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Chapter Text

Nie Huaisang wasn't sure what to make of his friend’s situation… Of course, if anyone was to accidentally get betrothed to Lan Wangji it would be him. On the other hand this time it wasn't one of his pranks, it was Su She being malicious and using some secret Lan spells to… embarrass them? mock them? prove something to them? Huaisang really didn't know.

What he did know was that Wei Wuxian hadn't looked that distraught by his situation… until he learnt that it was meant as an attack on Lan Wangji. So maybe he had finally realized that he was in love with the Second Jade of Lan and it was his chance… Or he just didn't know what the ribbon meant… That was more likely. But Huaisang wouldn't really know anything about Wei Wuxian's feelings.

Which meant that unfortunately he will have to wait for an update either from his friends or Xichen-ge. Still it was promising to be high quality gossip and entertainment no matter what happened. Truly befriending Wei-Xiong had made this second year at the Gusu Lectures entirely worth the scolding from his brother at the end of last year. Folding his fan, Nie Huaisang made his way to the room shared by his friends from Yunmeng, planning to get answers from them as soon as they would return.

Thankfully he didn't end up waiting for too long, the arrival of his friends announced to the world by how loud they were being.

“But Jiang Cheng! Why do we have to stay away from each other now? I don't see the issue with spending time alone with Lan Zhan, I've already done it so much. What's a little more?”

“Can’t you just shut up for a minute? Or at least wait to be in our room to run your mouth? What do you think will happen if my parents hear about your situation from rumors and not from you?”

A satisfied smile appeared on Nie Huaisang’s face, this was definitely the sound of promising information. Hopefully, he would be able to extract it all from his friends without too much trouble. He stayed in silence in a corner, letting both boys come in and close the door before they noticed him. Not waiting for them, the Nie heir quickly made himself known.

“So? How did Wei-Xiong disgrace himself today?”

An ominous silence answered him at first and he hid behind one of his trusty fans, only peaking out to notice the boys from Yunmeng exchanging pleading and exasperated looks. Soon enough, Jiang Cheng grunted out: “Fine.” and Wei Wuxian immediately stuck silencing talismans on the walls. This was becoming more and more intriguing by the second. He raised a curious brow at his friends, and Wei Wuxian's face sparkled with mischief before he finally started talking.

“Ah, Nie-Xiong… I have lost so much today! It's outrageous, truly… I should be comforted and Jiang Cheng here has not stopped berating me yet! And in this matter I am fully innocent as you already know!”

Nie Huaisang didn't have time to play into Wei Wuxian's antics when Jiang Cheng exploded.

“Innocent? Innocent! Are you kidding me? You kissed Lan-er-gongzi in the middle of his uncle’s office! And in front of me! I didn't need nor want to see you swap saliva with that block of ice and Zewu-jun didn't need to either! I can't believe how shameless you are!”

At this Nie Huaisang had to fold his fan in a dramatic fashion, a victorious grin on his face yet mischief in his eyes. 

“Wei-Xiong! So you really lost your innocence today? And I wasn't even there to witness it… What a tragedy! Out of wedlock as well… Do I need to get ready for a joyful announcement? I can't believe you truly went and corrupted Lan Wangji…”

He was absolutely delighted, this was the most juicy gossip he heard in years. The cultivation world really wasn't one for innovation in matters of news. Most of the gossip in the latest years was about sect leaders' extramarital affairs and their product… Well… of one sect leader in particular.

“I didn't corrupt him Nie-Xiong! I swear! He was the one who confessed first, if anything he kissed me with such passion, if Jiang Cheng didn't interrupt, I would surely be pregnant already…”

It was such a great thing to have a friend as dedicated to dramatic antics as him, Nie Huaisang had chosen well to befriend Wei Wuxian. Unfortunately Jiang Cheng didn't share their taste for them, not to say he was a bad friend, he was just a very grumpy one. Seeing as he whacked his Head Disciple straight on the head before scolding him, the proof was there.

“If I didn't interrupt? What else was I supposed to do? Let you be defiled right then and there? And what's with your obsession about giving Lan Wangji a child? You're a man, you idiot, just because you are a cut-sleeve doesn't make you able to bear one. Just adopt if you want a child so bad…” Then, as if it was an afterthought, he warned: “Once you are married. I swear I'll break your legs if you get a child out of wedlock, and I'll break Lan Wangji’s too!”

“Aww! So you do care! Thanks Chengcheng!”

“You!” 

Before the Jiang heir could keep bickering with Wei Wuxian, Huaisang retook control of the conversation. He had, after all, a most important question!

“So Wei-Xiong, how was it to have your first kiss? Now that you've finally figured out your feelings…”

“Uh? You knew? But I didn't… and it's my feelings… unfair Nie-Xiong, you should have told me…”

“Yes, yes… anyway that kiss, how was it?” 

Seeing as Wei Wuxian was now launched in waxing poetry about his beloved lips, Nie Huaisang took some notes, noticing Jiang Wanyin getting away from the conversation with a nauseated look on his face.

Chapter Text

Jin Zixuan woke up to strange news. And since it was strange it obviously had to be related to Wei Wuxian. He wasn't sure he heard well the first time someone whispered about his and Lan Wangji’s betrothal. It made no sense. Wei Wuxian was a frivolous flirt who spent an improper amount of time seducing the maidens around him. Something he has seen for himself both in Lotus Pier for the visit his mother forced him to attend, and in Caiyi Town when they had attended the night-hunt where the Waterborne Abyss was discovered. So clearly he wasn't a cutsleeve. And Lan Wangji… well… he never seemed interested in anyone, not even as a friend. He was polite, clever and respectful, a promising cultivator too. But he was also one of the least expressive persons he knew, his reputation as a cold jade wasn't exaggerated. Even if he happened to be interested in men it would surely be into someone proper, not Wei Wuxian of all people…

But then he heard a second time, and a third, and before he had left the guest disciples’ quarters, it was the only thing everyone was talking about. Still. It was preposterous. Unfortunately for Jin Zixuan, rolling his eyes at his cousin engaging in the gossip didn't keep him from witnessing the scene Wei Wuxian made before breakfast.

“But Chengcheng… How long will you keep me away from Lan Zhan? It's so unfair of you to keep me away from my beloved betrothed!”

The vision of Jiang Wanyin being shaken around by his unruly subordinate wasn't unusual, which was weird in itself in Jin Zixuan’s opinion. What the Jiang disciple had just said absolutely was. The heir’s response finished to nail the coffin: the rumor is fact. 

“Just because you suddenly both had to realize and confess your feelings yesterday, it doesn't mean it's proper for you to meet without chaperones. Stop being so shameless!” And as an afterthought: “And don't call me Chengcheng!”

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji are actually engaged. And somehow it was apparently a matter of feelings? It still made no sense in Jin Zixuan's mind. Why would any of us marry for love? As far as he knew that wasn't an option. He was aware that common people sometimes did, but as young masters of the great sects marriage was only for heirs and politics. His own betrothal was for those exact reasons. It didn't matter that he barely knew Jiang Yanli and didn't want to know her. His mother has said they are to be wed and so they are…

He had more than once hoped an indiscretion between her and Wei Wuxian might put an end to it and allow him to actually choose his wife instead. After all the two sect siblings had never been shy in their affection for each other even stepping on the line of propriety at times, it wasn't unreasonable to imagine something romantic was there. But there wasn't. It was purely platonic, they might be acting like actual siblings for all he knew. It wasn't like he knew what that was like despite the numerous half-siblings he had around.

This strange morning was really rearranging his vision of the world. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were apparently in love and subsequently betrothed. This alone was baffling. It was only yesterday that everyone was sure the Lan hated the Yunmeng Jiang Head Disciple. The political implications were there but they were confusing and probably something he should be more curious about being a future sect leader and all. But right now he was mostly jealous that his peers got the luxury of choice and love when he was never even asked about his.

Jin Zixuan was pulled out of his thoughts by the voices of his cousin and some Lan disciple who looked like he missed a few hours of sleep.

“Ugh… I can't believe someone like the Second Jade of Lan ended up being a cutsleeve. How disgusting!”

“I can. You know, Jin-er-gongzi, he has always acted like he was better than everyone else, never talking to anyone, now I'm pretty sure that it was also to hide his shameful preferences.”

Jin Zixuan frowned but kept listening a bit more.

“That would make sense, why else would a young master show no interest in the finer pleasures in life. No wonder the one he is betrothed to is Wei Wuxian then, that son of a servant must have thought it was a great way to get a better status. No one else would marry some deviant cutsleeve.” 

Hearing the two snickering together, Jin Zixuan frowned even more. He didn't like Wei Wuxian, every single interaction he had with him had been tense at best and downright antagonistic at worst. It still seemed wrong to hear him and Lan Wangji being insulted for something as simple as who they loved. They could have bad taste. It wasn't his problem, but he felt like correcting his cousin was necessary if only because it could cause a diplomatic incident later on, and more importantly because it was just wrong.

“Zixun. Do not slander our hosts, and remember that being a cutsleeve might be weird but it's not shameful, from then on.”

Not waiting for an answer, the Jin heir finally entered the dining hall for breakfast.

Chapter Text

Lan Qiren was finally out of the infirmary after spending the night there following the minor Qi deviation he had had the previous day. Something that hadn't happened to him since the day his elder brother had dumped his duty as Sect Leader on his shoulders. He would have honestly stayed there if his cousin hadn't summarily kicked him out the moment maoshi had rang. Something about how his “ranting about Wei Wuxian was disturbing the other patients” and “Since you have the strength to complain you have the strength to go have breakfast in the dining hall, Qiren.”

Of course, the whole dining hall was full of whispers about Wangji and that unruly boy. Decided to ignore the gossiping teenagers, he chose to go through the events of yesterday evening again and meditate a bit on them.

He remembers approaching the Cloud Recesses, the feeling of relief about going back home after the tiring Discussion Conference in Qinghe. The small joy at the thought of a peaceful meal with his nephews. The weariness of spending days being polite to Jin Guangshan, while he dragged around a bunch of young women — barely older than his son — to pander to his every need. His respect for his peer was decidedly dropping with every meeting… In any case, all thoughts of politics and their obligatory socializing had disappeared when he stepped down from his sword and saw his dutiful nephews waiting for him at the entrance of the sect.

It was only when he was close to them that he had noticed something was amiss. Not necessarily in a bad way, but Xichen looked happy in a nervous kind of way. That alone had been suspicious. What sealed the weirdness of it all, was Wangji. Wangji was smug. An emotion he had never seen on his nephew's face ; except that one time as a toddler when he had bitten an Elder for badmouthing his mother. It couldn't bode well.

He got his answer after dinner, Xichen having insisted on him getting some rest and a meal before he reported to him on the happenings of the last few days. Lan Qiren wasn't sure what he had expected, but a Waterborne Abyss in Biling Lake wasn't it and seeing as Xichen was still nervous after telling him about it, he had taken matters into his own hands.

“That's not all, is it? Or at least I hope that this is not why you look so happy and Wangji so smug.” That's what he had sternly asked them. He regretted it immensely.

“Apologies Shufu, I didn't mean to keep this from you, but I wasn't sure how to inform you of the good news.” That's what Xichen had started with. And Wangji's ear had reddened in anticipation most likely. “I'm happy to announce that Wangji has entered a betrothal with Wei Wuxian!”

They both looked so happy, especially Wangji, the boy had never smiled like that before, at least not in front of him. He tried to avoid screaming in reaction, he really did, and he managed… at the cost of a minor Qi deviation, because “bottling up your feelings isn't healthy, Qiren!”. He really should spend less time with his cousin, his voice was permeating his thoughts now, and that wasn't acceptable. He would definitely laugh in his face if he ever heard about it…

Still it had taken him a while to get the full details on Wangji's betrothal and unfortunately it seemed like his only hope of it being annulled was for Jiang Fengmian to refuse, since Wei Wuxian was his ward. Lan Qiren wasn't even sure if he wanted it to be, the boy was a troublemaker and grated on his nerves every time he saw him, but he was a clever and strong cultivator and most importantly he made Wangji genuinely happy. Maybe he could accept it if the brat actually makes an effort to follow the rules.

Still, breakfast was a trying time. What with Wangji and that boy staring longingly at each other like they had been apart for months and not one night… at least this soothed one of his biggest worries. Wangji's feelings, now worn clearly for the world to see, were definitely reciprocated. This was good. As much as he hated that Wei Wuxian was the object of his precious nephew's affection, the boy returned his feelings. He still wasn't happy about any of this but he could accept it.

Breakfast done, Lan Qiren stood up and announced that classes would be assured by Xichen this morning and suspended for the afternoon. He had the unfortunate duty to inform his elder brother of the news (and maybe some part of him hoped he would come out of his seclusion after learning of it). He couldn't delay it because the Jiang family was expected after the midday meal, and then he would actually have to discuss the betrothal seriously.

He stood in front of the isolated house his brother secluded himself in for about an incense stick. He had not seen him since he told him about Wangji's birth and he answered by refusing to lay eyes on his newborn son. The man had insisted on interacting with the door closed at all times since then. Well, not now! Lan Qiren was going to speak to him face to face. It was a family matter before it was a matter of the sect, and Wangji deserved as much effort as Lan Qiren could put in getting his father at his side. He forced the wards open and entered. 

It was not what he expected. It was dusty and smelled like the windows hadn't been opened in a long time. The air was still and silent until the thin and rugged shadow that was his brother turned to him.

“Qiren? To what do I owe your visit?”

His voice was raspy from lack of use and it made Lan Qiren frown even more. How many rules about taking care of oneself had his brother broken in his seclusion? He could see the greasy and tangled mess that were his hair, the piles of half eaten and rotten food, the sunken face and unhealthy skin, the dark spots on the wooden floorboards that might be blood, the sword unsheathed and covered in rust in a corner, the wrecked guqin underneath a window. How did it get to this point without anyone knowing? He sent servants here daily for food, baths and cleaning. Did they even get permission to come in? Did they bother? They certainly didn't say anything to him either way. He took a shaky breath.

“Wangji is betrothed.”

“How old is he again?” The tone is indifferent, it has been so for around ten years now.

“Sixteen. Your youngest son is sixteen, Xiongzhang.”

“That is young, is it arranged? Or did he stain some poor lady in some fit of youthful passion?” 

Still not a trace of emotions in his voice. It was making Lan Qiren’s blood boil. More so because he heard the words kept silent, the real questions his brother asked. ‘Is he a puppet for political gain? Or did he take after me?’ Lan Qiren still wasn't sure what had happened for his brother to elope, he only knew a renowned teacher had died and his sister-in-law was accused. He knew she had never loved her husband but had cherished her children, he hadn't been privy to more. She hadn't trusted him, which he understood, she never told him if she had at least considered his brother a friend or if he had forced himself onto her… if she was actually guilty of the crime she was accused of. Chasing his gloomy thoughts about the late Lan-Furen, he answered as coldly as he could. He would not accept any slight against Wangji.

“Wangji found himself a young man who reciprocates his feelings. He has defiled no one and wishes for a proper betrothal to court him.” 

Seeing how his brother didn't react, he turned around and stopped at the door before leaving.

“He is not you, Qingheng-jun.”

Lan Qiren slammed the door on his hopes to ever see again the big brother he had once eagerly followed around the Cloud Recesses. His brother had died, leaving behind the hollow shell of a man refusing to be a father. He let the grief wash over him for a moment, before burying it far in his heart. No matter what his cousin would say about that, he had things to do, places to be, a betrothal meeting to set up. Lan Qiren had no time to grieve the brother he had lost.

Chapter Text

After a breakfast spent scowling at his food, Jiang Cheng silently dragged Wei Wuxian to the morning classes before the idiot could go and be shameless around Lan Wangji. Not that it would be unusual, but now that he had gotten himself betrothed to that block of ice for some reason, he had to observe more propriety, and clearly he would need some help with that. Wei Wuxian and propriety seemed as compatible as oil and water on the best of days, as the Sect Heir, Jiang Cheng unfortunately got the role of wrangler for their time in Gusu. His A-Jie was better at it, but she wasn’t here and she shouldn’t have to do that. 

He didn’t listen to any of Wei Wuxian’s complaints on the way and only paid attention when he realized that he would be sitting next to Lan Wangji. The idiot already chatting his ears off about how he had somehow missed him since yesterday, and how they should kiss again soon. Gross. Jiang Cheng did not want to think about Wei Wuxian kissing anyone, even less about him kissing Second Young Master Lan: an expert in lacking expressions that weren’t annoyance or anger.

