. The test is in the morning and we have to get this down.”

Wei Wuxian sat up, “Why is Nie- xiong here?”

Both Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang replied, “we’re studying.”

Wei Wuxian raised an eyebrow and huffed out a breath. “It’s past curfew.”

Jiang Cheng didn’t look up, “we have leeway.”

Wei Wuxian squinted. “You’re welcome, by the way”

Jiang Cheng flipped a page, “say that in regards to your traumatic experiences one more time and I will genuinely break your fucking legs, I’m serious.”

Nie Huaisang groaned, “I can’t concentraaate. Hey-”

“Do you think Lan Zhan is awake?” Wei Wuxian asked, and then jumped when two voices emphatically answered, “No.”

Wei Wuxian pouted and Jiang Cheng sighed, “he’s a Lan , gege . He’s long asleep.”

Nie Huaisang nodded, “and he already knows everything.”

Wei Wuxian pouted again and laid down on his bed. He couldn’t see anything anymore but he heard Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang continue to study, saying not to bother him anymore.

The last test was tomorrow and the sect leaders would be arriving for an impromptu conference the day afterwards. It would be a long two days.

***********

The test wasn’t too bad. Certainly not worth the fuss Nie Huaisang was making.

Some Jin did sneer when Lan Qiren told him to only do as much as he could, but it felt good to watch Jin Zixuan hit said Jin upside the head and say, “shut up, Zixun, and do your test. You insisted you didn’t need to study last night, so show off your intelligence. Shut. Up.”

Yeah.

Jin Zixuan was in Wei Wuxian’s good books for now. For his sister’s sake, Wei Wuxian hoped that didn’t change.

The rest of the day, Wei Wuxian was restless though.

Jiang Cheng, Nie Huaisang, and even Lan Zhan had tried to help but he was wracked with what Lan Xiulian called “the jitters” and it was hard for him to concentrate even when Lan Zhan allowed them to go to the back hills river and fish with their hands. Jiang Cheng was so shocked, his mouth was agape practically the whole walk.

All Lan Zhan said was, “as long as you don’t actually kill them, there is no rule against catching the fish.”

Nie Huaisang ended up catching a dozen more fish than Wei Wuxian over the time that they were there.

Madam Yu and Lan Xiulian found them not long after. Wei Wuxian didn’t know what they were talking about but they were deep in conversation until Lan Xiulian turned her head while talking and waved her hand high above her head. Madam Yu sighed but went ahead of Lan Xiulian to reach them first.

Lan Wangji, who was only standing on the shore, bowed properly first.

Madam Yu crossed her arms and glared at her children and Nie Huaisang until they left the lake. When they did, she said, “get cleaned up, all of you.”

Lan Xiulian walked straight up to Wei Wuxian and checked him over.

Madam Yu continued, “Dinner is soon and then I expect all of you to go to sleep right at 9:00pm. Tomorrow all of the other sects arrive and I expect you to be presentable. That goes for you too, Nie Huaisang. Your brother will probably get here early from what I understand. Though, A- Xian, Wen- daifu did inform me she’d like to see you for a physical check-up before dinner. Now, don’t argue with me, it will do you good.”

Nie Huaisang grimaced and bowed, “Madam Yu.” He exaggeratedly rolled his eyes at Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian and then walked off.

Lan Wangji bowed again and said, “Wei Ying.” before he too walked back to his house.

“I’m here too, you know!” Jiang Cheng called.

Lan Wangji did not turn but responded, “No yelling.”

Wei Wuxian hadn’t laughed so hard since before Jiang Cheng punched Jin Zixuan.

*********

Wei Wuxian was tired. But he also has to be entirely awake. The Jiang were already in the main hall of the Cloud Recesses waiting for everyone else to arrive. It was Jiang, Lan, and anyone from other sects who were already at the lectures currently, but-

“Announcing the arrival of the Jin sect!” In strode Jin Guangshan with an entourage behind him.

Jin Zixuan and the rest of the Jin from the lectures bowed and Jin Guangshan motioned for them to be seated before closing a fan and sitting himself with a sigh, “Aiyah, I was just here! A- Xuan, I trust no other trouble has come to you?”

Wei Wuxian saw Madam Yu roll her eyes out of the corner of his own as Jin Zixuan replied, “no, Fuqin .”

Madam Jin scoffed. “It’s just as well. I know why you got in trouble and I will have you know that when we return to the sect, you will be properly punished for your disrespect.”

She nodded at Madam Yu who smirked back.

“Announcing the arrival of the Nie-”

“ Da-Ge !” Nie Huaisang yelled from next to Jiang Cheng, running up to hug his brother who grabbed him by the back of his collar.

Raising an eyebrow, he said, “is that any way to act, Huaisang?”

“But Da-Ge- ”

Nie Mingjue carried Nie Huaisang to their seats in a manner Wei Wuxian would compare to a mother cat with a runaway kitten.

Jiang Cheng closed his eyes next to him, whispering to Wei Wuxian, “if he thinks I can help him out of that just by giving me puppy-”

“Kitten.”

Jiang Cheng sighed heavily at his brother but didn’t open his eyes. “-Kitten-eyes, he’s got another thing coming.”

“Announcing the arrival of the Wen sect!” Wen Ruohan walked in like he owned the place and seated himself quickly yet with poise. Wen Qing and Wen Ning bowed to him and sat next to him on either side.

Wen Ruohan spoke, “I do apologise for my sons’ absence. A- Xu is once again trying to figure out a way to cleanse the Burial Mounds, you know how he is. Always up for some challenge or another. And A- Chao was forced to stay, I’ll admit, by his tutor.” He laughed. “However, that hardly matters, I imagine? Now, as Chief Cultivator, I do call this… abrupt meeting to order. Lan Qiren, if you would please tell us what this is all about? We do have matters of importance in our own sects as well, you know.”

