Chapter Text
Yanli went to her brother’s room in silence, still mesmerized by the Young Master Jin apologizing to her, it was… something to swallow. Wei Wuxian was in the roof of his room, busy writing some letter to certain friend and asking for his safety. Lan Zhan and Wei Ying part ways after the indoctrination of Wen’s clan. He now asks him for his wellbeing, feelings and his family. Lan Zhan said to him in the cave that he was a nuisance, yet he still sung to him a melody when he asked, took care of him, even when he was worse injured and he cried in front of him. That’s the reason he’s writing a letter to him; he doesn’t care if it seems a little meddler.
He wishes he could send letters to Wen Qing and Wen Ning, but their safety would be affected, Wei Ying hopes to see them again, he shakes his head thinking “I can’t believe rumours actually can be helpful here”, then he closed the envelope to send it though a small paper man.
Now he got off the roof, opening his door to find her sister already sit and, surprised?
—Shijie? Something happened? — He said it while putting the paper and pen in a drawer. —
—Well, yes, it’s not something bad, I… I’m just surprised— Yanli said grabbing her hands to play with her fingers.
—Okay? What happened then? — Wei Wuxian was now very curious about this event, he sat close to her and started listening. —
—I was in the garden, just breathing before the meeting, and Young Master Jin apologized to me— Yanli finished saying, not even a second of pause and…
Wei Wuxian screamed —Wait, What? The Peacock? Apologizing? To you? —
Yanli looked at his sibling with a confused gaze —Oh come on, don’t be that harsh with him—
—Me, harsh? Shijie, he’s the one who offended you the most, and we haven’t heard a sorry from his mouth—
—Well, now you can understand my shock…—She paused for a while —Do you think he’ll apologize to you? —
—Oh, fuck no— He was genuinely disgusted.
—A-Xian! — And Yanli was more surprised.
—What? You asked my opinion, Shijie… I mean, he is like the king of smug. It is weird. —
—I’ll leave now A-Xian, you’ll use the white clothes? — Yanli suddenly asked as she was standing up, ready to leave. —
He didn’t think about it until now, he was using his usual clothes, then Yanli told him once to use the disciples’ official robes, when they return to Yunmeng they’ll be the heads of the clan, it still sounds like a crazy nightmare to him.
—I’m using them with the belt and my bell, yes. You want me to call someone to help you dress? — Wei Wuxian was tense, he remembered of nowhere when he used to laugh at Lan’s clan Robe for being for “mourn”.
It’s a bittersweet memory now. He talked to Jiang Cheng about Lan Wangji a lot, he was fascinated at his capacity to be serious all the time, he felt like it was his job to disturb his peace, or boredom. Now his brother isn’t with him, Lan Zhan is injured, sad and rebuilding his clan almost alone.
—A-Xian, are you okay? —Yanli noticed his brother being in somewhere else, she just answered his question—
—Shijie, sorry, I just lost in thought, what did you say? —He asked, sitting in the side of his bed, palming his head to the signals of a headache. —
—I was saying that you don’t have to worry, I want to dress myself. — Yanli looked at him worried, but didn’t mention anything about it. —
—Oh yes of course, I’m going to change then, I’ll look for you in 5 minutes— He removed his hand from his head. —
—Mmh, goodbye A-Xian—
Yanli went to her room, as she closed the door she sat down abruptly on the floor, holding her arms for a little compassion on herself, on the situation. It’s going to be the first public appearance with the cultivation world, she thought about the gossips she heard in all her stay in Carp Tower, many topics around her will be discussed without her consent. Yanli stood up, she saw herself in the mirror, imagining her brother in a hug between her parents, them looking at her and her A-Xian proudly, “I have to get dressed then” she thought. Her inner robe was black, her middle robe was purple-ish and with a touch of teal in the bottom, then her outer robe and belt were white. She had Zidian in her left hand and the second sword she had thanks to Wen Ning.
—A-Xian— Yanli entered to the library of the residence, hoping to ask something to her brother.
—Shijie, do you need something? — Wei Wuxian was reading his fourth book about sects and the inner maintenance of them.
