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Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian was a real nuisance in Madame Yu's eyes. Her husband, Jiang FengMian, saw him as a son and probably as his favorite one. Since he had arrived, that child represented everything that Madame Yu longed for, since he was the son of the people her husband loved the most. Jiang FengMian was especially affectionate with the boy and there was nothing Wei Wuxian could make that look bad in her husband eyes.

Nobody had been surprised that Wei Wuxian was the first disciple of the YunmengJiang sect. Madame Yu knew that for Jiang FengMian not even Jiang Cheng, his son and heir, was equal to Wei Wuxian.

At a young age, Wei Wuxian was the first disciple of Lotus Pier. The future of Jiang Cheng was settle as the heir. While Jiang YanLi was engaged to Jin ZiXuan by desire of their mothers.

For Madame Yu, it was unthinkable to imagine that Wei Wuxian would remain indefinitely at Lotus Pier, so she began arranging to get him out of their lives forever, in the only way that Jiang FengMian would accept.

Madame Yu sealed the letter and gave it to one of her maidens, who took it with great care.

"Nobody else could see it." The maid nodded and retreated stealthily.

Madame Yu knew that if her husband found out the truth before that letter reached its destination, there would be no way to carry out the plan. However, if everything worked, then Wei Wuxian would come out of their lives.

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Wei Wuxian laughed jubilantly as his beloved brother Jiang Cheng apologized in his name.

"Stop making pranks, you must respect the rules of the sect." Jiang Cheng tried to contain the laughter, although at the same time he was lecturing him.

"Come on, come on, Sister Jiang YanLi will love this story." Wei Wuxian's light footsteps made him look like he was dancing.

Jiang Cheng shook his head but there was a smile on his face. Despite everything his mother said, for Jiang Cheng, Wei Wuxian was a brother with whom he shared everything. He also knew that once he came to power, Wei Wuxian would be his right hand, because there was no one else he could trust.

As they approached the entrance, they saw a great commotion. It was evident that guests had arrived.

Jiang YanLi came quickly. "Where were you both? We've been looking for you all morning?"

"Wei Wuxian and his strange adventures..." Jiang Cheng started to say, but his sister interrupted him.

"Tell me later on. Now go to change quickly. They are waiting for us." Jiang YanLi told them hastily.

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Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian entered the room, where a delegation of the GusuLan sect was located. The air of formality was intense. Even Jiang FengMian was serious.

The GusuLan sect wore its classic white dress, immaculate. The members of the sect were serious and immovable as they drank the tea they tasted.

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian politely greeted everyone and sat down. Wei Wuxian observed that Madame Yu was relaxed and to some extent happy, while his uncle was reserved.

Wei Wuxian tried to observe the guests, but he knew that he should behave. A maid had warned him that Madame Yu expected him to behave.

It was obvious that the delegation that had come from the GusuLan sect was important, albeit small. In addition, there was Lan QiRen among the guests.

Whatever the reason for that visit, it was evident that everyone should behave. Breaking the bonds with a cult like GusuLan wasn't something they could stand.

The YunmengJiang sect was important, but they couldn't afford to break ties with other sects. In fact, faced with the commitment of his daughter with Jin ZiXuan, Jiang FengMian hadn't been able to do anything. Marrying the heir of the LanlingJin sect was a high honor and that union would reaffirm the bond between both sects.

At this time, for any cultivation sect, the relationships that could be strengthened were more than well seen. However, what could the GusuLan sect want? It was evident from the gifts that had been exchanged that it was a union, but Jiang Cheng was the heir and, therefore, needed children to continue with the lineage. Wei Wuxian wondered if it was a compromise with some lady of the clan. Jiang Cheng was thinking the same thing. However, there were no young women present.

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Wei Wuxian almost fainted, however, the discipline to which he was accustomed allowed him to wait until the meeting was over.

It was incredible. Perhaps, incredible was not the word, but there was no word to describe the incredulity. Now he was committed and not with anyone. He, Wei Wuxian of the YunmengJiang sect, was officially committed to the second Jade of the GusuLan sect.

It was a great honor. Everyone had congratulated him on his good fortune. The YunmengJiang sect had made a great arrangement, first with Miss Jiang YanLi and now with him.

Some voices had expressed that Jiang FengMian had managed to unite his family with two great sects, first with the LanlingJin sect and now with the GusuLan sect. It was a day of joy for everyone. The first disciple Wei Wuxian had brought joy to the sect.

It was evident that Wei Wuxian had not been able to refuse. And although he was stunned, he had had to thank such an offer. One thing was clear, Uncle Jiang FengMian had not been aware, but from Madame Yu's face, it was obvious where the plans had originated.

Either way, it was an offer that the son of a servant could not refuse. It was even too good. Lan WangJi was second on the list of young masters.

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Wei Wuxian had barely exchanged greetings with his future husband. The protocol of the GusuLan sect was strict and, during the announcement of the nuptials, Wei Wuxian had only been introduced to his future family.

However, one thing had been clear to him. Lan WangJi was his opposite. There couldn't be a more different person. While Wei Wuxian was fire, Lan WangJi was ice. In fact, the only one who had smiled was Lan XiChen, the older brother and future heir. He was the one who had welcomed him to his future clan, his future family.

Wei Wuxian wondered if he could stand a marriage and a life in Cloud Recesses. They were famous for their 3000 laws written on the walls.

In spite of everything, there was little he could do. Not even Jiang FengMian could reject such a prosperous union. It was an honor to be chosen to be the couple of the second jade. Everyone knew that among the young masters he was only below his own brother and much more was expected from both brothers in the future.

In any case, the curious thing was that the GusuLan sect had accepted the union, because Wei Wuxian'll contribute with almost nothing. In fact, he was only the first disciple and adopted son of Jiang FengMian, but had nothing of his own. Anyone knew that Lan WangJi could easily choose a bride between the best families, among the most powerful and richest. So it was logical that in this case, the union between the two sects had been privileged.

During the visit, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng hadn't been able to speak. However, it was clear that Jiang Cheng wasn't happy with the decision. Within all the problems that existed in Lotus Pier, it had always been assumed that Wei Wuxian would be his right hand. Suddenly, Jiang Cheng had discovered that both his sister and his adoptive brother would leave shortly. Although Jiang Cheng had accepted that reality for his sister, he had never imagined that Wei Wuxian would also be exchanged to strengthen the ties of the sect.

Jiang Cheng bitterly wondered why his mother thought that Wei Wuxian was more useful as "wife" of the second Jade. From his father's face, it was evident that he was not satisfied with the exchange.

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It was incredible that the GusuLan sect had agreed to such unprofitable terms. However, Wei Wuxian could do little more than smile when listening to his shijie. Jiang YanLi was happy about how well-treated Wei Wuxian was. The gifts given to him were of the best quality. In addition, all the preparations will be financed by the GusuLan sect. Even his wedding attire would be made in Cloud Recesses. Jiang YanLi's congratulatory hug was warm and sincere.

Lan XiChen was happy to welcome him into his family, as he talked about the preparations for the wedding. In a very short time, Wei Wuxian would cease to exist and would become Lan Wuxian.

The strange thing was that his fiancé had just observed him and had practically not spoken during the meeting.

In a moment, while they were alone, Jiang YanLi approached and told him in a low voice that he was very lucky. "Lan WangJi is very attractive."

Wei Wuxian knew his shijie was right. Lan WangJi was one of the most attractive men he had ever seen. He had an enviable posture and perfect features. He was like a perfect statue, there was nothing out of place.

Madame Yu was for the first time in her life pleased with the result of her strategy. In fact, she had not imagined that the GusuLan sect would accept the offer. She had suggested a union between the sects, but she had left the invitation open. Madame Yu thought that some clan girl would probably be chosen for the marriage, but she never thought that the second master would be the groom. It was better than she had anticipated. Jiang FengMian would never refuse that union and in addition they would now be connected with another important sect.

For the first time in a long time, a smile was drawn on Madame Yu's face as she celebrated the engagement, which also would be brief according to the GusuLan sect wishes.

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Although Jiang Cheng had expressed his opinion, the preparations continued.

Jiang FengMian had told his son that marriage was an excellent opportunity for Wei Wuxian that they could not miss. Actually, that was clear, because outside Lan XiChen there was no better candidate in his generation.

Jiang Cheng was upset with his mother. He understood that for his mother, Wei Wuxian wasn't a pleasant presence, but one thing was clear to Jiang Cheng and that was that among all the people of Lotus Pier, there was no one else in whom he trusted. Since he had understood what it meant to inherit the Yunmeng Jiang sect, he had counted on Wei Wuxian to be by his side and now that security vanished from nowhere.

The marriage with the second Jade meant that Wei Wuxian's loyalty would be with the GusuLan sect. In addition to the distance, it was evident that visits would be infrequent. The same would happen to his sister once she also married Jing Zuxian. They were the closest people and now they would be far away.

Jiang Cheng didn't want to bother his father anymore, because it was clear that he, too, was upset with the decision. He had been sure that Jiang FengMian had never contemplated that Wei Wuxian would leave Lotus Pier. Probably, his father's intention had been to allow Wei Wuxian to marry for love. His father was a romantic and saw in Wei Wuxian the son he had always wanted.

His mother had been wrong, sending Wei Wuxian away had made the barrier between her and his father impossible to eliminate. From now on, Jiang FengMian would think that she had removed Wei Wuxian from Lotus Pier. An advantageous marriage or not, Jiang FengMian had reached its limit.

Chapter Text

After the delegation of the GusuLan sect left, chaos reigned on Lotus Pier. Thousands of preparations would take place to prepare the quick departure of Wei Wuxian. For most it was a joyous occasion, with the exception of the close family.

Probably, Wei Wuxian was the most shocked. Deep down, he knew it was an invaluable opportunity for someone in his condition. He had heard countless times that it was a great honor to be chosen to be the cultivation partner of the second Jade. But perhaps no one understood that he had hardly crossed words with Lan WangJi, that they were two strangers as different as possible.

Besides, if there was one thing he could be sure of, it was that he would not fit into the GusuLan sect. Cloud Recesses was not the place for a free spirit like him and then what would await him. Of course, once they were married there would be no going back, no sect would allow a union to be dissolved.

If there was something clear is that Wei Wuxian was the fourth best grower of his generation and before formalizing the commitment had been found that his golden core was compatible with that of Lan WangJi. Lan QiRen had proven that he would be a good cultivation partner for one of Cloud Recesses' favorite children.

No sect would approve the separation of a union so blessed by the heavens. Two compatible high-ranking cultivators were what the blessed unions preached.

Chapter Text

For a few days, Wei Wuxian had ignored his marriage and lived as if it wasn’t going to happen, but when his bridal attire arrived he had to face reality. His wedding day was fast approaching.

"Look at that beautiful fabric. They were very careful with your garment." Jiang YanLi told Wei Ying. It was evident that the clothing and materials were of high quality. You could see that they had invested a huge sum in the clothes and they had also done it in a short time.

Wei Wuxian thought it ironic that he was getting married before his shijie. Who would have such a short commitment? The commitments were usually long.

With no other choice and with a whirlwind of emotions that he didn’t understand, he stayed with his shijie, while she checked every detail of his red attire.

"You’ll be the prettiest bride to have stepped on Cloud Recesses." Jiang YanLi smiled sincerely.

The tension was too much, Jiang Cheng had been in a bad mood when he saw the attire and had left the room furious. In fact, Jiang Cheng had been upset since the engagement was announced and Wei Ying had done everything to distract him.

"The prettiest I don’t know, but apparently the best dressed yes." Wei Wuxian laughed, for he could not believe how much the GusuLan sect had spent on his clothes. It was too much money for something he was going to use only one day.

"Brother, remember that all the sects will come to witness your marriage, it’ll be a very special occasion and it’s obvious that they won’t let the bride of the second Jade wear something that is not up to par." Jiang YanLi, like everyone, knew that although Lan Wangji was not the heir, but his position was very important in Gusu. Lan QiRen also appreciated him excessively for his discipline.

Jiang YanLi was right: Lan WangJi's marriage along with that of Jin Zixuan were among the few that would summon the leaders of the most important sects.

Wei Wuxian sighed for the umpteenth time in the last hour. Every time he heard something about the marriage, he felt more uneasy. There were too many expectations and, well, he had been educated as a cultivator, not to be a "good wife".

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And just when Wei Wuxian's mind began to haunt the ideas of running away and not returning, escaping before the wedding and other crazy thoughts was when his uncle Jiang FengMian approached him.

Jiang FengMian had always been understanding and generous. From the day he arrived at Lotus Pier, Jiang FengMian had treated him as part of his family and at every opportunity he had given him patience and love. The debt that Wei Wuxian had was as great as the love and respect he had for Jiang FengMian. And so once again Wei Wuxian received the disinterested affection of Jiang FengMian.

It was in the afternoon when he came to talk with him and offer to annul the marriage.

"Wei Ying, if you don’t want to get married, tell me and we’ll cancel the marriage, there is nothing worse than a union without respect and love." Jiang FengMian had a generous spirit and that made Wei Wuxian forget those fantasies where he saw himself roaming the world without any responsibility.

"Uncle, you're too kind." Before continuing, Jiang FengMian interrupted him.

"If you don’t want it, we can annul the marriage. We'll see how to remedy the consequences." Given such generosity, Wei Wuxian thought of all the problems that would come if the marriage was canceled, not only would they lose a strong bond with the GusuLan sect, they would also lose the QingheNie sect, since Nie MingJue was sworn brother of Lan XiChen and could even lose the marriage of Jiang YanLi and Jin Zixuan, as Jin GuangYao was also sworn brother of Lan XiChen.

Even though Jin Zixuan wasn’t good enough for his shijie, Jiang YanLi liked him and she would be devastated if the marriage was canceled.