Lan Qiren stood as he cleared his throat. “Yes, well-”

Jin Guangshan interrupted, “A moment, please, Lan- xiansheng , but I notice that almost all the Jiang are present but there seems to be one missing. The sect leader? Where is Jiang Fengmian?”

Madam Yu stood, “Jin- Zongzhu , thank you ever so much for your concern for our representation. I assure you that as we present ourselves currently is how we will be throughout the conference.” She bowed and sat back down.

Wen Ruohan cleared his throat, “if we could refrain from interruptions, that would be… greatly appreciated. Lan- Xiansheng ?”

Lan Qiren was still standing, a by all accounts placid smile on his face. Wei Wuxian, though, looked at Lan Wangji, who mildly grimaced, so if nothing else Wei Wuxian was in the know.

Lan Qiren spoke, “Yes. Thank you. I am very glad that you all could make it, from the rest of the great sects to the few minor sects. Thank you to my students from those sects for writing to your parents. It is greatly appreciated. Now, there are actually several things to discuss, first of all is, Jin- Zongzhu , the matter of Jiang Fengmian. Lan Xiumin?”

Wei Wuxian pursed his lips as a Lan disciple left the hall, presumably through a back door. Madam Yu tapped his shoulder and when he turned to her, she mouthed, ‘don’t worry’ and held out her hand for him to take. He did. Jiang Cheng was holding Jiang Yanli’s hand, and he also reached out and took hold of Wei Wuxian’s hand. That was when Lan Xiumin returned.

He held Jiang Fengmian by the arm, who was looking far worse for wear. His eyes were sunken as if he hadn’t slept in a number of days. His hair was unbound but for a ribbon binding his hair low, close to his neck. Though his robes were new, they were wrinkly, as if he had pulled on wherever he could repeatedly. The front of his robes were cut so that they reached only just to his pelvis where he had a loose, relatively short robe, barely reaching his mid thighs. This fabric was light as well, making the red blood stains a bit more obvious. It was congealed a bit in one spot on the fabric and a strip of white binding was hanging down to his right side the slightest bit.

Of course, as soon as he was placed in the middle of the floor in a kneeling position, there was absolute chaos. Everyone was yelling or questioning, very few were so shocked they were speechless. Jin Guangshan was the loudest, demanding an explanation. Wei Wuxian didn’t pay attention. He was looking down and squeezing his aunt and brother’s hands tightly. They didn’t seem to mind, they squeezed back.

Wen Ruohan slammed his hand on his table and bellowed, “Silence! Control yourselves! Lan Qiren, Madam Yu, what is the meaning of this?”

Madam Yu stood, still holding Wei Wuxian’s hand loosely but firmly. “Chief cultivator, I bid you to preside over the trial of Jiang Fengmian.”

Wen Ruohan didn’t move, but he did say, “proceed.”

Madam Yu bowed as best she could while still holding Wei Wuxian’s hand and continued, “Thank you. Now, if you would all listen attentively I will give you all the facts. First, however, A- Xian, do you wish to leave the proceedings?”

Wei Wuxian stood up shakily, but said, “Madam Yu, if I can be of any assistance, I will remain.”

Madam Yu pushed him to sit back down and said, “Very well. If you are ever uncomfortable or about to panic, please call out.”

Lan Qiren stood, “If that be so, Wei Wuxian, please signal Wangji, who will take you away.”

Once Wei Wuxian nodded, he sat back down and Madam Yu continued. Now, I will state the crimes I accuse Jiang Fengmian, former sect leader of the YunmengJiang of.”

She took a deep breath and continued, “First, Neglect. Second, Abuse of Authority. Third, Kidnapping. Fourth, Sexual Assault and Nonconsentual Sex.”

This once again sparked everyone to be in uproar. Wei Wuxian took several deep breaths. Madam Yu motioned to Jiang Cheng next to him who got up and pulled Wei Wuxian up to sit in between him and their sister. They all leaned together and only then was Wei Wuxian able to calm down. He wanted to be here. He wanted to see every word go into Jiang Fengmian’s brain. He wanted to see everything. He wanted to assure himself it was over once it was over. He looked up at Lan Zhan who smiled as reassuringly as Lan Zhan would. Wei Wuxian hesitantly smiled back. 

Wen Ruohan once again slammed his hand on his table. The hall fell silent. Wen Ruohan turned to Madam Yu. “These are very serious crimes you accuse him of, Madam. I can see, also, that he has already suffered at least somewhat. Tell me why you did it and why you should not be on trial for hurting a sect leader unnecessarily and for causing irreparable harm to a leader of a great sect?”

Madam Yu clenched her teeth briefly but spoke, “I will. In late Winter about six years ago, Jiang Fengmian found Wei Wuxian on the streets and brought him home to live with us. For a time, he was the same as he had always been. However, about three months afterwards he began to become more and more secluded from his sect and his family. He seemed to favour Wei Wuxian over Jiang Yanli and Jiang Wanyin and he also left most sect matters to me. He only did his duties when another sect was involved or when he was specifically asked for. This continued until Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin were about to turn eleven. This is why I accuse him of neglect and abuse of authority. Continuing, I, at this point, was doing pretty much everything in the sect. This was the first time, as I understand, when Jiang Fengmian called Wei Wuxian, our head disciple, away to what I had assumed was the sect leader’s office. This was not the case. It was the sect leader’s bedroom-”

“Object-” Lan Zhan shot up and seemingly cast a silencing charm.

Wen Ruohan smiled, “thank you, Lan- er-gongzi . Jiang Fengmian, you are on trial. You have no say currently. We will hear your defense in time. For now, your objection is overruled. Continue, Madam Yu.”

