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Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian dismounts his sword with one last regretful look down the mountain to the city of Caiyi below. The lights from lanterns and candles glow gently in the darkness and dim further as more and more of the villagers go to sleep. He only had enough coins to get two jars of wine and a few snacks to tide him over until the next time Uncle Jiang sends him and Jiang Wanyin some pocket money.

At least tonight he will not need to share it! Jiang Wanyin and Nie Huaisang are still spooked from getting caught. They have not planned to meet up tonight to play dice and enjoy the luxuries forbidden in the Cloud Recesses, which means Wei Wuxian does not need to bring his bounty to share with them.

He chuckles quietly at his own daring and swings the bottles gently on the string connecting them. Not even fully recovered from the recent beating and Wei Wuxian still decided to go out again the next night. Why waste time fearing the punishment when the reward is so sweet?

Before he can open one of the jars, he hears a disturbance in the woods. Here, near the barrier surrounding Cloud Recesses and in the middle of the night, there should be nothing.

A soft sniffle.

Everything in him goes alert. Wei Wuxian is a cultivator of some renown. While a civilian may hear someone crying in the night and assume they are a person in need of aid... To a cultivator, this is a clear trap.

Wei Wuxian carefully sets down his wine in a gap of the roots in a nearby tree. He unsheathes his sword, cautiously masking its glow in the darkness. He moves forward using all his senses to warn him of any movement.

There, just before the barrier, a small child. A child with rough, patched robes and a thin body kneels on the ground. It takes a shuddering breath and stifles the sob working its way up.

Wei Wuxian carefully draws a Yin-Burning Talisman from his qiankun bag using as little movement as possible. He remains with a tree shielding him from view. When activated, the talisman does not burn. No yin energy is detected.

Still, there is reckless... and then there is stupid. Wei Wuxian uses a sword seal to keep Suiban at his back as he steps to the side of the tree and into full view. The child does not react, does not appear to hear or see him. That makes sense if this is a regular child – the night is dark, the clouds obscuring the moon and stars. A false child – a creature of resentment – would still see him, although perhaps it would know enough not to respond until he gets closer.

Wei Wuxian pulls out another talisman, one he created himself, and keeps his voice soft, “You are far from home. Do you need help?”

As he speaks the child looks up. The boy has only the barest amount of flesh to his cheeks, clearly underfed.

With a sob, the boy gets to his feet. He rubs his eyes and runs forward with the awkward totter of a child who cannot see in the dark. As he comes closer he cries out, “Xian-ge! You came back!”

Wei Wuxian goes to an even higher alert. A child in the dark calling his name. His fingers flick out and a talisman attaches to the child stopping him in his tracks. He stumbles and hits the ground, paralyzed.

Wei Wuxian watches, but the boy does not break free. Does not transform into whatever foul creature hides behind the simple visage.

Warily, Wei Wuxian goes closer, sword recalled to his hand. When he reaches the boy, he can hear the puffs of breath that sound so similar to his own shidi when they are holding back tears.

“Who are you?” He asks uselessly, because the boy cannot answer while under the influence of the paralysis talisman.

Wei Wuxian carefully reaches out to touch the boy, feeling for his wrist and sending a spark of qi. He only gets back the heartbeat of a regular human.

Perplexed and still not sure he is doing the right thing, Wei Wuxian withdraws the talisman.

The boy rolls over and sits next to him. With a sniffle the boy says, “Xian-gege, I fell. You didn't catch me.”

“My apologies, young master. Can you tell me why you are here?” Wei Wuxian says with all the serious formality he can muster. If this is a real child, then he has wronged him.

“You said... Said A-Yuan should wait. That Xian-gege will find me. That I give you this - when you came back,” the boy reaches into his robes and pulls out a small bundle.

Without the bundle in his robes, he is even thinner than Wei Wuxian previously thought. Wei Wuxian reaches for the bundle slowly, waiting to be grabbed or otherwise tricked... But nothing happens. The child hands over the bundle and just looks at him.

Inside the folded cloth, there appears to be a pile of junk and papers. One of the papers at the top is folded, and his own name is written on it.

This must be a haunting then – but how could one happen so close to the wards of the Cloud Recesses?

The only way through is to get more information. Keeping himself alert, Wei Wuxian reaches for the note.

“Xian-gege, I'm hungry...” the boy says in a whine. “Did you bring me food?”

Wei Wuxian's eyes flash to the child again. But he does not appear to have fangs in his mouth or be itching to eat human flesh. He just pouts.

Well, the snacks from Caiyi might not be the best thing to feed a child. After weeks of bland food, Wei Wuxian had bought the spiciest delicacies he could find at the street stalls! Chili coated peanuts, spicy tofu skin, dried shrimp in chili paste... Not suitable for someone so young.

Fortunately, he did also get some regular salted melon seeds and a small bit of dragon's beard candy as well. With a sigh, Wei Wuxian reaches into his bag and hands over the small pouch of seeds.

The child opens it and his eyes go wide, “So much! Thank you, Xian-gege.” He happily puts an entire fist of seeds in his mouth, too much to chew easily.

“Eat slowly, don't take so much. You will choke if you eat like that,” Wei Wuxian cannot help himself from scolding. The child nods as he continues to work on his first mouthful.

Wei Wuxian goes back to the note with his name on it. Hopefully it will give him some clarity as to what the haunting requires to be resolved.

As he pulls the note out, he feels a chill. He knows that handwriting.

The paper is thick and rough, causing the ink to distort slightly. And still, the characters are entirely the same as those drawn by his own hand.

Wei Wuxian,

I can only hope I am correct and this will find you. That A-Yuan has been saved and sent the only place I think he can be safe. You will find this hard to believe – or perhaps not.

I am sending this child to you, because he is the last of his line. The only remaining Wen in my world. I could not save the few who remained beyond him. They turned themselves in to face punishment for my crimes and now they are surely dead.

And I know there is no safety remaining for him here with me.

I used my soul as a tether for the array that sent A-Yuan away – I do not know where he will go, but I know that in that world he will find his Xian-ge again. He will find you. Only a soul that is a twin of my own could be anchor enough to make the rift between worlds work.

In all ways but blood, A-Yuan is my son. Please, take care of him now that I cannot.

In case our worlds are too similar, I tried to send him to a time before the worst events happened. To a time when you could still keep him safe.

Be careful.

In my world, the Wen sect grew bold. They burned the Cloud Recesses, invaded the Unclean Realm, and slaughtered the entire Jiang sect until only Jiang Cheng, shijie, and myself survived. The combined clans fought back and won the war at great cost.

Having won the war and enslaved the survivors, the clans turned to bickering and striving for power themselves. They sought the tool I created during the war – a seal made from the resentful sword buried inside the Xuanwu of the Slaughter, deep in Mount Muxi. A seal I created to direct resentful energy, to turn the war in our favor. This is the manner by which I powered the array to send A-Yuan to you. The seal is too powerful. If you seek it, you will make yourself a target and many will suffer because of you. If you do not, then the cost of war (should it be inevitable) can only be far greater.

I do not know the names of A-Yuan's parents. I only knew him through his cousins, Wen Qing and Wen Ning. Although, in your world, he is no child of their family and so I have orphaned him again.

Please, apologize to him for me.

He was one of the few survivors of the slave labor camps the Jin sect set up after the war. They positioned themselves as the new sun and all the other clans let them. In opposing the Jin I became the one who bore the blame for all foul things. The world tuned against me, and none stood beside me on my single-log bridge.

I can only hope your world is different. Kinder.

Perhaps I deserve to die – but A-Yuan does not.

So please, keep him safe. If you are the same as me, then I know you will not be able to turn him away or let him suffer.

I am asking much, and so, I have given everything I can to A-Yuan for safe keeping. Perhaps they are merely the scribblings of a madman. But hopefully there is some value you can find to them. Enough to keep A-Yuan well-fed.

-The Yiling Patriarch

Beneath the letter there is some kind of box with a metal spoke. A compass? And a scrap of fabric. More notes, written in his own handwriting.

A-Yuan tugs at his sleeve, “More?” He finished the pouch of seeds while Wei Wuxian was reading and examining the bundle of objects.

Wei Wuxian exhales and tries to regulate his own breathing. If this is a haunting, then it is one he has never heard of before.

Though rare, people falling between worlds is theoretically possible. The Jiang sect library has one record from a sect leader two generations ago encountering a woman who spoke a bizarre language and was discovered wearing strange and quite scanty fabric wrappings. She had not traveled with any caravan or bought passage on any ship. No one ever found the world she hailed from.

As far as Wei Wuxian is aware, it has never been done intentionally before. That would take a world-shattering amount of energy. He tries not to dwell too much on the warning, on his counterpart's likely demise.

Wei Wuxian tucks away the letter and the bundle of items A-Yuan gave him in his own qiankun bag.

The responsible thing to do is return to the Cloud Recesses and have A-Yuan examined by a healer. Before anything else, Wei Wuxian should ensure there is no danger associated with him being here.

“If I give you something else, you have to stay quiet. We're going to go someplace where no one is allowed to make noise.” Wei Wuxian taps the side of his nose, considering the fastest way to get him through the Cloud Recesses without getting caught.

A-Yuan nods eagerly, “Quiet!” he promises loudly.

Wei Wuxian sighs, and pulls out the dragon's beard candy. He pulls off a small piece, “Put this in your mouth and let it dissolve. I do not have much.”

A-Yuan snatches the candy out of his hand with a look of amazement. He leans forward to hug Wei Wuxian enthusiastically and whispers, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

When he pops it in his mouth, his eyes go wide. He makes a delighted hum. When Wei Wuxian offers him another small piece he snatches it with a bright smile.

As soon as Wei Wuxian reaches down to lift him, A-Yuan flings himself into Wei Wuxian's arms and fully relaxes as he settles him against his side. He seems perfectly content there.

Still feeling unsettled from how weirdly his night has changed, Wei Wuxian makes his way to the barrier around the Cloud Recesses. His jade token grants him passage and the Lan sect do not bother with further security measures in their arrays. Only the patrols of disciples, which he can usually avoid.

Wei Wuxian briefly wonders if this lax security was what allowed the Cloud Recesses to burn in that other world.

He sneaks through the Cloud Recesses as silently as possible. Fortunately, A-Yuan seems intent on keeping his promise and earning more candy. He clamps a hand over his own mouth and breathes heavily through his nose.

Through a stroke of luck, Wei Wuxian sees Lan Wangji patrolling before Lan Wangji sees him. He ducks down behind a bush and puts his finger to his lips so A-Yuan can see and knows not to make any noise.

A-Yuan looks around and peeks his head out the other side of the bush. “Rich-gege!” he exclaims. Quietly, but not quietly enough.

Wei Wuxian groans. Swift footsteps approach them. Wei Wuxian looks up as a looming figure in white silk peers over the bush.

“Hi, Lan Zhan.”

Lan Wangji looks at Wei Wuxian. He looks at A-Yuan.

A-Yuan waves excitedly and says, “We have to be quiet.”

Wei Wuxian laughs awkwardly as he cries inside. This child is far too precious. And not a good partner-in-crime, immediately getting them caught!

When Lan Wangji glares at him, Wei Wuxian quickly explains, “I found him just outside the barrier. And I know what you're thinking – you heard a child crying out in the middle of the night in a secluded forest and went to rescue it? What a foolish mistake! But, I checked him first. The Yin-Burning Talisman did not activate, and I checked for signs of a curse or possession, but his meridians seem clear.”

Lan Wangji looks at the child more carefully, sees the rough clothing and the thin limbs.

He flatly states, “Wei Ying should have reported this rather than investigating on your own.”

“And get punished for breaking curfew? No thanks,” Wei Wuxian says, very aware he is courting even more punishment for trying to avoid it.

Lan Wangji gives him a blank look. It still feels judgmental somehow.

Wei Wuxian sighs as he stands up fully with A-Yuan still cradled in his arms, “Look, you can give me whatever punishment you want later. Just help me get him to the infirmary and have him looked at by a healer. His health must be the priority for now.”

The healer, a serious looking older woman in utilitarian Lan robes, takes diligent notes as Wei Wuxian describes his meeting with A-Yuan. He does not mention the bundle or the note addressed to him. Nor does he mention that A-Yuan knew him on sight.

Lan Wangji listens to him lie about leaving the barrier when he heard a sound and says nothing to contradict him.

The healer's examination is quick and efficient. It more-or-less matches what Wei Wuxian already knew, although she does make the boy take off his robes and bathe so she can look him over fully for any injuries or curse marks. Wei Wuxian gives him the last of the candy as a bribe to behave for the scary auntie.

“Malnourished, and with trace amounts of Yin energy in his stomach, as though he ate something that was not fit for human consumption. He needs frequent, nourishing meals. He is also chilled and at risk of illness from wearing thin robes outside at night. The robes are patched, which means someone cared for him not long ago. It is also suspicious that he was so close to the barrier around the Cloud Recesses. That is not something a child could do alone,” the Lan healer finally pronounces.

Well, at least there is no spiritual malady.

And hopefully, if A-Yuan talks about his own world, it will not raise suspicions. As a child, he will not have the vocabulary to describe what happened in any detail and adults tend to dismiss things children say as foolishness.

The healing pavilion has their own small kitchen and stock of food for patients, available at all hours. The healer already set a brazier to boil water for tea and medicine. A few small rice balls had already been broken up to feed A-Yuan slowly.

The boy greedily stuffed the plain rice into his mouth – sadly, rice seems a luxury to him. Wei Wuxian fights back memories of coming to Lotus Pier and being given food so readily. He feels nauseous watching A-Yuan eat, knowing the other version of himself failed to prevent his own son from feeling hunger. Things must have been dire indeed if he could not even get sufficient grains for a child.

Wei Wuxian forces that torturous guilt down (it's not even something he did! He has no reason to feel shame!) and offers A-Yuan some more of the plain, boring rice.

“Xian-gege eats, too!” A-Yuan announces as he shoves the rice back to Wei Wuxian. After all the excitement, the boy is clearly exhausted and not interested in food as much as he is in sleep.

Still, Wei Wuxian's heart is warmed by the instinctive care A-Yuan shows, even to a false version of his Xian-gege. Will the boy realize when he wakes up that Wei Wuxian is not who he thinks he is? Or is he a close enough facsimile?

As A-Yuan falls asleep, Lan Wangji quietly says, “Wei Ying, you must return to your dormitory. You have been out after curfew long enough.”

Wei Wuxian shakes his head, “And if A-Yuan wakes and is frightened? Or has a nightmare? No, I will stay here with him and ensure he sleeps well.”

“You need rest. He will be safe here,” Lan Wangji gravely promises.

“It's fine, I can sleep here. And I'm already out after curfew – if I will be punished anyway, then I choose to stay.”

This seems to puzzle the other boy – the idea that if the punishment is already decided then there is no reason to stop the behavior leading to the punishment in the first place. After all, what can they do? Hit Wei Wuxian a few more times? Assign a few more copies of the rules? Hardly a deterrent when the reward is to stay with someone who needs him.

The healer shushes them both – appropriately scolded and seeing that the healer will not force Wei Wuxian to leave if it will mean waking the child, Lan Wangji retreats. He sweeps out in a graceful stride, careful to keep his steps light.

The healer puts out all but one lantern in the exterior room and closes the sliding door. Wei Wuxian is left alone, with A-Yuan snoring enthusiastically beside him.

Wei Wuxian waits several more moments, ensuring no one will return, before pulling out A-Yuan's bag again. This time, he examines the design notes more carefully. With a strong golden core the lack of illumination does not hinder his vision.

Spirit-Luring Flag.

Compass of Ill-Winds.

Silver Lotus Bracelet.

The Compass and Flag are both in the bag, fully intact. There is no sample of the Bracelet.

Wei Wuxian looks for the pages on the missing item. At the top of the jumbled notes on the Silver Lotus Bracelet a small section of the paper says, “The prototype for this was destroyed when I was ambushed on my way to the 100 day celebration for shijei's son. I used my own Clarity Bell to make it and have no materials to make another. It worked – it repelled low level corpses and spirits from the bearer.”

Wei Wuxian clasps his hand over his mouth to stop the keening noise from coming out. Shijie had a child? And of course he would be eager to attend the celebration. Someone – perhaps many people – knew that and used the opportunity to do something so despicable.

An ambush on the way to such an auspicious event? Detestable, the lowest of the low would not dare do that.

But in the original letter – 'the world turned against me; I bore the blame for all foul things.' In that case, wouldn't whoever ambushed Wei Wuxian be seen as a hero?

That other version of himself... He destroyed something so precious just to make a gift for his martial nephew. The Clarity Bell is a symbol of being accepted into the Jiang sect as a full disciple. It is a cherished item, a proud remembrance for attaining one's place in the sect. Wei Wuxian cups his hand around the Clarity Bell hanging on his own belt right now.

He looks over the schematics and methods used to make it. ...The theory is sound. It only requires basic tools.

His stomach lurches at the thought of attempting it using his own bell.

This is a technique that could only be used by the Jiang clan. They are the only ones who know the method to produce the Clarity Bell to begin with. But the Yiling Patriarch did not have access to another bell – not even one newly made. He could only sacrifice his own. And Wei Wuxian believes it must have been a sacrifice.

The shape of the horrors of the other world grow stark with that casual admission. Either the method to make the Clarity Bells was lost during the fall of Lotus Pier... Or Wei Wuxian did not have access to them. Did not have access to the Jiang sect at all, if he was willing to give up his own bell.

His mind shies away from the realization of how total the isolation and betrayal was. Even contributing to a war victory was not enough to save his counterpart.

Unfortunately, that brings him back to his own situation. A-Yuan. He is too young to begin training in cultivation or join a sect. The Lan clan will have no reason to keep him here. They will surely send him down to Caiyi and ask the local authorities to look for his family. A family that does not exist, as he is not from this world at all.

Once they determine him to be an orphan... What fate will befall him?

Wei Wuxian could try to find a local family to take the boy in, but then what? Move him once the lectures are over? Uproot the child again and take him to Lotus Pier? Would he be able to pay someone to care for the boy? With what money? If he tries to sell the inventions, would that even be allowed in Lotus Pier?

His mind neatly fills in the scene that would occur if he tried to bring an unknown child home with him. The arguments that would follow. A child seems like something that would stretch even Uncle Jiang's patience with him, let alone what Madam Yu would have to say.

Would Uncle Jiang try to separate them? Say that Wei Wuxian is too young to be responsible for such a young child? (Though he was old enough at thirteen to be made head disciple and have responsibility for training all his shidi and shimei...)

Would Madam Yu call A-Yuan a mistake, a disgrace? Add every grain of rice or bit of cloth to an unending account of what the boy owes the Jiang family? The thought of Zidian touching even an inch of A-Yuan makes Wei Wuxian sweat with cold dread.

Wei Wuxian takes a deep breath when he notices how shallow and fast his breath became over the last few moments.

As much as it pains him, Lotus Pier is out of the question. A-Yuan will never hear his family being insulted or get slapped for speaking out. And Zidian.... No. Never.

Hopefully, the Lan healers will allow A-Yuan to stay for a few days, so Wei Wuxian has more time to think, to plan. If he cannot return to Lotus Pier with A-Yuan, then he will be homeless and without employment. That is not what A-Yuan deserves.

He falls asleep and only as his mind goes fully quiet does he have a momentary recognition that he left his wine in the woods! But that fades quickly under his exhaustion.

