Chapter Text
1:
Yu Ziyuan realized rather quickly that by placing A-Ying with the Nies, she opened him up to a world of alliances. He was the official Nie Ward, that gave him standing. He often spoke in his letters about the Lans and making friends with their young disciples. Those were two powerful sects. Her children only had the single alliance with the Jins to boast about, but by presenting A-Ying as a Yu, that opened up the door for A-Li and A-Cheng to form further alliances through their ‘cousin’. Yu Ziyuan will not allow her children to miss out on such an opportunity.
So, at one point, she arranged to take them to the Unclean Realm under the guise of meeting their ‘cousin’. They were, after all, family.
Yu Ziyuan was waiting for her children to finally come into the courtyard. She wanted to leave soon, so that they could reach the Unclean Realm before nightfall. She wanted the children to meet before they were too tired to form any lasting immediate bonds. True, that could wait till morning, but presenting a yawning boy would hardly make a good first impression. But A-Cheng, being seven, could not be faulted for being tired. He could be faulted for being late.
She had not arranged this alliance-building playdate just for him to be late.
“A-Niang, I’m coming!” A-Cheng called as if summoned, barreling down the halls, A-Li close hurrying after him. A-Cheng was clutching his new kite in one hand. “I couldn’t find my kite!”
“Then you should keep better track of your things!” she barked, taking the kite and folding it into her qiankun bag. “A-Li, did you remember to pack the lotus seeds?”
“Yes, A-Niang. Enough for everybody.” She smiled sweetly at A-Cheng. “I can’t wait to meet A-Niang’s cousin! I’m sure you’ll be the best of friends, A-Cheng.”
“He better like you too!” A-Cheng replied, bouncing on his toes with a scowl. “I won’t like him if he doesn’t like you!”
“Everybody likes A-Li!” Yu Ziyuan called, quieting their squabbling. “Now get! A-Li, you’re riding with Jinzhu for the first shichen. A-Cheng, you’ll go with me. And we’ll be switching which one of you rides with who while in the air, so you better hold on tight!”
Jiang Fengmian stood to the side, smiling fondly at them. He chuckled. “This trip sounds mighty fun. Perhaps I shall come as well.”
Yu Ziyuan scoffed at him. “Why? He’s not your family, and you have enough work left undone already.”
Jiang Fengmian inclined his head. “I just wanted to meet the cousin who writes you so many letters.”
“Hmph.” Yu Ziyuan narrowed her eyes. “He’s a boy like any other. You should focus on your own son! Once we return, I expect you to go spend some time with him!”
Jiang Fengmian sighed delicately through his nose. “Of course, my Lady.” He sent a smile at A-Cheng. “Perhaps we can go catch some fish, once you return.”
“Yes!” A-Cheng bounced on his toes with a grin, always so eager to spend time with his father. “I’ve been practicing a lot, I’ll catch all the fish!”
“I’ll be happy with even one.” Jiang Fengmian patted his head. “We’ll go when you return.”
“We should be back within two or three days.” Yu Ziyuan mounted her sword and yanked A-Cheng onto the blade. “Have all your paperwork finished before that so you’ll have the time for A-Cheng.”
“Of course, my Lady. Safe travels.”
“Bye, A-Die!” A-Cheng waved. If not for Yu Ziyuan’s hold on his shoulder, he would’ve fallen off, the silly thing.
“Goodbye, A-Die!” A-Li called, bowing politely as Jinzhu flew them upwards.
2:
The situation with the itty bitty Wangxian continued on, reaching its logical conclusion
Lan Qiren looked up when his older nephew came in. “And?”
Lan Xichen sighed and nodded. “They exchanged ribbons again, yes.”
Lan Qiren sighed, rubbing his brow. “That’s the fifth time, now.”
“Shushu.” Lan Xichen took his seat next to his uncle. “It does seem that A-Zhan is very determined.”
“So it would seem. Have you discussed the boy’s parentage with Nie Mingjue yet?”
