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Chapter Text

A Long Way Home

Seated on the black boulder rising from the pond, Wangji did his best to lock out the roaring waterfall behind him. The water, casting itself into an abyss, reminded him of the time Wei Ying had fallen toward his death at Nevernight.

Only long years spent in deep meditation allowed him to sit there calmly, while his soul cried out in pain, but he would never voice his agony. He would never forget the day he had lost Wei Ying. That day his life had stopped having meaning.

Wei Ying’s death, brought on by letting go and falling into the lava filled crevice, had happened sixteen years ago on this very day. For sixteen long years he had come here on this very night, remembering and honoring the man he had loved and so tragically lost without ever confessing his feelings to him.

During the first three years after losing the other half of his soul he had been confined to the cold cave pond and later the back mountains.

A part of him had welcomed the punishment, as he had wanted to atone for his mistakes; for failing the one he loved. Another part had resented the harshness of his uncle’s punishment, because it kept him away from A-Yuan.

It prevented him from caring for the boy the way he should have. When he had brought Wei Ying’s son back with him, A-Yuan had become his responsibility and he knew he had failed that little boy. When A-Yuan had needed him the most, he had been locked away in the cold cave pond.

Upon arriving at the Cloud Recesses, the boy had been burning up with fever. Lan Qiren however had separated them; demanding he handed the child to the healers. His uncle had been ruthless, never allowing him to plead his case. Instead Lan Qiren had judged him without mercy. Unsurprisingly, his uncle had found him guilty of breaking their rules.

Wangji had accepted the punishment, knowing he had to repent if he wanted to stay a member of the Lan sect. For his brother’s and A-Yuan’s sake he had allowed himself to be whipped before heading to the cold cave pond.

The moment he had stepped into the cave, he had frozen. Not because of the cold, but because the place held so many memories; fond ones, but also moments of regret.

This was where he had married them. He had given Wei Ying his headband, had wrapped it around his wrist without hesitation. Lan Yi had witnessed their union and hadn’t objected. She had smiled instead, and by doing so, had given them her blessing. From that moment on, they had been officially married.

But this was also the place where he had shied away from confessing his love to Wei Ying. Like so many times before, he wondered what would have happened if he had found the courage to tell Wei Ying that they had left that cave as husbands.

But his courage had failed him that day and so he had allowed Wei Ying to believe that wrapping his headband around their wrists had lacked a deeper meaning.

Until this very day, he cursed himself for being such a coward. Maybe things would have ended differently if Wei Ying had known that he had a husband and that he was loved. Maybe then, Wei Ying wouldn’t have chosen death at Nevernight.

Sitting perfectly straight, Wangji placed his zither in front of him. Once he’d been allowed out of the back mountains, he had quickly found an excuse to travel. Under the guise of participating in a night hunt, he’d maneuvered Bichen and flown to Nevernight.

Three years later he was finally able to go back there –to the place where Wei Ying had died and he had searched for his husband’s remains. Anything that might have survived the passing of time and that had once belonged to the man he loved.

Sect leader Jiang had insisted they checked the bottom of that pit back then, as the other man had needed to know if Wei Wuxian had died or survived. He recalled Jiang Wanyin walking toward Chenqing and picking her up. That moment, Wangji had wanted to push the other man aside and claim the flute as his own. It was the only thing left of Wei Ying.

But Jiang Wanyin’s eyes had warned him that the other man was emotionally volatile. The sect leader might have turned on him and Wangji had backed down. The rest of their search had come up empty. They hadn’t found anything; no burned clothes, no boots, no bones; nothing at all.

What had happened to Wei Ying’s remains? Had his husband been devoured by the lave? How then had Chenqing survived? They had found her on the rocks, not even a single scratch on her. Jiang Wanyin had wordlessly collected the flute, turned away from him, and the man had then left.

The expression in the other man’s eyes had been impossible to read, but Wangji thought they had been moist and about to shed tears. Jiang Wanyin’s emotions were unpredictable, which made the man dangerous and he had kept his distance.

After arranging his robes around him, and placing Bichen to his right, his hands hovered above the strings. He had lost count of the times he had played Inquiry. He had started doing so the night he had entered the cold cave pond sixteen years ago. Aside from those nights when his son had needed him, he had come here most nights, playing, reaching out, and desperately hoping for an answer.

Which never came. Yes, his playing had attracted many wandering souls, but never Wei Ying’s. What did that mean? Was Wei Ying’s soul lost? Did his mate ignore him on purpose? Had Wei Ying died that night or somehow survived? Had his soul been locked away? Why wouldn’t Wei Ying answer him?

His nails tugged at the first string before his fingertips applied more pressure and started another Inquiry on his part. Like so many nights before, he whispered, “Please, Wei Ying. If you can hear me, please respond.” He wasn’t sure how much more he could take.

Time wasn’t the healer many people claimed. His pain had grown worse with the passing of time. His heart felt like it was rotting away in his chest, being eaten away by grief and self-hatred. Why hadn’t he supported Wei Ying that day? Why had they been on opposite sides?

“Wei Ying, I love you. Please come back to me,” he sent out into the night, hoping against all hope that tonight things would be different. Hope was the last thing to die, but his was fading.

Tears escaped his eyes and streamed down his face, dripping onto his robes, and occasionally on his qin. “Wei Ying, please.” Was tonight the night his heart was going to break beneath the grief? Why hold on? Why not give in and allow himself to finally fade away?

His emotions made it difficult to concentrate and his playing faltered. Wangji closed his eyes, bowed his head, and decided that he’d had enough. There was only so much grief and emotional pain he could take. This ended tonight.

A sudden breeze caught his hair, disheveling it and tugging at the strands. At first the wind failed to catch his attention, but when it gained in force he opened his eyes. What was happening? Turning his head, he looked at the full moon that cast a silver sheen onto the water behind him. Something stirred in the heavens and sudden noise made him blink. Was someone screaming?

The wails originated from high above him and were growing in volume. Looking up at the heavens, he saw nothing out of the ordinary; merely dark clouds drifting by and locking out the moon.

The gale urged the clouds to greater speed and when they moved away from the moon, a soothing, white glow filled the midnight sky.

Out of nowhere, a dark form appeared above him. Narrowing his eyes, he wondered what it was. A moment later, the screams intensified and he finally realized what was happening.

Someone was falling from a great height. The wails grew louder, arms and legs moved frantically as the falling man realized he was about to crash shortly. Long, black hair waved in the wind and a red ribbon was visible amidst the dark tresses.

A red ribbon? Instantly alert, Wangji tried to make sense of what was happening. A voice yelling for help suddenly registered with him and he realized it sounded familiar. “Wei Ying?” Gone were his thoughts about giving in. Could it really be…?

A moment later, the man, while still screaming loudly, crashed into the pond behind him. A pond which was shallow near the edges and that realization finally broke his stupor. Purely acting on instinct, Wangji waded into the water, making out the dark form that now rose to the surface. A torn, grey robe did little to hide the black clothes beneath it, and yes, the dark hair did sport a red ribbon.

Since the man was face down, Wangji had no way of telling if it really was Wei Ying. Realizing the stranger was drowning, he quickly moved toward him, grabbed hold of the clothes, which had grown satiated and heavy with water. Wangji quickly turned the man about, needing to see the facial features.

The face that greeted him was one straight from a nightmare. It was swollen, bruised, and barely recognizable, but he knew Wei Ying’s features well and would always recognize him. “Wei Ying!” Could it really be him? If it was Wei Ying, he had to act now! Falling from such a great height had caused grave injuries and it was up to him to take the wounded man into safety.

Slipping his arms around Wei Ying, he tried to pull him toward the edge, and as he waded toward land, he recalled being in a similar situation before. It had happened after they had defeated the slaughter. Back then, Wei Ying had been unconscious as well and Wangji had dragged him from the water. But this time, Wei Ying looked much worse.

Moving the dead weight toward the edge of the pond took Wangji several minutes. Wei Ying was unconscious and a dead weight, but hope gave him strength which he never knew he possessed.

Wangji managed to maneuver Wei Ying onto the rocks, allowed himself one moment to catch his breath, and then lifted his precious charge by slipping his arms beneath the other man’s knees and shoulder. Once he had established a secure hold, he started running.

