Chapter Text
“Well,” Wei Wuxian says to Miammian conspiratorially, “someone knows how to make an entrance!”
The entourage of I-am-clearly-richer-than-you’s, headed by Jin Zixuan and he who can be no one else but Lan Wangji, make their way into the ballroom. They are unimpeded as they greet the Qin family, other guests giving them such a wide berth you’d think them royalty.
Lan Wangji bows as gracefully and elegantly as possible, but Wei Wuxian’s attention is much sooner drawn to the unnecessary pomp and flourish that Jin Zixuan executes for the sake of a simple hello.
Wei Wuxian scoffs. Mianmian shushes him, but by her apprehensive expression, she, too, is put-off by the gross display of wealth and self-importance.
Once the formalities are out of the way, the other guests swarm the group like gnats. Lines of mothers and daughters form as the Jin and Lan men instantaneously become the most desired people in the room.
Mianmian sighs and nods, eyeing the yellow uniforms that have begun to spread-out like tendrils of a virus through the space. “That’s the Jin for you.”
Having finished their dance and sated their inquisitive–nosy–desires, Mianmian leads Wei Wuxian back over to the gaggle of sisters and friends, and he abruptly remembers that he had indeed promised to dance with every single one of them.
The girls are gossiping about the Jin, it seems, though that is not unlike every other chatting group in the room, probably.
One of the sisters–they’d been introduced, but Wei Wuxian is utterly hopeless with names–appears to be weighing out her chances.
“–could never snatch someone so high ranked as the Lord himself, but his cousin isn’t heir to a title…that’s much more attainable, don’t you think?” she muses.
“Oh, but–” another sister says, “I’ve heard Jin Zixun is a horribly arrogant man!”
Wei Wuxian steps into the circle while Mianmian reclaims her seat on the couch they’re gathered around, but the girls don’t pay them any mind. Wei Wuxian observes, amused, as the conversation bounces between them all.
“Zixun can be whatever kind of horrible he wants,” says one of the friends, “with that kind of money.”
Mianmian hums with a disapproving twist to her lips, “With ‘that kind of money’, even the worst sort of men can find wives.”
“Captain Lan has money, too,” Wei Wuxian jumps in, wanting to be a part of the fun, and a sudden wave of agreeing nods is sent his way. Captain Lan may be his own brand of stuck up, but the rumors would never call him cruel or violent in the way they might refer to a Jin.
“Oh, that’s for sure!” the curly-haired sister, sitting next to Mianmian on the couch, says, “I certainly would rather have him than a Jin.”
The youngest sister counters, “Not me–the Lan are worse than the Jin; I’d have someone pompous before I’d have someone so utterly boring.”
The youngest sister is only 14 or 15–an indication that her family must be in dire need of good marriages–but already she seems so serious about who she will marry. Wei Wuxian is lucky, in his case, to be a man and have the luxury of a few years more–were he a woman, no doubt Aunt Yu would have bid him off long ago.
“Not all the Lan are like that,” the curly haired sister defends, “Lan Wangji is the second son, off in the military with such a respectable rank!
“Exactly!” corroborates the girl on her other side–not one of the sisters, but her family name might be Yang? “No way could a man so brave as that be boring!”
“Brave?” Wei Wuxian can’t help but ask with a laugh.
The curly haired sister nods emphatically, “Of course, Master Wei! Don’t think it’s admirable, to be off risking his life on the warfront?”
“I think it’s awfully romantic!” Young Madam Yang tags on.
“He’d never be home, with a job like that,” Wei Wuxian points out, “gone for months at a time.”
“Well, in that case,” the youngest sister crosses her arms, “he might just be the perfect man!”
One of the friends–Qiao Huian, Wei Wuxian remembers, having taken note of her name earlier because of her outrageously bushy dress–tuts at the youngest sister.
“Now, now, A-Yun,” Qiao Huian says, “don’t say such things in front of Master Wei! Obviously, he is the perfect man!”
She reaches out with no further warning and grabs Wei Wuxian by the arm, dragging him down onto the couch and squishing him between herself and Young Madam Yang.
With the curly haired sister on the other side of Madam Yang and Mianmian beyond that, they are certainly testing the limits of the couch’s capacity. Wei Wuxian looks over and makes eye-contact with Mianmian, who looks quite disgruntled at the wooden furniture arm now jabbing into her stomach; Mianmian rolls her eyes at him, and Wei Wuxian snorts at the image she makes.