“I have, but he is somewhat tight-lipped on the details. I did learn that A-Ying comes from one of the off branches of the Meishan Yu sect. His Aunt is Madam Yu Ziyuan, married to Jiang Fengmian.”
Lan Qiren hummed, stroking his beard. “His lineage is good then.”
Lan Xichen nodded, doing a fairly bad job of keeping his smile down. “Then you will arrange their betrothal?”
“That was never in question, Xichen.” Lan Qiren returned the smile. “Even without the good lineage, A-Ying is a kind, respectful boy. Very talented as well, from what I hear. He’s also mostly behaved and quiet, he’ll fit in well here.” His eyes narrowed when Xichen poorly hid a chuckle in his sleeve. “What is it?”
“Mingjue said that A-Ying is so quiet here because he thinks our sect colors are funeral clothes.”
Lan Qiren blinked at him, then leaned back slightly with a small nod. “… funerals are a solemn affair.”
“Shushu.” Xichen giggled again. “Mingjue says that A-Ying is much more energetic in Qinghe.”
“Well then, arrange a visit to Qinghe. If Lan Zhan still wishes to exchange ribbons then, I will begin making the arrangements.”
“Thank you, Shushu.”
3:
Yu Ziyuan couldn’t just give the Yu name to a kid willy-nilly, not if she wanted it to hold any kind of merit. So she wrote a letter to her father, explaining how on her travels she had found an orphan boy in truly horrid conditions. She described how no home nor sect would take the boy in as he was an orphan of unknown lineage, and how unacceptably callous she found such disregard to a suffering child. She informed her father of changing the boy’s name and claiming him as her cousin, which in turn helped her find a proper placement for the boy. Her father, Yu Zedong, had been surprised by this letter, as his daughter wasn’t known for her nurturing nature. However, all knew how becoming a mother changed a person, and if the boy’s situation had truly been so dire, Yu Zedong couldn’t rightly just refuse to grant the boy the use of the Yu name. He allowed it, however when he next had business within the Unclean Realm, he decided to investigate the boy’s worthiness of the Yu name. It took him a few years as the Meishan Yu Sect had little to do with the Nie Sect, but finally an opportunity arose.
Yu Zedong, Sect Leader of the Meishan Yu Sect, nodded. “Those terms are acceptable.”
Nie Mingjue returned the nod. “Then we are in agreement. Meng Yao, please prepare the official written agreement.”
“Of course, Sect Leader.” Meng Yao bowed then gathered the copious notes he’d taken during the meeting. “Please allow me up to a shichen to properly put the agreed upon term to paper.”
“We will leave you to your work.” Nie Mingjue stood. He bent his head, having a whispered conversation with Meng Yao for a moment before patting his shoulder. “Sect Leader Yu, please follow me. I’ve had the servants prepare tea for us.”
“Thank you, Sect Leader Nie.” Yu Zedong stood up and followed Nie Mingjue out of the office. They walked for a bit in silence, down winding corridors that seemed more like a labyrinth, especially considering the tall walls.
Yu Zedong considered his options as they walked, and eventually decided on the direct approach. “Sect Leader Nie. I have a personal request, if you would indulge me.”
“Depends on the request.”
“I was recently made aware of the… the boy you are raising at the behest of my daughter.”
Nie Mingjue’s eyes narrowed, though he didn’t turn to look at him. “Made aware how?”
Yu Zedong also kept his eyes on the corridor before them. “By her in a letter. Worry not – I am aware of his rather unfortunate circumstances before my daughter had found him, and I have no intention of mentioning them.”
“Mn.”
“I wanted to know of his progress in your Sect. I hope his behavior has not caused issues?”
“He’s a lively boy. Bright, talented, tends to think in positives. He’s a hard-worker, and he has caused no issues apart from the standard caused by growing children.”
“I take it he’s mischievous, then?”
“No more than my brother.”