How badly injured was Wei Ying? Where had he come from? That last question however wasn’t important right now. First he needed to ascertain how badly injured Wei Ying was. The rest would follow later.

//

Running with Wei Ying in his arms wasn’t as easy as he had hoped. He almost tripped when his right foot got caught beneath the roots of a tree. He had to steady himself before he could move on, slowing down involuntarily as he couldn’t risk adding more injuries to the ones his charge already carried.

It had taken him a moment to realize that something was very wrong with the way Wei Ying’s body rested in his arms. One leg was twisted at a strange angle, his right arm dangled like it was merely attacked to a single string and his right hand looked crushed. All that because he’d fallen into the pond? But that was something to worry about later.

Wangji headed for the hanshi, knowing very well that he needed help. The only place where he could go was his brother’s; Xichen wouldn’t turn him away. “Hold on,” he managed in spite of being short of breath. Now that Wei Ying had returned to him, he couldn’t lose his husband again!

“Xichen!” he called out once he approached the hanshi. “Brother, I need you!” The emotional strain he was under made it hard for him to climb the stairs leading to the terrace. His body was strong, his cultivation high, and carrying Wei Ying shouldn’t be that taxing. But the fact that this WAS Wei Ying, for whose return he had prayed, emotionally unbalanced him. “Brother!” he needed help, as he almost tripped over his own two feet again.

Xichen quickly appeared in the doorway, having recognized the urgency in his brother’s voice. What had happened? “Wangji?” The last thing he expected to see was his brother stumbling toward him, carrying a man, who appeared to be unconscious. The injured man was dressed in black and not in the traditional white Lan outfit. Who was he and why was Wangji bringing him to the hanshi? “Wangji, what is the meaning of this?”

“Brother, it’s him! I need your help! He’s injured…” His voice failed him and he nearly dropped Wei Ying, but then his brother’s arms joined his and helped him support his charge. “Please,“ he whispered, almost dropping to his knees due to mental exhaustion.

Him? Who was Wangji referring to? Hopefully his brother didn’t think this injured man was Wei Wuxian! Xichen often despaired about his younger brother’s refusal to accept his soul mate’s demise. “Wangji…”

“Please help him!” Wangji, aided by his brother, managed to stumble into the hanshi and then fell to his knees, clutching Wei Ying tightly against his chest.

Xichen went down with him, deeply concerned for his brother’s mental state. “Wangji, what happened?” Although he worried about his brother, he couldn’t help but notice the blood that now dripped onto the floor, originating from torn grey and black robes. “Who is this?” Since the man’s face rested against Wangji’s chest, making out any features was impossible.

With an experienced healer’s gaze, Xichen quickly searched the stranger for injuries and cringed. Whoever this was, his body showed numerous and complicated fractures. Wangji had done well taking the stranger here. “He’s hurt.”

“Please help him. Wei Ying, he… he fell from the sky!” Even though he knew about the other man’s injuries, Wangji tightened his hold on him. Now that Wei Ying was in his arms, he refused to let go!

Stunned, Xichen needed a moment to process what his brother had said just now –the name Wangji had used. “Wei Ying?” But this couldn’t be Wei Wuxian! The Yiling Patriarch had died sixteen years ago!

“He’s injured. His leg is crooked. His right arm appears broken. His face, it’s…” Unable to continue, Wangji finally realized that he might be worsening those injuries by holding on so tightly. “Please take him. Make him whole again.” Although his every instinct urged him to hold on and to never let go, Wangji slowly rolled Wei Ying into his brother’s arms. Xichen was an accomplished healer and would take care of Wei Ying.

Wangji suddenly moving the injured man into his arms was unexpected, but Xichen reacted at once, making sure he had a good hold on his newest patient. “This can’t be Wei Wuxian, you know that.” But then the head lolled toward him, finally revealing the facial features and he gasped. The first thing he noticed were the bruises, cuts and multiple fractures, but beneath those, the face was still familiar. This was Wei Wuxian! But how could that be?

But Xichen also knew that question had to wait. First they needed to tend to Wei Wuxian. “Fetch water, wash cloths and medicinal herbs. You know which ones. Add bandages and something to splint that leg.” The left leg looked badly fractured. “Now, Wangji!” he added, louder than needed, but the shock on his brother’s face told him that Wangji was operating on instinct. He needed to pull his brother back.

“Understood!” Although he hated leaving Wei Ying’s side, Wangji realized it was necessary. Knowing that his soul mate was in the best hands with Xichen helped. After all, he had come here so his brother could attend to those very wounds!

Not wasting any time, Xichen gently laid Wei Wuxian down on the floor. The badly bruised face made him wonder. Those wounds didn’t stem from being dropped into water from a great height. He also thought he saw fingerprints deeply etched into the facial skin. “Someone beat you up,” he realized and frowned.

Moving on, he slowly removed the torn grey cloth, only to uncover black robes which he had never seen before. They resembled robes which he would expect a Wen sect member to wear.

After removing the belt, wrist guards, and outer robes, he happened upon the inner robes. They were torn, dirty and bloodied. That might be due to falling, but something just didn’t add up. Maybe it was the fact that he discovered remnants of blood on the tunic and a relatively fresh scar across Wei Wuxian’s abdomen. That wound must have bled for quite some time, staining the tunic.

He hissed, appalled to see the Wen brand mark that had been burned into the skin above Wei Wuxian’s heart. Running his fingertips down the middle, he realized that someone had used a hot iron to worsen the original injury. Wangji had told him about Wei Wuxian getting hurt in order to protect Mianmian, but the burn dividing the mark hadn’t healed yet. This had happened recently.

“Wei Ying…” Wangji stopped dead in his tracks, his gaze fixed on the brand mark as well. He had been there when Wei Ying had sustained that wound, but the burn running across it was new.

“Brother, what happened to him?” Gathering the supplies they needed had given him a moment to recompose himself, and although his heart was still going a million beats a minute, Wangji had managed to regain control over his raging emotions.

“This happened recently. It hasn’t started healing yet.” Though, Xichen suspected that the brand mark was the least of their worries. As he probed Wei Wuxian’s neck, shoulders, and back, he realized that the younger man had two broken ribs at the very least.

“What’s this?” Wangji whispered, when his fingertips encountered a scar running along Wei Ying’s abdomen. It was still healing, and as far as he could tell, it had been made with surgical precision. “I’ve never seen that on him before,” Wangji said, eager to claim one of Wei Ying’s hands so he could hold onto it, but finding the fingers of his right hand shattered, he stopped himself from reaching out. “This wasn’t caused by a fall.”

Xichen nodded thoughtfully, gently claiming Wei Wuxian’s hand and examining the injury. “Someone broke those fingers.” He had seen this type of injury before, often after an interrogation which had gotten out of hand or torture, back in the days when the Wen sect had tried to claim power.

The injuries Xichen had encountered so far were serious and wouldn’t heal overnight. Xichen had the worrying feeling that the worst might be yet to come. “Wangji, help me dispose of his pants.”

Wangji swallowed hard, having long noticed Wei Ying’s twisted left leg. Using utmost caution, they worked together in removing the garment. His eyes widened in shock, realizing that Wei Ying’s left leg must have hit the stones resting at the bottom of the pond, breaking the fall, and thus absorbing the brunt of the impact.

“It’s fractured in at least two places.” Xichen knew they had to set the bones and splint them; he prayed his patient would remain unconscious during that procedure. If not, he would give Wei Wuxian something to make sure the injured man went back to sleep. But for now, his patient was thankfully unconscious. “Wangji, I need you to help me.”

Wangji nodded resolutely. “Just tell me what to do.” Now that the first shock had worn off, he was determined to help. Wei Ying depended on them and he wasn’t going to disappoint his husband.

//

It had taken them close to two hours to attend to the injuries Wei Ying had sustained. Wangji had worked alongside his brother, trying hard not to crumble whenever they discovered another wound. He knew about the Wen brand mark of course, but the fiery line running through it was new. While covering the injury with calming balm, he tried to control his rage.

After bandaging the mark, Wangji made eye contact with his brother. Xichen had grown pale during the last hour. Even his brother, an experienced healer, had a hard time dealing with the severity of the injuries Wei Ying had sustained. The left leg turned out to be fractured in three separate places, his right knee was badly bruised and bending it proved painful, as Wei Ying almost woke when they tried moving him.