When Lan Xichen entered the room he had hope that they could just focus on cultivation history or something. His hope was immediately crushed. Today’s class would be about marriages, how they were negotiated, and why they were important politically. Jiang Cheng didn’t want to think about marriage. Not for himself, certainly not for his Jiejie, and even less about Wei Wuxian’s. But this was fine he could do it. He could go through a theoretical lesson on the subject. And then it left the theoretical ground…

“Wangji and Wei-gongzi are a good example of a love match that can work out politically. Even if it is rare for two men to marry, we do have examples of it working in the past, and how the usual traditions for a man and a woman can be adapted in those circumstances…”

Jiang Cheng listened to the explanations with growing horror. What did Lan Xichen mean by “usually the man of lesser status would marry into the other one’s family.”? Was Wei Wuxian going to leave? He was supposed to stay in Lotus Pier. He was supposed to be his right-hand man! His father had said so again and again. He had known Yanli would leave one day for the Jin Sect since forever, and he hated it. Now he had to think about Wei Wuxian leaving him too… How was he supposed to be a sect leader without his right-hand man? Both his parents had made it clear that he was lacking in comparison to Wei Wuxian…

He looked at his Sect Brother for once seemingly taking thorough notes. Maybe Wei Wuxian had wanted to leave for a while and had found the perfect excuse. Or maybe the whole thing was true and he was simply happy to jump on the opportunity. In any case, he didn’t seem bothered by the thought of leaving the Jiang Sect in order to marry that Second Jade of Lan. 

Jiang Cheng spent the rest of the class trying to find reasons why Wei Wuxian might have found Lan Wangji interesting enough to agree to marry him. When the bell signifying the end of the class rang, all he had was a “high-level of cultivation”. It seemed stupidly little to him. And so he resigned himself to ask about the exact thing he was afraid of hearing about the night before. He would have to ask Wei Wuxian why he even liked Lan Wangji and why the fuck he wanted to leave them. 

He caught him while exiting the classroom, and dragged him back into their rooms, a scowl on his face and wasting no time listening to Wei Wuxian's usual whining. It was only when the door closed without his input that he realized Nie Huaisang had followed them in. No matter. He could listen for all he cared.

“Jiang Cheng? Can you let go of my wrist and tell me what the hell that was about?”

Ah. He had indeed still a hold of the other boy, and he still hadn’t started yet. And worst of all Wei Wuxian had just used his stupid soft and concerned tone on him. This was for the baby disciples! Or more rarely A-Jie when she was crying, which she seldom did. What the fuck was his face doing for that to come out like this? He finally dropped Wei Wuxian’s wrist and noticed his hand trembling. Fuck. This was so fucking stupid.

“What do you find in that block of ice? Since when did you even want to get married? You couldn’t be normal for once? Was it that hard to find a nice maiden from Lotus Pier? Or do you want to leave that bad? After all we did for you! And now you are leaving? And for what? Some guy that spent all his time since we’ve been here glaring at you? Do we mean this little to you?” 

At this point his voice cracked, and he shut up. He had stared at Wei Wuxian’s face the whole time he had screamed at him and, even if it had been brief before the other hid it, the genuine hurt in the silver eyes made him take a step back. The room was silent. He wasn’t answering. Why wasn’t he answering? A small part of Jiang Cheng was regretting that his mother wasn’t here yet, she would get answers. 

When the silence broke, it felt like hours had passed when it was at most a minute or two.

“What? I’ve always wanted to get married, and have a family, something like my parents had.” Wei Wuxian stopped. “What’s your problem with Lan Zhan anyway? And, what do you mean leaving? I’m not leaving Lotus Pier.” His nose scrunched up in confusion.

Before he could start screaming at Wei Wuxian for not paying attention in class, Nie Huaisang, who was for some reason very invested in the whole thing, answered the last question.

“Wei-Xiong, Xichen-ge told us this morning that, in case of a marriage between men, the one with the lesser status is expected to join the other’s family. I doubt you’ll have much choice in this matter.”

Jiang Cheng barely had the time to see the glint of something in Wei Wuxian’s eyes that the other boy was already bolting out of the room, saying that he needed to talk to his “betrothed”. A shiver of disgust shook him, and he was left in the room with Nie Huaisang observing him from behind his fan. The silence didn’t get to stretch out that his mother’s voice resonated in a very familiar way, followed by the just as familiar sound of Zidian hitting someone’s back. Jiang Cheng made a face and started to walk in the direction of the noise when Nie Huaisang said something, stopping him.

“Jiang-Xiong, if you care about Wei-Xiong don’t ruin this for him.”

It felt like a threat somehow. But he quickly disparaged that thought, Nie Huaisang could not be a threat to anyone or anything except maybe his brother’s nerves. Still feeling unsettled the Jiang heir finally left to meet his family and Wei Wuxian.

Chapter Text

The messenger had arrived late in the night, barely before Lotus Pier would go to sleep. The Lan had looked exhausted and Yu Ziyuan couldn’t resist a sniff of disdain at that; what kind of cultivator couldn’t handle staying up at night? Clearly, the famous Lan discipline wasn’t that effective if they couldn’t stray from their ridiculous sleeping schedule. Hopefully, A-Cheng would at least come back with some good relationships with the other heirs. She just knew that for a message to come at this hour, it would be about that damned troublemaker. She couldn’t help but wonder what he had done this time…

The message did not help. It simply said that the Jiang family’s presence was requested in Cloud Recesses as soon as possible for a matter pertaining to their Head Disciple. Of course! Of course, that brat must have done something to tarnish their sect’s reputation! She had told Fengmian to not let him go! And then upon receiving that letter, the man had tried to say he would be the only one to go. Ah! As if! If the Jiang family was to come, she was too. She didn’t even need to argue for it, the messenger himself had insisted that her presence, and Yanli’s for some reason, was definitely necessary. 

And so the next morning they left early by sword with a small entourage. Yanli was carried by her maids in turns. She hadn’t kept the disappointment from her face when her daughter had reminded her that she couldn’t fly the distance, since she didn’t even have a sword. Fengmian had wanted to carry her at first but she had shut that down swiftly, he was a Sect Leader unless no other options were available, he had no reason to. Carrying weak people around was a servant's job.

The trip ended up being a bit quicker than planned, making them arrive before the midday meal instead of after. The guards allowed them to enter and grabbed someone to show them to the Yashi while someone else went to search for Lan Qiren and his nephews. They didn’t make it there before Wei Wuxian, that brat, showed himself and immediately proceeded to ignore them in favor of being a nuisance as usual. 

That boy was running around the Cloud Recesses screaming aloud for the Second Jade, using his birth name like he had the right to. It wasn’t enough to inconvenience all of them for whatever prank he might have pulled this time, but he was also blatantly showing disrespect to their host believing himself their equal. She unleashed Zidian.

“Wei Wuxian!” 

The whip hit his target on the back, making the boy stumble to the ground. She sneered seeing him stand up and turn to face them.

“Did you forget your place you brat? Do you think yourself higher than your betters that you did not even greet us properly? That you disrespect Lan-er-gongzi this way?”

Zidian rose again and swiftly came down, this time aimed for the boy’s chest. It did not hit the purple-clad disciple, but instead, a back covered with delicate white silk with light blue embroideries. Astonished by this unforeseen event, Yu Ziyuan stopped for a brief moment allowing her daughter and her husband to catch one of her hands each before she could think to raise Zidian against this intruder again.

“A-Niang! Please stop!”

Her daughter had always been too tenderhearted, thinking her method of disciplining Wei Wuxian too harsh and trying to distract her from the much-needed actions quite often.

“San Niang, enough. This is Lan-er-gongzi you just hit.”

That was unfortunate but it was only them here, it would be her voice against two brats and a servant. This would not make for too much of a diplomatic incident. Especially since the Lan boy wouldn’t have been hurt had he not interfered in her justified punishment of Wei Wuxian. Still, she was about to protest Fengmian’s words when she noticed she couldn’t talk. That Lan boy dared!

She looked at Lan Wangji, only to find him slumped on Wei Wuxian, both kneeled on the ground and the insufferable son of a servant, paler than she remembered seeing him, caressing his face with? Something? A look in his eyes which filled her with disgust. And the Lan boy returned it. They weren’t even seeing her in the middle of whatever they were whispering to each other.

“Yu Ziyuan!” 

She froze. That was Lan Qiren’s voice. She hadn’t noticed him approaching, and from where he was standing and his face scrunched in a display of un-Lan fury, he had seen everything. They didn’t even know the motif of the invitation and now it seemed extremely secondary.

“You are here as a guest. I do not know what possessed you to whip two teenagers with Zidian, one of whom is my nephew, and neither of which has done anything to justify it. We will talk in the Yashi, about both of these and the reason for this sudden summon to our sect. Xichen, bring your brother and Wei-gongzi to the infirmary.”

She was livid. Who did he think he was, acting like she couldn’t punish her own disciple? Silencing her! Treating her like she was at fault! And her weakling of a husband wasn’t saying anything. Though Yanli did, making her hope that maybe her daughter did have some of her spirit somewhere deep inside. And then she was betrayed.

“Grandmaster Lan? May I accompany A-Xian to the infirmary as well? He is as dear as a brother to me, I’d like to see to his health.”

The man nodded, and her husband looked at their daughter with pride before she left and he dragged her by the arm after Lan Qiren.

The walk to the Yashi was silent and it took until the tea had steeped and was served for Lan Qiren to get started.

“You are probably still wondering why you were summoned here without delay nor explicit reason. We will discuss the offense against my nephew, and by extension the Gusu Lan Clan, later. The absence of reasons given is because your son Jiang Wanyin demanded Wei Wuxian to be the one explaining the situation himself. Seeing as he is now in the infirmary, I will have to explain instead, since the matter is somewhat urgent.”

Well, it must have been bad if Jiang Cheng had wanted the brat to explain himself! It was so far only proving that she had been justified to whip the brat. She would have said something, but that damn Lan Qiren still hadn’t released his silencing spell. Thankfully for once, her husband made himself useful.

“What did A-Xian do this time? It must be pretty bad to justify such a prompt summon.”

“It’s actually nothing bad. I would say it’s rather good in fact, though I might need to revise that opinion depending on your sect actions since your arrival.”

He had the gall to glare at her! As if she didn’t have the right to punish a disciple of her sect.

“I’m going to cut to the chase: Wei Wuxian got himself engaged to Lan Wangji. It initially happened through another disciple’s malicious intentions but both boy wanted to go through with it, having found themself in love. Thus your family has been called as you told me yourself Fengmian that you considered the boy like a dear nephew, and someone would need to negotiate for Wei Wuxian.”

She was fuming. Both with fury (how dared that boy shame them like that?) and pure disgust (that damned brat was a cutsleeve, how could Fengmian let him spend this much time around their son?). She could see her husband try to say something, but Lan Qiren was faster.

“After what just happened when you arrived I am now doubting the truth of this statement. So unless you are able to produce proof of Wei Wuxian being adopted in your family or of a servant’s contract, I do not think it in his best interest to have you negotiate his betrothal.”

No. No! Absolutely not! The brat had no right to leave after all they did for him… She broke the silencing spell, lips bloody and voice raspy.

“I see that brat is truly his mother’s son! Whoring himself out to the first person of status he can profit of off! If I were you, I would not allow this Lan Qiren, that kind of person knows no loyalty and the shame of his cutsleeve ways will follow your nephew for the rest of his life!”

She saw a vein pop on the Lan’s head. His hand slamming on the table in uncharacteristic rage.

“Yu Ziyuan! This is the last offense from you I will tolerate! I will discuss with your husband further reparations from the Jiang Sect for the following offenses: attack on a member of the sect, harm to an heir, harm to the betrothed of a member of the sect, slander against an heir and his betrothed, all committed on our own sect territory. Were you a member of the Lan Sect this would be high treason. For now you are banned from all Gusu Lan Sect territories, effective immediately, either you leave on your own or under armed guard.”

This is ridiculous! No one had the right to treat her this way! Surely her husband would agree with her.

“Fengmian say something!”

He looked at her tiredly. “San Niang, do not make this harder than needed, I’ll take care of bringing the children back.”

She stood up, fury on her face, Zidian sparkling on her hand, and left. She would not give anyone the chance to see her suffer the indignity of being treated as a criminal.

Chapter Text

Lan Haitao was doing his usual inventory of the apothecary when someone entered the infirmary. Turning on the visitors he was ready to scold were it Qiren again. Truly his cousin was awful at managing his emotions… He wouldn’t have been surprised if he was here again. He was surprised to see Lan Wangji being carried on his brother’s back without a single protest. He was worried. Little Wangji was not usually so docile.

“What happened?”

He wordlessly directed the boys to a bed, letting Xichen fuss around his little brother, before noticing the two young people dressed in purple following in as well. It was the boy who explained, Wei Wuxian if he remembered correctly from having seen to him a few days ago after the discovery of the Waterborn Abyss in Caiyi.

“It’s my fault. He was hit by Zidian.”

Lan Haitao turned to face him and noticed his pale and distraught face as if the boy truly believed himself guilty. He raised an eyebrow at him and was about to say something but the young lady accompanying him was faster.

“A-Xian! You’ve been hit too!”

He raised a hand before she could keep going.

“Wei-gongzi if you’ve been hit as well please do take place on the bed next to Wangji. And please do not think yourself at fault, we all know who is Zidian’s master, and it is not you. Now please one of you explain what happened while I look after my patients. Guniang, you might want to leave, I’m not sure it would be appropriate to have the boys shed their robes in front of you.”

She helped Wei Wuxian to a bed before looking at him with determination.

“A-Xian is like a little brother to me. There is nothing inappropriate in this. You might call someone else to chaperone if you are afraid for my reputation. Either way, I will not leave.”

“I only intended to spare you a potentially disturbing sight Jiang-guniang. If you wish to stay, please do.” He paused and looked at the rest of the teenagers in the infirmary. “Now explanations, please. Wangji and Wei-gongzi please take your robes off, I need to see your backs.”

He noticed immediately how Wangji complied with difficulty but how Wei Wuxian squirmed around and played with his sash without actually taking it off. Lan Haitao made a note of it, before listening to Jiang-guniang’s recounting of the event.

“My family had been summoned to Cloud Recesses for something concerning A-Xian, but without any indication as to what happened. A-Niang immediately thought the worst and was in an awful mood. When we arrived she saw A-Xian running after Lan-er-gongzi and calling for him using his birth name. I think A-Xian hadn’t seen us before she whipped him.” 

He heard the trembling in her voice, and the shuddering breath she took before she kept going, but didn’t turn to her, focusing on the purplish red mark going from hip to shoulder on Wangji’s back. He took note of every little branch; the thunder pattern, and the color enough to confirm the origin of the injury. 

“After that, he turned to us and was about to greet us when A-Niang raised Zidian again, too quickly for me to react. This time when she brought it down Lan-er-gongzi had placed himself in front of A-Xian and so took the hit. I think she wasn’t expecting that because I managed to catch up to her and grab the hand she was wielding Zidian with before she raised it a third time. A-Die caught her other arm, and then we brought A-Xian and Lan-er-gongzi here.”

“Thank you Jiang-guniang. Xichen, maybe you could explain to her the reason for the summon while I finish with Wangji?”

Along with the external observations on Wangji’s state, Lan Haitao transcribed Jiang-guniang’s explanation. He then ignored Xichen telling her about the betrothal in favor of checking on Wangji’s core and meridians. It took him a while to notice where the imbalance he felt was coming from, but when he did, he had to take a step out of the room. He ignored the shock on the children’s faces. As a healer, he could not let his feelings meddle with his work. He had a duty to his patients to stay professional. 

Once he had calmed down, he came back in and immediately turned to Wei Wuxian, while completing his notes on Wangji’s state. The boy was still dressed.

“Wei-gongzi, take off your robes. I need to examine you.”

“That’s not necessary, I’m fine. I swear! I’m used to it, please take care of Lan Zhan.”

He noticed how the boy’s grin didn’t reach his eyes, no matter how blinding it was. Adding his ability to withstand the pain better than Wangji, the way he refused to get examined and treated… It wasn’t painting a pretty picture. 

“Wei-gongzi, as a healer it’s my duty to ensure that every person in Cloud Recesses whether guests or residents are at the top of their health. If you truly are fine, I’ll let you go after the examination. Now disrobe, please.”

He saw how the boy turned pleading eyes on Jiang-guniang. He saw how she hesitated, she could use her status to forbid the examination… When she came to a decision it was with a mixture of pain, resignation, and determination.

“A-Xian, let the healer examine you, please. I’m worried about you. I am sure Lan-er-gongzi is worried as well.”

Immediately Wei Wuxian complied, revealing a mess of lilac and purple and losing all pretense of happiness in place of discomfort, maybe even fear. His eyes stucked to the floor, and his teeth nervously picked at the skin of his bottom lip. Silence took over the room for a while. Lan Haitao wasn’t sure how to make the boy feel more at ease, but clearly the lack of verbal reaction wasn’t helping him. Maybe he could distract him by talking about something else… He started his examination with light hands and jumped on the first subject of conversation that popped into his head.

“You look a lot like your father Wei-gongzi. I’m sure you must hear that a lot, but it’s true, I’m sure if he were still here some might think you and Wei Changze were brothers. Though you do have your mother’s smile and some of her softer features.” 

“You knew my parents?” 

Silver eyes were looking up at him with so much raw hope that it hurt. Did this boy know nothing about them? Didn’t Jiang-zongzhu talk to him about them? He took a moment to breathe through it, taking notes on the boy's back before continuing.

“A bit, not as well as Qiren-biao-ge did though. Your wrist, Wei-gongzi.”