“I am glad that he has not caused you undue issues.” Yu Zedong paused, considering his next words. “If you would permit it, I would be grateful for an opportunity to see his skills.”
Nie Mingjue glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, then nodded. “That can be arranged. Follow me.”
- - - -
Nie Mingjue stood before his disciples, hands on his hips. “Yu Wuxian, Nie Zonghui! Step forward!” They did, bowing before the two sect leaders. “Sect Leader Yu has requested a demonstration of the double saber fighting style Qinghe Nie is developing. You will spar to present it.”
“Yes, Sect Leader!”
“You will begin at my signal and not stop until I allow it. Keep injuries to a minimum.”
“Yes, Sect Leader!” They bow saluted, then stood facing each other. When Nie Mingjue raised an arm, they unsheathed their sabers and moved into the primary battle position.
“Begin!” Mingjue snapped his hand downwards, and they went at each other. Their sabers met as they attacked and parried. They danced around each other, avoiding blades and kicks alike. Leaping, jumping, ducking, rushing forward, twirling back. It was quite an impressive display.
Nie Mingjue signaled for them to stop only when they started stumbling from exertion, their grips on their sabers visibly faltering from strain and sweat.
Yu Zedong clapped, praising both disciples. There were few things as impressive as the battle prowess of the Nie disciples, no matter their origins. “That was indeed a grand display of skills. Qinghe Nie is indeed great to have produced such talented disciples. I thank Sect Leader Nie for allowing me to witness this technique.”
The disciples bowed, visibly pleased at the praise.
Nie Mingjue walked up to them to deliver his own praise, as well as some pointers and observations he’d made. Yu Zedong used that as an opportunity to watch the boy his daughter had granted the title of cousin to. The letter from her detailing how she’d found the little street rat and taken pity on him had been surprising. It wasn’t the Yu Meishan way to go out of their way for strange little children, especially those abandoned no one wanted. For his daughter to not only spend time on the brat, but to grow attached to him enough for beg a sect leader to take him in? There had to be more at play here than his daughter had divulged in her letter, definitely. But the boy is proving himself to be talented, judging by the battle display. He was still young, barely nine by the looks of it, yet he held his own admirably well against his sixteen year old opponent. If his progress doesn’t falter, he will grow up into a formidable warrior, especially under Qinghe Nie guidance.
When Nie Mingjue finished giving the two his feedback and returned to his side, Yu Zedong bowed. “Sect Leader Nie. May I make one more request?”
“Depends on the request.”
“I wish to speak privately with the boy.”
Nie Mingjue’s lips pursed briefly. “I’ve sent them to clean off.”
“It will be a short conversation, but it can wait until after we sign the agreement.”
Nie Mingjue stared at him a moment longer, then nodded. “Very well. You will be given the opportunity to speak with him later.”
“I thank you, Sect Leader Nie.”
Nie Mingjue nodded at him, then lead him away from the training field and to a private garden. They had tea there while they waited for the documents to be prepared.
- - - -
Yu Zedong watched as the boy entered the private room Nie Mingjue had prepared for their meeting. Though prepared seemed a bit of a stretch. The room was entirely empty but for two pillows to sit on, facing each other.
Yu Zedong was already seated when the boy arrived. He stood by the door, staring uncertainly.
“Sit.” Yu Zedong gestured to the other pillow.
The boy hesitated, but obeyed, kneeling respectfully on the pillow. “How can Yu Wuxian assist Sect Leader Yu?”
Yu Zedong eyed him for a moment. “I am the Sect Leader of the Meishan Yu Sect. Yu Ziyuan is my daughter.”
The boy’s eyes widened and he swallowed thickly.
Yu Zedong continued. “My daughter has informed me of you and of your rather unfortunate beginnings. You do understand how not many would take you in.” Not many were willing to give a chance to a street rat, usually half-feral and diseased.
The boy’s lips pursed and he nodded. “Yes. Auntie- I mean Aunt Yu explained it to me at length.”