There was too much at stake in canceling that marriage. In addition, Jiang Cheng's position in the future would be greatly weakened, he could not easily choose a partner and he would be isolated from the other sects.

Wei Wuxian imagined for a moment that future where he could live happily forever in Lotus Pier. But deep down, he knew that he owed a debt of love to his family: his adoptive father, his brother and sister.

And so, as quickly as that beautiful dream had appeared, it vanished.

Wei Wuxian spoke from the bottom of his heart and sincerely thanked every opportunity to his noble uncle, to that man who was like a father.

In this way, it passed the last opportunity that Wei Wuxian had to be free.

Chapter Text

The last weeks had been terrible in Lotus Pier, Jiang FengMian and Yu ZiYuan had been fighting more than usual. Jiang Cheng was increasingly angry and Jiang YanLi tried to appease them all.

Wei Wuxian recognized that he would have gone mad, if his shijie hadn't been with him. At least, Jiang YanLi saw everything in a positive and romantic way.

Deep down, Jiang YanLi and Jiang FengMian had the same kind and sweet character. So it wasn't surprising that Jiang YanLi saw an opportunity to transfer her own emotion to his brother's wedding.

Wei Wuxian had understood very early that his shijie was happy participating in the preparations, because it was a foretaste of what she herself would experience. So in order not to ruin her joy, Wei Ying tried not to be as apathetic.

And so, the date had finally arrived, the next day they would go to Cloud Recesses. The day of his wedding was finally approaching.

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Upon reaching Cloud Recesses, the entourage of the YunmengJiang sect was received warmly, according to the rules of the GusuLan sect.

Wei Wuxian would not see his future husband until the day of the wedding and, therefore, would be in an area away from the main house. However, Lan XiChen received him kindly and asked him to indicate if he needed anything.

"What could I need besides a few years of freedom?" Wei Ying thought.

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In the room, Jiang YanLi sat next to him and began to recount every detail he had received from the GusuLan sect.

"You're really lucky." Jiang YanLi told him with a little envy, while holding his hand. "It's evident that they have been careful in your reception."

Wei Ying turned around with his shijie to look carefully at the room that had been prepared for him and it was really beautiful. In each corner there was some delicate ornament.

"Maybe, too delicate for a cultivation like him." Wei Ying thought. In fact, for a moment he speculated if they were not mistaking him for his shijie, because it was a room with gifts for a maid.

Again, Wei Ying sighed and continued to talk with his shijie, while Jiang Cheng was grumpily checking every corner for pretexts to stop the wedding.

So far he had discovered a leaf under a piece of furniture, which had no doubt entered when they had opened the windows. It was evident that no one would cancel a wedding for that, despite his brother's opinion.

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On the night before the wedding, Wei Wuxian thought about going to buy some Emperor's Smile, however as soon as he opened the door he discovered Jiang Cheng, who apparently was waiting for him.

"Mother asked me to keep you from doing crazy things." Jiang Cheng said in a smug voice. "I was tempted to let you out, it would be nice if the GusuLan sect understood the kind of person you are, I'm sure they would not allow the wedding." Jiang Cheng came in, while saying this and sat on the bed.

"Can you imagine if I was drunk at the wedding." Wei Wuxian said laughing.

"Oh no! First, I would imagine the scandal my mother would make." Both shared a smile. "You don't deserve it, but my generosity is infinite." Jiang Cheng took out a bottle of wine, which he had evidently brought to share.

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On the morning of the wedding, Wei Wuxian's room was in chaos. Apparently, he had to make a thousand preparations of which he was not aware, even though his shijie insisted that she had told him.

"How hard could it be to put on the ceremonial dress?" Wei Wuxian thought resignedly.

Jiang YanLi reiterated that they were behind and that she had to start preparing him.

Wei Wuxian suffered the unimaginable while he was getting dressed and combed. Finally, they put the red veil on him and her shijie was about to cry with emotion.

"I hope to see myself as pretty as you." Jiang YanLi told his brother, while lightly touching his arm.

"You'll look much better." Wei Wuxian said at the time that he was going to lift the veil to talk to his shijie. However, before he could lift the veil, Jian YanLi scolded him and reminded him that only his husband could remove the veil.

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Apparently, the world through a red veil was different.

How can something so delicate change the perception? Each scene, congratulation and movement seemed to intensify. Even breathing was strange.

At some point, Wei Wuxian felt that maybe that veil was the cause behind so many brides to faint. However, I was aware that a ceremony like that was a very intense event. The atmosphere was full of emotions, from the happiness that her sister projected, the resignation of her uncle, the joy of Madame Yu or the agitation of her brother. Without taking in to account the reserved emotions of the members of the GusuLan sect.

The ceremony had passed in the blink of an eye. That day had moved at a different pace. He could remember that Lan WangJi had fired three arrows to clean the area of evil spirits.

He also clearly remembered that both he and Lan WangJi had cut a curl from their hair and formed a knot to symbolize that they would share their life.

While waiting for his husband in the room, Wei Wuxian observed the delicate red quilt on which he sat and the candles of a dragon and a phoenix that illuminated the room.

Even though he wanted to get up, he remembered the words of his shijie and sighed as he adjusted the veil that covered his face, while he waited for Lan WangJi.

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Wei Wuxian was tired of waiting, he had seen everything he could of the room. Wei Wuxian guessed that now these would also be his rooms. Just when he was about to do some crazy thing out of boredom, the door opened.

Lan WangJi entered serious and reserved as always. Wei Wuxian thought that he could never know what his husband was thinking.

As Wei Wuxian wasn't particularly good at keeping quiet or standing still, he started talking without thinking much about what he was saying. "Lan WangJi! No, no, now I must call you Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan, you took a long time, I was going to sleep."

While Wei Wuxian spoke, Lan WangJi approached and carefully removed the veil that covered Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian was surprised by the action and could not say a word.

That night, Wei Wuxian would experience many first experiences. Of all of them, maybe Lan WangJi's first kiss would be the most memorable. Although certainly, Wei Wuxian had been surprised by the bold and firm actions of Lan WangJi.

Surprisingly, Lan WangJi had taken the initiative that night. It's not that Wei Wuxian was complaining, but he had been pleasantly surprised.

The night had been perfect. Even in his dreams, he would not have imagined that his wedding night could be so incredible. However, Wei Wuxian had also been surprised to discover the slight alcohol breath he had sensed in Lan WangJi.

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That night, Wei Wuxian slept happily in his husband's arms. However, in the early morning Wei Wuxian was awakened abruptly.

"What's happening?" Wei Wuxian asked before he was completely awake. "You're crazy, it's 5 a.m. It's the day after my wedding. Don't even think I'm going to get up at this hour."

Wei Wuxian looked like an angry kitten, as he covered himself again. While Wei Wuxian tried to go back to sleep, he heard the soft sounds that Lan WangJi made.

"Ahhh, won't you really go back to sleep?" Wei Wuxian sat down and put his hands on his face to express his disbelief. "Whom did I get married? You know I don't wake up before 9 am. This marriage is not going to work." Wei Wuxian continued making gestures to express his discontent. "What would my poor mother say if she found out that her son-in-law treats his favorite son so cruelly?"

While Wei Wuxian continued speaking, Lan WangJi only saw him attentively. "Lan Zhan, you probably don't know, but my parents loved me deeply, they took care of me and allowed me to get up late. What would they think of their son-in-law? Don't you worry what your in-laws say, Lan Zhan?"

Wei Wuxian was amazed by such an attentive audience. It was unusual for someone to listen to him for so long, without interrupting him. That caused him to talk and talk non-stop.

"Rest, I'll come for you later, for breakfast."

Lan WangJi hadn't even unsettled and instead behaved like a gentleman. Wei Wuxian lay back without being able to sleep.

While Wei Wuxian was wasting time inspecting the room, Jiang YanLi and Jiang Cheng arrived to visit him.

"Shijie!" Wei Wuxian hugged her as if he hadn't seen her in a long time.

"Wei Wuxian, stop behaving like a child, we came because Lan WangJi invited us in. He probably knows that if he leaves you alone for 5 minutes you'll cause him problems." Although Jiang Cheng used a tone of voice that seemed annoying, it was evident that he was glad to see his brother.

"You saw him?" Wei Wuxian asked them. "I think it was rude to leave me alone on my first day as his husband."

"You're crazy. Don't you remember that nobody in Gusu gets up after 5 am. He probably had to intercede for you. Oh, Wei Ying! On his first day of marriage and he has to justify your behavior."

"Come on, come on, I'm sure Lan WangJi understands that Wei Ying needs time to get used to it." Jiang YanLi spoke in a conciliatory tone.

"Time? Shijie don't say that, I would never get used to that terrible schedule." Wei Wuxian pretended to clean some tears. "At this rate I'll die just from having to read those 3,000 rules."

"You must apply the 3,000 rules." Jiang Cheng shook his head. "I would have warned him that you were not a good choice, but nobody wanted to listen to me."

"I do!" Wei Wuxian raised his arm. "I'd rather stay at Lotus Pier to continue sleeping late."

Jiang YanLi smiled warmly. "Lan WangJi appreciates you, not everyone is allowed so many indulgences in the GusuLan sect, not even Lan QiRen has objected, it seems that Lan WangJi spoke with his brother to facilitate your stay."

Jiang Cheng nodded while his sister explained the situation. "It's true, even our father has been surprised by your reception in the sect."

"I hope the members of the LanlingJin sect are as kind to me as the members of the GusuLan sect have been." Jiang YanLi sighed.

"If Jin ZiXuan doesn't treat you well, I'll kidnap you myself. We'll escape together." Wei Wuxian said to make his shijie smile.

"Enough drama, you know we'll leave in the afternoon, right?" Jiang Cheng changed the direction of the conversation. "Our father asked us to tell you that he wants to talk to you alone before we leave." Jiang Cheng was upset, on the one hand he was glad to know that his father still took care of Wei Wuxian despite the fact that since the previous day he belonged to the GusuLan sect, but it also bothered him that he cared so much for him and so little for his own son. However, he thought that today would be the last day they would see Wei Wuxian in a long time and he left those dark thoughts for another time.

"Don't leave me." Wei Wuxian turned to Jiang Cheng. "At least get me some bottles of Emperor's Smile. Can you imagine when Lan Zhan'll let me go and buy some jars." Wei Wuxian's eyes pleaded as if his life depended on those jars.

"Forget it, now you're Lan WangJi's problem, it's time someone understood how hard it is to take care of you."

"Shijie, you heard him, that's very cruel, he doesn't want to give his dear brother a farewell gift." Wei Wuxian lay back on the bed as if he was a maid about to vanish. And it was at that moment when Lan WangJi entered to Wei Wuxian's consternation.

"HanGuang-Jun." Jiang Cheng respectfully greeted Lan WangJi. The relationship between the two was minimal and it was somewhat uncomfortable to be in his rooms.

"Is there a problem? Do you need something?" Lan WangJi asked Wei Wuxian seriously.

Wei Wuxian blushed slightly, it wasn't his intention that Lan WangJi saw him while joking with his brothers.

"No, no, not at all Lan Zhan." Wei Wuxian said quickly. "I was just telling them it's time to go to breakfast, right?"

Jiang YanLi smiled enigmatically and nodded. Lan WangJi went to the bed where Wei Wuxian was lying down and helped him to get up.

As they walked, Wei Wuxian was telling Lan WangJi about the conversation he would have with Jiang FengMian before they left. Neither Wei Wuxian nor Lan WangJi saw the smile that drew on the face of Jiang YanLi when she saw them talk so animatedly.

Chapter Text

When he sat in the dining room, Wei Wuxian felt lost. Not that being next to Lan Zhan and his brother was uncomfortable. The problem was that no one from the GusuLan sect spoke and his brothers and uncle were far away.

Another tragedy was the food. Wei Ying felt that he was going to cry, because the food was tasteless. If it wasn’t because the Lan QiRen was close, Wei Ying would have started lecturing about why the food without condiments was malign. For a moment, he imagined standing between the tables and talking about the benefits of spicy and seasoning.

However, it was the first meal he had with his new family and it would also be the last with his brothers and uncle. So he decided to leave his arguments for when he was alone with Lan Zhan.

So lost in his thoughts was that he didn’t listen to Lan XiChen when he spoke to him.

"Wei Ying, I see that you aren’t eating, do you feel bad or the food is not to your liking?" Wei Wuxian turned to see Lan XiChen who was smiling peacefully.

"No, no, everything is great." Wei Wuxian took courage and tasted a bite without making faces.

"If something is not to your liking, don’t hesitate to tell us. Surely, we can prepare something more similar to what you are used to at Lotus Pier. Right, brother?" Lan XiChen looked at his brother.

"Mm" Lan WangJi wasn’t very adept at speaking, but he nodded at what his brother was saying.

"Don’t worry, I'll get used to it very soon." Wei Wuxian didn't want to cause problems from the first day, but inside he was shouting and tearing his clothes.

Fortunately, Lan XiChen stared at him and saw that Wei Wuxian was lying poorly. "Don’t worry, Lan Zhan’ll see to a change in your food."

Lan WangJi didn't say anything, but according to his brother's reaction, it seemed he would take care of that.

At the end of breakfast, Wei Wuxian got up quickly because he could not stand one more bite of those foods. Fortunately, the atmosphere relaxed and he was able to leave and talk a little more with his brothers.

For a long time, the three brothers sat down to talk, but they were overcome with nostalgia, because they would spend time before seeing each other. Also this was the first significant change. Wei Wuxian was already a married man and belonged to another sect. Then’ll come Jiang YanLi’s marriage.

Before leaving, Jiang YanLi looked carefully around and she wasn’t surprised to see that Lan WangJi was staring at them. However, Jiang YanLi knew that neither of his brothers was attentive, even though they were both big cultivators.