—Would you help me train with the sword? —She was a little shy for asking this, her parents and even her didn’t bother that Yanli didn’t know how to even grab a sword, something vital for the world they lived in. —
—Oh, yes, I don’t mind, but have you been training your golden core? —He remembers Madam Yu, countless times telling him and Jiang Cheng to protect their sister, because her golden core is too weak.
Yanli knew she wasn’t as talented as none of her family, then she had to put a lot of efforts to do the bare minimum, especially in training.
—Yes, Wen Qing has given me vitamins to strengthen the core and, I’ve been meditating in my room, do you think it’s enough A-Xian? —She asks kindly.
—We have a lot to thank to Wen Qing and Wen Ning, right? It’s fine Shijie, I was training my mind, but I think it’s time for the physical strength. —
—Thanks A-Xian, I want to be capable of protecting the ones I love, I do not wish being a burden for you. —
Wei Wuxian got frozen —Shijie, you’re not a burden, and I know you want to train to be strong for yourself, don’t worry—
She remembers those first days with the Wen siblings, how Wen Ning was nervous because he disobeyed his sister, Wen Qing tried to hide her worry and caring for her and Wei Wuxian, but at the end she spent more time with them than Wen Ning, still she’s thankful, and it’s going to be like that until the end of her days, she really thinks so.
—Miss Jiang, here is your first sword, I hope you like it— Wen Ning carefully said to her, he still stutters around them a lot, but here he seemed pleased to deliver the sword —
The first sword was made of bamboo, simulating to be like a Jian Sword, being much shorter to help her get a better grip in it. It was completely brown except for the sword sheath; it had purple flowers in a lilac-red background.
—It’s beautiful Young Master Wen, thank you— Yanli bowed to him
—Oh, there’s no need for bowing, really Miss Jiang. —Wen Ning waited her to raise up —My sister and I have a couple of gifts also. —
—Oh, more than the sword? —she was surprised by the sentence, she quickly raised her hands with extended palm, insinuating that they don’t have to worry that much for them. —My brother and I are already in doubt with you and your sister, there’s no need for gifts, really—
—You are indeed very kind Miss Jiang. —Wen Qing showed up in the room, Yanli bowed to her. —There are new clothes in your bedroom, for your comfort and your loss. —
Yanli lowered her gaze, she really hadn’t thought about it.
Yanli kept his sword in her left side and Zidian on her right hand, it hurts whenever she gives it a glimpse of gaze. It hurts to remember her mother, and Jiang Cheng, who didn’t even properly had time to used it, but they were tied with Zidian that day. The memories, who she ever thought were good, are even darker these days. There were 2 days before her knowing the death of her brother, A-Xian suffered in silence two whole days. She wants to ask, what happened? To know why he was significantly quieter than ever did. She knew he faked those smiles, to make her feel better, but it was worse, it was too obvious to her.
Wei Wuxian on the other side keeps trying to change his clothes. It’s bittersweet at most, him, wearing the Jiang clan robes? The only thing that Madame Yu denied to him? It’s weird of course, he tries to focus on being a pillar, a constant support to her Shijie, in her decisions and life; He thought: “If I didn’t keep Jiang Cheng’s promise, I will fulfil that role for Shijie”. He saw a liquor bottle, and he gives it a sip. He can’t remember the last time he drank it. Furthermore, he chose the robes. His inner robe will remain the dark grey, the middle robe was dark purple characteristic of Jiang Clan, the next robe is white, and still remains his jacket, the red with dark grey. He doesn’t have *Suibian* yet, it remains in Nightless city, he uses a simple sword, he didn’t even name it
In Gusu Lan, Lan Zhan was playing the Inquiry as a way of being calmed, his Shufu, Lan Qiren was still in coma, his father died a couple weeks ago and his brother’s already in Gusu Lan, but they had to travel to Lanling for a reunion. Wei Wuxian was also missing, he tried to communicate with him before, so he hopes seeing him in the meeting; his duties in his clan were a lot, they deliver him most of the hard work, because the elders just wanted to give orders, not solutions and not physical help.
—Hanguang-jun, there’s a letter for you— A Lan disciple deliver the envelope to him.