Zidian was sparkling, but she did without complaint. “This was the first of many instances where Jiang Fengmian had called Wei Wuxian to his bedroom, especially as a minor, inside of which he raped him . Wei Wuxian only turned fourteen nearly two years ago. It continued, but there was still nothing Wei Wuxian could do, as Jiang Fengmian was sect leader. When I found out, I did do what I could to halt the behaviour, however, I fear it only exacerbated it. I sent my three children here, to the Cloud Recesses, for lectures. It was my belief that Wei Wuxian would be able to recover at least enough to not be scared for his safety. I have been informed that he had been doing well, however, after Jiang Wanyin punched Jin- gongzi for insulting his sister-”

“Objection, irrelevant!” Jin Guangshan spoke up.

Madam Yu threw her hands in the air and turned to Wen Ruohan, who said, “Sustained only for any more detail than is needed to detail events relevant to the charges against Jiang Fengmian. We are not here to reprimand a child’s actions. Otherwise, overruled.”

Madam Yu huffed and took a moment to recompose herself. “Of course.” She smiled with her lips pressed together. “ After Jiang Wanyin punched Jin-gongzi , both Jin- zongzhu and I were informed of the incident and called to address it. Jiang Fengmian was not involved, however, he insisted on coming no matter what I did. As it was the sect leader’s decision, there was not much I could do. He came. Then, he kidnapped Wei Wuxian and attempted again to rape him. This was witnessed by no less than four other people including myself. Jiang Fengmian was not able to proceed with the deed, however, my son was put back into a traumatic event he didn’t anticipate having within the Cloud Recesses. It was at this point that I cut off the penis of Jiang Fengmian.”

Wen Ruohan stroked his beard, “so in the case of his current wound, you plead self-defence?”

Madam Yu straightened her shoulders, “I plead nothing, I am not on trial. I was protecting my son. It was the last straw.”

Madam Jin stood. “If I may contribute?” Everyone turned to her. “Now, I know I may not be the best option for voicing this position.” She glared down at her husband who smiled slightly. “However, I feel as though I should point out that there is a vast difference between going to brothels and paying for services and taking advantage of a position to assault someone under your direct care. I concur with the stance of Madam Yu.”

Murmurs sounded and Wen Ruohan looked around the hall. When it quieted, Wen Ruohan spoke again, “Madam Yu?”

Madam Yu nodded, “I call on Lan Qiren.”

Lan Qiren stood, “Though I did not witness the actual act on our premises, I have witnessed the effects of past occurances. I admit I did not receive Wei Wuxian well. I can attest to Wei Wuxian being a victim of physical abuse as well as emotional and mental. I admit I threw a scroll at him in class on one occasion. He reacted by immediately falling to a crouch and repeatedly apologising and rambling in a manner not unlike a trauma response. Wen Qing was present and checked him over.”

Wen Ruohan nodded and motioned to Wen Qing, “ A- Qing?”

Wen Qing stepped up and bowed. “I can attest to Wei Wuxian’s physical state at the time. He had been mildly hurt from the fall. Later, I became closer with Wei Wuxian and was able to do a more thorough inspection.”

Wei Wuxian did not know this would be brought up, really. He didn’t think about it when Madam Yu… He already viewed Wen Qing as a second older sister in a way, he trusted her. He trusted her. He looked down and clung to his siblings.

Wen Qing continued, “I was able to see faded bite marks on his legs, presumably from dogs on the street, which I think should also be considered given he was found by Jiang Fengmian in the first place as some of the scars line up with not too long before when Madam Yu claimed Wei Wuxian was found. Jiang Fengmian could have healed them. There were also more marks that were more… noticeably probably sexual. There was a bite mark from a human on the left side of his chest, toward the joint where his arm and shoulder rest against it, there was another on the right side of his stomach, as well as on his upper thigh. These were very much human-made and older, presumably around four years old. It is safe to assume that Wei Wuxian could have healed these bites but was probably urged not to. Madam Yu said that he was unable to do much in Cloud Recesses, however, he did have a tight grip. I checked Wei Wuxian over yesterday. There were slightly faded hand marks around his right hip and on his upper right arm. Wei Wuxian’s golden core was almost done fading them, which is good, but I am glad I caught them if only for being able to say they existed now.” She bowed again and stood back.

Lan Qiren stood and spoke again, “After this incident, the Lan clan became concerned, so we confronted the matter. We were confided in, which I understand is what Madam Yu had hoped would happen. I myself then directed Wei Wuxian to Lan Xiulian, a healer here who is more qualified to deal with matters of the mind. That is all. Lan Xiulian?”

Lan Xiulian stood from the Lan section and made her way to the front. She sent what most were surprised at seeing - a scowl - at Jiang Fengmian, and then bowed to Wen Ruohan and the assembly. “Thank you, Lan- Xiansheng . Yes, Wei Wuxian and I have made much progress into healing over the time he has been here. Though I will admit that he has probably been set back a bit, that’s expected. He has made progress and I can say with confidence that he will be able to recover more than some would. That is all.”

Wen Ruohan looked at the Lan and nodded to Lan Wangji, who reluctantly but dutifully removed the silencing spell. Jiang Fengmian took a deep breath and fell forward, taking heaving breaths. Madam Yu scowled, “Jiang Fengmian! What do you think you’re doing? That spell is not in any way dangerous! It most certainly did not prevent you from breathing!”

Jiang Fengmian slowed his breathing and sat back on his haunches, waving his hair around his face back, glaring at his wife. Wen Ruohan spoke, “Does anyone need a… reminder how the Lan silencing spell works?”

Sect Leader Yao spoke up, “Of course! What if it was actually harming him?”

Lan Qiren stood again, “I assure you, it was not. The silencing spell is designed to only seal the lips so that no words can be spoken. All pathways we use for breathing are not blocked at all. He could even have still produced sound had he so chosen. One can not do so if one can not breathe, Yao- Zongzhu .”

Sect Leader Yao sat back down, sheepish, and Wen Ruohan spoke up again. “Jiang Fengmian, you are going to be given a chance to defend yourself. Please collect yourself and speak wisely.”