Apparently it would take Wei Ying time to understand his new situation.

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Finally, it was time to talk to his dear uncle Jiang Feng. Jiang FengMian was a role model, during Wei Wuxian’s life, he was an important person. Wei Wuxian appreciated him deeply, because it had been thanks to him that his life had improved so much. Jiang FengMian had given him a home, food and love.

Few people would have been so generous and more so when Wei Wuxian knew exactly how much trouble he had caused his uncle to have taken him. Madame Yu had never accepted it and, on the contrary, differences and conflicts between the two had increased as a result of her presence. He knew that Madame Yu was in large part fostering a nonexistent rivalry between Jiang Cheng and himself. Wei Wuxian had always regretted this situation and hoped that with distance he could improve this aspect between him and Jiang Cheng.

Wei Wuxian wished intensely that now that he was married to Lan Zhan, his departure would allow his uncle to have the peace of mind he deserved. Maybe, this change could help the people Wei Wuxian loved.

His uncle once again showed his kindness and affection by asking him if he was okay. He even reiterated that if at any time he wished, he could request his support to undo the union.

Wei Wuxian warmly hugged his uncle and assured him that Lan Zhan was treating him with absolute propriety and respect.

And so he spent the last afternoon with his family. From the next day he would begin to live fully as part of the GusuLan sect.

While looking at the horizon, he realized that his family was very far already, so much that he could no longer saw them. At that moment, when he felt desolate, he felt the presence of Lan Zhan and he felt comforted.

What had been an almost tragic night suddenly became a pleasant evening. Wei Wuxian began to tell Lan Zhan some anecdotes about the last trip he had made with Jiang Cheng.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian had been living in Gusu for a week. It was definitely a novel experience. On the one hand it was a peaceful place, actually too peaceful for his taste. All members of the sect were serious and courteous.

However, Wei Wuxian had to acknowledge that at the same time his stay was much better than he had imagined. Lan Xichen and Lan WangJi had been kind and had facilitated everything. The food had improved since the second day. Although it would never match his shijie cooking, but it wasn't so insipid. In addition, Lan Xichen in the company of his brother had explained to him that although he had to respect the 3,000 rules, there were some concessions he could make. While Wei Wuxian was in the pavilion he shared with Lan WangJi, he could enjoy a little freedom. It was certainly not an optimal solution, but it had helped him pleasantly to cope with his stay.

So before the week was over, the pavilion was what Wei Wuxian called an ordered chaos. Incredibly, Lan WangJi hadn't complained. He had only reiterated on more than one occasion that Wei Ying must follow the rules outside the pavilion.

Frankly, the hardest part was dealing with Lan QiRen, who clearly didn't see him with good eyes. Wei Wuxian wasn't surprised, for it was known to all the cultivators that Lan WangJi was his uncle's favorite nephew, in addition to being his star pupil.

Wei Wuxian wondered on more than one occasion how he had allowed the wedding between the two of them.

Fortunately, both Wei Wuxian and Lan QiRen had minimal interactions and only saw each other during lunch.

Anyone knew that Lan QiRen in that week had labeled Wei Wuxian as a corrupter of his favorite disciple. Luckily, Lan Xichen was backing their marriage, since he would used every opportunity to express his joy at having a new member in his family.

So in Cloud Recesses it was common to hear Lan Xichen praise the joy, good character and energy of his new brother, while Lan QiRen looked and judged Wei Wuxian's actions.

Another frequent occurrence was to see Lan WangJi accommodate the flaws in Wei Wuxian's outfit, accommodate his hair, and someone had even seen him wiping his husband's face with a handkerchief while he ate.

Life in Cloud Recesses had changed. For some, like Lan Xichen, it had become more cheerful. For others it was a little black dot in white immensity.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian was bored. The deep peace of Cloud Recesses was terrible. Lan Zhan had discarded with a single glance each idea Wei Wuxian had had to have fun.

"Lan Zhan, copying the rules is very boring. Really, Lan Zhan, you have a misconception of fun." For a moment it seemed that Lan WangJi was going to interrupt him, but Wei Wuxian continued. "And no, it's not fun to meditate for hours and hours without end. I want to tell you that my days used to be full of adventures."

Lan WangJi watched him intently while Wei Wuxian spoke. "Did you know I was the best archer in Lotus Pier? There was no one who could beat me." Suddenly, Wei Wuxian sat up. "But now... poor me! Your brother and you are my ruin. I'm the third one in Cloud Recesses. "

Wei Wuxian's gaze quickly changed from tears in his eyes to an iron determination. "Don’t think this will stay like this. I absolutely refuse. Soon you’ll see that I am the best. "

Lan WangJi stopped again his reading. "Why do not you practice a bit with the bow?"

Wei Wuxian looked at him as if he was accusing him of the most terrible crime. "Everyone already said it to me: Wei Ying, don’t get married. All men are the same. First everything is sweet like honey, but then..."

Lan WangJi had learned to ignore his husband's mercurial moods. "Then go for a walk."

"It's not a terrible idea." Wei Wuxian had already grown tired of being in the pavilion. "But you could say that you’ll accompany me. I don’t want to see your uncle while I walk alone and at this time he has already finished his classes. Can you imagine what he would say? That I'm wasting my time. Of course, if he sees you with me, he'll say I'm wasting your time."

Wei Wuxian got up. "Come on! You can not spend your life in these rooms."

Lan WangJi knew that Wei Wuxian was a very energetic person and whenever possible, he invited him to some activity in the open air. That day, Lan WangJi took him to see the rabbits that were in Cloud Recesses.

"Lan Zhan, they're so beautiful." Wei Wuxian had a beautiful fluffy white rabbit in his arms. "I’ll visit them frequently. I love them. Since when do you have them?" Wei Wuxian knew that the rabbits were confined to an area of Cloud Recesses and that they were mainly under the care of Lan WangJi.

"They were a gift." If Wei Wuxian had seen him instead of trying to catch the rabbit that was slipping out of his arms, he would have seen a little blush in Lan WangJi's ears. "When I was a kid someone gave me a pair."

At that moment, Lan XiChen approached. "Do not you remember, Wei Ying?"

Wei Wuxian looked at Lan XiChen and shook his head negatively. Despite his brother's warning look, Lan XiChen continued cheerfully. "I remember it was the last time Jiang FengMian brought you. It must have been soon after he adopted you. You were about 7 or maybe 8 years old."

Wei Wuxian sat near Lan XiChen to hear the story. It was true, at first Jiang FengMian didn’t leave him alone in Lotus Pier, because Madame Yu could be a little rude to him, so in the early years Jiang FengMian took him everywhere. This contributed to Jiang FengMian and Wei Wuxian being more united, but it was another aspect for which Madame Yu criticized her husband. Much of what happened at that time Wei Wuxian had forgotten, both for the suffering he had experienced and the frequent fevers that plagued him, because his constitution was quite delicate by the lack of a good diet. This had been resolved over the years, however, there were things that had been lost in the memory of Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian was excited to hear a story he was in. So he listened carefully to Lan XiChen, who was unperturbed, even though it was clear that Lan WangJi wanted to stop him from continuing.

"Lan Zhan, are you going to deny Wei Ying the pleasure of hearing about his visit to Cloud Recesses?" Lan XiChen was laughing at his brother's annoyed expression, so he continued.

"As I recall, on that occasion Jiang FengMian and you spent a week with us. Since you were the same age as Lan Zhan, you stayed with him, because that would allowed Jiang FengMian time for the meetings he had with our uncle. In fact, Wei Ying, I want to thank you for those days when you gifted us with your presence in Cloud Recesses, you did not know it, but a short time before you arrived we lost our mother. Those were difficult times, however, your stay here lightened our hearts." Lan XiChen smiled warmly and Wei Wuxian was touched. "I remember we were all sad for your departure, although Lan Zhan was inconsolable."

Wei Ying wondered if as a child Lan Zhan was as expressionless as he was now as an adult.

"But the last day you were here you disappeared during the morning and what would be my surprise when I found out that you had given a couple of cute bunnies to Lan Zhan. You don’t know how much work it costed us to convince our uncle to allow them to stay in Cloud Recesses, but since then Lan Zhan has taken great care of them."

Wei Wuxian was delighted with the story. He could remembered a beautiful orange sunset and a little boy dressed in white. Although this memory quickly vanished with the following comment by Lan XiChen.

"Now that I think about it, these bunnies are like your first children."

Lan Zhan's ears were red and Wei Wuxian opened his eyes and he was not sure what to say.

Lan XiChen was completely happy to see the reactions of both of them.

Chapter Text

When Wei Wuxian heard Lan XiChen said that the bunnies were like his children he was surprised but after a moment he laughed loudly at the idea.

"Lan Zhan, did you take good care of our children while I wasn’t here?" Wei Wuxian decided it was a good topic to annoy Lan WangJi. "They were in your care. Maybe, I should ask them directly." Wei Wuxian took the bunny closest to him and picked it up. "How did your father treat you while I wasn’t here, my little one?"

Lan XiChen was happy, because his brother who a few seconds ago had been angry, listening to Wei Yin had blushed slightly and had even forgotten his annoyance.

"Wei Yin, this isn’t necessary. Just by seeing them you can know that they are well looked after." Lan WangJi tried to retrieve the bunny that Wei Wuxian held in his arms, but Wei Ying deftly avoided it.

"Ah, my little ones! Your mother was away for some timea while, but now I have returned to take care of you." Every comment from Wei Wuxian made Lan WangJi blush more, to his brother’s delight.

"And now I would like to know how your uncle has consented you?" Wei Wuxian hid behind Lan XiChen, who allowed Wei Ying to evade Lan WangJi a little more.

"Of course I got the best Cloud Recesses garden for my little nephews. I also often come with gifts like carrots and other vegetables that they love." Lan WangJi glared at him when he saw that her husband was holding his brother's arm.

"Brother Wei Ying, I think it's better that you release me before your husband decides to take drastic measures." Lan XiChen knew of his brother's jealous nature. He also knew perfectly well that Lan WangJi liked Wei Wuxian's attention to be focused on him.

"Lan Zhan doesn’t care if he sees me with my new family, right, Lan Zhan?" Lan XiChen almost wanted to bang his face against the wall when he saw that Wei Ying really had no idea of his brother's feelings. Although it was nice to see his brother hold back to please Wei Ying.

"Of course you can interact with whoever you want." The tips of Lan Zhan's ears were red and his eyes avoided Wei Wuxian's gaze.

"Lan Zhan is not jealous at all. I don’t know where those ideas come from." Wei Wuxian left the bunny he had on the grass and lost the thread of the conversation. "I had already forgotten that I gave you those rabbits. But now I remember you almost refuse my gift."

"It's just that pets are not allowed in Cloud Recesses." Lan WangJi replied briefly.

"But nothing prevented him from taking care of them. Lan Zhan has certainly protected them since then." Lan XiChen knew how much work it had cost little Lan Zhan to convince his uncle to have them in Cloud Recesses.

It was a couple of hours later, when Lan XiChen realized that he had not told Wei Ying how jealous his brother was. However, Lan XiChen knew that soon the opportunity would come for Wei Ying to realize the deep affection that Lan Zhan felt for him.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian had been living for a few weeks in Cloud Recesses, when it came an invitation to participate in an archery tournament sponsored by the QishanWen sect.

The tournament would be in Nightless City and Wei Wuxian was the first to be ready for the adventure. Lan Xichen and Lan WangJi heard him talking non-stop for several days about the importance of creating links with other sects. They both knew that Wei Wuxian had seen in that invitation the best excuse to go on a trip and forget the rules of Cloud Recesses.

After settling in the rooms they would use during their stay, Wei Wuxian told Lan WangJi and Lan XiChen that he was going to look for Jiang Cheng, while they talked with the representatives of QingheNie. The truth is that Wei Wuxian didn’t know Nie MingJue enough and his serious character didn’t fit with Wei Wuxian's idea of fun.

Jiang Cheng had confirmed that he would be in Nightless City for the event. However, even though he had looked for him, he hadn’t seen him. Unfortunately, when Wei Wuxian realized, he noticed that he was lost in the middle of nowhere.

Suddenly he heard the sound of an arrow and went to find the archer. Wei Wuxian was surprised to see a very young boy from the QishanWen sect, who was also one of the best archers he knew in their generations.

Interestingly, the boy hid as soon as Wei Wuxian began to praise him. After a while of chatting through a rock, Wei Wuxian introduced himself and met the name of his guide in Nightless City: Wen Ning.

Wen Ning was the younger brother of Wen Qing, who was a renowned doctor who came from one of the direct branches of Wen Mao, the founder of the QishanWen sect.

Wei Wuxian was chatting happily with his new friend. So when he arrived with his friend at the site where the tournament would begin, he didn’t notice the glacial look Lan WangJi was giving Wen Ning.

Wen Ning observed the almost aggressive behavior of the second Jade of the GusuLan sect, however, Wei Wuxian had him by the arm and he could not sneak away.

"Lan Zhan, I want you to meet my new friend. His name is Wen Ning and he is one of the best archers I know." Wei Wuxian also ignored the look and smile of Lan XiChen, who seemed delighted.

"Nice to meet you, Wen Ning. I’m Lan XiChen and he is my brother Lan WangJi. I've heard about your sister's abilities." Lan XiChen was kind to the boy.

Wen Ning was very shy and being in the presence of two young cultivators as important as them was more than he would have expected.

"Wen Ning, he is my husband. Do not you think Lang WangJi is very handsome?" Wei Wuxian approached Wen Ning's cheek to see Lan WangJi from another angle, so he didn’t see Wen Ning's discomfort, nor did he notice Lan WangJi's fury.

Lan XiChen thought that the trip would be priceless, as he was seeing his brother mood. Strangely, no one had noticed the change and, of course, Wei Ying still didn’t understand his husband’s character. It was very funny to see his brother lose his composure.