Yu Zedong nodded. “Good, then I won’t waste my time stating my opinion on that matter. It is in the past and there it should stay. However, be aware that it is not the Meishan Yu way to take in children of your origin. That means that to be given our family name and the title of cousin is a great honor.”
The boy blinked at him, clearly startled. “I-” He shook his head and kowtowed. “Yu Wuxian is very grateful for Auntie Yu’s kindness. Without her, Yu Wuxian would surely still be living on the streets. Every day Yu Wuxian tries his best to make Auntie Yu proud and to live up to her kindness.”
“Good.” Yu Zedong nodded, then reached out to pat the boy on his head. “One last thing. While I do not agree with her decisions concerning taking you in to such a degree, I will trust her judgment.” He reached into his sleeve and took out the standard certificate. “This is official documentation listing you as a member of the extended Meishan Yu Clan.”
The boy, Yu Wuxian, stared at him, then at the scroll, face filled with awe. He took it with trembling hands, unfurling it slowly. “...wow...”
“Indeed.” Yu Zedong exhaled through his nose in amusement. “As such, from now on you may refer to me as Granduncle in private. In public and formal occasions, Sect Leader Yu is to be used instead.”
“Of course, this one will remember!” Well, gone was the polite and composed disciple from a few minutes ago. In his place was a boy with a bright smile, one who was practically vibrating as he stared at the certificate. “Thank you so much, I’ll make the Yu Sect proud!”
Yu Zedong nodded. “Good. We accept nothing less than excellence.”
“I’ll do that, definitely!” Yu Wuxian continued to grin, bouncing against his heels in his excitement. “Thank you! Thank you!” He hesitated, finally stilling. “Thank you, Granduncle?” It came out as a question, and Yu Zedong nodded.
“You are welcome, Cousin.”
Yu Wuxian’s blinding smile returned full force.
4:
Now that the boy was officially a member of the Meishan Yu sect, even included in the Sect Registry, Yu Ziyuan figured it would be safe to invite the boy to Lotus Pier and introduce him to her fool of a husband. After all, with her father’s acceptance, there was nothing to actually prove who the boy had been before. However, Yu Ziyuan decided to play it safe and wait a few years for the boy to grow further away from that toddler Jiang Fengmian had met once.
The boy was nearing fourteen when Yu Ziyuan decided to finally invite him to Lotus Pier. It seemed like a good time. Enough time had passed and Yu Wuxian had grown up enough to be unrecognizable. He looked like a mix of both his parents, but unique enough for their similarity not to be immediate. As it turned out, she had been overconfident on this issue.
“Husband.” She gestured the boy forward, and he bowed properly. “I present my cousin, Yu Wuxian. A-Xian, I present my husband, Jiang Fengmian.” There, now that the formalities were out of the way, Jiang Fengmian would ask a few polite questions and then she could dismiss the boy to go pester A-Cheng and A-Li.
Instead, her fool of a husband stared at the boy and uttered the words she had been dreading. “Wei Ying?”
She blinked at him, her own eyes wide. “What.”
Jiang Fengmian pointed a finger at the boy, who was staring back in confusion. “That’s Wei Ying!”
Yu Ziyuan grit her teeth. So many years, so much effort, and the idiot still recognized the brat immediately? Impossible fool! “It’s Yu Wuxian!” she snarled, her fists clenching.
Jiang Fengmian had the gall to glare at her. Her! “I would recognize Wei Ying anywhere!”
“Clearly you wouldn’t! Or are you honestly arguing about the identity of my own cousin?!”
“Cousin.” Her fool of a husband repeated, and his face reddened with anger. “You kept him from me! All those years searching, mourning, and you had him this entire time!”
Only Jinzhu and Yinzhu grabbing her shoulders stopped her from punching her husband in his brazen face. “You’ve lost your fool mind!” She snarled, her voice rising in her anger. “That is my cousin! This is what you get for wasting all those years chasing after a brat you saw once or twice! You’re so delusional you see him in members of other families!”