Lan Haitao fell silent, focusing on the boy's core and meridians. He still heard bribes of conversations going around. Mostly exchanges of reassurances. He let go of the Jiang Head Disciple’s wrist with a small frown.

“Here, I’m done with the examination. I’ll apply a salve to help with the pain and scarring and then you’ll both stay here and rest until at least the evening meal. And no physical activities for at least a week. Cultivation through meditation is permitted and encouraged. Wangji, no guqin practice for a week either.”

He applies the salve efficiently, before finishing his notes.

“Xichen, I need to have a moment with you. Jiang-guniang, could you please chaperone the boys in the meantime?”

“Of course!”

He smiled at her enthusiastic answer, and then couldn’t keep a snort when he heard the start of the conversation as he left the room with Xichen.

“A-Xian? Did you get engaged without telling your Shijie? Hm?”

“Shijie… Xianxian is sorry. He is only three so he forgot to ask Shijie!” The pout was audible.

“Hm… But if Xianxian is three then he is too young to get engaged, no?”

“Not too young! Not if it’s to Lan Zhan!”

“Oh? Is my Xianxian happy then? His Lan Zhan is treating him well?”

“Mn. I will treat Wei Ying well. Wei Ying deserves it.” The voice was strained with lingering pain, yet fond.

Satisfied with the conversation going well in the other room, Lan Haitao finally activated the privacy wards of the infirmary’s office. Gesturing for Xichen to sit at the desk before taking the spot in front of him, he let out a tired sigh.

“Xichen, I’m afraid the boys' situation is a bit out of my scope of competence. There are not only marks on their skin but also some damage on their meridians. I think that might be because of Zidian’s purpose which is to expel a soul possessing a body… I can’t be sure, since spiritual wounds are not my specialty, but… This is concerning. Especially for Wei-gongzi, some of those scars are years old…” He paid no mind to the horrified look from Xichen before concluding. “That boy cannot be sent back to Lotus Pier. I’m telling you all this because I might need your help convincing Qiren.”

A stunned silence covered the room, Xichen visibly processing the information for a while.

“I’ll help. I’ve also heard that the Wens have a doctor specializing in core studies. Maybe she could help?”

“Wen Qing? Maybe. I’m not sure the Wen’s would let her help though… I’ll think about it, you did well mentioning her Xichen. We should go see Qiren, I need to report to him.”

They stood up, he deactivated the wards and made his way through the infirmary, before announcing to the kids that he was leaving for a moment but other healers were there if needed. Just as Lan Haitao had exited the building, Jiang-guniang caught up to him.

“Lan-yisheng? You said earlier that you knew a bit about A-Xian’s parents, could you, if you have the time, tell him a bit more about them? The subject is a bit taboo at home, and he lost them at such a young age, he doesn’t remember much…”

“I can do that. Have a nice day, Jiang-guniang.”

After exchanging politeness for the last time, he made his way to the Yashi where Qiren should be. All the conclusions he had made about Wei Wuxian’s life in his sect left him incensed and ready to fight for his patient. Everything screamed of mistreatment from a young age, something he wasn’t sure the boy recognized himself but that Jiang-guniang had. She was a brave young lady to risk an examination that she knew would cause damage to her sect and her mother’s reputations. Going against filial piety for the right thing was definitely not easy…

Chapter Text

As he watched his wife leave the Yashi, Jiang Fengmian tried to think back on how things could have gone so badly. He remembered how when the letter arrived, he had been so sure that Wei Wuxian had pushed a prank too far. This was the reason he had tried to come alone. He knew already that whatever it was His Lady would not be pleased, it was easier to have the punishment she would surely bestow on him in Lotus Pier… But no, the messenger had insisted that the whole family was summoned, A-Li included.

 
Now, he was in Cloud Recesses facing Lan Qiren in a state of rage the likes of which he hadn’t seen since that one time Cangse had shaved his beard. He was pretty sure that if A-Xian had been the only one hurt he could have placated the man with an offer of rare books or monetary compensation for the disturbance. There was absolutely no chance that the man was actually supporting that alleged betrothal, right? Fengmian focused back on the conversation.

 
“Now that your wife has left and will not interrupt anymore, let me be clear Fengmian; the only reason I am not declaring war upon the Yunmeng Jiang Sect is because our sects are on good terms and I used to respect you.”

 
He blinked, keeping his usual serene smile in place.

 
“Used to, Qiren? Is this incident all it takes to lose your respect? Is it this cheap?”

 
He watched the other man take a slow sip of tea and put down his cup with practiced elegance and equally practiced stiffness. Silence stewing in the room, making the Jiang Sect Leader nervous, he might have underestimated how much the current diplomatic situation he was in was complicated.

“This incident, as you put it, gives me legitimate ground to start a war, Fengmian, and it would never have happened if you had any sort of ability to control your wife’s temper since she is clearly unable to do so on her own. Lans do not gossip, but the rest of the world does, it is no secret the state of your marriage. Even the simple fact that your wife refuse to be acknowledged as Jiang-furen is proof of the lack of harmony in your household. She is known as much for her strong cultivation and for her equally strong temper. You are her Sect Leader and her husband, it is up to you to ensure that she uses both for good.” 

Lan Qiren stopped but it was clear he hadn’t finished talking. And sure enough he kept talking, making Jiang Fengmian feel weirdly like a child being lectured rather than the Sect Leader he was.

“Now tell me how should I respect you when you barely objected to her using Zidian on a teenager? Only taking action after she hit not only your ward but my nephew. Your daughter having a delayed reaction is understandable, she is still young and her cultivation not strong. You have strength and experience, you could have stopped her anytime, yet you did not. What is deserving of respect here?”

He stayed silent, not sure what to say to that but still firmly believing that things were being blown out of proportions. He took a moment to think before settling on his words.

“San Niang is in charge of discipline at home, and A-Xian is a troublemaker, as you yourself have witnessed and written to us about. It was only natural to assume misbehavior on his part, and I’m sure you agree that would warrant swift correction. Your nephew being hurt was an unfortunate coincidence of him interrupting it. I’m sure we can find suitable reparations and keep our relationship cordial.”

And maybe put an end to this farce of an engagement. A-Xian’s place was beside A-Cheng, like Changze’s should have been beside him. He would have to talk to the boy, this wasn’t a fun prank to pull… It was one thing to have some light hearted flirting with the merchants’ daughters for free snacks and another to simulate a betrothal to a sect heir… He took a sip of the slightly medicinal tea the Lan sect was fond of, not noticing how his counterpart had to take a deep breath before talking.

“Putting aside the fact that I do need to make my own apologies to that boy for treating him unfairly and making my own assumption on his character, yes I would say Wei Wuxian is a bit of a troublemaker. But he is not malicious or mean, as both of my nephew have graciously pointed out to me when they informed me of Wangji’s betrothal. None of his actions deserves such harsh punishment as a whipping with Zidian. Now, since you mentioned reparations, please do tell what you would think suitable for the offenses committed by your wife.

Jiang Fengmian hid his growing tension behind a genial smile and gathered his thoughts. The balance of enough but not to much would be hard to strike…

“Two coffers of silver, 10 bolts of lotus silk and a five years agreement for free access to the Yunmeng waterways for the merchants and cultivators of Gusu. That should cover the insults and injuries made against your nephew? And we could forget this silly betrothal idea A-Xian probably tricked your nephew into. I’ll bring him home after all of this, so he will not disturb the peace of the Cloud Recesses with his shenanigans.”

That might have been on the higher side of thing in his opinion, but he couldn’t afford to risk his good relations with the Lan Sect, and Lan Qiren was unfortunately right in his assessment that hurting Lan Wangji could be treated as a declaration of war. Surely that would be enough to close the case.

“That is acceptable as far as material reparations go. Now, what about your wife’s punishment? And what of the reparations made to Wei Wuxian? The betrothal cannot be forgotten either, unless either boy wants to cancel it or you can provide proof that you are in a position to take that decision for Wei Wuxian. Wangji was not tricked into it, considering he was the one to confess first, therefore there is no need for Wei Wuxian to leave.”

Jiang Fengmian felt his jaw clenching, this wasn’t going as well as he thought it was. Why would Lan Qiren insist on this betrothal? Or even ask for reparations on his ward’s behalf? And what would he punish his wife for? This was something that would surely put the whole of Lotus Pier at the mercy of her temper for a while already. If she was punished… No amount of time night-hunting would calm her down…

“Leaving talks of that betrothal out of this conversation for now; you already banished My Lady from your territories, what else could you want? Furthermore, it is her right to punish our disciples as she sees fit, I…”

Before he could keep expending on that particular thought, a knock cut him off and a guard popped his head in.

“Lan-zonghzu, Lan-yisheng is asking to make his report on the injuries sustained by Lan-er-gongzi and Wei-gongzi. Should we let him in?”

Ah. This might be bad for him, thought Jiang Fengmian. They hadn’t yet come to an agreement, and this might sway Lan Qiren in asking for a harsh punishment that would be hard to refuse without causing a diplomatic disaster but would definitely cause a heavy strain on the Lotus Pier residents were it enacted, because he knew his wife enough to know that she would take it as favoritism for Wei Wuxian on his part and would lash out at everyone in turn. Though, maybe she would calm down a bit as long as his ward came back with him to Lotus Pier.

“Please do. His professional opinion is needed.”

Well… His hopes of limiting his wife’s punishment were clearly dwindling, he would have to talk with A-Xian and soon, so he could at least have him admit that he didn’t really mean to be engaged to Lan Wangji. After all he knew his ward enough to be certain that he wasn’t a cutsleeve… 

He looked at the man entering the room. He had the headband embroidered in the way signaling a main line Lan, and a very determined expression. He had a hope before that maybe A-Li had stopped him from examining A-Xian but maybe she hadn’t been able to? 

“Qiren, Jiang-zongzhu.” The man bowed to them politely and they answered in kind before he started his report on Lan Qiren’s signal.

“I’ll be to the point, both boys will probably keep scars, though the skin wasn’t broken. What worries me more is that I found damage to both their meridians. I’m no expert in wounds of that kind but their extensive presence on Wei-gongzi’s meridians in particular are indicative of years of repeated injuries by Zidian, which is corroborated by the numerous scars on his back. Furthermore, I’m honestly baffled that this boy did not suffer a deathly Qi deviation yet. Any amount of resentment that could cling to his hurts, sadness, anger or bitterness would probably completely disrupt his already unstable system. Considering how he came into contact with a Waterborn Abyss a few days ago, it’s impressive that it didn’t affect him more.”

Jiang Fengmian didn’t know where to start. He had known of the scars on his ward’s back, with how much time the boys of Lotus Pier spent fooling around in the water in summer it would be hard to ignore it. But he hadn’t known of the spiritual damage, trusting his wife to not go as far as crippling their Head Disciple. Either way he already knew that in this case whether he knew or not, did not change a thing. If he knew, it made him cruel, if he didn’t, it made him incompetent. In both cases he would lose considerable amount of face, especially since with the guest lectures in progress there was very little hope of this affair staying discrete… He was still debating what to say when Lan Qiren spoke.

“Jiang-zongzhu, could you please tell me again how a boy this young deserves a treatment similar to someone committing treason? You said you leave the discipline in the hands of your furen, please do elaborate.”

He couldn’t hold back a wince at the change in address, he had really lost all respect from Lan Qiren if the man used only his title when they have known each other since childhood.

“As I was saying, it is one of San Niang’s duty to overview the correction of the disciples. I rarely interfere unless it would impact on the disciple’s duty. Otherwise, I would be undermining her position.” 

The withering look Lan Qiren gave him was strong enough to make him momentarily forget that they were from the same generation.

“I see. We will come back to this, but since I now have all the information needed, I will tell you what punishment your wife should receive… One strike of a discipline whip for each strike delivered in Cloud Recesses today, and one more for almost causing a war between our sects. So a total of three strikes, to be given in Lotus Pier in the presence of a Lan representative before the end of this month. Otherwise, we will cut any diplomatic and business relations between our sects in addition to accepting the agreed upon reparations.”

He was about to protest, but immediately the Lan raised a hand to stop him.

“We will accept nothing less than that.”

Jiang Fengmian was simply going to pass out. This was too much but he didn’t have anyway to protest it. If he tried, this might become a public trial with all the other great sects in attendance and weighting on the judgment, the consequences could be way worse, if only for the loss of face it would result in. He couldn’t risk it, a private decision like this was for the best, but now he definitely had to find a way to get that damned betrothal canceled. And for that he needed to talk with Wei Wuxian.

“Fine, I’ll see to it. Now could we come back to the reason why you initially called us there? Though I do not think Lan-yisheng’s presence is needed for that?”

“It is not. Haitao, do you have anything else to add?”

“I do. In private, Qiren if you please.”

This wasn’t good, that doctor was looking at him with distaste, and now he wasn’t sure what he was going to say. He still watched the two Lan’s walk away and into a small warded side-room, while sipping his tea, wondering how he should try to stop the madness that was Wei Wuxian marrying a Lan heir. Not that he had anything in particular against cutsleeves, but A-Xian wasn’t one and heirs had a duty to provide heirs of their own once they came of age. This simply wasn’t something done.

The two Lan men didn’t disappear for long, and the healer quickly bid his goodbyes after that. Jiang Fengmian and Lan Qiren were now left in an awkward silence. Before he could start squirming in place, Jiang Fengmian took the initiative.

“So, you were saying A-Xian got engaged? Are you certain it was not one of his pranks? You know how he is…”

“I’m certain, yes.” Answered Lan Qiren with an air of exasperation. “Both boys were found tied at the wrist by Wangji’s ribbon, using a Lan spell to legitimize elopement in the eyes of our elders. The spell was not casted by either of the boys, and the one responsible has been punished and is currently on probation. As you know the significance of our ribbons, I’ll be clear, as far as the Lan Clan is concerned they are married. Your ward was the one who admitted in front of both of my nephews and your own son that marriage would be too swift and they should get engaged instead as they were both willing.”

This was a threat. A clear reminder that at the end of the day the deal was sealed unless either boys changed their mind. Lan Xichen was acting as Lan Qiren’s proxy in his absence, just as A-Cheng could act as his. Since his own son had witnessed the ordeal and decided to call them over to sign up on it, that left him with very little recourse. 

“What do you mean by willing? If it was simply to avoid a loss of face there should be no need to put them both through an unhappy and childless marriage.”

“Why would it be unhappy when it is a love match? And adoption is a perfectly fine way to have children if they want some. You seem to have forgotten that Lan only marry for love… but if the happiness of your ward is what worries you, you are welcome to go talk to him about his feelings on the matter, the infirmary’s office has built-in privacy wards.”

Jiang Fengmian wasted no time to accept, if he could talk one on one with A-Xian, surely the boy could see reason and stop this madness. He didn’t believe for one second that the son of his dear friend would want to leave Lotus Pier for a boy. Lotus Pier was his home, and he would stay at A-Cheng’s side, he wouldn’t allow otherwise.

Chapter Text

When they arrived near the infirmary the noise of chatter could be heard, but only one voice was intelligible. 

“Lan Zhan! I can’t believe that! Did you really bite Nie-xiong when you were kids?”

A peal of loud and delighted laughter followed, immediately stopping when they knocked on the door. After the usual greetings and small talk, Lan Qiren took the lead, leaving Jiang Fengmian slightly wrong footed, a feeling a little bit too present since he entered Cloud Recesses earlier.

“Wei Wuxian, Jiang-zongzhu would like to talk with you in private. You may use the infirmary’s office and activate the wards. Do not strain yourself with exaggerated movement, you are still under our responsibility and in recovery.”

The boy looked a bit surprised but promptly dropped the hand he was holding in his laps and left his spot on the Lan boy’s bed to silently follow him in the room at their disposal. Once they were settled, Jiang Fengmian resolved to let his ward explain himself; despite the earlier scene showing him being weirdly close with the Second Jade, he still had hope of a misunderstanding. He stayed silent, not needing to wait for long before Wei Wuxian cut through it.

“Jiang-Shushu? What did you want to speak about? Did the talk with Lan-laoshi go well?”

Bright silver eyes were looking at him with genuine curiosity, a face that would make you forget the teen-aged-boy was hurt if it wasn’t for his exposed torso covered in bandages. The sight made him wonder how many times he had been hurt in the same way to be so outwardly unaffected by the pain. He could wonder some more on what he had done wrong, but he did not see how he could have done anything else without straining even more his relationship with his wife or losing the last link he had to his old friends. And as of now, it was his sect’s future that was at risk if he couldn’t keep Wei Wuxian from marrying out. He was certain that Jiang Cheng would not be a successful sect leader without A-Xian as his right-hand. Just like he felt inadequate without Changze at his side…

“I needed some clarifications from you before finishing the discussion with Lan Qiren, A-Xian. Could you please tell me what happened exactly? I’ll make sure there is no consequences if it is just one of your prank, I promise.”

He kept a calm tone, the one to coax children into admitting some kind of misunderstanding or mistake, and placed a gentle hand on the boy’s shoulder. He wasn’t sure what he had just messed up, because the usually always smiling Wei Wuxian had immediately scrunched his face into a frown.