Wei Ying’s chest was littered with bruises in the form of foot prints and two ribs had been broken. Xichen suspected several more were badly bruised. The Wen brand mark sitting above the heart caused its very own pain, Wangji knew that.

The fingers of Wei Ying’s right hand had been broken and were crooked. Like they had done with the broken leg, they had splinted them, hoping to encourage the fingers to mend correctly.

The countless bruises that colored Wei Ying’s arms couldn’t stem from the fall either, as they made out the distinct indents of fingers and nails, which had pressed into the flesh not so long ago. Whatever had happened to Wei Ying, someone had held him and beaten him before dropping him into the pond.

Wangji soothed away some strands of hair still clotted with the remnants of crusted blood. They had debated washing the black mane after they’d cleaned their patient’s body, but Xichen had advised against it for now. They could do so later, after Wei Ying had rested.

They had both meticulously checked the skull for cuts and bumps after removing the leather hair band and ribbon. Wangji had studied the leather band and adorning metallic clasp. He hadn’t seen them before.

Wangji watched his brother’s fingers gently gliding over Wei Ying’s brow, removing dirt and dried blood that still stuck to the skin. The wash cloth had been drenched in the essence of medicinal herbs and would disinfect the cut above Wei Ying’s eye and near his mouth.

“His jaw is badly bruised,” Xichen realized, still reeling from the large number of injuries Wei WuXian had carried away. “But not broken.” While he had worked on his charge, each time he’d discovered more broken bones, he’d grown angrier. Who had done this to Wei Wuxian and why? The last time he’d seen the other man had been at Nevernight.

That night, Jiang Yanli had died and Wei Wuxian had taken his own life, falling from that cliff and toward his death. No one had found Wei Wuxian’s corpse, and even Wangji had assured him that there was no way for Wei Wuxian to survive such a fall. Wangji had been in mourning these past sixteen years, resorting to playing Inquiry on most nights. He had often come upon his younger brother playing his qin near the waterfall.

Watching Wangji closely, Xichen easily made out the rage beneath the calm. His brother was howling mad, but reining it all in. Although he was happy for Wangji that Wei Wuxian had returned to them, he also realized how badly hurt his charge was. Even if they both took turns giving Wei Wuxian healing energy, recovery would take days, maybe even weeks. There was no quick fix for this kind of trauma.

TBC

Chapter Text

Part 2

Xichen took extra care cleaning the swollen area around Wei Wuxian left eye. “The fall didn’t cause this,” he pointed out. “Someone hit him.” He was familiar with these kind of wounds, having often treated them in the past. “As far as I can tell, someone beat him up and then dropped him from a great height.” Xichen pointed out the numerous bruises on Wei Wuxian’s chest; they carried the imprints of boots.

Wangji nodded and eagerly claimed Wei Ying’s left hand in his. He carefully avoided any bruises, and gently rubbed the fingers, which were cold and clammy. He had noticed something odd as well. “Before he fell from that cliff at Nevernight an arrow pierced his chest, but there’s no wound or scar marking that injury.” That observation puzzled him.

Xichen remembered the incident. An overly zealous archer had wanted to be the one to bring down the Yiling Patriarch. He too had noticed the lack of a scar. “I wondered about that too.” Now that he had attended to his patient’s facial injuries, he placed the stained wash cloth aside and covered Wei Wuxian with a warm blanket. He had decided against putting his patient into clothes, as it meant moving him about and there was no need for that. “I also wonder about the scar running along his abdomen.”

So did Wangji. “An incision left by a surgeon perhaps? It was made with precision and can’t have been contracted on the battlefield. A steady hand holding a scalpel might have made it?”

Xichen nodded thoughtfully and tended to agree. “It has healed, but the scar tissue is way more pronounced than it should be. His golden core should have encouraged healthy tissue to form by now.” So why hadn’t it?

“Maybe his golden core is weakened. Giving him healing energy will help.” Since his brother had needed him to assist him, Wangji hadn’t yet had a chance to start healing the man he loved. After gathering his spiritual energy, he placed his fingers at the inside of Wei Ying’s left wrist and willed the healing energy to flow into the wounded man.

Xichen sat back and watched the energy transfer commence. Something was wrong though. When he had checked on Wei Wuxian’s golden core earlier, he had been unable to connect with it. Maybe his brother was right and their charge’s golden core was just weakened. But he was afraid something else might have happened; he suspected that Wei Wuxian’s golden core might be gone. If a doctor had surgically removed it, it would explain a lot.

Wangji’s eyes widened dramatically when the energy he was giving Wei Ying suddenly began flowing back to him as it was unable to connect to a golden core within his husband. “Xichen,” he stammered, stunned. Terror seized him and he probed deeper, desperately trying to connect with Wei Ying’s golden core.

But it wasn’t there.

Horrified, Wangji sucked in his breath. Involuntarily his fingertips dipped deeper into the soft tissue of Wei Ying’s wrist, trying to establish a tighter hold. “I can’t… I can’t find his core,” he stuttered, eyeing his love closely and then staring at his brother pleadingly. “His core…”

Finding his suspicions confirmed, Xichen nodded. He hated telling Wangji about his suspicions, but they couldn’t postpone this. “I suspected as much when I tried to heal him earlier but was unable to. I hoped you might succeed where I had failed.” Pushing the blanket aside, Xichen exposed Wei Wuxian’s bandaged upper body. His fingers traced the scar running across his patient’s abdomen.

Musing aloud, Xichen said, “At first I thought that Wen Zhuliu had been involved,” but crushing someone’s core didn’t leave scars behind. Not like this. Someone else had done this. Someone who was used to handling a scalpel and experienced at carrying out surgery. A doctor. Losing his core would explain why Wei Wuxian had refused to wield Suibian.

Wangji shook his head, still trying to accept what his brother was telling him. So far, he failed miserably. “His core can’t be gone! I would have noticed!” They had been close back then. Yes, they had argued about Wei Ying engaging in demonic cultivation, but surely he would have noticed his love being without his golden core? Had there been signs and he simply hadn’t seen them? How blind had he been?

Like that time when he had visited the Burial Mounds? Had it been staring him right in the face and had he simply chosen to look the other way? “Brother, I went to Yiling, pretending to participate in a night hunt. I was trying to find him, but wasn’t sure where to look. Then we ran into each other by chance. He invited me to a meal and when a talisman warned him that something was amiss at the Burial Mounds, he jumped to his feet and started running. I was puzzled and asked him why he wasn’t maneuvering his sword. He said he forgot to bring it.”

It hadn’t been a lie; Wei Ying really hadn’t brought Suibian with him, but it hadn’t been the truth either. Wei Ying hadn’t maneuvered his sword, because he no longer could, as he lacked his golden core! And he had accepted the explanation like that, never questioning it!

But Chenqing had been tucked into Wei Ying’s belt; Wangji had noticed that. Wei Ying never forgot to bring his flute, but he no longer carried Suibian? He should have found out why instead of simply accepting what Wei Ying was telling him.

“And later, after subduing and healing Wen Ning, Wei Ying was hurt. He refused to let me heal him, claiming he could sit in his cave and heal using the resentful energy there.” Now he knew why Wei Ying had refused him; he would have tried healing him and Wangji would have realized that it wasn’t working. He would have discovered the truth! Wangji blamed himself for being negligent; he really had been blind. The clues had been there all along!

“I was too blind to see,” Wangji voiced his thoughts, angry with himself for not paying more attention to what was really happening with Wei Ying. Instead of trying to find out why the other man had been acting in that way, he had jumped to conclusions, alienating Wei Ying further. He closed his eyes, tried to center himself, and admitted his mistakes to himself. He had failed Wei Ying.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself,” Xichen advised, disliking hearing his brother blame himself. “Wei Wuxian didn’t want any of us to know and he did his best to conceal this from everyone. He did that on purpose. Wangji, I’m an experienced healer and even I didn’t consider this possibility.”

“But I should have!” exclaimed Wangji, fighting his tears when he looked at Wei Ying’s bruised face. “I knew something was wrong and yet I judged and condemned him,” he growled, angry with himself. “If only I had been less judgmental and more open minded!”