“Ziyuan, I would know Wei Ying anywhere!”
How dare he say her name in that tone of voice! “How?! The last time you saw the brat, he’d been three! What child do you know looks the same all their life?!”
That finally seemed to sway him in the proper direction. “I-”
She continued on, trampling him with her words. “You’re obsessed! I told you you would suffer if you continued this useless search for so many years! Now look at you!”
Jiang Fengmian gestured helplessly at the boy, who flinched and dropped his gaze down. “But he’s-”
“He’s my cousin! Or are you honestly accusing me of hiding the brat from you for years, even going so far as to convince my father to adopt him into the family to what? Spite you?!” He blanched at her words, dropping his gaze. “How vindictive do you think I am, that you imagine me watching you search all these years, yet keeping his actual location to myself?! Is that your true opinion of me?! How dare you! How dare y-”
“No.” He shook his head, face pale. “No, my lady. I… I apologize. I fear I am overtired. It will be best I go rest.”
“Do that!” She huffed and shook Jinzhu and Yinzhu off of her. “Causing such a scene in front of visiting family, ridiculous!” She decided to take pity on her pathetic lump of a husband and gave him a single pat on the shoulder to show her forgiveness. “Go. I’ll try to regain some face for us, before rumors of your delusion can spread!”
“Thank you, my Lady.” He bowed to her, then to the boy, though he didn’t look at him. “Young Master Yu, I apologize. I fear I have taken ill. Do forgive my ill-thought-out words.” Without waiting for a reply, he walked off, head lowered dejectedly.
She watched him leave, satisfied that she had taken control of the situation. Stupid fool, nearly ruined all her years of work. She felt the boy move closer to her, leaning in to speak softly. “Auntie? Shouldn’t we tell him? He is your husband.”
She pursed her lips and shook her head. “A-Xian. Remember when I told you about people who would use your parentage for their own selfish gain?” He nodded, and she placed a hand on his shoulder. “Sadly, my husband is one such person.”
The boy frowned, brows knitting together. “Couldn’t you divorce him? Me and Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli will take care of you. You deserve to be married to someone nice.”
Yu Ziyuan smiled, cupping his cheek. “There’s no need for divorce. I know it is not entirely pleasant, but my marriage grants me a lot of power to keep you and others safe.”
“But-” he protested, but she scowled at him to quiet him down.
“I know how to handle Jiang Fengmian. Worry not for me. You, however, will need to remain cautious in his presence. Why else do you think I kept you away from here for so long?”
The boy pursed his lips, then nodded. “I understand, Auntie. I will keep my guard up.”
“Good boy.” She smiled, satisfied at how well this was all shaping up. “Now follow me. A-Cheng has been talking incessantly about showing you all of Lotus Pier, he can hardly contain his excitement.”
The boy smiled at her, his smile as radiant as it had been when she’d found him by that tea house. “Thank you, Auntie! I’m excited too!”
5:
When Yu Wuxian met Masters Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen, all he could think about were his parents, idealistic and well-meaning, but foolish and irresponsible.
“Master Song?” Yu Wuxian bowed respectfully.
Song Lan returned the bow. “Yes, Young Master Yu?”
“May I speak with you? In private?”
Son Land glanced at Xue Yang, currently being secured with ropes by Xiao Xingchen and Lan Wangji. They seemed to have it under control. “Of course.” He followed Yu Wuxian to the side, far enough from the others not to be overheard. “What did you wish to discuss?”
Yu Wuxian had his lips pursed, his hands clasped together tightly. “I wanted to speak with you about Master Xiao Xingchen. I understand he is a former disciple of Baoshan Sanren.”
Son Lang shifted, shoulders tightening. “He is, yes.”
Yu Wuxian swallowed. “And I understand that… I know they are raised isolated from the world, unknowing of our ways.” A deep breath. “Does he…” he paused, lips pursed. He looked up, meeting Song Lan’s eyes with a pained expression. “Have you noticed any… problems with his way of thinking?”