“If it’s about my relation with Lan Zhan, then no, it’s not a prank, Jiang-Shushu. I would not joke about someone else’s or my own feelings in a matter as serious as marriage. As I said earlier today to Jiang Cheng, I’ve always dreamed of marrying for love as my parents did. I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that I will probably have to leave Lotus Pier for that, but that’s the point of a betrothal, I don’t have to leave now, there is still a few years until Lan Zhan and I are of age. And I could still come and visit, right?”

Jiang Fengmian didn’t know how to react to this. A-Xian had clearly thought the whole thing through as much as he could in the little time he had had since yesterday. That wasn’t boding well for him… The boy reminded him so much of Wei Changze telling him that he was leaving the Jiang Sect leaving him alone to go and follow Cangse Sanren for a life on the road. It was like facing the phantoms of long past memories. He didn’t register when he squeezed Wei Wuxian’s shoulder a bit too tight while taking a shuddering breath to keep his emotions out of his voice.

“A-Xian, you can’t mean that… You’ve known this boy for only a few months, and never before have you been interested in boys either. How could you know you’re actually in love and not just intrigued by someone new?”

The boy’s frown worsened. He felt like he was starting to lose all ability to say the right thing.

“Is it a problem? Me being in love with Lan Zhan? I promise that I’m serious about my feelings, it may be fast, but as long as we are both sure of what we want I don’t see the problem. The reason why I’ve never been interested in boys before is simply that they weren’t Lan Zhan.” A flash of uncharacteristic uncertainty passed through silver eyes. “Or… Is it because I’m a cutsleeve? Is that the problem?”

Ah… Clearly he hadn’t taken the right angle for this conversation. He should have known the boy would latch on the thing that his wife would criticize. Himself was pretty neutral on the question of cutsleeves, he hadn’t met more than the odd pair of rogue cultivators here and there. That wasn’t what he took issue with, and he should make it known and quick before he lost all ability to control this conversation.

“I was merely surprised since for me it seemed to appear out of nowhere, A-Xian.” He saw the minute relaxing in the boy’s shoulder and felt his confidence grow again. “I am more concerned that you might come to regret this decision. I thought you were happy in Lotus Pier… It is your home, is it not? Did we give you reason to leave?”

“I… no, you didn’t. I’m happy in Lotus Pier.” 

He watched with fondness how Wei Wuxian tilted his head to the side in a gesture reminiscent of his mother, before scratching his nose in a way that was purely his father’s. He looked a bit confused, like he was trying to solve a puzzle, and most likely he was.

“Then if you do not wish to leave… Why are you trying to? What about A-Cheng and A-Li? We could probably find you a boy more suited to you in Lotus Pier. I’m not sure Lan-er-gongzi would be a good match for you A-Xian…”

Wei Wuxian’s face shuttered in a perfectly blank slate, the sight so troubling he cut his tirade before he could get to his point. A shiver ran down his back. When Wei Wuxian talked it left him cold, knowing at this exact moment that he had lost the last remnant of Wei Changze to the very same thing that took him from Lotus Pier.

“No one could be a better match than Lan Zhan.” It sounded final, but the boy elaborated. “He is so far the only one of my peer that can keep up with me, he is funny, our morals are aligned, and he is good to me. Just because everyone else thinks he is cold, it doesn’t mean that he is.” Silver eyes devoid of emotions stared into his soul. “I do not wish to leave, but I will do it if it gives me the chance of a life at Lan Zhan’s side. As for Shijie and Jiang Cheng… I will miss them, but Shijie will leave too at some point and Jiang Cheng is capable enough to lead without me even if he doesn’t believe it. I’ll happily write to them and visit them if they want.”

‘Funny’ was definitely not a word he would have described the Second Jade of Lan with. Nevertheless he had to relent under the boy’s conviction, he would not be able to change his mind and would probably risk losing all relations to him if he persisted. That would mean losing all that was left of his old friends, and he couldn’t, it would break him even more than when he learned they had eloped and didn’t even invite him. That his wife had been pregnant with Yanli was irrelevant. He would have loved to see them, have a last memory of them that wasn’t just Changze ending in a resignation letter and his clarity bell, turning his back on Lotus Pier never to come back…

He sighed in defeat. “Fine.” A new crack formed in his heart at the blinding happiness Wei Wuxian’s face suddenly showed. How could he fail the boy so much that such a reluctant agreement left him this happy? Especially when that meant he would leave Lotus Pier and it’s freedom for the three thousands rules of Cloud Recesses…

“Thanks, Jiang-Shushu!” Feeling like the boy, who looked so much like Changze, wasn’t done speaking, he made a small encouraging gesture. “Could you…” It wasn’t like A-Xian to hesitate like that. “Could you negotiate the betrothal for me?”

Jiang Fengmian felt his face lose all it’s color. He knew that it wasn’t unheard of for Sect Leaders to do such thing for their disciple without living family, even more when it was a notable member of the sect, which the head disciple was. But… No. Absolutely not. It was one thing to accept the boy’s departure, and another entirely to take an active part in making it true.

“I’m sorry A-Xian, you’ll be on your own for this. I need to go back to Lotus Pier as soon as I’ll be done talking with Lan Qiren. I’m sure you understand.”

Instantly the bright smile faded into a polite one. He paid it no mind. If the boy was to leave, it would only do him good to put distance between them as soon as possible. Maybe, this way he wouldn’t break down when Wei Wuxian left…

“I understand Jiang-zongzhu.” A polite bow, his friends’ son had always been perceptive. “If that is all for now, I’ll go back to my bed.”

“I’ll see you again before I leave with A-Li.”A nod, a polite bow again, and a bandaged back left him in the middle of the Lan infirmary office. Alone. With only his own thoughts for company. He allowed himself a moment to despair the loss, to think about his wife’s reaction, as if she wouldn’t already make him regret punishing her. Soon enough it was time to go back to the Yashi to finish his talk with Lan Qiren.

Jiang Fengmian wanted to go back to Lotus Pier with his children already, unfortunately he still had to finish his talk with the Lan Acting Sect Leader. He could only be thankful that the Lan were more direct than the Jin, at least this wouldn’t take three days and two banquets.

“So? Were you able to reassure yourself of your ward’s motivations in accepting this marriage?”

He gritted his teeth, still frustrated with the outcome.

“Indeed. Since that has been cleared up, you won’t need my presence anymore. I’ll tell A-Cheng to pack before we all leave tomorrow morning.”

He was about to rise from his sit and do just that but Lan Qiren stopped him.

“Do you not wish to negotiate on behalf of your ward? And why would Jiang Wanyin leave? He is a hardworking student and he is welcome to stay for the whole length of the guest lectures as well as Wei Wuxian is.”

He raised an eyebrow at his counterpart.

“I wasn’t going to bring Wei Wuxian back either way… Since you are so eager to consider him your Clan’s responsibility and the boy will leave soon anyway… I have no need for a Head Disciple with divided loyalties. I will talk to him tomorrow morning, but as of now Wei Wuxian is a Jiang disciple in name only and will not be allowed back to Lotus Pier as one. I’ll ask A-Cheng what he wants to do. Good evening to you Lan Qiren, I’ll take my leave to my usual guest quarters.”

Yes. That was for the best. Cut the relation swiftly so the hurt is lessened. This way he was sure where he stood toward Wei Wuxian. The boy’s appeal had been how similar he was to his parents, but maybe he had miscalculated what that would be translated in the boy’s actions… Of course he would leave him, them, Lotus Pier… He should have listened to his wife.

Chapter Text

“Huaisang!”

Nie Mingjue had come directly in front of the guests' quarters for the lectures. It had been a few years since Xichen had gifted him one of those jade tokens the Lans used to pass freely through their wards. He hadn’t stopped at the entrance, only gruffly informing that he wasn’t here on sect business and therefore disturbing Lan Qiren wasn’t needed. He knew he would have to talk to him at some point for courtesy’s sake… But courtesy be damned his brother needed one stern talking to.

“Huaisang! You better not be hiding, you brat!”

He ignored the onlookers watching with curiosity, as well as the Lan disciples hurrying away (as much as a Lan ever hurried anyway). His attention was finally caught when he heard a very familiar whiny voice. Pushed in his direction from one of the clusters of young masters, and one young lady (since when was the Lan Sect accepting women in their lectures?).

“Jiang-xiong, how could you betray me this way? Da-ge is going to break my legs and it’s going to be all your fault… I don’t even know what I did this time!”

“You don’t know? Well, I’m going to tell you right now, Huaisang!”

Nie Mingjue barely refrained to roll his eyes when his little brother made his puppy eyes at him, clutching his fan to his chest with both hands. He still sighed, he didn’t enjoy making his brother cower in fear (whether real or not), for matters unrelated to sabre training, but this had been too far and he couldn’t let it slide. He caught Huaisang by his ear, not pulling harshly, but strong enough to make him stay in place without attempting to weasel his way out.

“Can you explain to me what made you think that my second in command is there to fulfill your requests for spring books? Don’t you already have enough of those? And don’t try to act as if it was for the novelty, I am aware that your little collection includes a few of the cutsleeve ones already. I hope that you left all of your books at home, because I’m going to make sure that any found in your room today will be destroyed.”

Seeing how his brother immediately paled before fainting, he could safely say that he had some in the Cloud Recesses. Not resisting the eyeroll this time, he picked his Didi up in bridal carry, ready to disperse the gossiping crowd of boys, and one (1), very flustered and amused, woman. The latter approached him with an easy smile, she was dressed in a mix of light purple and pinks, a clarity bell tied to her sash making it known who she was. In truth he had met Jiang-guniang a few times before, but had never actually talked with her.

“Nie-zongzhu.” She made a polite and elegant bow, as expected of a young lady of the gentry. He returned a simple nod, since carrying his brother didn’t allow for more. “I’m guessing you will bring Nie-gongzi to the infirmary? I’m going back there myself, I had to come and get A-Cheng to see how A-Xian and Lan-er-gongzi are doing. Would you mind if we made the walk with you.”

She had looked him straight in the eyes which he did appreciate, especially since he towered over her, not a lot of people did. The combination of status and stature, as well as his temper, made them easily fearful. He did frown at the news of Wangji being in the infirmary, the boy wasn’t prone to accidents or sickness, maybe something had gone wrong on a night-hunt? Xichen was probably at his bedside as worried as he could be. Well that made one more reason to go there aside from Huaisang fainting. So he simply nodded at Jiang Yanli to lead the way, Jiang Wanyin following her closely. 

In the meantime the crowd had dispersed, the only one left being Jin-gongzi looking a bit lost. Nie Mingjue snorted. He could swear that he had never once seen that boy at ease anywhere. But the way he was starring after Jiang-guniang? It was like he had found a book written in an unknown and mysterious language. What a curious way to look at someone you were meant to marry.

Entering the infirmary showed him a scene so strange he could only blink owlishly. Only coming back to himself after Xichen addressed him, a smile too bright to avoid being blinded by it.

“Mingjue! What brings you here?” A small furrow of concern marred his friend’s face. “Is Huaisang alright?”

He laid his brother down in the one empty bed in the room, and answered.

“This brat here needed a stern talking to. I might have gone a bit far in my threats because he passed out. He’ll be fine after some rest, I’m not too worried.”

He tried to avoid thinking about how one day those threats would most likely become actions. About how he will leave his Didi behind, lost to a Qi deviation, to his own mind destroying himself and everything around him… He could only hope that he wouldn’t hurt Huaisang in the process. He still had a scar on his left thigh from when their father had his own. A scar earned to protect Huaisang, knowing that now he might be the one to hurt him in the future, was for lack of a better word horrifying.

To distract himself, Nie Mingjue turned to the other occupied bed in the room. Still baffled at what must have happened for Wangji to be here, back bandaged and curled asleep, facing a similarly bandaged boy. They were both sleeping soundly, hands tenderly held by each other. The boy he didn’t know was most likely “A-Xian” since Jiang-guniang was gently checking on his bandages. This boy also looked like he had cried quite a bit, tear tracks stained his cheeks and redness colored the tip of his nose and the corner of his eyes. Curious he simply raised a brow at Xichen, knowing his friend would most likely understand the question.

The Lan chuckled a bit, a light sadness in his eyes.

“Wangji found himself a fiancé as you can see, Mingjue.” 

Well, that would explain the physical contact, but not the injuries.

“Good for him. Who’s that boy? What happened to them? Night-hunt gone wrong?”

Xichen’s shoulder sagged minutely, he seemed to be searching his words for a moment, but Jiang-guniang interrupted and answered.

“Forgive me for cutting in the conversation, Nie-zongzhu, Lan-gongzi. This would be Wei Wuxian, he is the Head Disciple of our sect and like a brother to me.” She let out a breath. “He and Lan-er-gongzi were hurt by Zidian, Lan-er-gongzi while protecting A-Xian from a second lash.”

Nie Mingjue noticed how when mentioning Zidian, the young woman had unconsciously hidden her right hand in her sleeve and how fiercely she had declared the boy a fraternal figure. Seems like the rumors about her being meek were nothing but talk, this was a polite but fierce woman. It was a shame her cultivation was so low, she would have made a fine warrior! Maybe she would benefit from some advice on training a weak core? He had a bit of experience with that since Huaisang’s was as well, he could at least recommend some books, she could do as she wished with it.

In any case, he did take note of the situation. Yu Ziyuan had whipped two teenage boys ; probably for no good reasons, Jiang-guniang would have mentioned one if there was. It was already risky going against filial piety to denounce something your parent did, not using any justification to it must mean that there really wasn’t any. He would not ask any more information, but he promised himself to keep an eye on the Jiang family in the future.

While waiting for the few minutes needed for Huaisang to wake up, Nie Mingjue had taken the chance to chat with his friend and connected Wei Wuxian to the ‘Wei-xiong’ his little brother had mentioned in his letters. From both those and Xichen’s word, it seemed that the boy was a troublemaker but not mean-spirited. He couldn’t keep a snort hearing how little Wangji had ended up confessing. He was tempted to ask if Lan Qiren knew about the teenagers kissing in his office… He didn’t pay much attention to the Jiang siblings, they were whispering in a corner of the room, the boy sulking and his sister seemingly scolding him a bit. 

“Da-ge?” Huaisang’s voice attracted his attention.

“Feeling better brat? Before you work yourself up again, I’m not going to burn your books. I’m going to take them back home though. They are forbidden in Cloud Recesses.”

“But Da-ge…” 

He could hear the pout, and merely answered with a stern look.

“If you’re worried about getting bored I’m sure your friend would love your help with his wedding.”

“Well, of course!” Huaisang immediately sat up. “If I leave it up to Wei-xiong, he would probably elope the minute he is faced with all the planning required. And Wangji-xiong wouldn’t protest! But let me tell you, they deserve to have a nice and big wedding!”

Xichen giggled at the passionate exclamation, it was truly nice to hear him do so without being drunk. It was way rarer but much preferable. A drunk Xichen was a menace, a very giggly menace possessing the famed Lan arm strength. He would never forget how one time his friend has casually moved a few boulder to ‘adjust the feng-shui, Mingjue-xiong’, all the while happily giggling. Those boulder were still where Xichen had put them, and the man did not remember anything about doing so. It was cute in his opinion.

“You are welcome to join us Huaisang. I don’t think Jiang-guniang would object to your help.”

“It would be my pleasure Nie-er-gongzi. You are a dear friend of A-Xian so I’m certain your opinion will be valuable.”

They kept chatting amicably, mostly about their younger siblings shenanigans to Huaisang’s embarrassment waiting for the two other boys wake up from their medicine induced sleep. Nie Mingjue didn’t notice when the Jiang boy had left the room, but Jiang-guniang stayed with them, keeping the conversation light but interesting.

When Wangji and Wei Wuxian finally woke up it was nearing dinner time and Nie Mingjue already had the opportunity to greet Lan Qiren since the man had come to check on his nephews. He was about to stand up and drag Huaisang to the dining hall when Xichen said his uncle had arranged for them to eat in the infirmary. Weirdly accommodating coming from Lan Qiren but one of his nephews was badly hurt so maybe it did soften his strictness a bit for now.

The dinner was unlike any Lan dinner he had ever taken part in. Filled with light teasing and happy chatter. He hadn’t known much about Wei Wuxian before, but this reassured him that he was a good kid. Wangji deserved that much. He could also see how positively smitten the couple was with each other. By the end of the meal he had unconsciously added Wei Wuxian to his list of honorary little brothers, a list that before only included Wangji.

Which is why he nearly exploded when, after the meal and quite a long time spent wriggling it out of the boy, Wei Wuxian relayed his conversation with Jiang-zongzhu. The only reason he hadn’t immediately gone to punch him being Xichen’s hand on his arm reminding him that while satisfying it wouldn’t solve anything. So, he took a breath. Well, a few of them. Once he had calmed down, he turned to the kid currently halfway on Wangji’s lap and getting his head pat by Jiang-guniang. 

“I can do the negotiation for you if you want, kid.”

“Really? Why?” 

Nie Mingjue snorted at the confused nose scrunch on the boy’s face.