“It’s in the past,” Xichen said soothingly. “We need to focus on the present and the future. Seeing him healed is our first priority. Finding answers is something we need to set aside for now. Wei Wuxian needs us to care for him. You have to control yourself, Wangji. Don’t give him the impression you’re angry with him when he wakes up.” That would be detrimental to Wei Wuxian’s recovery. “You need to look after him instead.”

“I will,” Wangji vowed passionately, and then recalled Xichen’s earlier words. “You said, at first you thought Wen Zhuliu had destroyed his core, but something changed your mind?” Wen Zhuliu crushing Wei Ying’s golden core made sense. It would also explain the brothers’ fury when it had come down to punishing the Core-Crusher and Wen Chao.

But Xichen no longer seemed convinced that Wen Zhuliu had done this to Wei Ying. Wangji’s fingers shifted away from Wei Ying’s wrist and eventually settled on his love’s brow, gently caressing the skin there. If he ever found out who had done this to Wei Ying, he would kill the man.

“This scar.” Xichen prodded the scar tissue along Wei Wuxian’s abdomen softly. “In the Forbidden Chamber, hidden away from curious eyes, you can find a number of texts on experimental surgery. One of them explains how to surgically remove a golden core. Apparently, Xue Chonghai ran several such experiments, as he wanted to absorb cultivators’ golden cores, knowing they would strengthen him. The scar on Wei Wuxian’s abdomen is identical to the ones I encountered in those texts.”

“They experimented on him?” Wangji hadn’t thought his anger could get worse, but right now, the fury he experienced made his blood boil. The thought of Wei Ying being subjected to such an monstrosity was too much to bear.

“I can’t rule out that it was surgically removed,” Xichen wished he had another explanation, but at the moment he was still guessing. “We won’t know for sure until he wakes up and answers our questions.”

Searching Wei Ying’s abdomen, Wangji realized something else was wrong –very wrong. Something was missing. “When I visited Wei Ying at the Burial Mounds, he was still recovering. Jiang Wanyin had stabbed him during a fight. I didn’t know about sect leader’s Jiang visit at first, but Wen Qing told me about it.” Resting his hand on Wei Ying’s abdomen, he swallowed hard and said, “There should be a scar here from when Jiang Wanyin stabbed him.” But there wasn’t.

Intrigued, Xichen leaned in closer. Another scar that was missing from Wei Wuxian’s body? Maybe voicing their findings helped. The two of them worked well together and they could discover the truth that way. “What do we know, Wangji?”

“Wei Ying fell from the sky and crashed into the pond.” Wangji looked at his love’s broken leg. “That leg absorbed most of the impact. That’s why it’s heavily fractured.”

Xichen agreed and added, “The fingers of his right hand are heavily fractured as well, but not due to the fall. Someone broke them. His facial fractures indicate that he was beaten and so do the prints left on his chest.”

Letting his gaze roam his husband’s abused body, Wangji continued, “The Wen brand mark is old, but the burn running across it is new. It’s very likely that the same hot iron that marked him in that cave created it. Wang Lingjao found a perverse pleasure in branding her victims.”

Xichen knew where Wangji was taken this. “I tend to agree, but this burn happened recently and she has been dead for over sixteen years. She can’t have inflicted it.”

Studying Wei Ying’s features, no matter how distorted they currently were, Wangji realized what had escaped him before. “He looks younger. The clothes he wears originate from the Wen Sect. I’ve never seen the leather hair band he wears. Chenqing isn’t at his side. Then there is the spirit capture pouch, which is new as well. Brother, this is Wei Ying, but not the one who jumped from the cliff that night.”

Wangji found his observation hard to believe, but it was the only logical conclusion he could reach. Nothing was set in this universe -he knew that. Why couldn’t a much younger version of his husband find his way back to him? Why would this have to be the Wei Ying he had lost at Nevernight?

Xichen had to admit Wangji’s reasoning was valid. He had reached a similar conclusion himself. “But if this isn’t the Yiling Patriarch,” he said, trying to make a point, “then which Wei Wuxian is he?”

“I can’t be certain,” Wangji started as he studied the discarded clothes again. “But this might be the Wei Ying who vanished after Lotus Cove was destroyed. The clothes indicate members of the Wen sect dressed him. He wouldn’t wear their robes if he had a choice.“ Wangji nodded, fairly sure he had reached the right conclusion.

“When Jiang Wanyin and I searched for Wei Ying back then, he told me that they had found refuge with Wen Qing and her brother. That she had taken them in and provided them with food and clothes. Wei Ying then vanished for three months, though he had promised his brother to meet up with him at an inn. During our search, we found only rumors. Those stated that Wen Chao had thrown Wei Ying into the Burial Mounds. When we later found Wei Ying, he said…”

Wangji suddenly realized he’d made another terrible mistake. “He said that he wouldn’t be alive today if they had thrown him into the Burial Mounds, but he never actually denied it!” Searching Wei Ying’s face, he cringed at seeing the extensive bruising there. “They also prided themselves on having kicked him like a dog and degrading him.”

“They beat him up,” Xichen supplied, drawing a conclusion himself. “It makes sense. But Wangji, you need to keep in mind that we are speculating. We don’t know for certain what happened. What we do know is that he’s gravely wounded and without his core.”

“But if we did reach the right conclusion, we’re dealing with a man who recently lost his golden core, was about to be dropped into the Burial Mounds, and never became the Yiling Patriarch.” Wangji’s heart grew heavy with grief. “He never witnessed his senior sister’s death. This Wei Ying doesn’t know how much Jiang Wanyin hates him these days.”

“Wangji, don’t get ahead of yourself. Wait until Wei Wuxian wakes up. We need to pace ourselves and take our clues from him. Right now, we have to ensure he’s as comfortable as possible. He will be in a lot of pain when he wakes up.”

Thankfully Xichen knew of a number of ways to deal with such pain, but he couldn’t speed up the healing process. “You will have to be patient.” And although Wangji could be patient, this time his brother faced a hard challenge; after all, this was Wei Wuxian.

“I will always put his needs first.” It didn’t matter to Wangji which Wei Ying had returned to him. If this really was a much younger and coreless Wei Ying, he would take care of him and love him. He would do whatever it took to see his love healed.

//

Pain…

Pain and a terrible cold sliced through him. Freezing and burning him at the same time and it was driving him insane. What was this?

Wei Ying gasped, but that motion only worsened the agony he was in. The pain was everywhere and constant. He didn’t dare move for it might worsen his discomfort.

Attempting to move his right hand nearly caused him to whimper, but he stifled the sound before it could move past his lips. He didn’t know where he was, and if he was still with Wen Chao, he didn’t want his tormentor to know that he had regained consciousness.

Moving his right hand apparently wasn’t an option, so what about his left? That action caused him pain as well, but it was bearable and he gritted his teeth. The fabric beneath his fingertips was surprisingly soft. He was resting on cloth, maybe even a mattress, judging from the way it adjusted to his body. Wen Chao and Wang Lingjao didn’t strike him as people who cared for his wellbeing, so where was he and with whom?

The last thing he remembered was falling. Wen Chao had pushed him, causing him to lose his balance and to fall. There had been nothing for him to hold on to and he had screamed, panicking as he was about to impact into the Burial Mounds. Even if he miraculously survived the fall, the resentful energy residing there would kill him. Wen Chao was right; there was no way for him to survive this!

Lost in memory, he moved his arms and legs as much as he could, trying to lessen the velocity he was falling with, but the pain coursing through him made him freeze. Now that he was without his golden core, Wen Chao’s guards beating him up had done a lot of damage. He was short of breath and his chest hurt as his lungs failed to work properly. His heart thumped madly in his throat and the scream he wanted to release died on his lips.

He didn’t want to die. Not because he was afraid of death –he wasn’t- but because he had promised Madam Yu to take care of Jiang Cheng and Yanli. As far as he knew, his senior sister was safe and cared for. And Wen Qing had assured him that the core transfer had been a success, so Jiang Cheng should be fine too. But he still had to make sure his brother had fully recovered. He couldn’t die yet because he had to take care of them!

So what was he doing lying down and being lazy? It was time to get to his feet, deal with the pain, and find them! He had to make sure they were safe!