"Wei Ying!" Lan WangJi was outraged, Wei Wuxian had disappeared and no one had seen him, however, he was coming from the arm of a stranger. That situation was unacceptable.

"Lan Zha, I got lost." Wei Wuxian looked at Lan WangJi with sad eyes that made him look like a helpless maid. "I was alone and I didn’t know where I was. When Wen Ning kindly showed up and rescued me from dying in the middle of nowhere."

Wen Ning blushed even more and due to his shyness he almost could not answer. "It was nothing."

"I think we should thank such a noble gesture. Don’t you think, brother?" Lan XiChen wasn’t going to waste the opportunity to tease his brother. "Wen Ning, I hope you can join us tomorrow during the meal."

Wen Ning had sensed that Wei Wuxian was a kind person, but he never imagined that the friendship with Wei Wuxian would lead him to relate to the twin jades of GusuLan.

Definitely, if Wen Ning had known, he would not have gone to practice his archery that morning.

Chapter Text

The archery competition was resulting in an unexpected event for both the participants and the spectators. It seemed that the new generations were becoming more precise.

One surprise had been Wen Ning of the QishanWen Sect, who despite being very young was proving to be an excellent archer. Wei Wuxian now represented the GusuLan sect and was undoubtedly another archer demonstrating mastery in the use of the bow.

However, the undisputed winner was Lan WangJi, who had won the victory and recognition of all. After hearing the results, Wei Wuxian had been happy to be one of the best archers himself and to be married to the winner.

Jiang Cheng had heard him again and again say with his usual expression of pride that his husband was the best archer. In fact, Jiang Cheng had demanded that he shut up and stop bragging.

Wei Wuxian had only looked at him, had ignored him and had begun to praise Lan Zhan's performance with the closest person.


Lan Xichen was happy with this trip. The archery contest had been remarkable, his own performance had been satisfactory, but his brother's performance had been superb.

Of course, Lan Zhan had been jealous from the moment that Wei Ying appeared with Wen Ning and his jealousy had grown by hearing Wei Ying praise the skill of the young member of the QishanWen sect. So he had not been surprised that Lan Zhan came out to prove his potential at the competition. Lan Zhan had been happy when Wei Ying had praised his performance, so everything was good.

Although Lan Zhan was happy to be the center of attention of Wei Ying, it was clear that he was not entirely happy, because Wei Ying had adopted Wen Ning as a younger brother.

Wei Ying had introduced the boy to everyone he knew. Even Jin Zixuan had met him. Jiang YanLi had kindly treated the shy boy and Wen Ning had been almost calm talking to her until Jin Zixuan had approached the group. In the end, Lan Xichen had gone to rescue both Wei Ying and Wen Ning.

Wen Ning was a good boy, whose shyness had caused him little socialization, despite coming from an important branch of the QishanWen sect. But it was evident that he would be an excellent cultivator and with the help of Wei Ying he would quickly relate to the most renowned cultivators of his generation.

Lan Xichen was satisfied with what had happened on that visit. Besides, seeing his brother’s jealousy had been a bonus, especially when the jealousy came from a boy as innocent as Wen Ning.

To Lan Xichen, it was necessary to hold a meeting in Cloud Recesses, of course it would be to foster relationships among the growers of his generation. With a smile Lan Xichen thought that Wen Ning would receive an invitation he could not refuse, as Lan Xichen would speak before leaving with his sister Wen Qing, to ensure the young man's attendance.

*** *** *** *** ***

Since childhood, Wen Ning had suffered from his nervousness and shyness, in addition to his stuttering. For him, it was difficult to relate to boys of his age, because they often isolated or rejected him.

Wen Qing, his sister, frequently tried to relate him to their peers, however, it was a complicated situation, because Wen Ning was a fairly intelligent compared to the boys of his generation.

Also Wen Ning's family came from one of Wen RuoHan's direct branches, which increased the gap between Wen Ning and other boys.

To the concern of his sister, over the years this shyness only increased and Wen Ning did not relate to anyone outside of those belonging to his clan.

So it was a joy to see Wei Wuxian talking to his brother and integrating him into his circle.

A day before the members of the GusuLan sect left, Wen Qing received the unexpected visit of Lan Xichen. Wen Qing knew him, but she had not had a chance to talk to him. So she was surprised to hear the young man's intention to invite his brother to a meeting. Obviously, Wen Qing accepted on behalf of his brother, but her surprise was even greater when she learned that the invitation was not only to attend a meeting with other young masters in GusuLan, because Lan Xichen himself was extending an invitation so that Wen Ning could study Cloud Recesses for a year.

These invitations were exclusive and generally only the children of the leaders of the sects and notable members received the honor of learning from Lan QiRen.

Wen Qing was thrilled because it was a unique opportunity for his brother to leave his comfort zone and interact with kids his age. Also in Cloud Recesses lived Wei Wuxian, who had been friendly with his brother. Wen Qing deeply thanked Lan Xichen for the distinction and assured him that his brother would be ready to accompany them the next day.

For his part, Wen Ning enjoyed the last hours of tranquility he would have in a long time.

Chapter Text

Wen Ning felt terribly anxious. With the best intention, his sister had told him that he would go to Cloud Recesses to study for a year and had told him about all the advantages that a trip like that represented for a cultivator. Living and studying in Cloud Recesses would allow him to grow and improve himself, as well as to relate to young masters of other sects. It was, of course, a unique opportunity.

However, Wen Ning knew that it would also be a problem. Lan Xichen had behaved very nicely since they had been introduced and Wei Wuxian was terribly friendly, but Lan WangJi, his husband, was intimidating.

Sincerely, Wen Ning would have preferred not to leave his room even to say goodbye. And now, he was about to arrive at Cloud Recesses to spend a year there. Wen Ning wondered if he could endure so much time with cultivators with such strong personalities.

Even Jiang Cheng had pitied him! Wei Wuxian had taken him by the hand and head him towards his shijie to say goodbay. At that moment Jiang Cheng came and told him at the top of his lungs that Wei Wuxian was a terrible influence and it would be preferable to get away from him. No one seemed to have paid any attention to them and Jiang Cheng's words vanished when he warmly embraced Wei Wuxian.

Wen Ning didn't know what to think. Both Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian were friendly, but it was clear that Lan WangJi didn't appreciate seeing him near his husband. Wen Ning sighed. Then Wen Ning thought that just a week ago he had enjoyed complete tranquility and he didn't even known it.

Although Cloud Recesses was supposed to be a very nice and peaceful place, Wen Ning was sure that with the presence of Wei Wuxian that would not be so true.

***   ***   ***   ***   ***  

Wei Wuxian was excited because now he would have a friend and accomplice in Cloud Recesses. He was complety sure that Wen Ning was just the confidant he needed, because Lan QiRen's disciples were too correct and they didn't like to break the rules.

Although Lan Zhan was excellent as a husband, it was also true that his very serious and formal nature prevented him from keeping up with Wei Wuxian. So now he would have a companion for his pranks.

Wei Wuxian thought that he would thank Lan Xichen for allowing the visit and stay of Wen Ning, because thanks to that now he would not be so alone in Cloud Recesses.

He didn't feel isolated, because both brothers had been very polite and friendly, but Wei Wuxian knew that sometimes it was good to have a friend and especially someone who was not educated in Cloud Recesses, because there was no way to make them understand that the rules are to be broken.

"Ah, life was starting to get more fun!" Thought Wei Wuxian while playing with Lan Zhan's ribbon, to Lan QiRen's annoyance.

Chapter Text

Wen Ning was extremely distressed. He had received a punishment on his first day as a disciple of Lan QiRen. The QishanWen sect tutors had never disciplined him and now, above all, the most prestigious tutor thought he was a rebel.

During class, Wen Ning had noticed movement through the window and, in a natural reaction, he had look out. To his surprise, Wei Wuxian was making funny faces. Wen Ning had tried to resist as much as possible, but in the end, a slight laugh had escaped him.

Lan QiRen had asked him what was funny about the lesson. Wen Ning's goodwill had prevented him from informing about Wei Wuxian involvement. Therefore, that same afternoon he would be copying the 3,000 rules.

The only positive thing was that he wouldn’t be present during the meal and that would allow him to evade the two Jades. Honestly, Wen Ning knew that Lan XiChen wasn’t responsible for the misunderstanding during breakfast. A confussion that had caused an almost murderous look from Lan WangJi.

That morning he had begun his stay at Cloud Recesses and he had wait anxiously his first classes. He had thought his sister would be extremely proud. However, what appeared to be a happy day was soon out of control. After arriving at the dining room, Wen Ning tried to look for a solitary table, as it was his habit in strange places. However, before he could sit down, Wei Wuxian had spoken to him from the table where the two Jades sat. Wen Ning knew that Wei Wuxian, being married to the second Jade, occupied an important place in the GusuLan sect, so he had assumed that they wouldn’t have an opportunity to be around at lunchtime. Wen Ning saw the terrible face of Lan WangJi and decided to feign dementia to Wei Wuxian's call, but to his bad luck, the first Jade was very close and he practically forced him, by inviting him, to sit at the same table.

Wen Ning had felt the color rise in his face, while Lan XiChen in his infinite goodness encouraged him to take a seat at the head table. Wei Wuxian had been so happy that he didn’t stop praising Lan XiChen for his action, while Lan WangJi looked coldly at both his brother and Wen Ning.

That had only been the beginning of breakfast! Wen Ning didn’t even remember everything that had happened. Lan QiRen only turned to see them with a hard and annoyed expression. Wei Wuxian didn’t even seem to notice the looks of Lan QiRen. Lan WangJi seemed to want to send him back to Nightless City, while his brother, Lan XiChen, just smiled placidly.

Wen Ning didn’t even remember what he had eaten, because Wei Wuxian had talked about how little flavor all the dishes had, while Lan QiRen was glaring at him for the noise he was doing. Lan WangJi seemed rather fascinated by everything his husband said and nodded every time his brother suggested adding new spices to the food.

Definitely, being next to the two Jades had made the other disciples of the GusuLan sect avoid him at the beginning of classes. Probably, they didn’t want Lan QiRen to link them with Wei Wuxian.

However, who could be annoyed with Wei Wuxian when he had promised Wen Ning that he would show him all the fun places of Cloud Recesses. Even if he had to endure the cold company of Lan WangJi, Wen Ning knew he couldn’t refuse such a kind invitation.

Wen Ning had avoid living with personalities as strong as these of the two Jades. But, apparently, it would be commonplace from now on. Wen Ning tried to console himself with the idea that he would be alone that afternoon during the punishment.

Chapter Text

Wen Ning didn’t know what to do anymore. On the one hand, if he was honest with himself he was very happy to have a friend who was almost like an older brother. In the QishanWen sect, he had distant relatives and people with whom he had grown up, but none had been able to overcome completely Wen Ning's shyness. On the other hand, so much attention was, at times, frightening.

In Cloud Recesses, Wen Ning was standing out. That was something he had avoided despite being a direct descendant of Wen Mao, founder of the QishanWen sect. Even his sister, the best doctor of the sect, had stopped trying to integrate him into the most outstanding activities. However, it had only been a few days since he had met Wei Wuxian and he was now living with the best cultivators. Such notoriety was too much for his timid heart.

There was also another aspect that seemed a bit worrisome. Lan WangJi was an excellent cultivator and everyone praised his character. However, Wen Ning was convinced that he hated him. Maybe, hating was a strong word. Wen Ning was sure that Lan WangJi only wanted him away from his husband.

It was evident to Wen Ning that Lan WangJi worshiped Wei Wuxian. Since they had been married for a short time, it was very understandable that Lan WangJi wanted to be alone with his husband. However, Lan WangJi had responsibilities in the GusuLan sect, so they couldn’t spend much time together.

Wen Ning went to the library where he would serve his punishment. He almost fainted when he saw Lan WangJi already there to supervise him. Despite the sepulchral silence, Wen Ning began to relax in the library, as Lan WangJi and himself worked hard. Before the end of his punishment, a noise was heard through the window. To Wen Ning's surprise, Wei Wuxian appeared with his eternal smile.

"Lan Zhan! You are taking too long, so I decided to come and kidnap you both." Wei Wuxian sat next to his husband and began to hold his sleeve. Even though he was writing, Lan WangJi didn’t protest.

"We're almost done." The second Jade's response was more than anyone else would have.

Even though Wei Wuxian had nod, he continued. "Lan Zhan, you know I promised Wen Ning that I would show him Cloud Recesses." Wen Ning felt like dying when he heard those words and saw a change in the look of the second Jade. "But he doesn’t want. Wen Ning says he has many duties." The crystalline and near crying eyes made Lan WangJi stop.

"He thinks that since I'm new, I don’t know Cloud Recesses." Wei Wuxian had grabbed Lan WangJi’s attention and Wen Ning felt he was getting in the way. "Am I a good guide?" Lan WangJi could only nod. "Lan Zhan, you think Wen Ning’ll have time in the afternoons so I can show him Cloud Recesses. Because if you give him permission, your uncle won’t refuse. "

Wen Ning was sure that Wei Wuxian had no idea how easy he was getting what he wanted from Lan WangJi.

That was how in less than 5 minutes, Wen Ning discovered that every afternoon he would have a couple of free hours so Wei Wuxian could show him the wonders of Cloud Recesses.

They hadn’t even moved too far from the bookstore when Wei Wuxian started talking.

"I wanted Lan Zhan to accompany us, but his uncle always assigns him activities that are supposed to be a priority." Wen Ning was glad internally that Lan WangJi couldn’t accompany them, as he was sure that would have meant an afternoon nonstop suffering.