It’s terribly improper for him to sit amongst these unmarried girls like this, and were the wrong person to see–Aunt Yu in particular–it could cause quite the trouble for them all. He really should get up and put some space between them.
Wei Wuxian grins, bright and mischievous, and settles in amongst the silk and ruffle.
“Of course!” he concurs with false arrogance, “I, alone, am the perfect man!”
Mianmian sighs, “Don’t give him any bigger a head, it must already weigh as much as a horse.”
Wei Wuxian gasps, clutching a hand to his sternum and earning a giggle from a few of the sisters, “Why, Mianmian! Don’t you know better than to ask a lady about her weight?”
Mianmian just rolls her eyes again, but the other girls seem charmed, so Wei Wuxian smiles easily.
“Go on, girls,” he says, “tell me how it is that I am perfect?”
They chorus audacious compliments at him, pawing indecently at his arms, and Wei Wuxian shamelessly flirts back, thoroughly enjoying himself.
He thinks to check on Jiang Cheng, if only to ensure his cousin doesn’t return to chide him for ‘chattering’ again, but instead, when he throws a quick glance around the room, Wei Wuxian makes unexpected eye contact with the Lan officer–Captain Lan Wangji.
It startles him. Wei Wuxian is astounded, firstly, at the color of Lan Wangji’s eyes. They are an amber-brown that’s bright enough to be noticeable even from across the room. He is truly handsome, Wei Wuxian concedes, even with the firm, slightly haughty set of his face.
Lan Wangji seems to take in Wei Wuxian’s surroundings–the way he’s lounging amongst so many unmarried girls–and the haughtiness turns to an obviously disapproving scowl. Wei Wuxian grins, and goes as far as to wink at the Captain; Lan Wangji turns his back without delay.
Wei Wuxian laughs, and then stands, returning his attention to the girls he has befriended.
“Well,” he says, holding out a hand, “I believe I promised all of you a dance!”
-
By the time Wei Wuxian has made good on his promise, he has participated in nine consecutive dances, and even his youthful spirit is worn out. He bids the girls a light goodbye-for-now, and begs off to go find the alcohol.
As he vowed earlier, Nie Huaisang is lurking by the serving table of wine glasses. He sighs with exaggerated relief when Wei Wuxian makes his way over.
“Finally, you scoundrel!” Nie Huaisang says, though his tone implies the name-calling is more compliment than insult, “I thought you’d never stop dancing!”
Wei Wuxian laughs, and snags a glass of wine, draining it more out of thirst than a desire for alcohol.
“What can I say, Huaisang?” He puts on his best impression of a rake, “the ladies flock to me!”
Huaisang nods with gravitas, “Indeed, Wuxian. How is it that you charm them so?”
“A natural charisma?” Wei Wuxian banters, not being serious in the slightest.
A group of younger boys skitter over to the alcohol, and Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang shuffle away, closer to the far wall of the room, to give them room. Wei Wuxian smiles, momentarily diverted–clearly these boys feel they are sneaking a drink, and it reminds him of his younger days with Nie Huaisang.
Wei Wuxian returns his attention to Nie Huaisang and drops the pompous act, replacing it with an easy, genuine smile.
“Honestly, it’s only a bit of flirting,” he says, “women just want a man that’s like a friend…one who isn’t trying to get anything from them.”
Nie Huaisang cocks one eyebrow, leaning jauntily against the wall, “You have no scandalous motives?”
“None at all, my friend!” Wei Wuxian says honestly. It’s the truth–he enjoys talking and flirting and dancing, but he’s never quite understood the need some men seem to have of turning every interaction with a woman into something sexual.
Wei Wuxian downs the rest of his wine, and then gestures to Nie Huaisang with the empty glass.
“You didn’t want to join?” he asks, “I’d’ve thought you’d love to get in on that gossip.”
“No, no,” Nie Huaisang dismisses, “those girls don’t know anything new.”
Wei Wuxian narrows his eyes playfully, “How would you know what they know?”
“Well, because I was eavesdropping, of course.”
Wei Wuxian just shakes his head.
“Besides,” Nie Huaisang continues, “I’m much less conspicuous over here.”
“What–” Wei Wuxian judges, “lurking creepily by the alcohol all night?”
“Better than drowning myself amongst the largest group of girls in the room!” Nie Huaisang says, “Don’t tell me you didn’t notice the stares?”