—Thank you, you can go now— Lan Zhan accepted the envelope, bowing to the disciple.
Lan Zhan recognized the calligraphy; it was from Wei Ying. He reads it fast first to verify it. Then he reads it slower: “Lan Zhan, I know it’s a little reckless of me writing for you, but I was still curious and worried about you, when I woke up, Jiang Cheng told me that you went to Gusu and remembered me of what we talked in the cave, about your family. Shijie and I arrived to Carp Tower for momently protection, the peacock offered and my sister accepted. I hope we can meet again in the reunion: from, Wei Ying” He was indeed surprised, he didn’t expect him to write him a letter, Lan Zhan hopes to be free of his duties and visit Wei Ying, he pushes himself to write a letter, but he doesn’t know where to start. He was also scared by the war, his family was almost gone by now, he wanted to give him condolences, obviously he knew, yet he doesn’t know how to express it properly. He starts rambling…
—Hanguang-jun! Hanguang-jun! — Nobody in Gusu Lan screams, it was a rule, one of the 3,000 on the wall, however he’s not surprised.
Lan Zhan turns around and sees a silhouette, a disciple and he nods.
—Hanguang-jun, Zewu-jun has returned to Gusu! — The disciple gives the news with excitement
Lan Zhan was shocked, and scared. He walked fast, almost like running. It was true.
—Wangji… You’ve grown up— Lan Xichen saw his brother, trembling but he tries to hide it.
Xichen does a hand gesture for the disciples to go, and he pats his brother’s head. Lan Zhan was flustered.
He comes back from reality, someone is knocking the door
—Wangji, we have to go now — Xichen said to him
—Mmh— Lan Zhan grabs Bichen and closes the door of the Jingshi.
Wei Wuxian finished dressing up, he went to Yanli’s room, waiting for her outside. He waited for a while and Yanli got out.
—A-xian, how do I look? — Yanli asked again as she was playing her fingers
He turned around and saw her —Ready to be a leader, and pretty, but that’s always—
Yanli laughed —Let’s go to eat something—
They went to the kitchen, they grabbed some homemade cookies, they were a little salty but they ate them, then a Jin disciple came.
—Sect Leader Jiang, Young Master Wei, the meeting is going to start now— he bowed and leaded the way to the Pageantry Hall
Jiang Yanli was nervous, very shaky; she wants to convince herself to grab all the information she can, she’ll ask what she doesn’t know to her brother and maybe with Jin Zixuan later, she doesn’t actually talks the other leaders. Yanli and Wei Wuxian are in the door, they’re the second ones in the hall. Wei Wuxian sits and looks around for Lan Zhan or Nie Huaisang perhaps.
—Greetings Sect Leader Lan, Hanguang-jun— The disciples outside announce the entry of the Gusu Lan sect.
They greet each other’s and the Gusu Lan sect is besides Yunmeng’s table. The Nie sect are the last to arrive and they sit beside the Jin clan. They all came with one or two disciples for company, the reunion was going to be with closed door, only the four great sects first. Xichen did an announce earlier couple days ago with the minor sects, the reunion of today is for who’s going to be the leader of the union, to start seeking plans and places to fight the wens.
—Sect Leader Jiang, what are you planning to do with your territory? — The Nie leader asks not-so kindly but curious.
Yanli blinks and answers —Our sect got mostly erased, we’re very sad about that fact and we’re planning to attack the Wen’s in Yunmeng when we collect more disciples. I’ve been in contact with a few who weren’t present that day, but me and my brother will cooperate in this plan as much as we can— and she bowed.
Nie Mingjue stands up and says —The Nie Clan shows condolences for the Jiang Family, we’ve all lose people, and we have to fight against the filthy Wens to maintain the peace that we had.
Yanli and Wei Ying stand up and bowed to him —Thank you leader Nie, it means a lot. —
Jin Zixun stands up too —Miss Jiang, I have to say, you have a pretty sword, have you mastered right? —
—Jin Zixun! Apologize now! — Madame Jin heard him and quickly gave him a snap in the head
—I’m getting out of here— he said harshly and bowed to Clan Leader Jin.