"I've already told Lan Zhan that working so much isn’t good, but he doesn’t listen to me. Sometimes I manage to convince him, but it's not easy. He is a serious boy." Wen Ning listened attentively to Wei Wuxian, although he was sure that if there was anyone capable of convincing Lan WangJi it was him. Wen Ning liked Wei Wuxian’s warm concern towards the people close to him. Wen Ning was glad to find someone who didn’t expect him to speak.  On the contrary, Wen Ning could listen him happily without getting tired, because he didn’t speak badly, nor cause conflicts. Maybe, a few, but not too important.

"Well, we could see the wall with the 3,000 rules, but honestly nobody cares about that." Wei Wuxian's laughter was contagious and Wen Ning smiled shyly. "It’s enough that you have to copy them. Did you know that as Lan Zhan’s husband I must learn them?" Wei Wuxian's suffering face was real and Wen Ning felt sorry for him." Fortunately, Lan Zhan volunteered to be my tutor, because it’d have been torture if my tutor was his uncle Lan QiRen."

Evidently, only Wei Wuxian had a bad impression of the most prestigious tutor that existed. While it was a privilege for cultivators to take classes with Lan QiRen, Wei Wuxian had apparently rejected that privilege.

"Lan Zhan is a better teacher." Wei Wuxian stopped for a moment and looked towards the library, where Lan WangJi had remained. "He's patient and when I get bored, he lets me change the subject."

"And how many rules do you know?" Wen Ning timidly dared to ask.

Wei Wuxian seemed to have forgotten that Wen Ning was with him, but the moment passed very quickly. "Oh! Actually, I already memorized them, but I like to see Lan Zhan's expression when I say them wrong." Wei Wuxian's contagious laughter accompanied them all afternoon and Wen Ning thanked his sister for sending him to Cloud Recesses.

Chapter Text

Wen Ning had been on Cloud Recesses for a week and he didn’t know for sure if he was happy or distressed. His sister would be proud to read the letter he had wrote where he told you how he was doing in his classes. Lan QiRen had congratulated him on one occasion, but he also saw him as a calm but easily influenced youth. In Lan QiRen’s words, although he had a good disposition, was serious and disciplined, he also frequented bad companies. That is, he spent too much time with Wei Wuxian.

In spite of everything, his friendship with Wei Wuxian was one of the aspects that made his stay at Cloud Recesses very pleasant. Wei Wuxian invited him daily to share the meal with his husband and brother-in-law. Wei Wuxian also invited him in the afternoons for a walk, while Lan WangJi took care of his duties.

The days were for the most part pleasant. Of course, there were aspects that he would have liked to improve, such as Lan WangJi's attitude toward him, but he understood that it was natural for a newly formed couple to have this phase of adaptation. Besides, it didn’t help that Wei Wuxian was so easily distracted and didn’t realize what was going on around him.

Wen Ning thought it was incredible that Wei Wuxian was such a good cultivator and an oblivious person. He had discovered that the best cultivators of his generation had the simplest romantic problems: Wei Wuxian had no idea of his husband's strong feelings, Lan WangJi couldn’t clearly convey his feelings or Jin ZiXuan couldn’t approach Jiang YanLi without saying something inappropriate and contrary to what he feels.

Wen Ning fervently wished that such a situation would never happen to him, since it was evident that misunderstandings generated problems due to nonexistent situations.

***   ***   ***   ***   ***   ***  

"Wen Ning, Wen Ning. Guess what! "Wei Wuxian came running and screaming at the top of his lungs.

Wen Ning was about to fall, but fortunately he was next to a column that stopped him. "What happened?"

"Wonderful news! We were invited to Lotus Pier and we will be going next week!" Wei Wuxian's emotion was seen in his broad smile. "It’ll be my shijie's commitment to that spoiled child, Jin ZiXuan. I wish you didn’t have to meet him, because frankly he's detestable, but I want you to know Lotus Pier." Wei Wuxian's smile was contagious. "I already told Lan WangJi that I'm going to show you both all the most fantastic places in Lotus Pier. You’ll love it! "

Wen Ning was excited because he had never been to Lotus Pier and it was a wonderful place according to what Wei Wuxian told him, however, he thought it was probably a bad idea to go, because of Lan WangJi.

"Do not you think it's preferable if you go alone, I mean, just Lan WangJi and you?" Wen Ning spoke in a low voice, unsure of what he was trying to say.

"Why? Do not you want to know Lotus Pier? Are you afraid of water?" Wen Ning noticed once again that it was impossible to make Wei Wuxian reason about some issues.

"No, no, I'll love to visit and swim a little."

"Excellent! I'll tell Lan Zhan that you'll go, too." Wei Wuxian was practically in Lotus Pier. In the next few days, he would only talk about the trip and about seeing his adoptive family. It was nice to see such a lively and positive person.

"Who else is coming?" Wen Ning wanted to prepare himself in case he had to be alone with the newly married couple.

"Lan XiChen also wants to go. At first I thought he would not be interested, but surprisingly he wanted to come with us. I think it's great that we all go. We can have parties and drink wine, although not as good as the one here but we won’t have to sneak away." Wen Ning would have liked to clarify that he was not interested in drinking, but he preferred not to comment.

"I'm sure we'll have some wonderful days." Wen Ning said diplomatically.

"You can also taste my shijie’s food, which is the best. If I could, I would steal it so that she could prepare delicious dishes for us."

"I'm sure we'll have incredible days with your family." Wen Ning knew it would be an arduous journey because all the people with whom Wei Wuxian related were as intense as he was, yet they were also warm and friendly people.

Chapter Text

The view of Lotus Pier was wonderful. While Cloud Recesses was sublime and quiet, Lotus Pier was charming.

In general, the reception had been very affectionate, except for Madame Yu, who evidently had only kept her composure because the presence of the two Jades.

Wei Wuxian had not even seemed to pay attention to Madame Yu's coldness and he had concentrated on greeting and embracing Jiang FengMian, Jiang Cheng and Jiang YanLi.

Wen Ning was glad to see how many people appreciated Wei Wuxian. Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian evidently had a very close relationship and it was visible how much they loved each other, despite their way of expressing it.

"I don’t know why did you come. Frankly, your presence isn’t necessary." Jiang Cheng said while holding Wei Wuxian's arm affectionately. As a first response, Wei Wuxian's laughter was heard, followed by a friendly and playful blow.

"Obviously I came to see my shijie." Wei Wuxian replied while hugging both Jiang Cheng and Jiang YanLi.

Wen Ning was glad to be present, even though it was clear that it would be a busy event.

***   ***   ***

Indeed, the compromise between the future heir of the LanlingJin sect and Jiang FengMian's daughter was an event that had brought together the most important families.

Wen Ning sighed and tried to calm down. The fact that they were the leaders and future heirs of the sects, as well as high-ranking cultivators, meant nothing. Especially when they were on the dock wasting time. Wei Wuxian showed them the local delights and they had stopped at all the stands that they had passed. It was crazy to go for a walk with Wei Wuxian.

Lan WangJi agreed to Wei Wuxian’s requests. He tasted any sweet and followed Wei Wuxian even in those shortcuts, that obviously weren’t worthy of him. However, Lang WangJi enjoyed the day at the fullest.

Fortunately, the group was large. Wen Ning had felt relieved because he wasn’t obstructing Lan WangJi and Wei Wuxian time together. However some of Wei Wuxian and Lan WangJi’s Friends were intimidating.

Jin ZiXuan accompanied Jiang YanLi. Jin ZiXuan and Wei Wuxian didn’t seemed to get along, so Jiang YanLi and Lan WangJi kept them far from each other.

Lan XiChen was interested in the conversation he was having with Jiang Cheng. Wen Ning was somewhat surprised, because Jiang Cheng was constantly blushing and seemed to oscillate between anger and joy.

Then came another problem. Among the guests was the QingheNie sect. The relationship between Nie MingJue and Nie HuaiSang was frankly strange for Wen Ning, who had always relied on his sister. Nie HuaiSang seemed to truly fear his brother's threats. Wen Ning wondered if Nie MingJue was as strict as he seemed.

"Actually, he’s not as bad as he seems." Wen Ning felt that his heart was about to come out when he heard a very close voice. "Nie MingJue is especially strict with the people he loves." Jin GuangYao was Nie MingJue and Lan XiChen’s sworn brother.

Wen Ning thought it was torture to be noticed. Now even Jin GuangYao was talking to him. Jin GuangYao was Jin ZiXuan's half brother and an excellent cultivator.

"No, I hadn’t thought that he was bad." At the look of disbelief from Jin GuangYao, Wen Ning rectified. "I thought he seems to be too serious and demanding."

"His seriousness and discipline have made Nie MingJue one of the best cultivators of our time." Jin GuangYao praised Nie MingJue. "Despite being very young he is also a good leader of his sect. He is also one of the few growers who appreciates the effort and perseverance more than the prestige of a lineage. "

Wen Ning knew the dark past of Jin GuangYao and was also aware that thanks to the support of Nie MingJue and Lan XiChen he had been able to overcome his difficulties and be recognized in his own sect.

"Nie MingJue seems to be an extraordinary person." Wen Ning turned to see Nie MingJue and thought that perhaps there was much more behind the seriousness of Nie MingJue.

Chapter Text

Wen Ning wanted to hide under a stone. It was the first afternoon he spent at Lotus Pier and now he found that he couldn’t talk to the people he was most comfortable with. Wei Wuxian had disappeared with Lan WangJi.

Suddenly Wei Wuxian took Lan WangJi's hand and they vanished among Wei Wuxian's unobtrusive laughter. Wen Ning frankly wish with all his strength to have listened badly, but he had heard something very similar "let's go to the room where I lived".

Then there was Lan XiChen who was always a person he could trust in Cloud Recesses. The peaceful and quiet Jade was very different in Lotus Pier. Since they arrived, he hadn’t separated from Jiang Cheng. Lan XiChen was teasing Jiang Cheng constantly and Jiang Cheng’s exclamations could be heard easily.

On the pretext of talking about the wedding plans, Jin ZiXuan had taken Jiang YanLi and they had gone to look for her parents.

So now he was sitting at the table with people with people he hadn’t crossed a word with. Jin GuangYao wasn’t a tall cultivator; however, no one doubted his incredible level of cultivation. In addition Jin GuangYao had the reputation of both being a loyal ally and an implacable enemy. His memory was also enviable and his ways were extremely polite.

Nie Mingjue was very tall and strong. Nie Mingjue became the leader of the Qinghe Nie sect at an early age. In the world of the cultivators he had gained fame for his bad character and his intolerance towards those who deviated from the path of cultivation. His martial skills were widely praised by all and his power only increased with time.

Nie Huaisang was Nie Mingjue's brother. Although it seemed easier to talk to him, it was evident that Nie Huaisang took care of his manners when he was close to his brother. Nie Huaisang was quite delicate if compared to his brother. Besides, from what he had heard, he liked the arts. His level of cultivation wasn’t outstanding, so his brother constantly disciplined him.

Wen Ning thought he could talk peacefully with Nie Huaisang, however, it was impossible to have a conversation with Nie Huaisang when his brother, Nie Mingjue, was nearby. Nie Huaisang became extremely nervous whenever his brother was watching him.

Wen Ning resigned himself and thought that as soon as the food was finished he would retire to his room. So happy was he with this idea of spending the afternoon alone that he did not see a couple of glances that crossed the table. If only he had been more attentive he would have saved himself several headaches in the future.

Surprisingly for Wen Ning, Jin GuangYao started talking about the importance of maintaining close ties between the sects.

"And what do you think about improving relations between sects." Jin GuangYao asked Wen Ning directly.

Wen Ning felt that he was suffocating. Why did he ask him directly? Maybe there were no better people to start a conversation.

"Of course it's positive that there are good relationships." Wen Ning did not know what he was saying.

To Wen Ning's surprise, Nie Huaisang also intervened. "Quite right, Jin GuangYao is very wise to talk about the importance of creating strong links between sects." Although he seemed nervous, Nie Huaisang supported the idea of Jin GuangYao.

"Wen Ning, how much do you know about the QingheNie sect?" Jin GuangYao had a smile that Wen Ning did not like because it seemed like something was up to him.

"Very little." Wen Ning said in a shy voice, since he did not want to offend Nie MingJue. "My sister has wanted me to concentrate on studying medicine, although I'm not as good as she is."

"But you are at a perfect time to remedy this ignorance. I'm sure Nie MingJue will not mind telling you about the QingheNie sect. "Wen Ning turned to see Nie MingJue, who was serious, though he nodded to indicate that he would.

"Wen Ning, my brother is very intelligent. I'm sure you'll learn a lot from him." Nie Huaisang seemed very enthusiastic about the idea that his brother will focus on someone else.

"Nie MingJue, you should invite Wen Ning to Unclean Realm. He’ll benefit if know your sect. "Wen Ning felt panic grow at the suggestion of Jin GuangYao. "I have heard that Wen Ning is good at using the bow. Wei Wuxian was talking about you having many qualities for martial arts. "Wen Ning was sure that Jin GuangYao was a demon.

Nie MingJue's voice was deep and absolute. "You are invited, of course."

"Thank you." Wen Ning felt intimidated by the attention and invitation. "But I'll be for a year in Gusu Lan."

Wen Ning thanked that his sister had sent him for a year to Cloud Recesses, because surely next year this invitation would be forgotten.

"Do not worry. Lan XiChen travels constantly to Unclean Realm and Nie MingJue also often visits Cloud Recesses. "At that time, instead of feeling sympathy for Jin GuangYao, Wen Ning thought that those who said he was evil were right.

"Wen Ning has been very positive that we knew each other. This will improve relations between the QingheNie sect and the QishanWen sect. "Although Nie Huaisang spoke as little as possible, he had been enthusiastic about the outcome of the conversation. Definitely anyone who will steal his brother's attention was for Nie Huaisang a blessing.