“Because you are my Didi’s friend and betrothed to my best-friend’s little brother, it makes you my Didi by extension as well!” He saw the boy open his mouth to protest. “Nope too late you’re adopted. You can become sworn brother with Huaisang if you need something more formal.” 

He was rewarded by a brilliant smile.

“I’ll accept then, as long as you are aware that I am as much, if not more trouble than Nie-xiong.”

He simply laughed at that, refraining from slapping the kid’s back.

“I’ll join Nie-zongzhu in the negotiation A-Xian, this way he can have the input of someone from Yunmeng.”

“Thanks Shijie! You’re the best!”

Nie Mingjue simply nodded at that and was about to call it a night when he noticed his brother approaching Xichen.

“Xichen-gege? It seems like it will be a very unusual negotiation for a marriage contract… I know those are usually conducted in private, but wouldn’t it be a good learning opportunity for everyone in the lectures to witness it?”

This brat! Acting like this was innocent curiosity, when he knew damn well he was doing it so the betrothal couldn’t be contested. If only he applied his brains to his studies… 

Xichen thought about for a moment before promising to bring it up to his uncle and reminding everyone that curfew was close. Goodbyes exchanged, Nie Mingjue started to think a bit more about the Wei kid’s situation… Since Jiang-zongzhu had refused to accompany him in this huge life event and then not even looked at him before leaving the infirmary, he was pretty sure that there would be more to come. They shouldn’t let him meet the man alone again.

“Xichen? I’ll sleep in the Hanshi’s guest room if you don’t mind, this way you can wake me up at your ungodly Lan hour. I have a feeling the kid will need support tomorrow…”

Of course his friend accepted, it was, in fact, usual for him to sleep there when he visited unexpectedly. The next morning, he would be glad to have done so.

Chapter Text

When Lan Xichen woke up he went to shake his best-friend awake as promised and they both quickly went through their morning routines. Soon enough they were back at the infirmary where they had left the young couple. Before going in, the Lan turned to Nie Mingjue.

“Mingjue-xiong? Would you mind watching over Wuxian while I have a chat with Wangji?”

“Why would I? I already claimed him as a little brother.”

“True.” He smiled at that and entered the boys’ room with Nie Mingjue.

Of course Wangji was already up and dressed, ready for the day, watching over Wei Wuxian with a mix of disbelief, joy and adoration. It warmed Lan Xichen’s heart to see that expression on his brother’s face. It was sweet to see him so expressive.

“Wangji? Did you sleep well? Is your injury healing correctly?”

“Mn. Good morning, Xiongzhang, Nie-zongzhu.”

“I’d like to talk to you in private for a moment, Didi.”

He could see the surprise and curiosity on Wangji’s face, it was not often that he called him this way after all. He still had to reassure him that Mingjue would stay with his still sleeping fiancé while they talked, before he followed him in the infirmary office.

"Xiongzhang?”

Xichen barely refrained from cooing out loud at how his little brother tilted his head in curiosity. He couldn’t understand how most people didn’t see Wangji’s cuteness! At least now he would be able to gush about it with his future-brother-in-law.

“Don’t worry I only pulled you aside because I wanted you to have something to give to your betrothed.” He saw the minute relaxation of Wangji’s shoulders and pulled out an embroidered silk pouch. “These were mother’s. There is a comb and an hairpin inside, and she embroidered the pouch herself.”

He could see the small tremble in Wangji’s hands and the shine in his eyes when picking up the pouch. They did not have much left from their mother, it was no wonder his little brother would be affected this much. But Xichen knew that had she been there, she would have been the one gifting those to Wangji. He smiled softly at how his Didi was delicately cradling the parcel to his chest.

“Thank you, Xiongzhang. Do you think she would have approved?”

“She would want you to be happy over anything else. But, I do think she would have enjoyed Wei Wuxian’s company as well.”

A small happy smile took place on his brother’s face. A truly rare sight that he had seen much more of since he and Wei Wuxian had sorted through their feelings. To his complete surprise and absolute delight, Wangji answered in a way he hadn’t seen since the boy was a toddler! His Didi hugged him! Not long enough for him to react and reciprocate but still. Those kind of things were discouraged quite early in the life of a Lan child and Xichen had to admit he had missed it.

“She would want Xiongzhang to find happiness as well.” The words had been muttered but Xichen still heard them clear as day and beamed at his brother, playfully messing up his hair. Surely he had the cutest little brother!

After a moment to bask in their emotions, they both recovered their countenances and made way back to the infirmary room where Wei Wuxian was still softly snoring on one of the beds, and Mingjue sat on a chair taking some notes, brows furrowed in concentration. He was probably working on something, thought Xichen. 

Since he had other things to do to prepare for today, Xichen left. Leaving the two boys under Mingjue’s protection for a little while.

When he came back it was to bring the boys to see Jiang-zongzhu off. This time Wei Wuxian was awake and dressed, busy recounting a dream where he and Wangji shared a little cottage. Mingjue also confirmed that they were freed from the infirmary as long as they came in once a day to check on their healing injuries. They made way to the gates so they could bid their goodbyes. Shufu, Jiang-zongzhu and his children were already waiting.

“Nie-zongzhu, Lan-gongzi, Lan-er-gongzi, A-Xian.” Greeted politely by Jiang-zongzhu, they gave their respective greetings in return, letting the man speak again. “A-Xian, before I leave with A-Li…” 

He was interrupted.

“I’m not leaving yet, A-Die. I have already pledged to participate to the betrothal negotiation on A-Xian’s behalf alongside Nie-zongzhu. I need to fulfill my engagement. I would also like to take the opportunity to spend some time to get to know my own fiancé, which I’m sure A-Niang would approve of.”

Jiang-guniang sure had a way with words. She had directly opposed her father but made it into something that was both out of her hands and beneficial to her sect and family. Truly impressive! Xichen was glad that he had the opportunity to get to know her through their brothers’ engagement, she would be an important ally and friend to have once she become Jin-furen.

“I…” Jiang-zongzhu looked confused. “Fine, I’ll send someone to pick you up in two weeks. I trust my daughter will be in good hands during her stay, Lan-zongzhu?”

Shufu nodded leaving the other sect leader to turn to Wei Wuxian.

“A-Xian, before I leave I need to talk to you. You haven’t changed your mind on this arrangement with Lan-er-gongzi? You can still back off, it will be to late once a contract is drawn.”

Xichen caught multiple reactions at that. Wei Wuxian was left speechless, looking like he had bitten in some bitter fruit. Wangji, was glaring daggers at Jiang-zongzhu. Shufu’s brows furrowed in concern. Jiang-guniang’s expression was pinched. Mingjue was taking slow breaths as if to calm himself. And he was pretty sure he had heard Jiang-gongzi mumble something about “this idiot is way too smitten for that…” in a resigned tone.

“I’m still sure. Nothing, would make me leave Lan Zhan unless he is the one asking.” Wei Wuxian had recovered and answered very confidently. Xichen had to hold in a snicker at his little brother very smug expression.

“In that case…” Jiang-zongzhu paused, pained resignation followed by a tightly controlled expression putting everyone else on edge. “I’m sorry A-Xian but you won’t be able to come back to Lotus Pier. Your title as Head Disciple will be given to someone else. You’ll be noted as married out on our registry, you have the same rights as all married out disciples to keep your clarity bell and keep using the sect techniques but you can’t teach them except to your own children. Understood?”

“Yes, Jiang-zongzhu.” 

It was clear to Xichen that the boy was barely holding on, his face had a very controlled expression but was also extremely pale. He had also noted that no talk of getting his belongings or of pay being given was made. He was about to mention it, but Mingjue was quicker.

“Jiang-zongzhu. What about getting Wei-gongzi’s belonging to him? I’m sure the boy didn’t pack his whole room nor his whole wealth. Head Disciples are rewarded enough to have at least a small chest in the sect’s coffers, I doubt he would have brought this much silver here.”

Jiang-zongzhu paled a bit at that, and even more when Wei Wuxian spoke in answer.

“Oh! Yes, I’d like to get my things from my room! Though I’m not sure about what savings you are talking about Nie-zongzhu… I’ve always been compensated with the right to put my purchases in Lotus Pier on the sect’s tab.”

Xichen immediately felt the atmosphere grow colder. A silence covering them in frost. Wei Wuxian was fidgeting, and Jiang-zongzhu ended up crumbling under the intense glare of the people around.

“I’ll prepare just compensation and pack his room. I’ll send it along the disciples picking up A-Li in two weeks.”

The tension relaxed a tiny bit. The silence was still heavy. Shufu ended up breaking it.

“In that case, I’ll send one of our senior disciple with you Jiang-zongzhu. This way we can ensure the integrity of the Jiang sect both on this and on the agreed upon sentence for Yu Ziyuan. I hope this is agreeable?”

After a barely given agreement, Jiang-zongzhu made his goodbyes and one Lan disciple that Xichen only knew from sight joined him in taking his leave. 

The moment they were out of sight, Wei Wuxian collapsed on the ground. Wangji quickly gathering the other boy in his arms. It was usually improper to do so for unmarried couples, and even more so since the betrothal contract wasn’t yet signed. No one said anything about it.

Ultimately they left Jiang-guniang and Mingjue to keep them company while Wei Wuxian recovered from the shock. Shufu and him had to get the other students ready before the start of the negotiations that would occur later. They brought Jiang-gongzi with them, the boy obviously feeling awkward and supposed to be in class anyway.

They had already warned the guest disciples at breakfast that today’s class would be held in the Yashi instead of the usual Lanshi, the reception hall being more suited to negotiations than the classroom. So it was no surprise that the tables surrounding the room were already filled by teenagers chatting with each other about the exceptional class they would assist to. They were whispering but still, Xichen could catch some bits of their disjointed conversations.

“It’s so rare that we can witness an actual practical case!” From an excited minor sect heir.

“Why do I need to witness those cutsleeves? Should I care?” From a sneering Jin disciple who received an immediate elbow to the ribs from Jin Zixuan.

“Of course that arrogant Lan Wangji and that obnoxious son of a servant need to be the center of attention…” From Su Minshan, which made Xichen frown mentally, the boy had already been punished for his use of the binding spell and clearly had not learned anything.

“That’s so romantic! A shame that Da-ge stopped me from getting them a gift…” From Nie Huaisang, currently swooning on a tired Nie disciple.

“It’s the first time, I’ll see a betrothal contract negotiated! I’m so excited!” From a Lan disciple Xichen didn’t remember the name of.

Overall, the room was bustling with chatter, those who criticize and those who couldn’t wait alike. Xichen exchanged a look with his Shufu, they would let them speak to each other until the couple joins them, but they would also take note of anyone who had issues with them. 

After an incense time, Wangji and Wei Wuxian entered the room escorted by Mingjue and Jiang-guniang. Jin Zixuan’s “What?” was heard by the whole room, but outside of a look at his now flustered face no one paid him much attention. The negotiations they were all here for, were about to start.

Jiang-guniang and Mingjue sat in front of Xichen and his Shufu, leaving the couple to sit separately each behind the ones representing them for the negotiations. Out of courtesy, Xichen didn’t remark on how fake Wei Wuxian’s smile looked or how pale his face still was. The boy had after all, still managed to get back a presentable face after a substantial shock in a short time.

Silence was made in the room and pleasantries exchanged they now had to get into the heart of the matter. Xichen’s Shufu had allowed him to lead the negotiations for their side, and would only intervene if necessary.

“We are meeting today to discuss the union between the Lan family and the Wei family through the betrothal of Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian. Lan Xichen and Lan-xiansheng will negotiate for Lan Wangji as members of his family. As Wei Wuxian does not have any living family members, Nie-zongzhu and Jiang-guniang will negotiate on his behalf. The representatives of the Wei family are welcome to introduce themselves and their relation to Wei Wuxian.”

Mingjue and Jiang-guniang traded looks, visibly deciding who would take the lead on their side. The choice was made rather swiftly and didn’t surprise Xichen much, though it seems some in the audience were surprised if the few gasps he heard were to be believed.

“Thank you Lan-gongzi. I’m Jiang Yanli, first daughter of Jiang-zongzhu and Wei Wuxian’s shijie. I’ve been close to him ever since his arrival in Lotus Pier as a disciple and now consider him as another little brother. Nie-zongzhu is here as Nie Huaisang older brother since Nie-er-gongzi and Wei Wuxian are to swore brotherhood soon, making him an older brother to Wei Wuxian.”

That was a sound decision. It must have been taken while they were helping Wei Wuxian calming down from the debacle of Jiang-zonzhu’s departure. This very public declaration of relations was necessary to make Wei Wuxian status clear to everyone. As much as himself didn’t care, Xichen had already heard multiple time people using Wei Wuxian ambiguous position as a mean to criticize him. He glanced at Nie Huaisang, curious about his reaction, he was satisfied to see a pair of crinkling eyes on top of an unfolded fan.

“Perfect. Now, since this is a love match, I know we do not have to worry about their personal compatibility, but I’d like to hear from you Jiang-guniang what is Wei-gongzi bringing into the Lan family?”

This was a crucial question, not that it would put an end to the betrothal agreement, but this was a negotiation. And the more Wei Wuxian brought to the table the more his position in the future would be secure. He was aware that to outside witness this might seem to be a way to stop a non-beneficial arrangement. But to those around the negotiation table, this was the way to legitimize the relationship to the political world, an important protection for both party of the couple.

“But of course! And once I’m done you’ll have to prove to me how your family and Lan-er-gongzi will ensure that A-Xian is treated as he deserves!” Her tone was pleasant but her eyes were glowing with a determination of steel, let the negotiation games begin! 

“As it is known, Wei Wuxian has been the Head Disciple of the Jiang Sect since he was thirteen. Demonstrating a great ability in cultivation, swordsmanship and leadership. He was also in charge of training our shidis and shimeis, showing great results and promise as a teacher. He is a master of the Six Arts as well, making him a proper young master of the cultivation world. As for connections and family, he is the son of the late Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren, rogue cultivators renowned for their talents. His mother was even the direct disciple of the Great Immortal Baoshan Sanren. Wei Wuxian is also of course tied to the Jiang sect as one of its disciples. And since he is to swore brotherhood with Nie Huaisang, tying your family to him is also tying it to the Nie.”

She paused. Xichen could feel that she wasn’t done, those were mostly a reminder of public informations about Wei Wuxian, though some rumors would try to obfuscate some of the truth. The silence in the room was heavy, it wasn’t often that the gentry was reminded how without being born one of them it was still possible to not only be on a similar level of competence but even exceed it.

“Something that is less known is that A-Xian is an inventor! Which I’m sure is something a scholarly sect such as the Lan could appreciate. He works mainly with talismans and array on his free time…”

“Shijie! Those are only silly little things to make the children smile… They aren’t worth anything!” Wei Wuxian seemed about to continue his pleading but Jiang Yanli raised a hand, shutting him up immediately and leaving him pouting. Xichen had a hard time not laughing.

“Making a child smile is never worthless no matter the silliness. But what I think would interest the Lan sect most, is A-Xian’s fire-containing array. He made it for the civilians of Lotus Pier and it has prevented a lot of small fires to spread! Now, you should be able to see for yourself what a precious addition to your family Wei Wuxian would be, Lan-gongzi.”

Xichen had found himself genuinely impressed both with Wei Wuxian himself and how Jiang-guniang spoke of him. It was common knowledge that the boy was brilliant, but he was surprised to have never heard of him inventing talismans. Not a lot of cultivators cared about those, especially in sects, since once made by a competent cultivator a lot of them could be used by just about anyone. Not all of them, most of those of use in night-hunt needed spiritual energy after all… But more mundane things like heating talismans didn’t. One thing about this was worrying him though.

“I suppose those inventions are, as of now, proprietary to the Jiang Sect?”

Jiang-guniang smiled.

“Not at all! It has been formally declared by the Jiang Sect that all of Wei Wuxian’s inventions were his and his only. Therefore in case of issues with them he is the sole person responsible. You can find a copy of the document at the magistrate office in charge of the civilian affairs of Lotus Pier.”

Ah. That made things easier for the contract, but that was also another proof of how little Wei Wuxian’s home sect had cared for him. Xichen found that his heart was aching a bit for his future-brother-in-law. He could also feel the frigid aura coming from Wangji sitting behind him.

“Wei-gongzi indeed is talented. I would say on par with Wangji. As Lan-er-gongzi, Wangji has a solid position in the Lan Sect, making him a desirable prospect. Similarly to Wei-gongzi he is a master of the Six Arts and an accomplished cultivator with remarkable swordsmanship. You would also find that while he isn’t an inventor of talismans and array, Wangji is one of our most capable musical cultivator and has recently taken to compose as a hobby. I’m sure you would agree that it makes him a suitable suitor for Wei-gongzi.”

He was conscious of how little he had needed to ascertain Wangji’s status and abilities compared to what Jiang-guniang had done for Wei Wuxian. But such were the politics of the gentry in the cultivation world, birth was for most people more important than skills, as unfortunate as it was. It was something Xichen had always been vaguely aware of as a concept, but he had to admit, in just a few days of paying close attention to Wei Wuxian the truth of it had slapped him in the face.