Jiang Fengmian began to chuckle. Then he spoke, “My wife lies. I treated Wei Wuxian like a son because I had dearly cherished the friendship I held for both his mother and father. Why would I smear over that by doing something as atrocious as what I am accused of? I merely wanted to make sure he was settled in all right. As for the sect, the madam went on more nighthunts then she ever needed to, who is she to accuse me of neglecting the sect? I really-”

“ Objection .” Wei Wuxian stood up. He held his siblings’ hands as he continued. “How dare you? How dare you? You have made my life a living hell and you try to play victim by saying it was all lies? How dare you .” He stood taller and faced Wen Ruohan, bowing, “Chief cultivator.”

Wen Ruohan had been slightly shocked but nodded at him, “Sustained.”

Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Zhan who got up and went to stand behind him. His siblings also stood, as well as Madam Yu. He spoke again, “You… you recreant! You absolute recreant. I can’t believe you. I can not believe - my trauma aside-”

“Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian looked behind him at Lan Wangji and smiled, “It’s okay, Lan Zhan, don’t worry. I’m fine.” He turned back around, Lan Wangji leaning to his left to avoid being smacked with his ponytail.

“My trauma at your actions during my childhood aside, you ‘dearly cherished the friendship you held with both my mother and father?’ Is that what you said? Are you sure? Are you sure that’s what you did? Because if you recall, what you’re denying doing is exactly what told me how much of a fucking lie that is, was, will forever be. You didn’t cherish the friendship you had with them. You hated the friendship. You wanted them both for yourself, didn’t you?” His face was filled with rage as everyone in the room gasped. “Dearly. Cherish. It’s almost funny. How before Auntie Yu accepted me completely, she thought you looked at me and saw my mother. That you were in love with my mother. It’s funny . Really funny. You were ! Definitely, you were. But you were also in love with my father. It’s- I just. You looked at me as what I was - the child of my parents. But you didn’t just see that, you saw them both looking at you and trusting you and eating with you and interacting with you every day. And then you deluded yourself into looking at me as if I were two people . You addressing me as ‘ A- Se’ and ‘ A -Ze’ will haunt me until the day I die . Don’t you ever…” He shakily raised a hand and pointed it at Jiang Fengmian. “Don’t you ever, ever speak of my parents ever again.” He was crying now.

Madam Yu pulled him back and Lan Wangji pulled him into his arms. Wei Wuxian buried his head in Lan Wangji’s shoulder and Lan Wangji nodded at Madam Yu before leaving the pavilion, Jiang Wanyin, Jiang Yanli, and Nie Huaisang hot on his heels.

Wei Wuxian didn’t hear how everything proceeded, however, Madam Yu told him it was all over now. It was all over. She told him thus-

Once they left, there was another riot. Jiang Fengmian was silenced again and Wen Ruohan called to order everyone saying, “I think we can safely say that Jiang Fengmian is convicted of all charges. Take him away to await punishment.”

Once it was done, Wen Ruohan continued, “I want his punishment to come as a surprise to him. Jiang Fengmian is guilty, of course. He will be publicly executed. His spiritual energy will be mostly sealed, somewhat open so he does not die immediately. He will be whipped with Zidian once by each member of the Jiang, three for Wei Wuxian for both himself and his parents. Then, his spiritual core will be reopened so that he doesn’t immediately die when we cut open his back, reach in, pull his ribs back so that they lay to the sides of his body, and rip his lungs from their place as we watch them breathe their last. Then we’ll throw his body into a place infested with water ghouls before we eradicate said water ghouls. Any questions?”

The hall was silent. Then Madam Yu spoke, “may I be the one who pulls his lungs?”

Wen Ruohan smiled, “As long as A- Qing supervises.”

Chapter Text

“You’re going to what?”

Madam Yu picked up her teacup and drank a slow leisurely sip. “You heard me, A- Cheng.”

Jiang Wanyin fell heavily into the chair opposite his mother.

There was about two minutes of silence before he spoke again, “ A-Niang , I don’t mean to be unfilial, but how exactly is it a good idea to announce that now?”

Madam Yu placed her teacup down. “Actually, I’m glad you asked this, A- Cheng, this is exactly the type of thing you need to know when you become sect leader.”

When her son sat up straighter, she smiled slightly and continued, “This is a spontaneous conference with almost every sect in attendance. A sect leader has been deposed. That is a big deal - almost never done in the way in which we did it, for the reasons we did it. The only reason it was as serious as it was was because we made it so.”

Jiang Wanyin sighed and nodded.

Madam Yu went on, “As such, it has been unanimously decided that the conference would go on another day to make any other new announcements. The next scheduled conference was pushed back about a week and a half to allow for new developments to arise between now and then. It is the perfect time. Tell me why.”

Jiang Wanyin blinked and pointed at himself.

Madam Yu raised an eyebrow, “Yes, you.”

Jiang Yanli then walked in with a pot of lotus root and pork rib soup, Wei Wuxian hot on her heels. “ A-Niang , A- Cheng.” She placed it on the table and sat down.

Wei Wuxian sat down and only then greeted, “Yu- ayi , A- Cheng. What were you talking about?”

Madam Yu smiled and said, “ A- Cheng was just about to demonstrate that he knows why the next move we make is acceptable given the time and circumstances.”

Wei Wuxian tilted his head, “next move? What is it?”

Madam Yu didn’t remove her eyes from Jiang Wanyin. “You’ll see. A- Cheng, your answer?”

Jiang Wanyin pursed his lips and replied, “Because… because I’m still too young to be sect leader, still have some things to learn, you’ll be acting sect leader. We need more political ties. This move will strengthen our ties to other sects after A-Die - after Jiang Fengmian broke A-Jie ’s engagement.”

Madam Yu’s smile became just slightly forced at the mention of Jiang Yanli’s engagement. “Right. But in relation to that… broken engagement, we’ll work to get it reinstated. A-Li , you still want to get to know Jin Zixuan, correct?”