—A-Li, I’m really sorry about him, continue dear— She grabbed Yanli’s hands
—No problem, Madame Jin— She smiled a little and then she sat again.
Lan Xichen kept standing —If I may, I think it is the time to prepare a plan to defeat the Wens and his leader, Wen Ruohan. I have an informant, now he’s being undercover in the sect, he was the one who helped me escaping—
They’ve all went curious, it is true? There is one man who agreed to work like a double agent, it takes to many guts betraying Wen Ruohan.
Nie Mingjue was very curious about it —How can we trust your source? You’ll see Sect Leader Lan; it is hard to think someone will betray the most powerful sect itself for helping us. —
Lan Xichen smiled —I understand your worry, Sect Leader Nie. I have in my hands a map that my informant has given me, with all the visible and hidden entrances of Nightless City. He has infiltrated properly; it is information from first hand, I assure you. —
All the Sect Leaders saw each other’s momently.
—So, his identity has to remain in secret? — He knew it was an obvious answer, still, he tried.
—Yes, it is necessary for him to operate without any suspicion from the Wen Clan— He smiled again and sat down.
Nie Mingjue placed his arms in his waist —Well then, we are leaving the information part to you. —
—We will need someone to lead this siege, I’d say Sect Leader Nie, he was the less affected for the attacks and the Sect Leader is very strong and intelligent, can you fulfil that role, Sect Leader Nie? — Wei Wuxian finally spoke in the meeting; they need immediately all a place for elaborate and do the plans.
—I agree with you, Young Master Wei, I also think Sect Leader Nie is the perfect candidate. — Lan Xichen stood up with him.
—Thank you, Young Master Wei, Xichen, it will be an honour for me. —He bowed to them and Nie Huaisang smiled.
Jin Guangshan stood up —Well, the next meetings will be in Impure Realm, for now let’s do our best to think strategies and gather all the information we can. For my fellow Sect Leaders and disciples, my doors are open for you to stay here. — He bowed
Lan Xichen bowed first —Thank you Sect Leader Jin, we will be please to accept your invitation. —
—Sect Leader Jin, I have to go momently to Qinghe, but Huaisang will be honour to make you company— Nie Mingjue bowed to him, then some disciples went to him and others stayed with Nie Huaisang.
They all parted their ways, but Wei Wuxian wanted to do two things now: first, he had to talk with her sister and then with Lan Zhan, they both went for different ways.
Yanli stood up and was prepared to go to her room —A-xian, are you staying? —
—Yes, but I will talk to you later Shijie. —
—Mmh, go— She knew, and she took his hand for a while and then he let it go
Yanli was thinking briefly about the Wen siblings, she wanted before to asked them to be in Yunmeng, to seek protection. She knew it all could go wrong if they remain in the Wen sect, so many losses will cause vengeance, it is not good for the society nor the sects; of course she denied it, “It is very kind of you Yanli, but it would be hard to abandon now, my family… I do not desire to leave them there, and to move that many people, it surely make scandal with the leader, I know you’re scared, I thank you for the invitation, but I think it will be best for me and my family to stay here”, when Yanli heard those words from her, it was pure deception, she would have wanted them to be part of Yunmeng, they knew they were kind doctors, who never harmed anyone. If only the Sect Leaders were aware of this.
“Lan Zhan didn’t even talk in the meeting” He thought as he was walking in the hallways of the Carp Tower, but well, he isn’t precisely a man of words. He now hears him, playing the guqin of course, he wonders if he could one day play an instrument, her Shijie was learning how to play the liuqin, when they passed by the Yu Meishan Sect, their aunts gave her the liuqin as a gift. He perceives the song and he knows the song, that song Lan Zhan murmured to him in the Cave, he remembers a little, but he thinks it is that song. He doubts knocking the door was he being too intrusive? The letter was too much? Lan Zhan didn’t answer him. Also, he’s coming with two bottles of alcohol, he doesn’t like drinking. Bad idea; perhaps he didn’t want to talk to him, then Lan Zhan got out of his room, he’s surprised.
—Lan Zhan, hi… can I enter your room? — He says a little nervous, why is he nervous? It’s not the first time
—Mmh— Lan Wangji sets aside him, then he closes the door.