“Definitely, Lan-gongzi. Shall we proceed with the contract then?”

Xichen nodded, ready for the long time it would probably take to establish. And a long time it did take. It was a whole three and a half shichen later that it was signed. They had to agree on the time line, the dowry and gifts, the future position and role of Wei Wuxian in the Lan Sect as the husband of Wangji, what would happen to him during the betrothal period, the status of potential children in the future… It was a pretty comprehensive document and though exhausted by the negotiations (Jiang-guniang and Mingjue had been a ruthless duo) he was happy with what was decided.

The wedding was to happen in around a year and a half in the spring. The couple would still be too young by all standards but it wouldn’t be unheard of to marry at that age. It would be a reasonably long engagement period as well without taking too much risks of the lovebirds becoming to impatient and eloping. By that he meant Wangji. Xichen wasn’t blind. He had seen the way his brother looked at Wei Wuxian. He was certain that waiting until they were both twenty was a lost cause. All in all it was on the longer side for Lan engagement period, so no one in his sect would say much about it.

The matters of dowry and gifts at been settled only to their bare minimum. Wei Wuxian would provide access to his inventions to the Lan Sect but retain his rights as dowry. While a list of gifts would be provided to Nie Huaisang once he and Wei Wuxian sworn brotherhood was official, as he would be the closest to a family member at that point.

Once married in Wei Wuxian would qualify for a few different positions in the sect and it would be up to him which to take on at that time. Notably had been noted as possibilities: teacher, researcher in talismanry, and regular nigh-hunter. He would also have the possibility to combine a few positions as long as it was compatible. Of course, he would also have a minor political role as a spouse of the main family, it would mostly consist in assisting to political event but might sometimes include a bit more.

Before the wedding, Wei Wuxian would first complete the guest lectures which still had around nine months to go. Then he would share his time equally between the Lan and Nie sects. The latter from which he will depart for the wedding procession. The couple was also to be chaperoned during the engagement period. It wouldn’t do to have a scandal. Hand-holding, hugs and chaste kissing would be permitted in a private setting. Xichen wasn’t deluding himself, neither of the teenagers would respect that, but it had to be settled if only for the principle of it.

When they had started talking about children, Xichen couldn’t help but notice how Wei Wuxian’s eyes were sparkling with hope. He was looking forward to being an uncle in a few years. The discussion there had been pretty quick, all adopted children will receive the same consideration as blood-related ones would. And if the couple wished for it one of them would be allowed to bear the name Wei, so Wei Wuxian could perpetuate his family name. The others being Lan of course. The couple would also have full power on the educational and familial decisions for their children. This had been demanded by Wangji directly, and Xichen had immediately known that this was related to their mother.

The rest was mostly the nitty-gritty of the rites to observe, those to modify and those to completely erase from the proceeding. It after all a non-traditional union, and though for practical purpose Wei Wuxian was considered the bride, he was still a man. Not able to decide on everything right now they had simply elected to put in writing that himself, Jiang-guniang and Nie Huaisang would be in charge of putting together the ceremony with the help of the Lan resident matchmaker.

Finally, everyone’s seals were applied to the contract. It was done. They could all go and eat dinner before a well deserved night of sleep. Xichen felt like his brain was fried, and looking to Jiang-guniang and Mingjue, he wasn’t alone, even Shufu looked tired… He still listened to the comments the students were making now that things had concluded.

“This will be the greatest wedding in the cultivation world!” From an over-enthusiastic Nie Huaisang audibly gushing to the Nie disciple next to him.

“I still don’t get why you accepted your fiancée defending this disgusting behavior, cousin…” From a still sneering Jin Zixun, he would have to be kept in check, Xichen noted.

“Once again there’s nothing disgusting about it, Zixun! And don’t talk about my fiancée this way… I didn’t know she could be so…” From a flustered and awed Jin Zixuan, which Xichen had to keep himself from laughing at.

Xichen would have kept listening in on the different conversations (he’ll copy lines later), but Jiang-gongzi had approached Wei Wuxian with a constipated expression on his face and that was more pressing.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been mad at you for falling in love, even if your taste is dubious at best…” The boy was mumbling, clearly admitting this to great effort, and still Wei Wuxian beamed at him.

“Awww~… I knew you cared Chengcheng!”

Chapter Text

After the negotiations for her A-Xian’s betrothal, Jiang Yanli had retired to her guest quarters and asked to be brought dinner there. She had even refused her brothers’ company for the rest of the evening. She was tired both physically and emotionally and she wouldn’t be able to parse through all of her feelings as needed if she also had to entertain two rambunctious teenage boys. A lot had happened in little time after all…

Still, she had ensured that at least for tonight they wouldn’t be left alone, and with the Lan permission’s had asked for Nie Huaisang to share their bedroom. Even after talking to A-Cheng about his attitude and the effort he had made at the end of the negotiations, she knew her Didi and was aware that he, more often than not, put his foot in his mouth and hurt others. Having Nie Huaisang around might help him reign that in a bit. And otherwise… She would have to scold him some more and this time make sure that he understood that she would be the one to keep him away from A-Xian if he kept hurting him.

She let down her hair and started to comb out the day’s tangles. She had said to her father that she would use the time to get to know Jin Zixuan. She wasn’t sure it would be productive in any way but she would have to try, otherwise she would be in even bigger troubles once back in Lotus Pier. Neither of her parents would have let her stay if they could avoid it, that was exactly why she had backed her father in a corner by asking in public mentioning an engagement to honor and using her betrothed as an excuse to stay even longer.

It was unfortunately clear that he did not in any way care for her. The repeated cold shoulder to straight up ignoring her every time their respective mothers had arranged for them to meet had made it abundantly clear. It didn’t help that there was definite animosity between him and her brothers. If she wanted for this to have even a modest chance at working, she would have to find a way to talk to Jin-gongzi alone. As inappropriate as that was, she couldn’t think of a scenario in which her brothers wouldn’t try to interfere if they were present as chaperons.

Maybe she could find someone to help her set up a private meeting between them? She would still need to find a chaperon for it to avoid any distasteful rumors… Lan-gongzi might have some suggestions on how to make it appropriate or know a place that would work for at least a short discussion. She would have to ask him tomorrow.

Finally done with her hair she put her comb back on the vanity and finished preparing for bed.

The next morning, Jiang Yanli had breakfast in her guest quarters before quickly meeting with her brothers. Once she had ensured that they were well, though there was still an awkward atmosphere between them, she bid them goodbye before their morning classes. She was about to seek Zewu-jun when a Lan disciple informed her that the man himself had requested her presence.

She made her way to his office and was surprised to see a young Lan maiden sitting there already. Soon enough greetings had been exchanged and she had joined the two Lan for tea. Zewu-jun introduced the young lady as Lan Hairong, Lan-yisheng’s younger sister. She was to accompany her during her stay in Cloud Recesses, both to protect her from accusations of impropriety since the guests quarters she stayed in were on the men’s side of the Cloud Recesses, and to ensure that she would not feel lonely or lost. Jiang Yanli was thankful that she didn’t need to ask for it herself. Usually when traveling without her parents either Jinzhu or Yinzhu would accompany her, but both had left with her mother…

“If you need anything else Jiang-guniang, please ask! We want you to feel comfortable through your stay.”

She gave herself a moment to think it through. Once she had gathered her thoughts, she smiled and answered.

“I’m not sure who to ask for a few things, so maybe Lan-gongzi or Lan-guniang would have an idea.”

“Oh please call me Hairong! I’m not one for formalities! Would it be fine to call you Yanli?”

Jiang Yanli nodded with a smile, she didn’t have many occasions to mingle with young women around her age without her status getting in the way… Maybe this time she could make a friend?

“Go on, please. And, Jiang-guniang, I’d like to drop the formalities as well, we’re going to plan our brothers’ wedding after all!”

“Xichen then?” After he nodded, she asked her questions. “First of all, since I used my own betrothal as pretext to stay longer in Cloud Recesses, I need help meeting Jin Zixuan without my brothers or his entourage around. Of course, Hairong would accompany me as chaperon, but I’m aware of Jin-gongzi’s enmity with my brothers and how strongly they reciprocate. I don’t believe that I would be able to suggest to him to get to know each other better if they are around.”

“Hm… Hairong and I can help you find an appropriate meeting place and an excuse to send him there alone. You can probably ask for Huaisang’s help to distract your brothers for an incense time or so. I’m sure he would be delighted to help.”

Jiang Yanli took note, and asked for her second demand.

“Thank you. Second of all, I’d like access to the texts on Lan wedding traditions, this way I can start compiling a list of those that converge with the Yunmeng ones and where they differ. That should give us a basis for the planning.”

“That is no issue! Hairong will show you to the section of the library with the informations you are looking for.”

“Of course! I’m sure I can help you find what you need, Yanli!”

Jiang Yanli giggled at the enthusiasm of her new acquaintance, she was starting to be certain that it wouldn’t be hard to befriend her.

“Last of all, I want to go to Caiyi town, I think it would be a nice place for a supervised outing, both for our brothers and Jin-gongzi and myself.” She hid a small giggle between her sleeve and added: “And, it would give me the opportunity to buy some spice for A-Xian, I do believe the food here does not agree much with his tastes.”

She could see a glint of amusement on Lan Xichen’s face, surely he had heard similar complaints before. Still, she saw him revert to a more thoughtful look.

“I’m not sure… Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against it on principle! But with the Waterborne Abyss in Biling Lake it might not be safe. I’ll see what is possible on that front… I will probably need a few days before I have an answer.”

She smiled in understanding.

“That sounds reasonable to me. Thank you, Xichen!”

They finished their tea in companionable silence before Jiang Yanli took her leave with Lan Hairong besides her. The two women made way to the Library in amicable chatter.

After a few hours of research with break for lunch, and a surprisingly impressive numbers of way to validate an elopement, Jiang Yanli turned to Lan Hairong.

“We should stop for today. The lectures will be done soon, and we have to hold A-Xian’s and Nie-er-gongzi’s sworn-brotherhood ceremony.”

“Sure!” They started packing the books and the notes Jiang Yanli had taken. “Did you find what you were looking for, Yanli?”

“Partly! But there is still a few things I want to check, if you don’t mind coming back here tomorrow… Though, I have to admit that I’m curious about why you have so many different ways to recognize an elopement? It feels like there is a story behind it…”

Lan Hairong giggled at that, finishing to clear the last bits of the research from the table, she answered with a happy glint in her eyes.

“Oh, there is! If you want I can show you the public marriage records tomorrow so you can see it for yourself, but I can already tell you that elopement is very common in the Lan Sect.”

“Is that so?” Jiang Yanli tilted her head looking at Lan Hairong and waiting for her to elaborate, putting some books back on their shelves.

“It is! I’m sure you have heard about how the Lan supposedly only fall in love once… Something that is going back to Lan An is the notion of your fated one. The idea that each Lan has their one person that they will love for all their life and devote themselves too.”

“It seems very romantic!” Jiang Yanli frowned at the book she was holding. “Where does this one go?”

“Here.” Showed Lan Hairong, before picking her explanation up. “It can be very romantic. It also has some pretty dark side to it. This is why you have all of those ways to elope, as well as part of the reasons for our numerous rules.”

Putting back the last book, Jiang Yanli frowned minutely, and directed them swiftly to outside before asking.

“A dark side? Do I need to worry about A-Xian?”

She fidgeted with her sleeves seeing Lan Hairong thinking it through thoroughly.

“I don’t think so. I referred mostly to cases where it wasn’t reciprocated, but there had been a number of times where one party forced the other in a marriage or a physical relationship. That’s why we have separate quarters for the women that men cannot enter without permissions.”

It didn’t reassure Jiang Yanli much, and it must have shown on her face because Lan Hairong added some more informations.

“All in all, it’s why the spell that was used on Wangji and your brother is considered the most valid form of elopement or engagement. Since it’s the only one that require absolute honesty on both sides. Which means that if any of the persons bound is not fully willing, it will be obvious and the marriage considered null.”

“I’m grateful for your detailed explanations, thank you Hairong!”

“No problem! I do think it’s a good thing they merely decided to consider it an engagement though. It give them time to get to know each other better and see how they will make it work without immediately being thrust into living together. They are quite young after all, even if they are in love.”

“That is true. Now… where did Xichen say we would meet for the brotherhood ceremony?”

“One of the private gardens, you wouldn’t be able to find it by yourself, it’s a bit hidden. I’ll show you the way!”

Happily accepting, Jiang Yanli walked besides Lan Hairong through some discrete but well maintained path of the Cloud Recesses. The garden had a gazebo in the center and was surrounded by carefully trimmed bushes, an old tree providing shading and a comforting impression of privacy. Being the first one there, they took a sit on the stone bench by the tree. They kept the chatter up, exchanging about hobbies and how different their respective experience as siblings were. Just before the others arrived as a group, Lan Hairong got her to promise to write to her once she’ll be back in Lotus Pier, something she easily agreed to.

Soon enough they were ready to hold the ceremony that would make her A-Xian, Nie Huaisang’s sworn brother. The Lan main family was in attendance, with the exception of Qingheng-jun. Lan-yisheng was there as well, sitting next to his younger sister, Jiang Yanli nodded a greeting to him before hiding a giggle behind her sleeve when Hairong started to playfully bicker with him. Nie-zongzhu was in charge of officiating the ceremony and currently having a chat with A-Xian and Nie Huaisang. She could see A-Cheng from the corner of her eyes, grumpily leaning on the side of the gazebo she was sitting under.

Nie-zongzhu finally clapped his hands, attracting everyone’s attention and cutting the remaining chatter.

“As you all know, we are here to witness Wei-gongzi and my didi’s oath of sworn-brotherhood. They have formed a bond through their mutual understanding of one another and wish to support each other through good and hard times, just as family should.

If we were in Qinghe, we would have sacrificed a beast to the Heavens and Earth before having both of them share a bottle of wine, but since we are in Cloud Recesses and neither killing nor wine has its place here, they’ll have to do it the Lan way!” 

Jiang Yanli couldn’t help her mirth at how her A-Xian was very clearly holding back a snort.

“Now, Wei Wuxian, Huaisang. Light the incense, pay your respects, cut your palm on your respective blade, let your blood mingle, welcome each other as family and swear your oath.”

The incense was lit, the appropriate respects were paid, to the Heavens, to the Earth, to their ancestors and to those who swore a similar oath and held onto it before. She watch as her A-Xian gracefully cut his palm open on Suibian and couldn’t help but wince internally at seeing him bleed. Nie Huaisang was more clumsy with it, his saber seeming unwieldy in his hands, the movement unnassured and his face unnaturally pale. Still he managed to do it and swiftly caught A-Xian’s palm in his.

“I, Nie Huaisang, swear before witness that I consider Wei Wuxian of Yunmeng Jiang as a brother in blood and will treat him as such in life and in death.”

Jiang Yanli could see Nie Huaisang’s hand trembling, and a film of sweat gluing his well maintained hair to his head. Yet, he hadn’t faltered when talking. Tone serious, as if daring anyone to contest this declaration. It was worthy of admiration in a way, though she was curious as to how the young master of the Nie sect was faring if he was this sensitive to either blood or pain. Or maybe he had cut to deep? At least, they had a healer here to help once the ceremony ended.

“I, Wei Wuxian, swear before witness that I consider Nie Huaisang of Qinghe Nie as a brother in blood and will treat him as such in life and in death.”

They let their hands go to give a polite but familiar bow to each other, and the ceremony was done. Immediately everyone rose and approached to congratulate them. She saw Lan-yisheng making a swift way to Nie Huaisang and passing him some Qi, the boy getting a healthy color back in his cheeks.

It was tamer than what it would have been in Yunmeng, the shidimeis would have surely wanted to celebrate and it would been a proper chaotic mess of people and noises, but also assuredly more joyful. Not that it wasn’t joyous here, but it was more contained, more proper, and the context of it was still somewhat lingering on everyone’s mind. She saw it in A-Cheng tense brow, twitching minutely, in A-Xian’s dimmed happiness, in the clench of the Lans’ hands. 

It was bittersweet in a way… She considered A-Xian her brother, but society would never see them as more than shidi and shijie, and even less than that once they would both be married out. And, yet it warmed her heart to see him finally recognized as more than what the rumors of Lotus Pier called him. She knew it wouldn’t stop the rumors, and his status will probably continue to be a source of contempt, but it should help mitigate things a bit.

She finally approached herself.

“Congratulations, A-Xian, Nie-er-gongzi! Do not make too much mischief for your Da-ge.” She pinched gently her A-Xian’s cheek at that, letting him pout as dramatically as he could with affection.

“Shijie! Unfair! Do you have so little faith in me?”

“My Xianxian is able to do a lot of things, but keeping himself from being mischievous is not one them.” 

She giggled. Little brothers were so much fun to tease.

“Sang-ge! Say something! Don’t let her bully me!” He was whining, but his eyes radiated happiness.

“I don’t know, San-di… I think, she’s not wrong… You didn’t even call me Er-ge, how rude of you!”