But the pain that cut through him as he tried to sit upright robbed him of his breath. His left leg ached, his chest hurt, and his head spun. There was no way he could get to his feet just yet. Maybe if he rested a little longer, he would grow strong enough to deal with the pain.

“Wei Ying, don’t move. Stay still and rest. You’re safe.” Wangji acted at once. Hearing Wei Ying groan and seeing his charge trying to move about set off his alarms. “Please don’t move.”

If only he could touch Wei Ying without causing him pain. But there was barely a spot on his husband’s body that wasn’t bruised. In the end, he loosely wrapped his fingers around Wei Ying’s left hand, carefully avoiding the right, which sported broken fingers. “I’m here, Wei Ying. You’re safe.”

Was that Lan Zhan’s voice? But that couldn’t be. Was this a dream then? Was he sleeping or hallucinating? Had his crash into the Burial Mounds caused him to lose consciousness? Or even worse, had he died? How was he supposed to keep them safe if he was dead? Or maybe he had turned into a ferocious ghost after all? But no, why would he be in pain then?

“Brother, he’s waking up,” Wangji told Xichen, hoping his older brother knew how to calm Wei Ying. That their patient was moving about alarmed him. ”You’re injured, Wei Ying, The more you move about, the worse the pain becomes. Be still and let us tend to you.”

Xichen, who had been preparing a paste that would numb Wei Wuxian’s pain, knelt next to the bed. “Wei Wuxian, listen to Wangji.”

He knew that voice! It was Lan Xichen! Wei Ying tried to open his eyes, but one eyelid refused to comply. One side of his face hurt and felt swollen. His right eye however complied, though his vision turned out to be blurry. Two forms, dressed in white and blue hovered above him; their faces were hard to make out. He tried to speak, but his throat was dry, and his jaw seemed locked in place, unwilling to move. “Wha…” was all he managed.

“Wei Ying, you’re at the hanshi. Brother and I are taking care of you. We dressed your wounds and you need to rest. Don’t speak.” Wangji wished he could do more, but now that he couldn’t heal his husband, he was limited to soothing an upset Wei Ying. “You’re safe. Please settle down and stop moving.”

Although he understood what Lan Zhan was saying, Wei Ying failed to make sense of the words. He couldn’t be at the hanshi. Wen Ruohan had burned the Cloud Recesses and Zewu-Jun had disappeared. Lan Zhan had left after they had dealt with the slaughter and he hadn’t seen him since.

But even in his troubled state, Wei Ying registered the fact that Lan Zhan seemed well. His hair ornament looked different, the eyes were older and wiser, but the Lan outfit was the same. Yes, this was Lan Zhan.

Xichen moved until he was in Wei Wuxian’s line of sight. “I know you’re in pain, don’t deny it. We’ve tried making you as comfortable as possible, but your injuries are severe.” Xichen was eager to make sure Wei Wuxian slept and thus escaped the pain the young man had to be in.

As Xichen wasn’t sure his charge could swallow tea yet, he had prepared a paste instead. “I want you to suck on this if you can. It will help you deal with the pain. Don’t swallow it. Just keep it in your mouth.” Slowly, so Wei Wuxian saw what he was doing, Xichen showed his patient the green paste before distributing it onto the injured man’s lips. “Can you manage that?”

Wei Ying was at a loss as to what was happening. If this was a dream or hallucination, why was he still in pain? And if this was real, how come the twin Jades of Gusu sat at his bedside, taking care of him?

The paste that now touched his lips was familiar. He had been injured before and the healer at Lotus Cove had favored this concoction as well. Licking his lips and sucking the paste into his mouth made his jaw painfully object, but he pushed through the pain.

A minute later, a comfortable warmth spread through his body, numbing the pain he was in. The medicine would make him sleepy, and before he could give in, he had to make sure Jiang Cheng was safe. The fact that Lan Zhan was holding his hand suddenly registered with him and he tried to turn his head, so he could see for himself, but the moment he moved pain exploded from behind his temples.

Seeing Wei Ying close his eyes alarmed Wangji. “Wei Ying, what happened?” Deep lines had appeared on the other man’s brow and they told him that his husband was in agony. “Don’t move,” he reminded him. “It will worsen your injuries.” He moved closer still, cursing the fact that he couldn’t bury Wei Ying in a comforting hug.

“Cheng…” Wei Ying managed after gathering what was left of his strength. Hopefully Lan Zhan understood. Opening his eyes, he tried to will his soul mate into answering the question he had failed to ask,

“Jiang Wanyin is well,” Wangji supplied, keeping his earlier observations in mind. If this really was the Wei Ying who had been thrown into the Burial Mounds, his love would worry about his brother. “He’s safe and so are you. Don’t try to speak again. Rest instead.”

Wei Ying wished he could give in to exhaustion, but he couldn’t. He owed it to Jiang Cheng to find him and look after him. “Promised… meet him… inn,” he managed eventually, though he paid a high price for uttering those few words. His jaw sent a rod of hot agony through his skull, before descending into his neck and spinal column. Oh, this wasn’t good. And without his core, healing might take him months, that was if his body was able to recover from this.

Wangji noticed the look Xichen gave him. Apparently he had been right all along; this wasn’t the Wei Ying who had fallen from that cliff at Nevernight. This Wei Ying was much younger and hadn’t lived through certain events, which meant they had to proceed with caution.

“Your brother is busy rebuilding Lotus Cove, but we shall send for him. I’m sure he will hurry here once he finds out you’re alive.” Hopefully Wei Ying wouldn’t wonder why Jiang Wanyin was at Lotus Cove, but Wangji had been lost for words.

“Good,” Wei Ying managed, biting through the pain and doing his best to deny the condition he was in. He wasn’t sure how long he would manage, since the pain was beginning to pull him under. It wouldn’t be long before he lost consciousness again. Knowing Lan Zhan wouldn’t lie to him, Wei Ying allowed himself to relax. Although he was limited to the use of one eye only, he tried to take in as much of his surroundings as he could. Had the hanshi survived the fire that had raged in the Cloud Recesses?

One look at his younger brother told Xichen all he needed to know. Wangji was doing his hardest to rein in his emotions, but those feelings were starting to show and might worry Wei Wuxian. So he moved, blocking his patient’s sight of his younger brother. “Wei Wuxian, I know you’re in pain. I also know you’re fighting to stay awake. Stop doing that. You need to sleep if you want to heal.”

The moment Wei Wuxian’s gaze focused on him, Xichen suspected he knew what was going through his charge’s mind. How to heal without a core? He was tempted to address it, but the injured man was struggling and shouldn’t be pressured. Slipping a bit more of the paste past Wei Wuxian’s lips, he smiled encouragingly. “Let go and sleep.”

Wangji starting to hum took Xichen by surprise, but when Wei Wuxian closed his eyes and stopped fighting, he looked at his younger brother. “I never heard that melody before. Did you compose it?”

Wangji nodded, but his gaze never strayed from his husband’s face. The song had soothed Wei Ying at the cave and thankfully it had the same effect now. Hoping his touch brought his soul mate comfort, he stroked the dark hair, ignoring the fact that it was still stained with blood.

TBC

Chapter Text

Part 3

Once he was certain that Wei Ying was asleep, Wangji looked at his older brother; the expression in Xichen’s eyes took him aback. Of course, his brother knew he loved Wei Ying. He had even told Xichen that he had married them in the cold cave pond, but until now, he doubted his sibling had realized just how deep his love for Wei Ying ran.

Seeing the respect, adoration, and hope that shone in his younger brother’s eyes reminded Xichen how lost Wangji had been these past sixteen years. Rarely a night went by during which his brother didn’t play Inquiry in the hope of attracting Wei Wuxian’s soul. Now that the other man had returned to them, no matter how badly injured, Wangji finally looked alive again. “Recovery will take him months.”

“I am aware of that and I will support him.” Reassured that his soul mate’s sleep was peaceful, he looked at his brother. “I am inclined to believe that we reached the correct conclusion earlier. He never became the Yiling Patriarch.”

Xichen agreed. “Wen Chao must have caught him before Jiang Wanyin returned to that inn.”