Wen Ning felt that his weak heart would not resist much at this pace. Since he met Wei Wuxian every day was accompanied by a new surprise.

Chapter Text

Wei Ying opened the door of the room where he had lived and put Lan Zhan through. The room was as he had left it.

Lan Zhan sat on the bed and watched Wei Ying wander around the room touching some objects.

"It's almost incredible that until recently I lived here. I didn’t even imagine that I was going to get married." Wei Ying checked some papers that were on a table. "Were you also surprised to know that we would get married?"

If only Wei Ying had paid attention, he would have noticed that Lan Zhan's ears were red.

"In fact, you know what surprised me even more." Wei Ying stared at Lan Zhan. "I cann’t believe that your uncle, Lan QiRen, approved our union." Wei Ying let out a huge laugh and sat comfortably in a chair. "Tell me, Lan Zhan, who thought you should marry me."

"Don’t you think it was a good idea?" Although Lan Zhan didn’t talk much, Wei Ying was used to hear Lan Zhan’s answers.

"Of course. Can you imagine me with someone else? I'm sure any other person would drive me crazy. I feel fortunate that it was you." Lan Zhan looked closely at Wei Ying and knew he was telling the truth.

"I'm glad too." Wei Ying still didn’t know Lan Zhan's voice cadence, so he didn’t know how deeply happy he was.

"But what happened? How did your uncle think of us getting married?" Lan Zhan was uncomfortable with the question.

"Actually, my brother takes care of the most important matters of the sect. So the decision was his." Lan Zhan felt that he was blushing, because it was hard for him to admit that he had been the one who had requested to marry Wei Ying.

Wei Ying laughed loudly. "That explains everything, because it was impossible for the idea to come from your uncle. But didn’t he object?"

Lan Zhan clearly remembered the discussions that had taken place, since they had discussed for days. Every time the issue had come out, Lan QiRen had shown his refusal. His uncle had strongly opposed. Fortunately, his brother had supported him. If it hadn’t been because Lan XiChen was in charge of the sect it would have been impossible for Lan WangJi to marry Wei Wuxian.

"He disagreed, but he saw the advantages." Lan Zhan tried to be a diplomat.

"Advantages?" Wei Ying was distracted but from the beginning he knew that there weren’t many advantages for someone like Lan WangJi.

"You mustn’t diminish your merits. You are one of the best cultivators that exists. The Yunmeng Jiang sect also supports you." For Lan Zhan there was no one more perfect than Wei Ying. Since meeting him when they were children, Lan WangJi had decided that Wei Ying would be the only person for him.

Despite the strict discipline with which he had grown up, Lan WangJi's heart had remained firm.

"Oh, Lan Zhan! I'm sure you're the only one who thinks that way." Wei Ying's soft laugh accompanied Lan Zhan." However, I'm glad you believe it."

Lan WangJi also felt privileged to be the closest person close to Wei Ying.

Chapter Text

Two days! It had only been two days since they had been at Lotus Pier, but to Wen Ning it seemed like an eternity.

Wei Wuxian had spent those days with Lan Zhan. Wen Ning didn’t blame him because they both deserved to be together. Lan XiChen also disappeared often. Frequently Wen Ning heard that Lan XiChen was with Jiang Cheng dealing with state affairs.

Wen Ning didn’t consider himself so naive as not to suspect the kind of things they were discussing. Undoubtedly, Lan XiChen and Jiang Cheng were strengthening the relationship between both sects. At this rate, there would be another marriage soon.

Actually, it wasn’t that Wen Ning was worried that his friends were having fun. On the contrary, he was glad to know they were happy.

However, there was one person he considered guilty of his stress. Jin GuangYao was terrible. Wen Ning had ascertained the degree of his wickedness frequently these days. The worst thing was that he perfectly hid his actions with those kind smiles.

First was the invitation he had made for Wen Ning to visit Unclean Realm. It wasn’t even his sect and he was already offering invitations on behalf of Nie MingJue.

The second day had begun ominously. When arriving at breakfast, Wen Ning had noticed casually the only available place was next to Nie MingJue.

For a moment Wen Ning thought that it was preferable not to have breakfast. However, Wei Wuxian's voice stopped him and made him sit at the table.

"Where were you going?" Wei Wuxian's question made Wen Ning blush.

"I just didn’t know if this place was unoccupied." Wen Ning wished the earth would swallow him up. The young leaders of the most important sects were listening his apology.

"Of course we keep a place for you." To Wen Ning, Jin GuangYao's voice seemed poisonous. Wen Ning wondered if he had ever offend Jin GuangYao.

"How can you think we would forget you!" Wei Wuxian was so sincere that Wen Ning felt remorse.

"Thank you." Wen Ning's voice could barely be heard, but the keen ears of the cultivators could clearly make out what he was saying.

"You don’t need to be shy; you are among friends." Lan XiChen had a smile he was not trying to hide, while he saw Wen Ning and Nie MingJue.

Wen Ning felt overwhelmed with such attention. However, when Nie MingJue served him congee, Wen Ning smiled slightly.

"Nie HuaiSang, now that we are here among friends, I want you to compare your level with other young masters like Wen Ning." Nie MingJue's voice scared his brother.

"Brother, don’t you think it would be disrespectful to inconvenience Wen Ning now that he is visiting Lotus Pier. Surely we’ll have other opportunities to train with him." Nie HuaiSang had learned that sometimes it was possible to postpone his brother’s ideas and with all the skills he had acquired he tried to convince Nie MingJue to postpone the competition.

"Nie HuaiSang is right." Nie HuaiSang almost cried with joy when he heard that Jin GuangYao was supporting him. "These days are for getting to know each other. There’ll be other occasions for Wen Ning to show us his skills."

Nie MingJue wasn’t completely convinced, so Nie HuaiSang decided to bet everything he had. "Brother, if Wen Ning accepts, we could spend the day in the countryside."

"Excellent idea! A picnic." Lan XiChen was enthusiastic about the idea.

"Lan Zhan, you’ll love it! I know the best places and we can bring delicious food." Wei Ying looked enthusiastically at Lan WangJi, who nodded to show that any suggestion from his husband was welcome.

Nie MingJue watched Wen Ning closely. Perhaps it was Wen Ning's shyness or other feelings that caused Nie MingJue to give up his original idea.

"Okay, let's go to that picnic."

Both Lan XiChen and Jin GuangYao were happy to learn that their sworn brother was enthusiastic about Wen Ning, both knew that Nie MingJue deserved to be happy. However, there was no one happier than Nie HuaiSang, who almost savored the happiness of seeing his brother interested in someone other than himself.

For a fleeting moment, Nie HuaiSang lamented that someone as reserved as Wen Ning was the target of his brother's intense attention. However, Nie HuaiSang had been trying for years to get his brother to notice someone else and finally the day had come.

Chapter Text

Wen Ning arrived from the picnic directly to his room. He closed the door and stretched out on the bed. He also covered himself with the blanket and strongly wished he never had to leave there.

Obviously, life was not so easy. Not even five minutes had passed when Wei Wuxian's voice made him get up, before all of Lotus Pier heard the loud knocking on the door.

"Wen Ning, Wen Ning, open up." Wei Wuxian was speaking loudly.

"What's wrong?" Wen Ning's voice was very shy.

"Nothing, you just went up very fast and Lan Zhan said to come see you." Wen Ning didn’t know whether to thank Lan WangJi for his consideration or get angry because it was the first time he was happy that Wei Wuxian had no idea what was happening and Lan WangJi had to ruin it.

"I don’t know what he means." Wen Ning thought it would be wonderful if Wei Wuxian listened to him and left quickly.

"Are you sure?" Wei Wuxian seemed to hesitate. "Lan Zhan said that I should stay to talk."

Wen Ning gave up. Even if Wei Wuxian returned, Lan WangJi was too insightful.

"Come in." Wen Ning sighed. "Although I don’t know what we can talk about." Wen Ning thought that if they could only talk about trivial topics, he would be happy.

"What do you think of Lotus Pier?" Wei Wuxian sat quietly.

"It is a very nice place. As you described it. "

"Although it has become a bit chaotic." Wei Wuxian gently touched his face as he thought. "Now that I think about it, today was a really strange day. For example, I didn’t notice when Nie MingJue and you left the group."

Wen Ning wanted to kill Jin GuangYao slowly. He was convinced that he was responsible. At the beginning, everything had been perfect. The atmosphere was very relaxed and despite the discomfort of being in a large group, Wen Ning felt calm, since he wasn’t attracting too much attention. However, there came a time when he found himself away from the group accompanied only by Nie MingJue. They were far from the main house and none really knew Lotus Pier, so they had to walk together back.

Wen Ning was convinced that the main culprit was Jin GuangYao, who had spent all afternoon smiling enigmatically.

Nie MingJue had behaved extremely well. He had been very attentive and seemed confused also to be alone with Wen Ning.

Wen Ning was certain that Jin GuangYao had managed to take shortcuts until they were left alone. What was the intention behind that strategy? Wen Ning wasn’t sure what Jin GuangYao could gain from it, but he knew that this incident had not been natural.

"I'm glad Nie MingJue was with you. He is a very capable person. Although Lotus Pier is a safe and quiet place, it was good to know that he was with you." Wei Wuxian's words were right. During the time they had spent together, Wen Ning had detected that Nie MingJue was a reliable person. Maybe he wasn’t as charismatic as Lan XiChen or as attractive as Wei Wuxian himself, but Nie MingJue was special.

"Nie MingJue was extremely kind." Wen Ning wasn’t lying to praise Nie MingJue. They had talked for a long while. Actually, Nie MingJue had asked him several questions. At first, it had been difficult to answer, but little by little Wen Ning had managed to talk more calmly. To his surprise, Nie MingJue was different from what he had thought. In all the time they spent together, Nie MingJue had  remained calm.  Nie MingJue had listened to him and considered his opinion. It had really been nice to be with him.

Wen Ning was convinced that Nie MingJue’s only fault was that Jin GuangYao was his sworn brother.

After talking with Wei Wuxian, Wen Ning thanked Lan WangJi for having sent him, since he felt calmer. In the end, being alone with Nie MingJue had not been bad. A disaster would be to spend time alone with the Jin GuangYao.

Chapter Text

Being at Lotus Pier was a pleasant experience. Wen Ning was happy to be with almost everyone. Jin GuangYao was the obvious exception. It's not that Jin GuangYao was completely evil. The problem was that he was a difficult person to deal with, because he was unpredictable. Frankly, Wen Ning didn’t understand how he had become sworn brother of Lan XiChen and Nie MingJue.

Actually, the character of the three was totally different. While Lan XiChen was characterized as a calm and peaceful person, Nie MingJue was extremely orderly and correct. But Jin GuangYao was the result of a genius combined with malice and loyalty to two or three people at the most.

As far as Wen Ning knew, Jin GuangYao was extremely loyal to Nie MingJue and Lan XiChen. Many cultivators knew that both had supported him when his position in the LanlingJin sect was unfavorable. Thanks to them, little by little Jin GuangShan had begun to see the talent of Jin GuangYao. Another key piece had been Jin ZiXuan, his half brother, who had recognized Jin GuangYao.

However, there were stories everywhere where it was recognized that just as Jin GuangYao could defend the honor of those he respected, he was also a vengeful soul.

Wen Ning didn’t understand exactly what was happening. The question Wen Ning asked himself was why Jin GuangYao was so obsessed with leaving him alone with Nie MingJue.

Wen Ning actually thought that a possibility was Jin GuangYao wanted him and Nie MingJue to be romantically involved. However, the idea was quite ridiculous and Wen Ning was sure that the leader of a sect wouldn’t be interested in someone like him. Therefore, using the reason Wen Ning quickly discarded that idea.

So he spent hours and hours trying to find out what would be the reason that Jin GuangYao could have to bring them closer. Friendship? It’s not that Wen Ning underestimated himself, but he knew that his position in his sect wasn’t remarkable. In his family, his sister was the important one. Could it be that there was some medicine or treatment that Nie MingJue's sect needed? He knew that Nie MingJue wasn’t interested in his sister because they had never met. Nor could they want a treaty between both sects, because it was obvious to anyone that it was not something that was in Wen Ning's possession.

And the solution to that problem came from the person who had least imagined it.

"Come on, Wen Ning, you shouldn’t be locked in that long." Wei Wuxian opened Wen Ning's room without asking permission.

"I don’t feel like being outside." Wen Ning had decided that avoiding Jin GuangYao was the best strategy.

"But what madness is that?" Wei Wuxian was an implacable force when he proposed. "I'm sure that's why Lan Zhan told me I should look for you."

Wen Ning laid his face against his hands and asked silently Lan WangJi to pay less attention to him... in fact, everyone should pay less attention to him.

"It's just that I feel uncomfortable with Jin GuangYao." Wen Ning tried to open up a little with Wei Wuxian who, in spite of understanding little of romance, was an excellent cultivator.

"Jin GuangYao? What's wrong with him? "Wei Wuxian was perplexed. "Has he bothered you? Let's talk to Lan XiChen. "

Wen Ning felt something freeze inside him. In all possible scenarios, he hadn’t even dreamed of facing Jin GuangYao and least of all Lan XiChen. What would they think of him? That he was inventing things.

"Do not! Please, it's not that bad." Wen Ning tried to persuade Wei Wuxian but it was impossible. In less than a couple of minutes, they were entering Lan XiChen's room.

"Come in, guys. I'm glad you're visiting. "Lan XiChen's face remained relaxed as if he had expected their visit.

"Jiang Cheng! What are you doing here?" Wen Ning confirmed that Wei Wuxian wasn’t reading the mood again. It was clear that they were in spending a moment alone. "Actually, it doesn’t matter. We have a complaint against Jin GuangYao." Wei Wuxian's attitude made Wen Ning want the earth to open.