The healer wakes Wei Wuxian the next morning as the sun rises. He slept less than a quarter of the night.

She tuts to see him still lazing around, “I will send a letter down to Caiyi and ask the magistrate to find the boy's family. It shouldn't take them more than a few days to respond, but until then, A-Yuan can stay here. Food is being prepared. He needs rest, so I will feed him once he wakes.”

“Thank you,” Wei Wuxian says with genuine gratitude. The healer has other duties, surely, and A-Yuan is no member of her clan. Her demeanor is gruff, but her actions are kind.

“You will be late to class if you do not leave now to have your own breakfast,” she gives him a judgmental look.

Wei Wuxian gives her a charming smile that bounces right off her stern countenance. He instead turns back to the bed. Wei Wuxian brushes A-Yuan's hair gently back and gives the boy a small tickle under the chin. A-Yuan whines and barely opens his eyes.

“A-Yuan, I need to go to class. Be good for Healer Lan, alright?” Wei Wuxian informs him softly.

A-Yuan grumbles and shoves at Wei Wuxian before rolling over. He goes back to soft snores almost immediately.

Wei Wuxian can barely pay attention in class, which actually seems to help him. When Lan Qiren asks him a question, he can only respond with rote, conventional wisdom directly quoted from their texts.

Responding perfectly causes the teacher to squint at him in suspicion.

Jiang Wanyin sends him concerned looks, but Wei Wuxian is too tired to do more than dodge him and leave quickly as soon as the class ends.

As soon as Wei Wuxian enters the infirmary room where A-Yuan is staying, he hears a screeching wail, “XIAN-GEGE! Xian-gege. You came back!”

A-Yuan collides with Wei Wuxian's leg after flinging himself out of bed and across the room. His small fingers dig deep into the robes so he can hug tightly. Sobs shake his whole body. Great, wracking cries ring out in the room.

“A-Yuan!” Snaps the old healer as she pushes the door open further. She tries to pull the boy away from Wei Wuxian while scolding, “Excess noise is forbidden. There are other people here for healing and you are disturbing them!”

A-Yuan cries harder at being scolded and holds tight.

“Healer Lan, he is just a child. Give us a moment, I am sure he will be alright.”

She huffs, “He was perfectly behaved earlier. This level of noise is unacceptable. At least take him out of here until he calms down. I can't have him upsetting my other patients!”

Wei Wuxian's heart breaks. Oh. Of course he was quiet – or, as the Lan would see it – perfectly behaved. He did not feel safe to express his terror and so froze. A-Yuan was scared of being kicked out. Only on seeing Wei Wuxian again could he freely release his feelings. Because to A-Yuan, Wei Wuxian is someone trustworthy.

“A-Yuan, come up here, we'll have a bit of a walk around and you can see how pretty this mountain is. I will stay with you the whole time,” Wei Wuxian say as he gently kneels down and disentangles the grip on his leg. He instead curves his arm under A-Yuan's bottom and lifts him to rest against his chest.

A-Yuan lets out a few more deep-chest sobs but he eventually settles with his wet nose against Wei Wuxian's neck and snuggles in closer.

Wei Wuxian quickly makes his way through the trees to get some space away from the infirmary. Fortunately, the back of the building looks out over a remote section of woods in order to provide a more restful environment and encourage healing. With a swift stride he heads for the back mountain.

“You weren't here... Weren't here when I woke up,” A-Yuan accuses with a slight hiccup as he gets a grip on Wei Wuxian's robes.

“I know, and your Xian-ge is very sorry. We are visitors here in the Cloud Recesses, so I had to attend our host's lectures. I could not be rude to people who give my little bunny such good food and nice clothing,” Wei Wuxian soothes in a soft croon.

A-Yuan wears a set of clean, well-laundered linen robes. They must be excess from the creche or cast-offs kept in the store room for just such charity as clothing a child that soiled their own robes. He looks like a little Lan dressed in white.

“Not bunny. I'm a radish,” A-Yuan mumbles grumpily. He clearly is not forgiving just yet.

“Aiyah, my little radish was so brave. I know it was scary waking up alone.”

“You were... gone... like popo and aunty and uncle,” the boy catches his breath as a new hiccup works free.

Wei Wuxian quickly interrupts before he can work himself up again, “A big, strong radish like you? Worried about little me? Ah, such a good boy! But, have a little faith in your Xian-ge. I will make sure you are taken care of, even when I'm not around.”

But he does not make any promises to stay – the boy is already dangerously reliant on him. Which makes sense, he is in a new place and Wei Wuxian is the closest he has to his previous guardians. But this dependence cannot be encouraged. A-Yuan needs to be able to feel safe and trust other people as well. After all, Wei Wuxian cannot actually attach the child to himself at all times.

“Wasn't the food good? Did you eat everything?” Wei Wuxian pinches A-Yuan's cheek a bit and makes a funny face at him.

“So good! And so much! Can I have candy, too?” A-Yuan pouts cutely to beg, successfully distracted.

“Greedy! Such a greedy child! No, you had all the candy yesterday. This mountain is famous for not having any candy at all, which is why I snuck away and found you last night,” Wei Wuxian gestures widely with the one hand not holding A-Yuan.

“No candy?” He asks mournfully.

“None at all,” Wei Wuxian shakes his head in mock solemnity.

A-Yuan sighs heavily.

“Now, tell Xian-ge about your day. You had good food? And nice, new clothes?”

A-Yuan just nods and looks away. “Was scared. Alone.”

“That's fine, being scared is normal in a new place. Was anyone mean to you?”

“No...”

“And they gave you nice things, so maybe this is not a very scary place?” Wei Wuxian cajoles.

A-Yuan pouts some more.

“I'm going to have to leave you sometimes. But you will be safe and well-fed, I promise!” Wei Wuxian holds up three fingers.

When A-Yuan continues pouting and looks down, Wei Wuxian wiggles slightly to jostle him, “What an unfilial child, you don't even trust your Xian-ge. What if I dropped you, hmmm?”

A-Yuan shrieks as Wei Wuxian loosens his grip and lets the child fall free, before he quickly scoops him up by holding under his arms, lifting him high in the air.

“Oh, no, you almost fell, what if I drop you again?” Wei Wuxian teases. He tosses A-Yuan into the air, just a bit, before catching him again.

A-Yuan breaks out of his pouting to giggle. “Xian-gege! Again!”

Wei Wuxian grins and throws him higher. Which only leads to pleading for more. Wei Wuxian indulges a few more times, careful to let the boy rest between each toss, so as not to upset his stomach. His years of playing with the youngest trainees has taught him that, at least.

“WEI WUXIAN! What are you doing? Did you steal some Lan kid? Are you trying to court punishment?” Jiang Wanyin shouts.

“Jiang Cheng, you know shouting is prohibited...” Wei Wuxian gives him a cheeky grin.

A-Yuan really does look like a little Lan. He cannot blame Jiang Wanyin for the assumption.

“Be serious! You've been punished so much already, are you trying to dig your own grave?!? What if Lan Wangji sees you?” Jiang Cheng scowls in concern, looking around to see if Lan Wangji has magically followed the sounds of rule-breaking.

A-Yuan frowns, “Loud,” he says to Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian stifles his laugh and praises, “Yes, yes, the angry brother is loud. Very good!”

“Oh, for...” Jiang Wanyin growls and stomps over towards them. He tries to take A-Yuan away from Wei Wuxian. “If you won't take responsibility, I'm going to take him back to his family and apologize for your shamelessness. As always.”

A-Yuan clings harder to Wei Wuxian. “No!” He tries to hit at Jiang Wanyin. “Can't take me away! Bad!”

“Jiang Cheng, stop, stop! You're upsetting him.” Wei Wuxian twists away to ensure A-Yuan stays with him.

“I'M upsetting him? Do you know how much trouble you will be in?” Jiang Wanyin yells.

A-Yuan flinches away from the loud noise and buries his face in Wei Wuxian's neck again.

Wei Wuxian rocks A-Yuan in his arms to settle him as he tries to calm his shidi, “It's not what you think. He's not a Lan child. I just found him last night – he was lost, so I brought him to the healers. They are trying to find his family, but he was scared, so I took him for a walk to keep him from crying and disturbing anyone else.”

“You... found a child last night? You went out?!? After the punishment yesterday, you still have the face to mess around and go make trouble? Wei Wuxian!” Jiang Wanyin scowls in outrage.

“Calm yourself, you keep upsetting A-Yuan!” Wei Wuxian chides.

Jiang Wanyin grits his teeth, fuming, “Who cares if he's upset? You should be worrying about upsetting Lan Qiren. What are you going to do when he hears you're bringing strays into the Cloud Recesses? Do you think he will look kindly upon you?”

Wei Wuxian winces slightly, because surely Lan Wangji has already informed his uncle. At some point, one of them will tell him what the punishment will be.

Jiang Wanyin sees his wince and nods, “Exactly! You should be focusing on your studies and making sure the Jiang sect doesn't loose more face to your trouble-making!”

Wei Wuxian tries to reason, “What do you want me to say? I couldn't leave him out in the woods alone.”

“Leave me? No, Xian-gege!” A-Yuan clings even tighter and his breath hitches.

“Ah, radish, I'm not leaving you. Shhh, shhhh.” Wei Wuxian draws A-Yuan up further and faces him. “You must be getting hungry again. Do you want to ask the nice Lan healer to feed you?”

“No! Xian-gege feeds me.”

“Seriously? Are you ignoring me? Wei Wuxian!” Jiang Cheng shouts in outrage.

“Jiang Cheng, he's a child! Please stop making this harder on him,” Wei Wuxian scolds.

Jiang Wanyin immediately responds, “He's not your responsibility!”

And Wei Wuxian freezes for a moment. Because A-Yuan is his responsibility, and no one else will see it. Not unless he shows them the letter... But even if he did, who would believe it? It's written in his own handwriting.

Anyone else would think it an obvious hoax, just another trick he made up.

Wei Wuxian whispers, “Jiang Cheng, I don't think he has anyone else. And he trusts me because I found him and took him to safety. He needs me.”

Jiang Wanyin looks at him, dumbfounded. He says with mock gravity, “You cannot seriously think you will be allowed to keep him. Who would trust you with a child, anyway? Even if he has no family, ha, you adopt him and then what? The Lan are not going to let you raise a child here. You're supposed to be focusing on the lessons!”

The words pierce him.

Jiang Wanyin is not wrong. The Lan will not let him raise a child here. The Jiang will not let him raise A-Yuan in Lotus Pier. Or, if they would, it would be with the tender mercies of Madam Yu, which he would never inflict on a anyone he is responsible for.

The conclusion has been racing towards him all day. He still has not prepared himself for that heartbreak.

Wei Wuxian can only deflect, “Jiang Cheng, the longer you spend shouting, the longer it will take me to soothe A-Yuan. Surely you have to worry about studying as well? Did you seek me out hoping I would help you with your essay?”

At that, Jiang Wanyin sputters, “You? Help me with an essay? You didn't even listen to what Grandmaster Lan was saying!”

“And yet, here you are seeking me out...”

Jiang Wanyin replies with an infuriated castigation, “To tell you that Lan Wangji is looking for you! For another punishment, no doubt. So stop bringing shame to the Jiang sect with your antics, or I really will write home about it!”

Wei Wuxian smiles and shakes his head, “Alright, alright, you told me – I'd better get my punishment over with. You should head out before someone also decides to punish you for shouting.”

With that, Jiang Wanyin stalks away, muttering about this being the last time he decides to look out for Wei Wuxian.

It only takes wandering back towards the medical pavilion for Wei Wuxian to find Lan Wangji. As soon as A-Yuan sees him he perks up and wiggles to be let down.

“Rich-gege!”

“Ah, A-Yuan, spare my pride. Why is he 'Rich-gege'? Am I not the one who saved you?” Wei Wuxian pouts. He sets the boy down gently and steadies him on his feet.

“Rich-gege is rich,” A-Yuan pronounces with grave dignity.

He then stumbles as he rushes towards Lan Wangji and they both leap forward to catch him, colliding slightly as they steady the toddler.

“A-Yuan! Be careful,” Wei Wuxian scolds with his heart rabbiting in his chest. The fall would not have seriously harmed the boy, but any harm to A-Yuan would be a failure on his part.

In colliding with Lan Wangji, he notices the solid muscle in the other cultivator. Wei Wuxian feels like he hit a wall. He wonders what kind of training the Lan disciples do to get that solid?

“A-Yuan, walk slowly. You should not rush and cause yourself harm by falling,” Lan Wangji patiently instructs in a firm, gentle voice.

Wei Wuxian finds himself nodding along. “See? Your Rich-gege also wants you to be careful. If you will not listen to your Xian-gege, surely you will listen to him!”

“Mn,” A-Yuan nods with a serious expression.

“Ah?!? You even sound like him now,” Wei Wuxian complains.

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji says disapprovingly.

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian replies in exaggerated grievance, “you steal the affection of my child right in front of me? Take responsibility.”

“Be serious.”

Wei Wuxian rolls his eyes and says, “Fine, fine. Are you here to tell me what my punishment is? Even if it's a hundred hits with the plank it is worth it.”

Fortunately, A-Yuan does not even seem to know the word 'punishment.'

Lan Wangji looks down. As though it pains him, he says, “Your actions were righteous, even though you broke the rules. One copy of Conduct.”

Wei Wuxian almost chokes, “Ah? Nooooo. That will take me all day. How will I spoil A-Yuan, then? Just have me hit a few times, be reasonable.”

“Wei Ying!”

“I don't want you to be lenient if it means I am stuck in the Library rather than spending time with my precious little radish!” Wei Wuxian scoops A-Yuan up and squishes his cheek against the child's. He pouts at Lan Wangji. “A-Yuan, tell him you want to spend time with your Xian-gege!”

“Rich-gege, I'm hungry,” A-Yuan looks at Lan Wangji expectantly from where he dangles in Wei Wuxian's hold.

Something sticks in Wei Wuxian's mind. A-Yuan had not known Jiang Wanyin at all. There was no recognition or sense of familiarity.

But he recognized Lan Wangji on sight. And even now, the boy is pouting at him to get his way. And 'Rich-gege' – that name implies that Lan Wangji used his wealth in a way memorable to A-Yuan.

Oh. That hurts. That his child had not recognized someone Wei Wuxian is close to, almost family with, but instead knows someone Wei Wuxian shamelessly pursued and bothered for his own entertainment.

The original letter mentioned Jiang Wanyin surviving, so it is not that he didn't exist in that other world. Instead, they must have been estranged. The reputation of the Yiling Patriarch was really so bad that Jiang Wanyin would not even see him. But for some reason, Lan Wangji had been trusted enough for A-Yuan to meet him.

Lan Wangji nods decisively, “I will feed A-Yuan. And observe Wei Ying as he copies the rules while we are here.”

“Ah?” Wei Wuxian can only gape at him inelegantly, instantly distracted from his own mawkish thoughts. Who knew Lan Wangji is such a push-over for cute things?!? He gave in so easily!

With that, Lan Wangji sweeps off to the healing pavilion. It only takes one whine from A-Yuan to have Wei Wuxian tripping after him in a daze.

Lan Wangji settles A-Yuan on the bed with a tray over his lap filled with food. Then he takes a calligraphy set out of his qiankun sleeve and hands it to Wei Wuxian with a raised brow. A copy of Conduct follows, for him to use in copying.

“Fine, fine. You feed our beloved child, while I labor away,” Wei Wuxian mutters petulantly.

Lan Wangji freezes for a second before turning back to A-Yuan. The tips of his ears appear slightly pink, Wei Wuxian notes.

Since his teasing has not gotten any response, Wei Wuxian sighs deeply and takes over the small table beside the bed to begin his work. At this point, he has most of Conduct memorized.

Lan Wangji's calligraphy set is truly luxurious. He even has weasel-fur tips on his finer brushes. Wei Wuxian takes care to ensure he harms not even one hair as he lazily scrawls out the characters. It's not like he can afford to replace anything, after all. Rich-gege, indeed.

Instead of paying attention to his writing, he keeps glancing at Lan Wangji feeding A-Yuan. The little boy happily opens his mouth and waits for Lan Wangji to lift the rice and tofu up to his mouth. Another sign he was deeply cared for, that he trusts someone will even ensure his ease and comfort in this way.

Wei Wuxian sighs. What a lovely sight. The strict and decorous Lan Wangji diligently obeying the unstated demands of a toddler.

Lan Wangji looks over at him and Wei Wuxian can only chuckle as he returns to his writing. “You're such a good parent, Lan Zhan. Look at how well A-Yuan has trained you already.”

Lan Wangji does not dignify that with a response. He goes back to picking the best portions of food out for A-Yuan to eat.

After eating, A-Yuan begins to drift off.

Several moments later, Lan Wangji says, “Wei Ying. He is becoming attached to you. You will have to return him to his family soon.”

Something in Wei Wuxian aches. He replies, “I don't think he has a family. He said his popo, his uncle, his aunt are all gone. I think that whoever they entrusted A-Yuan with abandoned him here, hoping he would be safe.”

That is so close to the truth, but somehow entirely a lie as well. Wei Wuxian pushes down the pang of guilt.

“The Lan cannot take him in. He is too young to be a disciple,” Lan Wangji says gently, as if consoling Wei Wuxian – or perhaps himself. He seems eager to spend time with the child as well.

“I know, Lan Zhan. I know. And when no one claims him, then what happens to A-Yuan? The Lan will not let him stay. The village magistrate will have no use for a child too young to work. Without any ties to a local family...”

He will be alone, with no one to look out for him. At best, he will be brought in by a prosperous family so he can learn to work for them in the future. At worst, he lives on the streets like Wei Wuxian had before Uncle Jiang found him.

“It is not yet certain that he has no family left,” Lan Wangji reasons.

Wei Wuxian turns disbelieving eyes on him. If this child had any decent family, they would have sent word requesting help upon noticing their child missing. There would already be correspondence at the Cloud Recesses begging aid to search for their child.

Lan Wangji looks down slightly at Wei Wuxian's response.

Wei Wuxian keeps his voice even as he replies, “Lan Zhan, unless someone comes forward to claim him, his options will be to live on the street, or be sold into servitude on a contract he can never escape.”

“Wei Ying... He is not really your child. You cannot determine his future. Let the authorities work – perhaps they will find another branch of his family,” Lan Wangji counters.

And his response is perfectly reasonable. In any other situation, Wei Wuxian might also do the same. Well, he would also try his best to ensure A-Yuan went to a family that would formally adopt him. And give them some coins if he had any to spare, so they would look kindly on the child.

“I hope they do – I hope A-Yuan is not alone in this world,” Wei Wuxian whispers.

A-Yuan will not be alone as long as he lives. But Wei Wuxian does not say that. There is no excuse he can give for his devotion. Nothing that would make sense.

For a moment, he considers telling Lan Wangji the truth. He imagines showing him the letter, the inventions. Trying to convince him it is not some prank, that he would never write something so awful.

And the only response he can see, as he writes out even more of Conduct, is getting punished. Whether because he is judged to be a liar, or because he is believed and the letter is evidence of the evils he will commit.