“Jiang Wanyin told me about the pact they had made; to return to that inn and then to fight Wen Ruohan together. Sect leader Jiang waited for several days, but Wei Ying never appeared. Which makes sense if Wen Chao got to him first and threw him into the Burial Mounds.”

“But Wen Chao failed.” Knowing better than to suggest Wangji left Wei Wuxian’s side to eat, Xichen got to his feet, moved into the kitchen area and prepared a light meal for both of them. After adding tea, he carried it over to the bed where Wangji still kept guard. At seeing his brother’s puzzled look, he explained, ”Wei Wuxian fell into the pond instead.”

His brother’s observation made sense. “But how can such a thing be? That happened sixteen years ago.” He was at a loss to explain it.

Xichen had no answer either. “We will find out. Maybe not quite yet, but in the future.” Then, while cocking his head and studying his brother, he wondered, “Does it matter though?”

“It doesn’t. I love Wei Ying, It doesn’t matter which version of him returned to me.” Wangji wished he could hold Wei Ying close, rock him, and assure him that he was safe when the injured man started whimpering because he had moved in his sleep. “Wei Ying…” Automatically he tried slipping his love healing energy, but then recalled that it wouldn’t work. “I feel useless, powerless. There’s nothing I can do to help.”

Handing his younger brother some tea, Xichen was relieved when Wangji accepted it and sipped. “You’re helping. You’re making sure his sleep is peaceful and that he’s safe.”

“Is he though?” Wangji drew in a deep breath and relaxed slightly when Wei Ying’s sleep settled down again. “What if uncle finds out?”

Xichen wished Wangji hadn’t addressed the matter just yet, but he knew the issue had to be dealt with. “I am sect leader these days. I will stop him, should he take action against Wei Wuxian.”

“I am not sure I will stay if our uncle disagrees.” Wangji had thought about leaving the Cloud Recesses before, but had never followed through. His brother resided here, it was the place Sizhui called home, and his son had friends here.

Xichen wished he could say Wangji had surprised him, but he had always known that this day might come. “I understand that the Cloud Recesses have become more of a prison than a home to you. If you were to leave, I would understand, but I do implore you to think carefully about where to settle down. I can protect you here, but once you leave…”

“We can go to Qinghe,” Wangji said at once, “Huaisang won’t deny us.”

Wangji was right; Nie Huaisang would welcome them and the sect leader would do his best to protect them. “You could,” Xichen acknowledged, “but for now, you should stay put, as Wei Wuxian isn’t fit to travel yet.”

“I know that, brother.” The hanshi wasn’t the worst place for them to be stuck at, though in hindsight, he should have moved Wei Ying to his jingshi instead. But then he would have been forced to leave Wei Ying alone in order to fetch his brother.

“Wangji, do you think we should inform sect leader Jiang?” Xichen wasn’t surprised to find his brother suddenly glaring at him. Wangji and Jiang Wanyin barely got along, he knew that.

“Why would we do that? He hunts down everyone who resembles Wei Ying! His hate of his brother is well known and I’m not exposing an injured man to his tantrums!”

Wangji’s anger didn’t come as a surprise, but Xichen felt they needed to discuss this. “Wei Wuxian inquired about his brother just now. How long do you think it will take for him to demand to see Jiang Wanyin? What will you tell him then? How long can we mislead him by feeding him half truths? We might need Jiang Wanyin if we want Wei Wuxian to recover.”

His brother’s assessment was correct, but Wangji still disliked it. The way Jiang Wanyin had acted these past years had made him dislike the sect leader to the extreme. Wangji wasn’t sure he could act formally around the other man.

But Xichen was right; Wei Ying would want to make sure his brother was fine. The last thing he wanted was for Wei Ying to somehow sneak out the Cloud Recesses and make his way over to Lotus Cove on his own. There was so much this young version of Wei Ying didn’t know. Accidentally finding out about Jiang Yanli’s death would push him over the edge.

“Think this through, Wangji. Don’t let your dislike of the man dictate your actions,” Xichen advised, offering his brother some of the rice and vegetables. While Wangji contemplated the choice he had to make, Xichen wondered if he should inform their uncle or not. Lan Qiren’s reaction would be fierce, one way or the other. Well, he reckoned he could postpone updating his uncle. Lan Qiren didn’t need to know just yet.

//

The next morning, when Xichen rose at five and decided to check on them, he found his brother asleep next to Wei Wuxian. Since the two of them currently occupied his bed, Xichen had opted to sleep in the guest room, giving them some privacy.

Sitting down next to the bed, Xichen gathered his patient’s left hand in his and checked his pulse, which was a bit slow. His charge’s face was covered in a fine layer of sweat, and once he rested his palm on Wei Wuxian’s brow, he realized that the injured man was running a fever. Not surprising, but worrying.

“It started an hour ago,” Wangji told his brother. He had woken from his nap when he had sensed Xichen’s presence. “At first, his temperature rose quickly, but now it has evened out.”

“It’s still too high,” Xichen pointed out. He rose from the floor, collected everything he needed in order to deal with the fever, and watched Wangji seat himself next to the bed. Smiling, he placed the basin with water and crushed medicinal herbs next to his brother. “You know what to do. I’ll arrange for breakfast.” He had to make sure Wangji didn’t neglect his own needs.

After wetting the wash cloth, Wangji started by cleaning his mate’s face. Even now, the cloth still came away with dirt and dried blood, which they had missed when they had attended to his injuries earlier.

Once he was done with the face and neck, he realized he had to move lower. He told himself to man up. Wei Ying was injured and needed his attention. Gently, he washed Wei Ying’s upper body, always careful not to apply pressure to bruises and omitting the bandages supporting broken ribs.

When it was time to attend to the burn, he cleaned the area and applied more soothing balm. He had disliked Wang Lingjao from the start. Branding Wei Ying had been an accident, as she had targeted Lady Luo instead, but she had hurt his husband. Worsening the wound later would be just like her and he regretted that she was already dead. He found some pleasure in knowing that it was Wei Ying who had ended her life.

Pushing the blanket out of his way he now faced a much more intimate task, but he didn’t shy away from attending to Wei Ying’s private parts. There was nothing sexual or arousing about it. The large bruises and cuts that discolored the inner thighs, hips, and legs quenched any desire he might have felt.

After washing Wei Ying’s feet and then covering him back up, he tucked the blanket into place, making sure his husband was warm. The water in the basin had turned murky and he quickly set it aside. Sitting quietly, he wondered if the fact that Wei Ying hadn’t stirred yet was hopeful or worrying.

“Did you decide on contacting Jiang Wanyin yet?” Xichen placed some steamed buns next to his brother. Inclining his head hopefully told Wangji to start eating. He too felt frustrated that there was so little they could do for the wounded man.

“I’m not sure.” Wangji hated admitting that. “I know it’s the sensible thing to do, as yes, Wei Ying will want to make sure his brother is well. But the last time we met Jiang Wanyin at the cultivation conference he was still sprouting nonsense about Wei Ying and spreading hatred. I am not sure I want him close.”

“His presence might help Wei Wuxian recover. But I agree that we need to be careful. We should only allow Jiang Wanyin close if he agrees to behave.” Otherwise the result would be disastrous. This Wei Wuxian had been close to his brother; after all, they had escaped from a destroyed Lotus Cove and had only had each other.

“We also need to make sure sect leader Jiang doesn’t tell Wei Wuxian about Lady Yanli.” Even though his charge was asleep, Xichen wasn’t going to mention her death. Just in case Wei Wuxian heard more than they thought.

“I trust you to make the right decision, brother,” Wangji said eventually. Xichen would know what to do. At the moment, his world had shrunk to caring for the injured man asleep in the bed. All he could think about was making sure Wei Ying was safe.

“Thank you.” Xichen was very much aware of the trust his brother placed in him. “In that case, I will maneuver the sword and fly to Lotus Cove. I will talk to sect leader Jiang and I will only allow him to join us if he promises to act in Wei Wuxian’s best interest. I will send Sizhui over to assist you with our patient.”

“No, send Jingyi instead.” Wangji shook his head and gave his brother a stern look. “I don’t want Sizhui to see him like that.”