The residences of Carp Tower were all the same, the beds were double and the whole room was painted and decorated in different shades of white, yellow and little touches of red and a clear teal colour. They sit in the table, Wei Wuxian puts the four bottles of liquor he found in Lanling, and Wangji grabs the cups, he also takes out the water jug.
—Hmm, you never change, right? Still not drinking— Wei Ying makes the comment giggling as Lan Zhan serves him the alcohol from him.
A fraction of his face tried to smile —Wei Ying also doesn’t change— Lan Zhan gives a sip of his cup of water
—You know… I should be angry at you Lan-er-gonzi— He paused and laugh at Lan Zhan’s face, he was confused. —Aiya… I thought you would have received the letter, I guess you didn't get it in time with the meeting. —
Lan Zhan gives another sip of the water —I read it. I was planning on answering, but I knew of the reunion. —
—This will be an only exception— He points his companion with the cup. —So, how’s everything at Gusu? Your uncle already woke up? —
Lan Zhan dissents —Uncle is still weak; we have doctors with him— He gives another sip and sets it down to the table.
—The Master Lan surely will recover, how are you then? — Wei Wuxian serves him another cup of the liquor; he still feels confident about the percentage of alcohol.
Wangji averts his gaze and leaves a big pause. —How is Wei Ying? — he decides to deflect the question. Too much words to explain his feelings.
Wei Ying is not so surprised and acts dramatic —Oh, Hanguang-jun deflects the question in an obvious way. You know, I’ll tell you how I feel, but you have to promised you’ll do the same. — The effects of alcohol were starting to show
Lan Zhan closes his eyes and nods —I promise. —
—Good, well, you do the questions then… — Wei Ying puts his hand in his head, closing his eyes.
—Your position at the clan… how do you feel? — He was curious, but at most worried.
He opened his eyes and then he rested his elbow on his knee, still with his hand on his head. —ohh, low blow Lan-er-gonzi. But you promised so I’ll tell you… I’m weirding out actually, never imagined such place and the cost of it. My Shijie is going to have the worst part I guess, she’s now the face of the clan and, a female leader. —He does a big pause and closes his eyes. — You know? I want to be the best right hand for her, I don’t want to be a burden anymore—
Lan Zhan clears his throat. —Wei Ying, you are not a burden— He closes the one bottle of liquor left
—Another question, Hanguang-jun? — He patiently waits.
Lan Zhan dissents now.
—Now is my turn! How do you feel then? —
—Not specific— He stands up and goes to sit in the bed
—Lan-er-gonzi! Not running away, you promised— He follows him to bed
—Wei Ying, you need to go sleeping— He touches Wei Wuxian’s forehead. It’s warm.
Wei Ying leans closer to him. —You’re really running away huh, you’ll be lucky if I don’t remember this tomorrow, so tell me—
Lan Zhan’s heartbeat it’s accelerated. He doesn’t now what to do, if he doesn’t sleep in his room, it’ll be bad, but if he sleeps there, it’ll be the trice as bad. He thought he could lift him up to his room, bad idea again, what if someone sees them? The thought itself of him grabbing Wei Ying like that is making him blush.
—Lan Zhan! I didn’t know you also drunk some of the liquor! You’re all blush. — He says closing his eyes more and more at the time, but he manages to laugh before he sleeps —
That was it, Lan Zhan panicked it for 5 minutes without deciding what to do. The situation was like this: Bottles of liquor in Hanguang-jun’s room, him holding the waist of Wei Wuxian and him being leaning onto his body, with his head on his shoulder. No boots and they were alone. Lan Zhan gives him the time to admire his features. His heart is accelerated enough to think he’s being chased by some monster, but it was a man, he was being deliver at whole of himself to that man. The man who taught him how to care again for someone, that someone that it’s not family nor a relative, yet he has that relationship with Wei Wuxian over those years. He manages to touch his face, the silhouette of his body, his molar, his wild hair being half tied with that red ribbon. Wei Ying told him that he didn’t change. Surely, he did, he agrees that he loves that man more that before, and now he is treasuring those little moments he can afford being like this.