Wei Wuxian shrugs. He knew it was a bit impertinent, and that he might have received a few disapproving looks–like the one from Lan Wangji, for example–but all in all, he didn’t think it was too out of character for him.
Nie Huaisang laughs, “Wuxian, you were lounging about like a Roman emperor in a court of consorts, how did you not realize you had every eye in the room? It was quite convenient for me, as it were–gave me plenty of cover to be as nosy as I pleased, with everyone so distracted.”
Wei Wuxian scoffs reflexively, but only becomes confused as he thinks it over. He truly hadn’t noticed that many stares, save Captain Lan–he was just enjoying himself.
“Were they really looking that much?” he asks after a moment, “I was sincerely only delighting in polite conversation.”
It’s Nie Huaisang’s turn to scoff, and he says, “‘Polite conversation’? Polite conversation between you–a young, handsome, unmarried man–and nine young, handsome, very unmarried girls? You danced with every single one of them, Wuxian, don’t you understand that that means something to these people? To those girls?”
“It wasn’t like that, Huaisang,” Wei Wuxian protests, “and all of those girls know that it wasn’t. We were just being friendly! A bit of fun, honorably no more than ‘polite conversation’!
“Anyway,” he continues, “they aren’t all single! Mianmian’s engaged, and Qiao Huian’s been betrothed since she was little. All of the others are sixteen years or younger!”
Nie Huaisang gives him a look, “Okay, but you see how that’s worse, right?”
“Only if you assume such things!” Wei Wuxian complains, “I wasn’t even considering anything of the like until…ugh! You people really have nothing on your minds but marriage!”
Wei Wuxian walks determinately back to the table of wine, the younger boys scattering, and downs a second glass in one go.
“You’re just lucky Madam Yu was too engrossed in negotiations with Madam Qin to notice,” Nie Huaisang follows behind, “she is working very hard to talk you up, by the way. Did you know–words from her own mouth–that you’re set to receive a great sum once you're married, by way of the fact that your Aunt and Uncle are apparently about to legally adopt you?”
Wei Wuxian is stunned quiet for a moment. “Did you…eavesdrop on Aunt Yu?”
“I’ve just said as much, haven't I?” Nie Huaisang says smartly.
Wei Wuxian scoffs, “You’re going to meddle yourself into serious trouble with all that sneaking about, one of these days.”
“Oh, Wuxian,” Nie Huasiang says wistfully, as if imparting some great wisdom, “not as long as I have you around to make such public trouble all the time! If they’re watching you, then they aren’t watching me! Speaking of, you incurred quite the glare from Oh-Captain, My-Captain, over there–look, he’s still watching you…er, us, I suppose.”
Wei Wuxian huffs, and snags another glass of wine, “I couldn’t care less what any of them think!”
He takes a forceful sip, intending to prove his point with determination; his determination goes a little too far though, and he spills wine across his chin. Thankfully, he’s able to wipe it with his hand before any of it touches his new, expensive outfit, and when he looks back over, Lan Wangji has turned his attention away.
“Oh!” Nie Huaisang says suddenly, and Wei Wuxian’s own gaze is torn from Captain Lan’s figure, “look, Wuxian!”
Wei Wuxian follows Nie Huaisang’s interest and sees Aunt Yu approaching the Jin-Lan contingent with Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng in tow. They watch with bated breaths as Aunt Yu introduces her children, inviting a canon of polite curtsies and bows.
“You should be over there,” Nie Huaisang insists, and then pushes on Wei Wuxian’s arm, “go, Wuxian, go meet them!”
Wei Wuxian resists Nie Huaisang’s push with little effort, and takes a nonchalant–somewhat more cautious–sip of his wine.
“No,” Wei Wuxian counters, watching as Aunt Yu gestures to Yanli, clearly speaking with substantial authority even if he can’t tell what she’s saying from so far away. “No, if Aunt Yu wanted me along, she would have called for me.”
Nie Huaisang tuts, and when Wei Wuxian looks over, his friend's head is hung and shaking ‘no’.
“What?” Wei Wuxian asks.
Nie Huaisang sighs, “Sometimes, Wuxian, I think I grow too complacent about your aunt. It truly isn’t fair that–”
“‘Isn’t fair’?” Wei Wuxian interrupts, irritated by the fact that Nie Huaisang seems almost to be pitying him. “What reason would she have for introducing us, Huaisang? What reason do I have to want to be introduced?”