Xichen had long suspected that his brother kept Sizhui’s history from him for a reason. “The two of them know each other well?” Maybe now he would find out why Wangji had chosen to adopt that boy. When his brother had returned to the Cloud Recesses sixteen years ago the boy in his arms had mystified him.

“After a fashion.” Wangji didn’t want to explain this now, but knew he had to tell his brother something. “While Wei Ying lived at the Burial Mounds, he adopted a boy named Yuan. When Wei Ying died at Nevernight, I went back to Yiling and I happened upon A-Yuan, who was ill. Since Wei Ying thought of him as his son, I adopted him.”

“A lot makes sense now,” Xichen mused, but he also realized, “this Wei Ying never met that boy?”

“That is correct. But Sizhui might begin to remember his time at the Burial Mounds when he meets Wei Ying. I don’t want to complicate matters just yet. First, Wei Ying needs to recover.”

Xichen wasn’t sure he approved. “But having someone as caring as Sizhui around might help. We both know Jingyi can be… outspoken,” he settled on eventually. “Are you sure you don’t want Sizhui to help you instead? Someone who knows how to be subtle and to treat this delicately? Jingyi might start spreading rumors.”

Now that his brother had phrased it like that, Wangji wavered, and then repeated, “I trust you to make the right decision.” He had to admit that he felt in over his head now that Wei Ying was so severely injured. He needed to focus on his husband and couldn’t afford worrying about Jingyi as well.

“I will send your son.” Xichen had always wondered what had made his brother adopt the boy, and now that he knew, he understood the bond that connected them. He also believed that Wei Wuxian would benefit from befriending Sizhui, even though this younger version had never met A-Yuan.

Xichen had the feeling they might take an instant liking to each other. Wei Wuxian needed as much support as he could get. Wangji would doubtlessly be there every step of the way, but the road to recovery would be long and his younger brother needed support in turn.

“After I instruct Sizhui I will leave for Lotus Cove and talk to sect leader Jiang. If he agrees to our terms, I will bring him back with me. If he doesn’t, we will tell Wei Wuxian that Jiang Wanyin has to deal with urgent sect matters.” For Wei Wuxian’s sake, Xichen hoped that Jiang Wanyin would see reason.

//

Surprised, Xichen noticed that Sizhui and Jingyi were readying themselves for departure. “Where are you going?” Thankfully he was just in time to stop Sizhui from leaving.

“Mo Manor has requested assistance,” Jingyi explained after paying respect to Zewu-Jun by bowing. “There have been disturbances. A member of their sect might be practicing demonic cultivation.” Jingyi believed they were exaggerating. Who in his right might would want to do that? But they were obligated to check. “Master Lan asked us to check on the matter.”

His uncle still tended to interfere too much; Xichen had long realized that. It appeared that he had to talk to his uncle sooner than expected. “You can attend to the matter, Jingyi. Take the senior and more experienced disciples with you.”

It couldn’t be coincidence that rumors of demonic cultivating appeared the moment Wei Wuxian dropped from the sky. Had this demonic cultivator summoned Wei Wuxian? “If there is any truth to the matter, take the man here. I want to question him personally.”

“Yes, Zewu-Jun! Sizhui, let’s go.” Jingyi was about to turn when Lan Xichen raised an arm and stopped them.

“Sizhui is needed here. I have a duty for him to attend to. Jingyi, I trust you to handle the matter at Mo Manor, be subtle. Don’t attract attention and remember your instructions.”

Jingyi’s eyes widened, revealing his surprise that Sizhui was to stay behind. They had gotten used to working together. “Yes, Zewu-Jun.” He couldn’t go against direct orders from his sect leader. After exchanging a worried look with Sizhui, who looked equally bewildered, Jingyi left.

Sizhui, who had been under the impression that he was to go to Mo Manor, now turned to Zewu-Jun. When he had been little, he had called Lan Xichen uncle. Now that he was about to become an adult, he was more aware of the formality between them, but he also knew that once they were indoors and private, things would change. “Zewu-Jun, what do you want me to do?”

“Walk with me,” Xichen replied and gestured for the young man to fall into pace with him. He liked Sizhui; the youngster was bright, kind, and well mannered. Those character traits would get him far. “I need you to assist your father. He’s at the hanshi attending to a guest, who is severely injured. Wangji will need your help caring for him.” Catching Sizhui’s puzzled gaze, he waited for his nephew to address him.

Realizing this was a private matter, Sizhui said, “I wasn’t aware of any visitors to the Cloud Recesses, Zewu-Jun.” And why was his father attending to the injured man? They had healers for that.

“He appeared rather unexpectedly.” How much to tell Sizhui? Or should he leave that up to Wangji? “He’s a good friend and your father…” Oh, how was he going to phrase this? “deeply cares about him. Which is why he has taken on that responsibility himself. I would greatly appreciate your help in this matter –and your silence. No one can know about this.” In afterthought, he added, “Not even my uncle.”

Sizhui nodded to show he understood. “I won’t mention his presence to anyone.” To find out that they trusted him to such a degree made him proud. Hopefully it meant that they no longer thought of him as a child, but as a trustworthy young man. He wanted to make them proud, his uncle, as well as his father. “I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“Good. Now go to the hanshi and heed your father’s instructions.” Sizhui looked proud, and the young man’s expression made him smile. They had done well raising that boy. He had taken on that duty for three years, while Wangji had been confined to the back mountains and in some ways, he thought of Sizhui as his son too. “Don’t disappoint us,” he whispered, knowing the boy would feel confused once Sizhui realized just whom they were hiding.

“I won’t!” Sizhui promised, he would make them proud instead!

//

In hindsight, Wangji wished he hadn’t listened to Xichen. His brother had meant well by suggesting Sizhui assisted him, but it did complicate matters. He merely hoped his son didn’t recognize Wei Ying at once.

Wei Ying was still asleep, for which he was grateful. Earlier on, he had caught himself trying to heal his husband again, and had felt desponded when he had recalled that he couldn’t.

What was living without a golden core like? One thing he had found out was that it was hard for Wei Ying to regulate his body temperature. One moment his husband felt like he was burning up and the next Wei Ying’s skin turned as cold as ice. He was constantly adding and removing extra blankets, quickly adapting to his husband’s needs.

Wangji both dreaded and looked forward to the moment Wei Ying would wake up. That moment the pain would come crushing in again and there was nothing he could do to stop his suffering. The next few weeks, maybe even months, would be exhausting and he could only hope that Wei Ying would eventually make a full recovery.

His fingers remained curled around his love’s good hand, as it was one of the few spots he could touch without adding to Wei Ying’s discomfort.

Knocking announced his son’s arrival and he allowed himself to sigh before telling Sizhui to enter. This wouldn’t be easy. He had no idea how his son was going to react.

Curious as to the identity of their mysterious guest, Sizhui quickly slipped inside. Closing the doors behind him, he made his way over to the bed. The first thing Sizhui noticed was that his father looked tired. Tired and at a loss. Had he ever seen Lan Wangji that worried before? He hadn’t, he realized. Unsure how to address the older man, he settled on, “Hanguang-Jun?”

“Son, come over here. I need to tell you certain things.” Wangji watched Sizhui closely and noticed the moment his son caught sight of Wei Ying, as the youngster’s expression drastically changed.

The man resting in his uncle’s bed looked dreadful and Sizhui froze, halting in his tracks. He had never seen such grave injuries before.

The first thing Sizhui noticed was the heavily bruised face, gruelingly swollen, and the black eye. One part of the stranger’s face looked off, probably due to either fractured bones or a bruised jaw.

The blanket only reached the man’s abdomen, so he could see the bandages covering the upper part of his chest and ribcage. The stranger probably suffered from broken or bruised ribs, he gathered, as he catalogued the injuries.

The right hand rested atop of the blanket and Sizhui found it splinted. The fingers were white, almost drained of blood and he realized they had been broken. What had happened to this man?

His gaze shifted lower, settling on the left leg, which was fractured as well. He could make out splints beneath the blanket. “Father, what happened to him?”

“Sizhui, sit with me.” Wangji told himself to remain calm and to go slow. Wei Ying depended on him and Sizhui needed him to explain. He couldn’t afford to make mistakes.

Kneeling next to his father, Sizhui stared at the battered face in shock. This man had to be in a lot of pain! “Who is he? What happened to him? Who did this to him?” He understood why his father needed his help.