Lan Wangji falls to silence as well, watching A-Yuan sleep. When the boy begins to get restless, Lan Wangji sits at the end of his cot and retrieves a guqin from his qiankun sleeve. It hovers in front of him, supported by his spiritual energy so he can play. Which. Well, of course, Lan Wangji would have a powerful secondary spiritual tool and a strong bond with it. If it wasn't being done for A-Yuan's benefit, Wei Wuxian would tease Lan Wangji about showing off.

Lan Wangji plays gentle melodies to soothe the restless into restfulness. A-Yuan rolls over and stretches out. His breathing evens and his soft snores join the music.

Wei Wuxian feels his own tension soothed under the soft blanket of harmonious strings. It will all work out. He will find a solution and A-Yuan will be happy and healthy.

Within one afternoon, Wei Wuxian completes the copy of Conduct. Lan Wangji takes it from him with a serious nod.

Testing his luck, Wei Wuxian wheedles, “I slept so poorly last night... Maybe you could stay here with A-Yuan tonight instead?”

“There will be a healer on duty,” Lan Wangji replies thoughtfully.

Wei Wuxian pouts, “Lan Zhaaaannn... A healer will not scare away bad dreams. Come on, it's just for one night. You don't have patrol, because you never get assigned two nights in a row. Just do me a favor and let A-Yuan sleep well because someone he trusts is nearby.”

Lan Wangji seems to think it over, before relenting, “I will stay with him until he is asleep and play Rest so he will not wake.”

“You're the best! Seriously! What a good gege you are!” Wei Wuxian cheers.

Lan Wangji's jaw clenches slightly. Whoops, Wei Wuxian may have overdone it.

Wei Wuxian, of course, has no intention of actually sleeping. He lets Jiang Wanyin grouse at him and laughs about his own punishment until finally the other boy lays down to sleep.

It hurts to lie to his shidi like this.

He cannot risk doing anything else. There is no reasonable explanation for what he must do.

Wei Wuxian counts to five hundred. Then he grabs his qiankun bag from the side of his bed and slips out to through the door. He quickly pulls one of his dark outer robes over his sleeping clothes and slips his boots on. Suiban surges into his palm, fairly ringing with energy as Wei Wuxian tamps down his nerves.

Tonight, he cannot be caught at any cost.

He sneaks past the patrols and through the barrier around the Cloud Recesses before jumping on his sword and flying off towards the darkest part of the woods beyond the mountain. As he rides his sword, he pulls out the Compass of Ill-Winds and watches it closely. He doesn't know how close he will need to be – the notes indicated it should work from more than a kilometer away... But he still flies just along the tops of the trees.

It takes over an hour, but finally the Compass twitches out of its lazy spin and points in a direction. Wei Wuxian follows it slowly. He watches the woods below with interest.

When he thinks he sees something moving between the branches, he drops down and lands on the floor of the forest.

It is risky to take a hunt with no information. But he needs to be sure he can count on these inventions, that they are real. Too much is at risk if they are false.

The notes for the Spirit-Luring Flag said that using eight of them in a specific configuration would be the most effective methods. However, only one was included with the bag as a sample.

Wei Wuxian plants the lone cloth talisman flag and waits with his sword drawn.

A moment later he hears a lumbering crash. An angry snuffle followed by an enraged squeal.

A reeking boar yao bursts through the underbrush, nearly as tall as Wei Wuxian and much more solid. Writhing resentful energy shrouds it.

Wei Wuxian leaps out of the way as it crashes towards the flag. He feeds spiritual power into his sword, filling the small clearing with light. As the boar goes past him, he lunges forward and strikes directly at it's heart. His blade inks deep between the ribs.

He feeds spiritual energy further into the sword and soon the wound bursts open, jetting black ichorous blood out. The boar stops, only meters from the flag.

Corrupted boar yao are notoriously difficult to fight; they have few weak spots and are viciously aggressive with a keen sense of smell. This one didn't even notice him because it was too focused on the flag.

Wei Wuxian lets out a shuddering sigh.

Some part of him hoped the inventions were false. That he would be able to use that to deny the rest of the warnings.

He quickly stows the flag away to prevent it from drawing anything else to him. And then he sets about completing the rites to cleanse the boar yao and bury it properly. His mind churns as he goes through the required rituals.

Wei Wuxian walks up the stairs to the medical pavilion only half an hour before breakfast is served, “Healer Lan, have you heard from the magistrate in Caiyi yet?”

The old healer shakes her head, “Young Master Wei, it has only been a day! Give them some time. They must surely first inquire among some of the families before they know if anyone is missing.”

Wei Wuxian laughs awkwardly, “Ah, I know, I was just impatient. Sorry to bother you – I will go visit A-Yuan!”

“Keep quiet, please!”

Wei Wuxian nods vigorously in response. The healer gives a quick quirk of her lips.

A-Yuan is sleeping soundly when he enters the room. His breakfast has not yet been prepared.

Wei Wuxian softly strokes the child's hair, careful not to wake him. His heart eases to see A-Yuan comfortable and resting peacefully.

He stays until the healer chases him out under the threat of him missing his own breakfast.

This time, he carefully wakes A-Yuan more fully, “A-Yuan, I will be doing boring grown up things this morning. I will be back when the sun is in the middle of the sky. Be good for Healer Lan and her assistants, yes?”

“Mn,” A-Yuan grumbles, “Xian-gege be good.”

“I will, I will. I just didn't want you to wake up without seeing me again.” Wei Wuxian pats the boy on the head and leaves for the dining hall.

Jiang Wanyin scowls when he sees him. Before they can enter, he stops Wei Wuxian to ask, “Where were you? You got up before I did for once.”

“Ah, I went to the healing pavilion to check on A-Yuan,” Wei Wuxian says with partial honesty. In truth, he can feel two nights of missed sleep catching up to him.

“What? Why?” Jiang Wanyin scrunches his nose in confusion.

“Because he's scared of being alone.”

“So? The servants and healing assistants have the responsibility to care for him. What does it have to do with you?” Jiang Wanyin squints at him suspiciously.

Wei Wuxian laughs brightly, “I just wanted to see him – he, at least, likes to see me first thing in the morning. Now, we need to go eat or we'll get in trouble for being late. Come on, come on!”

“You can barely call this eating. It's twigs and gruel...” Jiang Wanyin is successfully distracted by the thought of the awful meal they will both have to suffer through.

Fortunately, A-Yuan does seem more settled when Wei Wuxian returns at noon. He lets Wei Wuxian feed him lunch and only sulks a little bit when Wei Wuxian has to leave for sword training that afternoon.

Normally, Wei Wuxian would stay after the training session and run through drills for a while longer to push his endurance and to ensure his shidi can come to him with any questions on their own training.

Today, he rushes away as soon as the class is finished. Jiang Wanyin watches him leave with annoyed resignation.

He brings his own set of paints and brushes to entertain A-Yuan for the evening. He then also bathes A-Yuan fully once the healer gives him a long-suffering look. A-Yuan delights in the warm water and splashes Wei Wuxian mercilessly.

He left a small paperman version of himself for A-Yuan to keep for the night. It has none of his soul in it, only a small talisman on it to ensure that if A-Yuan moves around it will hum gently in Wei Wuxian's own voice to help soothe him.

Wei Wuxian is not surprised that Jiang Wanyin is waiting up for him when he returns to their rooms after A-Yuan is asleep again. He needs a night of good rest, himself, and assured A-Yuan that he would be there first thing in the morning to wake him.

Jiang Wanyin scowls at him as he comes into the room, “You can't keep abandoning your duties to play with that child! Third shidi was having trouble with one of his moves, and you weren't even there to help him!”

Wei Wuxian takes a deep breath and tries a smile, “Ah, but you were there! Surely you could handle a few training mishaps.”

Jiang Wanyin sputters, “Of course I can! But that doesn't mean you can always slack off and play around. Training the other disciples is your responsibility as head disciple! You can't run off and abandon your duties to me whenever you feel like it.”

But Wei Wuxian will. He already decided that and sees no other way he can proceed. He cannot raise A-Yuan and also be the head disciple of the Jiang sect. After thinking about it, he can see no future for himself in the Jiang sect if he accepts responsibility for A-Yuan.

“Maybe your father was wrong to make me head disciple. Maybe I'm not the right choice,” Wei Wuxian says in a small voice.

Jiang Wanyin rolls his eyes, “Shut up, stop joking around. Who else would he appoint, when you're the best disciple of our generation? And better than most of the seniors as well.” His voice goes bitter towards the end, jealousy seeping in.

“Jiang Cheng. What if I don't want it?” Wei Wuxian asks in all earnestness.

“Ridiculous! You love showing off. And... It's an honor to be the Jiang sect's head disciple! What's gotten into you?” Jiang Wanyin clearly didn't plan for this conversation to go this way. He obviously thought he would scold Wei Wuxian, and then things would go back to normal.

Wei Wuxian shakes his head and tries to break into the subject of leaving gently, “I've been so set on repaying the Jiang sect for taking me in, for training me... But what about my own life? Do I have any future of my own?”

Jiang Wanyin looks hurt. He replies hesitantly, “Your future is with me. I will be the sect leader, and you will be my head disciple. We will bring honor to the Jiang sect and night hunt together.”

“What if I can't stay?” Wei Wuxian looks at Jiang Wanyin and lets him see the exhaustion and grief he feels.

“Where else would you go? The Jiang sect has given you everything, are you seriously thinking about abandoning us?” Jiang Wanyin asks, when clearly he means, 'how can you think of abandoning me?'

“The world is large, there must be a place for me in it,” Wei Wuxian says with a sigh.

“There's already a place for you! I just told you, you will be by my side when I lead the Jiang sect! Why are you saying this?” Jiang Wanyin sounds a bit panicked now.

Wei Wuxian shakes his head, “There is a place for the head disciple of the Jiang sect. I am not sure there is a place for me.”

Jiang Wanyin firms his lips from where they are trembling, “You don't mean that. You know that you belong with the Jiang sect. With me.”

Wei Wuxian keeps his tone gentle, “I will always be your friend. Even if I cannot stay with you.”

“Stop saying that! A friend wouldn't leave me. You are not going to leave!” Jiang Wanyin stomps over to his bed and sits down heavily. “Go to sleep. You're in a weird mood from the bad food.”

The next day, Wei Wuxian stays after sword training to give each of his shidi encouragement and compliment them on their progress. Jiang Wanyin scowls at him the whole time.

Jiang Wanyin stalks after him as Wei Wuxian heads back to the healing pavilion. “So this is it? You're convinced he's an orphan, so you're giving up everything to adopt him? How selfless and generous you are, abandoning your duties and throwing away the kindness of the people who took you in!” Jiang Wanyin hurls the accusation with a sneer, which does nothing to hide the redness around his eyes where tears gather.

“Jiang Cheng...” Wei Wuxian does not think he will be allowed to leave peacefully. He is hurting Jiang Wanyin, and that has only ever resulted in the other boy lashing out. He still wants to try to make this as painless as possible for them both.

Jiang Wanyin tilts his head to a haughty angle, “You don't have the right to call me that. You're going to defect from the sect? Then you don't get to be so familiar with the heir to the Jiang sect, since you'll just be a sectless vagabond.”

Wei Wuxian sighs and responds with exquisite formality, “Young Master Jiang.” He watches as the other boy flinches slightly at having his imperious demand met so quickly. Wei Wuxian continues, “I do believe A-Yuan is an orphan. I intend to seek out any family he may still have. If they will take him, then I will stay at least long enough to ensure he is treated well. If he has no family, then I will be the parent he needs.”

“You're throwing everything away, and you don't even know? Even for you, this is reckless. And irresponsible! What about a-jie? What are you going to tell her?” Jiang Wanyin hurls that question as the challenge it is.

“As you say, I will be a sectless vagabond. It would be inappropriate for me to contact the daughter of the Jiang sect leader.” Wei Wuxian knows this is the coward's path. The he won't even tell his shijie that he's leaving.

But if he goes to Lotus Pier, tries to see her... Wouldn't that just make it worse?

He wrote her a note, and he plans to give it to third shidi to hand to Jiang Yanli after the lectures are over. That way she has something from him, some small explanation. That is the only chance he has to contact her himself – he does not doubt that if he tried to hand the letter to Jiang Wanyin it would be destroyed in a fit of temper before it ever reached Jiang Yanli.

“You... You really are a disloyal person. I regret wasting my time on you!” Jiang Wanyin chokes out and whirls away. He stalks off with his shoulders tensed against his tears.

Shijie,

I know I have no right to call you that any longer, but you have always been like a sister to me. I wish you well, although it is unlikely we will meet again.

I left the sect because I found a little boy who reminded me of myself when I was younger – alone and trying very hard to be brave. At first, I thought I might be able to help him and also stay with the Jiang sect... But I realized I could not watch him be treated the way that I was. And so, perhaps my place is not among the Jiang at all.

Please forgive me for leaving.

Wei Wuxian

Before he can get back to the dormitory that evening, Nie Huaisang appears and waves him off to a side path. Wei Wuxian bites back a sigh. So, it is common knowledge then. He thought he would have a few more days.

Nie Huaisang whispers, “You don't want to go back there. Jiang Wanyin threw all your belongings on the ground outside. One of the Lan disciples saw him and scolded him for destroying property. He was forced to clean it up and he received twenty hits with a switch.”

Wei Wuxian winces. “Were all my things thrown out?”

It will be bad if he no longer has any spare clothes or his personal effects. He definitely cannot afford to replace them.

“I don't know! I think Lan Wangji confiscated them... He looked really upset!” Nie Huaisang shakes his head and looks confused. “Is it true? Are you defecting from the Jiang sect?”

Wei Wuxian sees no reason to hide it, if things have gone this far. “I plan to defect and leave the lectures. Jiang Wanyin is taking it poorly.”

“Is it because of your love child?” The Nie boy asks immediately, vibrating with excitement.

“WHAT?!?” Wei Wuxian chokes out roughly.

Nie Huaisang waves his fan in the direction of the healing pavilion, “The young boy you keep carrying around and visiting! Did you have a doomed love affair and finally get reunited with your long lost son?”

Wei Wuxian stares at him for a moment, at a loss for words.

He takes a deep breath, “Young Master Nie, the boy is four years old. I am fifteen years old. For him to be my so-called 'love child',” and here Wei Wuxian uses his most derogatory and sarcastic tone, “he would have been conceived while I was at the tender age of ten. Leaving alone the morality of any woman seeking an affair with a child that young... Physically, it would not have been possible.”

“Oh, I hadn't really thought of that,” Nie Huaisang says sheepishly.

“I think I understand now why there is a rule against gossip,” Wei Wuxian mutters in deep disbelief.

He turns around, ready to spend the night with A-Yuan after all. The boy was asleep when Wei Wuxian left, but he knows there is enough room on the cot to lie down with A-Yuan cuddled up next to him.

“But, where will you go?” Nie Huaisang calls after him.

“I will stay in Caiyi for a few days, at least. And then, who knows?” Wei Wuxian does not think he fully pulls off the bravado he is trying to project.

“You should visit Qinghe, once the lectures are over! My brother will be annoyed with me, but he'll relent if I'm showing a friend around,” Nie Huaisang is quick to offer.

Wei Wuxian quirks a smile. “You're already planning on messing around when you get home? You're a brave one. Ha, well – I suppose I will see you next summer, if you survive the lectures.”

The Lan sect lectures start in the spring and continue for a full year. So hopefully Nie Mingjue will not still be upset a full season after Nie Huaisang returns. Additionally, the invitation may give Wei Wuxian a chance to observe the defenses of the Unclean Realm. After all, if war is on the way, then maybe he can find some way to make it more costly to the Wen.

Wei Wuxian waves as he heads back towards the healing pavilion. If Jiang Wanyin is still this upset – and no doubt even more upset now after being punished – then Wei Wuxian will only make things worse if he shows up. Jiang Wanyin knows his intentions and will not support him. Wei Wuxian didn't really expect anything different.

If anything, this just moves up the timeline on his leaving. Well, he doesn't have a job lined up or lodging, but at least he knows he can make a living with his gentlemanly education. He will just have to flatter the magistrate and see if anyone is willing to pay for a portrait or a handsomely drawn proverb. That will work until he can find a reputable merchant for the inventions he has hidden away.

Wei Wuxian feels reckless as he removes the Clarity Bell from his belt. He uses the designs left by his alternate self. If he must leave the Jiang sect, then his debts will be repaid.

The bell gets dismantled, altered – recreated into a new form. The Silver Lotus Charm. Wei Wuxian does not stop working until it is perfect. He can feel the energy it emits.

He encloses the charm in a box.

Wei Wuxian stares at a blank piece of paper before sighing and dipping his brush into the ink. Better complete this before the ink dries.

Sect Leader Jiang,

Please forgive me for disappointing you.

By now, Jiang Wanyin has surely written of my intentions. It is true, I found a child who relies upon me. I decided to leave the lectures and instead care for the child I adopted.

I will not shame you by returning to Lotus Pier thus encumbered. And so, I must defect from the Jiang sect.

Thank you for taking me in and providing for me all these years. I will honor your teachings as best I can.

To repay your kindness, I developed the enclosed design. The instructions on how to make it are the only copy. My own Clarity Bell was used to create the first Silver Lotus Charm. It will avert low level resentful creatures from the wearer. It requires no spiritual energy and so it can protect anyone who cannot protect themselves. This invention is my gift to the Jiang sect as gratitude for my years of instruction.

With this gift, let there be an end to debts and gratitudes between the Weis and the Jiangs.

I plan to stay in Caiyi for a few weeks. If there are any administrative steps I need to take to formalize my defection, a messenger can find me at one of the inns.

Wei Wuxian

Wei Wuxian leans back to prevent the tears filling his eyes from landing on the paper. He folds the letter, along with his finest paper containing a much more carefully rendered set of instructions for the Silver Lotus Charm than was originally provided, and adds them both to the box as well.

Well. That is that. As the sun rises to midday, he takes the box to the Lan sect messengers and hands it off with instructions that it should be delivered only into the hands of Jiang Fengmian. As he is still considered the head disciple of the Jiang sect, Wei Wuxian does not doubt his request will be honored.

Hopefully, Jiang Fengmian will not demand he return Suiban.

Wei Wuxian does not want to face the Jiang sect leader at all – this feels like failure. He knows Jiang Fengmian will be disappointed in him. However, he doubts he will be allowed to leave so easily. It is likely Jiang Fengmian will come and make him defect in person. Wei Wuxian sighs. He will deal with that when it happens.

Wei Wuxian again makes his way to the healing pavilion. He avoids the lunch being served in the dining hall, where his absence from the morning lectures will surely be remarked on.

He will have lunch with A-Yuan, and then request a meeting with Lan Qiren, to inform his teacher of his intent to leave the lessons. Hopefully, he will not be kicked out immediately.

As he enters the pavilion, the old healer sees him and bustles over, “Oh! Young Master Wei. You're just in time – if you rush, you should be able to say goodbye to A-Yuan at the gate. The magistrate sent someone to collect the boy. He wants to interview the child before he begins inquiries in other villages.”

Wei Wuxian feels his stomach drop, “A-Yuan's gone?”

She nods, “Yes, the magistrate is the best person to help him. His assistant came by just half an hour ago. They should still be at the gate or on the stairs. If you rush, you can still say goodbye.”

“Thank you!” Wei Wuxian calls over his shoulder as he sprints.

A-Yuan must be terrified. He's been handed off to someone he doesn't know. He's being removed from where he feels safe.