"Oh, it’s so serious!" Lan XiChen didn’t lose his smile.

"Actually it’s a misunderstanding." Wen Ning tried to explain.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Wen Ning was intimidated by Jiang Cheng's aggressive tone.

"It's nothing." Wen Ning didn’t know what to do.

"Jin GuangYao is bothering Wen Ning." Wei Wuxian solemnly declared and crossed his arms.

"I knew it. I told you." Jiang Cheng turned to see Lan XiChen, who was still smiling. "He's not trustworthy."

Wei Wuxian nodded to what Jiang Cheng said, while Wen Ning thought it was crazy to talk to Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng.

"Wen Ning, why don’t you tell me what's going on?" Lan XiChen asked in a very reasonable voice.

"He's bothering Wen Ning." Wei Wuxian clarified bluntly, seeing that Wen Ning didn’t dare to speak. "And Wen Ning feels intimidated so he cann’t face him."

"It is true? And what is the complaint? "Lan XiChen crossed his hands softly to listen.

Wei Wuxian was perplexed and turned to see Wen Ning. "Actually I don’t know."

"It's nothing concrete, but I don’t understand him." Wen Ning talked because the three of them stared at him. "I just feel like he tries too hard to make Nie MingJue and I friends."

Wei Wuxian showed face of not understanding. "What does Nie MingJue have to do in all this?"

"Jin GuangYao has create situations for Nie MingJue and I to be together." Wen Ning was the first to understand that his explanation seemed ridiculous. "He tries too hard to make us friends."

"He's probably trying to get Nie MingJue to have at least one friend!" Jiang Cheng said with a bit of contempt. "With his personality, he doesn’t know how to socialize. No wonder Jin GuangYao is using tactics like that to expand his circle of friends."

"Basically the accusation is because Jin GuangYao wants you to be friends with Nie MingJue." Hearing Lan XiChen speak, Wen Ning knew that it seemed absurd to complain about that.

"Don’t you want to be Nie MingJue's friend?" Wei Wuxian asked seriously and Wen Ning felt worse. "Nie MingJue seems aggressive, but he really is a good person."

"I know. Nie MingJue is extremely kind." Wen Ning blushed and the only one to notice was Lan XiChen. "It's just that it bothers me that Jin GuangYao is giving me so much attention."

Lan XiChen approached Wen Ning. "If you want, I can ask Jin GuangYao not to bother you. However, if his only intention was to get Nie MingJue to have a new friend, then I think Jin GuangYao chose well. For a leader of a sect it is difficult to find reliable people who don’t approach with bad intentions. So I hope you can forgive Jin GuangYao, but I'm sure he did not want to bother you, but he saw you as a reliable person. "

Wen Ning thought that what Lan XiChen said was reasonable. It was likely that he had exaggerated and that Jin GuangYao's only intention was precisely that. Besides, being a friend of Nie MingJue seemed like a good idea. Wen Ning decided not to think too much about the emotions he felt.

About Jin GuangYao, Wen Ning thought that if Lan XiChen trusted him, then at least he should give him the benefit of the doubt. So most likely, Jin GuangYao had only seen in him a reliable person who could understand Nie MingJue. With the peace of mind that it was not about him, Wen Ning decided not to worry.

Chapter Text

The trip ended with mixed emotions. Jiang YanLi was sad because it would be the last time she would see her family reunited before her marriage, but she could not wait until her wedding. Jiang YanLi wanted to stop the time and she desired to be with Jin ZiXuan.

Meanwhile Lan XiChen knew that his brother had counted the days to return to Cloud Recesses, because Lan Zhan felt uncomfortable having to share Wei Ying with others.

Of course, the trip had been more entertaining than Lan XiChen had expected. If it had not been for Jin GuangYao, it was possible that Wen Ning had never dared to establish a friendship with Nie MingJue.

Wen Ning's gentle character was radically opposed to Nie MingJue's, but both complemented each other. Lan XiChen was convinced that Wen Ning would be a beneficial presence for his friend.

The only drawback had been Jin GuangYao's insistence on seeing them together, but it was understandable, since someone as busy as Nie MingJue never had time to start a relationship.

Definitely, the marriage between Wei Ying and Lan Zhan had triggered a series of events that were benefiting his closest friends.

***   ***   ***   *** 

Wen Ning arrived at his room in Cloud Recesses and felt that nostalgia invaded him. It was amazing how he could change life from one moment to another.

“Nie MingJue.” In a very soft voice that could hardly be heard, he pronounced his new friend's name shyly. Nie MingJue had invited him to visit the QingheNie sect. Wen Ning had only nodded but they had not set a date.

Jin GuangYao had reminded Nie MingJue that as sworn brothers visits were frequent and that Nie MingJue himself could take advantage of a trip to escort personally Wen Ning.

Wen Ning had felt mortified because they believed him so delicate to need to be accompanied, but he had also been flattered by the vehemence of Nie MingJue's invitation.

Even Nie HuaiSang had told him that the journey between the GusuLan sect and the QingheNie sect was short and that they frequently visited each other.

Wen Ning knew from before that the members of the most important sects met frequently. In fact, the QishanWen sect was the one that remained most isolated.

***   ***   ***   *** 

"Lan Zhan?" Wei Ying was sitting in the window frame stroking a bunny while looking out the window.

“Mmm.” Although Lan WangJi was concentrating writing reports, Wei Ying knew that Lan WangJi listened attentively.

"Children grow up very fast." Lan WangJi stopped because the conversation was too strange. Wei Ying continued immersed in his thoughts. "I hadn't realized that Wen Ning would soon leave us."

Lan WangJi didn't know what Wei Ying was referring to, but he certainly had worried him. "Jiang Cheng talked to me before I came back and made me see that it is possible for Wen Ning to marry before the end of the year."

Anyone who knew Nie MingJue a little knew that the cultivator had been captivated by Wen Ning's sweet character. It was logical to assume that Nie MingJue's next step would be to woo Wen Ning.

In addition, Nie HuaiSang had supported his brother's choice and in the QingheNie sect the news would be received with joy. Marriage would provide stability to Nie MingJue.

The strange thing was that Jiang Cheng had talked to Wei Wuxian. Jiang Cheng didn't pay attention to other people either. However, Lan WangJi saw the influence of his brother. Surely, Lan XiChen was the one who had intervened to soften and make the courtship between his friend and Wen Ning as simple as possible.

"It's possible." It was the only thing Lan WangJi said.

"I thought he would stay with us for a long time." Lan WangJi began to understand that Wei Ying saw Wen Ning as someone to care for.

"I want a baby." Lan WangJi wasn't prepared for that conversation. They had little to have married. Not even his uncle Lan QiRen had touched on that subject.

"Wei Ying." Lan WangJi's voice was tentative. Almost as a question.

"Not today." Wei Wuxian had that glow in his eyes that had dazzled Lan WangJi since they were children. Lan WangJi would make possible anything that Wei Wuxian asked him in order to see him happy. "But don't worry, I'll take care of the matter."

Wei Wuxian carefully laid the rabbit on the floor, fixed his clothes and that nostalgia that had covered him disappeared in an instant. Wei Wuxian had made a determination and now he was calm and determined.

Without a doubt, the chaos would return to Cloud Recesses shortly and Lan WangJi was eager to see what Wei Ying would do.

Chapter Text

It had been a few months of intense activity: Jiang YanLi and Jin ZiXuan's wedding, several visits by Nie MingJue and Jiang Cheng to Cloud Recesses and even Wen Qing had gone to see how his brother was doing.

With each activity, Wei Wuxian felt renewed and he had been distracted from his goal.

"What happened to the idea of getting a baby?" Lan XiChen asked Wei Ying one morning, in which the two jades and Wei Wuxian were reunited.

Lan Zhan looked at his brother hostilely, as Wei Ying had calmed down a little about the idea of a baby with the visits and outings they had had in recent months. Bringing the topic back would make Wei Ying start planning something.

"What happened? You will say what has not happened.” Wei Ying enjoyed the attention he was given. “First, the dear wedding of my shijie that left me disconsolate. She deserved someone better than Jin ZiXuan, who is just a spoiled child. But, what can we do if she is in love, although if Jin ZiXuan does something to her, I’ll protect her. Then I have been taking care of Wen Ning, who is also sweet. Now that Nie MingJue has finally decided to declare his intentions, I have dedicated myself to oversee the development of that relationship.”

Wei Wuxian spoke with all seriousness of his role as Wen Ning's guide in love affairs. Lan XiChen laughed every time he thought about how he involuntarily interfered in the relationship between Nie MingJue and Wen Ning, but nobody minded his actions, since he did them with affection and without bad intention.

Now that Wen Ning was away from his family, he had found a new brother and mentor in Wei Wuxian, who had made Wen Ning a little more open.

Even Wen Qing had praised the positive change she had seen in his brother. While Nie MingJue was pleased to see someone watching over Wen Ning's interests.

Among the many things that could be commended for Wei Wuxian was his deep interest in helping others.

Wei Wuxian was thoughtful for a while. "But you shouldn't worry... I already have an idea."

Lan XiChen felt how his smile had froze. After meeting Wei Wuxian, Lan XiChen clearly knew that Wei Wuxian's ideas could be extreme.

For his part, Lan WangJi was delighted to see the huge smile that illuminated Wei Wuxian's face.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Wen Ning knew perfectly well that Wei Wuxian's idea was good, but he was also sure it would be a shock in Gusu Lan.

“Promise me that you will not tell anyone. It’ll be our secret.” Wei Wuxian's happiness made it difficult to resist the plea.

"It's okay. I’ll remain silent.” Wen Ning wished with all his might not to be in this situation. "But you should consider telling Lan WangJi."

"Of course not. He mustn’t find out. It’ll be a nice surprise.” Wei Wuxian approached the window. “Imagine all the effort I have made to hide that I have found the perfect baby for us. Oh no! We’ll follow the plan. We’ll visit your sister under the pretext of preparing your wedding’s clothes and we’ll bring little Wen Yuan. I want to see Lan WangJi's face when he sees our little son.”

Wen Ning thought that indeed the face of Lan WangJi, Lan XiChen and Lan QiRen will be unforgettable. The heir of Lan WangJi would be a small orphan from the QishanWen sect.

Chapter Text

Wen Ning was deeply worried. During their visit, Wei Wuxian had completed the arrangements to adopt little Wen Yuan, who would now become a member of the Gusu Lan sect.

Undoubtedly, Wei Wuxian had excellent intentions in wanting to give a family to the little one. However, how Lan QiRen and Lan XiChen would take the surprise? After all, the little boy would be Han Guang-Jun’s heir.

Wen Ning tried to mention the subject to Wei Wuxian, who had not given it importance.

- "I wonder if it would not be preferable to consult the adoption and change of name first with Lan QiRen." Wen Ning commented.

-"Of course not. That would ruin the surprise.” Wei Wuxian looked at Wen Ning as if he were a child. "Our goal is to surprise Lan Zhan."

Wen Ning was convinced that Lan WangJi would not be the only one surprised. However, it was a beautiful gesture to have adopted the little one with the sole purpose of giving him a home.

Wen Qing had hesitated at first. Allowing the adoption  by another sect was not common. Generally, it was about finding a home in the same sect.

However, Wei Wuxian's natural charm had made his sister even convinced she couldn't find a better family for the baby.

Wen Ning sighed and comforted himself thinking that Lan WangJi would not let his uncle Lan Qiren do anything serious to Wei Wuxian.

*** *** *** ***

Wen Ning had promised himself he wouldn’t to worry. He really had. Nevertheless, as they approached Cloud Recesses, Wen Ning thought if it wouldn’t have being better to stop Wei Wuxian before they arrived. Wen Ning thought he should have sent a letter to Lan XiChen to warn him.

At least, A-Yuan was asleep. Hopefully, little A-Yuan wouldn't see how his adoptive father was punished by Lan QiRen.

"What a thrill! I can see Lan Zhan waiting for us.” Wei Wuxian was really excited to share the news. Wei Wuxian had A-Yuan wrapped in a blanket. "I won't even have to look for Lan Zhan to introduce."

Wen Ning was really worried. It seemed like the whole sect was assembled for the announcement.

“Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! ”Wei Ying's voice could be heard on Cloud Recesses.

Lan WangJi stood waiting for Wei Wuxian. At his side was his brother and his uncle was quite close to both.

“Lan Zhan, I have wonderful news. I'm glad everyone is here to share this moment with you! ”Wei Ying continued speaking as if the expression of irritation on Lan QiRen's face did not exist.

Lan XiChen maintained his serenity even though he began to suspect that whatever was in that blanket will shock the entire sect.

"Lan Zhan, I want you to meet your son." Wei Wuxian said solemnly and he carefully uncovered the face of a little baby.

Seeing the expression of surprise and enthusiasm on his brother's face, Lan XiChen knew there would be no way to oppose the new addition to the family. However, his uncle Lan QiRen would need a moment alone, in order to prevent him from saying something improper or causing a breakup with Lan WangJi, who after all was his favorite disciple.

Quickly, Lan XiChen made a sign for a disciple to take his uncle to his room. Fortunately, Lan WangJi was enthusiastic enough to pay attention to what was going on around him.

Lan XiChen saw with pleasure how his brother approached the little boy delicately. Lan WangJi's face was full of tenderness. Lan XiChen knew everything was decided.

"Congratulations!" Lan XiChen approached the new parents. "Brother, you hadn't told me they had plans to adopt." Lan XiChen asked because he was curious about the little one.

“Of course not Lan Zhan knew nothing. It was a surprise.” Wei Wuxian said happily. Actually, Lan XiChen was surprised that Wei Ying had kept that secret. Lan XiChen glanced sideways at Wen Ning who stood by, but who had obviously participated in this adventure. Lan XiChen decided that the best method to know the details of this adoption would be to talk with Wen Ning.