“You can’t be Er-ge, Lan Zhan is Er-gege, that would be too confusing…”

A few steps away, Lan Wangji tripped on his feet. She couldn’t help but hope the outing she planned in Caiyi would happen without issues. Even if Jin Zixuan wanted no part in it, she would have the very entertaining show of A-Xian interacting with his betrothed… Speaking of which… since A-Xian was skipping over to his beloved, she had business with Nie Huaisang.

Chapter Text

It took a few days after the sworn brotherhood ceremony for Huaisang to find her the perfect opportunity to talk with Jin Zixuan. A-Xian and Lan Wangji had just been cleared for sparing by Lan-yisheng, so obviously they went to do so, under Xichen and A-Cheng’s careful chaperoning, the moment they were freed from class. Which meant the way was clear, if you didn’t account for Jin Zixun’s presence, but she couldn’t wait for another opportunity much longer so she would make do.

“Jin-gongzi.” She and Lan Hairong bowed in greeting, both men responded with a short nod. “May I request a moment of your time?”

Jin Zixuan opened and closed, and opened his mouth again, not unlike a fish. Jin Zixun was the one to respond with a sneer.

“Do you think just because you are betrothed he has time for someone like you? After that shidi of yours went on to dishonor the Lan and Jiang sect with his cutsleeve ways!”

Not dropping her smile, Jiang Yanli raised a hand to stop Hairong from intervening and since her fiancé was still gaping but this time with a pale face, she looked straight into Jin Zixun’s eyes.

“Jin-er-gongzi. I do not think that I asked you to spend time with me if you find it so abhorrent, in fact as you noticed yourself it is your cousin, to whom I am betrothed that I spoke to. Do not insult him by presuming him incapable of refusing me himself, if he so wishes.” She paused. “Furthermore, I ask you to not speak of A-Xian in such a way, neither he nor Wangji shame their sects with their love. If it is the Jin sect position that being a cutsleeve is shameful, then maybe I should do us all a favor and ask for my betrothal to your cousin to be broken since you can’t seem to respect me or my loved ones. I’m sure Jin-furen would have thoughts about this.”

She turned to her betrothed, he was still silent but had at least closed his mouth. He was staring at her and became red-faced and scowling once he noticed her looking at him. Her heart squeezed, clearly she had angered him, she shouldn’t impose anymore… She bowed deeply.

“Jin-gongzi I apologize for the disturbance. I see now that it was foolish of me to try to talk with you, it is clear that neither you nor your family see our union in a good light with the exception of Jin-furen. I had hoped to ask you to accompany me to Caiyi town with my family on the next day off, I overstepped. Jin-gongzi, Jin-er-gongzi, have a good rest of your day.”

She was leaving when a hand grabbed her wrist, making her wince as she felt her skin bruise already.

“Jiang-guniang! I would love to go with you!” 

She didn’t have time to answer.

“Jin Zixuan! Unhand Jiang-guniang immediately. All four of you are to come to my office to explain what was happening here.”

Lan-xiansheng seemed quite irate, she didn’t try to discuss it anymore in public and simply followed, holding her painful wrist in one hand.

Once in the office, she let Hairong recount what happened, simply agreeing with her truthful report. Jin Zixuan agreed as well that it had happened this way, looking thoroughly ashamed. And maybe this was a bit mean of her… but this definitely suited him better than his usual arrogance. It was kinda cute. Jin Zixun tried to protest by saying that his words against her A-Xian and Lan Wangji couldn’t be an offense since they were true. 

Lan-xiansheng swiftly silenced him, before asking if Jin Zixuan had anything to add.

He turned to her, slightly red-faced and kowtowed, making her release a gasp.

“On behalf of my cousin, I apologize for my cousin’s words and inappropriate behavior! If Jiang-guniang does not mind, it would really make me honored to accept your earlier offer.”

She was conflicted, she could see that he meant it, still something about this apology was wrong. She stopped Hairong with a look, the young woman seemed ready to tear Jin Zixuan a new one, and while that would assuredly be entertaining it would probably not help. 

“Jin-gongzi, do not apologize for actions that aren’t yours and make amend for your own mistakes by owning up to them. Then I will consider making my offer again.”

It was funny to see him deflate. She didn’t laugh. The silence in the room was loud.

“Jiang-guniang!” Jin Zixuan had kowtowed again. “This lowly one begs for your forgiveness! I should have taken more action to stop my cousin from offending you and your family, I was too stunned by your beauty to…” 

The words trailed off and she could see the glimpse of a reddening nape underneath her betrothed’s ponytail. She could feel her own face heating. It was the first time he had complimented her this way, and he seemingly had blurted it out like he couldn’t help it. It was embarrassing. It was also very endearing. She gracefully kneeled in front of him.

“Is that so Jin-gongzi?”

He rose his head hesitantly, his face was fully flushed. She wanted to pinch his cheek, just to see if it was as heated as it looked. It would be severely improper unfortunately, so she refrained. He turned his eyes away from her and to the ground before nodding.

“In that case, I suppose I can extend to you an invitation to the outing in Caiyi with my brother and his betrothed.”

“I’m honored to accept thank you, Jiang-guniang!”

He did look pleased, a small, genuine smile she had never seen before decorating his face. She nodded and return a smile before standing up again. Jin Zixuan pleased face disappeared soon after when Lan-xiansheng finally spoke again.

“Well… with this sorted out, I have decided on the appropriate sanction you and your cousin are to face, Jin Zixuan. For you Jin-gongzi, ten copies of the rules on the appropriate ways to treat women, one’s spouse and one’s betrothed. Jin Zixun, you will kneel two shichen everyday after class until Jiang-guniang leaves the Cloud Recesses, and produce fifty copies of the rules. I’m also sending a letter to Jin-zongzhu informing him that your next offense, if there is one, will result in your expulsion. Is that clear?”

Both boys nodded, one looking sheepish and remorseful, the other sneering and glaring but unable to protest since he was still under the Lan Silence Spell. 

“Good, now go. I have matters to tend to.”

They politely bowed and made their way to the door at the clear dismissal from Lan-xiansheng. Yet, just before she and Hairong left, their names were called.

“Hairong. You’ll accompany Jiang-guniang on that outing, it would not be proper for her to be alone with men not related by blood. I’ll ask Xichen to come with as a chaperon as well. Jiang-guniang, I’ll leave up to your judgment whether Jiang-gongzi takes part as well. Please, inform me of the details once they are fixed.” 

They nodded before finally going out of the office to make their way to the training grounds, where A-Xian was apparently done sparring with his betrothed and was now wrestling on the ground with A-Cheng. She heard Hairong snorting at the sound of their bickering and couldn’t help but join her.

After a few days of working on wedding planning, both in the library with Hairong, and with Xichen and Nie Huaisang when they had free time, it was finally time for their planned outing as two courting couples. The guest disciples had a free day, the sun was shining and the magnolias were blooming. All in all a perfect day for it.

She took care of perfecting her appearance before going to help her A-Xian do the same. Not that he wasn’t able to do it by himself, but she was already anticipating him being indecisive about what would suit the situation the best. After all, a date wasn’t just some formal event where he would need to look proper! And if she didn’t come, he would ask A-Cheng, which would probably not go particularly well… Her Didi had calmed down a bit, and at least stopped with the overt disdain, but he was still not really happy for A-Xian. She will not take the chance of him being hurtful again.

And so she was surprised when she wasn’t the only one who had that thought. She entered her brothers’ bedroom to find A-Cheng sulking in a corner, and Nie Huaisang flitting around A-Xian, adjusting his robes and mumbling about what to do with his hair.

She cleared her throat.

“Shijie!” Beamed her A-Xian before pouting slightly. “Are you here to save your Xianxian? Sang-ge has been treating me like a doll to dress-up for the last shichen…”

She heard A-Cheng snort. “Don’t listen to him, A-Jie! He spent most of that complaining about how he wanted to be perfect for his ‘Lan Zhan’…”

She heard the derision in the way A-Cheng talked and couldn’t help but frown at him.

“A-Cheng. We have talked about this. You don’t have to like it to respect it.”

She could see in the corner of her eyes how Nie Huaisang scrutinized A-Cheng for his reaction.

“I… It’s just that… Wei Wuxian is acting all weird! Like he is some kind of maiden in love!”

She was somewhat disappointed by that statement. She was also pretty sure that A-Cheng had not realized that he just implied that being a ‘maiden in love’ was something distasteful. She didn’t have time to react before her A-Xian snorted.

“Well… I’m no maiden as far as I’m aware, but I am definitely in love, Chengcheng! I don’t see how you are surprised that I’m acting as such. It’s perfectly normal to want to look your best in front of someone you like. If you keep this up you’ll truly end up alone!”

“And what if I end up alone?! I don’t need to get married!”

Hearing this, and moreover seeing how serious her Didi seemed to be, Jiang Yanli couldn’t help looking at the two other boys in the room for help. If they didn’t correct this assumption fast, it was going to be very hard for A-Cheng once their parents would start looking for a match for him. In the end it was Nie Huaisang who ended up taking up that burden, leaving her to the task of taming A-Xian’s hair into something that would have his beloved fall in love all over again.

Her Xianxian, seeing she would be the one to do his hair, didn’t even try to debate her on what would be best, he simply trusted her. So, they could both hear Nie Huaisang talk to Jiang Cheng.

“Jiang-Xiong… You do realize that you will need an heir at some point, right?”

“And? What does that have to do with getting married?”

“A lot. Unless the Jiang Sect is fine with you adopting the next heir, you do realize that you will have to find a wife. Right? Moreover, if you aren’t married that means you’ll have to find someone to tend to the household duties, or tend to them yourself on top of being a Sect Leader.”

“A-Jie can…” 

Hearing how her brother’s voice stopped suddenly, Jiang Yanli gave him a glance, interrupting her taming of A-Xian’s hair for a moment. A-Cheng was looking pale and a bit lost. She could see that he had just realized that she in fact wouldn’t. Because she would have left by that point. She understood where he was coming from, she had started taking on those duties pretty young, at around thirteen, with the help of some elderly family members. It should have fallen to their mother but as she spent a lot of time on night-hunts and when at home would rather train the disciples, in the end, Jiang Yanli had asked her father for it, claiming it would be good training for her future since she wasn’t great at cultivating.

It didn’t take too long for Jiang Yanli to finish styling her Xianxian’s hair. She was pretty proud of the final result: traditional Jiang braids joined in A-Xian’s usual high ponytail, with a less usual guan to secure it on top of his red ribbon. It wasn’t often that he wore those, and he only had two or three, all only used when some formal ceremony or other called for the Head Disciple. It was unusual to see him like this yet it suited him. She was pretty sure that Lan Wangji would appreciate the effort at least.

Since everyone was ready they made their way together to the entrance of the Cloud Recesses to meet with the Lans and Jin Zixuan.

Pleasantries are swiftly exchanged, and the group makes their way to Caiyi on swords, Jiang Yanli being carried by her brother while her A-Xian is zigzaging around Lan Wangji and talking his ears off.

They dismounted at the entrance of the town and seeing that they have a good shichen before it is time for lunch they make their way to the market. A-Xian doesn’t waste a second and start running from stall to stall dragging his betrothed by the hand. The group of chaperons watching from behind and splitting up between the two couples, Lan Xichen and Nie Huaisang with her A-Xian and Lan Wangji and, her brother and Lan Hairong with her and Jin Zixuan. 

She immediately finds herself walking beside Jin-gongzi in awkward silence. Never before did they have the freedom to choose a conversation topic on their own, and now they weren’t able to think of one apparently. After a few minutes, her betrothed finally broke the silence, though not the awkwardness.

“Do… Did you go to a market before Jiang-guniang?”

She couldn’t help but side eye the boy a bit. What kind of question was that? Still it was something to talk about and he was making an effort to fulfill the reason for their presence here. Presence she had asked for herself. It would be incredibly rude not to answer.

“I have. I do spend quite a bit of time in the markets around Lotus Pier in fact. Is it your first time Jin-gongzi?”

She could see him blush a bit, though she wasn’t sure why.

“It is… Usually I send a servant if I need anything. You won’t need to go yourself again once we’re married.”

She rose a brow at that. It was the first time he had ever vocally acknowledged that they were to be married, and it was to tell her she wouldn’t need to do something she enjoys? 

“You misunderstood me, I’m afraid, Jin-gongzi. I do enjoy going to the market. I have a passion for cooking, and even though I understand it is not thought of as an acceptable activity for a lady in my position, I also do not want to stop doing it. Going to the market and choosing the ingredients myself is part of the pleasure I find in it. It does not matter that it is unnecessary.”

She felt him stop walking and turned look at him. He looked pale and vaguely panicked. She was baffled to think that before this she had thought of him as a confident and arrogant Young Master. (She could still see the arrogance but it wasn’t much more than the other Young Masters).

“I didn’t mean to disparage you! I’ll build you the best kitchen!”

He had somehow screamed loud enough for their surroundings to quiet and the people to look at them. She saw her fiancé go from pale to red, to pale again and she couldn’t help but giggle. That flustered and awkward side of Jin Zixuan was definitely to her taste.

“I’ll hold you to that then, Jin-gongzi!” She could see the relief in his posture. “Shall we continue our walk?”

He nodded and even offered her his arm, she took it before keeping the conversation going.

“So, Jin-gongzi, I’ve told you what I like to do in my free time, is there anything you enjoy doing?”

“I’m raising spiritual dogs. I actually have one of them in Caiyi. I visit her any time we have a day off of studying! I can get her and introduce you?”

Jiang Yanli couldn’t help but smile at the fact that her brothers would have wildly different reactions to this information…

“I’m afraid it will have to wait for another outing, A-Xian is not fond of dogs. But maybe, since he unfortunately won’t be living in Lotus Pier anymore, you could bring her there on your next visit? A-Cheng would probably be delighted to meet her! What’s her name?”

The way Jin Zixuan lit up while talking about Xiao-Xing, was very cute in Jiang Yanli’s opinion. The enthusiasm actually similar to that of an overexcited puppy. Soon it was time to eat and meet the others at the restaurant Nie Huaisang had recommended as the one most likely to have options for everyone’s palates.

Once there Jiang Yanli noticed that her A-Xian was already there waiting for them, flitting around Lan Wangji under the amused eyes of Lan Xichen and Nie Huaisang. She could barely restrain a chuckle when realizing that what had her Didi fussing so was a flower crown on top of the Second Jade of Lan’s head. It was a slightly strange sight, this stoic boy with all the bearing of a powerful cultivator with the last vestiges of childhood clinging to his cheeks and a crown of pink peonies on his head. If one didn’t look too closely they wouldn’t notice the red earlobes poking from behind his hair. She wouldn’t have noticed either if her A-Xian hadn’t gushed about how cute it was that Lan Wangji only blushed with his ears.

"Shijie!”

Ah. Her A-Xian had finally noticed her. She couldn’t help but let go of her fiancé’s arm to go coo over the other couple.

“A-Xian! Did you have a good time with Lan-er-gongzi? I see you remember how to make a flower crown as well as you did when you were small enough that I could carry you.”

“Shijieee…” He pouted, when she pinched his cheek. “Of course I remember! How could I forget Shijie’s teachings? Doesn’t my Lan Zhan look handsome wearing flowers?”

“That he does. So did you have a good time? You didn’t answer.”

“I did! We saw so many stalls and there’s so many different snacks! I even saw a spice vendor, I’ll need to see what he is selling later…” She watched him turn to Lan Wangji before continuing. “You’ll come with me Lan Zhan, right?”

“Mn. I will follow Wei Ying wherever he wants.”

Jiang Yanli giggled at how quick her A-Xian was to blush at that, seemingly mute for the time being. Their chaperons took the opportunity to bring them in the restaurant where they were directed to a private room. Soon the food was ordered, from the blandest items on the menu for the Twin Jades to the spiciest with extra spices for her A-Xian. The meal went smoothly with friendly chatter and good food, though the Lans kept to their rule of ‘no speaking during meal’. 

After, while the other couple chose to spend more time in the market, Jiang Yanli was admittedly feeling tired, her body unused to the strain of flying and then walking around for a while. She could also admit that she had pushed herself quite a bit working on A-xian’s wedding plans and had accumulated some fatigue from it.

“A-Jie, if you are tired we should go back to Cloud Recesses. There is no need to push yourself…”

“Thanks A-Cheng. Jin-gongzi, I hope you don’t mind? I’m glad we had the opportunity to talk.” 

She smiled. He turned red and looked away before answering.

“I’m glad as well. If you don’t mind, Jiang-guniang, could we exchange letters once you are back home? So we may continue to get to know each other…”

“I’d like that Jin-gongzi.”

“Please call me Zixuan…” He mumbled yet spoke loud enough that she heard.

“You may call me Yanli in that case. I’ll take my leave now, good day to you Zixuan!”

In an impulsive gesture of boldness, she promptly dropped a kiss on his cheek before turning back to her mortified and horrified Didi.

“A-Jie!”

“Come on A-Cheng, bring me back to my guest quarters.”