Before he can head to the gate, Wei Wuxian realizes something else.

He cannot leave without informing Lan Qiren. His reputation will be even more in tatters than it will be from the defection. Any disciple may defect from their sect; only an ingrate would fail to show respect to a teacher. He must inform Lan Qiren of his departure in person, and accept his scolding with good grace.

Without this degree of propriety, it could be said that he lacks gratitude and insulted his teacher. He will be disgraced among all cultivation gentry – the very people he will need to work with if he does not want to end up a despised outcast from society in this world as well.

Wei Wuxian calculates; the assistant must be a normal civilian. It will take him nearly an hour to get down the stairs, and even if Wei Wuxian misses him, he can always go to the magistrate himself. A-Yuan will not be in any real danger. He will be distressed, yes, but Wei Wuxian will find him and make it up to the boy.

With that, he slows and heads back towards the sect grounds. He keeps his pace brisk, but not running.

Fortunately, he sees Lan Qiren talking with Lan Wangji just outside the dining hall.

Except that Lan Wangji is smiling and nodding. And is just a bit less handsome than usual. With a hair style quite different... That cannot be Lan Wangji, so it must be Lan Xichen.

Wei Wuxian approaches rapidly before they can enter the hall and salutes, “Greetings, Grandmaster Lan. Young Master Lan. This humble student has a request for his teacher, if you can spare a moment?”

Lan Qiren turns an unimpressed stare on Wei Wuxian. “You skip my lecture this morning and need to speak with me now?”

“I apologize for my rudeness. I would not interrupt unless it were important,” Wei Wuxian keeps his voice calm, with no indication of urgency. This is not something he can rush.

“Uncle, perhaps it would be best to hear him out. He may have an explanation for his absence,” Lan Xichen says in a mild, reasonable tone.

Wei Wuxian gives a nod of thanks to Lan Xichen, but keeps his eyes on Lan Qiren as the older man scrutinizes him. Lan Qiren stokes his beard thoughtfully for a moment then scoffs, “Speak quickly, do not make us late for the meal.”

Wei Wuxian gives a deep, formal bow, “Grandmaster, I thank you for the instruction you have provided. Your lectures improved my understanding of cultivation and the jianghu. I know gossip is forbidden in the Cloud Recesses, so I thought to inform you directly. As I am defecting from the Jiang sect, I will no longer be eligible to participate in your lectures.”

“WHAT?!?” Lan Qiren shouts.

“Young Master Wei, that is surprising. Have you thought this through? For someone so young to leave their sect, it does not indicate an auspicious future,” Lan Xichen holds onto his uncle's arm as the older man vibrates in outrage.

Lan Qiren sputters, “You, you! Impertinent boy! You thank me for instruction and then tell me you have so little filial piety and loyalty that you are leaving the sect that trained you? That sent you here?”

“Grandmaster, I apologize for startling you. However, my reasons for leaving the Jiang sect are personal. I sent notice to Sect Leader Jiang already, and the sect heir is also aware of my intentions,” Wei Wuxian keeps his voice and face smooth. He has years of practice being accommodating in the face of someone shouting insults at him.

Lan Xichen's mouth forms a little 'oh' and he seems to realize something. Clearly, he must have heard of Jiang Wanyin's punishment yesterday, if nothing else.

“Uncle, this is a matter internal to the Jiang sect. Perhaps it is best to stay out of it,” Lan Xichen cautions.

Wei Wuxian reaches down and pulls the jade pass off his belt, “I came to return the jade token, and inform you of my absence. I do not wish to abuse the hospitality of the Lan sect, now that I am no longer able to study here.” He holds it out to Lan Xichen, rather than giving it to Lan Qiren directly.

Lan Xichen hesitates for a moment, but when Wei Wuxian does not withdraw his hand, the Lan boy takes the jade token.

“You really are just like your mother. You lack all propriety,” Lan Qiren says with a sneer. Beside him, Lan Xichen flinches slightly.

Wei Wuxian really, really wants to recite the rule about not speaking ill of the dead. However, he holds his tongue and just bows one final time, “I will take my leave first. Grandmaster, your lectures will surely be more peaceful with me gone.”

Given how quiet the dining hall is, Wei Wuxian does not doubt that many people heard the conversation. He would have preferred to inform him in private, but Lan Qiren would not have extended that courtesy without a reason.

Wei Wuxian walks away and feels surprisingly light. Like a mountain lifted from his chest. Perhaps it is just the giddiness of having chosen a direction, rather than foundering and trying to find a way to keep the peace.

He will speak with the magistrate. He will adopt A-Yuan. And he will sell the remaining inventions to fund a wonderful life for both himself and his new son.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian paces through the Cloud Recesses at a quick walk – without his jade pass, he can only enter or exit through the gate, but surely that is the direction the magistrate's assistant went as well. Wei Wuxian does not think it will be too difficult to convince the assistant to let him come along and meet the magistrate... After all, he was the one who found A-Yuan.

Wei Wuxian gives a cheerful salute to the Lan disciples acting as guards to the gate today. Being beyond the walls of the Cloud Recesses also feels like another layer of uncertainty leaving him. He rushes to mount his sword as soon as he is out of sight from the gate.

...

Well, if he worried that he would have a hard time finding A-Yuan on the way to Caiyi, that was completely misplaced. Wei Wuxian winces as he hears the distressed wail of a child that cannot be soothed.

He briefly regrets wasting the time to speak with Lan Qiren directly... The old man did not even appreciate his attempt at proper conduct. Still, no one will be able to blame Wei Wuxian for not making the effort.

As he rounds another bend, Wei Wuxian sees a harassed-looking older man in rich yellow robes looking with dismay at a struggling toddler trying to get free of his grip and screaming his poor little lungs out.

Wei Wuxian nearly stumbles as he dismounts his sword in such a rush, “A-Yuan, darling boy – you will bring down the mountain if you continue crying like that!”

“XIAN-GEGE!” He wails even harder and his legs give out. Sobs continue to wrack his body.

Wei Wuxian bows deeply to the assistant and enunciates clearly to be heard over the child's cries, “My name is Wei Ying, courtesy Wuxian. I have spent a lot of time with A-Yuan recently. Please, allow me?” He reaches forward to lift A-Yuan off the ground.

The assistant nods and immediately uses his hands to cover his ears. He shouts to be heard over A-Yuan's continued wailing, “My name is Shen Haoyu. I work for the magistrate.”

Wei Wuxian nods agreeably, “Your time is valuable Master Shen, give me a moment to calm him, and then I will be happy to come with you and report to the magistrate as well. That way, you will not need to carry him down all these stairs.”

The man looks relieved as A-Yuan begins to quiet slightly. “I was afraid he would get free and run off into the trees or fall down one of the cliffs. When we left the infirmary he was fine, but as soon as we got past the gates he became inconsolable. You must be his 'Xian-gege.' He was asking for you.”

Wei Wuxian nods and rocks back and forth while running a hand up and down A-Yuan's back. He tilts his head towards the stairs to encourage the magistrate to continue. On each step, he bounces slightly to give the child the sensation of being pulled tight with the downward motion. It only takes a few more moments for A-Yuan to get to the point of quiet sniffles.

Shortly after that, obviously having exhausted himself, he begins to snore.

Shen Haoyu sighs and removes his hands from his ears, “I have two children myself but it has been years since I heard wailing like that. Not since my youngest broke her favorite tea set.”

Wei Wuxian gives a small smile before confessing in a very quiet voice, “I think being removed from a familiar environment and not having any familiar people might have scared him. The first afternoon in the infirmary, he cried like this because he thought I was gone forever.”

“Many things are difficult when you are that small. Thank goodness you came! I was worried I would have to drag him back up to those guards and request assistance,” the man says with deep relief.

Wei Wuxian confesses, “I was devastated myself at the thought that I may have missed the chance to see him. We have grown fond of each other these past days.”

Behind them, swift steps rush down the stairs.

Wei Wuxian turns, surprised anyone would move that quickly on the steep path. Lan Wangji rounds the bend and draws up short. He immediately slows to a more decorous pace

“Wei Ying...” He trails off, looking at Shen Haoyu beside Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian gives the older man an apologetic smile, “Ah, Master Shen, perhaps you should go first. This is the Second Young Master Lan, Lan Wangji. It is possible he would prefer privacy for our conversation. I assure you, I can bring A-Yuan and catch up with you before you reach Caiyi.”

Wei Wuxian is A-Yuan's family, but for now he will continue with the charade of turning him over. He cannot abduct the boy, not if he wants to formally adopt him.

Shen Haoyu blinks in surprise and bows very low, “Second Young Master Lan, I will take my leave. Please excuse me.”

With that, he begins heading down the stairs quickly. Since he works for the magistrate, he must be used to excusing himself and giving privacy to delicate conversations.

Lan Wangji slowly says, “You are leaving.”

Wei Wuxian finds it impossible to resist explaining himself. Lan Wangji may not understand and yet he is the only one willing to listen. Wei Wuxian cannot tell him the whole truth, but he can tell him some of it.

Wei Wuxian sighs, “It's hard to explain... I thought of bringing A-Yuan to Lotus Pier with me, you know? Just showing up with him, fresh from the lectures. Planning to keep him. And... I knew it wouldn't work. Sect Leader Jiang would try to send him away, for a variety of reasons. And if he did allow me to adopt A-Yuan – either as a son or brother – then there would still be Madam Yu. And I could not bear to think how she would treat him. You saw my back in the cold springs, right? That's... Not for A-Yuan.”

Wei Wuxian is not ashamed of his scars. He knows he did nothing to truly earn them. He rarely got caught by Madam Yu, and most often her punishments were kneeling in the ancestral hall, or running laps until his legs gave out. Those were punishments any teacher or elder might give. But sometimes... Sometimes she would be in a vicious mood, usually when Wei Wuxian did spectacularly better than Jiang Wanyin.

And so, Wei Wuxian knows from his trips to the healers that he has at least six scars on his back that will never fully fade. They do not impede his movement; he does not feel pain from them.

And he will never let anything like that happen to A-Yuan.

“You defected from the Jiang sect,” this time Lan Wangji sounds more sure as he says it. Perhaps he does understand, even a little.

Wei Wuxian nods resolutely, “Yes. Not because of A-Yuan. Not really. But more because I could not imagine raising any child in that sect. What kind of future is that, where I fear my own children will be degraded or whipped? Just for having me as a father.”

Lan Wangji pulls a qiankun bag out of his robes. It is pristine white, clearly from the Lan crafters. He hands it towards Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian just looks at him in confusion.

Lan Wangji explains, “Not all of your clothing or belongings could be mended. The laundry staff did their best. I will ensure Jiang Wanyin pays for what could not be repaired.”

“No, don't make it into a big deal. It will just make him angrier...” Wei Wuxian shakes his head, even as he sees Lan Wangji's eyes narrow.

“He destroyed your personal items. It is his responsibility to replace them.”

Fortunately, Wei Wuxian kept his personal qiankun bag in his own robes at all times, now that he has the letter and inventions to safeguard. He did not dare leave the bag anywhere it could be discovered. He lost much, but not those things from the Yiling Patriarch.

Wei Wuxian takes the white qiankun bag from Lan Wangji, grateful to have whatever could be salvaged. He sighs, “I mean, yeah – I don't exactly have any funds to replace things myself right now. But if you try to make him pay, he'll have a grudge against you. The Lan clan doesn't need to get into any conflict with the Jiang clan. Not over a comb and some paints.”

Lan Wangji inhales through his nostrils and briefly clenches his hand into a fist before relaxing it.

Wei Wuxian laughs a little, “Hey, it's my stuff – I can say I don't want any money for it.” Wei Wuxian knocks his shoulder against Lan Wangji's.

Lan Wangji stiffens in response. “You... Let me repay you then. I will not pursue this against Jiang Wanyin if you will accept payment from me.”

“Lan Zhan, I can't take your money...”

“Wei Ying, think of A-Yuan.” Lan Wangji says, in the tone that shows he knows he is correct and Wei Wuxian will have to accept it.

He's not wrong – Wei Wuxian would swallow his pride and beg if it meant A-Yuan would be fed. And here Lan Wangji is, good enough to offer for no reason at all.

Wei Wuxian thinks for a second. Lan Wangji is the second heir to the Lan sect. He must be aware of the connections available for the sect...

“Ah, well, if you really want to help, you could tell me if there is a merchant the Lan sect uses in Caiyi? Perhaps one who deals in spiritual weapons or tools?”

Lan Wangji's eyes widen and he blurts out, “Wei Ying! You must not!”

This is the first time Wei Wuxian has seen real distress on his face.

“Ah? Why not?” Wei Wuxian wonders if there is some Lan rule restricting sales of cultivation items. It sounds like something they might discourage. Something about frugality or duty.

“Your sword is a spiritual weapon, bound to you!” Lan Wangji almost sounds pleading.

At that, Wei Wuxian gapes at him. Did Lan Wangji really think he was going to sell Suiban to get a few nights at an inn?

Irresistible, incredulous laughter spills from his chest. He tries to hold it back but just ends up snorting and hiccuping. Wei Wuxian coughs a few times as the air moves back into his lungs.

A-Yuan wakes up and sees Lan Wangji. He reaches out with grabby hands, asking to swap over. Wei Wuxian pats him and turns him away. With great effort, Wei Wuxian manages to get his breath back and not dissolve into hysterical giggles.

Wei Wuxian finally manages, “Lan Zhan, you're ridiculous – sell my sword? Not a chance! If anything, I would sell my qiankun bag first. You silly fuddy-duddy.”

Lan Wangji looks slightly embarrassed. His eyes stay downcast the smallest amount.

Wei Wuxian cannot stand seeing him so uncomfortable. He softly says, “Hey, it's really good of you to care. You're the best, you know that? No one else offered to help.”

The Jiang disciples would not dare, not with Jiang Wanyin in his current mood. He's lucky that third shidi even agreed to carry the letter for Jiang Yanli. And of course, while he made many friends among the disciples in other sects, he is still an outsider and now a disgraced person as well. Only Nie Huaisang still seems interested in continuing to associate with him.

“Merchant Guo. By the western docks,” Lan Wangji says stiffly.

Lan Wangji reaches into his sleeve and pulls out a small purse with silver clouds embroidered on it. Traitor that he is, he hands it directly to A-Yuan.

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian scolds.

A-Yuan gleefully tries to put it in his mouth. He seems disappointed it is not edible. Instead he waves it around, successfully keeping Wei Wuxian from snatching it away.

“Wei Ying. Please. Let me care for you,” Lan Wangji whispers.

And Wei Wuxian gulps heavily. Does Lan Wangji not understand how that sounds?!? Wei Wuxian can feel a flush traveling all the way down his neck.

However, perhaps as Lan Wangji knew all along, Wei Wuxian's concern for A-Yuan far outweighs his pride. While Wei Wuxian is sure of his ability to secure funds for food and lodgings eventually... The ability to merely hand over payment immediately is a boon beyond measure.

Wei Wuxian cannot look at Lan Wangji as he mutters, “Fine. Just this once. But I will repay you in portraits of A-Yuan as soon as I buy more paints and brushes!”

“That would please me greatly,” Lan Wangji replies in an absolutely smug tone.

Wei Wuxian shivers. There must be a chill wind in the shade.

Wei Wuxian turns A-Yuan to look at Lan Wangji, “A-Yuan, say 'thank you' to Lan-er-gege.”

Lan Wangji almost misses a the next stair. He manages to catch his balance at the last moment. A-Yuan reaches out again and manages to grab a handful of Lan Wangji's robes.

“Aiyah, stop being a little monkey!” Wei Wuxian scolds. He pulls the boy back into a secure hold along his side, removing small fingers from white silk. He also manages to snag the coin purse from the child and transfer it into the lapel of his own robes, safely out of reach from a toddler.

“Rich-gege! Candy?” A-Yuan pouts cutely.

Lan Wangji looks dazed.

Wei Wuxian rescues him, “Thanks to Rich-gege, you will be able to have candy this afternoon if you are very nice to the people who ask you questions!”

“Now?” A-Yuan tries again.

“No, later. Remember, we are coming from the mountain that has no candy. Until we get to town, no one has anything to give you, you greedy child!” Wei Wuxian scolds fondly.

“Wei Ying. Please send a letter to let me know where you are staying.”

Wei Wuxian grins at Lan Wangji fondly, “Of course! I owe you many portraits of our little radish.”

Lan Wangji nods abruptly. “I will take my leave. Please be safe.”

Wei Wuxian bows with A-Yuan in his arms and whispers to the boy, “Salute your Rich-gege.”

A-Yuan pouts, “Noooo.”

Lan Wangji gently instructs, “You should acknowledge others when they leave, so they know you respect them.”

A-Yuan continues to pout, but he does pull together his arms in something similar to a salute. Considering he is being held, it is close enough.

Wei Wuxian despairs. It only takes one simple sentence from Lan Wangji and A-Yuan complies. Whenever Wei Wuxian tries to instruct the boy, he does what he wants. Life is unfair. Lan Wangji is destined to have perfectly behaved children.

With that, Lan Wangji begins his ascent back to the Cloud Recesses. If his steps are slower than necessary, well, Wei Wuxian is not going to tattle on him.

“Xian-gege, your sword flies?” A-Yuan asks in wonder.

“Of course! Have you never flown on a sword before?” Wei Wuxian makes sure his grip is secure on the child.

“Mn,” A-Yuan appears to think and gives an indeterminate shrug.

“Well, I am going to keep you safe, but feel free to close your eyes if it gets scary,” Wei Wuxian tells him.

Wei Wuxian files that away as another weird revelation... Several things do not add up, but right now he has other concerns.

He finds Shen Haoyu more than halfway down the path.

“Master Shen, thank you for your discretion,” Wei Wuxian says as he lands nearby.

“No need, no need! I was unaware that the Second Young Master was involved in this matter...”

Wei Wuxian gives a disarming smile, “Ah, well, A-Yuan managed to charm him as well. He wanted to ensure I would spoil our greedy monkey as much as he deserves.”

Shen Haoyu does not seem to have a response to that, but they quickly come to the edge of town and Wei Wuxian begins his usual perusal of the market stalls.

A-Yuan has been, to this point, avoiding looking at Shen Haoyu. As soon as the boy sees the vendor making spun sugar animals, he leans as far as he can in that direction despite it taking him closer to the older man.

“That! Want!” A-Yuan points and makes a grasping motion.

“Ah, and there go all your manners now that your Rich-gege is not here. I see how it is,” Wei Wuxian complains to no one in particular.

With an apologetic glance to Shen Haoyu, Wei Wuxian pulls out the gifted coin pouch and approaches the vendor. Shen Haoyu seems like he wanted to hurry them along, but as soon as the coin pouch is produced he coughs and averts is eyes.

“A-Yuan, you can only pick one, and you will get it after you are nice at our next meeting. Do you understand?”

A-Yuan looks at him and merely says, “Candy?”

“After you behave and are polite to the magistrate,” Wei Wuxian reminds him.

With precise deliberation, A-Yuan selects the butterfly with colorful wings.

“Good choice!” He praises A-Yuan before turning to the merchant.

As soon as he drew out the coin purse, the merchant briefly fumbled the candy horse he was crafting as he rushed to get up. With the slightly mushed head, it looks kind of funny.

Wei Wuxian points to the damaged sugar horse and says with a laugh “And I will take the donkey, too!”