Jiang Yanli lowered her spoon, “Yes, I would, A-Niang .”

Madam Yu smiled as she looked around the table. “Excellent.”

Wei Wuxian looked around the table puzzled, “What? What’s the move? What’s happening? What will strengthen our ties? Yu- ayi , tell me! Yu- ayi !”

*********

Wen Ruohan seated himself in his seat again. His eyes scanned the room as everyone sat in their seats until his eyes landed on Madam Yu. She raised her chin and continued to look out in front of her. She did not move to indicate she noticed nor to reveal anything. His eyes left her.

She watched Lan Qiren attempt and fail to keep from squirming as Wen Ruohan turned his gaze to him. Lan Qiren cleared his throat.

Then Wen Ruohan turned his gaze back to her and she could feel his smile on the side of her face. Jin Guangshan was last to enter the room and take his seat. Wen Ruohan stopped looking at Madam Yu and addressed everyone, “Thank you all for being here.” As if he were hosting this- “As this is the second and last day of our emergency conference, I thought it would be best to announce anything of note now. The next conference, as some of you may know, has been pushed back. As such, if you have any grievances or, as I stated, other announcements, please make them now. We will not be trying anyone else this time.” He smiled benevolently and Madam Yu felt her daughter taking her hand next to her. She squeezed it and Jiang Yanli raised her chin higher, letting her mother’s hand go.

Sect Leader Yao stepped up then. She controlled her laugh when she turned to her sons and saw them perform two identical eye rolls. She smiled, yes, but she still pulled them both in front of her and hit them upside the heads saying, “Behave.”

Sect Leader Yao bowed to Wen Ruohan and Jin Guangshan specifically before sweeping around in a circle in a semi-respectful semi-bow replica to everyone else. He spoke, “Speaking for the Yao, Chief Cultivator, after the spectacle yesterday, I wanted to ensure that all trade agreements remain intact and active after the deposition of Jiang- Zongzhu .”

Wen Ruohan flicked his eyes to Madam Yu again and this time she didn’t fully ignore it. She bowed, and stated. “Yao- Zongzhu , Jiang Fengmian is deposed, as stated yourself just moments ago. He is no longer Jiang- Zongzhu . I am acting as sect leader currently until my younger son is ready to take up the title himself.” She raised her chin again and stared Yao- Zongzhu down. After just a moment she smiled slightly. “As such, I am happy to tell you that all current trade agreements will remain as they are until Jiang Wanyin is sect leader and can re-sign the agreements. He will also be able to propose new agreements, as he is… different- from his father.” She tilted her head just slightly in an imitation of Wei Wuxian earlier and kept her expression.

Yao- Zongzhu blinked and laughed awkwardly, smiling, “Yes, yes, of course, Madam Yu. Yes, yes, thank… Thank you.” He stumbled back to his seat and cleared his throat, rearranging his robes, “That is all from the Yao sect.” Ouyang- Zongzhu hit his back a couple of times until Yao- Zongzhu swatted at him to stop.

The Yu sect don’t normally attend conferences, especially when they are spontaneous, however, they were eager to be represented in this one, as Madam Yu had sent a letter ahead explaining the situation.

Madam Yu's mother, Yu- Zongzhu , stood and bowed. “I am Yu- Zongzhu . I would like to express my support for my daughter, Yu Ziyuan, and her three children. The Yu sect will also be supporting the Jiang sect as they restart. May they thrive under their new leadership.” With that, she took up her cup and downed it. There was widespread agreement following her.

Madam Jin cleared her throat and bowed to Wen Ruohan and the assembly. She spoke, “In connection, and in light of recent events, I will be conducting wide-spread searches for women and children born from said women who have been…”

A cloud descended over her and she turned her head sharply to her husband, “affected. By the lifestyle Jin- Zongzhu has adopted.”

Jin Guangshan looked up at his wife from his seat, “My lady?”

Madam Jin scowled and turned back to the assembly, “This will be the first step to the rehabilitation of the Jin Sect I will be head of.” She let that sentence sit. Some wondered if she meant she would be head of the rehabilitation effort or… the sect itself?

She continued, “Some will be offered employment in the sect or in Lanling. If they prefer to remain where they are, they will be paid well - provided a stipend, because if they had been in my position, they would have borne children of the main family.” She took a deep breath. “The situation that the women have been put in on account of Jin- Zongzhu is unfortunate and in light of recent events, I will be working to compensate for the years I have let slip by. I have already sent a letter to the sect elders and have received a reply early this morning in support. All brothels in the Lanling region-” Jin Guangshan’s eyes widened and he looked wide-eyed at his wife. “-will henceforth be closed. Those women will also be provided stipends until they can find themselves better jobs. Unless, of course, any of them have borne a child of the Jin . In which case they will get the same treatment as the other women in that position. Any children will be offered education as disciples within the Jin sect whether they be male or female, and will have a relationship with their brother, my son. Further steps will be discussed soon. That is all I have to say.”

She turned to her son and ignored Jin Guangshan’s incomprehensible stuttering. “ A-Xuan , have you anything to add?”

Jin Zixuan startled when he was addressed and blushed when he looked around and saw everyone was looking at him. He stood and cleared his throat, then, after an awkward moment of silence, he took a deep breath and said, “Jiang Yanli.” Her daughter turned to him and smiled, Jin Zixuan took another deep breath and nodded, looking up at the ceiling. “Um. I might have a lot of… siblings… coming into the sect soon, and um. Your brothers… always say you’re the best sister in the world-” His face was so red, Madam Yu wondered if he would explode soon, perhaps. He continued, “and… I was wondering if we could meet up some time- supervised ! Of course! And um. You could give me some tips?”

Wei Wuxian’s tongue was out in an expression of disgust and Jiang Wanyin wasn’t much better, a look of abject horrific disgust on his face. Madam Yu hit them upside the head again, “I said to behave , you two.”

