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Chapter Text

His mother’s words repeated in his mind as he quickly, but quietly, ran across his room – only packing the essentials. Wei Ying paused as he held the only proof of his mother’s existence (other than his own memories) in his hands. The letter, written in a familiar but long forgotten handwriting, was given to him when he turned five – three weeks before his parents’ death. 

“A-Ying, should anything happen, should you be separated from us or find yourself in need of help, find Lan Qiren in Cloud Recesses. No matter what’s happened, he will keep you safe. He has sworn to me his home will always be open to you, no matter what.” 

After being found by Jiang Fengmian in Yiling when he was ten, Wei Ying had learned very little about his parents from the man. He knew his father was once a servant of Yunmeng Jiang and was spoken of fondly by the Sect Leader – his mother was a different story. 

Wei Ying had his mother’s gray eyes – it was the first thing Jiang Fengmian told him. The child often found the sect leader looking at him, it took a while before Wei Ying figured out the man was trying to see his mother’s features in him. Speaking of her was forbidden, especially around Madam Yu.

Wei Ying looked down at his sword, a half full qiankun pouch on his waist. He ran his hand over the engraving of Suibian that rested above the hilt of the blade. He had received the sword a week prior, he barely had any time to acquaint himself with her. Jiang Fengmian had chosen the name, he chose the sword. Typically, the choosing of one’s spiritual sword was a combined effort between a child’s mother and father – or one if both parents were not cultivators. 

Holding the blade in his hand filled him with great discomfort. The letter tucked in his robes burned as he looked at the sharp blade. 

It was never spoken to him, but the letter in his mother’s hand was enough to understand. 

Jiang Fengmian spoke of his parents as if they were best friends, that they knew each other very well, that they had a bond of some sort. 

Wei Ying knew differently. 

Cangse Sanren told him to seek Lan Qiren, not Jiang Fengmian. 

His mother did not trust Wei Ying in the Jiang’s hands – she did not trust Jiang Fengmian. 

But she did trust Lan Qiren. 

She trusted Lan Qiren’s word that Cloud Recesses would be open and safe for Wei Ying, no matter the reason. 

Wei Ying knew little about the Lan sect. He knew of their three thousand rules, all inscribed on a large wall. He knew the Cloud Recesses resided on a mountain and it was quite a beautiful place. He knew of the white sect attire, about the forehead ribbon required to be worn, that different types of ribbons existed that showed your status in the sect. 

Three thousand rules felt daunting to Wei Ying. Surely, no sect could thrive with that much restriction. As much as he wanted to cower and hide in a corner, convince himself that he had in fact deserved the five Zidian strikes that criss crossed his bandaged back, he knew that he would die in this sect if that was Madam Yu’s response to such a minor issue – and he suspected likely by her hand for something that would not be his fault. 

The Lan Sect. 

His mother knew of the rules, of the type of cultivators within those walls. Wei Ying only heard rumors about the type of teacher Lan Qiren was – he was strict, forceful, strived for perfection. He could turn the dullest minds into the brightest brains through rigorous work. She knew of all this, and she still trusted him. He gave his word to her, that his home would welcome Wei Ying. 

That was what made Wei Ying step outside his room. Living in this area of Lotus Pier for the past two years made him extremely knowledgeable of the routes of the night guards. Wei Ying had experience getting in and out of his room in the middle of the night without ever being caught. 

It was almost too easy. 

Wei Ying found himself running as he passed the tree line and into the forest. His chest heaving with every breath as he felt his feet slam into the ground – the thought of “they know you’ve left, they’ll find you” repeating over and over in his mind. 

He didn’t know where he was going, just that he couldn’t stop. His back stung, almost certain he had ripped open any healing that had taken place – that didn’t matter. If he was caught, five strikes would be nothing compared to what would await him. 

It wasn’t until he caught sight of the rising sun that he knew he could stop, at least for just a moment. 

Wei Ying collapsed against the base of a tree, his knees scraping along an exposed root as his palms faced the forest floor. His heart raced as he tried calming his frantic breathing, squeezing his eyes shut as he felt his spiritual energy flicker – he needed to calm down. 

He felt the wetness of his back, unable to discern between blood and sweat. His bandages needed to be changed, but even he knew that a forest was not optimal for wound healing. 

After quarter a shichen, Wei Ying was able to calmly rise to his feet. Based off the position of the sun, he knew he had maybe a shichen before Jiang Cheng would storm into his room demanding he wake up for training. The Jiang boy would burst into his room, demanding to know what kind of dream was preventing Wei Ying from joining them for training.  

Only to find an empty room. A made bed. All signs that Wei Ying ever lived in that room gone. Wei Ying could imagine what the young Sect Heir’s face would look like in those moments. 

Processing to shock to running across the room and throwing the blankets, looking in the closet, then to anger. 

Anger that Wei Ying was playing another prank on him. Anger that he had left in the middle of the night. Anger belonging only to his mother’s blood running in his veins. The Jiang would either run to his sister or his mother - and Wei Ying didn’t want to imagine which would be worse. 

Shijie would console her angry brother, saying surely Wei Ying had just been teasing the boy, that Jiang Cheng would go back to the training grounds and be met with a hysterically laughing Wei Ying – certain that the boy would never have ran away, despite the fact that she was the one who dressed his wounds the night prior. 

Madam Yu…Madam Yu would scoff. She would tell her son good riddance. She would say that when he returned he needs to immediately be sent to kneel in the ancestral hall – that she would meet him there. In her head, she would pray to whoever was listening to never see that child again. Let him meet the same fate as his parents, let him fall into a ravine, let him be devoured by wolves. If and when he returned, because she knew he would, the punishment he would receive would likely immobilize him for months, if not years. A shiver ran down Wei Ying’s entire body just imagining what Madam Yu would do to him if she found him. 

Gusu, Wei Ying needed to find his way to Gusu. 

He needed to find out where he was right in that moment, but with forest surrounding him he had almost nothing to go off of. 

Ultimately deciding his best bet was to continue in the direction he was going in – at least knowing that way was getting further away from Lotus Pier – Wei Ying continued on, hoping to come across anyone who could either help him change his bandages or point him in the direction of Gusu. 

Chapter Text

He would find his answer half a day later. 

With the sun high in the sky, the young boy stopped by a river and pulled out a steamed bun – part of his meal the night prior. It was as he was eating that he spotted a group of white clad youths. His eyes widened as they landed on the white ribbons crossing their foreheads. He sprung to his feet. 

“Excuse me! Are you young masters Gusu Lan disciples?” he shouted across the riverbank, watching a few of them startle at the sudden noise. 

Wei Ying watched the men – boys, not many years older than Wei Ying himself – look to who appeared to be the leader of the small group. Their eyes met. 

“We are. May I ask why you are asking?” he spoke, a small smile on his face as he looked across the river at the twelve year old boy. Wei Ying smiled before grabbing his things and walking across the shallow river – using a pathway of stones to cross. 

Now on the same side of the river, Wei Ying could see a small camp in the distance. A few tents and an extinguished fire sat in the center. The disciples themselves wore almost pristine white and blue robes, the occasional mud or grass stain across the bottom hem towards their feet. He bowed to the group. 

“This one does not mean to cause panic and I apologize if any has happened.” He rose from his bow, turning to speak to the group’s leader. “I inquired what sect you belong to as I am seeking to meet with someone. I’ve been traveling for a while and seem to have lost my sense of direction.” He sheepishly smiled, rubbing a hand at the base of his neck. 

“We are actually on our way back to Cloud Recesses. Whom are you needing to speak with gongzi?” Wei Ying waved his hand. 

“None of the formality please – I’m Wei Ying. A pleasure to meet you.” He took in a breath, just about to speak when-

“Wei? Are you needing to speak with shufu?” Said boy looked at the older Lan and blinked. 

“If your shufu is Lan Qiren, then yes. How did you know?” 

Before the Lan spoke, he dropped into a bow, lifting his head up with a small smile. 

“I have not introduced myself. I am Lan Huan, courtesy Xichen, these young masters behind me are younger members of my sect.” Lan Xichen explained, gesturing to the men who all gave their names before turning back to Wei Ying. 

“If you are needing to speak with shufu, I would be glad to escort you.” Wei Ying smiled, relief flooding his veins. 

“Thank you so much. This one would gladly receive an escort – after all, we are going in the same direction. However I-“ A disciple – Lan Shi – interrupted, rushing over to Wei Ying. 

“Wei-gongzi! What happened to your back?” he spoke, eyes wide as he spotted the blood seeping through Wei Ying’s purple robes. 

Normally, it was expected of him to wear his black robes around Lotus Pier – only wearing Jiang purple during formal events where other sects were present or if a sect leader was visiting. Madam Yu once told him that he did not belong in Jiang robes, that if she caught him wearing purple outside of a formal location that her words wouldn’t be what he would learn to fear. 

Given that he now was acquainted with Zidian – he can assume what the punishment would’ve been. 

He had forgotten he was wearing purple, using it as a disguise in case someone spotted him. While Wei Ying’s black robes would’ve blended in with the shadows, there was still a considerable amount of lighted areas he would’ve had to pass through before hitting the forest. Wearing Jiang purple seemed like an easy way to add another layer of protection – any other disciple who saw him would assume they were also patrolling, there would be no questioning a purple clad disciple compared to a black clad one. 

Wei Ying froze, his eyes on Lan Shi as he watched the teen pull out medical supplies. 

“I….um…” 

“Wei Ying, anything you say here will remain between us. None of us present will share anything with anyone else unless you wish for us to.” Lan Xichen spoke, resting a hand on the younger boy’s shoulder. He nodded, swallowing before speaking, his eyes turned down towards his feet. 

“I-I don’t know how much has been said about me. Sect Leader Jiang found me two years ago in Yiling and took me in – he claims he was close with my parents. There was always this…just this air around any interactions I had with the Jiang elders or older servants or just an overall feeling of I was not as welcomed as Sect Leader Jiang had told me.” Wei Ying paused, running his hands down his robes. 

“Madam Yu especially seemed to hate me from the second I arrived – I know now that she’s likely hated me ever since she found out I existed.” He looked up at Xichen. “Yesterday, I was on the training field with Jiang Cheng – we’ve both just gotten our swords and were exited to train with them.” A small smile adorned his face for a brief second.

“I know I shouldn’t have beat him in every spar – especially when I knew Madam Yu was watching. And-and it wasn’t that I was winning after both of us giving a considerable effort, I was winning with ease – he was the one who was struggling.” He paused, taking in a deep breath, a tear falling down his face. 

“Madam Yu stormed onto the training field, demanding that I stop showing off and if I thought I was so highly skilled that I should do the next spar with one hand behind my back.” Another tear fell, his shoulders started shaking. 

“I didn’t think I was showing off. I was using all the sword skills I have been taught. The next spar went like all the others, I’ll admit I did feel a shift in my balance, but not much changed. With Madam Yu watching, Jiang Cheng started taking riskier moves, ones that would – if gone wrong – injure one or both of us. He…he tried swiping my feet out from under me, I had done that to him in a prior spar.” Wei Ying reached up, furiously wiping away another tear – before it was ultimately replaced by another. 

“It wasn’t even my fault! He swiped at my legs and took both of us down! His sword was about to go straight through my shoulder so I removed my hand from behind my back and grabbed the blade.” He winced as he fisted his hands – having forgotten entirely about the sword wound on his hand. “I had to grab onto the blade itself and even then it was only a few inches away from breaking skin.” He took a harsh breath, furrowing his brows. 

“Madam Yu was furious at me for breaking the one condition she set for the match and for spilling my ‘servant and son of a whore’s blood’ on her son’s blade. That sword was about to injure me! I was protecting myself!” More tears made their way down his face, the Lan disciples formed a circle around him, a sense of privacy from the world around them – despite the fact that they were in the middle of a forest and not likely to have anyone come across them. 

“Wei-gongzi, may I take a look at your back?” Lan Shi asked, a tentative hand reaching for Wei Ying’s robes – he nodded, slowly taking his arms out of the outer robe and discarding it on the ground before opening up his inner robe and letting it fall down to his waist. He heard the Lans behind him gasp. Lan Xichen’s eyes widened as he took a step behind Wei Ying to look. 

“I’m not sure if the other sects know about Madam Yu’s spiritual weapon, Zidian. It’s an almost electric whip – and her rage reflects on the severity of the whip marks.” Wei Ying whispered, wincing as he felt a cold rag dab across his back. 

“She whipped you with such a high class spiritual weapon…because you protected yourself?” Xichen spoke, eyes wide as he looked at the child standing in front of him. 

“Five times.” Wei Ying looked up at Xichen. “My mother and your uncle were once supposedly friends. Before my parents died, my mother gave me a letter saying if I should ever need help to find Lan Qiren – that he swore to her his home would be open to me.” He softly spoke, tears constantly flowing down his face. 

“Shufu told me when I was first allowed to night hunt to look for anyone by the name of Wei asking for help, to allow any aid or support be given when asked.” Xichen softly spoke, dabbing Wei Ying’s tears with a handkerchief. “You will come with us. You do not need to tell us anymore. Let us treat your wounds so that infection will not occur, then we can rest for the night and start our journey in the morning.” Wei Ying nodded. 

“Thank you.”

Chapter Text

The second Wei Ying laid down to sleep in the tent he immediately fell asleep. Laying on his stomach wasn’t his usual sleeping position, but sleeping on his back would only cause more pain. Turns out, Lan Shi was a medic in training and held a variety of knowledge of how to treat wounds – that’s how he spotted the discoloration on Wei Ying’s robes. 

When he woke, the sky was still dark, but there was a tray of food sitting on the makeshift table on the other side of his tent. Slowly getting up, he made his way across to the food, devouring it in a matter of moments. 

After his hunger was satiated, he noticed a folded pile of white and light blue robes sitting at the mouth of the tent, just beside where he had set his things before falling asleep. 

“I noticed you only had one spare set of robes with you. This set is one of my younger brother’s – you two appear to have similar builds and are close in age. I hope I am not overstepping any boundaries by suggesting you wear these, you certainly do not have to, but if it would make you more comfortable then please do. – Lan Xichen” 

Wei Ying looked down at the white robes in his hands and couldn’t help but scoff as he set them back down before taking off his black inner-robe and putting on the set Lan Xichen had given him. As he looked down at the pale blue robes that covered his tan skin, he felt like he was finally able to take a deep breath – like a boulder had been taken off of his chest and he could finally breathe again. 

He was with Gusu Lan disciples, he was dressed as a Gusu Lan disciple, he was going back with them to Cloud Recesses. No one walking past them would even suspect Wei Ying was anything but a Gusu Lan disciple – minus the missing forehead ribbon. If Lan Xichen had a spare ribbon on him, Wei Ying would be undetectable from others around him – he needed to ask if he had an extra.

He moved his arms, watching the wide sleeves of the outer robe flow in the air – a wide smile formed on his face. 

He felt free. Wei Ying felt like there was nothing holding him back anymore. 

Even if he had never been outside of Yunmeng territory, that he had never been to Cloud Recesses or met Lan Qiren, he knew he had a place there – that he would belong there. There wasn’t any reason Wei Ying could give for his thoughts – it could simply be that anywhere was better than Lotus Pier. 

Better than judgment from everyone he met, even if they never showed it, he knew they harbored it. Within the first month of living in Lotus Pier, Wei Ying knew he had to stop listening to what people were saying when they didn’t know he was there – things about his parents, his mother in particular. 

His mother trusted Lan Qiren, she trusted Cloud Recesses would be a good place to grow up in, to take refuge in, to be safe in. Lan Qiren was someone Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze trusted – Jiang Fengmian was not. Maybe Qiren would know why this was the case, why his mother told him to go to Cloud Recesses and not Lotus Pier, why his mother did not trust Sect Leader Jiang but did trust the brother of Sect Leader Lan. 

Wei Ying sighed, brushing his hands down and smoothening the pale blue robes before grabbing his qiankun pouch and stepping outside the tent. 

The sun was just above the horizon as he watched the Lan disciples pack up their tents and put out the fire. He noticed Lan Xichen walking towards him, a small smile on his face. 

“I see you are awake, I hope your sleep was pleasant.” He spoke, offering a small bow. Wei Ying smiled, bowing back. 

“It was. Thank you for the robes by the way. You wouldn’t um…happen to have an extra forehead ribbon on you, would you?” Wei Ying sheepishly asked, hands clasped behind his back. 

“I do, why do you ask?” 

“I was just thinking that if anyone spotted our little group here I would stick out even in these robes. I’d be the only one without a ribbon.” Xichen nodded as he reached into his sleeve and pulled out a ribbon. He held it in his hands before offering it to Wei Ying. 

“This one is one of my brother’s extras – the one that was with the set of robes you are wearing now. Typically, Lan disciples wear the same ribbon throughout their lifetime – but it is always routine to carry an extra, just in case.” Wei Ying took the ribbon, running a finger over the cloud embroidery. 

“Do these hold a special meaning in the Lan sect?” Xichen hummed. 

“These ribbons hold our restraint. They are only to be touched or removed by ourselves, family, and spouses or fated ones or soulmates – whichever way one chooses to describe such a relationship.” He explained before turning to Lan Shi. “Are we almost ready to leave?” Said Lan nodded. 

“We were simply waiting for Wei-gongzi to wake. If he is ready then so are we.” Wei Ying looked up, hands still clutching the ribbon, eyes wide. 

“Is everything alright?” 

“I’ve um…I’ve never flown on my sword before. I’m afraid I’ll be the one slowing our journey to Cloud Recesses.” Lan Xichen wore a small smile on his face. 

“You are still young, inexperienced, there is no need to worry yourself. We all had to start somewhere.” He gazed around at the Lan disciples, all of them awaiting his command. “It will not matter if it takes us longer to return. You may either attempt to fly on your own or you may ride with me.” Xichen spoke, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword. 

“Lan-gongzi, won’t Lan-laoshi be upset that we will return later than anticipated?” A disciple questioned. Xichen shook his head. 

“Shufu may worry if we return a week late, however one or two days will not cause worry. Especially when he has to hear what Wei Ying has told us.” His eyes glanced down at the ribbon still held in Wei Ying’s hands. “Would you like me to tie it on?” the boy startled. 

“If you don’t mind.” Xichen smiled as he took the ribbon out of his hand and slowly wrapped it around the younger boy’s head – he could hear a couple gasps from the other Lans. 

“Lan-gongzi, why are you-“ 

“Wei Ying expressed that he would stick out among us if he was the only one missing our ribbon, so for his protection he will be wearing one until we are safely inside Cloud Recesses and speaking with Shufu.” He let out a small laugh. “And, it’s A-Zhan’s extra ribbon, so technically I am allowed to do this.” 

Turns out, Wei Ying had nothing to worry about when it came to lengthening the journey to Cloud Recesses. He rode with Lan Xichen the entire time, in constant awe at the older boy’s strength and capability to not only carry two people on his sword but to make the four shichen trip with only one brief stop for a meal.

The group landed at the base of a large staircase, being greeted by a pair of Lan disciples that stood at the entrance before making their way up the stairs. 

“We could’ve flown straight inside, but I thought you would like to have time to shake off any nerves.” Lan Xichen looked over at a waterfall. “And my home is very beautiful. I thought you would like to see all Cloud Recesses has to offer.” Wei Ying smiled, eyes roaming around the scenery as they climbed the stairs. 

“It is very beautiful.” He breathlessly spoke, eyes darting around like a kid at a candy stall. 

The group traveled up the stairs in silence until Wei Ying suddenly stopped walking, eyes widening and jaw slack as he stared at a stone wall – he almost missed the Lan disciples snickering at his reaction. 

“Ah, this is the Wall of Discipline. Currently, the Lan Sect has 3000 principles and-“ 

“There’s so many.” Wei Ying whispered, interrupting Xichen. He quickly turned to him, realizing his mistake.

“I apologize for interrupting. I was aware that Gusu Lan operated with 3000 rules, but seeing it in person, seeing them all written out is a completely unexpected experience.” Xichen smiled at him. 

“Typically, those who see the Wall of Discipline for the first time express shock and question how accurate one can actually follow 3000 rules at the same time – and to tell you the truth, it is impossible. However, what I’ve found is intentions matter, reasons for rule breaking matters. If one carelessly breaks a rule, then their punishment is deserving. If one breaks a rule out of survival, if a situation calls for action that is rule defying, then that reason should also be taken into consideration.” His eyes wandered towards the disciples. “Of course, sometimes one is naturally loud or curious or expressive from the moment they are born and considerations must be taken there as well. Gusu Lan would never want to hinder a person’s natural expression.” A Lan whined. 

“Lan-gongzi!” Lan Shi spoke, putting his head in his hands as his cohorts let out small laughs. Xichen smiled, eyes wandering towards the top of the stairs. 

“It seems we will have to seek out Shufu on our own.” He said as the group finished climbing the stairs – then turning to face the group. 

“Wei Ying and I will go see Shufu, I will give our report then as well. You are all dismissed to spend the rest of today as you desire.” Xichen spoke, offering the group a bow before turning to Wei Ying. “Are you ready?” 

Wei Ying nodded and the pair started walking away. Xichen stopped, looking over his shoulder. 

“Lan Shi, please do let the Healer’s Pavilion know Wei Ying will need medical attention as soon as we are finished speaking with Shufu.” Lan Shi nodded, turning to walk in what Wei Ying assumed was the direction of the Healer’s Pavilion. 

Wei Ying read the name on the nameplate above the door – the Hanshi, the Frost Room. Xichen climbed the short staircase and knocked on the door.

“Shufu? Are you available to speak?” 

“Come in.” Wei Ying heard spoken from the other side of the door and rushed to climb the stairs and stood next to Xichen as he opened the door. 

Contrary to its name, the Hanshi felt warm and inviting. One could easily understand the type of person residing in its walls based on the decorations and scrolls adorning the walls. Sitting at a table, a pot of tea at the center of the table, sat Lan Qiren – whose eyes landed right on Wei Ying as he looked up, eyes widening. 

“Shufu-“ 

“Wei Ying?” the man spoke, slowly rising to his feet. Wei Ying nodded. 

“Shufu, how did you-“ Lan Qiren walked towards them, a hand behind his back. 

“You look just like your father, but you also have your mother’s eyes.” A faint smile crossed his face. “Your hair is styled just as your mother wore. You may be shorter now, but if you are anything like your father, you’ll have a massive growth spirt in a few years.” A tear fell down Wei Ying’s face as he stared at the man – acting Sect Leader Lan. He watched Lan Qiren’s eyes dart to his nephew. 

“How did you meet?” Wei Ying swallowed before stepping forward in a small bow.

“I think I should explain everything.” 

Wei Ying spent the next shichen going through his memories – after his parents’ deaths, the letter his mother left him, his initial hesitancy to travel outside of Yiling in case they came back – eventually morphing into an acquaintance with the small town and its residence, living on the streets, dogs, Sect Leader Jiang finding him after his tenth birthday and taking him back to Lotus Pier. He spoke about the rumors he heard about his parents, never believing them. About how Madam Yu regarded talk about Cangse Sanren in particular, Jiang Fengmian’s borderline obsession with Wei Ying, and finally about the day he was whipped with Zidian. 

He saw an immediate change in Lan Qiren’s expression when he mentioned Zidian. As he continued to explain, the man’s face shifted in anger, fists clenched in his lap as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. 

When Wei Ying finished, there was a long pause before Lan Qiren spoke. 

“Your mother was someone I regarded as a close friend, a confidant of sorts. We met when she attended the guest disciple lectures at fourteen. It was also during those lecture days that she met Wei Changze, though it would be years before those two realized their feelings.” He spoke with a smile, looking down at the tea cup cradled in his hands. 

“Your hesitancy towards Jiang Fengmian and your mother’s distrust is correct. Your father was Fengmian’s right hand, the pair were more often seen together than apart, and thus, he and Tengfei often interacted.” Wei Ying looked at him, a slight tilt in his head. 

“Tengfei?” Qiren stared at him, trying to read his expression, before his eyes widened. 

“Do you not know your mother’s name? Is Cangse Sanren the only name you know that belongs to your mother?” he practically whispered, eyes wide as he watched the boy nod. 

“Fengmian never told you anything about your parents, did he?” Wei Ying swallowed. 

“Speaking of my parents was forbidden, especially if Madam Yu was around. Jiang-shu-Sect Leader Jiang tried telling me stories, but he would always start but then get hyper focused on one detail and only spoke about that – usually it left me feeling uncomfortable.” He explained. 

“What would he focus on?” Xichen spoke, picking up and taking a sip of his tea. Wei Ying shrugged.

“Sometimes it would be about how I had my mother’s eyes and how sometimes he almost addressed me as her, that made me uncomfortable for sure. Another time he spoke at length about how I was learning the Jiang fighting style and how he watched my father teach my mother, specifically standing behind her and correcting her form. I think after that I stopped asking him, and found ways to get out of those conversations.” Wei Ying paused, playing with the hem of his sleeve. 

“I want to learn more about them. But the way Sect Leader Jiang would speak about them implied that he wished he was in my father’s position, that I was his son. And I knew my mother did not trust him, so it left a bad taste in my mouth when he would speak about her.” Lan Qiren hummed, refilling his cup. 

“Baoli Tengfei was her name. She was taken in by Baoshan Sanren when she was four years old, she didn’t remember how her family died. The immortal took her in and raised her as a cultivator, learning a variety of fighting styles, but your mother preferred talismanic fighting – she was extremely gifted in the art of talisman creation. Contrary to what the other sects and cultivation world believes, she was allowed to descend and return to the mountain on certain occasions – the guest disciple lectures, for example. It wasn’t until she was seventeen that she left the mountain and never returned, but she told me once she was allowed to return only out of absolute necessity.” Lan Qiren scoffed. 

“Believing someone like Baoshan Sanren would banish and forbid her students from returning to the mountain – their home – is something I have always found absurd. Outsiders were not allowed in, but Tengfei once told me that if she hadn’t fallen in love with Changze, she would’ve returned the day she turned twenty.” He paused, staring at Wei Ying. 

“The next part of this story pertains as to why she does not trust Jiang Fengmian, it is not a pleasant story. Are you certain you wish to hear it now and not at a later time?” he softly spoke. Wei Ying nodded, his hands clasping together in his lap as he took a deep breath. 

“Your mother’s birthday is close to yours – October 23 rd – and on her twentieth, she was in Lotus Pier with Changze and Fengmian. I couldn’t make it to Lotus Pier at the time, but Tengfei told me she would come by Cloud Recesses after she left Lotus Pier. This…this is a direct story, she told me herself.” Qiren paused, eyes darting between Wei Ying and his nephew. 

“Tengfei told me that Fengmian’s father, the Jiang Sect Leader at the time, had Changze running out an important delivery order to a merchant shop just outside of Lotus Pier, so she was alone with Fengmian. She and Changze had, at this point in time, been secretly courting for three years. They wanted to wait until Changze was no longer serving the Jiang Sect to make any announcements, but I had known since the second they had confessed – Fengmian, of course, had no idea they harbored any romantic feelings for each other.” 