Song Lan pursed his lips, indignant. “Young Master Yu, I do not-”
Yu Wuxian lifted his hands palm out. “Please, I mean no offense. My mother…” He paused, chewing the inside of his lip as he contemplated Song Lan. “It is a closely guarded family secret, but my mother had been a disciple of Baoshan Sanren. She… Her ideas and views on how the world should work were… it only brought suffering and death unto us.”
Song Lan stared “Your mother-”
“She’s dead. Her and my father both died. In their minds they were doing good, but… that was not actually the case. My mother had a kind heart, but being raised so isolated as she had been… Her leaving Baoshan Sanren did not end well.”
Song grimaced, but nodded. “Xiao Xingchen does have some… odd ideas sometimes. He is entirely incapable with money, for one. But he means well and I do my best to help him.”
Yu Wuxian’s smile was one of relief. “That’s good. I wanted to ask that of you.”
Song Lan’s brows knitted in question.
“If Master Xiao is in any way like my mother, he… he might make mistakes. Mistakes that bring death and suffering, even if he means well. I wanted to ask you for leniency towards him. I know of the tales of your great friendship, but my parents had great friendships as well. The mistakes they’ve made were… too big for those friendships to last.” He swallowed thickly, then bowed. “I know it is not my place to make such requests, but please be patient with him. But if you are unable to keep helping him, the Qinghe Nie will gladly take him in, until a different caretaker can be found for him.”
Song Lan frowned, unsure whether he should be offended or not. Yu Wuxian was quite young, but sounded completely earnest. “You think he needs a constant caretaker?”
“If he is anything like my mother, he needs someone to keep him on the right path, someone who will not go along blindly with them and their odd ideas. My father had been unable to help my mother and it had doomed them both. I would never wish that on another.”
Song Lan glanced towards Xiao Xingchen, watching him thoughtfully. “Perhaps… perhaps we will accompany you to Qinghe Nie, after all. I am certain it would serve us both well. We are planning on starting our own sect, perhaps Sect Leader Nie might have some advice for us.”
Yu Wuxian nodded. “Of course, our Sect Leader is very wise.”
Song Lan paused, choosing his words with care. “As for your request… I hold great affection for Xiao Xingchen, but I am not blind to his innocence and… ignorance of the world. I cannot swear we will never quarrel, but… I would never wish for anything to happen to him, especially not by his own unknowing actions. I can swear to you to do all in my power to be patient with him and to guide him to a successful and happy future for us both.”
“That is all I can ask for, thank you.” Yu Wuxian bowed, but Song Lan grasped his arms, pulling him up.
“You can ask for more. As your mother is from Lady Baoshan as well, it makes you Xiao Xingchen’s sect brother. I am certain it would do him good to… learn of others.”
Yu Wuxian stared at him, startled. Then he smiled. “I will gladly speak with him on the subject. My Aunt who took me in despite my parentage lives in Lotus Pier, I’m sure she will have excellent advice to bestow, as well.” He paused and glanced down at his hands, bowing his head. “Please, keep in mind that my parentage is to be kept a secret, behind closed doors only. My parents have made many enemies in their life. My Aunt worries about my safety, she is extremely closed-lipped about me if she doesn’t trust others.”
Song Lan returned the bow. “I will respect that, of course. I thank you, for the kindness you have shown.”
Yu Wuxian smiled at him, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Kindness is the one good thing my parents had left me. I do my best to nurture it.”
- - - -
Xiao Xingchen stared down at his hands with a frown, his lips pursed. “I apologize, Young Master Yu, but… I find it hard to believe that Cangse Sanren could ever hold such views. I sincerely doubt she’d be capable of doing anything so outwardly evil. She was one of the best among all the disciples, famous for her skills even after she’d left.”
Yu Wuxian nodded, expression tight. “My mother was skilled, no one is arguing that. She was also kind, both my parents were. It did not stop them from committing evil, though thankfully through foolishness rather than malice.”