“That isn’t the point, Wuxian-”
“No, Huaisang, it isn’t your concern. With the Qins, there is at least a sliver of a chance at marriage, but neither Lord Jin nor Captain Lan have a sister, nor cousin, nor anyone that is in the market for a husband–much less a husband with no wealth to speak of. There is nothing to be accomplished by introducing us, so why should she sully Yanli’s reputation with my presence?”
“Wuxian–!”
“No!” Wei Wuxian interrupts again, for the first time growing genuinely troubled by his friend’s intrusive behavior. “I said, it isn’t your concern. Let’s talk about something else.”
Nie Huaisang huffs and mutters something unintelligible under his breath, but his and Wei Wuxian’s attention is caught by Lord Jin somehow managing to trip over his own feet while standing still. He rights himself with an improprietal hand on Captain Lan’s shoulder, cheeks flaming red. Jiang Yanli covers her mouth with a polite gesture, but her eyes betray her laughter.
“Well,” Nie Huaisang says, “even if we don’t introduce ourselves, I simply must know what all that was about. Come along, Wuxian!”
Despite his lingering irritation with his friend, Wei Wuxian has never been one to hold a grudge, and despite his resolve to not ruin this opportunity for Yanli, his curiosity is too strong to ignore. He hesitates only a moment, and then trails after Nie Huaisang.
They round the edge of the ballroom and approach the group from the side, inching just close enough to hear what the Jiang-Jin-Lan company is saying while still allowing the noise and density of the crowd to cover their presence.
“–understand Lord Jin is an enjoyer of recreational combat of honor, as well,” Aunt Yu is saying, “my own Wanyin is similarly sufficient in the art–perhaps a friendly match might be arranged between you, should the opportunity present itself during your stay in the area.”
Jin Zixuan clears his throat, his cheeks still flushed from his stumble, “Ah, indeed. It is a fair pastime. Should the opportunity present itself during your–ah, that is–during my–that is–our stay. In the, uh, the area.”
Holy shit, Wei Wuxian thinks, baffled, this guy’s a mess!
Jin Zixuan chuckles awkwardly at himself, clearing his throat again, “Is the Young Madam Jiang interested in such things, as well? Perhaps she might, uh, attend the match?”
Wei Wuxian knows full well that Jiang Yanli has never been a purveyor of violence in any form, and would likely enjoy nothing less than to sit and watch two amateur sword fighters play at a duel.
“It would be my honor to observe such a display between gentlemen,” Yanli says gracefully.
Wei Wuxian snorts under his breath. Jiang Cheng has only trained with Wei Wuxian in the art of the sword once or twice in his life, and it is reasonable that Jin Zixuan is the same way. Swords are more ornamental than anything, these days, and Aunt Yu’s proposal is nothing more than a formality. Both parties knowing that no such match will ever take place, however, does nothing to stop both Jiang Cheng and Jin Zixuan from posturing about it.
Captain Lan on the other hand, Wei Wuixan thinks, eyes drifting to the tall, silent officer, must be more than proficient in swordplay. It’s in the military set of his shoulders, and the relaxed, but technical way his hand rests on the hilt of his sword, concealed in a ceremonially bright, white scabbard. Wei Wuxian can see sturdy agility in the wide, lifted stance Lan Wangji has adopted, and he has the sudden itching wish that he had his own sword with him, and that he and Lan Wangji might go a round outside.
Jin Zixuan clears his throat again–seriously, someone get the man some water, or something–and bows slightly, “It would be my honor, Young Madam Jiang.”
“Combat of honor should not be carried out without official sanction from the throne,” Captain Lan cuts in, several pairs of eyes suddenly swiveling in his direction.
What a buzzkill. Surely Lan Wangji doesn’t take his job that seriously?
Wei Wuxian nudges Nie Huaisang, quirking an incredulous eyebrow at the comment, and Nie Huaisang conceals a laugh behind his wine glass.
Despite himself, however, Wei Wuxian can’t help but be jealous of the commanding presence of Lan Wangji’s voice. It’s deep and smooth, and his quiet tone still rings clear even to Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang, standing a few meters away. It is exactly the kind of voice one would imagine of a distinguished military general; sturdy, leaving no room for questions, and heard without the need to raise his voice.
His comment, on the other hand, is laughably out of place. Captain Lan has missed the social cue that such a promise of a duel is almost certainly empty, and additionally, he’s somehow managed to reprimand every single member of the group at once–even Aunt Yu.