“She told me that Fengmian had a present for her and led her back to his chambers – a room that was in a far corner of Lotus Pier. Fengmian had gifted her a comb with the largest smile on his face. Tengfei admitted that she did in fact like the comb, and the one she had been using broke a week prior, so she thanked him for the gift and pocketed the comb, turning to leave the room. Fengmian grabbed her arm, practically pulling her to his side – there were bruises on her arms from it.”

!!!!

“Hey! That hurts!” Baoli Tengfei exclaimed, attempting to jerk her arm out of Jiang Fengmian’s grasp. He smiled at her. 

“You liked my comb? You understand what gifting a comb means, don’t you?” he whispered into her ear, chills ran down her whole body as he softly caressed her hair. She met the eyes of the Jiang Sect Heir, and for the first time in a while, fear coursed through her veins under his gaze. 

“It was a thoughtful gift. The one I was using just broke last week.” She whispered, body tensing as he wrapped an arm around her waist. 

“Accepting a comb is an acceptance of courting.” He whispered, brushing the hair off of her shoulder, the red ribbon she wore tangling in his fingers. 

“I-“ 

“Tengfei, we’ve known each other for years. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed my affection for you?” 

She froze at those words. Never once did Baoli Tengfei ever see Jiang Fengmian as a potential love interest or partner, nor did she ever pick up on any affection the man may have had towards her. The initial shock of his actions slowly wore off as she used her free hand to hit some of his pressure points, forcing him to let go of her other arm. 

Unfortunate for her, Fengmian stood between her and the door – she would have to fight her way out of this room. Fengmian looked at her, shock crossing his face.

“Tengfei-“ 

“Don’t!” she shouted, hands fisted at her sides, internally regretting the fact that she left her sword in the guest room she was staying in. 

Fengmian took a step towards her. 

“A-Teng, I know you’ve liked me since the moment we met. Always using Changze as an excuse to be around me. You don’t have to hide anymore, your feelings are reciprocated.” He spoke, a wide smile on his face. 

He took another step.

“I don’t know how you ever got an impression I harbored any romantic feelings towards you.” 

She took a step back. 

“What do you mean? You don’t have to feel embarrassed to be having such thoughts A-Teng.” 

He took a step. 

“I have never thought of you in any way other than friendly.” 

She took a step. 

“We could change that. You could learn to love me. How about being the Madam of Lotus Pier? When I become sect leader, you could have anything you wanted!” 

He took a-

“I will never love you!” 

She took a-

“Oh A-Teng-“ 

He took-

“Stop calling me that!” 

He-

Baoli Tengfei’s back hit the wall, Jiang Fengmian’s arms bracketing her against the wood. Her eyes were wide as she stared at him, watching his eyes widen as a grin crossed his face. 

“Now, what do we have here? Someone who is entirely capable of kicking my ass on a regular basis is suddenly unable to defend herself?” he said as he stroked a hand down her cheek, cupping her face. 

“It almost seems like you do want this, don’t you think?” he whispered into her ear as a hand slowly raked up her chest. 

In one fluid motion, she grabbed the hand off of her breast and spun Fengmian around, pinning him against the wall. He smirked at her. 

“So you are capable of defending yourself, but you know what? Planning is much more effective when you are able to anticipate your opponent’s moves.” He kicked a foot back, aiming for Tengfei’s knee – a childhood injury left it as a weak point. 

When Tengfei fell to her knees, Fengmian spun around and knocked her back onto the bed, hovering over her before hitting a pressure point at the base of her spine that would render her legs immobile for half a shichen. With one hand, he pinned her arms above her head, almost taking pleasure in watching her torso squirm as she tried freeing herself. 

She felt his free hand raking over her body, dirtying it with every movement. The sudden feeling of cold air on her chest made her scream for help – he laughed, leaning close to her ear. 

“Those silencing talismans you created certainly do come in handy – along with those warding talismans as well.” He whispered as she felt the temperature in the room drop. 

The events of the following thirty minutes would come to be something only Qiren and Changze would know about. Baoli Tengfei tried blocking out every single moment, every touch, every caress, every thrust, every scream, every tear she shed in that room. Once she regained control of her legs, Fengmian had already finished and put his robes back on. 

When he left the room, she was left with nothing more than her own emotions. 

She couldn’t cry, not here, not in Lotus Pier, not without Changze or Qiren by her side. She knew Changze was on a delivery mission from Sect Leader Jiang and said he wouldn’t return until tomorrow. Qiren was five shichen away in Cloud Recesses. Tengfei did not trust her ability to safely fly to Gusu – she barely trusted her own capabilities of walking out of the room. 

To think that her own inventions, her own talismans, would be used against her in such a malicious way? That someone like Fengmian would do something like that? She expected that behavior from Jin Guangshan, but never Fengmian. 

Right, talismans. She had been working on a teleportation talisman. 

Quickly putting her robes back on, ignoring how disgusting and dirty she felt in them, Tengfei rummaged through Fengmian’s desk – finding a blank talisman. With no cinnabar within her sight, she bit the tip of her finger and hastily drew on her experimental design before infusing the talisman with her spiritual energy, watching the talisman glow a light red. 

!!!!

“She was disheveled when she suddenly appeared in front of me, luckily I was in my quarters at the time, so there was complete privacy. Tengfei fell into my arms sobbing. I’ll never forget that sound, her just being so broken and not knowing what to do, thinking that Changze would think differently of her or that she had betrayed their courtship – that Fengmian would tell him a different story.” Lan Qiren softly spoke, watching tears pour down Wei Ying and his nephew’s faces – he himself wiping away a few tears. 

“When Changze returned to Lotus Pier the following day and Tengfei wasn’t there, he became concerned. I was able to send word to him quickly that she was in Cloud Recesses, that he needed to gather her things and come here if he wanted to see her.” Qiren took a sip of his tea, coating his dry throat. 

“When Changze found out-“ 

“He left Lotus Pier and renounced his position.” Wei Ying whispered, tears freely flowing down his face as he looked up at the older man – who nodded. 

“It was a huge shock to Lotus Pier, and the rest of the cultivation world. Everyone knew about Wei Changze, how close knit the main Jiang family was. To see someone who appeared to be held in such high regards completely abandon his station for seemingly no reason? Rumors flew around for months.” Qiren set his cup down, looking in thought as he ran a hand over his beard. 

“What did Sect Leader Jiang – Jiang Fengmian – say about it?” Xichen asked, wiping the tears that had fallen down his face. Qiren sighed. 

“He acted completely shocked. Fengmian actually came here, demanding that he knew Tengfei was here and he demanded to speak with her.” 

“He stormed into Cloud Recesses after knowing what he had done?” 

“It was quite a dramatic moment. Of course, he was told she was not here, that no one knew where she would be, that at one point she was here but had left so long ago that she could’ve been anywhere.” Qiren glanced at the quiet boy, watching tears fall down his face. 

“You were actually born here.” He looked up. Qiren smiled. 

“Your mother and Xichen and Wangji’s mother were quite close. Tengfei stayed with Qiaolian in the Gentian House. She stayed there for a year after her assault, barely seeing anyone other than Changze and myself. After that year, she decided to move into the guest room of my residence where Changze had been staying. She actually found out she was pregnant on Wangji’s 100 day celebration.” He spoke with a huff, a small smile on his face. Wei Ying looked up at him, eyes wide. 

“If I was born here, can Gusu Lan lay claim to me?” he spoke softly, almost fearful of not only his own words but of the response. Qiren’s eyes widened as his hand dropped to his lap. 

“We can.” He mumbled, eyes darting to Xichen. “Xichen, Lan Rui should know where birth records are kept, ask her to find and bring me the book from the year Wangji was born.” Xichen nodded as he stood, bowing to the pair before quickly – not running – leaving the Hanshi. Qiren turned to Wei Ying. 

“There may be some paperwork to deal with, but we will be able to claim you as you were not only born in Gusu Lan territory but in Cloud Recesses – I was the one who signed your birth certificate, we should have a copy of it. Logistically, our claim would only override the Jiang’s if it was your choi-“ 

“They never claimed me.” Wei Ying muttered, hands fisted in his lap – again, forgetting about the wound on his hand and wincing. 

“They…so Jiang Fengmian took you off the streets of Yiling and just brought you to Lotus Pier? He never gave you a formal position or claimed guardianship over you?” Qiren’s eyes were wide as he spoke. Wei Ying nodded. 

“I don’t think Madam Yu would’ve let him take any responsibility for me. And…and knowing what I do know now I’m glad she never let him.” Wei Ying wiped a stray tear. “I was told that if I earned it, I could’ve been Head Disciple, but I heard some of the elders speaking one day about how even if I was given that position I wouldn’t be given the benefits that came with it, how they wouldn’t even tell me about them just so I wouldn’t know they were supposed to be my right as Head Disciple.” Qiren scoffed, causing Wei Ying to look up at the man. 

“Well, then I’m glad you’re here. Tengfei would be devastated if that had happened to you. She watched the ways the Jiang elders treated Changze – she went on and on about them to me multiple times. Changze was given half the pay his station called for, he was denied having a private home and rather was given one of the guest rooms. He essentially became an errand boy of the Jiangs – we were trying to find ways to get him to leave before Fengmian did what he did.” 

Wei Ying watched the man his mother saw as a confidant shake his head, eyes looking towards a window. Something had settled in his chest as Lan Qiren spoke of his mother’s assault. A deep rooted distrust for Jiang Fengmian now seemed completely justified, all the attention he would give Wei Ying, how he was invested in Wei Ying from the second he stepped foot in Lotus Pier. Sect Leader Jiang could’ve sent him to the Lotus Pier orphanages, had one of the elder’s take him in, but he took him back to Lotus Pier proper, the main Jiang estate. Wei Ying became friends with his children, he trained with their disciples, he was given his own room. 

But never his own place. 

No matter how long Wei Ying had spent in Lotus Pier, he always felt othered – like there was a secret conversation about keeping him close enough to make him comfortable but not close enough that he could be considered family. 

But here, sitting in front of Lan Qiren, hearing him speak of his mother so openly, kindly, fondly, with actual grief at her death. 

There was no comparing the two. 

“What…what would be my position here? Would I be allowed to stay here in Cloud Recesses?” he softly spoke, shoulders stiff as if he feared the answer. Qiren looked back at him. 

“That would depend on what you want. You could be adopted by one of the Lan families here in Cloud Recesses or in Caiyi. However, if you want my personal opinion, I would want you to be my ward. You would be under my guardianship, I would take responsibility for you, but without a formal adoption out of respect for your parents – but my legal authority over you would be just as if I had.” The man softly spoke, a small sad smile on his face as he watched fresh tears fall down Wei Ying’s face. 

“And after that?” he managed to choke out. 

“After that, you would stay here in Cloud Recesses, join the junior disciple classes and any others you may have strength in – if you are anything like your mother, you’ll have her affinity towards talismans. You would stay in the disciple dorms until you’re twenty, likely you would be given your own residence. If you were to become my ward, there would be other sect based expectations set on you – mainly aiding myself and attending the discussion conferences with me while I am acting Sect Leader.” The softness and tenderness of his voice calmed Wei Ying’s skyrocketing nerves. 

He would have a place here. A role. A home. People who he knew would treat him like family. 

He nodded, a small watery smile on his face. 

“I would like that.” He spoke, his voice breaking. Qiren sighed. 

“Good, good.” 

“If I were staying in the disciple dorms, would I be in a room by myself or would I be rooming with someone?” he suddenly questioned, watching as the older man paused. 

“I believe Wangji is currently in a room by himself. You could choose to share a room with him or we could make accommodations for you to have your own room if that is something you want.” Wei Ying quickly shook his head. 

“No, I’d like to room with someone. Wangji is A-Zhan right? Lan Xichen’s younger brother, the one who is similar in age to me?” Wei Ying looked down at his robes. “The owner of these robes.” Qiren hummed. 

“I wondered where Xichen got you a set of Lan robes on such short notice. Yes, A-Zhan is Wangji. His thirteenth birthday is in two months and he will be bestowed the courtesy name Wangji. I have simply been getting used to saying it in preparation.” Wei Ying nodded. 

“So disciples are given courtesy names at thirteen?” Qiren nodded, looking in thought for a moment before speaking. 

“Typically, twelve is when swords are given and thirteen, courtesy names. I am aware that the Jin Sect does both at the age of twelve. I believe in one of your mother’s letters to me, I will let you read them as soon as you’d like, she mentioned your courtesy name.” Wei Ying’s eyes widened. 

“She had a courtesy name picked out?” Qiren let out a small huff. 

“Your mother, from the second she found out she was expecting, had your entire life planned out. She wanted you to be happy, to be loved and to know love. Whether you became a well-known cultivator – or a cultivator at all – did not matter to her. Tengfei told me she wanted you to attend the lectures just as she had, that she and Changze had planned on having your formal education be done here once you turned six.” Qiren reached up and wiped a tear that had fallen down his face. 

“She would go on and on about how she knew you would be smart, capable, talented – and if you weren’t? That did not matter, you would be loved all the same. Tengfei and Changze had plans on traveling the cultivation world, of taking you to all their favorite places, letting you be exposed to the world around you before settling down either in Cloud Recesses or Caiyi – they hadn’t yet decided.” He looked across the table at Wei Ying, watching tears fall down the boy’s face. 

“Your parents would be proud of the cultivator you have become, of how capable you are. Even here, I have heard about the things you have done in Lotus Pier. How you had taken the younger Jiang disciples that had been written off as incapable of learning cultivation and training them yourself, of how compassionate and caring you are towards them, how their parents have praised you for understanding their children when others have deemed them incapable due to not being able to learn the typical way.” Qiren smiled. “Your father did just the same when he was your age.” 

“Your parents wanted you happy. As cultivators, the thought of having children can be daunting. Night hunting can cause deadly accidents, there can be cultivation accidents, inter-Sect fighting. Every parent has to deal with the thought that something could happen to them, leaving their child without a parent. But Tengfei and Changze…they knew that if something happened to them, they had allies – people they could trust with their child.” Qiren reached across the table, taking Wei Ying’s hand. 

“What was important to Tengfei and Changze was that you were happy, that you were loved. It didn’t matter to them who you loved, who made you happy, who you choose to spend your life with, the friends you make, the family you choose, where you live, whether you gave them grandchildren or not. They loved you , nothing you could have ever done would’ve made them disappointed in you.” he softly spoke, lightly squeezing the boy’s hand before letting go. 

The pair sat in silence. Wei Ying looked across at the man who had just offered a whole new life for him, someone who had offered not only to allow him to live in Cloud Recesses but who offered and wanted Wei Ying to become his ward. Wei Ying was wanted here, he was welcomed, he was allowed to stay with the disciples, he would be given a formal education, given a proper sect position. 

Somewhere stable. 

Somewhere his parents wanted him to grow up in. 

What would it have been like? Wei Ying wonders. To have grown up in Cloud Recesses rather than the streets of Yiling. To grow up in a place his parents clearly loved. With people his parents trusted. In a safe, loving, caring environment. 

To grow up in a place where he would flourish. Where he would thrive. Where he would be loved. 

“Will you forge me a new sword?” he quickly blurted out, a hand coming up and covering his mouth the second the words flew out, eyes wide as he watched Lan Qiren hold the same expression. 

“What?” Wei Ying slowly removed the hand from his mouth, held his head high, and met Qiren’s wide eyed gaze. 

“Sect Leader Jiang picked the sword I have now, he even picked the name because I couldn’t decide on one.” His hands in his lap fidgeted. “Typically it is the parents who pick out their child’s sword, who would have the name engraved on the blade. I’ve only had Suibian for a week, I’m barely acquainted with her. Knowing what Sect Leader Jiang has done to my parents, how he treated me, I…I don’t want a sword that was chosen by him, that was named by him.” He swallowed. 

“I would rather have the next closest person to my parents have the honor of bestowing me my sword – not someone who has caused so much pain to my family.”

Wei Ying’s eyes widened as he saw tears flow down Lan Qiren’s face, the man reaching up and quickly wiping them away before speaking. 

“I would love to have that honor.” Qiren spoke, a small smile on his face.

Chapter Text

The pair were interrupted by the door suddenly opening, Lan Xichen and Lan Rui walking into the room. Xichen sat next to his uncle as Lan Rui stood at the head of the table – a small book in her hands. She donned a smile on her face as she looked at Wei Ying. 

“It’s so welcomed to see you A-Ying.” She spoke, bowing to him. 

“Were you able to find-“ 

“Qiren, do you doubt my abilities? How long have I been working here? I’ve delivered hundreds of babies in the decades I’ve lived here. Other than A-Zhan and A-Huan, A-Ying is among the most important babies I have delivered – and I was even present for your birth.” Said man scoffed as he extended a hand towards the book in her hands, Lan Rui gave it to him. 

“You were barely a teenager.”

“I was a healer in training and you were the first birth my eyes horribly got to experience. Every day I look at you and wonder just exactly how you went from such a slimy newborn to a rigid old man.” She looked down at Wei Ying. “A-Ying, however, is just as adorable. Maybe you should’ve taken some tips from A-Fei and A-Ze, then you would’ve be such a prickly man in your old years.” Lan Rui bowed to the three men before turning around and leaving the Hanshi – saying how she had patients waiting and would be ready to treat Wei Ying once they were finished. Qiren grumbled. 

“That woman is always finding some way to belittle me.” He mumbled, placing the book onto the desk and flipping to the ‘October’ section. 

“In Rui-qianbei’s defense Shufu, you always walk right into her traps.” Xichen spoke, covering his smile with his sleeve. 

Wei Ying watched as Lan Qiren pulled out a section of the book, both his and his parents’ names inscribed in an upper corner. Qiren closed the book and pushed it aside, laying out the pages he had taken across the table in front of them. Tears fell down Wei Ying’s face as he spotted his birth certificate – with both Wei Changze and Baoli Tengfei’s signatures on it – but what really made him cry was the drawing Lan Qiren specifically placed in front of him. 

It was him, his mother, and his father. 

“The Wei Family – 100 days after the birth of Wei Ying.” 

He was in his mother’s arms, his father stood behind her as they sat in front of a tree. They were adorned in thick winter coats, their cheeks red. They were in Cloud Recesses and if Wei Ying didn’t already know that, the colors of their clothing would’ve given it away. 

Cloud embroidery covered the couple’s shoulders, Wei Ying was wrapped in a light blue blanket. A red ribbon was holding his mother’s hair in place, the tail cascading down her shoulder and being held in the infant’s hand. 

Wei Ying covered his mouth as a sob escaped, pulling his knees to his chest and sobbing into them. He felt hands on both his shoulders as he was pulled into a chest, arms wrapping around him.

“Let it all out A-Ying.” Lan Qiren whispered, raking a hand through his hair as he sobbed into his chest. 

Wei Ying cried. He cried for his parents, for his mother, for his father, for the life they had together, for the life they could’ve had together. 

For his lost upbringing in Cloud Recesses, for his time spent on the streets of Yiling, for his years spent in Lotus Pier. 

All the lost memories, all the lost potential memories. 

For not remembering what his mother’s voice sounded like, for forgetting how his father’s face looked, for Jiang Fengmian not telling him anything about his parents. 

Wei Ying cried for what could have been, what should have been . What the world had taken from him, what life he could have lived, who could have taught him, the friends he could have made, relationships he could have formed. 

Wei Ying cried for Lan Qiren, for Baoshan Sanren, for his father’s family, for his mother’s family, for the lack of ancestral tablets adorning his mother or father’s name, for any potential siblings he could have had if his parents’ lives were not cut short, for Lan Qiaolian. 

For himself. 

For himself.

After what felt like an eternity, Wei Ying pulled back from Lan Qiren, wiping the tears from his face as he looked back down at the portrait. 

“She’s beautiful.” He whispered, causing another tear to fall down his face. 

“She is.” Qiren mumbled, reaching over and picking up the portrait. “Your mother specifically asked for a portrait to be drawn. She didn’t have any recollection of her own parents and always said that even if she had one, just one portrait of her mother and father then she would feel a little more at peace.” He let out of soft laugh. “Changze fought her on where it should be done, they almost didn’t pick a place in time and had to reschedule the whole thing.” 

“Who picked in front of the tree?” 

“Tengfei. Changze wanted somewhere inside due to the cold weather – and a massive snow storm was approaching. He wanted to be inside the library, but Tengfei stood her ground. This tree still stands, it is at the center of Cloud Recesses.” Qiren set the portrait back onto the table. “You are free to keep this, if you wish, or it will simply stay with your file among our records.” Wei Ying nodded. 

“I’d like to keep it here. At least, I know it is here if I ever want to see it.” His eyes traced the edges of the page. “It’s safe here, no one can take it away from me.” He whispered, sniffling. 

“Understood, it will always be available whenever you wish to see it. Simply ask Lan Rui or myself and we can let you see it whenever you wish.” Qiren said as he reached across the desk for the birth certificate, letting out a hum. 

“Uncle?” 

“Nothing is wrong Xichen. My signature is on Wei Ying’s birth certificate. He will be able to be claimed by Gusu Lan and myself without any issue – especially when the Jiangs never claimed him.” He looked up at Xichen. “Did Lan Rui bring-“ 

“The paperwork? No, she told me that would be something that needed to be done after she has seen Wei Ying. Yes, she knew you’d be upset, but given what Lan Shi told her about Wei Ying’s back, she felt it was necessary.” Xichen explained, a small smile on his face as he watched his uncle frown before he stood. 

“Right. We should have your wounds assessed and then we should find Wangji – A-Ying wishes to share his room for the foreseeable future. It is only right that we ask Wangji what he thinks.” Xichen nodded as he and Wei Ying stood. 

“I do not see why A-Zhan would say no, however he does value his space.” Xichen paused, turning to Wei Ying. “My brother may seem quiet and rude, but I assure you Wei Ying, he is a good kid.” Wei Ying smiled. 

“It’s alright. If he does not wish to share his room, I will not force him to. I can share with someone else if room is available or I can be by myself.” He said, shrugging as he followed the pair outside. 

The trek across Cloud Recesses was not long, but every second Wei Ying’s eyes darted around – building to building, tree to tree. He imagined his parents walking on the pathways, a child running ahead of them or walking with them. His mother standing below a tree branch, hands extended towards a toddler A-Ying hanging upside down off a branch. 

He could imagine his mother’s laughter echoing across the quiet mountain, the disciples bowing to them as they crossed paths, the family of three sitting below a tree during the middle of spring – a small picnic laid out around them. 

He could imagine sitting with his parents, Lan Qiren, Lan Xichen, his brother, and their mother. Never having a boring day, learning among the other disciples, night hunting with them. 

Cloud Recesses was not like Lotus Pier, he could tell that much from the small amount he has seen. They are quieter, but unlike what some people may think, there is no air of superiority. Disciples help one another without hesitation, without expecting anything in return – because that is what they have grown up believing. 

That doing the right thing, regardless of reward or prestige, is always going to be the right choice. Lan Xichen said as much as they passed the Wall of Discipline – the rules that may be broken require context, if it is a just breakage, it is still the right thing to do. 

Wei Ying liked that. 

He liked the emphasis on reasoning, that intentions mattered here, that reasons for breaking rules were not excused as excuses but rather looked at as explanations of behavior. 

Any rule of Madam Yu’s he broke, whether he had a reason or not, was always seen as defiant behavior – worthy of punishment. She didn’t listen to him when he took his arm out from behind his back to prevent himself from being injured, why would she listen to him any time after that – likely, she would always find the smallest reasons to justify any punishment she gave, and no one would question her for fear of the same punishment.

Not to mention how neither Jiang Cheng or Jiang Yanli would take him seriously. Jiang Cheng would simply state he deserved any punishment his mother gave him, that she was just in her punishments. Jiang Yanli had told him that he needed to be more aware of his behavior, that her mother would not punish him if he only abided by her rules – most of which either only applied to him or were never spoken, just expected of him to know. 

When Yanli was dressing his wounds, gentle hands dabbing a damp cloth across his back, she spoke of how her mother was harsh but it was just how she was. 

“A-Ying, A-Niang has always been this way. She just wants her disciples to be their best, she won’t take anything less than the best.” She softly spoke, ringing out the cloth into bloodied water. 

“It was Jiang Cheng’s fault, though, Shijie. He swiped his feet and took bo-“

“A-Ying, A-Cheng was only doing what he saw you doing. I’m sure he feels just as bad for what happened.” 

Wei Ying knew he didn’t, Jiang Cheng would say as much later that day. 

As he laid in the infirmary, looking down at the wooden floors beneath him as he laid on his stomach, the Jiang Heir stormed into the room, a scowl on his face. He stopped right in front of him, arms crossed over his chest – waiting for Wei Ying to look up at him. 

“Seriously? I’m standing right in front of you and you can’t even bother to show enough decency to address me?” He scoffed. “If you’re showing me this much insubordination, then you truly do deserve the state you’re in.” He knelt down, looking Wei Ying in the eyes. 

“If you want to know what I think, mother did not punish you nearly as hard as you deserved. She gave you explicit directions, even if you were about to be killed you should have never thought to defy her.” He let out a laugh as he stood up. “Better get used to the feeling, her punishments will only increase from today on.” Jiang Cheng crossed the room, turning his head to look at Wei Ying as he stood in the doorframe. 

“Maybe, if you’re lucky, the next time she punishes you, you’ll learn and become a more deserving disciple.” He rolled his eyes. “Not like you have a good example, your father abandoned the Jiang Sect and look where he ended up.” 

A tear fell down Wei Ying’s face as the Jiang Heir left the room slamming the door behind him. It was in that moment, a tear falling down his face and splashing onto the floor, that he remembered his mother’s letter. As he tried to sit up, suppressing his groans, he looked down at the bandages that wrapped around his chest and knew he couldn’t live here – that if Madam Yu’s punishments were only going to get worse from this point on, he would likely die at her hand. 

“Wei Ying?” Lan Qiren spoke, pulling him out of his thoughts. He looked up at the man, noticing that they were now inside a building, a white cot in front of him. 

“You disappeared on us A-Ying,” Lan Rui spoke, gesturing for him to sit down on the cot. Wei Ying looked down at his hands. 

“Sorry, I spaced out for a second.” He mumbled, taking off his outer robe before sitting down. Lan Rui had a small smile on her face as she looked down at him. 

“That’s alright, you’ve had an intense couple of days, it’s understandable.” She turned and nodded to Lan Shi, a basket of medical supplied in his hands. “Qiren is going to go into my office and fill out the required paperwork to officially make you a Lan disciple, Xichen has left to go find A-Zhan, and A-Shi and I will assess your back and ask you some questions – if that’s alright with you.” she softly explained, kneeling down to Wei Ying’s level as she spoke, resting a hand on his knee. He nodded. 