Jiang Yanli stood and bowed to the Jin, “I would like that very much, Jin- gongzi . I will look forward to your letter of invitation.” She sat down.

Jin Zixuan stood hunched forward awkwardly until his mother pulled him by the arm to sit back down himself. His face won’t go back to its normal shade for a while.

Wei Wuxian snickered and then raised his hands over his head when he felt Madam Yu raise her hand to smack him again.

Wen Ruohan cleared his throat and said, “Anything else?”

Madam Yu immediately stood. “Indeed.” Lan Qiren also stood. It was almost comical how everyone looked back and forth between them. Lan Qiren nodded at her to begin.

“Thank you, everyone, for your… immediate… support.” She smiled again. “Of course, any and all relations we currently have with every sect we intend to maintain. However, as it is, given the freedom with which my elder son now walks among you, the Lan and Jiang have an announcement.”

Wei Wuxian’s brows were furrowed. He opened his mouth but then saw Lan Wangji across the room.

His eyes narrowed as he looked at Lan Wangji’s ears, which were bright red.

Does that mean-

“Some of you may know that a couple of days ago, Wei Wuxian, my son, and Lan Wangji, Lan- er-gongzi , went missing for about one night and half a day. When I arrived and found them afterward, I overheard something… very interesting. Now, I have talked to Lan Wangji about this, as well as Lan Qiren, and it is agreed. You see, to prevent an attack from an ancient guqin within a cave the boys found themselves in, Lan Wangji wrapped his ribbon around Wei Wuxian’s wrist and his own-”

There were mixed reactions to this revelation. Some were appalled, some were confused.

Wei Wuxian tugged at Madam Yu’s sleeve and whispered, “Yu- ayi , what are you doing? Did I not tell you it was in order to protect me? I know they’re sacred, I assure you-” He glanced over at the Lan, “I didn’t touch it at any other time! I promise!” He raised two fingers to his forehead.

Madam Yu huffed and patted his head, “I know, A- Xian, just listen. I’m sure you’ll be pleased.” She turned back to the assembly. “For those of you who don’t know, Lan Qiren will explain the significance of the Lan headband. Lan- Xiansheng ?”

“Yes, of course.” Lan Qiren cleared his throat and stroked his mustache, “You see, the Lan sect headband is sacred to us in that its symbol to us is restraint. When it is removed, we can be unconstrained in… certain ways… As such, it is generally thought that only family, children, and spouses can touch the headband of a Lan sect member.”

There was a loud silence after he said this.

Wei Wuxian broke it with an, “Oh.”

Madam Yu could see both Jiang Wanyin and Nie Huaisang attempt to reign in their laughter. She sighed.

Lan Qiren continued, “It is also worth mentioning that as part of a traditional Lan wedding - that is, if there is a Lan marrying anyone at all - the ribbon is to be tied around each spouse's wrist as part of the marriage ceremony .”

Jiang Yanli raised a hand to her mouth, her eyes expressing her smile. Jin Zixuan’s mouth was open.

Wei Wuxian said, “ Oh. ”

Madam Yu smiled into the ensuing silence, relishing in it for a moment before picking up where Lan Qiren left off, “Due to the fact that this was not a wedding ceremony, decidedly, it is to be counted as an official betrothal. The match has, apparently, already been blessed by the Lan sect ancestor Lan Yi, according to Lan Wangji, who I discussed this with previously.”

Wei Wuxian was staring at Lan Wangji.

Jiang Wanyin waved a hand in front of his face but there was no reaction.

Jiang Wanyin turned to his mother, who smiled, “And so it is with happiness that I announce that the Lan sect and Jiang sect will be joined through the marriage of Lan Wangji, Lan- er-gongzi , and Wei Wuxian, Jiang- er-gongzi and dashixiong. ”

Wei Wuxian whipped his head up and looked at her with wide eyes.

She didn’t look at him, and continued. “They are still young. The wedding will not be for another two years at least. The boys will be eighteen at least. They will be chaperoned if they meet each other. Thank you.”

Lan Qiren also bowed, thanked the assembly, and sat down.

The ensuing silence could have allowed the sound of a falling hair stick to be amplified one hundred times over.

Wen Ruohan wasted no time in disallowing any potential chaos to break out. “Wonderful to hear. The Jiang sect will certainly thrive under its new leadership. Is that all?”

No one spoke.

Wen Ruohan continued, “Excellent. As such, I hereby bring this conference to a close. Thank you, everyone.”

Chapter Text

 “Don’t be long. I want to leave as soon as possible. If we remain too much longer, I will lose track of your brother completely and find him trying to sneak into wherever it is that he finds Lan Wangji. And there wouldn’t be a chaperone.” Madam Yu looked over at Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian, sure that the only thing keeping Wei Wuxian in place was Jiang Yanli’s hold on his hands as they discussed something.

Jiang Wanyin thought it likely Wei Wuxian’s face would explode if it got any redder, so he turned on his heel saying, “I won’t be, A-Niang .”

Madam Yu called after him, “You have five minutes! And don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing!”

Once Jiang Wanyin was further away, he broke out into a sprint. He was leaving Cloud Recesses soon. Fuck the no running rule. He had five minutes .

He arrived at the disciple dorms to find Nie Huaisang with a couple of disciples around him. “ A- Sang!”

Nie Huaisang shot up from where he was bent over a collection of books he had stacked to be packed away and turned to him smiling, “ A- Cheng!” Then he turned to the disciples around him, “Aiyah, give me a bit, take a break, what have you. Away with you all for a bit.”

“But Nie- gongzi -”

“Did I stutter? Tell Da-Ge I’ll continue shortly but I have to talk to the Jiang Sect Heir , right now.” Nie Huaisang smiled, but it had a hint of impatience.

Most of the disciples scattered - all but one. “Nie Zonghui, you too.”