He speaks the truth, so none of them can counter his statement, but that only leaves them all standing in an odd, tense quiet for a moment. Lan Wangji’s expression stays beautifully flat, seemingly above–or oblivious to–the petty, awkward air.
For Heaven’s sake, Wei Wuxian thinks, Lan Wangji might be even more conceited than Jin Zixuan! He wonders what other similar comments Lan Wangji has made since his arrival–how many people has he managed to anger with a single sentence? It’s almost an art, and was the Captain not such a lifeless drag, Wei Wuxian might even admire him for it.
“Of course,” Aunt Yu recovers, “we will have to find something else, then.”
It’s her most bitingly disguised tone, the one she uses in public to promise Wei Wuxian a sore future punishment–undetectable to a stranger, but it sends a shiver down Wei Wuxian’s back and through his scars. Clearly, this night has not been going as Aunt Yu hoped. Maybe she hadn’t been as ignorant to Wei Wuxian’s earlier dances as he thought?
“Yes,” Jin Zixuan says, “later, we will…do that. For now, how about–in the course of the night…if–well, as long as the Young Madam is amenable–I would be most encouraged if…would you honor me with, that is–a…dance?”
“Oh my God,” Nie Huaisang mutters, looking horrified.
Wei Wuxian concurs. When Jin Zixuan and Lan Wangji had strutted into the party, Wei Wuxian expected pretentious arrogance and pride. Those things are still there, of course, but he had not expected either of them to be so painfully oafish.
“It would be my honor,” Jiang Yanli accepts.
Wei Wuxian leans over to murmur to Nie Huaisang, “If I hear the word ‘honor’ one more time tonight…”
They watch as the group make their goodbyes, another round of bows and curtsies circling the company, and then Aunt Yu finally leads Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng away.
Though no one else was realistically paying the scene any close attention, it feels as though the whole ballroom takes a breath, having put that appallingly awkward interaction behind them. Wei Wuxian rolls his eyes, turning back to Nie Huaisang.
“Well,” Huaisang says with a smirk, “that might’ve been the most uncomfortable introduction I’ve ever witnessed.”
Wei Wuxian hums, “Who knew a Lord could be so bumbling?”
“It’s a good sign,” Huaisang offers, “men are only so nervous when they truly like someone. If he had been too confident, then you’d know the invitation to dance was insincere.”
“That’s one way to see it, I suppose,” Wei Wuxian considers, “but I’m more interested in Captain Lan. Is he a natural born killjoy, or did he learn it from his private, expensive tutors? Really, I mean it–does he interject every conversation with laws, or just the ones where my cousin is trying to make an important connection?”
Nie Huaisang gives him an odd look, and opens his mouth to speak, but Wei Wuxian cuts him off before he can.
“Look!” Wei Wuxian gestures suddenly across the room, shoving his empty wine glass into Huaisang’s hand.
“What?”
“Qin Su,” Wei Wuxian says, “and they’re just about to start a new song, too! I’ll see you, Huaisang, I’ve got to try, at least!”
Wei Wuxian darts to the other side of the ballroom and slides in behind Qin Su just as she’s bidding adieu to an older couple from town.
He’d been lucky enough to get away with his nine superfluous dances earlier, so it’s best that he settle down and approach Qin Su with genuine intentions now–no matter how convinced he is that it will produce no results. She is very pretty and refined…how hard could it be to pretend to covet her?
“Young Madam Qin,” he calls her attention, giving a shallow bow and holding out hand, “it seems the next song is set to begin any moment. Might I make good on my earlier promise of a dance?”
Qin Su smiles kindly, and responds with a curtsy before placing her hand delicately in Wei Wuxian’s.
“Of course, Master Wei.”
Qin Su’s courtesy extends as long as it takes them to settle into their places on the dance floor, but once the music swells, and their conversation may be concealed by the melody, she pounces.
“So, Young Master Wei,” Qin Su goads, “we are quite a ways into tonight's festivities–was it nerves that kept you so long from approaching me again?”
From the glint in her eye, it is clear that Qin Su had not been oblivious to Wei Wuxian’s earlier dances. Luckily, she seems amused rather than offended.
“Ah,” Wei Wuxian laughs it off, muscle-memory taking him through the beginning waltz-like steps of the dance, “the Young Madam Qin is observant. Indeed, you were simply too beautiful–I needed to work up the courage!”
They fall into the dance, right hands lifted and crossed between them as they circle each other.