“We’re going to be as gentle as we can, okay? And we need you to be as honest as possible with your answers, don’t worry about omitting information because it may make someone look bad – nothing you tell us will leave this room.” Wei Ying nodded, carefully peeling off his inner robe and letting it pool at his waist before taking off the forehead ribbon Lan Xichen had let him borrow. 

He saw Lan Shi walk around the cot, a pair of scissors in his hands. The cold metal moved down his sides, cutting into the bandages that had been applied the day prior. 

“A-Ying, can you tell me how exactly you received these injuries?” she spoke, slowly unwrapping the bandage around his left hand. 

“Sect Heir Jiang and I were sparring, we just got our swords and were eager to use them.” He looked down at his hands. “I kept beating him, with clearly less effort than he was using. Madam Yu started watching us and after I kept beating him, she crossed the training grounds and demanded that I fight with one hand behind my back if I dared to be such a show off.” He paused, swallowing as she met his gaze. 

“She said ‘If you deem yourself such a superior fighter, even better than a Sect Heir of one of the great sects, then fight with your left hand behind your back. Sons of servants and whores should never show off and be as self-conceited as to believe themselves greater than an heir.’ ” He paused, taking a shaky breath. “The next fight, said heir tried swiping my feet out from under me, but only ended up knocking us both down. His sword was about to run through my shoulder, I had to pull my hand out from behind my back and grab the blade to prevent myself from being injured.” A tear fell down his face. 

“And she punished you because in order to save yourself, you defied her rule?” He nodded. Lan Rui closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she held his left hand between her own, a light glow emitting from them. 

“A-Ying, nothing like that will ever happen here. Never will you be told that your status should dictate your skill level. The fact that Madam Yu spoke of your mother as a whore and dismissed the fact that she is the disciple of an immortal,” she scoffed, “Excellency is in your blood. Your father was an exceptional swordsman, your mother was a master of talismans – even being the creator of talismans that are still regularly used here in Cloud Recesses. Even if one day you develop the skills to be able to defeat A-Huan, that will be celebrated as a great achievement, not something to be punished for.” 

She opened her eyes, her hands no longer glowing as she pulled her hands apart, examining her work. The cuts on Wei Ying’s palm were almost completely healed, two light pink scars remained. 

Wei Ying nodded, his mind in a daze as he looked down at the scars on his hand – yet more scars the Jiang Sect has left on him – as he saw Lan Rui stand up, her warm hands lightly touching the whip marks along his back. He heard her speaking, but his ears rang.

Wei Ying ran his finger across the scars that crossed his hand. The bottom one went cleanly across his palm – right above his thumb joint and almost crossing the base of his wrist. While the other covered his four fingers, they would line up if he held his hand correctly. Two straight line scars from Jiang Cheng’s sword, Sandu he had named it. 

There was a moment in time where Wei Ying would be coming up with excuse after excuse, finding a reason to shift the blame from the true perpetrator onto himself – and he had a lot of practice when it came to the Jiang Heir. Almost every time they got in trouble, except for the very first time, Wei Ying had taken the blame entirely onto himself – explaining how Jiang Cheng had only been watching, that he hadn’t come up with the idea, that he had just shown up, that he was trying to stop Wei Ying, that it was Wei Ying’s carelessness that something broke – but never was it Jiang Cheng’s fault. 

It almost always was, however. 

The first time the pair had broken something they had been ten – Wei Ying had only been living in Lotus Pier for a few months. 

In Wei Ying’s defense, he didn’t have the layout of Lotus Pier committed to memory yet, there were still some areas he was not allowed to enter alone. 

So when Jiang Cheng grabbed his hand, dragging him towards a section he knew he wasn’t supposed to go into – and neither was Jiang Cheng – he tried to tell him to stop. 

“What? Are you a wimp? There’s no reason we aren’t allowed to enter the Ancestral Hall on our own. I see A-Niang and A-Die enter all the time!” the child spoke, a scowl on his face as he dragged them into the Jiang Ancestral Hall. 

Wei Ying looked around at the tablets that adorned the walls, the incense lit at the centermost column – no doubt holding the names of former Sect Leaders. 

Wei Ying stood, hands clasped behind his back, unmoving from just one step outside the entrance. He watched as Jiang Cheng walked around, carelessly. 

He winced as he watched the sect heir jump off the path and walk close to the farthest column on the left, running his gross, bacteria infested hands on the names engraved on the memorial tablets. 

He turned away for a second. 

Just one second. 

There was a crash. 

Eyes wide, Wei Ying turned towards the sound, seeing half a memorial tablet in Jiang Cheng’s hand – the rest of it shattered onto the floor. There was a gasp from behind him, he turned around to see Madam Yu’s eyes on him – as if he was the one who did something wrong – before turning to her son. 

“A-Cheng!” The child jumped, dropping the rest of the tablet as his mother approached him. 

“Both of you, the receiving hall, right now!” 

In the end, Jiang Cheng had been punished for breaking the tablet – and Wei Ying had been punished for simply being in the Ancestral Hall. His punishment, however, was not as severe as the other’s had been – and he was not happy about that. 

Wei Ying was yelled at, by the same child who had gotten them both in trouble, for not taking the blame. For not saying it was not Jiang Cheng’s fault they were in the Ancestral Hall, for not saying something anything that would’ve made the blame fall onto him. For not standing up to his mother, instead of just sitting in silence and taking her yelling. 

Jiang Cheng had expected Wei Ying to stick out his own neck for the Sect Heir’s mistakes, to make up some type of story that exonerated the sect heir from any wrong doings – taking all the blame onto himself.

Even the day before Wei Ying had left the Jiang Sect, Jiang Cheng had told him he deserved the punishment, that he should’ve let the sword run through him rather than disobey Madam Yu. 

Wei Ying’s back felt warm. 

He looked up when he heard a small gasp, eyes meeting a set of golden ones as they stood in the doorway. Wei Ying’s own widened. 

“You…” 

“You.” 

The others in the room looked at the pair with confusion. 

“A-Zhan, do you know Wei Ying?” Lan Xichen spoke as he stood next to his brother – Wei Ying didn’t even notice his presence until he spoke. 

Ah, so this was Lan Zhan. 

He nodded, eyes never leaving Wei Ying’s. 

“Do you remember when we traveled with Shufu when I was eight?” Xichen nodded. “Shufu bought me a paddle drum when we were in Yiling, and then got upset with me later because I had given it to another child.” Lan Zhan explained, turning to watch recognition flood his older brother’s face. 

Wei Ying watched as Lan Xichen’s face turned to him, eyes wide, before turning back to his brother. Before he could speak, Wei Ying’s eyes widened as he reached for the qiankun pouch in his robes – pulling out a small paddle drum, a flower drawn on the center. He stared at it, lightly twisting it in his hand before looking back at the brothers. 

“Well, fate certainly works in mysterious ways.” Xichen spoke, an air of awe in his voice before he coughed, turning to Lan Rui as she stood behind Wei Ying. 

“Rui-qianbei, how are Wei Ying’s wounds?” The older woman sighed, removing her hands from his back and sitting next to him on the bed. 

“He’ll heal. A-Ying will need to have his bandages changed at least once every two days, preferably every day. Given what I know of Madam Yu’s spiritual weapon, when she used it on Wei Ying she meant to cause long term damage,” She watched everyone’s eyes widen, “Long term as in it would take A-Ying a while to heal, not as in permanent damage. It appears, Madam Yu greatly underestimated your spiritual energy. While you will be unable to move like normal for at least two weeks, I assume she meant to incapacitate you for at least two months given the energy residue left inside the wounds.” Lan Rui took a deep breath. 

“They will leave scars, but over time, with consistent treatments from our healers, we can reduce the scarring to almost nothing.” 

“How long will that take?” Lan Zhan asked, hands clasped behind his back. 

“If he stays on schedule? After being cleared by myself, he will need weekly treatment coupled with mediation in the cold springs for a year.” She glanced at Wei Ying. “I suspect, however, he will need to be reminded constantly to stay on schedule.” 

A light laugh came from the back of the room as Lan Qiren came out of Lan Rui’s office, a small stack of papers in his hands. 

“If he is anything like his mother, even if you remind him right before it happens – he’ll still find a way to get distracted.” 

“A-Fei was a genius, but her brain moved a million miles an hour. How A-Ze kept up with her, I’ll never know.” The healer spoke as she stood, walking towards Qiren. “Did you get everything filled out?” Qiren nodded, handing the papers to her. 

“Everything is finalized. All that is left is Wei Ying’s signature and approval – and general information.” Qiren looked at his nephews. “Has Wangji been asked?” 

“He hasn’t given an answ-“ 

“Wei Ying can room with me. I do not mind sharing.” Lan Zhan interrupted, slightly turning his head and nodding to his brother in an apology for interrupting. Wei Ying smiled. 

“Are you sure Lan Zhan? I know I’m not the best roommate. I’m messy – that bothered Jiang Cheng the most.” Lan Zhan hummed. 

“What type of mess do you tend to create?” 

“Mostly just papers left around the room. Whenever I get a thought I have to write it down and it just ends up somewhere in the room. I’m actually quite good at keeping my personal belongings in one place, but the papers and talismans tend to end up everywhere in the room.” He said, slightly shrugging his shoulders. Lan Zhan nodded. 

“That is fine,” he turned to his uncle, “Will Wei Ying be joining my classes?”

Lan Qiren walked the length of the room, joining the small group before standing next to Wei Ying. He took a deep breath, looking down at him. 

“I will have to determine what education he received under the Jiangs and his skill level, but I assume he will – likely early next week. Wei Ying will need time to adjust and learn how Cloud Recesses functions.” Lan Xichen took in a sharp breath. 

“Shufu, you aren’t expecting him to learn all 3000 rules in under a week, are you?” he hesitantly asked, watching as Wei Ying’s eyes widened as he looked at Qiren. Qiren scoffed. 

“Of course not! Not even the children are expected to memorize the rules that fast. Will he be given a copy to look over? Yes. However, I will assume that Wei Ying, like his mother, will continuously break the rules no matter how much he is reminded of them.” Said boy deflated, shoulders falling as he slightly curled in on himself. 

“Wei Ying will be exempt from the strict obedience to the Lan precepts, so long as he shows he is aware of when it is acceptable to at least attempt to abide by them.” Qiren took a deep breath. “It is under my leadership that the Lan Sect implemented context among the rules, primarily under the guidance of your mother. She was the one who showed me that, despite living in Cloud Recesses and thus having to follow our rules, even she would break rules simply by existing.” Qiren sat down on the cot next to Wei Ying. 

“Baoli Tengfei was one of the most righteous, just, and loyal cultivators I have ever known. She strived for justice, for doing the right thing no matter what, for being the one to stand up for those others dismissed or wrongfully condemned. There was no person she would not help if she was capable. The almost three years she lived here, along with all the lectures she attended, she consistently broke the same rules over and over again.” To his nephew’s shock, he huffed out a small laugh. 

“She told me once that some of the rules were obvious, that it was common courtesy to not break them while under the hospitality of the Lans, but others were actively inhibiting personal expression by the disciples. Rules were set in place to keep people safe, but too many rules would box people in, force them to change themselves to fit into the mold we wanted them to fit in. We were going to go over the Lan precepts as a whole, look at them from an objective point of view, at how they – while initially implemented to keep disciples safe – may now be actively harming them.” Qiren’s hands fisted in his lap. 

“But then my parents died.” Wei Ying whispered. Qiren nodded. 

“I have yet to find the courage to look over the rules by myself, but the small changes I have made have seen great outputs – especially the context of breaking rules.” Xichen nodded. 

“I have seen disciples of all ages relieved that why a rule was broken is taken into consideration, rather than a blanket punishment because a rule was broken. There is understanding, especially among the younger disciples, that there is room for error, room for judgement calls. They do not have to worry about accidentally breaking a rule they did not remember or thought their actions were justified.” Lan Zhan nodded. 

“The senior disciples as well. There has been a large decrease in the amount of discipline and punishments given, especially in the severity of punishment. Even the Elders have started to question why they emphasized the rule being broken, rather than the reasoning behind it – as almost all instances have had logical and just reasoning behind them.” He spoke, finishing just as a bell tolled. Qiren stood. 

“That would be the dinner bell. Wei Ying, would you like to take dinner with the disciples or have it delivered to yours and Wangji’s room?” Wei Ying stood, putting his inner and outer robes back on. 

“If it’s not too much trouble, our room? I would like to get settled in, maybe take a short nap?” he said, fiddling with the forehead ribbon in his hands. Xichen smiled. 

“I will have two meals sent to your room. A-Zhan, if you could show Wei Ying to his new room.” He spoke, bowing as he left the room.

Chapter Text

Wei Ying left the room following Lan Zhan, silence surrounding the pair as they crossed the grounds of Cloud Recesses. Lan Qiren had said Wei Ying could take all the time he needed, any questions could be asked to Lan Zhan, that Lan Zhan could show Wei Ying around. He looked at the back of the boy, taking in how he walked, how he had spoken. 

This would be the boy he would, potentially, be spending a lot of time with, room with for the foreseeable future. It was important that they get along, that they were at least friends. 

The pair approached a two floored building, entering along an East facing door. Wei Ying followed Lan Zhan down a hallway, doors on each side spanning the length of the compound. 

The pair arrived at a staircase. 

“Our room is the only one on the second floor. The other rooms have been dedicated as storage areas for disciples staying in this building.” He started climbing the staircase. “Since I am the only one who was originally in this room, I do not have a storage area, but if you require one now or in the future, one can be arranged.” 

“I don’t have much now anyway so a storage room would be useless to me.” Wei Ying mumbled as he watched the older boy open a door left of the staircase.

The pair walked into the room, Wei Ying thought it was surprisingly spacious. 

A pair of beds lined each side of the walls, with two desks facing each other in the middle, underneath a large window. Shelves lined the heads of the beds and closets rested at their ends. Wei Ying could understand how someone would need a storage space, especially if one were to spend years of their life living in the same room.

Wei Ying sat on the bed on the left side of the room, running a hand over the sheets. He watched Lan Zhan as he sat on his bed across from him, hands folded on his lap as he stared across the room at him. 

The pair sat in silence for a few moments, eventually being broken by a knock on the door. 

Wei Ying watched as Lan Zhan stood up, taking a tray from the opposite side of the door, and walked over to the twin desks before kneeling down and dividing the food between the desks. He quickly stood up. 

“You don’t need to-“ 

“Wei Ying, sit and eat.” Lan Zhan spoke, looking up at him as he placed the final bowl on his desk. He had no choice but to comply. 

The next few weeks were hectic. Wei Ying had been going through proper education in the Jiang Sect, but his years on the streets of Yiling meant he had more to catch up on compared to his peers. There was more he needed to learn, but the environment of Cloud Recesses exceptionally allowed him to flourish. 

Without the looming threat of Madam Yu on his shoulders, Wei Ying excelled in his education. He not only absorbed information quickly, but showed that he was able to apply information more efficiently than his classmates. 

Initially, he was afraid of what that would mean. Would his classmates see that he was performing so well, considering his background, and outperforming all, except Lan Zhan, as a threat? Would they deem him unworthy of such education due to his lineage? Would he be isolated from the others because of how much more intelligent he appeared?

If he were in Lotus Pier, all of those would be true. 

Wei Ying was already holding himself back in Lotus Pier. Not answering questions he knew the answer to, purposefully giving wrong answers, not helping people when they asked, claimed he didn’t know the material well and sent them to someone who would be more socially acceptable to receive help from. He had already seen what happened when he performed better than Jiang Cheng – both within and outside of the classroom. 

But in Cloud Recesses? 

He was praised by his peers for his intelligence. Being compared to Lan Zhan wasn’t an insult, but a complement. Lan disciples flocked to him for help, they went around telling their friends that if they needed help, to go to Wei Ying. He wasn’t vilified for being smart, for being smarter than the others in the class. They didn’t look down on him as he was learning the basics – information taught to children – they encouraged him, helped him, supported him. 

And when he started excelling? They celebrated his progress. 

It was no secret within the walls of Cloud Recesses who Wei Ying was, who his parents were, or how he had spent years of his life on the streets. Most of the adults and older disciples knew he had run from Lotus Pier, from the Jiangs. No one held any of that against him. 

No one expected him to perform a certain way, to act a certain way, to be a specific type of person all because of how he grew up. His teachers gave their support, they gave him the time to catch up – and he had full support of practically everyone. Everyone looked after each other, they had each other’s backs, fiercely protected each other. 

Wei Ying once thought that if any of the Jiangs ever showed up unannounced, they would have to fight the entire Lan Sect to get to Wei Ying. 

He had never felt such love and support. 

And then Lan Zhan. 

Certainly, they were roommates. It took a while for them to be able to find a balance between their personalities, but after that? Well, it became a running joke that if you can’t find one then look for the other. Lan Zhan and Wei Ying were such a pair that they were more often seen together than apart. Once they had gotten past the awkward stage of being roommates, their friendship flourished. 

They were equally matched, they often were seen discussing material in the library or in the classrooms – no one had ever seen the Second Jade speak so much as when he was speaking to Wei Ying. 

They helped each other. When Wei Ying was still learning, still catching up with his Lan peers, Lan Zhan was patient with him – helped him understand the material, helped him get past the parts that initially appeared tricky. And in turn, Wei Ying offered his help after he had gotten caught up. 

It was a month after Wei Ying had arrived that Lan Qiren called him to the Hanshi. 

He walked into the room nervous. While he had been in the room many times since his arrival, he had never been called into the room alone. 

Lan Qiren stood at the head of the room, his back to Wei Ying as he walked deeper into the room, stopping a few feet away from Lan Qiren. The man himself had turned around once he heard the doors open, a small smile on his face as he watched Wei Ying approach him. 

“A-Ying.” 

“Jiufu.” Lan Qiren nodded, gesturing for him to come closer and kneel on the mat in front of him. Confused – Wei Ying complied. Lan Qiren turned around, his attention on the table as he spoke. 

“When you arrived, you asked me a question – would I forge a sword for you.” The older man turned around, Wei Ying’s eyes widening as he looked at the object in his hands. 

Lan Qiren held what was obviously a sword in the palms of both his hands, covered by a white cloth. Wei Ying watched with wide eyes as Qiren reached forward, sliding off the white silk, letting it fall to the floor between them. 

Beneath the white silk was a stunning black and white sword – more white than black. 

Its blade was sharp, that much was obvious, as it held a silver shine. With a sheath of almost pure white, silver metal detailing along the tip and base, an intricate design span the length of the sheath – a single red spider lily rested in the center. 

It was the hilt that grabbed Wei Ying’s attention next. While the sheath and blade were white, significant to the Lan sect, the hilt had a thin black swirl encompassing it, the rest being a white color. 

From where Wei Ying sat, he couldn’t see the name engraved onto the blade, but he knew one was there – it was something he had trusted Lan Qiren to choose. 

“I had to consult what few letters from your mother I have, as well as my own recollection of her and your father’s swords.” Lan Qiren softly spoke, kneeling down to Wei Ying’s level and placing the blade in his hands. 

“My parents?” Wei Ying spoke, his voice breaking as a tear fell down his face. 

“We had spoken about what type of blade they wanted you to have, where it would be forged. Your parents decided that since you would have been living here, your sword would be made here.” Lan Qiren let out a small laugh. “Likely, yours and Wangji’s would have been made at the same time, out of the same materials.” He turned the blade over in the boy’s hands, letting its name face him. 

“Your mother had a few ideas, types of hilts, sheaths, designs, that she wanted to incorporate. I drew from her designs as much as I could. The spider lily was my own addition – a rebirth from your life with the Jiangs and the streets, now finally being back where you should have been.” 

Wei Ying ran a finger over the engraving. 

“Guangzhe.” He whispered. 

“To expand and broaden ambition.” 

Wei Ying squeezed his eyes shut, a tear escaping as he held onto the blade – onto his blade. 

A blade Lan Qiren had taken his mother’s designs into consideration when forging. A sword that held an actual name. 

It wasn’t any animosity or shame towards Suibian to say he was relieved to have a blade with an actual name, one with meaning. 

Sure, the story behind the name Suibian gave it character, there was a reason for the name, but to put it quite simply. 

It felt cheap.

It felt like Jiang Fengmian picked a name that was easy, convenient. 

One that would be funny when one first heard it, one that was able to trick people into thinking he was being disrespectful towards his sword. 

But ever since Wei Ying had found out who Jiang Fengmian truly was, the things he had done to his mother, the way his father was treated within the Jiang Sect, the sword felt…

Well, Wei Ying could only think of it as a bribe.

A token of debt. 

A way for someone later on to say: 

“The Jiang Sect gave you your sword, you are only a cultivator because of them, your accomplishments are solely because of their benevolence, show your loyalty to your Sect and saviors.” 

Wei Ying, when initially brought into the Jiang’s home, heard time and time again from Madam Yu that he should feel grateful, that without Jiang Fengmian finding him he likely would have just died on the streets – that the life he is living now, every second he breaths, every heartbeat, every blink, every step. 

Was due to the Jiang Sect. 

For him to slight his saviors, to embarrass the Jiang Sect when they have been nothing but kind to a street urchin , would be anything but practically asking to be thrown out. 

Wei Ying had left Suibian in the Hanshi after Lan Qiren had told the story of his mother’s assault. It took a day for Lan Qiren to ask Wei Ying if he wanted his sword back. 

It took a fraction of a second for Wei Ying to tell Lan Qiren to melt it. 

Take all the material that it is composed of and destroy them. 

Throw their remains in the ocean, dig a 100 foot deep hole and toss them in it, feed them to some type of beast. 

He never wanted to see that sword ever again. 

He never wanted anyone to have a blade forged with any of the materials – with her tainted materials. 

He only had Suibian for a week, barely any time to connect with the blade, but he also knew that if a spirit resided in that blade that it would understand. It would understand the pain that using that blade would cause. 

Wei Ying opened his eyes, looking at Lan Qiren with a smile on his face. 

“Thank you Jiufu.”

Chapter Text

Three months in Cloud Recesses flew by before Wei Ying was really even able to tell. He had been going to his weekly mediation sessions in the Cold Springs – Lan Zhan having to drag him there every time and coach him through the process to keep him on track – but he was able to see and feel not only his cultivation increasing but the whip scars on his back were no longer as tight as they had been. 

Wei Ying looked up from the notes he was taking, a small smile on his face as he watched Lan Zhan smoothen out his bed sheets. 

A frantic knock at the door caught both of their attention. 

“Come in.” 

Lan Shi rushed into the room, closing the door behind him as his eyes darted from Lan Zhan to Wei Ying – sighing in relief to see both of them in the room. 

“Lan Shi? What’s going on?” Wei Ying spoke, watching as the Lan took a deep breath.

“Jiang Fengmian has been spotted at the base of the mountain, headed straight into Cloud Recesses.” 

A drop of ink fell onto the table. 

“It has been stated by both Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren that all disciples are to watch for any suspicious behavior or anyone near or inside Cloud Recesses that should not be. They both have also demanded that Wei Ying stay exactly where he is, that one of them will come to him when it is safe.” Lan Shi swallowed. 

“We will remain within our room.” Lan Zhan spoke, his voice barely registering in Wei Ying’s ringing ears. Lan Shi nodded. 

“If there is anything I can get-“ 

“We’ll be fine.” Wei Ying managed to softly get out, his eyes focused on the inkblot seeping into the table below him – his brush long having fallen out of his hand and residing on the floor. 

“Please be assured Wei Ying, no one in Cloud Recesses will let Jiang Fengmian and the Jiang Sect get away with what they have done to you.” He gave a small bow to the pair before turning to open the door. “They’d have to fight every single one of us to get to you.” 

Wei Ying watched as the door closed, Lan Zhan approached and cast a ward around the room – no doubt Lan Shi also did the same on the other side of the door. He jumped at the hand on his shoulder before practically melting into Lan Zhan as the Lan pulled him into his arms. 

“Wei Ying is safe here.” he heard Lan Zhan mumble. “This is where he belongs.” 

“Right here?” 

“Mn.” Wei Ying pulled his head away from Lan Zhan’s shoulder, a slight blush on his face. 

“Right here…in your arms?” Despite the quite serious situation, Wei Ying couldn’t help himself. Lan Zhan’s eyes never tore away from his as the boy nodded. 

“Wei Ying may stay in them forever if he wishes.” 

He quickly buried his face back into Lan Zhan’s shoulder, his arms tightening their hold around him. Wei Ying felt himself being picked up, his feet slightly hovering over the wooden floor before he felt them moving in the direction of one of their beds. 

Rather than let Wei Ying go, Lan Zhan leaned back onto the bed and pulled Wei Ying on top of him. 

“Lan Zhan, I thought napping was forbidden.” Wei Ying spoke, pulling his head up and looking down at the Lan. A hand came up and cupped his cheek, his eyes closing as he leaned into the warmth. 

“I thought Wei Ying was excused from strict adherence to the rules.” 

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying whispered, a few moments later into the quiet room, “I’m not reading into this too much, am I?” His eyes staring into Lan Zhan’s. 

Wei Ying was met with a hand resting at the back of his head, guiding downwards before-

He watched Lan Zhan’s eyes close, his following moments later, as their lips connected. If possible, Wei Ying felt himself falling even more relaxed and pliant in Lan Zhan’s grip. Lan Zhan pulled away, resting their foreheads together. 

“Wei Ying, we have only known each other for three months, we are both still too young for any formal steps,” Wei Ying could feel Lan Zhan shaking below him as he continued to speak, “but you are it for me. You are the only person I wish to be with, the only one I wish to let into my very soul, to know my most inner thoughts. When you came into my life, I saw life again. I saw the color in the trees, the flowers that paint the ground outside my mother’s home. Your voice, your laughter, has brought me joy and happiness I thought had gone away when mother died. There is not a single part of me that wishes to ever leave your side, or for you to leave mine. There is not, and will never be, someone that completes me as much as you, someone that knows my soul as you.” Lan Zhan swallowed, a hand raking up Wei Ying’s side. 

“If you will have me, I would like to never leave your side again - to nighthunt with you, to travel the world, to make our own family.” 

A tear fell onto Lan Zhan’s face, Wei Ying’s eyes widening as he realized that it had came from him - before quickly reaching up and wiping it away and the other tears that had unknowingly fallen down his face as the Lan spoke. 

“Yes. Yes. ” A sob escaped Wei Ying. “Lan Zhan, I thank Dianxia for every second I am within the boundaries of Gusu, the walls of Cloud Recesses, for every second I am no longer in Lotus Pier. For all that has happened, every horrific thing that has been revealed to me, my entire life being flipped upside down in a matter of days, I would go through it all again and more if it meant I would end up with you.” A tear fell down his face. 

“I have learned more about my parents from your uncle, from the elders and teachers here, than I would have ever learned from anyone in Lotus Pier. Your uncle has been nothing but kind to me, everyone has been kind and caring and supportive and-” Wei Ying’s head fell down onto Lan Zhan’s shoulder, sobs wracking his body as he spoke. 