Nie Zonghui bowed, “Nie- gongzi , it’s not proper-”

Nie Huaisang rounded on him, “Why is it not proper? Can’t two men be together anymore without everyone assuming something untoward? Are you against cut-sleeves? Did you realise that assuming something untoward will happen just because we’re alone together is inherently anti-cut-sleeve, because why did your brain immediately go there? Even with that, it’s not like one of us is a woman. And unless you know something I don’t, I have a dick. Bye, Zonghui.”

Nie Zonghui blinked and took a deep breath. Then he left.

When he was far enough away for Nie Huaisang, he threw himself at Jiang Wanyin, arms around his neck.

He kissed Jiang Wanyin, pulling him down a bit when Nie Huaisang dropped from his jump.

When they pulled away, Nie Huaisang said, “how much time do you have before your mother comes looking? I thought for sure you had already left.”

Jiang Wanyin sighed, not removing his hands from Nie Huaisang’s waist. “Now? Probably 3.5 minutes.”

Nie Huaisang groaned and dropped his head onto Jiang Wanyin’s chest, “How precise.”

A beat passed, and then, “noooo. That’s too little time. Ugh, I know Nie Zonghui will be back within that time too. He’s way too protective.”

Jiang Wanyin’s eyes narrowed, “You think he’s in love with you?”

Nie Huaisang’s eyes widened, pushing at Jiang Wanyin’s chest.

Scoffing, he said, “As if. He’s my da-ge ’s right-hand. He’s just picked up on his habits regarding me, that’s all.”

Jiang Wanyin hummed, then said, “ A- Sang, I haven’t much time. With all the drama, I’m sorry we haven’t had a whole lot of alone time. A-Niang -”

“You think she has her suspicions?” Nie Huaisang interrupted.

Jiang Wanyin nodded, removing his hands from Nie Huaisang’s waist to cross his arms. “With gege and Lan- er-gongzi … the way that they are, I think it’s more likely she’ll be looking at me. She knows I went to see you, but… and with all the drama surrounding A-Di - surrounding Jiang Fengmian! I think she’ll be looking at me more closely. Probably to try and secure alliances since I’ll take up the mantle of Zongzhu a bit earlier than anticipated, even with all the bullshit he put gege through.”

Nie Huaisang stepped back a bit more and opened his fan to cover his face. “Oh, don’t worry about that, A- Cheng. I’ve got a plan for it if your mother tries something. Don’t bring up you being with others, it makes me disgusted to think about. I am the one who took the step with you. Like hell I was gonna leave you to deal with all that shit with only the bunnies to confide in and subsequently cuddle-”

Jiang Wanyin scoffed and hit Nie Huaisang’s shoulder, “Nie Huaisang!”

Nie Huaisang whined, “What?! It’s true! That’s my job! I’ve designated it for years, I don’t know how you only just know it now! It’s not my fault you’re oblivious! How much time do we have?”

Jiang Wanyin grunted, “A minute.”

Nie Huaisang groaned again. “Fuuuck.”

He looked behind Jiang Wanyin’s shoulder, “Aaaaand here comes Nie Zonghui. Okay okay. Trust me, A- Cheng, I’ve got everything under control if I have to. Just make sure Wei- xiong is fully recovered and that his trauma is as reduced as it can be.”

He reached up and feigned whispering in order to give Jiang Wanyin a kiss on his cheek. “Bye bye now. All right, all right, Zonghui, I know, I know Da-Ge is getting impatient, it’s not too many other things, I wasn’t slacking off for that long.”

Jiang Wanyin turned to leave as Nie Huaisang winked at him.

Jiang Wanyin walked back to where his family was.

When he arrived, Madam Yu was watching the sky.

When he approached, Madam Yu crossed her arms. “Good. You’re back with about seventeen seconds to spare.”

“Spare what?” Wei Wuxian broke away from Jiang Yanli and walked over to them.

Madam Yu turned and started heading towards the exit, her children scrambling behind her. “Your brother had something he needed to take care of. I will expect a letter soon because of it.”

Jiang Wanyin blinked and then his face erupted into colour.

Jiang Yanli smiled and tapped Wei Wuxian’s shoulder, pointing at their brother when he turned.

Wei Wuxian gasped and said, “Oh? I think I may know… where it is that he went.”

Madam Yu hummed. “For being so recently essentially destabilised, we really do bounce back quite well, I believe.”

Jiang Yanli giggled, “Attempt the impossible.”

Madam Yu turned to her daughter, “Precisely. Everyone, mount!”

They had reached the bottom of the stairs and every disciple mounted their swords to fly to the riverbank to the docked boats preloaded with their belongings.

**********

Jiang Wanyin was silent for a while but once it was only his mother and siblings on a boat headed to Lotus Pier, he spoke up, “How the fuck did you… sorry A-Niang , let me rephrase, how in the world did you know… know that, uh, that uh-”

“That you were going to see someone you fancy? I’m your mother, A- Cheng, of course I could figure it out. I did say not to think I didn’t know what you were doing. And what? You thought I would dismiss your feelings simply because you’re to be sect leader sooner than expected and I want the sect to carry on? The sect has never had issues with lineage - your great-great-grandmother led the sect, you know. She was not Jiang. She was Li . And the three sect leaders before her were also not Jiang. The only reason Jiang came into power was that only after claiming sect leadership did your great-great-grandmother marry a Jiang. And the only reason the Jiang have maintained power since then is that there haven’t been any issues with pregnancy or any same-sex couples in power, as well as the fact that most every child born of the main family have been good fits for leadership. Jiang Fengmian included, originally, when he first started. It devolved straight after your parents died, A- Xian, but you three knew that already. So , even if it’s a boy you’re interested in, it won’t matter, will it? A- Li will get to know Jin Zixuan and of course he won’t be able to resist falling in love with her-”

“ A-Niang .”

“-and A -Xian will marry into the Lan-”

“Wait, I’m marrying into the Lan?”

“Would you children let me finish? But he’ll also be in Lotus Pier half of the year with his husband, as, A-Xian, I don’t remember anyone naming another first disciple of the Jiang.”