“Hm, I see,” Qin Su muses, “so it didn’t have anything to do with Luo Qingyang? Or Qiao Huian? Or all five Liu sisters? Or–”
Wei Wuxian laughs, momentarily breaking synchrony with the other dancers to press his hands together in front of him in a praying motion.
He completes the gesture with a pout, “Please, Madam Qin, spare me your teasing! I promise, I harbor no untoward intentions whatsoever. You must allow me to beg for your forgiveness!”
He stalls so long that one of the other couples bumps into them, and Wei Wuxian exaggerates his stumble for humor’s sake. Qin Su rolls her eyes at his theatrics, but she does smile, and they seamlessly rejoin dance.
“Don’t worry, Master Wei,” she says, the fabric of her dress-skirt swishing around their feet, “I’m only in jest. I already knew you to be a fair dancer, and tonight has confirmed it.”
Wei Wuxian grins, “So, you were watching me, then?”
The dance calls for a brief change of partners, so Wei Wuxian doesn’t see Qin Su’s reaction. By the time they are reconnected, her face is once again pristine, with a pleasant expression, and Wei Wuxian smiles warmly.
“I’m just teasing, as well, Young Madam,” he explains, their right hands joining in the middle once more, “it is only that I asked Madam Luo to dance, and it didn’t feel right to scorn the younger girls.”
“There is no need to defend yourself, Master Wei,” Qin Su assures, “I find it heartening; it is admirable that you would entertain them so. Besides, I happen to be aware that many of them are already courting or engaged.”
“Indeed,” Wei Wuxian says, “I am glad you are able to understand friendliness between a man and a woman.”
“And this?” Qin Su asks, as the dance calls for them to step close to one another, “Is it friendliness for you as well?”
Wei Wuxian chuckles, suddenly awkward, as they step away and continue weaving in and out of other dancers.
He had intended to approach Qin Su as Aunt Yu wished–with intentions beyond friendliness–but there is no more romance on his part than with any of the girls from earlier, no matter how appreciative he is that Qin Su seems to disregard the rumors about him.
It seems Qin Su must feel the same, given her playfulness, but Wei Wuxian doesn’t know what answer she’s expecting from him. Is it rude to confirm his platonic regard, or is it too presumptuous to profess attraction? And, would she see right through him if he attempted to do so?
They momentarily exchange partners again, granting Wei Wuxian a brief respite to consider his answer, but he is almost immediately distracted when he once again catches Captain Lan watching him from across the room. Now that he knows how much of a fuddy-duddy the man is, Wei Wuxian recognizes the look in his eye as pure contempt. Undoubtedly, Captain Lan is one of those people who feels dancing at all is promiscuous and sinful, much less dancing with as many people as Wei Wuxian has.
They make eye contact, magnifying the intensity of Captain Lan’s gaze, but it is only a moment before the choreography spins Wei Wuxian away.
Only when Wei Wuxian is passed back to Qin Su does he remember her question, and he realizes, in Lan Wangji’s distraction, he hasn’t a clue what to say.
Wei Wuxian clears his throat, face to face with Qin Su once more.
“Apologies,” he says, “what was it you asked me?”
Qin Su just smiles and says, “Nothing, Master Wei.”
The rest of their dance is painfully quiet. Wei Wuxian is reminded of Aunt Yu drilling him for information on the Qin family earlier in the week, but is hard pressed to find any natural way to bring up the fact that Qin Su’s father’s sister married a Lan, which is the only thing he can remember right now, for some reason.
He laments the fact that it was so easy to flirt with Mianmian and the others earlier. Why is it that, when he had no further intentions, he could charm them all, but now, his charisma fails him?
Maybe it is because of the lack of intention. It was comfortable, with Mianmian for example, because there were no expectations. Neither anticipated more from the other than fun, but with Qin Su…
The crux of the matter, he decides, as his dance with Qin Su comes to a close, is that Qin Su must have some idea of what Aunt Yu wants from them. She would know his flirting to be true, with intention. But, how could he lead her on that way? Flirting with the others is different because he knows they know he doesn’t mean it–but to deceive Qin Su with false purpose…it’s too dishonest.
Aunt Yu will not be pleased, but even as Qin Su thanks him for the dance and walks away, Wei Wuxian doesn’t have it in him to pursue something so deceptive.
He sighs, and finds the nearest empty wall to slump against, taking a moment for himself amongst the flurry, motion, and music of the party.