“No one’s ever…ever been that kind to me. They’ve never been patient with me, never came to me for help. There’s no judgment here, no competition between disciples, no unnecessary comparisons. Every time I walk around, going from building to building, I imagine what it would have been like if my parents hadn’t died, if they had settled down here like they were going to.” He lifted his head up, eyes red as tears continued to make their way down his face. 

“I love it here Lan Zhan.” Wei Ying whispered. “I love the people, the buildings, the knowledge. I love the way the Lan sect functions, the way everyone here looks out for each other, supports each other, truly cares for one another.” 

“Every moment I have spent with you is a moment I cherish. Every memory I have made with you, every memory I will ever make with you, will always be cherished. You say I brought life back into your life, but you, Lan Zhan, have brought meaning back into mine.” Wei Ying brought a hand up to Lan Zhan’s face, brushing away the single tear that had fallen. “To be able to remain at your side, to experience all life has to offer, to make memories together , is nothing less than what I wish. I am fearless by your side, I am strong, powerful. And, well,” he huffed out a short laugh, “Lan Shi did say Sect Leader Jiang and anyone in the Jiang sect would have to fight everyone in Cloud Recesses to get to me, so I quite like my chances.” 

Lan Zhan let out a huff, a small smile on his face as he guided Wei Ying’s head onto his shoulder. 

“Sleep, Wei Ying. I will wake you if someone comes.” 

Lan Qiren took the longest route he could as he approached the dormitories. It had taken over four hours to convince Jiang Fengmian to leave Cloud Recesses, that Wei Ying was not residing within Cloud Recesses, that Lan Qiren had absolutely no idea where the boy had gone - that he didn’t even know Baoli Tengfei and Wei Changze had a son, that the pair had never told him. 

Even allowing the man into Cloud Recesses was a tough decision Lan Qiren had to make, but he needed to look as innocent, as not on edge, as possible. 

Jiang Fengmian believed him when he spoke in shock when the Jiang mentioned a Wei child. Jiang Fengmian believed him when he said he would send Wei Ying back to the Jiangs if he happened to encounter the boy. Jiang Fengmian looked relieved that Lan Qiren had never heard of Wei Changze’s son, that the Lan likely then hadn’t ever looked for the boy, that he didn’t know Wei Ying existed prior to today, so why would he care about the boy now?

Jiang Fengmian, and the rest of the cultivation world, were not aware of the close friendship Lan Qiren and Cloud Recesses held with Wei Changze and Baoli Tengfei - that Cloud Recesses once housed the couple for over two years and was supposed to be their permanent residence. Everyone assumed that the Lan clan was the worst place for someone as free spirited as Baoli Tengfei, that she likely wouldn’t spend any more time than she needed to in such a rule strict environment. 

Lan Qiren sighed, running a hand through his beard as he approached Wei Ying and Lan Wangji’s room. Holding a hand out towards the door, he could feel the wards his nephew and Lan Shi had placed, silently approving before he reached through them and opened the door - the wards not recognizing him as a threat.

Slowly opening the door, Lan Qiren was met with what should have been a shock - but he himself was Lan, after all.

Lying on what he could assume was Wangji’s bed, was his nephew and Wei Ying. Both boys appeared to be asleep, with Wangji’s arms wrapped around the Wei almost protectively as they slept - Wei Ying’s head tucked into Wangji’s neck. 

Lan Qiren couldn’t help but smile at the sight, knowing that Tengfei and Qiaolian would have absolutely loved that their sons found love in each other, that they would’ve been family. The two women adored each other’s children. Qiren hoped that wherever the women were, that they were smiling. 

As quietly as he could, Lan Qiren wrote a note to the pair and left it on the table next to their swords, before quietly leaving the room. 

Jiang Fengmian has left. When you both wake, I will be in the Hanshi. Wei Ying is, and will always be, safe within the walls of Cloud Recesses.

Chapter Text

After the Jiang Fengmian incident, there were subtle increases in security measures placed all around Cloud Recesses. Lan Qiren and the talisman masters worked carefully to create not only new, updated wards around Cloud Recesses but an updated entrance token system that meant every token was keyed into the individual it belonged to - and would not work unless being used by that specific person. They had yet to determine a way to allow the tokens to determine intent; someone could still get into Cloud Recesses by holding someone hostage and forcing them to use their token. 

Motion detection wards keyed into certain energy signatures had been placed at the base of the mountain, at the entrance, that would alert those holding high ranks if someone strong was climbing the mountain - primarily with the intent of detecting Sect or Clan Leaders or large groups of people. 

It had actually been Wei Ying’s idea to put various wards and protection arrays around every single building inside the confines of Cloud Recesses. He had heard that some smaller clans were being taken over or forced into obedience under the Wen Sect - and the Wens loved to use fire to enforce their strength. 

The Lan Elders had been hesitant, they were non-confrontational by principle, but even they had no argument under the concept of being over prepared than under. 

By the time the following year’s discussion conference was to take place, Wei Ying had fully become seated in his role as Lan Qiren’s ward and his assistant under the Acting Sect Leader. Wei Ying had been working with all parts of Cloud Recesses to make changes and submitting suggestions made by different areas of discipline to Lan Qiren and the Elders. 

The Female side of Cloud Recesses welcomed the almost thirteen year old as he spoke with those in charge of daily functions. They doted on him as if he was their child. It was with the Female side that the largest improvements were being made. Rather than continue to segregate the Male and Female sides, there would be allowances for cohabitation for anyone who wished. Some Female disciples had wished to participate and learn sword cultivation, be active combat participants, and others wished to participate in the different lectures that were taking place, wishing to learn more about what other clans and sects would say were “not a woman’s place to learn or know about.” Quickly, the Female disciples were climbing the ranks and beating their Male cohorts not only in spars, but in intelligence. 

Shortly before the discussion conference, being held in Lanling, Lan Qiren had called Wei Ying into his office - leaving out the given that Lan Wangji would be coming with him. 

Wei Ying’s birthday was in a week’s time, he couldn’t believe that he had been in Cloud Recesses for almost a whole year. He hadn’t descended the mountain a single time since his arrival, but others were able to tell him what was being said about his disappearance - what the Jiangs had said about the disappearance of the son of Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren. 

For what the Jiangs were saying, Wei Ying had never felt more assured in his decision to run. 

Jiang Fengmian had said quite simply that Wei Ying had simply vanished. 

No one knew where the boy had gone, just that they saw him enter his room one night, only to find the following morning that his room was empty. Search parties had been active for weeks in hopes of finding the boy before something bad could’ve happened to him. Those in Lotus Pier who cared for him worried. The boy they knew wouldn’t have just left in the middle of the night, so their only solution was that someone had taken him. 

From Lan Qiren’s words, and those who had heard rumors about the Jiang Leader, Jiang Fengmian had put on quite the act when begging the other Sects and minor Clans for help in searching for his ward - the son of his best friends . Fake tears, at one point begging on his knees in front of Jin Guangshan, for not only help but for sympathy. 

He was such a good man for all the resources he was using to look for Wei Ying. He cared about the boy so much that he personally petitioned any Clan Leader he could for aid to help - and receiving it, whether in the form of money to fund search parties or supplies and trade agreements that he claimed were being put towards finding Wei Ying. 

It made Wei Ying sick to think about what Jiang Fengmian was doing, exploiting the names of himself and his parents for his own gain. 

He walked into the Hanshi, his hand in Lan Wangji’s, as they both paused at the amount of people inside Lan Qiren’s quarters. Being motioned to sit in front of the table where Lan Qiren sat, the two entered the room and knelt before the table. 

“A-Ying, Wangji, thank you for coming.” 

“Shufu.” 

“Jiufu.” 

Lan Qiren gestured for an elder to come closer, a large wooden chest in his hands as he knelt down in front of the table, across from Wei Ying, and set the chest down in front of him. 

“A-Ying, you have been residing with us for almost a year, and I speak for everyone when I say we are grateful and joyous to have you with us. Every time I look at you, hear of your deeds, and see you excel in your studies and cultivation, I am reminded of the bright, intelligent, and carefree souls that Baoli Tengfei and Wei Changze were.” Lan Qiren knelt on the floor behind the wooden chest and reached around to grab the latch, opening the lid. 

“It has taken years to bring myself to commission these, to find a place for them to reside. However,” A knowing look crossed the table towards Lan Zhan and Wei Ying, a few elders behind Lan Qiren snickered behind their sleeves. “As I am certain you will be joining our family and the Lan Clan, it felt only right to have these added as soon as possible into the Lan Ancestral Hall.” 

Slowly, Lan Qiren reached into the chest and pulled out a thin, flat piece of stone, holding it delicately in his hands as he spun it around. 

Carved into the stone was his mother’s name. 

Wei Ying couldn’t stop the tears from pouring down his face as Lan Qiren set the tablet onto the table before reaching back into the chest and pulling out an identical tablet with his father’s name engraved. He felt Lan Zhan’s hand tighten in his grasp as he shifted, growing closer to Wei Ying. 

A shaky hand reached out, slowly tracing over the characters of his mother and father’s names, names that would be hanging within the Lan Ancestral Halls, names that would be written into the Lan Family historical records when Wei Ying and Lan Zhan married - it had become well-known knowledge that the pair were to be betrothed and married as soon as they were able to, every single person residing within Cloud Recesses knew the pair were meant to be. There was truly nothing holding back a betrothal, aside from Wei Ying’s disappearance from Lotus Pier and relocation to Cloud Recesses. A betrothal of such status among the clans was certain to be announced the moment it had been agreed upon, contracts signed, and with Wei Ying’s residency in Cloud Recesses being the utmost secret to keep, it had been agreed that formal contracts would be signed when it was safe for Wei Ying to reemerge into the cultivation world. 

Wei Ying rose to his feet before dropping into a deep bow before Lan Qiren and the Lan elders in the room. 

“Thank you.” he whispered, sniffling as he reached up to wipe away the tears that were ever flowing down his face. 

“I have also referenced letters in my possession from both Tengfei and Changze concerning your courtesy name.” Lan Qiren started, rising to his feet. “Your parents wished for you to be happy, healthy, to live with no regrets, and on the path that you chose. They wished never for a moment where you felt untrusting of yourself, for there to be a moment where your own judgment was in question.” 

An elder handed him a small scroll. 

“While they never discussed specific names, there were recurring characters throughout all their correspondence.” The scroll fell open. “As your guardian, the one responsible for your upbringing and well-being, I feel honored to bestow the courtesy name Wuxian onto you.” Lan Qiren and the elders fell into bows as Wei Ying, now Wei Wuxian, reached across and grasped the scroll. 

“Thank you Jiufu, Venerated Elders. I shall strive to make you all and the Lan Clan proud.” 

The next three years were filled with everything Wei Ying could have ever hoped for, things he had almost stopped hoping he would get to experience with his time living within Lotus Pier, among the Jiangs. Both he and Lan Zhan had been elevated to Head Disciple positions - both being chosen after a long, and loud debate among the elders and teachers of Cloud Recesses. It had been agreed, after three shichen’s worth of conversing and petitioning, that it would be best for both young men to be placed into the position. 

They were both already largely respected by everyone inside the walls of Cloud Recesses, either boy in the position would have been largely agreed upon, but some of the elders and younger disciples argued that both Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian were deserving of the position - and they were already viewed as a package deal by everyone anyway, why change that now? 

Wei Ying had remained within Cloud Recesses and GusuLan territory from the moment he had arrived with Lan Xichen and his cohorts four years ago - still being able to nighthunt among the Lan disciples and Lan Zhan, but only within GusuLan territory. 

It had also been three years since the Jiang Clan officially called off the search for Wei Ying - a year after his initial disappearance - citing that it had been a year, if the boy was alive then he was clearly doing well on his own or was with someone who had been taking care of him, and if he was dead, then the likelihood of finding his corpse had dropped to near zero. The search being called off seemed to have been a decision made by Yu Ziyuan and the Jiang elders, going against Jiang Fengmian, claiming that their resources were being misused, that if Wei Ying had wanted to return, then he already would have. 

It was also the moment that Lan Qiren summoned Lan Zhan, Wei Ying, and the Lan elders to a meeting, practically slamming a betrothal contract onto the table - only needing a blood seal from both participants and signatures from the required elders. 

The knowledge of the betrothal was celebrated within Cloud Recesses, but had been kept quiet when it concerned the other sects. An announcement had been sent out that Lan Wangji had been arranged to marry, a date to be determined once he was of age, the bare minimum of information was sent out. 

Many sects and clans sent back inquiries about his bride, who the lucky girl was to have been betrothed to the Second Jade - all being met with a response that quite simply stated the family of his betrothed were in a precarious situation, that their identity could not be revealed at the moment.

Chapter Text

Wei Ying adjusted the ribbon that crossed his forehead, actually wearing it for once rather than using it as a way to tie back his hair - he wasn’t required to wear his ribbon across his forehead and often wore it in his hair, but for any formal events, he made sure it was always in the correct spot. 

When fully dressed up and adorning Lan Clan robes, unless one knew Wei Wuxian before and were able to recognize his face, no one would even bat an eye at him. 

And he was truly hoping he had grown enough in four years that those who would be able to recognize him wouldn’t be able to, at least immediately. 

Wei Ying was currently attending a discussion conference in Qinghe with Lan Qiren - as well as Lan Zhan and a group of Lan disciples among Lan Xichen’s age cohort. It was to be not only his first excursion into another sect’s lands, but also his first discussion conference as Lan Qiren’s ward and assistant. He had been advised and guided through what exactly these conferences entailed, and would always be accompanied by a Lan disciple - primarily either Lan Qiren himself or Lan Zhan. 

A knock pulled his attention back from the mirror. 

“Shufu is waiting for us.” Lan Zhan spoke as he entered the room, his eyes raking over Wei Ying before a hand reached for his betrothed’s ribbon, slightly adjusting the metal emblem in the center. 

“Am I a presentable enough Lan?” Wei Ying whispered, his nerves present in the way his voice shook. Lan Zhan ran a hand down Wei Ying’s arm, clasping their hands together. 

“Wei Ying looks perfect.” 

The pair exited the room and met Lan Qiren and Lan Shi in the corridor outside the Lan Sect’s rooms before the group walked through the hallways of the Unclean Realm towards the conference room. Wei Ying fidgeted with his sleeves as they waited for the Lans to be announced and for them to enter into the room. 

Nie disciples stood guard around the hallways and at the entrance to the doors - a small clan was being announced. As far as Wei Ying knew, the Lan Clan was the last of the five great clans to arrive, meaning the Jin, Nie, Jiang, and Wen were waiting for them. Wen Ruohan rarely attended discussion conferences, typically either sending a few high ranking representatives or Wen Xu in his stead, and from the whispers he heard, only a single pair or Wen representatives had arrived. 

“The Lan Clan.” An announcer spoke, Wei Ying’s ears muffling the rest of his announcement as those in front of him started walking into the room. 

Falling into the exact way he should carry himself as he had been taught, Wei Ying walked into the room with the Lans - feeling the ghost of Lan Zhan’s touch on his back as he crossed the Jiang delegation, not even turning his head in their direction. Luckily, or unluckily he had yet to decide, the Lans were sat next to the Jiangs, and Wei Ying and Lan Zhan were sat behind Lan Qiren. Jiang Fengmian or any Jiang would have to turn their entire heads to get a look at Wei Ying, which meant it would be obvious if they were looking at him. 

He felt a hand on his lower back as the Lans sat down, turning and smiling at Lan Zhan as they took their seats. 

Wei Ying closed his eyes and tried tuning out all the voices in the room, keeping his head straightforward and his back straight. He knew it was a long shot that Jiang Fengmian wouldn’t recognize him, nor the older disciples he would have brought with him. Lan Qiren had told him he had grown into both his parents' heights as well as the resemblance to his father was becoming more predominant each day. 

However, he had hoped for at least a moment of peace, maybe half a day before his name was spoken, before Jiang Fengmian spoke his name. A moment, that’s all he wanted, a moment where all he was was Lan Qiren’s ward, the son of Baoli Tengfei and Wei Changze who had grown up in Cloud Recesses, being taken in by his mother’s closest friend after her and her husband’s deaths. Where his biggest concern was his upcoming musical cultivation test, determining whether he was proficient enough at Rest and Inquiry to start learning Cleansing . 

Wei Ying felt eyes on him before he heard a gasp. 

“A-Ying?” Jiang Fengmian spoke, immediately causing the entire group of Lans to turn toward the sect leader. 

Wei Ying kept his eyes shut, taking continuous deep breaths, not offering the sect leader even the smallest hint that he heard or cared about him or his words. 

“Qiren, what is the meaning of this?” Wei Ying heard the room immediately quiet down. “You told me you had no idea where Wei Ying was, that you didn’t even know A-Fei and A-Ze had a son.” 

Jiang Fengmian spoke with an angry inflection, one Wei Ying had never heard him use - but had heard that tone coming from Madam Yu more times than he could count. Wei Ying could tell the whole room’s attention was on the two sect leaders, but he remained still, unbothered, by the man who caused his family so much grief and pain. 

He would not give the sect leader the satisfaction of getting under his skin. 

Wei Ying heard Lan Qiren hum - likely the man was stroking his beard. 

“You must understand then, Jiang-Zongzhu, as to why I would choose to lie.” 

Gasps spread throughout the room like wildfire at the admission of lying from Lan Qiren - particularly when it was concerning a child that Jiang Fengmian had spent so much time looking for and searching for after his disappearance. 

Wei Ying opened his eyes to see Jiang Fengmian gaping at Lan Qiren, who only glared back. 

“Qiren! This is unacceptable! Why on earth would you conceal the fact that you were harboring Wei Ying the entire time I was searching for him? What could have made you-” 

“Were you aware, Jiang-Zongzhu, that Yu Ziyuan had raised Zidian against Wei Ying?” Lan Qiren interrupted, “Five whip scars crossed his back when my disciples found him, when he requested refuge in Cloud Recesses from the Jiang Clan. For what reason would you allow Yu Ziyuan to punish a twelve year old disciple to that extent?” 

The silence that permeated the room was palpable, the tension between the Lan and Jiang contingencies at an all time peak. It truly was quite the statement when the entire room was quiet - even the chattiest sect leaders who never seemed to be able to be quiet were quietly watching. 

Wei Ying snuck a look at the Jiangs, watching how half the group looked at their sect leader in shock while the other half seemed to be glaring at Lan Qiren - likely for airing their Madam’s “dirty laundry” to the cultivation world. He heard Jiang Wanyin scoff from his seat near the back of the Jiangs, he didn’t dare move his head from looking straight ahead - eyes landing on a Nie with a fan lightly fluttering in front of his face, eyes seemingly enraptured by the commotion. 

Jiang Fengmian sputtered. 

“A-Ying is a disciple of Yunmeng Jiang, San-Niang is in charge of punishments. Surely if he had been punished to such an extent, it was deserving.” Wei Ying felt the cold, icy gaze of his mother’s assaulter on him as Jiang Fengmian looked at him. “If he has convinced you that his punishment was not deserved, then I fear what else he has lied to you about.” 

Wei Ying saw the Nie’s eyes widen as they darted between Lan Qiren and Jiang Fengmian - he could feel Lan Zhan’s growing anger with every word that came out of Jiang Fengmian’s mouth. 

Lan Qiren slammed his fist against the table in front of him, rattling the porcelain cups. 

“How dare you, Jiang Fengmian, to claim that Wei Ying has lied about how Yu Ziyuan’s spiritual weapon was used on him! If you think that I will believe a twelve year old boy is capable of lying about such wounds to people he has no reason to lie to, then you certainly never knew the child that was supposedly your nephew , the child of your close friends .” He spat out - if Lan Qiren had been any less of a man, he would have pulled his sword out, challenging Jiang Fengmian to a duel or simply cutting him down where he stood. 

“Jiang-Zongzhu, Lan-Zongzhu,” Nie Mingjue spoke, standing up, “perhaps rather than all the yelling, we could address this issue as the first of the conference. It appears that grave accusations have been made regarding extreme punishment towards a child,” he leveled a glare towards Jiang Fengmian, “and that is something I will never take lightly.” 

“I too, Nie-Zongzhu, will not tolerate any type of abuse towards a young disciple of any clan, particularly when such a spiritual weapon as Zidian is being used.” A young Wen woman stood, her arms hanging by her side as she nodded towards the other sect leaders. “If these accusations hold any truth, which I largely suspect they do, it will be quite a grand offense Jiang-Zongzhu, for a disciple of your clan to have felt his only escape was to seek refuge within another clan.” 

“Wen-guniang,” the Nie disciple Wei Ying had been watching started, “may I inquire as to why you seem so impacted by the accusation of abuse?” 

“Nie-er-gongzi, my branch of the Wen Clan have been healers for generations.” She leveled a glare toward Jiang Fengmian. “The Dafan Wen do not take any accusations of abuse lightly. We have seen what happens to children who are not believed when abuse takes place far too often.”  

The implications of her words, that ignored and dismissed abuse would continue on, potentially even killing the child, was something Wei Ying himself had realized as well. It hadn’t been just the fact that Zidian had been used on him, as far as he knew Yu Ziyuan only ever had it out for him and never punished the other disciples in any manners similar to his punishments, but it was the simple fact that it had been used as punishment for a slight offense. A moment where if Yu Ziyuan had been in Wei Ying’s position she would have done the exact same thing. 

And if she wasn’t willing to hear him out then, was so quick to whip him, then he felt extremely justified in assuming she had been waiting , just itching for a moment to test out Zidian on him - and wouldn’t hesitate to use it again now that she knew he was capable of withstanding five hits. 

What would she have tried next? How many was she thinking she could inflict on him before he passed out? Before his cultivation was impacted? 

Before he died?

If he hadn’t gotten out of Lotus Pier when he had, who’s to say he would even have lived as long as he had?

“Don’t you think this Wei Ying ought to speak up against these claims? Should you be speaking for him Qiren? Can’t he speak for himself?” Jin Guangshan spoke, and everyone knew he was enjoying the inter clan fighting. 

“As Wei Ying’s legal guardian, I have every right to speak on his behalf. However,” Lan Qiren turned and met his gaze, “if he wishes to speak, I will not prevent him from doing so.” 

Wei Ying gave a slight nod, rising to his feet after a brief squeeze of Lan Zhan’s hand. He felt the entire room turning towards him, almost as if they weren’t expecting that he had been sitting next to Lan Wangji. 

He leveled a blank stare at Jiang Fengmian - filled with absolutely no feelings towards the sect leader other than anger. 

“Jiang-Zongzhu, this one finds it quite offensive that you would think I would lie to Lan-Zongzhu about the conditions in which I left Lotus Pier.” He could see a Jiang disciple grab Jiang Wanyin’s arm, pulling him back to the floor. “Yu Ziyuan did in fact inflict five lashes of Zidian on my person. Your daughter can confirm as she was the one who dressed my wounds. Your son can confirm as he spoke to me shortly after I had been whipped, stating that I deserved a harsher punishment, that how dare I defy his mother, stating that her punishments would only grow in intensity from that day forward.” Wei Ying took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment. 

“Sect Heir Jiang then stated that I needed to become a more deserving disciple, not that I had the best example to follow - your father abandoned the Jiang Sect and look where he ended up.” Wei Ying faced Jiang Fengmian head on, feeling the support of his clan behind him. 

“But you already know why my father left the Jiang Clan, don’t you, Jiang-Zongzhu ?” 

“A-Ying, I don’t know what the Lan Clan had convinced you of, what they have gotten you to believe, your parents were some of my closest-” 

“Baoli Tengfei.” He spoke, a burning rage in his gaze as he watched Jiang Fengmian slightly pale. “My mother’s name , that you never told me. I have learned more about my parents from Lan Qiren and members of the Lan Clan than you ever told me. I have tablets for them within Cloud Recesses - of which your wife told me I would never be allowed to have within Lotus Pier, right after she physically beat me with a discipline paddle for being five minutes late to archery practice.” Wei Ying took a step closer, glancing at Lan Qiren - watching as he nodded, supporting and encouraging him to continue. 

“Every single moment I performed better than your son, when I scored better on exams, when my cultivation grew, she took it all out on me. Somehow, Yu Ziyuan thought that I was attempting to take Jiang Wanyin’s position within the Jiang Clan, to become the heir myself. She insulted my parents, calling my mother a whore and seductress , my father a servant and useless waste of Jiang resources. On multiple occasions she stated that I should have died with my parents, that someone should have killed me on the streets of Yiling, that the moment I arrived in Lotus Pier she should have drowned me in one of the lakes - that at least then, it would’ve looked like an accident, like I just didn’t know how to swim.” 

Multiple members of the Lan Clan gasped as Wei Wuxian spoke, continuing on to explain how Madam Yu would punish him - physically, mentally, with physical labor, by withholding meals, what she would shout at him, how she would tell the older disciples to do whatever they wished to him - that she would turn a blind eye if he showed up with a few more bruises, how Wei Ying was expected to take on the collective punishment for all the Jiang disciples when he was caught with them. 

At some point, in the middle of a sentence, a Jiang disciple had to physically restrain Jiang Wanyin before he could run and tackle Wei Ying to the floor. 

Wei Ying could feel a hand wrapped around his ankle, tightening more and more the more he spoke - he knew it was the only thing keeping Lan Zhan in check, keeping his anger in place, keeping him from cutting down Jiang Fengmian where he stood. 

A long silence followed Wei Ying once he finished describing the conditions his body was in the night he left Lotus Pier, the condition the Lan Clan had found him in. 

For a moment, a deep insecurity crept to the surface. He thought that someone was about to start laughing, stating that he was lucky that Yu Ziyuan had treated him with such leniency , that she had every right to beat him black and blue, to wrap her hands around his throat and take his pathetic life herself. That after speaking about the way he was treated within the Jiang Clan, that the other clans would begin to say he would have been treated the exact same way in their households, that his servant father’s status meant that whoever claimed him could treat him in any way they wanted - that for the Lan Clan to be treating him with such honor meant he had something they wanted, but certainly would find other ways of reminding him of his position within their clan, that practically everyone else was above him. 

“Lan Qiren,” the Wen woman started, her face blank as she stood, anger in her eyes, “are you able to confirm yourself of the injuries Wei-gongzi arrived to Cloud Recesses with? Both in the amount and severity?” 

“Wei Ying was assessed by our healers,” He gestured to the Lans behind him, “Lan Shi was among those present when Wei Ying first found Xichen’s group as they were returning from a nighthunt. I am certain he would be willing to speak of Wei Ying’s initial condition as additional corroboration if necessary.” Lan Shi had risen to his feet the moment his name was spoken, nodding as Lan Qiren finished. 

“That will not be necessary,” She met Wei Ying’s gaze, “I believe every single word Wei-gongzi has spoken. I see no reason for any lie to be spoken about his condition or treatment within Lotus Pier.” 

Wei Ying’s shoulders slightly fell, the tension of not being believed leaving him as he sent the Wen woman a small grateful smile. 