The candy maker shakes his head, “No, no good master! I couldn't sell you anything so lowly. Please, take the dragon or the rooster!”

Wei Wuxian just smiles, “But I like donkeys. And some waxed paper to keep these from sticking as we travel, please.”

With a look of abject misery, the merchant wraps up the butterfly and the damaged horse before handing them over. The price he asks is half of what Wei Wuxian expected. What a good deal!

Having acquired the bribe, Wei Wuxian guides A-Yuan away and meets back up with Shen Haoyu. The man has a slightly strained smile on his face and Wei Wuxian feels a bit bad that they wasted time on such a frivolous thing when the magistrate is waiting.

The magistrate decided to see A-Yuan in a smaller, less formal room that his usual petition hall. Still, Caiyi is a prosperous town, so even the more casual meeting room has carved wooden pillars and screens with luxurious silk embroidery showing cranes flying over a river. The magistrate is a burly man with thin eyebrows. He appears to be in his early thirties, young to be an official for a town this size. He sits at a large desk inlaid with mother-of-pearl in geometric patterns.

Wei Wuxian salutes and introduces himself, “Magistrate Bei, this humble rogue cultivator is Wei Ying, courtesy Wuxian. I hoped to speak with you about A-Yuan. I was visiting the Cloud Recesses these past months, and found the boy one night after hearing a disturbance past the wards.”

“Ah – has the Lan sect sent you to check on our progress? I assure you, every avenue is being pursued. We only need a bit more time!” The magistrate says with mild desperation.

Wei Wuxian shakes his head, “No, the Lan sect has every faith in you. I came to make a personal entreaty regarding the boy.”

Wei Wuxian addresses A-Yuan, “Radish, I am going to place my hands over your ears while we discuss some boring adult things. Why don't you count your heartbeats and see how high you can go?”

The boy gives him a dubious look, clearly aware he is being excluded based on his age and unhappy, but he does not fidget or try to move away when Wei Wuxian covers his ears. He really wants the sugar butterfly.

Wei Wuxian immediately states his case as seriously as possible, “Magistrate Bei, when I originally found him, I thought there must be a foul, resentful creature or a haunting. What else could be alone in the woods so far from anything else? Of course, it turns out he is merely an abandoned child. I am a cultivator, so my senses are very keen. There was no one else nearby and no sign that anyone left in a hurry. My concern is this... If you find his family – regardless of circumstances or reasons – anyone who would leave a child alone in the woods at night on a mountain? Where he could easily fall to his death? They should not have that child returned to them.”

Wei Wuxian cheerfully lies and also shamelessly thrashes the face of his alternate self. He knows that in obfuscating this case his own petition will be considered a great mercy. It is what any version of himself would do.

Magistrate Bei begins to sweat slightly. He looks to his assistant and after a brief exchange of glances the magistrate nods and says, “You have given me much to consider.”

Wei Wuxian removes his hands from A-Yuan's ears, “Good job, A-Yuan! How many heartbeats did you count?”

The boy looks up and appears to think before saying, “Hundred.”

“Wow, that is a lot! Are you ready to talk with the magistrate? He wants to help you!” Wei Wuxian gives A-Yuan a little pat to move him forward.

With a glance at Wei Wuxian, A-Yuan makes a shaky bow before immediately retreating back to grip Wei Wuxian's sleeve and look shy.

The magistrate pastes on a benign smile, clearly feeling awkward in talking to a child. “A-Yuan, can you tell me who your family is?”

A-Yuan frowns, “Xian-gege.”

Wei Wuxian stifles a laugh.

The magistrate clears his throat, “Perhaps a father or a mother?”

With no hesitation, A-Yuan holds up Wei Wuxian's sleeve and says, “Mother!”

Wei Wuxian snorts and fails to hold in his laugh, “Why am I the mother?” He asks in mock offense. “If I'm the mother, then who is the father?”

A-Yuan huffs in exasperation, “Rich-gege.”

“Total betrayal. I saved you and this is how I am repaid. I see, I see!”

Wei Wuxian thinks for a moment to how it would look if Lan Wangji were walking alongside him with A-Yuan in between. All that would be missing then is a donkey...

He snaps himself out of the ridiculous daydream.

“A-Yuan, you need to be more serious and answer the magistrate if you want that candy I bought you...” Wei Wuxian threatens in a mild tone.

A-Yuan suddenly straightens up, “Family... Gone. Just have Xian-gege.”

“Did they leave you?”

A-Yuan's face screws up... “Gone,” he says in a pitiful voice and Wei Wuxian pats him on the head in comfort. “Popo and aunty and uncle not coming back. Bad men made them leave.”

A-Yuan turns around and starts hugging Wei Wuxian's leg and Wei Wuxian lets him.

Magistrate Bei looks uncomfortable. “I see. Thank you for telling me. Do you know the name of your village?”

A-Yuan shakes his head and refuses to say anything else.

Wei Wuxian keeps smoothing his hair in comfort as he addresses the other man, “As you can see, I have become something like a guardian to A-Yuan. If you will permit me to make a request?”

The magistrate nods.

“While you continue to be diligent in your duties and look for A-Yuan's family, I would like to take him as my ward. And, should his family not be found – though no fault of your own! – I would like to adopt him as my son.”

With a dubious look, the magistrate asks, “And how old are you?”

Wei Wuxian shamelessly obfuscates, “Ah, as a cultivator my age will not show on my face. I assure you, despite my youthful appearance, I am quite old enough to wander freely and hunt resentful creatures. But, I understand your concern is for A-Yuan's well-being. As it should be! If it makes you feel at ease, I will be in Caiyi on business for perhaps the next few weeks. You are free to check on me and make sure I am taking good care of him.”

The magistrate recognizes that is not an answer, but he still gives a slow nod, “I will consider your request. Come back in a week and I will announce my decision. Until then, I charge you with the care of A-Yuan.”

With another bow, Wei Wuxian says, “We will take our leave. Thank you for your benevolence, Magistrate Bei!”

As soon as he produces the sugar butterfly from his robe, A-Yuan tries to climb him to get it. Wei Wuxian gives it to him and scoops him into a comfortable hold to begin his journey back down the stairs to town.

Wei Wuxian uses qi to heighten his hearing as he leaves the room. He feels no shame in eavesdropping.

The magistrate whispers, “Haoyu, what are your thoughts?”

His assistant keeps his voice even quieter but not enough to evade Wei Wuxian's ears. He says, “Young Master Wei has high connections. Second Young Master Lan pursued him and they talked alone for some time. It appears they are quite close.”

“We cannot afford to appear incompetent in front of the Lan... What if he reports to them? Our investigation has yielded no results!”

“Ah, but if anyone asks – now we can say that we had no choice but to stop! A cultivator with ties to the Lan sect personally requested we turn the boy over to him. And for righteous cause, no less! How could we deny it?”

“And if the boy's family comes to us later?” There is a touch of genuine concern in Magistrate Bei's voice.

Shen Haoyu answers, “You will scold them, of course – how dare they cause such trouble and make you go through such effort!”

Wei Wuxian smiles as he leaves the opulent building. Ah, another politician concerned about whether he looks capable. Well, that works out just fine for Wei Wuxian's purposes.

Wei Wuxian does not wish to be wasteful of Lan Wangji's money, so he finds a respectable inn farther away from the lake in a quieter area of town.

After confirming the innkeeper has a room available and also a responsible daughter who will be able to watch A-Yuan for a few hours a day when needed, for an extra fee, Wei Wuxian agrees to pay for a week of lodging upfront.

The innkeeper's smile brightens when he pulls out his money pouch, “For such a reputable young master, I will make sure you have our best room.”

“Ah? Any room will be fine. I just need a daybed for A-Yuan. No need to put anyone out,” Wei Wuxian says.

She shakes her head, causing her earrings to swing, “Not at all, not at all, it just happens that the room with a view of the lake is free now!”

Well, it's not like he cannot afford it.

Wei Wuxian would be dumbfounded by the amount of money in Lan Wangji's purse, but he remembers that the Lan boy goes night hunting frequently. Wei Wuxian is not unfamiliar with the amount of funds that Uncle Jiang used to give Jiang Wanyin when they would go on a longer hunt with their shidi and shimei. While each disciple would have their own personal purse for any individual items, the leader would be expected to have enough coins to pay for several rooms at an inn, with enough to pay a healer if anyone got injured or provide reparations to the townspeople if necessary.

Wei Wuxian tries to hand over some additional coins, but the innkeeper refuses to let him no matter how he haggles with her. Perhaps business is slow...

Her daughter, when she comes to introduce herself so A-Yuan will be familiar with her, is a coltish girl around the age of twelve. When she sees Wei Wuxian she blushes brightly and keeps her face down.

“This is A-Ming. She helps with the cleaning, but of course, she can mind your son at any time, Immortal Master,” the innkeeper smiles and opens the door to a large, clean room with an ornately carved bed and a small second sleeping area with a cushioned lounge.

Red cotton-tree blossoms are painted on the walls complementing the honey-toned wood furniture. An incense burner on the central table perfumes the air richly with the scent of orchid. This is the top-most room, so there is a partially enclosed balcony that showcases a view over the town with Biling Lake in the distance.

Wei Wuxian lets out a small, peaceful sigh, “Perfect. You refuse to allow me to repay you for such a lovely room, would you object if instead I placed some wards to help protect your establishment?”

“Oh, we couldn't possibly accept something so grand!” the older woman demurs.

“Please, it would ease my mind to ensure your safety as well as make sure my son is protected as best I can,” Wei Wuxian insists.

When he confirms his commitment, the innkeeper allows him to proceed – although she winces when he uses his sword blade to cut into the wood frame of her entrance and kitchen doors.

The building already has a restful feng shui, and with sigils for protection carved on the frame for the doors and windows in the common area, Wei Wuxian can feel the wards take shape. No resentful creature will be able to pass the threshold and neither will anyone with a strong intent to steal or cause injury.

He cannot interrupt any of the other paying guests, but he doubles the protection on his own room to ensure no one will walk away with any of his things, meager though they are now.

It is easy enough to find the wagons that deliver supplies to the Cloud Recesses – and even easier to pass over the letter for Lan Wangji. The wagons send supplies up the mountain twice a day and letters are collected and brought up with them. No one blinks at a personal letter being added to the pile of official correspondence.

Wei Wuxian made a small sketch of A-Yuan napping on the day bed, and enclosed it with a short note telling Lan Wangji the address of the inn. And thanking him for the funds that allowed Wei Wuxian to purchase paper and inks to work with.

Wei Wuxian works over the evening and the next day to create a few additional Compasses of Ill-Winds, to ensure he understands the process and also ensure the instructions on its composition are as clear and cogent as possible when he copies them out. As Wei Wuxian has no desire to spend all his time making more of these, he plans to offer the detailed instructions to the merchant so that they will be able to work out a method to ensure creation and distribution are done in an effective manner.

Another thing bothers him as he makes his copies – the Yiling Patriarch had such amazing inventions, but A-Yuan was clothed in rough, patched robes? And was malnourished? How could such a thing happen? Even if all the cultivation gentry vilified him and refused to trade, the common people could still use all three of the inventions he created. None of them require spiritual energy at all!

How, then, was the Yiling Patriarch not extremely wealthy???

The letter provides no information. Wei Wuxian can only extrapolate that the designs were copied or stolen. Surely, someone would be able to profit from these genius designs...

So, Wei Wuxian also works hard at developing a method to prevent the Compass from being easy to duplicate by anyone who does not have the instructions. In the end, he places an additional few glyphs within the artifact design that do nothing more than make it more difficult to determine the functional elements.

Fortunately, it does not require spiritual energy to create or use the Compass so he can sell the design without needing to involve any cultivation clan. A merchant will defend the design – to do otherwise would cost them sales and profit. And they can involve the civil courts if anyone attempts to steal the instructions. Besides, any cultivation clan that would imitate something provided by common merchants would be ruthlessly shamed and mocked by other members of the gentry.

Thinking about how to ensure the Compass is additionally secured for sale, Wei Wuxian carves a talisman onto the end of a stamp. It is a small spell, based on a basic maze array. Something so obvious that any competent cultivator would dismiss it as useless in such a reduced form. After testing a few variations, Wei Wuxian is satisfied with his design. When applied with cinnabar mixed in the ink, the stamp makes any item look more complicated and cryptic the longer someone studies it. Anyone who hopes to replicate his design will instead earn a painful headache.

Merchant Guo agrees to hold the Compass of Ill-Winds and follow behind Wei Wuxian while giving him directions, once it becomes clear that the Compass has already identified something within the limits of Caiyi as a test of the device. After Wei Wuxian saves a young child playing along the docks from a water ghost – and finds another ghost lurking underwater nearby – Merchant Guo is rather enthusiastic about buying the design for the Compass from Wei Wuxian.

Even after it becomes clear that Wei Wuxian is bargaining against his own interest to ensure the price for the basic, unadorned compass is as low as possible.

(Merchant Guo does not seem particularly enthused at the idea of earning merits and goodwill based on the number of lives saved. However, she perks up significantly once Wei Wuxian provides a list of materials that may be substituted without any degradation in service, and by which she can increase profits from clients looking to impress others or be seen as generous when buying a gift. Wei Wuxian also gladly offers that in negotiations with cultivation clans, he expects her to price the design appropriately to the benefit they will receive in night hunting.)

Additionally, she seems very interested in the seal he developed to stamp on each product which prevents the design from being replicated. Wei Wuxian walks away from her shop with a bag of coins far greater than the one gifted to him by Lan Wangji, and signed contracts that also entitle him to a percentage of income based on the quantity of Compasses sold. He also negotiates that the Sealing Stamp may be sold for use on other products, for an annual fee, and only guarantees the exclusivity of these agreements through Gusu.

Wei Wuxian smiles as he leaves the shop. If he can secure a merchant in either Qinghe or Lanling and negotiate a similar fee structure, then he will be able to ensure that he and A-Yuan can live comfortably on this alone for the rest of their lives.

Wei Wuxian also stops to send a letter to Assistant Shen informing him of the water ghosts and recommending he request assistance from the Lan sect in the investigation. No one near the docks recognized the bodies or could provide any clues as to where they came from.

With his new abundance of wealth, Wei Wuxian spends the next morning getting A-Yuan measured for new robes.

The tailor recommended by the innkeeper moves around swiftly, using a string to take measurements from where he placed A-Yuan on a platform. A-Yuan fidgets but remains in place when the tailor tuts at him. “Ah, children grow so fast. We will be sure to make the seams generous so they can be let out as he grows.”

The shop girls brought out a variety of finer silk and brocade options, upon seeing Wei Wuxian's own robes and deducing that he is considered cultivation gentry. Wei Wuxian does not correct them. He has the funds to match their estimation, regardless.

“Do you have any used robes in a similar length while we wait for these to be made?” Wei Wuxian asks.

The tailor nods and goes into the back room with one of his assistants. Wei Wuxian does not even need to sharpen his hearing to listen in.

The tailor whispers instructions, “Go to the pawn shop by the eastern market. Buy the nicest children's robes they have. We will be able to sell them at twice the price to this young master!”

The tailor returns and beams at Wei Wuxian, “Ah, just a moment, my assistant is going through our store room. I believe we have a few options for the child. Have you decided on the fabrics for each of the robes?”

Wei Wuxian sends back a few of the fabric samples for being too delicate. While silks so fine they appear transparent are a sign of prestige, winter is coming and he wants A-Yuan to be warm. That still leaves more than two dozen to chose from.

Wei Wuxian turns to ask the person who will be wearing the robes, “A-Yuan, what colors do you like?”

Wei Wuxian is glad he cleaned the boy up, because A-Yuan reaches out to grab a brilliant white swatch of fabric. Clearly he spent too long among the Lan, Wei Wuxian laments to himself.

“Ah, little radish, that is hardly a color you can wear while playing or practicing your calligraphy. Won't you choose something else?”

A-Yuan frowns at Wei Wuxian but he does look over the silks again before reaching towards a deep scarlet red.

Wei Wuxian chokes back a laugh. White and red. How apropos for the last of the Wen. Fortunately, the red A-Yuan selected is much darker than the red associated with the Wen sect.

“What a fine choice! You have excellent taste A-Yuan,” Wei Wuxian praises.

He turns to the tailor, “Please prepare two full sets of robes, three layers each. For the first, the outer layer in the scarlet, the inner layer in soft pink, and let's do a contrasting dark blue for the middle layer. For the second set of robes, white for the outer and innermost layers with gray as the middle layer. And a heavy smock to go over either outfit – any thick canvas will do.”

“Wonderful! And what embroidery should our seamstresses add?” The tailor smiles with mercenary glee.

Wei Wuxian shakes his head, “Ah, I do not think we will be in town long enough for embroidery. As it is, I will be happy to pay extra for these to be prepared quickly. How long will it take for all six robes to be completed?”

“We could have one set completed in five days, and the second in ten,” the merchant replies after a quick consultation with his work ledger.

The assistant comes back carrying several used robes in close-enough sizes. Wei Wuxian checks the seams and weight of the garments before selecting another three full outfits, one in teal and gray, one in blue and bronze, and the last in peach and dark green. None are silk, but at least they are warm, clean and ready immediately.

Wei Wuxian pulls out his coin pouch and prepares to haggle. He moved most of the funds from Merchant Guo to a locked box in his room, with a blood seal to prevent anyone else from moving or opening it. However, he refilled the coin pouch Lan Wangji gave him with more than enough to satisfy even a greedy merchant.

The tailor freezes for a moment. With a small wince, he says, “You have been such a good customer, these used robes are included in the price for the silks.”

Wei Wuxian blinks. Suspicious, he can only ask, “And how much will you charge for making the silk robes? A-Yuan is such a small child, after all.”

The tailor hesitates, and then quotes a price lower than Wei Wuxian would have bargained for, especially considering he is requesting an expedited delivery. Mystified and unwilling to try and negotiate a higher price, Wei Wuxian accepts and pays the requested price. His coin pouch returns to his robes with plenty remaining for his other purchases.

After the tailor, Wei Wuxian takes A-Yuan to the tanner, and is able to commission a fur cape and gloves to be delivered in seven days. And two pairs of thick boots to be delivered in three days, one slightly too large so it will fit as the boy grows through the winter.

Having exhausted A-Yuan's boredom threshold on measurements, Wei Wuxian rewards him with a trip through the day market and buys him some candied fruit and a small straw boat for him to play with in the bath. After enough pouting, Wei Wuxian also agrees to indulge in a meal on the roof of one of the nicer tea houses by the lake.

It is pure luck that he notices the white robes before any of the cultivators can see him. Chuckling to himself, Wei Wuxian quickly folds up a piece of paper into a delicate lotus flower.

Whispering, he says, “A-Yuan, be quiet. We're going to surprise your Rich-gege. Throw this flower over the wall!”

At the mention of Lan Wangji, A-Yuan perks up, but he agreeably does not make any noise and just peeks his head over the carved, wooden parapet. With a toothy grin, he clumsily tosses the paper flower over the ledge.

Wei Wuxian uses a brief burst of qi to direct the paper flower onto a trajectory that will land it directly on Lan Wangji's hair piece.

The instant before it makes contact, Lan Wangji lifts his hand and grips the stem of the flower. He turns minutely and looks over his shoulder, up at Wei Wuxian.