These events are always a double-edged sword–he wants to enjoy himself, he does enjoy himself, but as much as he desires to ignore responsibilities entirely, no one will let him. He can’t go more than a minute without something reminding him that this isn’t all just for entertainment. He can’t enjoy a dance without someone reading into it; he can’t approach Qin Su without remembering that he’s supposed to be finding a wife. He can’t even hang around Jiang Cheng anymore, these days, without his cousin finding some way to push him towards social correctness.
Wei Wuxian wishes he was still sixteen, just emerging into high society. He was fresh and excited, then; a flailing mess, but endearing for it. It didn’t matter so much if he danced with everyone in the room, so long as he could be construed as young and innocent. There was still pressure, then, but not nearly so much as now.
Speaking of, who knows what Aunt Yu will see fit to do to him when she learns of his failure.
More crushingly, this was also probably his last chance. It is likely that, after tonight, Wei Wuxian will no longer be treated as a marriage piece, but as a soldier. He wonders how long it will take. As soon as tomorrow morning? Maybe his Aunt and Uncle will be kind and allow him to see the season through in Yunmeng, at least.
Wei Wuxian huffs–this is all far too maudlin for him. If it is to be his last night in society, he should be enjoying every second!
He rolls his shoulders and glances around the room for a distraction; it seems the universe is on his side, because Mianmian comes striding over at that very moment.
There is a Jin in pursuit of her, it appears.
“Master Wei!” Mianmian fawns in a way that is much more delicate than he knows her to be. “I’m so relieved to have caught you; might we have the dance you promised earlier?”
It doesn’t take much for Wei Wuxian to catch on, and, in fact, a good ruse might be just what he needs right now. He takes in the Jin’s pinched expression, and gets into character, stepping far closer to Mianmian than is proper. The Jin’s eyebrows furrow when he notices the back of Wei Wuxian’s hand brushing Mianmian’s.
“It would be my pleasure,” Wei Wuxian announces, and then says to the Jin, “I hope you don’t mind!”
They don’t give him a chance to answer before jumping into the next dance just as it begins.
“Ugh, thank you, Master Wei,” Mianmian says, “I didn’t mean to accost you so, but I desperately needed to avoid that man.”
“I don’t mind at all,” Wei Wuxian says honestly, leading Mianmian with an elegant hand, “but, my dear Madam Luo, you are going to start rumors about us! Two dances in one night?”
Mianmian huffs in a very unmannered way, and Wei Wuxian has to wonder just how long that Jin was harassing her before she managed to get away, to break her composure like this.
“Pardon me,” Mianmian says, “but I truly do not give a shit about what these people think of me. And you are a man–your reputation will be fine.”
Wei Wuxian laughs delightedly at the language, ignoring the comment about his own person–one more dance won’t make things any worse for him, it’s true, but only because he has already ruined his chances with Qin Su.
“Quite so,” he says, lifting his chin. “Go on then, complain to your heart’s content! I am at your disposal!”
Mianmian shakes her head, but she already seems more relaxed, and she moves fluidly through the dance at Wei Wuxian’s side.
“To be honest, I’m surprised you don’t already know the story,” she says.
Wei Wuxian shrugs, spinning Mianmian on his arm, “I’ve never cared much for gossip.”
“I was betrothed to a Jin as a child,” Mianmian explains. It’s startling information, but Wei Wuxian stays quiet, letting Mianmian vent her frustrations however she needs–her grip on his hand, for example, is painfully tight, but he doesn’t mention it.
She continues, “He was a terrible man, and much older than me. Dishonest, immoral, and the type of ‘gentleman’ who took anything he was refused. I vowed that I would never marry him, and when my parents wouldn’t break the troth, I ran off with the stableboy.”
Wei Wuxian laughs brightly again, his earlier overwhelm entirely forgotten.
“Well,” he says, “I’m sure that caused considerable scandal. The stableboy–he is your fiance?”
Mianmian relaxes even further. “Soon to be, yes. We need to save a bit first, but…yes.”
Wei Wuxian hums, stepping in time to the music as he thinks.
“You give me hope, Mianmian,” he says, pensive, “maybe one day a beautiful lady of high standing will come to run away with me!”
Mianmian rolls her eyes, and Wei Wuxian relishes in the fact that she seems so comfortable around him.
“It seems you’re a romantic, Master Wei,” she says.
“You are the one who threw off a wealthy life with a Jin for the sake of true love,” he counters. They circle each other through the choreography, to the right for eight counts, and then left.