She turned her attention to Jiang Fengmian. 

“And you, Jiang-Zongzhu? What do you say about the accusations being leveled at not only your clan, but your wife?” The hatred in her voice ran up Wei Ying’s spine, leaving a strong sense that no one should ever wish to be at the end of Wen-Daifu’s anger.

It took Jiang Fengmian a moment to compose himself, glancing around the room towards where his closest allies were sitting, his face pale and slightly damp. 

“I do not refute that San-Niang is not the biggest fan of Wei Ying. She continued to protest my allowance of him within Lotus Pier.” He coughed. “I was aware that she dealt with his punishments herself, however I would continue to assume that he was justly punished for his infractions.” Jiang Fengmian turned towards Lan Qiren. 

“Surely Qiren, you have given Wei Ying your own share of punishments?” he questioned, a small smile on his face as he, assumingly, hoped that Lan Qiren would speak on Wei Wuxian’s “troublesome” and “mischievous” tendencies. 

“Jiang-Zongzhu,” Lan Qiren started, an edge in his voice, “in all the years Wei Wuxian has been within Cloud Recesses, within the years since I took official guardianship over him - something you failed to do - he has been nothing but a valuable, intelligent, and capable cultivator. If you were attempting to get me to speak of his behavior in a negative light, I would not be able to answer the way you wish. Wei Ying is a valuable member of the Lan Clan, any punishment he has taken, he has taken with dignity and owned his actions and the ramifications. Never, never within his time in Cloud Recesses has any of his behavior warranted such harsh physical punishments that he was receiving under your clan’s jurisdiction.” 

Wei Ying watched the cultivation clans eyes all widen at the venom and ferocity within Lan Qiren’s voice, the way he defended Wei Ying and condemned the Jiang Clan’s actions. He watched as Nie-Zongzhu’s eyes widened. 

“Jiang Fengmian, you took in Wei Wuxian after the deaths of Wei Changze and Baoli Tengfei-” 

“Four years after their deaths, da-ge.” 

“Four years after their deaths, and Wei Wuxian lived in Lotus Pier for two years?” He looked at Lan Qiren, who nodded, “And at no point did you ever assume guardianship of Wei Wuxian? Did you just bring him to Lotus Pier and throw him among your disciples? Was he ever entered into the Jiang Clan’s family records? Did you ever go through the proper paperwork as to claim Wei Wuxian as your ward or nephew?” A deep frown crossed Nie Mingjue’s face as he looked across the room. 

Wei Ying felt the Nie’s eyes on him, likely noticing that he was only a year younger than his own little brother - likely fueling his rage even more.

“Is Wei Wuxian a member of the Lan Clan?” Jiang Fengmian practically spat out, glaring at Lan Qiren - his lax, peacemaking mask crumbling to the floor. “It seems that he is just doing so great among the Lan Clan. Didn’t you hate A-Teng with every fiber of your being Qiren? Why would you-” 

The room broke out in gasps, a few people shouting, Jiang disciples all unsheathing their swords as Wei Wuxian leveled the tip of his sword at Jiang Fengmian’s throat. No blood had been shed, but Guangzhe could be clearly seen pressing into the Clan Leader’s neck - venom spilling from Wei Wuxian’s eyes as he stood before the Jiang. 

“You do not get to refer to my mother in that way.” he spoke, his voice low, grating, as he watched Jiang Fengmian level a shocked look at him, eyes wide as Wei Wuxian stood still, content to leave his sword at the Jiang’s neck - content to run it through him if he got the chance.

“Do not speak her name when we both know what you did to her, why my father truly left the Jiang Clan so suddenly.” Wei Ying snarled. “I have never felt more relief in the moment I was told of how sickening you are, Jiang Fengmian.” 

“A-Ying, come back over here.” Lan Qiren spoke, firm in his command but to those who knew him, they could hear the way Qiren was speaking calmly, soothingly, giving a command but the affection he held towards Wei Wuxian was obvious in his voice. 

The room watched Wei Wuxian return to his position next to Lan Wangji - the Lan proceeded to wrap an arm around Wei Wuxian’s waist, much to the surprise of everyone present (aside from the Lans). Lan Wangji slowly took the sword out of Wei Wuxian’s hand, resheathing it at the Wei’s waist. 

“I apologize, Jiufu.” he mumbled, eyes focused on his feet, eyes closing as he took a deep breath. 

Jiang Wanyin broke out of the hold two Jiang disciples had on him, attempting to run towards Wei Wuxian - and being met with a barricade of Lan disciples. 

“Are you going to let Wei Ying get away with attempting to kill my father?” The Jiang screamed, his face turning red. “He leveled his sword at a Clan Leader’s neck! Not to mention the lies he is spreading about Lotus Pier! He was never punished less than he deserved!” 

“Jiang Cheng!” Jiang Fengmian shouted, frowning at his son as the Jiang disciples got another grip on him and pulled him to the back of the Jiang contingency. 

Nie Mingjue coughed, pulling the room’s attention to himself. 

“Well,” he started, leveling a glare around the room, “Since Wei Wuxian’s claims of abuse at the behest of the Jiang Clan warrant attention, and his injuries are able to be confirmed by multiple members of the Lan Clan as well as Jiang Fengmian not refuting such claims, I propose that the Jiang Clan receive penance for their actions towards Wei Wuxian.” 

“I also agree that some form of retribution for their actions should take place,” Wen-guniang spoke, her voice firm as she leveled a glare at the Jiangs, “It is no secret as to what happened to Wei Wuxian’s parents and the gap in time from their deaths to Jiang-Zongzhu taking him to Lotus Pier. If, and only if, Jiang Fengmian had innocent intentions when bringing Wei Wuxian back to Lotus Pier, such horrific abuses of power should not have been allowed to take place - not towards him or any disciple. I cannot help but be grateful that Wei Wuxian has found himself a proper home with the Lan Clan, where he appears to be well treated and appreciated.” She held her head high. 

“You should be appreciative that I am here, Jiang-Zongzhu, and not Wen-Zongzhu, for he is much less lenient towards the abuse and mistreatment of disciples or anyone within one’s own clan. Wen-Zongzhu treats everyone with basic respect and dignity, for how else would they be capable of serving him to their highest capability? If his Excellency were here, I would expect that you may not even have a head above your shoulders after such accusations were brought forth.” 

Lan Qiren had turned around at some point when Wen Qing was speaking, muttering to Lan Wangji. The Lan nodded as he stood, sending a look towards the back of the Lan contingency, and grabbing Wei Wuxian’s hand before gently pulling him towards the doors - Lan Shi quickly catching up to them. Nie Mingjue sighed as his younger brother’s eyes followed the Lans - nudging his shoulder, nodding for him to follow.

Chapter Text

Wei Ying let himself be dragged back down the hallway they had come through, vaguely recognizing the tapestries that hung on the walls as the ones belonging to the wing of the Unclean Realm that had been designated for the Lans. He knew there were people following him, whether they were friend or foe, he couldn’t tell. No one was shouting, so he let them trail after them. 

Dazed, Lan Zhan guided him onto a bed, grasping both his hands as he knelt on the ground in front of him. He heard someone closing the door, the soft voices of someone asking a question and someone answering. 

Wei Ying let his head fall forward, his and Lan Zhan’s ribbons touching as his eyes closed. His hair fell over his shoulders, creating a curtain over both their faces, hiding them from the others in the room. The squeeze of Lan Zhan’s hands grounded him, slowly tightening and loosening as if trying to show Wei Ying how he should be breathing in the moment - long deep breaths, long slow exhales. 

Eventually, Wei Ying opened his eyes, being met with the sight of Lan Zhan still kneeling on the floor in front of him, his eyes closed - opening almost immediately, noticing that Wei Ying had finally come out of his daze. 

Lan Shi and Nie Huaisang were sitting at a table across the room, a card game splayed out on the table between them as they quietly shuffled cards around. Lan Shi stood as Wei Ying raised his head. 

“Tang-di, how are you feeling?” he softly spoke, bringing a tray with some nuts and dried fruits over to the bed - handing it to Lan Zhan after he rose to his feet and sat next to Wei Ying on the bed. 

“How long has it been?” Wei Ying spoke as he felt Lan Zhan’s hand slowly running up and down his back. 

“Only half a shichen,” Nie Huaisang spoke, bowing and introducing himself properly.

“Though, no one’s come to collect us or tell us if anything has happened, so it’s safe to say that they’re all still in there talking.” He let out a soft laugh, his fan quietly fluttering in front of his face. “Da-ge isn’t one to deal with how long some of those Clan Leaders can talk for, but given how the conference started, I’m not sure how deep into the itinerary they’re at.” 

Lan Shi let out a small groan. 

“Last conference, Clan Leaders Yao and Ouyang managed to bicker for a quarter shichen over which of their clans owned a small island that resided in a lake between their two clans,” He threw his hands up, “And it turned out, the lake was neither of theirs!” 

A knock interrupted the quiet laughter that had started, the door slowly opening to reveal a tired Lan Qiren. He closed the door behind him as he turned towards the men - relief flooding his face as his eyes landed on Wei Ying. 

“Lan Shi, Huaisang, you are both free to leave. I believe Nie-Zongzhu was looking for you, Huaisang.” he spoke as he crossed the room, a clear dismissal to both of them as they stood, leaving the three alone in the room. 

“A-Ying, how are you feeling?” Lan Qiren spoke, taking up the same position on the floor his nephew had just risen from. 

“I’m sorry Jiufu.” Wei Ying whispered, his head hanging. Lan Qiren slowly grasped Wei Ying’s hand. 

“What are you sorry for A-Ying?” 

“I never should have pointed my sword at Jiang-Zongzhu. I should have better contained my anger, I shouldn’t have let his words get to me.” Lan Qiren let out a small huff, confusing both teens. 

“Of all the things that have happened today, A-Ying, your actions in that moment are the least of anyone’s concerns. If you were any less a child of your parents, your sword would not have simply just been pointed at Jiang Fengmian’s neck - it would have taken it off his shoulders.” His eyes darkened. “If I were any less of a Lan, I would have done it myself.” Lan Qiren slightly shook his head, squeezing Wei Ying’s hand once more before rising to his feet. 

He looked at his nephews, sitting side by side on the bed and couldn’t help but be smug that Jiang Fengmian had been such a horrid human being, that he had floundered his chances with Wei Ying, with his genius, with all the benefits and prestige that someone of his intelligence could’ve brought the Jiang Clan. However, knowing how Wei Ying had been treated the two years he did reside in Lotus Pier made Lan Qiren know that Wei Wuxian would have been stunted, that likely he would not have been allowed or discouraged or punished for pursuing talismanic arts.

No, Wei Ying was exactly where he needed to be. He was in the place that his parents wanted him in, where they had planned on raising him, it just took him a few years to make it there. 

“The Clan Leaders have all decided that Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan, as well as anyone who facilitated, permitted, or enacted violence towards you, A-Ying, are to be punished for their actions.” Both teens looked at him with wide eyes.

“You do not need to give an account in front of everyone. I am already aware of everything you endured in Lotus Pier. Jin Guangshan refuses to involve his clan with the Jiangs and has pulled out of the conference all together, but-” 

“He broke the betrothal between Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli, didn’t he?” Wei Ying whispered, interrupting Lan Qiren - much to the shock of both Lans. 

“It was actually Jin Zixuan himself who requested the betrothal to be broken, citing your recount of Jiang Yanli being the one who dressed your wounds from Zidian, and then subsequently never mentioning the state of your back the night you fled Lotus Pier.” He placed a hand on Wei Ying’s shoulder as the teen’s shoulders slightly slumped. “Jin Zixuan said that, regardless of any affection he could have ever grown or held towards Jiang Yanli, the simple notion of not mentioning that you were severely injured by Yu Ziyuan the day of your disappearance simply was not something he was willing to tolerate.” Wei Ying huffed. 

“He may be pompous, full of himself, a result of his upbringing and life in Koi Tower, but he does seem to hold morals.” His eyes flickered towards Lan Zhan. “Maybe he’s another I can add to the potential friend group.” He teased, watching as Lan Zhan leveled a gaze at him that screamed ‘you cannot be serious’ . 

“He will be attending the lectures next month, Huaisang and the Wen siblings as well.” Lan Qiren stared at the confused look Wei Ying was giving him. “The Wens who are here as Wen Ruohan’s representatives. Wen Qing is the Wen Healer who was speaking for you, her younger brother Wen Qionglin was sitting to her right.” 

Lan Qiren coughed, his eyes flickering back towards the door. 

“As I was saying, you do not need to give a full account in front of a room of Clan Leaders. However, Wen Qing is requesting to hear your account as well as permission to examine you - see the scars that remain on your person, to hear the stories associated with them. Nie Mingjue is also requesting to hear your full account. You do not need to make a decision right now, they are both understanding that you may be overwhelmed and if needed, you and Wangji would be allowed to go back to Cloud Recesses, if you wished.” he explained, a soft smile forming on his face as he watched Lan Wangji tighten his grasp on Wei Wuxian’s hand, practically pulling his betrothed’s hand into his lap. 

Wei Ying was quiet for a moment, his eyes staring down at their hands. 

“Can I think about it? I mean, I will absolutely speak with Wen Qing and Nie-Zongzhu, but I kind of would like to eat something small and take a nap.” He started, his voice small as he toyed with their conjoined hands. “I think…I think I’m okay to stay for the rest of the discussion conference. I’m not needed for any of the meetings between Clan Leaders, but there were some competitions that I was looking forward to participating in.”

Lan Qiren let out a hum as he took a step towards the doors. 

“I will have a small meal sent for both of you. Wangji, you may stay with Wei Ying for the remainder of the conference. I will inform Nie Mingjue of the adjustments for meal deliveries. I will check in on you both before hai shi.” he spoke, taking one more glance at the pair as they sat on the bed, before exiting the room. 

“Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan started, a hand reaching up and untying the knot at the back of Wei Ying’s head, his forehead ribbon falling down his face and into Lan Zhan’s waiting hand. 

“Sleep. I will let you know when the food arrives.” he softly spoke, cradling Wei Ying’s face in his hand. 

The rest of the discussion conference went on without a problem, if not for the lack of tension at any moment in time where a Lan and Jiang disciple were within viewing range of one another. 

Jiang Fengmian and Jiang Wanyin were confined to their rooms, only allowed to leave under supervision and while being escorted by Nie disciples. It had been a decision Nie Mingjie was firm on - if Jiang Fengmian and the Jiang Clan wished to continue their participation in the discussion conference, they would abide by Nie-Zongzhu’s words or they would immediately leave. Whether Jiang Fengmian remained for the duration of the conference out of a belief that he could redeem himself, sway the other Clan Leaders into gaining back their support, or whether he simply wished to not face Yu Ziyuan’s waiting anger the moment he arrived back to Lotus Pier, no one quite knew just why he chose to remain. 

On the final day, Wei Ying finally spoke with Wen Qing and Nie Mingjue with Lan Zhan and Lan Qiren sitting beside him. Much to Wei Ying’s own shock, it was not as difficult to speak about his treatment within Lotus Pier with them, nor was the moment Wen Qing pulled him behind a privacy screen and asked to be shown his back, arms, legs, anywhere where a scar he gained in Lotus Pier resided. 

Her fingers ghosted over the scars on his back, mentioning how the Lan Healers had done exceptional work during his healing process as she examined the length and depth of Zidian’s remaining marks. 

He guided her to bite marks on his calves and arms from dogs in Yiling, permanent scuff marks on his knees from kneeling in the Jiang Ancestral Hall, an arrow wound on the left side of his ribcage when an older Jiang disciple had thought it would be funny to shoot a non-tipped arrow at him. 

He could feel Lan Zhan and Wen Qing’s anger rising as he continued across his chest, down his abdomen, pointing out every small scar he had and how he had gotten it, every place there had been a massive bruise but where no mark remained. 

At one point, Wei Ying heard a teacup shattering as it was thrown across the room at a wall by someone on the other side of the privacy screen - thrown by Nie Mingjue if Lan Qiren’s sigh said anything about the Nie’s actions. He had been describing the twin scars on his left hand, the ones he gained from grabbing Jiang Wanyin’s blade. 

Wen Qing closed the notebook she had been writing in, a depiction of a body with notes on locations of scars, who gave them, how old Wei Ying was when they were inflicted. The Wen took a moment to compose herself, closing her eyes as she took a deep breath, before turning back towards the pair. 

“Wei Wuxian, thank you for allowing me to examine you. The evidence on your body is certainly enough to enact harsh punishments on the Jiang Clan, if you wished. The decision for retribution is entirely your decision, what you choose to do with your options is a decision only you are capable of making. Should you wish to pursue a route opting to hold the Jiang Clan responsible for your injuries, myself, the Dafan Wen, as well as Wen-Zongzhu will stand behind you.” She bowed to the pair before walking away from them, leaving them alone behind the privacy screen - saying farewells to Lan Qiren and Nie Mingjue, before leaving the room entirely. 

Wei Ying held his red inner robe in his hands - Lan Zhan having gotten his spare robes out of his qiankun pouch, citing that Wei Ying did not need to bother putting back on the elaborate Lan robes he had been wearing for the duration of the discussion conference, that they were leaving for Cloud Recesses almost immediately after they finished speaking with Nie Mingjue. 

He looked up at the sound of Lan Zhan sighing. The Lan took a step towards him and lightly tugged the red cloth from his hands and draped it open, holding open the sleeves for Wei Ying to slip his arms through. Wei Ying couldn’t help the blush that blossomed across his face as he slipped his arms into the sleeves, securely tying it around his waist as Lan Zhan grabbed the next layer and proceeded to help him with the rest. 

A small smile crossed Lan Zhan’s face as he held Wei Ying’s forehead ribbon in his hands before reaching up and tying it around his beloved’s forehead - both teens unable to hide the emotions crossing their faces as their eyes met. 

Silently, Lan Zhan grasped Wei Ying’s hand and led him around the privacy screen and back to Lan Qiren and Nie Mingjue. 

The teens sat and listened to the Clan Leaders across from them as they discussed further steps, where the Nie stood in their support of Wei Ying and of their abhorrence towards the Jiangs. Nie Mingjue made his stance firm - he would not tolerate any abuse towards young disciples, towards any disciples, where the punishment given was not equal to the crimes, where it was no longer punishment but torture, someone enacting their sickening thoughts on someone who is powerless to challenge their standing within the Clan. 

Nie Mingjue told Wei Ying that he felt as if he had an even stronger urge to defend him, revealing that he and Wei Changze often ran into one another during nighthunts when the Nie was a young disciple. He had known Wei Changze’s character through their few meetings and the few times the Wei had saved his life, given him valuable hunting advice that he still used and passed down to his own disciples. There was more at stake for the Nie than if a random Jiang disciple had been abused - and he shamefully admitted he may not have cared as much about the accusations if it had been a random Jiang making them. 

The Lans left the Unclean Realm a shichen later, Nie Huaisang professing that he absolutely couldn’t wait for the lectures and to see Wei Wuxian once more - and more quietly whispering that he could sneak in anything Wei Ying wanted. To which Lan Zhan merely sent a glare towards the Nie and dragged Wei Ying back towards the Lans. 

Their arrival back to Cloud Recesses made Wei Ying feel as if everything was back in order, that the calming atmosphere their home brought him was capable of taking away the remnants of the last week’s stressors. Lan Qiren told him he was to spend time meditating in the cold springs before retiring for the night - he would have both Wei Ying and Lan Zhan’s meals sent to the Jingshi. 

The pair had only recently moved out of their shared room and into the Jingshi - it had been a gift for Lan Zhan’s sixteenth birthday. And, since the pair were betrothed and both men, they were given permission to continue living together - much to their joy at being able to share a much larger space. They had already rearranged their shared room in the disciple dorms to better accommodate them - mainly pushing their beds together so they were able to share a bed. 

Wei Ying had decorated the Jingshi with anything he thought of, the small trinkets he had accumulated over the years now had places where they could be displayed. There was an entire room that they had stocked with copies of texts Wei Ying frequently referenced, a large table sat in the center of the room that was capable of being used by both teens at the same time - and the room was able to better maintain the storm Wei Ying tended to create when his mind hyper focused on an idea. 

Some nights, Lan Zhan looked around the home, at the space Wei Ying took up, and couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face.

Chapter Text

The month before the lectures was busy for the Lans. Preparations needed to be made for the guest disciples that would be arriving and staying for a year, rooms needed to be allocated for the clans and their members, but by far the hardest thing to manage was the room arrangements. While Wei Ying himself didn’t need to worry about being within the disciple dorms, the Jins would not stand to be roomed near the Jiangs, the Nies didn’t want to be near the Jiangs either. Wen Ruohan, after being notified of the accusations made towards the Jiang Clan, had also stated that he didn’t want Wen Qing and Wen Qionglin roomed near the Jiang disciples either. 

Ultimately, it had been decided that the Jiangs would occupy one of the smaller dorm halls, capable of housing up to twenty people if two people shared a room. Wen Qing and Wen Qionglin were given a small home that resided near the Healer’s Pavilion that typically was allocated for patients who had been severely injured or needed prolonged treatment, but exceptions could be made so long as the pair agreed to assist Lan healers when needed.

The Jin and Nie were to share a building, and while Nie Mingjue had frowned at the decision, he accepted that it was the best choice that could’ve been made, and sent word ahead that Huaisang and a dozen of Nie disciples had just departed and would be arriving the following morning. 

Lan Zhan and Wei Ying stood at the top of Cloud Recesses’s staircase, waiting for the Nies to arrive. Wei Ying wrapped himself around Lan Zhan’s arm as he rested his head on his shoulder, eyes closed as he tried to gain even a second more of sleep. Wei Ying was still a late riser, by Lan standards, and often woke at chen shi rather than the typical mao shi Lan disciples had grown accustomed to waking at. The past week saw Wei Ying having to rise at mao shi to aid in preparations for the clans and their disciples, and he couldn’t wait for the clans to arrive and for the three day settling in period before the actual lectures started so he could get caught up on his sleep. 

He felt Lan Zhan’s head rise from where it had been resting against Wei Ying’s, causing Wei Ying to painfully open his eyes at the sound of chatter coming towards them, untangling himself from around Lan Zhan. 

Nie Huaisang’s eyes widened as he spotted the pair waiting for him, a wide smile crossing his face as he ran up the final steps towards them. 

“Nie-xiong! Welcome!” Wei Ying greeted, watching the Nie disciples fill in around them as they all awaited instruction. 

“Wei-xiong! I actually have a good feeling about this year now that you’re here to help!” His eyes glanced towards Lan Wangji. “Wangji-xiong, I promise to do better this year.” Nie Huaisang clapped his hands. “Now, where do we go?” 

Lan Zhan and Wei Ying led the Nies to the rooms they would be occupying, answering any question that was asked. 

“No, the Jiangs are not in this building.” 

“The Jins should arrive later today as well as the Wens.” 

“Jiang-Zongzhu has not yet sent out word that his disciples have left Lotus Pier.” 

Wei Ying coughed, gathering all the attention of those around him. 

“The kitchens have been preparing food all morning, so if you’re hungry, feel free to eat at any time!” he spoke, nodding at Lan Zhan as they had agreed to eat within the dining hall today - whether or not they would be joining the other disciples for regular meals within the dining hall on a regular basis was yet to be determined. 

The group of Nie disciples trailed after Lan Zhan and Wei Ying as they walked towards the dining hall - Nie Huaisang shared the latest gossip as he walked alongside the pair. When they arrived at the entrance to the dining hall, the Nie disciples walked in ahead of them. 

“Wangji, Wuxian, will you both be joining us today?” Lan Xichen spoke from behind them, startling all but Lan Wangji as they turned towards the Lan. 

“Xichen-ge!” Wei Ying started, “Lan Zhan and I agreed that at least for today, and until the Jiangs arrive, that we’d join everyone.” 

“Do you not usually eat with everyone?” Nie Huaisang asked as they entered into the dining hall, being directed to a table at the head of the room where the main family usually sat. 

“Ah,” Wei Ying started, his eyes darting towards Lan Zhan, “Usually Lan Zhan and I eat together. There’s always something we’re working on or we just don’t want to bother everyone else.” He huffed out a small laugh. “As much as I am exempt from the rules, even I realize that not everyone wants to listen to me ramble between bites, plus Lan Zhan likes the lack of social interaction.” Lan Xichen raised his sleeve to cover the huff of laughter that escaped him. 

The group sat and ate their meal in typical Lan silence. Lan Zhan and Wei Ying’s eating habits making themselves known as the pair swapped bowls, exchanged foods, and moved in such a fashion that made it clear that they had long adjusted to the other’s presence during meal times. 

Nie Huaisang watched their interactions with a piqued curiosity - knowing all the rumors about Lan Wangji and his reluctance to interact with, well anyone really, but here he was sharing his food with Wei Wuxian as if it were something normal. The few Lan disciples Huaisang caught watching the pair with small smiles on their faces, looking away after letting out small huffs, made him think that something else was going on - or that Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian had truly gotten along so well that it was just expected behavior from the two. 

“Lan Zhan, are you done?” He heard Wei Wuxian whisper, standing as Lan Wangji nodded. Wei Wuxian turned towards Huaisang and Lan Xichen. 

“We’ll be in the library if anyone needs us.” Wei Ying spoke before practically dragging Lan Wangji out of the room - all the Nie disciples watching with wide eyes. 

It would be a shichen later that someone would come to find the pair - finding them practically surrounded by piles of books all detailing aspects of warding, arrays that could be used for protection, manipulation of sound and space, blood linking. The Lans expected this erratic genre and discipline pulling from Wei Wuxian, long having known that the ideas the teen came up with often were groundbreaking, never thought about, or he was simply manipulating an already existing talisman or array to cover a weakness, something that the original creator could not anticipate someone using their invention for. 

Nie Huaisang’s gaze navigated the piles of books, ultimately finding Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian at the center of the chaos, both of them surrounded by piles of notes and talisman paper. They didn’t notice him at first as they seemed engrossed in a silent conversation, both of them sitting side by side and leaning over an assortment of talismans laid out on the table in front of them. Both of them taking turns seemingly pointing at various areas of the talismans. 

From Huaisang’s vantage point of the pair, he had to hold his gasp as Wei Wuxian’s hand toyed with the ends of Lan Wangji’s forehead ribbon as it draped down his back. Wei Wuxian’s head leaned against Lan Wangji’s shoulder, the Lan’s arm wrapped around his waist. 

“This one will work for sure Lan Zhan.” 

“I do not doubt that, Wei Ying.” Wei Wuxian let out a huff, pouting as he picked his head up from Lan Wangji’s shoulder. 

“Then why won’t you let me test it out.”

“I never said you could not, just that shufu needed to look over it first.” Wei Wuxian opened his mouth, Lan Wangji reached up and covered it. “Wei Ying, you agreed to not test talismans without shufu overlooking your work. We do not need a repeat incident of your fire repelling talisman.”