Caught, Wei Wuxian grins broadly and waves. A-Yuan stands on his tip-toes to also waves cheerfully.

Beside Lan Wangji, his brother turns to look in their direction and his lips turn up in a small smile. He says something to Lan Wangji too quiet to hear at this distance. Lan Wangji does not respond.

The other Lan disciples all turn and as well. They all keep calm faces, with the exception of one at the back of the group who scowls upon seeing Wei Wuxian. Strange. Wei Wuxian broke many rules, but he kept almost all of his pestering to Lan Wangji. He does not recognize the annoyed outer disciple.

Lan Wangji calmly walks towards the entrance to the restaurant and Wei Wuxian falls back laughing joyfully. He has barely recovered his breath before both the Lan brothers come up the stairs. Wei Wuxian turns A-Yuan towards them and watches as he runs forward.

Unfortunately, from his lower vantage they must look even more identical than usual. Both are wearing the robes the Lan use for night hunting. A-Yuan stops short. He looks between them. He looks again.

A-Yuan looks up at Lan Xichen. “Not Rich-gege,” he proclaims judgmentally.

Wei Wuxian cheerfully confirms, “Very good, A-Yuan, you are correct! That gentleman is your Rich-gege's da-ge! He is the First Jade of Lan, Lan Xichen.”

A-Yuan gives Lan Xichen another frown before hiding behind the safety of Lan Wangji's leg.

Lan Xichen's smile becomes even more delighted, “It is a pleasure to meet you, A-Yuan. I am indeed the 'da-ge' to Lan Wangji.”

Lan Wangji gives his own brother a slightly narrow glance. He reaches down to pat A-Yuan on the head.

“A-Yuan, greet us properly,” Lan Wangji instructs the boy.

With a small pout, A-Yuan comes forward and performs a wobbly bow, “A-Yuan greets... geges.”

Lan Xichen coos. Lan Wangji nods and says, “Well done. It is good to see you, A-Yuan.”

“Rich-gege... Have tea. And sesa... sesame cakes. Sit?” A-Yuan asks with big eyes.

Wei Wuxian interrupts, “A-Yuan, they must be busy. Come back to me.” As the boy returns, Wei Wuxian gives his own brief salute and greeting before asking, “Are you here about the water ghosts?”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji regards him with a full, sweeping look.

“Ah, I only told Master Shen about them yesterday. The Lan sect should be proud to have such diligent young masters!” Wei Wuxian compliments and gives Lan Wangji a teasing grin.

Lan Wangji sighs slightly in exasperation.

Lan Xichen nods graciously and asks, “If you already investigated, do you mind sharing your observations?”

Wei Wuxian shrugs and admits, “Unfortunately, I did not discover much – two water ghosts were active on the western docks during the day and when they were defeated no one could identify them. I sent word to the magistrate's office.”

“You did not investigate further?” Lan Wangji asks with slight skepticism.

“I dared not! This is Gusu Lan territory,” Wei Wuxian demurs. Of course, that would not have really stopped him.

Lan Wangji raises one brow slightly.

Wei Wuxian relents, “And I needed to get back to A-Yuan before his nap was over. I told the magistrate to keep people away from the lake after dark, just in case. And to summon me if more ghosts started attacking.”

Lan Xichen gives a brief bow, “Thank you for protecting the people of Caiyi.”

Feeling uncomfortable with the thanks, Wei Wuxian waves his hand and says, “Ah, please! No need for thanks, I was only doing what any cultivator would do. It is our duty to protect the common people.”

Lan Xichen asks, “Would you like to join us on this night hunt? Since you are already familiar?”

Lan Wangji gives his brother a sharp look, but says nothing.

Wei Wuxian takes one look at A-Yuan and shakes his head, “No, I need to buy some brushes and paper to help A-Yuan practice writing.”

“You plan to start his education?” Lan Xichen asks.

“Ah? Well, continue it. He already knows some characters, although more practice is needed.”

When he suggested A-Yuan practice writing, the boy had been confused at being given a brush and paper. Instead he had pulled Wei Wuxian down to the garden and collected a stick to carve the letters into the dirt. The innkeeper was not amused.

Wei Wuxian's own brushes are too large for the child to use comfortably. And he would prefer not to use all of his good paper on writing practice. So, a trip to buy a child's writing set and some books with beginner's calligraphy lessons will take up the afternoon.

Lan Xichen smiles and bows, “Then, we will take our leave. Have a pleasant day, Young Master Wei. A-Yuan.”

Lan Wangji also bows, eyes lingering on A-Yuan, fondly observing as the boy pouted up at Wei Wuxian until he had been served the sesame cake he was reaching for.

Wei Wuxian rushes to return the salute, “Take care and good fortune on your hunt!”

A-Yuan looks up from his cake as they leave and gives Wei Wuxian a betrayed look, as if unable to believe he did not get them to come sit with him. Wei Wuxian lifts him to observe over the parapet and says, “Wave to the Lan gege's as they leave to wish them luck!”

A-Yuan waves excitedly as Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen pass back out to the street. Lan Wangji's face softens. They both raise a hand in acknowledgment to A-Yuan before turning back to their task. Lan Xichen nudges his brother as they continue on their way.

Wei Wuxian feels torn. The water ghosts are hardly a dangerous foe but they can be wily. Also, it was strange that no one knew the bodies. And that they were active during the day. Usually, resentful creatures are most active at night.

He watches as the Lan brothers re-join their disciples and head towards the boats they rented to take them on the lake. Lan Wangji glances back once more towards the tea house.

Wei Wuxian makes his decision. He gives A-Yuan another cake and tells him to stay at the table. With one powerful leap, he reaches Lan Wangji just before he can board the boat.

“Lan Zhan, take this with you!” Wei Wuxian holds out the original Compass of Ill-Winds. The one created by his alternate self, the one that is not obscured by his seal.

One of the outer Lan disciples already on one of the boats scowls at the delay.

“What is it?” Lan Wangji asks.

“It is a compass, but not for directional awareness. It points to sources of resentment,” Wei Wuxian explains.

Lan Xichen looks surprised and wonders aloud, “Does such a thing exist?”

Wei Wuxian nods, “They can be purchased from Merchant Guo. I tested it myself and the item seems to work as described.”

Lan Wangji gives Wei Wuxian a piercing look. He takes the Compass, calloused fingers brushing against Wei Wuxian's hand. For a brief moment, Wei Wuxian is tempted to grip his hand and keep him close.

“What a priceless marvel,” Lan Xichen murmurs while looking at Lan Wangji's bright red ears.

Wei Wuxian bows and rushes away, knowing A-Yuan cannot be trusted to stay at the table for long. Hopefully, he has not made a mistake.

The Lan disciples come back, missing one.

Wei Wuxian completed his errands, and then returned to linger near the docks and attempt to teach A-Yuan how to skip rocks, as an excuse to stay longer in case there is any word of the hunt. Wei Wuxian rushed through each purchase not even bothering to haggle. The boats the Lan rented were still not back even after the hour he spent collecting supplies.

And when they do arrive, they come not by boat but by sword. Twelve left. Wei Wuxian notes that only eleven return in somber formation. More somber and mournful than usual – not even Lan Xichen has a smile to spare.

“Lan Zhan, are you alright?” Wei Wuxian rushes over to him as soon as they land, A-Yuan clinging to his side. The boy seems to realize this is not a time for exuberance. He chews on his own thumb as he looks at the sad faces.

“Fine,” comes the simple reply.

Wei Wuxian looks the other boy over carefully before saying, “The bottom hem on your robes are damp. Are you sure?”

“Water ghosts capsized my boat. I was on alert and able to free myself quickly thanks to the warning from your Compass,” Lan Wangji looks at Wei Wuxian and dares him to deny ownership of the device.

So, Lan Wangji noticed the similarity between the carved array on the original Compass of Ill-Winds and Wei Wuxian's own writing. Well, he has always been observant. And Wei Wuxian is not exactly going to deny credit for the invention in this world. He instead re-directs the conversation.

“What happened?” he asks.

Lan Wangji seems unsure how much to share.

Lan Xichen responds in his stead, “We realized the water ghosts were leading us out far into the lake. The water turned black and ominous. Wangji realized that this was not a simple collection of ghosts, but a Waterborne Abyss.”

Wei Wuxian gapes, stunned.

A Waterborne Abyss, one of the worst and most malevolent creatures. It forms from many, many people dying in the water and their bodies not being recovered or given proper burials. Eventually, the Abyss forms from their collective resentment – something greater and hungrier than the sum of the dead that caused it to form. It begins to drag anyone who comes close down and drown them. No cultivator could hope to liberate or suppress it on their own. And extermination is out of the question as well... Retreat was the only wise solution.

Lan Xichen continues, “One of our disciples sent his sword into the water to chase the water ghosts. No one noticed he was trapped on his boat when we were forced to flee. The boats were pulled under the water, and so was one of our own people.” Lan Xichen looks pinched, undoubtedly thinking that this night hunt was his responsibility as the senior disciple.

In his time as head disciple of the Jiang sect, Wei Wuxian never lost one of his shidi to a beast. However, even having one of his charges injured left him filled with self-recrimination and a determination to do better in the future.

Wei Wuxian quietly says, “My condolences. What was the name of the disciple who died?”

“Su She, courtesy Minshan,” Lan Wangji responds.

“I will offer prayers for him by the lake, since his body is lost. I cannot imagine this started as a local issue – was there somewhere else that experienced a Waterborne Abyss recently?” Wei Wuxian asks. Because the people of Caiyi would not have failed to notice so many people going missing on the water. There is no way this can be a result of drownings from the town.

Lan Xichen's face stays carefully neutral as he points towards the sky.

Wei Wuxian closes his eyes briefly with a resigned sigh. Ah, the Wen sect. They have taken aggressive action against the Lan but not directly. Not yet.

“How audacious! And how terrible, one of your disciples lost his life to such perfidy,” Wei Wuxian exclaims.

Most of the Lan disciples look down in discomfort.

“It would cause trouble for the Lan sect to accuse them,” Lan Xichen says with an anxious look around.

“More trouble than the lives of your people?” Wei Wuxian asks sharply. But then he tempers his observation with, “Caution is prudent. To make an accusation recklessly would endanger more people. However, it is also prudent to consider the possibility of greater aggression to come. When lives are at risk, taking no precaution is the same as seeking death.”

“The elders will be informed. An investigation will be ordered. Until that is completed, gossip is forbidden,” Lan Xichen seems to be reminding himself as much as the other disciples, all of whom look miserable and relieved to have escaped with their own lives.

Wei Wuxian finds himself wondering somewhat bitterly if they will consider it less important that the disciple who died was an outer disciple only. It was the sour-faced boy who scowled at Wei Wuxian for bothering Lan Wangji.

A Waterborne Abyss. The devastation it can bring will be difficult for the Lan sect to deal with. The traditional method for cleansing it is to drain the body of water and let sunlight purify it for five years.

The town of Caiyi is right at the base of the mountains that form the Cloud Recesses and relies on Biling Lake for much of their industry. The Wen sect sent the malevolence somewhere it cannot be ignored. The Lan sect would never do something as dishonorable as chase the Abyss somewhere else. They will follow the orthodox procedures. And the common people, the ones who deal with the Lan sect most closely, will suffer.

Biling Lake covers a large area and provides many jobs in the area. Much of the prosperity of Caiyi is tied to the river – from ships moving goods to water for the local fields. It only remains to be seen how deeply they will be impacted. In five years, how much of the town will remain?

Wei Wuxian thinks about the Spirit-Luring Flag. And how it might move the Abyss so it can be mitigated, if not liberated.

He also thinks about how the Lan sect would respond to such an unorthodox method. He considers using it himself... Drawing the Abyss back the way it came. But then Wei Wuxian thinks about A-Yuan. No. He has other responsibilities. There must be a better way.

Wei Wuxian bows and retreats, so the Lan disciples can continue on with their duties. They will have to report the situation to Magistrate Bei and inform the dock master of the lost boats before they can do anything else. A-Yuan waves sadly over Wei Wuxian's shoulder as he walks away.

A-Ming meets them at the start of the path leading to the inn. She waves Wei Wuxian over and whispers, “A man came looking for you. He said he is the Jiang sect leader. Mother told him we have no rooms available, and he still decided to wait. Do you need me to hide you until he leaves?”

It has been only two days, Wei Wuxian despairs. Jiang Fengmian must have left only shortly after receiving his message and arrived in Caiyi this morning to look for Wei Wuxian.

“No, but thank you for letting me know. Can you take A-Yuan up to our room and stay with him?”

The girl nods. A-Yuan does not want to go, but he accepts that his pouts will not work here. A-Ming takes him to the back entrance for deliveries so she can sneak him past the main room without being seen.

With a heavy heart, Wei Wuxian enters the inn. The main level has a large, open area with several tables to feed the guests and anyone else in the neighborhood that wants a warm meal.

At the furthest table, partially secluded by a privacy screen, Jiang Fengmian sits. As soon as Wei Wuxian enters, he rises to his feet.

“Sect Leader Jiang,” Wei Wuxian bows as he approaches his former guardian. The greeting tastes sharp in his mouth.

“Please, A-Xian, do not call me so formally.” Jiang Fengmian looks him over carefully.

“I dare not be familiar, now that I am a rogue cultivator,” Wei Wuxian states quietly.

Jiang Fengmian returns to sit at the table. The tea pot sits empty, but the innkeeper is too busy to refill it no matter how Jiang Fengmian tries to catch her eye.

Jiang Fengmian gently chides, “A-Xian... I do not understand why you would do something like this. Was there a fight? Did someone coerce you?”

Wei Wuxian does not think of A-Yuan or the Yiling Patriarch. No one forced him to make this decision. In the end, he can do only one thing.

Wei Wuxian shakes his head solemnly, “No, Sect Leader Jiang, nothing like that. I know my decision seems rash. However, it is something I have thought about before. This seemed like the only time I could do it – my duties as head disciple have been passed on to other members of the sect while I attended the Lan lectures, so I know it will not inconvenience you overmuch.”

Wei Wuxian will truly miss training his students. He will miss taking them on night hunts and helping them gain confidence in their abilities. He will miss taking them to the town markets to reward successes and commiserate on failures.

“You never expressed any dissatisfaction – you were proud to be the head disciple. Help me understand where this is coming from, please,” Jiang Fengmian pleads quietly.

Wei Wuxian does not want to hurt Jiang Fengmian. The Jiang leader rescued him from living on the streets. Even if Wei Wuxian could have survived, he would never have received the education and training that allows him to thrive now. It is due to Jiang Fengmian's generosity that Wei Wuxian has the education of a young master and holds Suiban at his side.

Wei Wuxian carefully replies, “The more I thought about it, the more I could not stand causing so much tension in the Jiang sect. I thought it would be better to follow my own path. But, I dare not leave without repaying my debts, and thus I gifted you a new artifact that will benefit the Jiang sect. I worked hard on it during my time learning within the Lan sect.”

In truth, this is the perfect excuse – the students are given full access to the public section of the Lan library. No one can claim he did not spend significant time there! It is perfectly plausible that he could have read enough about protective arrays enough to develop one on his own. The Silver Lotus Bracelet cannot be said to come from anywhere but his own creation.

“You are so young – how can you ask me to let you leave and face an unknown fate?” Jiang Fengmian asks fretfully.

With a shake of his head, Wei Wuxian replies, “Sect Leader Jiang, it is because I am young that I want to leave. Everyone has a fate that they can only face on their own. I must find mine.”

“A-Xian, speak plainly. What has caused you to leave?”

Wei Wuxian steels himself. This is the only way he can think to ensure the defection cannot be overturned. That Jiang Fengmian will disavow him entirely and never seek him again. The one thing that Jiang Fengmian has always avoided.

With a sigh, Wei Wuxian asks, “Sect Leader Jiang, please tell me, if my parents were not fit to be honored in the Jiang sect ancestral hall – why was I never given their memorial tablets to make a shrine of my own?”

This is something Wei Wuxian has never had the space to fully contemplate before. When he had occasionally wondered about it in the past, he always remembered his gratitude to Jiang Fengmian for saving him and held his tongue. It is surely difficult for the Jiang sect leader to be reminded of the death of his good friend.

However, in taking in A-Yuan, knowing that in this world his parents will not know him even if they should meet, Wei Wuxian feels only deep regret that he cannot give the boy even that small recognition of legacy.

Wei Wuxian will never be able to answer questions about A-Yuan's parents. He will never be able to make plaques so the boy can properly mourn. In the end, the only thing he can offer A-Yuan is the letters and the inventions he brought with him – proof that he was so, so loved; enough to bend a path between worlds, just for his safety and happiness.

Jiang Fengmian cares for Wei Wuxian – of that he has no doubt. Many years of soft instruction and quiet praise linger in his mind. Jiang Fengmian showed his care in small ways... Just not enough to consider something so simple as a child's desperate longing to know their parents even after they are gone. To put aside his own peace and ensure Wei Wuxian's filial piety.

“What?” Jiang Fengmian seems legitimately confused by this line of questioning.

Wei Wuxian continues without mercy, “And worse than that, if any of my transgressions were so horrible to require being scarred with a first class spiritual weapon, why was I allowed to maintain my position as head disciple or even remain in the sect?”

Wei Wuxian does not expect Jiang Fengmian to actually admit that Wei Wuxian was punished without reason. That he knew and decided it was easier to ignore it so his wife would be appeased.

As expected, Jiang Fengmian offers a feeble defense of the punishments, “A-Xian, while san-niang is harsh with you, she also allowed you to be raised beside her own children...”

With quiet finality Wei Wuxian interrupts, “Am I not allowed any pride? Sect Leader Jiang – if you hope to convince me to return to your sect, you should be aware that this is already a matter of gossip among many sects. When I told Young Master Jiang of my intentions, he did not maintain dignity and keep our dispute internal to the Jiang sect.

“Instead, he took all my belongings from our room and threw them on the ground outside where anyone might see. He was punished by the Lan sect for his infractions, and the Nie sect heir also knew of his tantrum. For me to return to the Jiang sect – would that not be the same as a dog returning to lick the hand that beat it?”

Wei Wuxian shivers slightly to make that comparison but he does not withdraw his assertion.

He also knows that when Jiang Fengmian returns and files the papers for his defection, Madam Yu will do the same as her son. Any belongings left in Lotus Pier will be destroyed and are lost to him forever. All those things are items that can be claimed by his sect since they were given to him as a Jiang disciple. Still, he will miss the trinkets and paintings gifted to him by his students.

Jiang Fengmian seems at a loss for what to say. Wei Wuxian does not give him time to think through a response.

“Sect Leader Jiang, I hope you will be reasonable. Accept my defection, and confirm publicly that there are no debts remaining. Let the world benefit from the production of the Silver Lotus Bracelet. It could save many lives and earn countless merits for you and your sect.”

With a bitter twitch of his mouth, Jiang Fengmian finally says, “You have been thinking of this for a long time. So be it. You are released from all vows of service and loyalty. The Jiang sect takes full rights to the Silver Lotus Bracelet.”

“This is the end of debts and gratitudes. I wish you well, Sect Leader Jiang.”

“Be safe, A-Xian. If you change your mind, there will be a place for you in the Jiang sect.”

Wei Wuxian starts to bow, but is stopped short when the Jiang Sect Leader places a heavy hand on his shoulder.