She raised her eyebrow and Wei Wuxian coughed, “right…”

Madam Yu looked between her children again and continued, “ So . Aside from who will actually send a betrothal contract, I imagine I know everything I need to. Unless, of course, you want to tell me?”

“No, I’m good-” Jiang Wanyin started, but then Wei Wuxian cut in.

“Of course you want to tell your mother! Without her, I probably wouldn’t be betrothed to my A- Zhan! She’s good at this! If you don’t tell her, I will!”

“Wei Wuxian! Don’t you dare!”

“Oh?” Madam Yu sat back in her seat, her elbows leaning on the side of the boat behind her. “ A- Xian, do you know who it is?”

Jiang Yanli giggled and her mother turned to her.

Jiang Yanli smiled widely and said, “I know who it is, too, A-Niang .”

“ A-Jie !”

Madam Yu gaped and raised her eyebrows, “Aaaaaah, so I’m the only one not in the know? Why in the world is that?”

Jiang Wanyin put a hand up to his forehead and covered his eyes, turning out to the other side of the boat. “What is this? Why me? Why now? I should have kept my fucking mouth shut.”

Wei Wuxian snorted, “Aiyah, A- Cheng.”

He jumped over next to his brother, rocking the boat a little, causing Jiang Yanli to chasten, “careful” before throwing his arm around Jiang Wanyin’s shoulder and squeezing, “Maybe you should have, but you didn’t! So now it’s twice as fun to tease you about him as it was before!”

Madam Yu smiled, “him?”

Jiang Wanyin tensed only a little, not moving otherwise, before he muttered to his brother, “I am going to throw you overboard.”

Madam Yu leaned back up again and stood, going over to her sons, “Now, now, none of that. A- Cheng, you’ve dug your grave, now lie in it. Tell me who it is.”

Jiang Wanyin pursed his lips and didn’t respond.

Madam Yu crossed her arms and looked at her youngest.

When he still remained silent, she didn’t move her eyes from him when saying, “ A- Xian, tell me.”

“It’s Nie Huaisang, Yu- ayi !” With that, Wei Wuxian lunged across the boat, dodging his brother’s strangling hands to dart behind Jiang Yanli to hide. “They probably figured themselves out after the trial!”

The disciple driving the boat could feel sweat drip down his nose onto the deck.

Taking a deep breath, he said, “Madam Yu, Jiang- guniang , gongzi , please, I don’t want the boat to capsize.”

He didn’t turn out of fear but he let out a breath when Madam Yu said, “of course, of course. Children, settle down or you’ll run fifteen laps around the pier when we arrive. Nie Huaisang, huh? How fitting. That’s a three-way alliance we’ll have lined up. Excellent, A- Cheng. I will expect a detailed letter from Nie- zongzhu soon.”

She smiled as Jiang Wanyin’s face once again erupted into flames practically, ignoring Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian giggling together.

Good. This was good. At least his brother was laughing.

***********

“It’s freeing.” Wei Wuxian sighed as he and his siblings walked around the piers.

“What is?” Jiang Wanyin asked, raising his hand up to block the sun from his face.

Wei Wuxian skipped ahead a bit and replied, “Being here. Being here and enjoying it here, with my family, with the disciples, with the piers and water and sun and purple and lotuses. Being here and…” He stopped skipping. He stood looking out over the lotus lakes until his siblings caught up and joined him. He continued, “being here and not wondering when the next time will be. Being here and not having to keep my guard up at all times. Being here and… being here and being able to laugh freely and without restraint, run without restraint, live without restraint. Because I’ll never be called again, because the memory of my parents won’t be tainted by… by what he saw when he looked at me. Because I can be around those I consider family and be free, loved, cherished, and appreciated in the ways I should have been by my family since the beginning. Now, even more than I would have, because Madam Yu… became Yu- ayi .”

He smiled and took his siblings' hands. “Because I have you all to talk to, to bring my concerns to, to work things out with, to attempt and achieve the impossible with. Because I never thought that I would get to have everything I’ve ever wished to have with my family. Even if A-Niang and A-Die have been gone for… for a long while now, I still have family to rely on and love. And I’ve gotten better myself. For myself.”

He smiled, laughed, and raised his hands, his siblings’ hands dragged along with them, into the air. “Thank you Lan- jiejie !”

Jiang Wanyin was holding back tears. “Shut up, gege . I’ll shove you into the fucking lake.”

Wei Wuxian looked at his younger brother, “I know you will, A- Cheng, I know. I won’t mention your face right now, didi , don’t worry, your secret care is safe with me.”

“Shut up !”

Wei Wuxian threw his head back and laughed loudly, freely.

Jiang Yanli leaned forward, “ A- Xian, I’m so proud of you. I really am. I’m so happy, too.”

Wei Wuxian leaned his head on his sister’s shoulder. “Thank you for being with me since the beginning, jiejie . Didi , you too. You’re the best siblings I could ask for.”

Jiang Wanyin sniffed, “I hate you. Is this how it’s going to be from now on? Because I don’t think I can take it. Oh no, I just had a horrible thought.”

Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian looked at him, both humming for him to go on.

Jiang Wanyin closed his eyes, “Lan Wangji is gonna be my older brother. He’s a younger brother. He’s acquiring- he’s gonna be insufferable , gege , why would you do this to me ??”

He smiled as he said it, his siblings guffawing at him.

Then he hit Wei Wuxian upside the head and said, still smiling, “race you back to the main hall!” And he took off running.

“Hey! No fair! A- Cheng!” Wei Wuxian then also took off running.

Jiang Yanli followed, “Careful you two!” But she started to run too.

That evening, they all had a meal together as a family and it was the first of many meals in which there was no tension, flowing conversation, and smiling laughter. The disciples were overjoyed with the way the pier lit up now. They couldn’t wait for the future, because it was brighter than they ever thought possible.