Wei Wuxian let out a whine, reaching up and pulling Lan Wangji’s hand off of his mouth, pressing a kiss to his palm before intertwining their hands and resting them on his lap. 

“That was one time! The only thing injured was the table!” Lan Wangji leveled a glare at him. “Okay, my robes needed to be thrown away and the burn marks are still visible on the table and the roof of that room in the disciple dorms, but I lived! It was merely an accident with a radical being in the wrong spot - I fixed it immediately after everything calmed down!” 

“ And you agreed to let shufu view your work before testing out any further inventions.” 

Wei Wuxian’s head fell forward onto Lan Wangji’s shoulder, a loud sigh escaping him. 

“Er-Gege is always right. Everyone would be more wise to follow his words.” Lan Wangji let out a sigh at the teasing, his head turning back towards the talismans laying out on the table. 

Breaking the silence, and feeling like he intruded on a moment he wasn’t supposed to see, Nie Huaisang knocked on the doorframe, almost laughing at the way Wei Wuxian jumped as he turned towards the door. 

“Ah Nie-xiong, what can we do for you?” Huaisang stood in the doorway, not wanting to even tempt the glare Lan Wangji could send him for interrupting and intruding into their space. 

“Lan-Laoshi wanted to speak with the both of you.” His fan fluttered in front of his face. “If I had to guess, it’s about the Jiangs.” He paused, “Or Jin Guangshan did something, you never know what kind of atrocious and immoral things he’s going to do next.” 

Nie Huaisang trailed after the pair as they made their way towards the Hanshi, being met by Lan Xichen and Lan Shi waiting for them. 

“Shufu is inside, come.” he spoke, closing the doors behind them as the three entered the room. Lan Shi sent Wei Ying a small smile when he looked back, seeing the Lan standing outside the doors before understanding that he was meant to act as a guard, to make sure no one disturbed their conversation or listened in. 

“I’m just going to get straight to the point,” Lan Qiren started, looking across the table, Lan Xichen stood in front of the door. Lan Qiren placed a letter onto the table. 

The bright red of the Wen Clan seal stared up at them. 

“His Excellency sends Wei Wuxian well wishes and apologizes for allowing such abuse towards him to take place. He says that Tengfei and Changze passed through Nightless City a month before their deaths, that Wen Ruohan had tried sending out men to look for you,” Wei Ying met Lan Qiren’s hesitant gaze, “but that they were unable to determine where you were.” 

Lan Qiren sighed and, much to the shock of everyone in the room, wiped away a tear that fell down his face. 

“His men were unable to find you, A-Ying, but they found them. ” 

The room practically froze as Wei Ying took in a sharp breath, his grip on Lan Zhan’s hand tightening as he tried to calm the puffs of air that came out of him. Lan Qiren pulled out another letter, sealed and addressed to Wei Ying, and placed it on the table in front of them. 

“Wen Ruohan tells me that their remains have been cremated, placed into urns, and have been waiting for the moment he was able to reunite them with their son.” He paused, Wei Ying let out a sob, a hand covering his mouth as Lan Zhan wrapped an arm around him. “He also has all the belongings that were with them when his men found them. I do not know what that entails, but I would imagine his letter will answer more questions than I can.” 

Lan Qiren’s eyes darted towards Nie Huaisang, who slightly shrunk under his gaze, silently telling the Nie that what was spoken about Wei Changze and Baoli Tengfei would not leave the room. 

After a few minutes, a hand reached for the letter on the table, Lan Zhan placing the letter in his sleeve as Wei Ying wiped his tears off his face. 

“Is that all Wen-Zongzhu wrote?” his hoarse voice spoke. 

“Wen Ruohan also has the entire Jiang Clan under surveillance and under strict rules to not leave Yunmeng territory.” Lan Qiren scoffed. “Jiang Fengmian sends his apologies that his disciples will not be able to attend the lectures for the foreseeable future. His Excellency has started a complete investigation into the Jiang Clan’s treatment of disciples and servants, particularly those young in age. Until the end of that investigation, no Jiang will be allowed outside of Yunmeng territory nor will the main Jiang family be allowed outside of Lotus Pier without Wen Ruohan’s approval and Wen escorts.” 

The room briefly fell into silence, before Wei Ying let out a small laugh. 

“And to think that we spent so much time rearranging the lectures because of the Jiangs. At least for some adjustments, we no longer need them.” he spoke, a small smile on his face as he leaned into Lan Zhan’s arm, resting his head on his shoulder. 

“Will Wen Qing and Wen Qionglin still be attending?” Lan Wangji asked, a soft sigh escaping him as Lan Qiren nodded. 

“Wen Ruohan also included that his niece and nephew were about to leave as he sent the letter off, they should be arriving tomorrow morning or afternoon.” 

“And the Jins?” Nie Huaisang jumped in, watching as Wei Ying and Lan Zhan almost jumped, forgetting that the Nie was even in the room with them. 

“They’ve arrived in Caiyi this morning and should be here shortly,” Lan Qiren’s eyes darted towards the pair, before back towards the door at Lan Xichen. 

“A-Ying, A-Zhan, you both do not need to be present to greet the Jins. Take all the time you need and relax for the rest of the day.” A small smile crossed Lan Qiren’s face. “I know you’ve been waking up earlier than usual this week, A-Ying, start catching up on your sleep now, I will have your meals for the rest of today and tomorrow sent to the Jingshi.” 

The sound of Nie Huaisang’s fan loudly fluttering open echoed throughout the room as the Nie looked between Lan Qiren and the two teens. 

“Lan-Laoshi, may I make an assumption?” Lan Qiren nodded, already expecting where the Nie’s line of questioning would go. 

“Is Wei-xiong Wangji-xiong’s betrothed?” 

The two boys turned to look at him with wide eyes, almost as if they weren’t expecting for anyone outside of the Lan Clan to come to such a conclusion. 

“Wangji and Wuxian have been betrothed since Jiang Fengmian called off his search for Wei Ying.” Lan Qiren simply stated. Lan Xichen let out a laugh as he left his position by the door and walked over to the table. 

“Neither of you are very subtle.” He spoke, ruffling a hand through Wei Ying’s hair, watching as the Wei pouted, shoving his head into Lan Wangji’s shoulder. 

“How’d you figure it out?” Wei Ying spoke, peeking an eye out, looking at Huaisang. 

“Wangji-xiong isn’t touchy with, well anyone, but every time I’ve seen you both, you’re always touching in some way. Wangji-xiong had his hand wrapped around your ankle, he dragged you out of the discussion conference, and he is very attentive towards you Wei-xiong.” He shrugged. “What really sealed it was how you both interacted during lunch as well as seeing your hand toying with Wangji-xiong’s ribbon. I know what Lan ribbons mean, and I definitely know someone like Lan Wangji wouldn’t let someone touch his.” 

Wei Ying nodded, a small smile on his face as he sat up. 

“I do have my own ribbon, you know.” He pointed up at his hair. “It’s in my hair most days.” 

“You’re bending many rules Wei-xiong.”

Nie Huaisang watched as Lan Xichen hummed and Lan Qiren nodded. 

“A-Ying has been exempt from the Lan Clan rules ever since he arrived in Cloud Recesses, so long as he shows that he knows when it is expected of him to follow them. Of course, even if he wasn’t exempt, some exceptions would’ve been made for him.” Wei Wuxian picked his head up, looking across the table at Lan Qiren. 

“Exceptions? Like what?” 

“Your sleeping schedule, for starters.” Lan Xichen softly spoke, finally being the one to reach for the teapot that had been sitting at the end of the table, pouring cups for all of them. 

“Wei Ying is not productive when he rises at mao shi. He is much more agreeable and energetic when allowed to sleep until chen shi.” Lan Wangji agreed as he reached up and tucked a few stray hairs behind Wei Wuxian’s ear. 

“Tengfei couldn’t handle such an early rise either.” Lan Qiren took a sip of his tea, nodding towards Xichen in thanks. “She always complained for the whole day of how early she was expected to wake, that not even Baoshan Sanren had her waking up at such an early hour.” 

“Do…” Nie Huaisang hesitantly started, his eyes darting around the room, “do you think that the news about the Jiangs and Wen Ruohan’s attention being on the Jiangs will draw Baoshan Sanren’s attention? Do you think she knows of her disciple’s death? That she had a son? Could she attempt to make contact with Wei-xiong?” 

The room went silent before Lan Qiren slowly spoke, as if he didn’t want to get both his and Wei Wuxian’s hopes up. 

“I…would imagine that she knows of her disciple’s death. I do remember Tengfei speaking of writing to her master, informing her of Wei Ying’s birth. I would, then, assume that Baoshan Sanren, like Wen Ruohan, was unable to find A-Ying.” His eyes darted towards Wei Ying. “I do not know if she would attempt to make contact, from what Tengfei spoke of her, Baoshan Sanren is someone who does not like to involve herself with the cultivation world’s politics, but also that she was not someone who would sit back and let injustice happen.” 

“So she could attempt to find me?” Wei Ying spoke, his voice small as he tried to not get too hopeful of the immortal, a connection to his mother, trying to find him or speak with him. 

“I would imagine that if she so wished, she would.” Lan Qiren softly spoke, a small smile on his face as Wei Ying nodded.

Chapter Text

“How is A-Ying doing?” Lan Qiren spoke, pouring tea into the cup in front of him. 

“He is sleeping.” Lan Wangji hesitated, his hands fidgeting with the letter in his hands as it rested in his lap. 

“Wen Qing and Wen Qionglin are being escorted by Wen Xu.”

Lan Qiren looked up, his eyes wide as Lan Wangji continued, sliding the letter across the table. 

“They are in possession of the remains and belongings found of Baoli Tengfei and Wei Changze, and are under explicit instruction to have a direct hand off with Wei Wuxian with Wen Xu present. There is a documentation booklet of the condition of their bodies upon arrival of the Wens who found them, as well as the injuries on their persons. All recorded by Wen-daifu, Wen Qing and Wen Qionglin’s mother.” Lan Wangji met his uncle’s gaze. “Wen Ruohan says he suspects their deaths were not accidental, and the medical reports seem to support his claims.” 

There was a moment of silence before Lan Qiren coughed. 

“There’s something else, isn’t there?” 

Lan Zhan took a deep breath. 

“Wen Ruohan states that this report should not be read by Wei Ying, at least not initially, that he fears if the child of Baoli Tengfei and Wei Changze knew the manner in which they were found upon their death, that he would ravage the cultivation world, the theorized Clan responsible, in retaliation. The anger of a wronged child knows no bounds. ” 

Lan Qiren sighed, setting his empty cup onto the table. 

“Wen Qing sent word that she and her brother, and those escorting her, had arrived in Caiyi late last night and would be finishing their journey at sunrise. If all has gone according to schedule, they should arrive shortly - and after A-Ying has woken up. I will have them sent to the receiving hall, and be sure no one else is around. We will wait,” He met Lan Zhan’s gaze, “A-Ying does not need to push himself because he thinks he is slowing anyone down or wasting anyone’s time. If we need to wait a shichen, we will. I’m sure Wen Qing and Wen Xu are patient people and will understand.” 

Lan Wangji left the Hanshi with a small sense of dread at the potential information that had been found when examining the bodies of Wei Ying’s parents. The information, according to Wen Ruohan, was damning enough that he feared Wei Ying would take out his anger on whomever was responsible - and Lan Wangji didn’t like who his gut was telling him was likely behind their deaths. 

With careful coaxing, Lan Wangji roused his beloved from their bed, dressed and bathed him, and only when Wei Wuxian had been sat in front of the table - their breakfast waiting for them - he finally fully woke up. 

“Have Wen Qing and Wen Ning arrived?” Wei Ying whispered, looking across the table. 

“They should be waiting for us in the receiving hall, when you are ready to meet them.” 

Lan Wangji watched Wei Ying carefully set the cup he had been holding back onto the table, his hands slightly shaking, before nodding, seemingly resigned. 

Wei Ying didn’t have the courage to open the letter from Wen Ruohan, especially not knowing what the Sect Leader would have to say about his parents, so he had Lan Zhan open it, read it, and read the important parts back to him. 

It felt like a finality he wasn’t willing to reach, that if he read Wen Ruohan’s words it would close the door in his past that his parents had long occupied. Or Wei Ying would be forced into a reality where he was left with more questions and no way to get answers, no way to ask his parents what they were doing when they died. No way to fill the gaps in his memory that he knew his parents once occupied, now replaced with the feeling of hunger, of the teeth and jaws of dogs crawling up his thighs, the crack of an ankle as he ran from drunkards in the streets. 

There were some days that he felt like he was betraying his parents by being happy, for having a day where he didn’t think about them. Moments where he was so happy, so engrossed in the world and the Lans around him, so full of their love, that he forgot that they loved him too - that he hadn’t visited their tablets as often as he felt he should, that he should be apologizing for every happy moment, for every moment that he wasn’t thinking about them. 

He begged Lan Zhan to read the letter to him, tears streaming down his face, as the only faint memory of his parents ran through his mind - his mother on a donkey, him sitting on his father’s shoulders - as Lan Zhan broke the seal. 

Lan Zhan had been angry. He had looked down at Wei Ying as his beloved pressed his face into his hip in an attempt to get his tears to stop, raking a hand through his hair before softly speaking. 

“Wen Qing and Wen Qionglin are in possession of your parents’ belongings, of their remains. When they arrive, they have been instructed to return them back to their son.” Lan Zhan paused, his hands flexing as they raked across Wei Ying’s scalp. “Wen Ruohan does not believe their deaths were accidental.” 

There had been nothing, after that moment, in Wei Ying’s mind. 

Not being an accident. 

Not a nighthunt gone wrong. 

It had been a thought he had allowed himself to think about for only a moment, shoving it so far back in his mind so that he didn’t have to think about the implications - what it would mean if his parents had been murdered. 

It was easier to think that they had died in a nighthunt that had gotten the better of them. He had spent those years on the streets of Yiling, after all. It was easy to think that his parents had perhaps just gotten too close to the Burial Mounds, that something had come out of the Burial Mounds that they weren’t expecting, that something had taken them into the Burial Mounds. 

With all the rumors about the Burial Mounds, it was an easy explanation, one that Wei Ying didn’t have to put any effort into thinking about alternative scenarios. 

It had been an accident , that’s all it was. 

Murder? That was a whole other category of cruelty that Wei Ying didn’t want to think about. 

Lan Zhan led him to the receiving hall, a hand firm around him. 

Wei Ying knew that there were others in the room, moving through the actions that were expected of him. 

Later, he would find out that he hadn’t spoken a single word to any of the Wens nor Lans in the receiving hall, that he had this look on his face that he wasn’t exactly all there, present in the moment. 

Later, he would blink and discover that he was kneeling on the ground, two swords laying across his lap, a small crate sitting in front of him. 

Later, he would fall apart in his betrothed’s arms, muffling his sobs. 

–

“Wangji, how is he?” Lan Qiren asked as Lan Zhan slowly closed the doors to the receiving hall, a small book clutched in his hands. 

“He is still unresponsive, clutching their swords.” Lan Zhan walked down the few stairs and stood next to his uncle. “He will be okay, Shufu. We knew going into this that this would be a lot for Wei Ying.” 

“Lan-xiansheng, Lan-er-gongzi,” Wen Qing started, parting from her brother and Wen Xu for a moment and walking over to the pair, “I have seen this among others who have gone through traumatizing or overwhelming situations. Periods of dissociation are quite common, I would expect another episode like this within the next week.” Her eyes flicked towards the closed doors. 

“I am uncertain as to what my uncle thinks happened to Baoli Tengfei and Wei Changze, but I am willing to discuss anything within the medical report you are holding, Lan-er-gongzi.” 

Footsteps came closer, the Lans noticing the frown on Wen Xu’s face. 

“Father…he seemed to elude that Wei Wuxian would not like the conclusions he had come to. That something found on their persons, among their injuries, suggested one perpetrator, however other wounds suggested a potential cover-up of sorts.” he spoke, eyes flickered towards Lan Wangji as he tightened his grip on the small book in his hands. 

“Wen Ruohan thinks the ones responsible for their deaths…made it look like someone else killed them?” Lan Qiren spoke, eyes wide as Wen Xu nodded. 

A loud sob from the receiving hall broke the silence that had surrounded them - Lan Wangji quickly handing the book to his uncle before running up the stairs and into the room. With a shared look, they quickly followed Lan Wangji up the stairs, only to be met with the sight that they had been expecting. 

Lan Wangji had fallen to his knees, pulling Wei Wuxian into his arms. Wei Ying’s arms tightly gripped the back of the Lan’s robes, looking almost as if he was seconds away from ripping them. Lan Wangji had tucked Wei Ying’s head into his neck, pulling the boy as close to him as he could. 

Lan Qiren had to turn around and walk away from the building, lest his own tears spill at the sight of his friend’s son having to grieve them, of himself and his grief. 

It would be the following day that the contents of the medical report would get read.W en Xu left the night prior, saying that all he was there for was his father’s comfort at Wei Wuxian receiving his parent’s ashes and belongings. 

Lan Qiren, the Wen siblings, and Lan Xichen walked into the Jingshi, Lan Wangji’s call for them to come in finally coming after a few minutes. 

The pair were sitting at the table, cups and a stewing pot of tea on the table in front of them. Wei Ying was tucked against Lan Wangji as he sat in his lap, hiding his face in the safe, dark space of Lan Wangji’s neck. 

It was Lan Qiren who spoke first, pulling out the medical report and setting it onto the table in front of his youngest nephew. 

“Are…how detailed would you like-” 

“Please speak plainly Jiufu.” Wei Ying softly spoke, turning his head out from Lan Zhan’s neck, revealing a slightly puffy face and red, watery eyes.

“Injuries sustained by Wei Changze are consistent with an ambush, a targeted attack towards him specifically. There were multiple stab wounds across the span of his back, bruising on the backs of his wrists suggesting that someone stood on his hands as they stabbed him. Wen-Daifu describes the amount of wounds as “overkill,” that it wasn’t a simple attack but rather that someone wanted Changze dead.” He paused, opening the book and flipping to a specific page. 

“There were…whip marks…across his legs. I beg of you, A-Ying, to let me finish speaking before you jump to conclusions. I believe this is what Wen Ruohan meant when he said that it looked like someone else had committed these acts.” 

Wei Ying nodded, and Lan Qiren continued. 

“Whip marks consistent with Zidian’s lashes spanned across the lengths of both Changze’s legs, likely they were immobilized first, then his wrists were restrained. It is likely that Changze never stood a chance against his attacker, nor did he sense them coming. No wounds on his person indicate that he fought back or that he did more than fight against his restraints.” Lan Qiren took a deep breath - Lan Wangji sensing that his uncle was attempting to calm his own growing anger. 

“Your mother…Tengfei’s injuries were far different.” 

Wei Ying met Lan Qiren’s gaze, his heart dropping as a tear fell down the Lan’s face. 

“Her wounds were consistent with the action of taking one’s life.” He closed his eyes, more tears falling. “One sword wound in the center of her chest, the trajectory of the blade could only have come from an angle suggesting she was the one who inflicted the wound. As well as a solid cut across the entire length of her neck. Wen-Daifu’s notes suggest that the chest wound occurred first. Tengfei also had Zidian wounds, however hers suggest that she had been bound, her knees tucked to her chest and Zidian wrapped around her calves and back.” Lan Qiren trailed off, turning towards Wen Qing with a pleading look in his eyes for her to continue. 

“Baoli Tengfei was assaulted postmortem.” Wei Wuxian jolted in Lan Wangji’s grasp as he turned towards her. “My mother had spent most of her life on how to detect whether an injury had occurred before or after death. Based on her account of the state of Baoli Tengfei’s body when she performed her examination, she had been repeatedly assaulted following the moment of her death. If the lack of defensive wounds were not enough proof, the trauma her body received among the area of her assault was enough proof.” Wen Qing met Wei Wuxian’s gaze - knowing that they were both thinking the same name. 

“Jiang Fengmian.” Lan Wangji whispered, his eyes wide as he tightly held onto Wei Ying. 

“Zidian being used was a means of deflecting what happened onto Yu Ziyuan if their bodies were ever found. Everyone knows that Yu Ziyuan despised Baoli Tengfei so it wouldn't be a surprise to find Zidian marks on them.” Lan Xichen spoke in horror.

The room fell into silence, realizing that the accusations and allegations towards the Jiang Clan just got exponentially more serious, more necessary that they get justice. 

Wei Ying abruptly sat up, the sudden movement startling the room. 

A determined look crossed his face. 

“We need to find Baoshan Sanren.”

Chapter Text

“Why are you all looking at me like that?” Wei Ying spoke as he looked around the room. 

“This just went from a tragic accident during a nighthunt to planned murder, to an ambush . If Baoshan Sanren knows of my mother’s death, then she too knows that it is believed to have been an accident.” He looks down at the small book on the table. “We know now that it was not , and that now makes it something of her concern. She took in my mother, raised her, trained her. I can’t see a way in which she does not consider A-Niang her daughter in some capacity.” 

“And we’ve just uncovered that her daughter was murdered.” 

The room went silent as the occupants pondered what this would mean for the greater cultivation world, what it meant for those who knew of Jiang Fengmian’s aggression towards Baoli Tengfei, what it would mean to accuse a Sect Leader of cold blooded murder. 

Wei Ying assumed that they would have Wen Ruohan on their side. He was, after all, the one who had found his parents’ bodies and had a medical examination performed. There wasn’t a way for Wen Ruohan to not know the fates that befell such a powerful cultivation duo. 

Wen Ruohan likely would be on their side, he would support any and all attempts at justice for the deaths of Baoli Tengfei and Wei Changze. The Wen Clan’s lead in the investigation towards mistreatment of disciples within the Jiang Clan could only benefit them in terms of the power they would hold when they would bring such accusations to light. Likely, both accusations of murder and of mistreatment and abuse of disciples could be presented at the same time - in front of the other clans. 

A knock on the Jingshi’s doors pulled everyone out of their thoughts as they turned to watch the door open. 

“No need to worry about looking for me, A-Ying, I too have long wanted the Jiang Clan to pay for what they have done to my family.” 

A woman stood in the doorway of the Jingshi. Her long brown hair tied back by a red ribbon that Wei Ying could see fluttering in the wind. She strode into the room, her pale pink robes floating around her every step. 

Wei Ying didn’t know how, but he knew this woman.

“Pardon my intrusion, and my manners,” She dipped down into a bow, “This one is Baoli Guiying, many know me as Baoshan Sanren.” A smirk crossed her face as she rose, meeting Wei Ying’s wide eyes. 

“Baoli?” Lan Qiren spoke, breaking the silence. 

Baoshan Sanren sighed as she sat down with the group, taking the open seat next to Lan Zhan and Wei Ying. 

“A-Fei is my daughter, by blood.” A sad smile crossed her face as she continued. “When she first left to explore the world, we decided it would be best to invent a cover story, to disguise the fact that she was my daughter, and not just another disciple.” A tear fell down her face as she turned and  looked out the open window. 

“Her father still resides on the mountain. It was a drunken dalliance, something that happened at a moment of weakness. We were both heartbroken and mourning, and the wine was more potent than either of us were used to. A-Fei was aware that we both held others in our hearts,” she let out a huff, “She never held it against us when we told her. She knew she was loved, even if we didn’t love each other, and to her, that was what mattered.” Baoshan Sanren wiped away a stray tear before turning to Wei Ying. 

“She brought you to us, shortly after you were born. If I had known when A-Fei and A-Ze had died, I would have stopped at nothing to find you.” Wei Ying leaned into her hand as it cupped his face. 

“I only heard your name when you ran from the Jiangs. When I found out that you were in Cloud Recesses, I knew there was no safer place for you.”

Baoshan Sanren leaned back, her eyes scanned the group before landing on the small book that resided on the table in front of Wen Qing. 

“I never…I never had proof for what I knew had happened to them. I knew it would be reckless of me to barge into one of the supposed Great Clans and start throwing around accusations of murder.” A tear fell down her face as her eyes squeezed shut. 

“We will be able to get them justice, waipo.” Wei Ying whispered, a hand tightly holding his beloved’s as he watched tears fall down his grandmother’s face. 

“Wen Ruohan, in this scenario, has become a great ally. When his investigation into mistreatment and abuse among the Jiang Clan is finished, we will be able to add on these additional accusations towards Jiang Fengmian.” Lan Qiren spoke, his head held high as he looked around the table. 

“Never thought that bastard would be this useful.” The Immortal mumbled as she reached across the table for one of the small bowls of nuts. 

When the group decided to leave the Jingshi, to give Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian more time to be alone, Baoshan Sanren was shown to one of the guest houses after stating that she would remain within Cloud Recesses until the matter had been completely resolved. 

“It would be easier to stay. My mountain can survive without me for a while, I have a grandson to get to know, and a wedding to help plan.” 

It would be another month before Wen Ruohan would send word to Cloud Recesses that his investigation had been completed, that he would be arriving to Cloud Recesses personally to deliver his findings. 

His impending arrival had sent Cloud Recesses into a frenzy. 

The findings of his investigation could potentially change the entire cultivation world, change the Jiang Clan in its entirety. There wasn’t any particular way to feel about what Wen Ruohan could have found, but to the Lans who knew of the state Wei Ying had been in when he first arrived to Cloud Recesses, the sheer fact that Wen Ruohan himself was delivering his findings only made them hopeful. 

The Lan Clan had taken in Wei Wuxian as one of their own. He was someone they loved and cherished, someone they all rallied behind when he started growing into the bright, strong, just man he was. 

And that wasn’t taking into account the impact Wei Wuxian had on Lan Wangji. 

Through their every interaction, the Lan Clan saw their second heir opening up, speaking more, and everyone knew that the future that the two would have would be full of joy and happiness - and they would not dare to let anyone get in the way of their happiness. 

Wen Ruohan, given how he was supposed to be the same age as the other Clan Leaders, looked surprisingly young when Wei Ying spotted him climbing the stairs of Cloud Recesses. 

Wen Qing and Wen Ning were standing next to him, the rest of the guest disciples who were attending the lectures had been told to stay within their rooms during the time Wen Ruohan was to be in Cloud Recesses - not that any of them wished to be among the group that would be speaking with him, there was no envy lost among the guest disciples. 

Lan Qiren led the group into the Hanshi, Lan Zhan and Baoshan Sanren sticking close to him as they sat. Wen Ruohan sent him a smile the one time their eyes met - it sent a chill up Wei Ying’s spine, like he should be fearful of this man but also a sense that he wouldn’t cause him harm. 

“I apologize for my sudden arrival.” Wen Ruohan set down his teacup. “I felt it was rather important that the results of my investigation be spoken and shared with those who held the most stake in its outcome.” he spoke, sending a small nod towards Wei Ying. 

“Wei Ying thanks Wen-Zongzhu for his consideration.” The Clan Leader hummed. 