Xiao Xingchen looked up at him, still doubtful. “You are certain that you are not mistaken? Tales sometimes can be exaggerated or misremembered.”
Yu Wuxian stared at him for a moment, then sighed. He reached into his pocket and took out a red ribbon, folded over tightly. As he spoke, his thumb rubbed tenderly against the material. “My mother… she’d had grand ideas. She’d wanted to change the world, make it a better place. Her ambitious and charisma had been so great that my father abandoned his high position in the Jiang Sect and followed her into a life of homelessness. Such was her strength of character. It did not stop them from committing mistake after mistake. They had no home, they had no allies, oftentimes no money for food or warm clothes. They were happy though, traveling like that and telling their wild ideas to anybody who would listen. They oftentimes got chased out of the towns for spreading those views, so destructive and dangerous and unnatural they enraged those they wanted to help. Even having me didn’t change their outlook. Eventually, the hate their ideas spurned on caught up to them, and they both were killed. I was left alone, surviving on the streets and having to fight wild dogs for my every meal. There was no one who cared enough to mourn them, no family nor friends who even looked for me or their remains. To this day all I have of them is this ribbon. Even the memorial tablets Sect Leader Nie’d had fashioned for me are empty.” His eyes were trained on the ribbon in his hand, so full of pain Xiao Xingchen’s heart broke for him.
“I’m so sorry,” he murmured.
Yu Wuxian sniffled, then wiped at his eyes and put the ribbon back inside his inner pocket. “My parents’ fate is sad. I was saved by pure chance, my beloved Aunt had found me accidentally while traveling. She hadn’t even known my parents were dead. She placed me here, in Qinghe Nie, because the rest of our Sect had turned their backs on my parents, rightly so for their actions. The Yu Sect accepted me only at her behest, but they are learning to let go my parents’ sins.”
Xiao Xingchen frowned. “They would take your parents’ sins on you?”
Yu Wuxian nodded, slow and miserable. “Their faults and misdeeds were so far reaching, yes.”
Xiao Xingchen grimaced and lowered his head. “It pains me that Cangse Sanren changed so, but… she is not the first of Baoshan Sanren’s disciples to become… corrupted after leaving.”
Yu Wuxian’s eyes widened. “She isn’t?”
He shook his head. “No. We were all told of Yanling Daoren, as a cautionary tale. He had also been considered one of the best, if not the best disciple ever produced. He left the mountain and ventured into the world, intent on doing good. Instead he became a great evil, committing many horrible acts of brutality and violence. It has always been a great shame to our Madam.”
Yu Wuxian looked down briefly, then reached out to grasp Xiao Xingchen’s hands. “I do not wish any more calamity to befall anyone who shares my mother’s upbringing, all alone in the world. If you would permit it, I would be honored to be family to you.”
Xiao Xingchen gasped, startled. “Young Master Yu-”
Yu Wuxian pressed on. “With me as your family, you would have someone to turn to if you ever encounter problems, be they issues with running your sect or simple daily matters.”
“Young Master Yu, you are very kind to offer.”
“You need not accept immediately or even at all, I would not wish to overstep my place. Master Song Lan is an honorable man, I am certain he will also offer you guidance and support in navigating our world.”
Xiao Xingchen smiled and squeezed Yu Wuxian’s fingers. “Kindness is never overstepping, Young Master Yu.”
Yu Wuxian winced. “It is. Unwelcome kindness is a burden to those forced to accept it. I learned that the hard way.”
Xiao Xingchen’s smile lessened. “… o- oh. I have still much to learn, then.” He took a deep breath and bowed. “I thank you for sharing your story with me. Knowing the truth is important.”
Yu Wuxian nodded. “The truth is often difficult to hear. But-” He gave a wide smile. “Let us move on to more positive topics. If you’d permit, I’d love to learn more of your future Sect. Have you decided on anything specific?”
Xiao Xingchen smiled back at his new friend, grateful for the change of topic.
END