With a sigh and a woeful look he says, “You really are just like your father.”

Jiang Fengmian leaves swiftly after that.

Wei Wuxian feels frozen to the ground. His arms remain partially raised even after the older man is out past the threshold. He looks at them numbly for a moment before lowering his arms and straightening his back again.

The sounds of the inn seem faded somehow. There are only a few patrons eating, nowhere near the corner where the obviously important and wealthy sect leader waited for those hours. None of them look at Wei Wuxian. They all seem intently focused on their own affairs.

Wei Wuxian cannot help but feel disappointed. There were no answers to his questions, no acknowledgment of the harms done to him.

In the end, Jiang Fengmian did not even try very hard to keep him.

The innkeeper places a hand on his arm and tugs him gently into the kitchen area. She pushes him onto a small stool that is comically short for his stature and passes over a simple drinking bowl.

When Wei Wuxian looks at her, she crosses her arms and nods to the bowl.

Wei Wuxian downs it in one gulp. And immediately regrets it. His lungs burn as they try to expel themselves from his chest.

After a few wheezing gasps for air, Wei Wuxian raises watery eyes to his host.

She gives him a tired smile, “That's not the first time someone in fancy robes has demanded to see one of my guests and refused to leave until they arrived. A-Ming warned you, yes?”

Wei Wuxian nods. “Thank you for the warning. And for telling him there are no rooms.”

She shakes her head and says, “You have been nothing but generous, thoughtful and courteous – and you take such good care of that little boy. I could not demand someone so elevated leave my common room... But he refused to offer you the courtesy of leaving a note and letting you decide when to see him. So, good riddance.”

Wei Wuxian closes his eyes. The drinking bowl is removed from his hands and he hears it being refilled. When it is pressed back into his hands, he once again throws the contents back in one swallow. This time he is prepared for the punch and breathes through it.

“Young Master Wei,” she says hesitantly, “anyone who has worked in service knows that, while displeasing the master should be avoided whenever possible... If you fear it to the point of freezing, then that is not a master you should keep serving.”

Wei Wuxian laughs a bit – because his only time disappointing Jiang Fengmian will probably also be the last time he sees him. As a rogue cultivator, Wei Wuxian will not have any reason to interact with cultivation gentry...

And yet, being given this simple comfort fills him with warmth.

While the innkeeper may not truly understand, she does not need to in order to offer support. Wei Wuxian takes this as a lesson. If there is anyone in this situation he would like to emulate in the future, it is the older woman who made sure he was warned, and who offered her own kitchen to allow him a quiet place to collect himself.

“Thank you, Madam. I think you are quite correct. Your help was a true kindness,” Wei Wuxian gives her a formal, respectful salute that makes her eyes twinkle a bit.

She shoos him away and out of her kitchen.

A few more days pass, with Wei Wuxian growing used to a new schedule that revolves around A-Yuan's need for food, bathing and education more than anything else. Assistant Shen comes by twice to check on A-Yuan and confirm there has been no progress in finding his family.

Jiang Fengmian sends a letter accepting and confirming Wei Wuxian's defection from the Jiang sect. It fully releases Wei Wuxian from all vows, debts and duties. Nothing else accompanies it.

Wei Wuxian sends short sketches of their day-to-day life up to Lan Wangji on the daily supply carts headed to the Cloud Recesses. A-Yuan sleeping with a butterfly on his shoulder. A-Yuan with ink smudges on his cheek from learning to hold a brush. A-Yuan crouching down to peer into a cage of chickens at the market.

Wei Wuxian also works with Merchant Guo on a version of the Compass appropriate for the Second Young Master Lan, once he realizes he may have gone against their contract by giving one away to Lan Wangji. Merchant Guo does scold him, but then works quickly to help prepare a new version once she realizes the golden opportunity of having a Lan cultivator validate the invention. (Even though Wei Wuxian crafts the functional parts of it himself, she still makes Wei Wuxian pay full price for the new Compass, as a reminder that he needs to follow their contract.)

She also ensures that Wei Wuxian receives a suitable version of the Compass for his own use – not a prototype with common materials, but a sleek creation of red and black onyx styled along the edges to resemble a tiger. A sign of protection, she says, for someone who will protect many others.

A-Yuan's boots are delivered. With his feet warm and dry, the boy spends more time toddling along on his own. Although, Wei Wuxian continues to hold him on uneven surfaces after watching him fall on the stairs. He made it in time to prevent any harm but still nearly expired of worry. The old innkeeper laughed at his distress, saying that a few bumps are inevitable in life.

They wander the docks together often. Wei Wuxian keeps his eyes (and Compass) on the lake to warn of any trouble. Fortunately, they do not find any stray water ghosts after the few that came to Caiyi originally.

Wei Wuxian also folds paper to create a small, floating lantern in the shape of a lotus and places a candle in it. He sets it off floating on Biling Lake flickering with light and says a few prayers for the fallen Lan disciple, Su Minshan. His body will be stuck within the Abyss until it can be fully cleansed, along with all the other water ghosts. Hopefully, he had a soul calming ceremony and is not trapped among the resentful dead. A-Yuan sets off his own creation, which sinks shortly after it is placed in the water.

They visit the city markets, which are more subdued now. Wei Wuxian continues to think of ways that the Waterborne Abyss might be contained, as whispers and looks of despair begin to reach across the town of Caiyi.

After the full week has passed, Wei Wuxian presents himself and A-Yuan to the magistrate. Given they are both orphans, the paperwork is minimal. The magistrate again asks A-Yuan to confirm that he wants to stay with Wei Wuxian. Assistant Shen gives his report on the well-being of the boy. And with a seal on a piece of paper, A-Yuan becomes Wei Wuxian's son.

“Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! You now have a son, Master Wei,” Magistrate Bei comes forward from his official desk to hand over the paper and pat A-Yuan on the head.

Assistant Shen takes the copy for the town records to be filed and puts it in the appropriate pile of paperwork. He seems pleased to have the matter settled and off his tasks.

“Magistrate Bei, thank you for your diligence. Knowing your dedication to even this small matter puts my mind at ease,” Wei Wuxian bows with gratitude.

“Nonsense, the Lan clan directed me to reunite this boy with his family, and so I have. He now has a father and will grow under your care. Educate him well and he will be a credit to you.”

“I will heed your advice, magistrate. If you have another moment... Can you tell me the status of the Waterborne Abyss?”

“Ah, that matter. Truly, Caiyi is in a tough spot. The Lan clan has sealed the Abyss, but told everyone to stay off the lake. That means our fishers are unable to work and the cost of food will increase. Our merchants and couriers must go by the more expensive and longer land routes. For five years people are unable to live their normal lives? The situation is bleak,” the minister shakes his head and sits down heavily back at his desk. He looks at a pile of paperwork so tall it leans to one side.

Wei Wuxian asks, “Are there any areas along the tributaries leading from the lake where people do not need to go?”

“Most of the streams and rivers head down through the hills to the ocean from here...”

That is what Wei Wuxian was afraid of. To get the Waterborne Abyss to go back up the river will be significantly harder than finding a place downstream. Biling Lake is one of the last contained areas before the ocean. And the worst possible outcome would be for the Abyss to make it to the open water, where it could grow unimpeded and be impossible to seal and cleanse.

Wei Wuxian says, “The Waterborne Abyss did not form here – you investigated the bodies and know they are not your own townspeople. So, it can be chased. Is there an uninhabited valley nearby that could be dammed?”

The magistrate looks surprised at the question. “Ah? That would be a serious public work... Getting approval for such a project could take over a year. Even if we could build a dam and create a lake further away, how would we prevent the Abyss from returning to Biling Lake?”

What he really means is, 'If the Wen sect chased it here once, what will prevent them from forcing the issue again?'

Wei Wuxian thinks of his Spirit-Luring Flag. He slowly responds, “There is a method that would restrict it – if we can seal it in a smaller lake, away from civilization then it is possible to prevent it from being moved again.”

“The Lan clan did not mention this as a possibility. They are a responsible clan... Which means there must be a reason this was not offered as a solution previously,” Magistrate Bei says dubiously.

Wei Wuxian gives a partially honest answer, “The Lan clan would not want to risk the Abyss escaping or becoming a problem to another village. It is unlikely they would think to also try chasing it, after it was chased here. And this may, indeed, be a civic project, which is outside the bounds of the cultivation world.”

“If we move it, we risk the Abyss escaping to cause damage elsewhere...” The magistrate's brows draw together in thought.

Wei Wuxian assures him, “I am working on an array to stabilize earthworks. It needs refining, and dealing with a Waterborne Abyss is not the time to test an experiment. However, once it is completed, any structures will be secure and the Abyss can be moved.”

Really, he has been working on an array that can be used to fortify sect walls. He has several ideas to test. Ideally, he will have a perfected array by the time he visits the Unclean Realm next summer. However, anything that could be used to fortify walls could also fortify a dam or tributary gate.

The magistrate looks at him askance, “If it does not already exist, how can you think to offer it as a solution in this case?”

Wei Wuxian gives the magistrate a predatory smile, “I will have Merchant Guo discuss my fees with you once I have a functioning prototype ready for your review. After all, I would never be shameless enough to ask you to approve my design without seeing it in action first.”

The older man looks a bit surprised but with a shrewd look to his assistant he finally says, “I will discuss this with the regional Duke. Ultimately, he will be the one to determine if there is suitable area that Caiyi may use.”

Wei Wuxian nods and says, “I believe many local people may donate labor or materials if they know the will regain access to the lake after it is successful. Even if the project takes two years, that still improves the opportunities of the people over five.”

When they leave the buildings for city officials, Wei Wuxian sees a figure in white that the crowds part around like small fish around a duck.

“Lan Zhan!” He exclaims with joy and rushes down the stairs, A-Yuan giggling as he is tossed over a shoulder for easier movement.

Lan Wangji looks on with a small smile.

“Lan Zhan, meet my son, A-Yuan! I birthed him myself!” Wei Wuxian stops a short distance from Lan Wangji and holds A-Yuan up in front of him like a kitten, feet dangling.

For the formal meeting with the magistrate, Wei Wuxian dressed A-Yuan in his new silk robes. The set that ended up being delivered first was the white and gray robes. Not exactly an auspicious color, but the cleanest and best quality robes available for a formal meeting.

A-Yuan reaches out and makes a small grabbing motion with his hands, “Rich-gege!”

“Congratulations,” Lan Wangji says simply. He ignores the nonsense Wei Wuxian spouted and instead holds out a small treat. A-Yuan grabs it greedily.

Wei Wuxian pouts, “I labored away all day and night on this child of mine, and you only give him a treat? What about me?”

Lan Wangji absconds with Wei Wuxian's son, leaving him to trail along complaining vigorously about the injustice that has been done to him. He only stops when they reach the tea house where they met before the night hunt that discovered the Abyss.

After the proprietor shows them to a private table on the roof, he apologizes for the more limited selection of dishes. With the lake closed, they are working on a new supply route and some ingredients are not available yet, the man explains.

Wei Wuxian cheerfully orders a few simple dishes for them to share, mostly mild recipes in deference to A-Yuan. He is still on the diet to recover from malnutrition and cannot have anything heavily spiced.

“Assistant Shen sent a note letting me know the adoption was approved,” Lan Wangji answers after Wei Wuxian asks him what he was doing near the administration offices.

“And you came down to congratulate us? What a gentleman! Upstanding, considerate, and virtuous,” Wei Wuxian teases, to hide how much he really does appreciate the kindness. To take the sting from his teasing, he places a plump water chestnut in Lan Wangji's bowl.

Without hesitation, Lan Wangji picks up the water chestnut and lifts it to his mouth to eat immediately. He then begins filling A-Yuan's bowl. They look good together like this, A-Yuan in white and gray silk sitting between Lan Wangji in his white robes and Wei Wuxian in his black robes.

“Aiyah, Lan Zhan! That's my child you are spoiling. Take care, how could he possibly be content with my efforts after this?”

“Wei Ying, eat.”

Wei Wuxian usually has to wait until after A-Yuan has been fed to finish his own meal, or the child will continue eating too fast and make himself sick. With Lan Wangji there, the boy tries to mimic the graceful and measured movements he demonstrates. Of course, he spills more than a bit.

Wei Wuxian grumbles, but eats his own food and ignores the pointed looks Lan Wangji gives him as he rambles through the meal. He talks about A-Yuan's progress in calligraphy and meditation (with exaggerated praise), how much A-Yuan appreciates the candy and toys his 'Rich-gege' paid for, the new piece of poetry he had been teaching A-Yuan...

Wei Wuxian realizes every topic he finds to tell Lan Wangji revolves around his new son. He would feel embarrassed at the poor quality of his conversation, but Lan Wangji looks on and nods attentively with every new story as he continues to eat and ensure A-Yuan's bowl is filled.

At the end of the meal, Wei Wuxian feels the need to say something about the more serious matters. To distract A-Yuan, he quickly fills out a talisman on a paperman and sends it to dancing around the table. A-Yuan claps in delight and wiggles in his seat while watching raptly as the paperman cavorts cheerfully. Wei Wuxian also throws a few silence and privacy talismans around the area to ensure the conversation does not go beyond them.

Wei Wuxian says quietly, “Lan Zhan, the people of Caiyi are the ones who will suffer most, but the Abyss was sent to test the Lan sect. Surely you can see that...”

“Mn,” Lan Wangji does not deny it.

“Do you think the Wen sect will stop with this?”

“Do not make assumptions,” he recites instead of answering.

“Uphold the value of justice,” Wei Wuxian responds carelessly. “Do you think there will be justice for the people of Caiyi?”

Wei Wuxian thinks of the many, many rules of the Cloud Recesses that can be used to excuse inaction in the face of adversity. He also wonders how many other insults and warnings the Lan clan ignored before their homes burned in the other world.

“If the Lan clan goes into dispute with the Wen clan, it will harm far more people. Be careful with your words. Do not act impulsively,” Lan Wangji repeats what he has surely heard from his elders.

Wei Wuxian sighs, “So your elders have determined to take no action and hope the Wen sect will not continue to act aggressively. What happened to, 'Do not fear the strong' and 'Do not be haughty and complacent'?

“Wei Ying!” Lan Wangji raises his voice in outrage.

Wei Wuxian gives him a steely look, “I would not care so much, if I thought it was only those with the power to change the result that would suffer. Promise me, at least, that you will read the many historical accounts of war in your library, and compare them to what you see with your own eyes.”

“War is not inevitable,” Lan Wangji says, but does not promise anything.

Wei Wuxian tries to make him see reason, “But it is also not something that can be unilaterally avoided. Your clan need not press for confrontation but you could at least prepare safe houses and evacuation routes for your most vulnerable. Store additional medicines, grains and dried foods. Hide copies of your rarest manuals and scriptures. Update your sect access wards. Learn battle formations. Is there music that can be used in war? Surely your clan elders would know that.”

“You think the Wen will attack us based only on one cowardly action. What makes you so sure?” Lan Wangji still seems outraged, but also curious. As if Wei Wuxian's care is also personal.

Perhaps it is – Wei Wuxian has no way of knowing what will happen. He is already changing things and this is not the same world, merely one similar. Just because A-Yuan knows Lan Wangji from his future does not mean that the other man will survive in this world.

Wei Wuxian again wants nothing more than to show Lan Wangji the letter... But he hesitates to do so, especially now, knowing the Cloud Recesses will ignore an obvious provocation. One of their disciples died. And they continue to do nothing. Even if Lan Wangji believed him, would his elders? What could he do without their support? And what kind of trouble would he get in for taking action if they will not?

Lan Qiren will surely deny any plan or suggestion if he hears that Wei Wuxian is involved. He has never hidden his animus.

Wei Wuxian says in a quiet voice, “I know that your rules forbid oppressing others, but the rest of the world does not abide by the Lan rules. I lived on the streets for a few years when I was younger... Before Sect Leader Jiang found me. So, I have seen the rules the rest of the world lives by. And I have never seen a bully become less predatory when people continue to appease them.”

That, at least, is a truth Wei Wuxian can give Lan Wangji.

“Wei Ying...” Lan Wangji trails off, saying his name almost pleadingly.

Wei Wuxian avoids looking him in the eye as he says, “Lan Zhan. You could have been the one to die on that hunt. Or your brother. Are your elders not even concerned about that? Do they not care for your well-being?”

A small, vicious part of Wei Wuxian is sure they do not. Not nearly enough, anyway.

“I am safe,” Lan Wangji attempts to reassure him. It is not remotely successful, since Wei Wuxian knows he is only safe for now.

Wei Wuxian huffs, “That would be more comforting if I thought your clan were taking the actions of the Wen more seriously. I don't know how to protect you... I don't plan to stay in Caiyi much longer and who knows what will happen in the future.”

At that, Lan Wangji seems shocked. “You plan to leave?” he asks incredulously.

“Yes. I have... Other projects I am working on. I have an idea of how to help Caiyi with the Abyss. And I want to keep looking for A-Yuan's family,” Wei Wuxian rushes to add. He tries not to think of that as lying to Lan Wangji.

“The Waterborne Abyss is sealed. The Lan sect has already dealt with it appropriately,” Lan Wangji says in mild confusion.

Wei Wuxian nods shortly, “The Lan sect has dealt with it as orthodoxy prescribes, that is true. It is also true that the people of Caiyi are restricted from one of their main sources of income and passage. I think, if I can find a way to ensure the Abyss cannot escape, I could chase it to a safer area and help seal it away where it could not interrupt the lives of the common people.”

“If there is such a method, it is not explained in our records,” Lan Wangji replies in a thoughtful tone. He does not look as scandalized as Wei Wuxian thought he would be.

“I have several ideas, but I am not reckless enough to attempt them on the Waterborne Abyss without significant testing. Once I have a method, I will return,” Wei Wuxian assures him.

“Write to me; so I will know you and A-Yuan are safe,” Lan Wangji states rather than requests.

Wei Wuxian beams, “Of course! Nothing could stop me from pestering you. Just you wait, I will find a way to bother you every day!”

It would be terribly convenient if he could find a better way to send letters and drawings to Lan Wangji. Then he could be sure that the other boy is safe even when he cannot see him.

Suddenly, Wei Wuxian remembers his gift. “Oh! Do you still have the Compass I gave you?” Wei Wuxian looks over expectantly.

Reverently, Lan Wangji pulls the original goods out of his qiankun sleeve.

Wei Wuxian quickly pulls the refined version from his own bag, “Here, trade me. This one is more appropriate for the Second Young Master Lan.”

Wei Wuxian worked with Merchant Guo to get the highest quality mutton-fat jade to set as inlay for the outside of the compass, set as swirling clouds against chiseled silver mountains. Wei Wuxian crafted the working parts of the Compass himself before letting the artists finish it. Fortunately, it was completed before this meeting!

“Wei Ying,” he says in reproach; although, he allows the exchange reluctantly.

Wei Wuxian turns his face away, “No, don't use that tone with me. I have a deal with Merchant Guo! And she scolded me fiercely when she heard I gave you a plain prototype. If you want to repay me, test it and tell your uncle and brother how useful it would be for the Lan clan to buy more from her! But maybe do not tell your uncle that I made it...”

A small, mercenary part of Wei Wuxian thinks it will be very useful to have all that Lan gold when he is preparing for war, as they refuse to do so themselves.

“Thank you,” Lan Wangji says after a few moments of silence.