“I will cut straight to the point. A deep investigation into the state of affairs of Lotus Pier under the control of Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan has only begun to reveal generations worth of violence towards servants, disciples, and civilians in and in the surrounding areas of Lotus Pier. Simply starting with the current residents, Wei Ying has not been the only victim prior to his arrival nor since he left.” 

The Clan Leader pulled out a qiankun pouch, emptying its contents onto the table one at a time. Scroll after scroll, book after book was placed onto the table before him. 

“In the twenty-two years Jiang Fengmian has been Clan Leader, I have uncovered over 300 deaths that have been attributed towards actions taken by Yu Ziyuan,” He pushed a stack closer to the end of the table, “These are the records I could find cataloging the injuries belonging to those who perished. I am still collecting records of those who have been heavily injured or disabled. From what we were able to tell, Jiang Fengmian had every single death covered up, knowledgeable and aware of what his wife had been doing.” 

“How many deaths have happened since Wei Ying’s departure from Lotus Pier?” Lan Xichen asked, picking up one of the books from the top of the stack. 

Wen Ruohan sighed, pulling a scroll out of his robes and letting it roll open across the table. The end of the scroll hit the ground with a loud thunk as it continued unraveling for a few seconds before stopping. 

“This scroll contains all the names of disciples, servants, and civilians who have been killed or permanently disfigured since the day Wei Ying disappeared. His name is not part of any of these lists, as he is alive and appears to no longer be hindered by the lashings and beatings he received.” Wen Ruohan looked at Wei Ying for confirmation of his words. 

The teen swallowed, feeling Lan Zhan’s hand tightly grasping his. 

“While the scars on my back from Zidian have been mostly managed, in the height of the cold months I need daily massages. None of my injuries from the time within Lotus Pier have caused any hindrance in my cultivation - aside from my initial healing when I first arrived.” Wen Ruohan and Baoshan Sanren both hummed. 

“I’m glad to hear that.” Wen Ruohan spoke, a small smile on his face. 

“What will be happening to those in power in Lotus Pier?” Baoshan Sanren spoke, her voice deathly even as Wen Ruohan met her gaze. 

“Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan have been stripped of their spiritual weapons and had their cores sealed. I have had them transported to Nightless City where they are currently residing within cells until a decision as to their fates has been established. As for their children, Jiang Yanli has been taken to Meishan Yu where she will receive little to no punishment so long as the final results of my investigation reveals that she herself has had no involvement with the dealings of her parents. Jiang Wanyin, however, has verbally admitted to battering and abusing disciples and servants, and 6 deaths have been attributed to him in particular. He has met the same fate as his parents, core sealed, weapons confiscated, and is being held in Nightless City.” 

He paused, intentionally looking around the room. 

“If there were any…other…accusations that you would like to levy against the Jiangs, there would be more than ample time to compile evidence and make formal accusations.” The Clan Leader slightly slouched in his seat. “I would be more than willing to allow and support any accusation that anyone in this room wishes to levy towards Jiang Fengmian.” 

Wei Ying felt Lan Zhan’s hand squeeze his as he turned to look at Baoshan Sanren, both of them nodding. 

“Wen-Zongzhu, we actually have a list of accusations to make towards the Jiang Clan.” 

Chapter Text

It was quite the crowded room, Wei Ying thought as he looked around at all the sects and clans gathered in the receiving hall of Nightless City. 

Well, he supposed, it wasn’t just a normal Discussion Conference this time. 

This time it was a trial of one of the Great Sects, the Jiang Clan.

A trial for their accusations of abuse and unjust killings of disciples and servants spanning the length of Jiang Fengmian’s rule of Lotus Pier. Whatever Wen Ruohan had found concerning past Jiang Leadership had not been something he had shared with the Lans, but Wei Ying suspected that the Clan Leader knew when to play his cards right, when he should be revealing such valuable information. 

It was also a trial for the ambush and murder of Wei Changze and assault of Baoli Tengfei, as well as the attempted cover up. 

It had been a difficult conversation between Wei Ying, Baoshan Sanren, Lan Qiren, and Wen Ruohan, but pinning the death of Baoli Tengfei on Jiang Fengmian wasn’t something that had definitive proof or enough proof to convince those present who would be part of any verdict. 

Ultimately, it was her hand that caused her death due to Jiang Fengmian’s ambush of the couple and murder of Wei Changze. They would be better able to convince those present of her assault, due largely to Wen-Daifu’s injury report, and the desecration of her body, than saying Jiang Fengmian had killed her. They could provide motive for her actions, but the weapon that killed her was wielded by her own hand. 

Wei Ying sighed, trying to ease his tense muscles and tension that seemed to cross the entire span of his body. A small smile crossed his face as he felt a hand rest at his lower back, unable to send a grateful look towards Lan Zhan as the room fell silent. 

Wen Ruohan entered through the room’s main doors, a group of servants followed after him. 

Some were carrying chests, some carried scrolls, and following at the end of the group was the main attraction of the night. 

Jiang Fengmian, Yu Ziyuan, and Jiang Wanyin were all restrained and dragged to the center of the room before being shoved to their knees in front of Wen Ruohan. They had been stripped of their identifiers - not a drop of the expensive purple dye colored their tattered robes, now being reduced to thin layers of browns and worn-down whites that were now grey. Their hair all fell straight down their backs, not a single guan or hairpin to be found - Yu Ziyuan did have a thin ribbon holding her hair up that was the same shade as their clothes, likely ripped from the hem of her robes. 

Jiang Fengmian seemed resigned, staring down at the floor beneath him, shoulders hunched in and together as if attempting to make himself look small, pitiful, as if he was weak, incapable of doing whatever it was that was to be accused of him. 

Both Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Wanyin were glaring at anyone they could get their eyes on. For all Yu Ziyuan was, admitting to her faults and resigning to humility was not something she would ever do - and her son definitely picked up the same attributes from her. For what she was being accused of, likely the refusals and redirections were already rehearsed in her mind. The rebuttal of “they were my disciples and servants to treat however I wished” already ringing in Wei Ying’s mind, anticipating just how many times that phrase would be used as a failed excuse. 

While her husband seemed to be appealing to their allies in an attempt to diminish his own faults, Yu Ziyuan only seemed to be aggravating the room, slowly losing any remaining allies - whether they were true allies or simply did not wish to be on the side of the Jiangs and opposite Wen Ruohan. 

“Silence!” Wen Ruohan spoke as he stood in front of the trio, the room immediately falling quiet. 

Wen Ruohan held a small scroll in his hands, one he had shown to Wei Ying and the Lans prior to their arrival. It was a compact list of everything the Jiangs were benign accused of - as a Sect, as a Clan, individually, and as varied pairings. Not everything had been filled out when Wei Ying had been shown, but Wen Ruohan had promised that the accusations were extensive, that there was nigh a chance that the Jiangs would get away without a punishment - muttering under his breath that they’d be lucky to leave with their heads attached to their shoulders in a way that made Wei Ying’s blood run cold. 

“I’m not going to jump through all the typical pleasantries, we all know who everyone is and why we’re here.” He unrolled the scroll, Wei Ying watched as it unrolled the length of Wen Ruohan’s torso, stopping just above his knees. 

“I will be reading the charges and accusations individually, before moving on towards accusations towards the Jiang Clan as an entity.” 

Wei Ying’s eyes fell close, his hands bunching the robes at his knees as he took a deep breath, grateful for the two warm presences surrounding him - both Lan Zhan and Baoshan Sanren tightly holding his hands.

“I will be starting with the shortest list, Jiang Wanyin, after accusations have been read, there will be time left for the accused, and only the accused,” Wen Ruohan’s eyes narrowed towards Yu Ziyuan’s, “to defend themselves. Verdicts will be determined after all accusations have been read off, defenses given, and proof shown towards the accusations. Outside opinions will be able to be provided, do not feel afraid to voice your own opinions, no matter positive or negative, regarding a particular accusation or judge of guilt or innocence.” 

Wen Ruohan coughed, clearing his throat, before glancing around the room and beginning. 

“Jiang Wanyin stands accused of being responsible for the deaths of six Yunmeng Jiang disciples between the ages of six to thirteen. Two were found unresponsive in ponds, three were discovered to have fatal sword wounds, and one appeared to be the victim of an arrow through the chest, followed by several fatal lacerations across their body.”

A tear fell down Wei Ying’s face as his eyes closed. 

Wen Ruohan continued. 

“He also stands accused of permanently disfiguring eighteen disciples. The dozen who live will never recover their ability to walk or use their limbs, the remaining eight resigned themselves to the lives they would be living, and added themselves to the count of deaths attributed towards Jiang Wanyin - however, I did not include them earlier as it was not Jiang Wanyin who killed them. Rather, it was his actions that led to their suicides.” Wen Ruohan turned towards Jiang Wanyin, who only glared up at him. 

“How do you plead, Jiang Wanyin?” 

“If anyone died, it was their own damn fault!” He huffed out. “You can’t pin these deaths on me just because you need someone to blame! I am not responsible for the stupid actions of incompetent disciples and servants!” Jiang Wanyin spat out, his face turning red as Wen Ruohan, well, just looked bored. 

Wei Ying almost felt like Wen Ruohan was expecting more, but now was only greatly disappointed that his entertainment was only lackluster from the start. To be honest, Wei Ying felt as if Jiang Wanyin wasn’t doing himself any favors. If he wanted himself to look guilty in front of the other clans, he was sure doing a good job. 

“You deny the accusations, then?” 

“Of course!” Wen Ruohan nodded as he gestured towards a servant holding a crate to come forward. The crate fell to the ground in front of Jiang Wanyin. 

“Within this crate, there are dozens of medical reports and testimonies from disciples, servants, family members, and patrons of Lotus Pier in support of the accusations. Each death you are accused of each has at least six supporting accounts from disciples - ranging from eye-witness testimonies to being victims of similar injuries at your hands.” 

There was an edge in Wen Ruohan’s voice as he tipped the lid off of the crate, revealing how full the box truly was. From Wei Ying’s perspective, Jiang Wanyin’s face paled, as if he was realizing the true severity of what was happening. 

Wen Ruohan scoffed, turning towards Yu Ziyuan. 

“Yu Ziyuan, you stand accused of over five hundred deaths, of disciples and servants ranging in age from two months to sixty-three, during your tenure of Madam Jiang of Lotus Pier and Yunmeng Jiang. The list is far too extensive to go into details regarding each death, but over half the deceased had marks belonging to Zidian on their persons. In addition, your actions towards Wei Wuxian of Gusu Lan are separate from prior accusations. Regarding Wei Wuxian, you stand accused of using Zidian to inflict five lashes across the back of a twelve year old disciple, withholding meals, physical and verbal abuse, as well as intent to cause harm and death towards a child.” 

Multiple disciples piled crates in front of Yu Ziyuan, as well as Wen Qing placing the book she had recorded Wei Ying’s injuries into on top of the pile. 

“How do you plead?” 

It was unclear to Wei Ying whether or not Yu Ziyuan thought she could get out of this unscathed, whether she would be able to walk out of the room without a death sentence over her head. She was a prideful woman, never willing to admit when she was wrong, because she was never wrong, and if someone said so, they simply needed to be reminded of their place. 

“I simply cannot believe that that servant is his own accusation. Wei Ying was my disciple to do with as I determined, anything that happened to him was surely his own doing. Nothing I have done has killed him, no? So clearly he’s doing just fine among the Lan Clan.” She scoffed, leaning forward towards the crates. “And what are these? It is not my fault if someone succumbs to the punishment dealt to them. It was given for a reason , and I will not be training and having weak disciples among my ranks. Any punishment given should be able to be withstood, anything less is weak and intolerable, they should never have attempted to reach above their capabilities in the first place.” 

“So you do not deny the initial death charges?” Baoshan Sanren spoke, her hand tightening in Wei Ying’s grasp. “What possibly could a two month old do to you that you deem them worthy of death?” 

Yu Ziyuan practically growled at the woman as her eyes landed on Wei Ying. 

“Clearly I deny them! If anyone has perished according to my discipline, then they were already weak to begin with. I cannot be held responsible for wanting strong disciples who will not succumb to the smallest of injuries.” 

“Xiandu,” Clan Leader Yu spoke as she stood, “are the accounts in the crates in front of Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Wanyin going to be available to us to see following the events of today?” 

“They will be available upon request.” Wen Ruohan nodded. 

“Mother! You seriously cannot believe these absurd accusations!” Yu Ziyuan shouted, whipping around towards Clan Leader Yu - to only be met with a glare. 

“You are no daughter of mine, no longer. I will not defend your actions towards the people you were supposed to be training to defend the clan you belonged to, not killing them and maiming them!” Her fist slammed down on the table. “You and your family will receive no support from me. You should feel grateful that Xiandu has felt gracious enough to leave Yanli’s care under our supervision after determining that she was not guilty of anything besides being the daughter of such a manipulative, spiteful, and detestable woman like you.” 

Well, that answered the question of where Jiang Yanli was in all of this. 

“I will be moving on to Jiang Fengmian.” Wen Ruohan interrupted, speaking before Yu Ziyuan was able to start yelling more - yelling that would only devolve more into mindless words towards how she was receiving unfair treatment. 

Wen Ruohan was open with the glare he sent towards Jiang Fengmian as he raised his head. 

“Regarding Jiang Fengmian, you stand accused of knowledge of your wife’s murderous tendencies and paying off families to not speak of their experiences - going as far as to kill entire families in order to keep them quiet. While no additional deaths are at your feet, regarding Jiang disciples and servants, your largest accusation is the ambush and death of Wei Changze, resulting in his death at your hand and the suicide of Cangse Sanren to avoid the fate that would have come at your hands.” 

Gasps rang out across the room, as well as Yi Ziyuan and Jiang Wanyin’s faces showing shock as they turned to stare at him. 

“You are also accused of attempting to frame the deaths of Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren as being done by your wife, involving Zidian in your attack to draw any attention towards Yu Ziyuan, who was known to despise Cangse Sanren.” 

Wen Ruohan threw the scroll to the ground as he pulled Jiang Fengmian to his feet by his collar, spitting out the final accusation directly into his face. 

“You also stand accused of postmortem rape and assault of Cangse Sanren’s corpse. Extensive reports can be found among your records, performed by the late Wen-Daifu, my sister. Her daughter, Wen Qing, can attest to her mother’s reports, should anyone wish to know the contents without subjecting themselves to the horrific details of what the scum of mankind is capable of.” 

The room was quiet, before erupting into chaos. Screaming, shouting, both in disbelief and astonishment towards the accusations - but Wei Ying was unable to pick out anyone shout out because they believed Jiang Fengmian innocent. 

It appeared, surprisingly, that the most shocked people in the room seemed to be the other two who were knelt on the floor - with Yu Ziyuan showing visible shock, unable to do anything but look at her husband with wide eyes, her mouth opening and closing. Jiang Wanyin had taken a different approach, turning his shock towards Wen Ruohan as his father was thrown onto the ground, not even making an attempt to right himself, just remaining motionless in the position he landed in. 

“That’s impossible! My father would never do something as immoral and disgusting as that!” Jiang Wanyin shouted, wriggling around as he tried to free himself from the binds that held his hands behind his back. 

“Your father has a tendency to take what he wants, regardless of whether it was with consent or not.” Wen Ruohan turned towards the Lans. “If he is willing, Lan Qiren could recall just how immoral your father is.” Lan Qiren sighed as he stood. 

“Towards the end of his betrothal with Yu Ziyuan, a month prior to the wedding I believe, Jiang Fengmian cornered Baoli Tengfei in his private quarters of Lotus Pier. A deliberate use of Tengfei’s silencing and warding talismans was used in order to prevent anyone from helping and hearing her cries for help as he immobilized and raped her. It was with her own blood and a rudimentary transportation talisman that she was able to escape Lotus Pier and find herself in Cloud Recesses, where she remained until she and Wei Changze left with Wei Ying to explore and wander.” Lan Qiren glared at Jiang Fengmian before looking around the room. 

“Let me be clear, Wei Wuxian is in no way the child of this assault. He was not conceived until years after the assault. Let that clear up any rumors that have continued to be spread regarding Wei Wuxian’s parentage. His parents are Wei Changze and Baoli Tengfei, and any continued perpetuation of rumors regarding his parentage will be considered an affront and offense towards the Lan Clan.” 

Wei Ying’s eyes squeezed shut as he refrained from releasing the dual grips on his hands to cover his ears at just how loud the room got after Lan Qiren sat back down. 

Shouts for Jiang Fengmian’s death came, shouts for him to be castrated, to not be allowed to die a peaceful death all echoed throughout the room as the man himself laid motionless on the floor, his face turned away from Wei Ying - something he was grateful for. 

Wei Ying could hear commotion as the sounds of shouting only rose in intensity, before suddenly cutting off entirely, leaving the room in a sudden eerie silence. 

“If anyone is to enact justice on Jiang Fengmian, it will be myself.” Baoshan Sanren spoke, her hand leaving Wei Ying’s as she rose to her feet. “If he is to be executed, it is only right to avenge my daughter and her husband by executing their killer.” Power rolling off of her. 

“Of course, wise Immortal. I suspected that it would only be Jiang Wanyin who would leave Nightless City with a head on their shoulders, should Yu Ziyuan also be condemned to death, she will fall to no one’s blade but your own.” 

Jiang Wanyin’s eyes widened at the talk of executing his parents, his eyes frantically moving around the room looking for allies, for any support he could get. 

“Jin-Zongzhu! Won’t you speak for my parents? Wasn’t my sister betrothed to your son? Would you seriously wish to see the parents of your future daughter-in-law executed!?” he shouted, tears finally falling down his face as he looked at the Jin. 

“Zixuan is no longer betrothed to Yanli, he has not been since Wei Wuxian’s injuries by your mother’s hand were revealed.” Jin Guangshan spoke. 

“What does that son of a servant have to do with my sister’s marriage?!” 

“When it was revealed that Yanli knew of the condition Wei Wuxian was in when he went ‘missing’ from Lotus Pier, how she had neglected to speak of his injured state, how it was her own mother’s fault for such injures, Zixuan felt that he could not marry such a woman who would lie about the state of someone she supposedly treated as a brother when it came to something as serious as it was. Your father used their betrothal as a means of gathering support and funds, who is to say that he actually looked for Wei Wuxian and simply did not beg and plead for more and more money because he saw it as an opportunity to add more to the Jiang coffers?” Jin Guangshan turned his eyes towards the unmoving body of Jiang Fengmian. 

“Why don’t you ask your father himself as to what exactly he did with that money he oh so needed?” 

The room turned to Jiang Fengmian’s form on the floor, waiting for a response. 

Wen Ruohan’s patience snapped as he kicked Jiang Fengmian. 

“Well? Nothing to say for yourself?” he practically shouted. 

The room watched as Jiang Fengmian’s body simply fell over, moving like a puppet without strings. Wei Ying’s eyes widened as the Jiang’s head turned over, finally being able to see the face of a man to whom he had come to loathe and hate. 

Jiang Fengmian’s eyes were glazed over, unfocused, a small trail of blood flowed out of his nose. 

“He’s dead.” Wei Ying barely whispered, Lan Zhan and Baoshan Sanren barely able to hear him - both of their heads quickly turning towards him before back at the body.

Chapter Text

“What’s his prognosis, A-Qing?”

“There was a slow acting poison slowly killing him, likely ingested before being taken and held in Nightless City. That, or he had someone smuggle it inside and to the dungeons.” Wen Qing sighed. “Uncle, you also knocked him unconscious when you threw him to the floor. He likely was experiencing the peak of the poison’s effects, if we hadn’t discovered it when we did, Jiang-Zongzhu would have died within a quarter shichen.” 

“To be fair, he did look dead.” Wei Ying muttered, eyes looking down at the teacup in his hands, the warm weight of Lan Zhan’s hand on the small of his back kept him from slouching. 

“The coward,” Wen Ruohan spat out, glaring at the wall, “He knew what he had done, what would be uncovered, and simply wished to take himself out of the equation before justice could be brought, before he was to face punishment for his actions.” 

“He had no way to know when a trial would take place.” Lan Qiren spoke, his eyes meeting Wen Ruohan’s. “Even if he had taken something prior to departing from Lotus Pier, I know of very few poisons that can cause such long lasting effects so long after being taken without additional doses. Dare I say, Wen-Zongzhu, that someone has been giving Jiang Fengmian doses of poison whilst being within the dungeons.” 

The room fell silent as Wen Ruohan took a deep breath, a poor attempt at calming himself. 

“Only four people have access to the dungeons. A-Xu, myself, A-Qing, and…” he sighed, his eyes wandering over to the looming form of Nie Mingjue. 

Nie Mingjue had not involved himself within the conversation, however he was one of the only people who knew the state of Wei Ying’s injuries, he was an ally to them in their attempt to bring the Jiangs to justice for their actions. Wei Ying thought, rather blatantly, that anyone who feared for their life would not dare go against Nie-Zongzhu if they wished to keep their head on their shoulders. 

“Nie-Zongzhu, I believe you should be familiar with a man by the name of Meng Yao.” 

Baxia practically rattled in her sheath, begging to be used. 

A stormy look crossed Nie Mingjue’s face, as if he didn’t like where the conversation was headed. He stood up, no longer leaning against the wall as he had been, and made his way over to the group. 

“I am. Last I heard of him was when he left to his manwhore of a father. Dianxia knows why someone would wish to be recognized by such a slimy man.” He narrowed a gaze towards Wen Ruohan. “Is he the last person who has access to the dungeons? Why is he here and not in Koi Tower?” 

“Um,” A timid voice spoke, the room turned towards Wen Ning, who was sitting next to his sister, “Meng-gongzi has been here for six months. He makes and delivers the meals to those in the dungeons, and is watched the whole time he is in the kitchens. Is it possible he snuck in something while transporting the food?” 

“I’m more concerned about possible collusion with Jin Guangshan.” Lan Wangji spoke, turning his gaze towards Lan Qiren. “It is possible that Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Wanyin have also been given the poison, but are stronger than Jiang Fengmian and were more able to fend off the effects.” 

Wei Ying hummed, resting his head in his hands as he stared down at the table. 

“Yes, A-Ying?” He startled, looking up at the room. 

“Jin Guangshan has been surprisingly quiet during every accusation towards the Jiangs,” he mumbled, fiddling with the hem of his sleeve. “Even during the discussion conference in Qinghe, one would expect someone like him to be running his mouth, or trying to defend the Jiangs - who are supposed to be his allies.” 

“You think Jin Guangshan and Jiang Fengmian have an agreement.” 

Wei Ying looked at Wen Qing, nodding at her words.

“It makes sense, to an extent. For all we know, Jiang Fengmian has known the entire time that he and his family were being poisoned, because the conditions of his agreement hinge on their deaths?” 

“If Meng Yao is working for his father and Jiang Fengmian…” Lan Qiren shook his head. “What kind of agreement could the Jin and Jiang have come to?” 

The door slammed open, startling the patrons of the room. 

In the doorway stood a disheveled Nie Huaisang, a bunched up wad of paper in his hands, panting against the doorway, looking as if he were mere moments away from passing out. 

“Huaisang!” Nie Mingjue ran to his brother, wrapping an arm around his waist as Huaisang practically melted into his arms. 

He held his hand out, extending the papers towards the closest person he could reach. 

“Jin Guangshan has an agreement with Jiang Fengmian. The deaths of the Jiang family, or just Jiang Fengmian in particular, will trigger a massive transfer of land and leadership of all Yunmeng Jiang lands, businesses, disciples, trade agreements, whatever else there is!” Huaisang panted, swallowing as he met Wen Ruohan’s gaze. 

“Killing Jiang Fengmian will give all control to Jin Guangshan, throwing in Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Wanyin’s deaths is only a bonus.” He waved his hand towards the papers. “It’s all there, all of it. I can get you more details later, but can someone please get me some water?” 

Over the following two weeks, Wen Qing and healers in Nightless City and Cloud Recesses were able to pinpoint what Jiang Fengmian had been ingesting. As well as finding out that both Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Wanyin showed similar symptoms, with the drug in both their systems, but at a vastly smaller concentration. 

Given the strengths of their cores, in comparison to Jiang Fengmian, it was easy to assume that even if they were being given the same poison at the same dosage as Jiang Fengmian, that they were quite simply much better at combating the effects - leaving them almost symptomless. 

Once the toxin had been identified, treatment was simple to implement. It had been some form of a heavy metal that had been slipped into every meal that had been given during their three months within the dungeons. 

Meng Yao had also been apprehended and his rooms searched, revealing letters penned to him under an alias - but with a handwriting that clearly matched Jin Guangshan’s. All communication seemed to stem from the moment Meng Yao arrived to Nightless City, claiming that his father had thrown him away, discarded him, and his eyes “were open to the type of leader his bastard of a father was, and wished to serve someone who had an intelligent mind and knew how to lead.” 

Wen Ruohan hadn’t ever trusted him, but he rarely trusted anyone at all. It had been his oversight when assigning Meng Yao to watch over the meals sent to the prisoners. 

However, the looming threat of Jin Guangshan acquiring all of Yunmeng Jiang upon the death of Jiang Fengmian hung over all of those who knew, scrambling to find a way to not allow the agreement to come to fruition.

The simplest solution would be to simply not kill Jiang Fengmian, but the moment he is to be left alone, who is to say that he would not take his own life or arrange for someone to kill him, for an “accident” to take place that would result in his death. Guards were stationed on 24 hour watch of the Jiang within the dungeons - by now, both Jiang Wanyin and Yu Ziyuan had caught onto the treatment that Jiang Fengmian had been getting. 

The only way to renegotiate, would be to speak with both Jin Guangshan and Jiang Fengmian, and reveal that they knew about the agreement - rather than have it sprung on them and the greater cultivation world upon Jiang Fengmian’s death. 

“Would it be so bad? To let Jin Guangshan control Jin and Jiang lands?” Wei Ying questioned, looking around those sitting at the small table. 

“I am more hesitant regarding trade routes and trade agreements. Who is to know just how much Jin Guangshan would exploit his new imports and exports.” Lan Qiren spoke, setting his cup down as he looked across the table at Lan Zhan and Wei Ying. “While the great clans are self-sufficient, the smaller clans rely on trade agreements to function. I fear to think of how many the Jin could absorb in exchange for keeping their current agreements rather than seeing massive increases.” 

The room was quiet, before a seemingly obvious solution popped into Wei Ying’s mind. 

“The contract states that all Yunmeng Jiang would be given to Jin Guangshan , not Lanling Jin, correct?”

Nie Huaisang’s fan snapped shut. 

“Wei-xiong, you don’t mean to say-” 

“If Jin Guangshan is dead, prior to Jiang Fengmian, then the contract would be null, voided, would not be able to be carried out because the intended recipient would no longer be alive to claim their prize.” Wei Ying’s eyes met Lan Qiren’s, who was sighing at the upcoming headache he knew was coming. 

“You do not mean to suggest assassinating a Clan Leader.” 

Wei Ying smiled. 

