Chapter Text
To the Second Master Lan
I am hoping that this epistle finds you well. As two of the similar ilk who hate dilly-dally, I shall get right to the point. The last time we met, during the hunt on Phoenix Mountain, you told me that I was “brave” in downright running away and humiliating myself in front of the Lady Jiang and most everyone else. I hope that you are true to the character that is known of you and that your words have deeper meaning beyond that of sarcasm.
Signed,
Jin ZiXuan
To the Young Master Jin
This one has been well and such courtesy, I return to you in my wishing of you and your family’s well-being. With regards to the query in your letter, there is no deeper meaning than what has been said. You displayed great bravery in publicly declaring your intentions towards your fiancée. I did not wish to offend you in anyway.
Signed,
Lan WangJi
To the Second Master Lan
Understood. Many thanks for the clarification, but I beg to differ. As you have witnessed, aside from having fought with (that bastard) Wei WuXian, I merely blurted out my thoughts and ran away. The state of which you saw me in after… (is by no means valiant) is something that I wish would disappear from memory.
Signed,
Jin Zixuan
To the Young Master Jin
The display of open sincerity of matters regarding the heart is no trifling matter.
Signed,
Lan Wangji
To Lan Wangji
This forwardness may startle you, but, for you, of all people, to be writing about “matters of the heart…” It is unexpected. Pardon if this offends you, but from what we know of you, you keep these matters well-guarded. As such, it makes me wonder if you are undergoing the same thing as me?
(Feel free to address the next letter ‘To Jin ZiXuan,’ writing titles for such short letters seem wasteful.)
Signed,
Jin ZiXuan
To (the Young) Jin Zixuan,
…Mmn.
Lan WangJi.
To Lan WangJi
Did you just… send a letter talisman with a SINGLE character? Alright, never mind, you did. But that… is affirmative, isn’t it? The Second Jade of Lan fancies someone? If so, she is a fortunate woman.
Jin ZiXuan.
To Jin Zixuan
Make of it as you will.
Lan WangJi.
To Lan WangJi
You do have someone you like. As I do… there is no secret in who. Will it be considered prying if I asked who has managed to catch the Lan WangJi’s attention?
Jin ZiXuan.
To Jin ZiXuan.
Indeed, it is rude to be intrusive of one’s personal life, but I suppose I was also at fault for having commented on your actions. It is only fair to admit that yes, I do have someone who is like the Madam Jiang to you. They are like the sun. (Not of the Wen Sect).
Lan Wangji.
To Lan WangJi.
Is that why you called me brave? I take it you have not confessed to her yet? If so, then you may want to do so. I doubt that any lady would dare reject you.
Jin ZiXuan.
To Jin Zixuan
Such exaggeration. They are complex. A free spirit. There is no chance for reciprocation of feelings.
Lan WangJi
To Lan Wangji
Why do you say?
Jin Zixuan
To Jin Zixuan
It is as it is.
Lan Wangji.
To Lan Wangji
You do not seem like the type to back down so easily, considering your heritage. Aren’t Lans known for their romanticism and tenacity towards the person they proclaim as their soulmates like your founder?
Jin Zixuan.
To Jin Zixuan
There are limits. There are boundaries. (He) They, nor I, are in a position to pursue relationships… but I cannot speak on their behalf.
Lan Wangji.
To Lan Wangji.
…
Understood… if the time comes that you are able to, do you have plans on pursuing them?
Jin Zixuan
To Jin Zixuan
Perhaps.
And for you, Young Master Jin, do you plan to pursue the Lady Jiang?
Lan Wangji.
To Lan Wangji
Now that my affections are known, then yes. I do plan to pursue her and proceed with the marriage, as promised by our mothers when we were young. For now, the situation of the Jiangs exerts a heavy amount of pressure on the siblings, especially considering the rising unease of the sects towards Wei Wuxian. Our marriage would promise security on one end, at the very least.
Jin Zixuan.
To Jin Zixuan
Might I ask the stance of the Jin Sect regarding this particular matter?
Lan Wangji
To Lan Wangji
Like many, our sect leader is wary of him. The ability to control and cultivate resentful energy does not come cheap. I recall from one of Teacher Lan Qiren’s lectures, doing this ensures great negative recoil towards both mind and body of the demonic cultivator.
Jin Zixuan.
To Jin Zixuan
Demonic cultivation corrupts the mind. Slowly. A gradual process, yes. It is what has been taught. Although Wei Ying seems to have it under control, but the degree upon which he has used and is currently using demonic cultivation I, admittedly, worrying.
Lan Wangji.
To Lan Wangji
For sure. It is only a matter of time. No one can forget how he decimated the forces of the Wens on the battlefield.
The way he did it… there was pure sadism in some of those deaths.
Jin Zixuan.
To Jin Zixuan.
The crimes of the Wen Sect were grave, especially for him and the Jiang Sect.
Lan Wangji.
To Lan Wangji
I suppose. It is best to keep an eye out for him. And I am not saying this out of personal vendetta even if Wei Wuxian is an irrevocable idiot. Anyway, it is not for us to discuss right now. Only time will tell.
Also, invitations have been set for a private banquet at Koi Tower, will you be attending?
Jin Zixuan.
To Jin Zixuan
Wangji shall accompany our sect leader.
Lan Wangji.
To Lan Wangji
Although I will be away during that time, I trust my family to give you and the rest of the heads of the sects a grand welcome and even greater feast.
Safe travels.
Jin Zixuan.