“If you’ve already found your soulmate,” Wei Wuxian prompts, “why continue to attend parties?”
“I enjoy them,” Mianmian says simply, “I think you can relate. My fiance doesn’t like crowded places, but he knows I love to attend. He trusts me.”
“I’m glad,” Wei Wuxian says earnestly, “all the better for me, that I get the chance to dance with you in my lifetime.”
Mianmian sighs again, but she’s smiling now, and Wei Wuxian can tell he’s winning her over.
“Such a flirt,” she admonishes.
“I mean it, Mianmian,” Wei Wuxian insists, “thank you for making tonight so entertaining.”
Mianmian couldn’t know, but it may very well be his last dance for months. It will certainly be his last for tonight–he can only avoid Aunt Yu for so long, and she is sure to have heard of his abysmal results with Qin Su by now. Wei Wuxian finds himself appreciating Mianmian and her rare companionship with an unexpected vehemence.
He and Mianmian finish their dance and exchange one last bow.
“I hope to see you again, Madam Luo,” he says.
“You as well, Master Wei,” says Mianmian, and then she fades into the crowd.
Wei Wuxian steps away from the mass of people in the ballroom, and finds himself continuing on until he reaches the hall that leads out to the back gardens. He is nearly alone in the grand corridor, and he takes a second to catch his breath. Beyond the impropriety of dancing so often in one night, it is also a surprising test to Wei Wuxian’s physical endurance, and–
“Wei Wuxian!”
A sudden hand yanks Wei Wuxian aside by the arm, and he finds himself face to face with a livid Aunt Yu.
His only comfort is that she wouldn’t dare do anything too harsh in public, but Wei Wuxian experiences a swooping dread for the night to come.
“What use are you!?” She hisses, “Jiang Cheng tells me you’ve profligated yourself around to half the women in the room, yet when it comes to the one with any worth, you can’t even manage a second dance?”
Wei Wuxian shrinks away from her. Instinctively, he glances around for help, but anyone that had been in the hall seems to have cleared out as soon as Aunt Yu stormed over.
He’s all alone.
Aunt Yu continues to berate him, “You’re already poor and family-less, do you want to add immoral and indecent to the list?”
She tugs harshly at his arm again, but Wei Wuxian remains silent.
“A handsome face does not account for the disgrace of ill-breeding, I suppose!”
She waits, but Wei Wuxian has learned from experience that if he doesn’t know exactly what she wants to hear, it is better to say nothing at all.
“Not even going to defend yourself? Fine!” She pulls away in a rush, “I have better things to be doing right now–we will address this at home. You can go ahead and pack your things tonight, because mark my words, you’ll be gone by dawn!”
It’s a common threat, but it stings a little harsher this time, considering Aunt Yu might finally have a good enough excuse to follow through.
The lifted voices of conversation still spilling out of the distant ballroom crescendos to a buzz against his ears, suddenly too loud for him to handle. Wei Wuxian stumbles further away from the main ballroom, until he somehow finds himself in the kitchens, startling the staff inside. There is a tray on the side of the room prepared with glasses of wine, and Wei Wuxian, ignoring the protesting looks from the staff, downs one, and then another.
He grabs two more glasses–one with each hand–and leaves the poor serving staff be, stumbling back out towards the increasingly loud party.
But–no, he wants to get away from the noise. Wei Wuxian turns the other way, instead using his elbow to open the door out to the gardens, stepping into the crisp, midnight air.
His vision goes slightly blurry. Wei Wuxian wonders if he might have had too much to drink tonight.
Oh! There is more wine in his hands! He drinks that, too.
How did he get out of the kitchens? He doesn’t remember. He does remember that there was something he didn’t want to remember, but he can’t remember what it was anymore, so the alcohol must be doing its job!
He stumbles further into the gardens, careful even in his stupor of the neat rows of vegetables and flowerbeds, and he appreciates the fresh air.
Wait, hadn’t he had a glass of wine in his hand? Two of them! Where did they go?
He drank them–he remembers that much–but where did he put the glasses?
Ah! Look! It’s Captain Lan and Lord Jin!
When did they come out here? They look quite suspicious, murmuring like that. There are plenty of other guests outside as well, but Lan Wangji looks particularly suspicious. Why? Just because.
He does, he looks quite suspicious! And why has he been staring at Wei Wuxian all night, huh?
Well, then, Wei Wuxian thinks, already shuffling in the Captain’s direction, might as well go find out!
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