“I’m sure Jin Guangshan has his share of dirty deeds, things he does not wish to be unearthed that could be used against him. We don’t need to kill him, but rather give a reason he should be deemed guilty, and deserving of death.” 

When they spoke of his plan to Wen Ruohan, a wide, calculating smirk crossed the clan leaders’s face - an ultimate reminder of just how powerful the man before them was, how easy it would be for him to take over the other clans just as Jin Guangshan seemed to intend to.

Chapter Text

Wei Ying stared at the tall, looming pile of documents that sat on the table before him, eyes wide as he peered around it, locking eyes with Nie Huaisang. 

“Um…how long have you been gathering information about Jin Guangshan?” 

“Long enough to have him executed a dozen times with just the information I have . Who knows what else remains out there undiscovered.” Huaisang spoke, his eyes peeking out from the top of his fan - he definitely was not avoiding his brother’s wide eyed gaze. Whether Nie Mingjue was shocked because he didn’t think his brother was this competent or he was in shock, proud of his conniving ways, Huaisang didn’t want to know. 

His cover of remaining ignorant to the world around him had already been blown with the Jiang-Jin agreement, what he had left , he would like to keep hidden. 

“What are his more egregious offenses?” Wen Ruohan’s voice boomed across the room as he entered, moving to stand at the end of the table.  

Nie Huaisang gestured towards a small pile towards his end of the table. 

“While the agreement with Jiang Fengmian could be considered Jin Guangshan’s most egregious offense, his largest attempt at taking over other clans and gaining the largest amount of power he could in one fell swoop, there are other…immoral atrocities that can be linked to him.” 

The room watched as Wen Ruohan went through every page in the small stack, naming out each offense as he moved through the papers - with their accompanying witness statements, receipts, and documentation when possible. 

“Multiple assaults towards wives of minor clan leaders - leading to three illegitimate children, abolition and absorption of the Xie and Qiang Clans - when they refused to allow the Jin Clan absolute rights to their lands and spoils from their harvests…” 

Wen Ruohan read off dozens of accusations, each somehow managing to make Jin Guangshan into an even worse person than they thought he was - somehow he was capable of being an even worse person. 

He continued to read until he came to the final accusation, by far the largest collection of papers within the pile. 

Wen Ruohan’s eyes snapped up towards Nie Huaisang, his hands wrinkling the papers in his grip. 

“You do not mean to suggest…” 

The Nie met his shocked gaze with a fierceness in his eyes. 

“I would not have included it as worthy of trial if I did not fully believe in its validity. Initially, it was just Mother, then…” Huaisang turned towards his brother, towards the only remaining family member he had left. 

“What happened to Father was truly an accident, and a result of the way our Clan cultivates.” He swallowed, a tear falling down his face. “However, what happened to Mother was no mere accident nor illness.” 

While Nie Mingjue and Nie Huaisang shared a father, the topic of their mothers wasn’t often brought up. Former Clan Leader Nie’s first wife had died in childbirth, only being able to remarry six years after Nie Mingjue had been born. The Former Clan Leader had convinced himself he would never love another like he loved his wife, and to lose her to something he couldn’t prevent damaged him in a way he never thought would heal. 

Meeting his second wife, Huaisang’s mother, and the way she lit up his life, it was as if he was seeing the world again. Mingjue loved her, she doted on him whenever she could, and when they shared their intent to wed, their son was overjoyed to have her as a mother. 

Fate would be kind to the Nie’s, allowing for Nie Huaisang’s birth to run smoothly with not a single complication - and even if there had been, Former Clan Leader Nie had taken massive precautions in the event of any complications or setbacks. 

Fate…would be kind to Former Clan Leader Nie, to allow him to die before having to experience the loss of another wife, another mother to his children. Fate would not be kind to his children, fate would take away both their parents within a six month span. 

Madam Nie’s death would ultimately be ruled an accident, with no healer able to exactly pinpoint what had happened to her. All they knew was that Madam Nie had  followed her nightly routine, consumed the same foods she always did, kissed her children goodnight, and resided within her chambers - only to be found by her maids the following morning cold and unmoving. 

Nie Mingjue was twelve, Nie Huaisang was seven. 

Nie Mingjue stood frozen against the wall, his eyes on the tear that was falling down his brother’s face - then the anger came. 

“What did that bastard do to Mother?!” he shouted, Baxia rattling in her sheath. 

Huaisang met his brother’s angry gaze, knowing that he would want to hear it from him rather than Wen Ruohan. 

“Jin Guangshan had tried to convince Mother to become his wife? Concubine? Mistress? He tried to convince her that now that her husband was dead, that she should continue on and remarry someone worthy who would be willing to look past the fact that she was used and came with the baggage of two children.” Huaisang spat out, hands fisted on top of the table. “When Mother rejected him, he didn’t take her rejection, deciding that she was worth nothing more than dust under his feet and if he couldn’t have her, then no one else would.” 

Wen Ruohan picked up the explanation, watching as Nie Huaisang’s anger consumed him, tears pouring down his face. 

“Jin Guangshan hired one of the maidservants among the kitchen staff, someone who had been new, whose loyalty with the Nie had not been solidified. He swayed them, paid them a large sum to slip poison into Madam Nie’s food that night, targeting specifically the meal that would be taken to her once she retired to her chambers.” He gently placed down the testimony, sliding it towards his niece. 

“A-Qing would be able to tell you more about the type of poison that was used, if you so desired to know.” 

The room fell quiet. Aside from the harsh breathing coming from the Nie brothers, no one knew what to say, they all sat in shock at such atrocities under Jin Guangshan’s name. Wei Wuxian couldn’t think of anything that could make this moment-

“Jin Guangshan also performed a similar hit directed towards Lan Qiaolian.” 

The table cracked, papers scattering across those who now sat around a broken table. All eyes turned towards the crack’s origin. 

“Jin Guangshan will pay .” Lan Wangji spat out, a fire burning in his eyes. 

Wen Ruohan dismissed everyone back to their rooms, telling them that Jin Guangshan and everyone who accompanied him would be placed under strict restrictions. Jin Guangshan himself would be placed on room arrest, with no one allowed in or out of his room, a Wen guard posted at his door at all hours of the day. 

Wei Ying had to pull his beloved back to their rooms, keeping his hands on Lan Zhan’s face as they walked down the hall. They got some weird looks for the way they were walking, Wei Ying walking backwards down the hallway with his hands on Lan Zhan’s cheeks, keeping their eyes locked, but with Lan Qiren guiding their way, they arrived back to their rooms without incident. 

Lan Qiren turned towards the pair. 

“I will write to Xichen, telling him what has transpired.” 

“Do not tell him about Mother…not yet, not like that.” Lan Zhan managed to speak, his voice cracking. 

“Of course, I hadn’t planned to. We can tell him when we are back in Cloud Recesses. Wangji, Wuxian, get a good night’s rest. I will see you both in the morning.” 

Wei Ying dragged himself and Lan Zhan into their room, quickly throwing a silencing and privacy talisman at the door, knowing that they would need it. 

Almost immediately, Lan Zhan fell to his knees, sobs wracking his body as Wei Ying ran over and held him in his arms. 

The sound of his beloved crying, of Lan Zhan’s heart breaking, was something Wei Ying never wanted to hear again. 

He swore to himself in that moment that Jin Guangshan would not leave Nightless City with a head on his shoulders, with a beating heart in his chest.

Chapter Text

Wei Ying had placed complete faith in Wen Ruohan to handle what he could not. Now, whether or not that faith was placed because he trusted Wen Ruohan, that’s a separate story. Wei Ying didn’t have any particular reason to think Wen Ruohan would turn against them, go back on his word, but also the very people he would be accusing were his peers, the people he grew up with, the concept that he was slightly partial to them wasn’t something Wei Ying could dismiss completely. 

There was a message waiting for him and Lan Zhan when they woke the following morning. 

Jin Guangshan attempted to flee in the night and was detained and placed within the dungeons, rather than simply being confined to his rooms. The Jin contingency that had arrived with him had all been stripped of their weapons and put under strict room arrest, the ten disciples that had come with Jin Guangshan - Jin Zixuan having been sent back to Koi Tower days prior. 

There had been a moment where Wen Ruohan debated on whether he should be putting Jin Guangshan and Jiang Fengmian within the same area of one another, and he said so as much in the note he left for Wei Ying. Ultimately, the two were placed on separate sides of the dungeons, silencing talismans being placed around both of their cells, preventing them from being able to hear one another. 

It would be another two days until Wen Ruohan called everyone back. 

Wei Ying himself would not be someone who would speak, he barely felt anything other than keeping his hand in Lan Zhan’s, preventing his beloved from drawing his sword and killing Jin Guangshan the moment he stepped into the room. 

Wen Ruohan had explained to their group that the purpose of this trial towards Jin Guangshan wasn’t to reveal the agreement he had made with Jiang Fengmian, but rather to strip him of his position as Clan Leader, strip him of his assets - both currently and any he could acquire in the future. Revealing the agreement, according to Nie Huaisang, wouldn’t do anything because in the end, nothing would happen to the Jiang Clan so long as Jiang Fengmian lived. 

Everything rested on Jiang Fengmian’s death, well, not happening - despite how much it seemed deserving. 

Jin Guangshan was brought into the room, hands bound together behind him, stripped of any of the identifying glamor robes that he had arrived in. The only way one could identify him as a Jin was the remaining smeared red dot that rested between his brows. 

He was screaming, demanding to know why he was being treated this way, why he had been detained, why his disciples had been stripped of their weapons. Words that ultimately bounced off the ears of those who knew just how guilty he was, how many atrocities he had committed, how deserving he was of death. 

Wen Ruohan started speaking, Wei Ying watched as he pulled out a scroll that contained a concise list of his accused crimes - facilitating the deaths of Madam Nie and Madam Lan, dozens of counts of rape, accusations of absorbing minor clans that would not agree with his ideals, forcibly taking multiple clans - often resulting in dozens of deaths before the heads of the clans caved, turning over their clans into the hands of Jin Guangshan in order to avoid complete destruction of their clan. 

The more Wen Rouhan spoke, the more Jin Guangshan caved into himself, the more he looked around the room towards his allies, his friends - whether forced friendships or genuine. 

The more Wen Ruohan spoke, the more their faces fell, the more shocked they looked at Jin Guangshan, the more their faces turned to disgust, turned away from disbelief and moments away from shouting about how absurd the accusations were - only for them to now look as if they were looking at Jin Guangshan through a new lens. 

Lan Qiren would later on, weeks later, tell Wei Ying that he suspected that the clan leaders would have remained by Jin Guangshan’s side had it not been for the accusations concerning Madam Nie and Madam Lan. That it had been those accusations that the minor clan leaders knew Wen Ruohan would not speak of unless he was absolutely certain that Jin Guangshan could be held responsible. 

It was one thing to accuse Jin Guangshan of things that were largely known, it was another to accuse him of facilitating the deaths of two Clan Madams. 

One does not accuse another within the gentry of killing their own unless they have definitive proof. 

“Jin Guangshan,” Wen Ruohan sneered, glaring across the room at the kneeling man, “while your crimes should deem you more than worthy of being put to death, I have a much more fitting punishment for someone like yourself.” He spoke, finally sitting down at the throne that resided at the end of the hall. 

“Jin Guangshan, you are to be stripped of all power, influence, money, status, and everything that you own or will ever acquire due to any dealings you have made prior to this moment.” 

Jin Guangshan’s head sharply rose, a glare sent towards the end of the hall. 

“Your core is to be sealed, permanently , as well as all your wealth to be cut off from your access. You will be placed in a location where you will be able to be monitored for the rest of your-” 

Wei Ying’s head, as well as everyone else’s in the room, turned towards the doors as they were slammed open, a tattered Wen disciple running into the room before collapsing to his knees before his Clan Leader. 

“Well? Speak!” Wen Ruohan impatiently shouted - causing the man to flinch. 

“Your Excellency, there was an attack in the dungeons. It appeared to be led by the Jins who were secluded within their rooms.” 

Gasps of shock rang out across the hall, all eyes turning towards Jin Guangshan’s reaction. 

The disciple continued speaking. 

“It is unfortunate to report that Jiang Wanyin, Yu Ziyuan, and Jiang Fengmian were fatally wounded in the attack. Wen Qing is attending to the remaining disciples who did not turn their blades onto themselves after the Jiang prisoners had been slain.”

The room fell silent, until the sound of laughter could be heard coming from the man kneeling in the room’s center. 

Jin Guangshan’s laughter rang on for many minutes, before he seemed to calm himself down, a wide smirk crossing his face. 

“Ah, now that Jiang Fengmian is dead, I should let you know that I had an arrangement with Fengmian.” Jin Guangshan held his stupid head high as he spoke. “Upon his death, all Yunmeng lands, including disciples, occupants, and trade agreements, would be transferred over into my hands.” 

The minor clan leaders all stared in shock, their heads turning towards Wen Ruohan to see his reaction - but all they were met with was a look on Wen Ruohan’s face that lacked the shock they were feeling. 

“You did not think that we were unaware of this agreement, did you?” His words silenced Jin Guangshan, wiping the idiotic smirk off of his face. 

“Your sentence included being stripped of anything you will ever acquire due to deals made prior to your sentencing. Meaning, that whatever deal you had with Jiang Fengmian was no longer valid the moment the sentence was read off.” Wen Ruohan leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees, “You own nothing, not even the clothes you’re wearing belong to you.” 

The room was quiet as all eyes were on the Jin in the center of the room, watching as his face morphed from smugness, to disbelief, to frantically searching the room for someone to call for his support. 

It felt…certainly a way Wei Ying hadn’t expected when he thought of Jin Guangshan being punished for his lifetime’s worth of crimes. There was a sense of justice, yes, but also a large sense that nothing truly had changed. What Jin Guangshan did, the crimes he committed, the people he violated, the people he had a hand in killing, nothing would change for them. 

Some of the women he raped might have reassurance that their rapist was finally facing a punishment, but that wouldn’t undo the trauma they’ve experienced, the potential outcomes of their assault that look them in the face every day, those who are no longer among the living because the trauma or ridicule was too much. 

Madam Nie and Madam Lan would still remain dead. 

Any satisfaction with seeing Jin Guangshan stripped of everything he ever owned or will own was an empty satisfaction, an after-the-fact satisfaction. 

The only reason any of this was even happening was because someone of a high rank decided that Jin Guangshan shouldn’t be able to assume control of Yunmeng upon Jiang Fengmian’s death. 

Nothing would have happened to bring him to justice if Wei Ying hadn’t had the backing of the Lan Clan and Wen Ruohan to make accusations towards the Jiang Clan. 

The actual people impacted by Jin Guangshan’s crimes had gone unheard, dismissed , because they were commoners or whores or were “looking to climb the social ladder.” 

And everyone was aware of how much Jin Guangshan slept around, how often he would entertain women, enter into brothels - it was an open secret. No one cared about the women he was impacting, because to them, they were lesser , not worth their time. 

Wei Ying had a thought, weeks ago, the night after they had levied their accusations towards the Jiang Clan.

If he didn’t have the backing and support of the Lan Clan, Wen Ruohan himself, and an Immortal, if he made the accusations towards the Jiang Clan as the son of Cansgse Sanren and Wei Changze, he would have been immediately dismissed, not heard, likely punished for even speaking such words. If he hadn’t left, if his parents and Lan Qiren weren’t close, if Baoshan Sanren hadn’t sought out Wei Ying, if he hadn’t befriended Lan Wangji and the entire Lan Clan…

Would he even have survived Madam Yu’s wrath if he even thought of making such accusations? Would she have simply unleashed Zidian the moment he made such absurd declarations? Would she have sent the whip towards him, wrapping it around his neck and-

“Actually,” Wen Ruohan’s voice boomed out across the quiet room, pulling Wei Ying out of his thoughts, “I’ve changed my mind about your sentence.” 

The room was in uproar. The Clan leaders who had just minutes before sent their disdain towards Jin Guangshan were now shouting out praise towards Wen Ruohan for recognizing how barbaric the prior sentence was. 

“Xiandu certainly is merciful!” 

“Jin-Zongzhu certainly does not deserve such a punishment! His crimes have long passed, what would be the point of punishment now!” 

“Does that mean this supposed deal with Jiang Fengmian now goes through? Does the Jin Clan have complete possession of Yunmeng Jiang? Xiandu is wise for letting such an advantageous deal prosper!” 

Wei Ying felt the way Lan Zhan’s grip immediately went slack in his, the light gasp he let out, turning to face Wen Ruohan - blinking in shock when the man was looking right at him, a smirk on his face as he rose his hand, quieting the room. 

“Lan Wangji,” He gestured towards Jin Guangshan, “He is all yours.” 

Wei Ying’s gaze darted from Wen Ruohan to his beloved, watching as the pair seemed to be silently communicating. 

Wen Ruohan leaned back against the throne, “Of course, if Huaisang and Mingjue wish to also participate, I won’t stop them.” 

The room watched as Lan Wangji rose to his feet, Bichen held tightly in his hands. He turned towards the Nie’s. 

“He’s all yours Wangji.” Nie Mingjue spoke, “Make sure the bastard gets what he deserves.” 

Jin Guangshan’s eyes widened as what was happening appeared to finally piece together in his mind. He fell back, crawling backwards away from Lan Wangji as he started walking closer. 

“Surely you can’t do this!” His eyes met Lan Qiren’s. “Qiren! Tell your nephew to stand down!” Lan Qiren nodded. 

“Wangji.” 

Lan Zhan paused, turning to meet Lan Qiren’s gaze as the room stood in absolute silence. 

“It would be merciful to make it quick.” His gaze hardened. “Do not make it merciful.” 

Many years later, when the tale of the fall of the Jiang Clan and Jin Guangshan would be told, it would be said that Jin Guangshan’s screams could be heard all around the Jianghu for three days straight.

Chapter Text

Ultimately, what happened to the remains of the Jiang Clan was unsurprising, and quiet. 

Meishan Yu demanded Jiang Yanli be sent immediately to them following the deaths in the dungeons of Nightless City, stating that she was going to be remaining with her mother’s clan, that if she were wise , she would never leave the safety of Meishan. 

The Jiang disciples remaining in Lotus Pier, the ones who remained anyway, ultimately put into place a daughter of one of the Jiang Elders. Deciding that the Jiang Clan clearly needed to be taken in another direction, large changes were made with the intention of repairing the damage not only to reputation but, as they unfortunately found, to the waterways that surrounded Lotus Pier and were within Yunmeng territory. 

It had been discovered that there was a severe lack of environmental care - hauntings within the waters that were never properly cleaned up, lingering resentment that manifested and tanked the local ecosystems, bodies dumped in the water rather than properly disposed of. Thus, there was a massive clean up - taking the Jiang Clan out of the public spotlight for well over a decade. 

But, for those in Cloud Recesses, they had a much more important event finally occurring. 

With aid from Baoshan Sanren, Wen Ruohan, and the entire Lan Clan, Cloud Recesses had been transformed from the typical beauty it held, to a prospering red coated mountain - at least for the week of the wedding. 

There wasn’t a surface uncovered by a red coloring, a disciple who wasn’t excited about the upcoming wedding. 

The moment Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian were both of age, they were to be wed.

Plans had been set in place from the moment the Cloud Recesses knew that they were together, that marriage was the only logical step for them to take. As the years passed, it was only obvious that the pair had eyes for each other - never straying, solid in their conviction. 

Following the deaths of the former Jiang family and Jin Guangshan, when the pair were just 17 and 18, Baoshan Sanren refused to leave Cloud Recesses without a set date, set plans, meal plans, arrangements for decorations, for robes, for lodging for herself - when the wedding came. 

For the week prior to the wedding, Wei Ying had stayed with Baoshan Sanren in the guest house she had declared as her own - much to Lan Qiren’s growing collection of headaches. The couple had complained, stating that they had already lived together for so many years, it would be no use to separate them. 

Baoshan Sanren and Lan Qiren had fired back with tradition, that technically speaking, if either one of them were a woman, they would not have had the massive list of privileges that had been given to them since they established their relationship. If they could not survive a week without sleeping in the same bed, then how would they tolerate the rest of their lives? 

They conceded - what was one week compared to a lifetime, after all?

When the day finally came, when they were dressed in red and more jewelry than they had seen in their lives, when they did their bows in front of tablets of their parents, poured tea for Lan Qiren and Baoshan Sanren, when they finally walked hand in hand to the Jingshi as husbands - yes, they found that waiting was worth every second. 

And if everyone thought they were obnoxious when they were betrothed, they were not prepared for how they would act once they were finally wed. 

Baoshan Sanren remained in Cloud Recesses for a month following the wedding, claiming that she had been cooped up on her mountain long enough, that it could survive without her being there, that there were dozens of others there who were far more capable of maintaining the mountain without her presence. 

It also helped that she found the Lan library as an appealing spot, using it to update herself on what the cultivation world had been up to in her decades of seclusion. 

Lan Zhan and Wei Ying saw her off in Caiyi on the morning she left, the pair themselves deciding to roam around for a few months, find people to help - or problems to get into, if one were to listen to Lan Qiren’s opinion. It was simple, nothing that would be taxing or would be too strenuous on them - just the wide open world, a pair of newlyweds, and a donkey. 

Wei Ying was insistent on the donkey - promptly named Little Apple, after she tried to eat the apple Wei Ying had been holding. She only listened to Lan Zhan, they found, and Wei Ying pouted about it at least once a day. 

It was two months into their journey, they had just passed through Qinghe and stopped to spend a few days in the Unclean Realm at the behest of Nie Mingjue and Nie Huaisang, when they finally stumbled across something that made their hearts stop. 

There was a lone house on fire. 

A small garden sat in a plot at the front of the house, a small lake a ways away behind it. A small enclosure held chickens, goats. 

But the house was on fire. 

The pair sprang into action, Wei Ying threw a prototype tracking talisman he had been working on at Little Apple, not wanting to tie her down in case the fire spread, they would be able to find her if she wandered, but not if she was dead. 

Wei Ying threw out a warding talisman he had been working on, one that was capable of repelling fire, and watched as it surrounded the burning home, keeping the area around it - hopefully - safe from fire damage, preventing the whole forest around it from catching fire. 

He caught sight of Lan Zhan, a burnt man hanging off of his back as he rushed out of the burning house, the archway of the front door collapsing after they passed through. 

“Please-” The man huffed out, half of his face covered in char, in bright red skin, the clothes on his body half singed off. 

“Please, my son, he’s in the upstairs nursery.” He coughed, “I used the last of my strength to cover him, to prevent the fire from getting upstairs.” 

Lan Zhan and Wei Ying shared a look, nodding, before Wei Ying unsheathed Guangzhe and flew up to the only window he could see on the second floor - his eyes widening as he saw the fire climbing up the central beam in the room. 

He jumped through the window, leaving Guangzhe hovering outside, prepared for his escape. 

In the far corner of the room, a bassinet with a clear mesh covering was Wei Ying’s target. 

There was an array activated on the floor surrounding it, if Wei Ying had more time, he would decode what the man had intended the array to do - or what the inventor’s intentions were, if the man himself wasn’t a cultivator. 

An infant, no older than a year old, slept under the thin cover, unaware of the danger that had befallen his home. 

Wei Ying carefully gathered the child and the blankets he was wrapped in, making sure to briefly cover the infant’s face until they were outside, away from the smoke and the fire, and back towards clean, fresh air. 

A beam crashed down behind him, startling him. The fire had started eating through the floor, the beam causing a large hole on the other side of the room. 

Wei Ying ran out of the room, jumping out the window where Guangzhe was faithfully waiting for him. 

He ran to Lan Zhan and the man, the infant still sleeping in his arms. 

“No.” Wei Ying whispered, eyes wide as they landed on the man Lan Zhan had pulled from the house, the white outer robe that Lan Zhan wore, now covering the man’s body. 

“The fire started in the hearth,” Lan Zhan started, walking over and using a damp cloth to wipe Wei Ying’s face, “He was preparing the night’s meal, warming goat’s milk for the child.” Lan Zhan took in a shuttered breath, his gaze turning back to the house, watching as the flames consumed the entire structure. 

“He looked away for a second, took his attention off the fire for a single moment, and it caught a pile of wood and hay on fire, spread to the furniture, to the books, to the walls.” A tear fell down his face. “Wu Jiahao ran up to where his son was sleeping, placed him in his crib, covered him, then activated an array that his wife had left him.” 

“What happened to…” 

“Childbirth.” Lan Zhan looked down at the sleeping child as he wrapped an arm around Wei Ying. “She was a cultivator, knew how to design protection arrays that didn’t need spiritual energy to be activated. He said she spent the last months of her pregnancy leaving them all over the house, because they both knew she would not survive the birth, and it was too late to terminate.” 

Lan Zhan looked at him, a hesitancy in his gaze. 

“Wei Ying, there is no remaining family who would be able to take him in. His father’s last wish was for us to take him, to raise him.” 

“What,” Wei Ying started, coughing to clear his voice, “what’s his name?” He spoke, his voice quiet. 

“His mother gave him the name Yuan.” 

A small smile crossed Wei Ying’s face as he turned to look down at the child sleeping in his arms. 

“Then, we can only accept.” He met Lan Zhan’s gaze. “We will bury Wu Jiahao, give him the proper rites he deserves, and he and his wife will both have tablets in Cloud Recesses as A-Yuan’s parents. If…if that’s okay?” Lan Zhan reached over, wiping the tears that had fallen down his husband’s face. 

“A-Yuan will grow up knowing that his father died protecting him, that his mother loved him and it was her inventions that saved him too.” 

Wei Ying let out a soft laugh, A-Yuan’s eyes finally opening and looking up at them with wonder. 

“Can’t wait to see the look on Jiufu’s face when we bring a child home.” Wei Ying spoke, his eyes wandering over towards the remaining embers of the fire, the entire structure of the house now fallen into one large heap of ash and burnt wood. 

“If there is anything to salvage, we will bring it with us.” 

“If not, we have the money. He will never know the feeling of a day without food, a cold night without warmth, a moment without someone who loves him.” A tear slides down his face. “He will never be kept from the truth, be punished for no reason. He will never find out that the people who were supposed to care for him were actually the reason he had suffered.” 

Lan Zhan cupped his cheek, turning his face back towards him. 

“He will never be kept from seeing those he loves, never be forced to only see them once a month. He will be raised with honesty, with the truth, with integrity and perseverance. He will never question the love of those around him, for he will simply need to look at his existence in this world as proof.” Lan Zhan whispered, pressing their foreheads together, sighing as he closed his eyes. 

A-Yuan chose that moment of silence to finally make a noise, garbling as he reached his hands out towards the tails of white ribbon that fell over Lan Zhan and Wei Ying’s shoulders, his pudgy hands grabbing the length of both ribbons. 

Wei Ying smiled as Lan Zhan reached over and gently pulled both of their ribbons out of their son’s hands. He reached out, grabbing Lan Zhan’s hand, a wide smile on his face.  

“C’mon, we’ve got a busy future ahead of us.”