Hopping on his sword with him she couldn’t help but giggle at her brother’s grumbling. She didn’t look back to see one Jin Zixuan stunned into place, one hand softly touching the cheek she had kissed.

Chapter Text

The moment Jiang Yanli had to leave came too fast for Wei Wuxian’s taste. He was, in some way, vaguely aware that he was pushing down a lot of messy feelings and, couldn’t help but think that he would collapse once she left his line of sight. He, also, did not have, in fact, the luxury of doing that ; since Lan-xiansheng had asked him to come and have a talk with him in his office once he was done watching her departure.

He was really grateful that Lan Zhan not only stayed with him but also walked him to his uncle’s office without letting go of his hand. He might have cried otherwise. And he did not cry, he only let out one very manly tear, fuck you Jiang Cheng! Soon enough he was in presence of Lan Qiren who after a small staring contest with Lan Zhan had granted the other boy the right to stay. Not without letting out a very tired sigh though.

They all sat down in tensed silence while a pot of tea was steeping. Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but be a little nervous he had no idea what he was here for and couldn’t recall doing much mischief for the whole time his Shijie had stayed. When he started fidgeting, Lan Zhan’s uncle finally broke the silence.

“Wei Wuxian! Calm down. Sit properly. You are not here for punishment, I want to know about that array Jiang-guniang mentioned during the betrothal negotiations.”

Wei Wuxian was happily surprised and relaxed enough to adopt a somewhat proper posture with no fidgeting. He still grabbed his Lan Zhan’s hand under the table, getting a squeeze in return. Once sure that the older man had nothing else to add he started to explain: first why he even created the array, second how it was actually two codependent arrays. One that protected the structure, the other creating a localized exception to be able to lit a contained fire. The shield was to be carved either on the floor or wall of the building to protect and the containment needed to be carved on the objects or place where a fire had to be lit (so fireplaces, kitchens, braziers, candle holders, fire pits for places that had them…). 

Soon enough, he was getting into the details of which radicals he had used, what failed tests had resulted in, and even suggestions of how it could be modified for other uses. At this point, Lan Qiren raised a hand to interrupt him politely.

“That will be enough for now. I see why Jiang-guniang insisted on your talent in talismanry. If you could produce a proper treaty on this invention, including all attempts and unexpected results for our Talisman Master to review, I’d be grateful.”

Wei Wuxian rose an eyebrow in dubitative surprise. “Sure… I’ll try to have it done by the end of the lectures.”

Lan Qiren nodded once.

“You may leave now, I have to talk to Wangji.”

He hesitated, not willing to leave the other to his own devices. Not that Lan Zhan actually left him much choice because the moment he relented to Lan Qiren’s glare and stood up, was the moment Lan Zhan grabbed his wrist and refused to let go.

“Wangji! This is exactly what I need to talk to you about! You can’t treat your betrothed this way!”

“I don’t mind Lan-xiansheng.” Wei Wuxian said, because he didn’t. He thought it was rather sweet how Lan Zhan now refused to be parted from him where before he was avoiding him. A withering glare from the elder Lan still made him try to placate Lan Zhan.

“I don’t mind, but if your Uncle need to talk to you alone, I need to leave Lan Zhan. You can come and knock on mine and Jiang Cheng’s bedroom door if you want to go on a walk or something later.”

Lan Zhan furrowed his elegant brow minutely before letting out a sigh, pouting and finally releasing his hand with a small “Mn.” Truly, his Lan Zhan was the cutest! It took all of Wei Wuxian’s self-restraint to keep himself from cooing at the other boy in front of his uncle. He still gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek before leaving as fast as the no running rule allowed, letting Lan Qiren break the no shouting rule instead.

After leaving Lan Qiren’s office, Wei Wuxian made his way back to the dormitory. He still felt a bit brittle from the departure of Jiang Yanli, it was finally settling in his mind that he wouldn’t be welcome in Lotus Pier anymore for at least the next few years and the loss was settling in his bones like knives. He hadn’t even been able to bid goodbye to his shidimeis or to the seniors who had coddled him in his younger years, the aunties from the kitchen who slipped him buns when he missed a meal for one reason or another, that one servant who always pat his head after he gave him a hand…

Before he could make his way inside the guest quarters, he was stopped by Jiang Cheng.

“Can we talk?”

Jiang Cheng small voice and grumpy face betrayed a rare moment of vulnerability. Usually, Wei Wuxian would rather distract him or do anything else really, rather than talking about feelings or something. But he still feeling raw, and he was tired of him and Jiang Cheng tiptoeing around each other. So he nodded and followed him inside their shared bedroom.

Once inside they just awkwardly stood there in silence, not looking at each other. Damn it! They really weren’t used to this kind of talk… Especially without his Shijie here to mediate… Wei Wuxian resolved to break the silence.

“So… what did you want to talk about?”

“I… I’m sorry…” It was barely a mumble, but in the tense silence Jiang Cheng’s apology was booming.

“Uh…” 

That… was not what he expected. Wei Wuxian was unsure how to react to this, unused to getting apologies and yet so often the one to make them. His memory was too shitty to be sure but he wouldn’t be surprised if it was the first time Jiang Cheng ever apologized to him. He wasn’t even sure why the other boy was apologizing, that wasn’t how they did things…

“What for?” He blurted out still not looking at Jiang Cheng. (The walls were really white, it must be hard to maintain…)

Silence persisted for half a minute.

“For you know… Being a jerk about your whole thing with Lan Wangji.”

“Thanks. I really didn’t mean to leave Lotus Pier like that. I thought that, at least, I would stay there until my wedding and that Shijie would get married before that. And after, I could have visited regularly and all… I didn’t think I would be made to leave the sect immediately…”

“This sucks!”

At this, Wei Wuxian let out a wet chuckle.

“It does! It sucks so much!” His laugh was turning mildly hysterical and tears were starting to flow down his cheeks.

“Fuck! Don’t cry! What the fuck, Wei Wuxian?”

Now, that he had started, he couldn’t stop. All the feelings of the last two weeks were pouring out of him in a concerning mix of crying and laughter, making him look like a madman. Happiness to be betrothed to Lan Zhan, hurt from Jiang-Shushu’s reaction, weariness from walking on eggshell around Jiang Cheng, exhaustion from pretending everything was alright, and pure devastation at the loss of yet another home, one he thought would be his forever.

He let himself fall to the ground and curl into a ball oblivious to Jiang Cheng’s attempts to reach him beneath the emotions suffocating him. It took him a while to calm down, if he was to believe the level of panic on Jiang Cheng’s face.

“Are you okay?! I thought you were starting to qi deviate! What the fuck?”

What the fuck indeed. Wei Wuxian had nothing to answer to Jiang Cheng and felt as if all his strength had left him. He stayed laying on the bedroom floor, not moving except to look at Jiang Cheng.

“You are not regretting it? The betrothal?”

“No…”

“Okay… good talk then.”

“Good talk. Can you help me up? I feel exhausted…”

“Sure. Go have a nap or something, I guess.”

Wei Wuxian was pulled up, gave Jiang Cheng a slap on the shoulder and wobbled to his bed, before slumping into it and falling into slumber.

When he woke up, it was with a dry mouth, and the feeling of a pounding head. He was about to use his core to dissipate the uncomfortable feeling when callous fingers grabbed his wrist and a cool yet soft energy took to his meridians, the smell of sandalwood reaching his nose. Wei Wuxian turned his head and was unsurprised to find his Lan Zhan at his bedside. The sight still warmed his heart and he didn’t hold back a beaming grin.

“Lan Zhan! Came to see little old me? Were you worried? Do you know what would make me feel all better? A k…”

“Wei Wuxian! No kissing in the bedroom, and above all no kissing in front of me!”

“Chengcheng…” He groaned. “Why are you still here? Leave me alone with my betrothed!”

“Mn.” Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but think Lan Zhan had mned that pretty smugly.

“See! Even Lan Zhan agrees!”

“Absolutely not! You are to be chaperoned until your wedding! I don’t trust you to keep your hands to yourself! Neither of you!”

“Urgh… Fine… I guess…”

Turning his attention back on his Lan Zhan (his!) Wei Wuxian stared for a moment into golden eyes, wondering how it was that before meeting Lan Zhan gold had seem so gaudy, and yet looking at him right now he could probably not ever think of it as anything else than sweet and warm honey he wanted to drown in. He might have looked it because Lan Zhan smiled softly at him. 

“Lan Zhan! My heart! Don’t do that… You’re too pretty, I can’t take it!”

“Wei Ying is the pretty one.”

He felt himself blush to the root of his hair and couldn’t answer to save his life, resorting to lightly smacking his beloved chest. And then keeping his hand there, marveling at the firmness of the muscle, Lan Zhan preening under his touch…

“That’s it! I don’t care, Lan-er-gongzi, you, are leaving this room immediately! All of this is completely improper!”

Wei Wuxian pouted at that. It was unfair! He should get to touch his Lan Zhan some more! They were betrothed! How could it be improper?! Unfortunately after giving the stink eye to Jiang Cheng, Lan Zhan relented and stood up.

“Lan Zhan… Don’t leave…” He gave it his best pleading eyes and got a very proper kiss on the hand.

“I’ll see Wei Ying soon. Rest well. Be good.”

Wei Wuxian melted back into his bed, thinking that maybe, for Lan Zhan, he could be good and follow the Lan rules… At least until their next meeting.

Chapter Text

After the very embarrassing talk with Shufu, Lan Wangji had went immediately to the guest quarters to see Wei Ying. Only to find him curled up in bed, tear tracks on his cheeks and watched over by a scowling Jiang Wanyin who begrudgingly let him in and hold his betrothed’s hand. Leaving Wei Ying behind after he woke up had been hard, and yet he had no other choice that did not involve fighting Jiang Wanyin. Which would probably not please Wei Ying. 

Thankfully, he had seen him at the next meal, seemingly happier. Furthermore after the meal his betrothed skipped to his side and asked him for a walk. A walk that did not involve Jiang Wanyin. It unfortunately did involve his brother who was looking at them with suspicious mirth. Lan Wangji narrowed his eyes at him. He might have an idea of who was at fault for Shufu giving him that terrible earful on how to behave properly toward his beloved. He did not want to hear Shufu mention intercourse ever again.

In any case, he had plans for this walk. He was happy to simply amble around without a destination while Wei Ying chattered to him about anything that crossed his mind, but right now he had something, someone, to show him. With a proprietary hand on the small of Wei Ying’s back (that got him a snort from Xiongzhang), he guided him to an isolated part of Cloud Recesses. 

A small cottage, surrounded by gentians, at the sight of which an uncharacteristic silence came over his betrothed. Turning to look at him, Lan Wangji’s heart clenched in adoration seeing the former Jiang disciple parted lips and bright eyes. The air of awe and solemnity he exuded, transpired in his voice when he broke the silence.

“Lan Zhan, what is this place?”

Bracing himself a little, and noticing from the corner of his eye the sad smile his brother gave him, Lan Wangji answered.

“It was A-Niang’s house. Xiongzhang and I were allowed to visit her once a month. She would have liked you. She liked to tease. Said my cheeks looked like plump buns and pinch them. Her tablet is inside the house, I wanted to introduce you to her.”

“Lan Zhan…”

Wei Ying looked at him a bit surprised, before rising his hand and caressing his cheek, making him notice the lone tear that had escaped.

“Thanks for telling me about her. You must love her a lot. I don’t remember much about my own parents…” Lan Wangji could hear his brother moving further away, out of earshot. “There’s really only one memory that sticks out of us three together: we had a donkey, Mama was sitting on it and Baba was holding the reins while carrying me on his shoulder. They were talking and laughing, I don’t remember about what, but I remember the warmth of feeling loved.”

A soft yet brittle silence descended upon them both. Feeling a little raw from the emotional talk, Lan Wangji couldn’t resist dragging Wei Ying into a comforting hug… If they didn’t have such an emotional talk, Lan Wangji might have risked slipping his hand lower, but as it stood, everything stayed perfectly proper. Maybe, not according to Shufu… (Grieving in excess is forbidden. The one rule he could never abide by according to numerous Lan elders).

When they break the hug, it feels like their bond has deepened with new understanding, and so it was the perfect moment. Lan Wangji had struggled since his brother gave him the pouch with some of his mother’s possessions, wondering when it would be appropriate to gift them to his betrothed. Courting was not as easy as people made it seem. But now seemed fitting, felt fitting.

“Wei Ying, there is something else.” Lan Wangji reached in his sleeve and pulled out the pouch with the comb and the hairpin. “Those were my mother’s, but I think they would suit Wei Ying as well.”

“Lan Zhan? Are you sure?”

“Mn.”

An hesitant hand, delicately seized the pouch, before opening it and first pulling out a wooden comb engraved with gentians and cloud motifs, then a delicate jade hairpin with a simple cloud carving at the end, one that could be easily worn indiscriminately by either gender. To Lan Wangji’s delight, Wei Ying proceeds to put it in his ponytail immediately, and this time he doesn’t resist pulling in his betrothed for a kiss, profiting of his brother momentary lapse in chaperoning. 

He is rewarded by arms coming around his neck and a mouth dropping open the tiniest bit. He was going to slip his tongue inside Wei Wuxian’s mouth but that was the moment Xiongzhang had apparently decided to come back and check on them. Coughing to signal his presence and looking amused when Wei Ying leaped out of his arms. Lan Wangji glared at him promising himself to be just as annoying when his brother gets into a relationship. He might need to contact Nie Huaisang about that…

After that the atmosphere was awkward and so Lan Wangji simply offered his arm to Wei Ying before guiding him back to the guests quarters.
 
 

Two days later, Lan Wangji was in the Jingshi, getting ready for bed: sleeping robe on, ribbon off and hair down; when he heard a knock on his window. It was about a ke before curfew but he already had an idea of who it could be. And of course, he wasn’t mistaken.

“Wei Ying. It is soon to be curfew, you shouldn’t wander around.”

Wei Ying beamed at him.

“Well, Lan Zhan, if you let me in, I won’t be wandering outside after curfew!”

It wasn’t wrong per se, though Lan Wangji could already hear his Shufu protesting the logic of it. And so, he simply answered by fully opening the window and getting out of the way. That’s when he noticed that Wei Ying was very clearly hiding something in his robes. Once he was inside, Lan Wangji closed the window behind him.

“So, what are you doing on this fine evening Lan Zhan?”

“Getting ready for bed. And what is Wei Ying’s purpose in coming here?”

Lan Wangji couldn’t help but have his thoughts racing in a lot of different directions, but one more than others. After all why would Wei Ying be here if not to put in practice what couples did at night. But that would not explain whatever was hiding under his robes. Robes that Lan Wangji wanted to take off of him. If only to admire how beautiful his Wei Ying is, but he could admit to himself that he wanted to do much more than admire. His eyes raked along the lithe and deceptively strong figure, almost missing the other boy’s answer from being lost in thought.

“I’ve come bearing gifts! You gave me courting gifts it’s only fair, I do the same! I didn’t really went the traditional route, but I hope you’ll like them!”

At this Wei Ying dug into his robes and pulled out two bunnies. Two adorable balls of white fluff kicking their feet in the air while Wei Ying held them by the ears. When he let them down, one settled immediately while the other set to explore his room. He wanted to pet them. They looked so soft. And they were a gift from Wei Ying.

“Pets are forbidden.” 

“Ah…” Wei Ying looked disappointed, that wouldn’t do.

“However gifts and friends are not. I like them very much. Thank you Wei Ying.”

His beloved beamed and jumped on him. Lan Wangji easily caught him and kept his hands on his waist, battling the desire to grip his behind and instead digging reflexively into the sinfully thin waist, Wei Ying was flaunting. Knowing that this time there was no risks of interruption did not help him keep control. Wei Ying looking up at him looking with mischievous silver eyes was not helping either.

“Is there anything else my betrothed would like to do before abiding to his bedtime like a proper Lan?” 

His beloved was a little minx. He stopped holding back and crashed their lips together, taking advantage of the gasp of surprise Wei Ying let out, to invade his mouth with his tongue. Something that made him give himself a mental pat on the back for, when it pulled a moan from the other boy. It was definitely worth bending the rules a little. The taste of Wei Ying on his tongue was addictive, and he couldn’t help the disappointment when they had to break away to catch their breath only for his Wei Ying to stop the moment here.

“We…we should behave. I can’t believe I’m the one saying that Lan Zhan! But… I do want to prove to your Shufu that I’m able to follow at least some rules…”

“Wei Ying does not need to prove anything to Shufu or to anyone else.”

“Not need, want. I want to show both to the others and myself that I’ll have a place at your side here. Allow me to do so please? At least until the end of the lectures? After that feel free to do whatever you want to me. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it as long as it comes from you.”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji was not happy with that decision but if that was what Wei Ying wanted, then he’ll get it. “For now, Wei Ying should come to bed, it is time to sleep.”

After shedding his outer robe and letting his hair down, Wei Ying joined him and snuggled against him.

“Love you, Lan Zhan…” Was whispered next to his heart, before Wei Ying breathing evened out.

“Love you, Wei Ying.” 

Lan Wangji soon fell asleep as well.