“No need!” Wei Wuxian feels elated to see Lan Wangji cradling his gift. His heart flutters when Lan Wangji tucks it decorously into his lapel rather than stowing in in his qiankun sleeve.

And indeed, Lan Wangji is the best advertisement anyone could hope for. Merchant Guo nearly salivated at the idea of him being seen using the Compass. Wei Wuxian is just glad he has some small way to keep his friend safe.

Eventually, A-Yuan starts to get fussy, and Wei Wuxian has to leave with his son. He promises both A-Yuan and Lan Wangji that they will say goodbye before they leave Caiyi. A-Yuan is glum at leaving Lan Wangji behind, but he falls asleep as soon as his head touches the pillow once they return to their room.

It is not, exactly, surprising that Wei Wuxian runs into his former classmates. They are here for the lectures for a year, and get a few free days every month to take care of their own necessities.

Unfortunately, he runs into one of the few he would be perfectly happy never seeing again.

Wei Wuxian took A-Yuan into town where many children congregate – there is a public garden near the markets. A sunny, clear day brings people to the markets and through to the open grounds where buskers and traveling merchants congregate. A few older children launch wooden dragonfly hand-spinners and the horde of young children chase after them as they come down. A-Yuan toddles along in peach and green robes, chasing the other children more than the toy floating above.

Wei Wuxian sees Jin Zixuan just as the Jin boy comes around the corner from the main market square and sees him. There is an awkward pause as they regard each other. Wei Wuxian breaks it by saluting properly and greeting, “Young Master Jin.”

Hopefully he will pass by. Wei Wuxian has no desire to talk to him.

“Young Master Wei. You look well,” Jin Zixuan says stiffly as he returns the bow.

With great effort, Wei Wuxian refrains from rolling his eyes. What, did Jin Zixuan think he would end up in a ditch after leaving?

Before Wei Wuxian must come up with a response, he hears a sound both awful and familiar.

A-Yuan screams.

Wei Wuxian is moving before he even sees the boy. There, at the edge of the children. A-Yuan is standing still, no signs of blood or injury.

A-Yuan is staring right at Jin Zixuan. Jin Zixuan who is in town on his day off, wearing his sect robe of gold and white. Jin Zixuan who wears a vermilion mark and carries a sword with an ornate golden sheathe. Jin Zixuan who is also a cultivator, and, on hearing a child scream drew his sword and rushed forward.

Wei Wuxian is faster. He puts himself between the child and the other cultivator; quickly pulling A-Yuan into his arms and turning him away from Jin Zixuan.

“What happened, baobei? Are you hurt?” Wei Wuxian asks, just to be sure.

The other parents and bystanders are staring and gawking. A-Yuan clings to Wei Wuxian with all the might in his small arms.

“Bad man! Bad! Stay away from Xian-gege!” A-Yuan howls, sobbing and shaking with terror. His screams reach an even higher pitch.

He cannot see Jin Zixuan any longer and still he continues to wail with his entire body. This is not a response A-Yuan can be reasoned out of.

“Alright, alright, we are leaving. There is no bad man anymore,” Wei Wuxian jogs away from the pleasure garden and dodges through the crowd. Most people wince and get out of his way as they hear A-Yuan before they see him.

A-Yuan's wails and screams turn into sobs – deep, heaving cries as he comes down from his terror. Wei Wuxian lets the child continue hiding his damp face against his shoulder.

Eventually, the sobs even out. As if the body used all his energy on terror and crying, not long after A-Yuan's breathing goes deep and he snuffles in little snores with his nose still snotty from his bout of tears.

They reach the inn and Wei Wuxian immediately heads to their room. He immediately nicks his finger and begins drawing sigils onto talisman paper and flings them to attach to the door, shutters and walls as soon as he has set A-Yuan down. No one but Wei Wuxian may enter the room while the talismans are active.

He takes a deep, calming breath. He goes to the pitcher on the table and wets a bit of cloth. Wei Wuxian carefully sits on the bed and wipes the young boy's face, clearing off the tears and any sweat or grime he built up playing. He then hums gently while stroking his son's hair.

Eventually, he gets up to request food. A-Yuan will be hungry when he wakes. He leaves behind a paperman infused with a bit of qi to make it keep humming slightly in his own voice.

Wei Wuxian is not surprised to find Jin Zixuan waiting downstairs looking awkward as he tries to talk with the innkeeper. He is annoyed, though. So, he ignores the shiny cultivator and interrupts him to request a tray of food be left outside the door to his room.

As Wei Wuxian turns to leave, Jin Zixuan blurts out, “Wei Wuxian, what was that all about? Did you kidnap that child?”

Wei Wuxian says in a measured and patient tone, “Young Master Jin, A-Yuan was found abandoned outside of the Cloud Recesses. I do not know his background. However, clearly he knew you. So, think for yourself on what you have done to elicit such a reaction.”

In this world, the Jin clan has not harmed A-Yuan or any of his family. In fact, the Jin and Wen sects maintain friendly ties and significant trade relations.

Wei Wuxian wonders if they also had close ties before the war in the other world – he did not fail to notice that the letter stated the Nie, Lan and Jiang sects were attacked by the Wen, which implies the Jin sect was not attacked. Not at first. Did they come out of the war in the strongest position as a result?

So, perhaps, there is a way he can start weakening the Jin clan now. Starting rumors. Sowing doubt in Jin Zixuan about his father, about his clan.

Weakening the Jin clan, at this point, will either weaken the Wen as a result... Or cause the Wen to view them less favorably and perhaps attack them as well. Anything he can do to prevent the Jin sect from being in a position of power will only help either avert the war, or prevent atrocities after.

“I swear, I have never seen that boy before! You must know something,” Jin Zixuan looks at Wei Wuxian suspiciously.

Wei Wuxian shakes his head and lies with no remorse, “I do not. However, if you are telling the truth, then there is a possibility that he was not reacting to you – merely to gold robes and a vermilion mark.”

“What? Are you accusing me of lying?!?” Jin Zixuan asks indignantly, full of pride.

“Jin Zixuan,” Wei Wuxian begins in his most foreboding tone. “Be cautious in pursuing this – if I find that you lied, or find someone else in your clan harmed A-Yuan... I will show no mercy,” Wei Wuxian says, knowing there is no justice available.

Jin Zixuan chose to have this conversation in the public room of the inn. He has no one to blame but himself for any gossip that spawns, Wei Wuxian thinks with petty annoyance.

“My clan is righteous! How dare you suggest otherwise!” Jin Zixuan blusters.

We Wuxian gives him the coldest look he can summon. It is not hard. One of the few survivors of the slave labor camps the Jin sect set up after the war, flashes through his mind when he recalls the letter from his alternate self.

“Jin Zixuan! I do not have time for your foolishness. For all I know, that boy is one of your many half-brothers, abused and abandoned for the shame of his paternity. All other explanations for why a child would see you and then scream in terror to the point of passing out are far worse. And even now your concern is for the face of your sect, not the well-being of the child. So, given I am taking responsibility more than anyone else in your faithless clan ever will, do not test my patience.”

Wei Wuxian feels no shame or remorse about fabricating a wild excuse. He does not understand how Jin Zixuan can maintain his undeserved pride in the face of his father's blatant and frequent infidelities.

And, if Jin Zixuan is worried A-Yuan is related to him, he won't focus on anything else strange about the child.

Jin Zixuan's mouth drops open slightly. That is clearly not an accusation he has any response to. After a moment he asks, “What will you do with the boy? Why did you take him?”

Wei Wuxian feels inordinately fond. Of course, Lan Wangji would not gossip. He may be the only person in the Cloud Recesses who knows about the adoption.

“Didn't you hear? A-Yuan is my son,” Wei Wuxian says with great relish.

“Your son?!?” Jin Zixuan yelps.

“I adopted him,” Wei Wuxian says smugly and walks away to return to his perfect, wonderful and very much not-a-Jin child.

He does not bother trying to get A-Yuan to sleep in his own bed that night. They cuddle together under the covers and Wei Wuxian stays up to help soothe his son through the inevitable nightmares.

His heart hardens. The Jin sect will not be allowed to harm anyone if he can help it.

Wei Wuxian continues working on an array to fortify earth and stone and makes sure to ask for news of nearby disturbances, searching for a good test site. Eventually, after informing Merchant Guo what he is working on, he finally receives word of a small village between Lanling and Gusu which experienced a minor landslide.

Stabilizing fallen rocks and loose earth will be the perfect test for his array.

Wei Wuxian informs the innkeeper that he intends to leave soon and also informs A-Yuan that they will be going to say goodbye to Lan Wangji. For some reason, the boy determines that the best present for Lan Wangji is a straw butterfly. Of course, he wants one for himself as well, so Wei Wuxian ends up buying two.

He pays for them, finally realizing he is still using the white coin purse Lan Wangji originally gave him. Wei Wuxian swiftly finds inspiration for his own parting gift. After all, Lan Wangji gave his coin purse to A-Yuan. Wei Wuxian cannot return it; it rightfully belongs to the child.

He instead finds a replacement – not an ice-white bag with snowy silver clouds embroidered on it, but a cream-colored silk pouch delicately embroidered with a plump white bunny standing on it's hind legs, soft pink nose sniffing at the drawstring. Wei Wuxian smiles to himself at the thought of Lan Wangji using something so cute to buy his night hunting supplies.

“Brother Wei, I feel like you are just using me for my guest pass...” Nie Huaisang complains as he leads Wei Wuxian through the Cloud Recesses to the library in search of Lan Wangji.

Wei Wuxian grins and confirms it, “You're a sensible man, Brother Nie.”

Wei Wuxian promised Nie Huaisang two jars of Emperor's Smile for help in getting through the gates of the Lan sect and finding Lan Wangji. Of course, he failed to mention that the jars are hiding under a tree outside the walls where he abandoned them before first meeting A-Yuan.

“Ah, are these the manners you want to teach the child? For shame, Brother Wei!” Nie Huaisang scolds halfheartedly as he looks at A-Yuan in interest.

A-Yuan blinks at him and reaches slowly for the fan Nie Huaisang is idly flicking open and closed. Wei Wuxian pulls a little further away so A-Yuan cannot get his sticky fingers on it.

Wei Wuxian instructs his son, “A-Yuan, this is Nie Huaisang. Greet him properly!”

A-Yuan raises his hands in salute but keeps his eyes on the fan as he says, “A-Yuan greets gege!”

Nie Huaisang sweeps a properly elegant bow in response. He then taps his fan to his mouth and asks, “Say, I heard you defected from the Jiang sect and they left you with nothing... How are you buying silks for this kid? Is he secretly a rich prince?”

A-Yuan is once again in his white and gray silks. He looks almost like a little Lan, so Wei Wuxian keeps him tucked tightly at his side. His own black robes stand out enough in the Cloud Recesses, no need to get accused of kidnapping again.

Wei Wuxian laughs, “No need to worry about us, I had a few projects I was able to sell recently. I will not need to beg your charity!”

“Oh?” Nie Huaisang leans forward in curiosity.

“If you really want to know, go ask after Merchant Guo in Caiyi. She might give you a discount, if you mention being my friend!” Wei Wuxian lies shamelessly.

Merchant Guo will charge him more if he claims Wei Wuxian as a friend, but Nie Huaisang can afford it. And it is unlikely he will buy anything, given his distaste for night hunting.

“Are you sure Lan Wangji will be in the Library right now? I'm not here to be punished with copying anymore,” Wei Wuxian says with a small laugh.

Some days, he really regrets not spending more time bothering Lan Wangji while he was a student here.

Nie Huaisang rushes to gossip excitedly, “Well, you came at a complicated time. Classes are canceled because – the Jiang and Jin sects are in a dispute right now! Jiang Wanyin punched Jin Zixuan and started a fight. Lan Wangji was a witness and is going to have to report to both sect leaders when they arrive. He is copying out his testimony!”

Wei Wuxian pauses for a moment. Oh. He really has no desire to see Jiang Fengmian again. And if the dispute involves Jiang Wanyin directly... Madam Yu will undoubtedly attend as well.

Wei Wuxian stop walking. With a sheepish laugh, he asks, “Ah, maybe... Maybe you could ask Lan Zhan to meet me in the back hills? When he's done with his copying.”

Nie Huaisang blinks and shrugs, “You don't have to worry about running into either Jiang Wanyin or Jin Zixuan, they are both kneeling in separate courtyards. And it will take at least another few hours before the messengers will even reach either sect.”

“Even so, I do not want to interrupt his work, not when it will be used in an intersect dispute.”

Nie Huaisang nods accommodatingly, “I suppose – for the promise of Emperor's Smile – I would be willing to play messenger for you. But you owe me!”

“Yes, yes,” Wei Wuxian agrees and takes off towards the less-traveled path. He slips a note into Nie Huaisang's sleeve with directions to the wine before he leaves.

Wei Wuxian quickly hides his new surprise gifts behind his back and straightens to shout, “Lan Zhan!” He gives his most dazzling, and least innocent, grin.

A-Yuan screeches in delight and begins toddling towards Lan Wangji, forgetting Wei Wuxian's antics entirely.

Wei Wuxian watches as Lan Wangji walks towards them gracefully. The ferns and grasses seem to part before his elegant robes, not even daring to brush his hems. Among the greenery his white robes gleam making him look even more ethereal than usual.

His perfection is only enhanced by the small tilt of his lips and softening of his eyes reserved for his fond gaze at A-Yuan. Wei Wuxian feels his heart wrench at the sight.

“Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan! You took forever, we've been waiting for you so long,” Wei Wuxian complains without merit.

It has only been half an hour since Nie Huaisang left to deliver the message. It took them ten minutes to walk here, so Lan Wangji must have left the library shortly after receiving the note from Nie Huaisang. Having Lan Wangji so close but still being forced to wait for him made Wei Wuxian impatient.

“Wei Ying, A-Yuan, it is good to see you,” Lan Wangji reaches down to pat A-Yuan on the head as he is once again ensnared by the boy hugging his leg.

Wei Wuxian gives a sorrowful shake of his head as he approaches, “Ah, but who knows how long until we meet again – and how lonely you will be without getting to see our little radish running around!”

Lan Wangji gives him a suspicious look but still says in a sincere tone, “I will miss A-Yuan and Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian sputters and blushes in embarrassment. How dare that Lan say something so tender! Does he not know that Wei Wuxian is fooling around and spouting nonsense about how much Lan Wangji will miss A-Yuan to avoid thinking about how much Wei Wuxian will miss Lan Wangji???

“Lan Zhan! So direct! You can't just say that...” he whines.

Lan Wangji just blinks at him and says nothing. Clearly, he thinks he can just say that.

Wei Wuxian shakes his head. “Well, I am such a good friend that I got you a gift, so you will not be lonely!”

He quickly pulls his arms from behind his back, brandishing a small bunny in each hand. He caught two, one black and one white. Their legs dangle and they kick restlessly in his hold.

Wei Wuxian grins, “Aren't they plump? If you don't want them, I could roast them up and eat for a whole day!”

“Xian-gege, nooooo,” A-Yuan wails, and comes over to hit him softly in the leg.

Lan Wangji swiftly snatches the bunnies away from Wei Wuxian and cradles them both to his chest.

Wei Wuxian laughs loudly at the sight of the pristine Second Jade of Lan protecting two small bunnies from Wei Wuxian's evil clutches. He notes the pink tips of Lan Wangji's ears match the pink noses of the bunnies twitching away.

“Lan Zhan, I think they like you! And how could they not? Is there anyone who would not feel comforted if you held them so close?” Wei Wuxian continues his teasing.

In truth, they are wild bunnies, and so they begin to squirm quickly. Lan Wangji gives Wei Wuxian a disapproving glare and walks a few paces away to place the bunnies down on the ground. They quickly scamper off into the woods.

“Ah, you don't even want them? After I went to all that trouble to make sure you would have company even without me to bother you...” Wei Wuxian pouts dramatically.

“They will be happier free,” Lan Wangji continues to look where they ran.

“I find that hard to believe! Now that they've been embraced by the Second Jade of Lan, what other life could compare?” Wei Wuxian teases.

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji says in censure. He does not turn around. His shoulders remain tense.

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian replies.

“Where do you plan to go now?”

Wei Wuxian sighs, “Ah, there's a small village with a cave that had a landslide. I'm going to go see how I can help.”

“And A-Yuan?” Lan Wangji asks quietly.

Wei Wuxian gets hold of A-Yuan before he can start towards to Lan Wangji again. He lifts the boy and spins briefly. A-Yuan giggles, distracted from the bunnies.

“I will bring him with me. If anything happens to me... I will leave a letter addressed to you with the local magistrate. To be sent only if I do not return,” Wei Wuxian confesses.

Wei Wuxian will not take the risk of A-Yuan living on the street. If anything happens to him, then the proceeds from the sales of the Compass will transfer to A-Yuan. He will be modestly wealthy, and Wei Wuxian trusts Lan Wangji not to take advantage. He will see the boy raised correctly.

“Wei Ying...” Lan Wangji finally turns to look at him, a crease between his eyebrows.

“You are the only person I would trust with my son,” Wei Wuxian meets his eyes.

Together, they stand with interlocked gazes. Wei Wuxian cannot look away. He does not know how long it will be until he sees Lan Wangji again.

A-Yuan begins to tug on Wei Wuxian's hair after a few moments, trying to get a his attention. “Food?”

“Yes, yes, we will get you some snacks soon,” Wei Wuxian soothes.

“I will escort you to the gate,” Lan Wangji says reluctantly.

“Ah, would it be possible for you to let us out back here? I understand there was a dispute between students recently... I would not have come to the Cloud Recesses if I had known. It would be better for me not to be seen here.”

Lan Wangji gives him a searching look. Wei Wuxian does not know what he heard about the defection, and he does not give any further explanation for his request.

Lan Wangji gives a small nod and leads them to a smaller path towards another part of the Cloud Recesses. As they continue along, Wei Wuxian spots something in one of the small glades they pass.

“Lan Zhan, look! I think those are the same bunnies. Are they...” Wei Wuxian snickers. The white bunny is on top of the black bunny's back and very energetic about it, too! “Well, perhaps they will give you a baby bunny soon!”

“Wei Ying, they are both male,” Lan Wangji says repressively.

Wei Wuxian gives him an astonished look, “Ah, you noticed even that?”

On seeing Lan Wangji's ears go pink again, Wei Wuxian shamelessly taunts, “Well, who is to say they won't anyway? I'm a man, and don't I have a little bun of my very own?” He swings A-Yuan around, distracting the boy from trying to see what the bunnies are doing.

Interestingly, Lan Wangji's ears get even more red. He walks faster.

Lan Wangji stands to the side when they reach the gate for deliveries. A few leaves drift to the ground as autumn winds curl around the mountain.

Wei Wuxian pulls out his final gift. “Lan Zhan, thank you for everything. I got you something – it's not much, but since you gave your coin purse to A-Yuan, you will need a new one, yeah?”

He hands over the purse, with the grass butterfly from A-Yuan inside. He left a note with it, telling Lan Wangji that A-Yuan has the matching toy so he will always be near.

Wei Wuxian bows with A-Yuan in his arms.

Lan Wangji bows just as deeply. He seems unable to say anything.

Wei Wuxian walks away before he can do something stupid, like ask Lan Wangji to come with him. A-Yuan waves until they are out of sight.