Lan XiChen was amazed, as Wei Wuxian was carrying the little baby in a delicate way and despite that, the baby was still asleep.

When the baby finally opened his eyes, Lan XiChen also felt that Wei Wuxian had once again given his brother an invaluable gift. Even having to convince his uncle to accept the little boy was worth it just to see the happiness on Lan WangJi's face carrying his son.

*** *** *** ***

It was until that afternoon when Wei Yin and Lan Zhan were able to retire to their rooms. Wei Ying was carrying the baby and quietly talked to Lan Zhan.

“Did you like the surprise?” Unexpectedly, Wei Ying felt doubt as he had not consulted Lan Zhan about that decision; however that doubt vanished when he saw Lan WangJi nodded with determination.

"I'm glad. When I knew that he was orphaned; I couldn't help thinking that we could give him a good home.” Wei Wuxian smiles calmly. "At first, Wen Qing didn't want someone from another sect to adopt him, but I stood firm."

Wei Wuxian seemed to radiate happiness and Lan Zhan was captive in his shadow. “I talked with Wen Qing. I have another gift for you. ”Wei Wuxian looked Lan Zhan in the eye. "Now his name is Lan Shizui."

Even Lan WangJi's reserved face showed his surprise and joy. "I knew you would like this news."

Chapter Text

A week had passed since the arrival of little A-Yuan. In Cloud Recesses it seemed that only harmony reigned, despite the chaos that the arrival of the new family member had caused.

In the first days, Lan QiRen had been reluctant to live together and even accept little A-Yuan. However, not even two weeks had passed when Lan QiRen began to become involved in the care of the little boy, under the pretext that A-Yuan needed a positive influence on his life.

Lan WangJi was pleased that his uncle was accepting A-Yuan as a member of the family. For Wei Ying, it was nice to see how the GusuLan sect had quickly adopted their son.

It was amazing that members of the GusuLan Sect could be so strict about following all the rules, but at the same time they were good at babysitting. The perfect example were Lan XiChen and Lan WangJi, who, despite being raised without the direct supervision of their parents, had received much love from their uncle and other members of the Sect.

For Lan XiChen, the happiness that marriage had brought into Lan WangJi's life was a blessing, as his brother hadn’t been so open with anyone else.

***** ***** *****

Seeing Lan WangJi carry little A-Yuan was beautiful, Wei Ying thought.

"Lan Zhan, I can't believe that A-Yuan just stopped crying with you?" Lan WangJi surprisingly was a loving and patient father. "A-Yuan, please, remember you have two dads." Wei Ying gently touched the baby who had just fallen asleep in Lan WangJi's arms.

"A-Yuan knows it." Lan WangJi didn’t move, as he didn’t want to awaken A-Yuan. "He's only been a little uneasy about the new routine."

"I fully understand our little one." Wei Yin spoke in a soft voice. “In addition, he now has many family members. I guess you were crying to put a little atmosphere on Cloud Recesses, right, A-Yuan? Actually, I think you really are my son, because you are taking advantage to break the rules of the sect without anyone saying anything to you. ”

Lan Zhan's gaze towards Wei Ying revealed how deeply in love he was with his family. "Wei Ying and A-Yuan can do whatever they want in Cloud Recesses."

"Oh, Lan Zhan! You shouldn't tell me that. ” Wei Ying smiled mischievously.

***** ***** *****

Lan XiChen was happy to see how her brother had gotten a loving family, yet he also yearned for that same happiness. Lan XiChen's gaze went to where Lotus Pier stood.

Chapter Text

Wen Ning couldn’t believe how in such a short time his life had changed. From going unnoticed in Nightless City to having great friends. And just thinking about Nie MingJue made Wen Ning blushed.

Living in Cloud Recesses was a wonderful and joyous experience. It was now an even happier place after the arrival of A-Yuan, who was evidently the pride of Lan WangJi and Wei Wuxian.

Wen Ning watched as Wei Wuxian and Lan WangJi let A-Yuan play with the bunnies. It was a really cute scene.

"Wen Ning, good morning." Wen Ning didn't even hear Lan Xichen approach. "How have you been?"

Wen Ning felt his entire face burn. "Good Morning! Excellent, thanks for asking. I already have my luggage ready.”

"I heard that your sister received an invitation to accompany you on Unclean Realm, right?"

Wen Ning nodded, since it was clear that Lan XiChen had already heard about the meeting that Nie MingJue had prepared, to which basically everyone was invited and whose main objective was that Wen Qing could meet Nie MingJue.

Apparently, Jin GuangYao had taken it upon himself to make Nie MingJue see that it was important for the “bride's” family to accept the groom. There really were times when Jin GuangYao seemed to hate him. If it wasn't for his sincere friendship with Nie MingJue and Lan XiChen, Wen Ning would have suspected that Jin GuangYao was trying to make life difficult for him.

"Nie MingJue made all the arrangements for my sister to meet him."

"I am sure the meeting will be a success." Lan XiChen knew that once Nie MingJue made a decision, there was nothing to make him change his mind. And Nie MingJue's objective was sharing his life with Wen Ning. Furthermore, Nie HuaiSang and Jin GuangYao from the shadows were watching over that union, with two such brilliant minds supporting them, it was impossible for anything to go wrong.

"Of course it’ll be a success." Wei Wuxian's voice was approaching. "After all, we’ll all be there. In fact, Jiang Cheng’ll also go.” The wink directed at the first Jade caused Lan XiChen to be puzzled for a moment. "Shijie told me that Jiang Cheng is excited to see a certain leader."

"It’s a little cruel to tease me when I see your brother so little." Lan XiChen joked with her dear brother-in-law. "Wouldn't you miss Lan WangJi if you couldn't see him?"

"I couldn't live without seeing him." Wei Ying said as Lan WangJi approached them with little A-Yuan. "In fact, I wouldn't know what to do without my dear A-Yuan too." Wei Wuxian made faces at little A-Yuan, who smiled when he saw his father.

*** *** *** ***

Wen Ning thought Unclean Realm was precious. Totally different from the peace of Cloud Recesses and without the grandeur of Nightless City. Uncleam Realm was like Nie MingJue frank, natural, and Wen Ning felt like home.

His reflection was interrupted by his sister's embrace, which had apparently come earlier.

Suddenly, Wen Ning felt that everything would be fine, since all the people he loved were gathered and happy. Deep down, he knew that it had been through Wei Wuxian that he had been able to get friends and even love.

***** ***** *****

Lan XiChen was happy to see how his sworn brother was building a new life and family.

However, in his heart Lan XiChen acknowledged that he was envious of the happiness his brother and Nie MingJue were achieving.

"Brother, why the attitude so bleak?" Jin GuangYao asked Lan XiChen. "Could it be that a certain cultivator from the YunmengJiang Sect has not yet arrived?"

"Ah, brother! You know me too well. ” Lan XiChen gave him one of the enigmatic smiles that characterized him.

"Now tell me what really worries you." Jin GuangYao took a seat next to Lan XiChen.

Lan XiChen knew that the time had come to voice the feelings that had been consuming him for a long time. "Jiang Cheng doesn’t want us to think of a date for our marriage because I’m the leader of the GusuLan Sect and he’ll be YunmengJiang's leader. Jiang Cheng considers that a marriage between people whose destinies are fixed in different places is incompatible. ”

Jin GuangYao knew that the leader of a sect was an immense responsibility, although it was unthinkable that this could be an obstacle for his sworn brother. For Jin GuangYao, Lan XiChen was an honorable cultivator and if he wanted to marry Jiang Cheng, then Jin GuangYao would be the first to support him.

"I’m convinced that my brother's wishes will come true." Jin GuangYao's sincerity made Lan XiChen truly smile.

***** ***** *****

Jiang Cheng came to Unclean Realm with a divided heart. It was true that he longed to see his sister and brother, who were now married. Also his shijie was expecting a baby.

Knowing that his family was expanding was wonderful. Two nephews in his life, one from Wei Ying and the other who would soon be born to his shijie.

It was also an opportunity to see Lan XiChen. Jiang Cheng felt struggle in his heart while thinking of Lan XiChen.

Lan XiChen was everything that he himself was not. Lan XiChen was patient, brilliant, perfect... Certainly, his mother would be proud that Jiang Cheng could achieve such an advantageous marriage, although he was also convinced that she would not like to think that Jiang Cheng had to divide his time between two sects.

And his father... he certainly didn't know how he would react, because they had never understood each other.

Although Jiang FengMian would continue to be for a long time the leader of the YunmengJiang Sect, it was also true that Jiang Cheng could not stop thinking about the responsibility that being next in line entailed.

His sister was already married to Jin ZiXuan and her fate was now in the LanlingJin Sect, while Wei Ying had been the first to marry and have a child.

Chapter Text

Every time Jiang Cheng saw Lan XiChen he knew that his resolve to broke their relationship had always been off the table; as if he could let go of the person who gave meaning to his life.

Jiang Cheng recalled that even before being with Lan XiChen, he had felt a deep admiration for the First Jade, which hadn’t stopped growing over time.

For Jiang Cheng, Lan XiChen was an admirable cultivator and the person closest to his heart. After living so long without feeling loved, it was impossible to voluntarily give up the person he cherished the most.

Jiang Cheng thought that life without Lan XiChen would never make sense and resignedly reflected that their sects will have to deal with leaders who lived alternately in one city and another.

About his father and mother, Jiang Cheng had long been convinced that he could never achieve the full approval of both of them, as Jiang FengMian and Yu ZiYuan had opposite ideas, so trying to please one always resulted in the displeasure of the other. Jiang Cheng knew that it was time to take a separate path from them and this time he would be accompanied by Lan XiChen.

***** ***** *****

"Stop being so gloomy." Wei Ying clapped Jiang Cheng on the back. "Or tell me who stole your boyfriend?" Wei Ying's laughter could be heard throughout the dining room. Jiang Cheng certainly looked as he wanted to kill his brother.

"No one has robbed me, brother." Lan XiChen smiled happily and sat next to Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng thought about what karma he might be paying to have to endure Wei Ying's occurrences.

"Ah, Brother XiChen, you are a saint to put up with my brother." Wei Ying was laughing as he said it. "Although now that it’ll be your responsibility, you must take care of Jiang Cheng.

“Hey! I don't need anyone to take care of me. ” Jiang Cheng refrained from doing something to Wei Ying, because he was carrying A-Yuan.

Fortunately for Jiang Cheng, Lan WangJi soon appeared and Wei Ying's attention was diverted.

"Lan Zhan! Your dear son was eager to see you, he has missed you so much.” Even though little A-Yuan was fast asleep in Wei Wuxian's arms, Lan Zhan didn't comment on it and just nodded.

"My dear brother, you should not leave your husband and son alone." Lan XiChen smiled as he saw the happiness radiating from Lan Zhan's gentle face.

While they were talking, Jiang YanLi approached accompanied by Jin ZiXuan. Jin ZiXuan held her gently to take care of her in her pregnancy.

“Shijie!” Both Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying exclaimed upon seeing her.

"You must take care of yourself. Let me help you." Although Wei Ying gallantly offered himself with the little A-Yuan in his arms, it was difficult for him to do so.

"What do you offer yourself for if you are carrying A-Yuan? Let me do it.” Jiang Cheng was further from Jiang YanLi and it was difficult to reach her.

“You don't need to help me. I'm fine." Jiang YanLi sat down with the help of Jin ZiXuan, who seemed to hold back so as not to reply to Wei Wuxian.

"Shijie, you must feed properly." Wei Ying started to exclaim. "Let me serve you, because I'm not sure they're doing a good job." Wei Ying seemed to be addressing Jin ZiXuan.

Jin ZiXuan got up. "Wei Ying, behave yourself well." Jiang YanLi said to Wei Ying with a gentle voice as if it were a boy, while with his hand he made Jin ZiXuan sit down.

"Shijie, I miss you." Wei Ying was definitely enjoying making Jin ZiXuan suffer, as it was clear that Jin ZiXuan didn’t like Jiang YanLi spending so much time on him.

However, with so much agitation A-Yuan woke up and Wei Ying concentrated on feeding the little one.

Jiang Cheng was also distracted when Lan XiChen started putting food on his plate and thanks to those timely distractions Jin ZiXuan was able to rest dinner with his wife.

***** ***** *****

Nie MingJue greatly appreciated his sworn brothers, both Lan XiChen and Jin GuangYao were part of his family. However, the visits from all of them had turned Unclean Realm into real chaos.

Breakfast that morning had been crazy, almost a party. In other circumstances, he would have put a stop to those behaviors, however, Wen Ning had been smiling all along and Nie MingJue was aware that having Wen Ning in his life meant getting closer to his friends and family, even if that meant considering someone as playful as Wei Wuxian like a brother.

***** ***** *****

Wei Wuxian was happy to see all his dreams come true. With the marriage of Jiang Cheng and Lan XiChen, the alliance between the two sects was further consolidated. His beloved shijie was happy with Jin Zixuan and with the birth of Jin Ling it seemed that Koi Tower was a joyous place.

Wen Ning had also achieved his dream of having a loving family, thanks to the good relationship that had developed between Wen Qing and Nie MingJue. Also now that he was away from Nightless City, Wen Ning had begun to forget his shyness next to Nie MingJue.

Wei Wuxian saw little A-Yuan and felt that he and his loved ones had indeed achieved the joy of a prosperous life. Wei Wuxian knew he was lucky.

"Lan Zhan, are you happy?" Lan WangJi turned to see Wei Wuxian.

"Wei Ying." Lan WangJi knew Wei Ying's personality perfectly and he didn’t want to be misunderstood, so Lan Zhan calmy said: "You are the burning day of my silent night."

Lan WangJi hugged him gently and, in Wei Ying's gaze, he saw reflected the love he felt.