Wangji prayed he was doing the right thing. Sizhui had never let him down, but this might prove too much for the youngster to handle. Since he preferred being direct, he said, “His name is Wei Ying, but you know him as Wei Wuxian.”

“The Yiling Patriarch?” Sizhui had heard the stories of course. Master Lan despised Wei Wuxian, but Zewu-Jun and his father always defended him in their uncle’s presence. When they spoke of Wei Wuxian, it was with the greatest respect.

Jingyi, on the other hand, had told him the horror stories, which parents used to make their children behave. Then Sizhui recalled something else. “Didn’t the Yiling Patriarch die sixteen years ago at Nevernight?”

“He did.” Wangji had to give his son credit; Sizhui was taking the news better than expected. “Last night, he returned to me. I was at the waterfall when he suddenly crashed into the pond. I pulled him from the water, but as you can see, he’s gravely injured.”

His father had saved Wei Wuxian from drowning and was now personally tending to the man? “But isn’t he evil? Jingyi told me that the Yiling Patriarch is a demon.” But his father never had, he realized. Whenever Wei Wuxian had come up, his father had often grown quiet. Zewu-Jun had defended Wei Wuxian in his father’s stead, something Sizhui had always wondered about.

“Wei Ying isn’t evil,” Wangji scoffed indignantly. “I trust him unconditionally,” was what he said, but what he meant was -I love him unconditionally and so did you once-. But that was something to share with Sizhui later. “I need you to carry out my instructions without second-guessing them. Can you do that? Knowing who he is?”

Sizhui nodded. He trusted his father unconditionally in turn. If Hanguang-Jun believed Wei Wuxian was a good man, he accepted that as the truth. Looking at the injured man as he lay there, Sizhui very well realized that even if Wei Wuxian had been up to no good, he was too weak to carry out any evil plans. “I will do as you tell me to, father.” He couldn’t deny being curious; what had happened to the man that had left him so incapacitated?

TBC

Chapter Text

Part 4

Looking at Wei Wuxian, who was asleep, yet twitching every now and then, Sizhui was surprised to realize he worried. Anyone who had sustained such injuries had to be in pain. “May I ask how deep his injuries run?”

“Broken leg, broken ribs, broken fingers, possible concussion, bruised jaw and he’s been running a fever,” Wangji brutally summarized, and then he added, “his golden core is also gone.” He needed Sizhui to understand how serious Wei Ying’s condition was.

“His core?” Sizhui blinked, not really understanding what his father was telling him. “Gone?” He had never heard of such a thing before.

“Wei Ying is without his golden core. He’s a mediocre. I can’t heal him and we need to rely on more traditional means in order to help him recover. We will be caring for him for weeks, maybe even months. Can you do that?”

Maybe he was being too direct, but his son needed to know that he couldn’t simply walk away from this. Once Sizhui started to remember and realized who exactly Wei Wuxian was to him, the boy would want to stay close, but until then he needed Sizhui to unconditionally support him.

“But the Yiling Patriarch—“ is a powerful demon, Sizhui wanted to say, mentally repeating the things Jingyi had once told him, but he couldn’t say the words as they felt fundamentally wrong. The man currently resting in that bed wasn’t a demon.

“Forget the things you think you know about Wei Wuxian. Keep an open mind and learn the truth about him. Can you do that?” Studying his son, Wangji was under the impression that Sizhui already worried about Wei Ying.

Sizhui nodded. “He doesn’t look evil –or like a demon.” That his father referred to the injured man using his birth name confused him. He hadn’t thought his father was that close to anyone. What bound these two men for Hanguang-Jun to call him Wei Ying?

“Because he isn’t,” Wangji huffed, recalling the ghastly stories people had made up about Wei Ying. “He’s a good man.” And shortly, Sizhui would remember the man who had adopted him, even though this version of Wei Ying had never met the boy. He wasn’t looking forward to dealing with such complications, but he knew it needed to be done.

//

Xichen decided not to visit his uncle just yet. As long as Lan Qiren was unaware of Wei Wuxian’s return, his uncle wouldn’t cause problems. It was best to let sleeping dogs lie.

Visiting Lotus Cove and talking to Jiang Wanyin was something else he wasn’t looking forward to.

While maneuvering his sword and heading toward Yunmeng he thought back to the time that the Lotus Cove delegation had attended their lectures sixteen years ago. Jiang Wanyin had been different then. He vividly recalled the four of them getting into trouble one night.

Wei Wuxian had maintained that Wangji had been a victim, but one look at his brother’s guilty expression had told him that Wangji had been perfectly aware of what was going on. For some reason his brother had allowed Wei Wuxian to put that talisman on him.

Jiang Wanyin had been one of the three culprits. The future heir to Lotus Cove hadn’t denied being involved and had admitted to drinking alcohol and participating in the nightly disturbance. The only thing that young man had seemed worried about was Jiang Fengmian finding out about his misconduct.

Back then, Jiang Wanyin had been a likable young man, but already prone to tantrums and easily angered or quickly jealous, but he had been loyal and had loved his brother.

A lot had changed since that day on the battlefield at Nevernight when Jiang Yanli had died. Xichen had never quite figured out what had made Jiang Wanyin act the way he had that day.

Putting himself in the man’s place, he knew he would be angry with his brother too for causing such mayhem, but he would have forgiven Wangji, especially taking into account that Wei Wuxian had merely been defending himself and Lady Yanli had sacrificed herself to keep Wei Wuxian safe.

The sects had attacked Wei Wuxian first; well, actually that one archer had. Thinking back to that faithful night, he recalled the controlled way in which Wei Wuxian had pulled the arrow from his chest. The resentful energy inside him had kept him safe.

The Wei Wuxian currently occupying his bed lacked his golden core and had never learned how to cultivate using resentful energy, which explained the young man’s poor condition.

How would Jiang Wanyin react once he learned of his brother’s return? Would he throw a tantrum and refuse to come to the Cloud Recesses? Would he simply ignore this development? Or would Jiang Wanyin welcome Wei Wuxian’s return?

Xichen very much doubted the latter would happen. It was much more likely that Jiang Wanyin would savor his brother’s predicament and remind Xichen that Wei Wuxian deserved to suffer for all eternity.

But he had to try. If not for Jiang Wanyin’s sake, than for Wei Wuxian’s. He had seen the expression of brotherly love whenever Wei Wuxian had looked at Jiang Wanyin. That hadn’t changed on that battlefield; the resentful energy hadn’t attacked the Jiang sect that day. Would Jiang Wanyin remember that? Would it make a difference? He could only hope for the best.

//

Waking up was hell. His body ached in various degrees. The pain that threatened to swallow him whole was all-consuming and he tried to stop the moan that was about to flow from his lips. Wei Ying however failed and the pain-filled groan turned into a growl. Was there a place that didn't hurt? His left leg throbbed and his chest, the spot right above his heart, burned.

"Wei Ying, please be still. Don't move about." Wangji was instantly at his love's side, moving into Wei Ying's line of sight. "I promise that you're safe with me. Look at me." How lucid was Wei Ying? Would he be able to reason with the injured man?

Recognizing Lan Zhan's voice made him sigh in relief. He might be in pain, but at least he was safe. How had Lan Zhan found him? Hadn’t the other man left for the Cloud Recesses after the Wen clan had tried to burn it down? Turning his head ever so slightly, he ignored the pain that cut through his neck. He needed to convince himself that Lan Zhan was real.

“Wei Ying.” Wangji smiled, raised an arm, and carefully rested his fingertips on his husband’s brow. “You’re severely injured and need to rest. I will look after you.” The pain that stared back at him caused him agony in turn. If only he could heal him!

Wei Ying’s throat hurt, his mouth felt dehydrated and one side of his face was sore. Wen Chao’s minions had hit him, targeting his face, and had left him bruised all over. Had they also broken his jaw? “Lan… Zhan...” The pain didn’t matter; he could deal with that, knowing he would find comfort when he turned unconscious again. But until that happened, he wanted to relish having Lan Zhan close. “Cloud… Reces...ses…?”

Figuring out what Wei Ying was trying to ask took Wangji a moment, but then he realized that his soul mate had last seen him at the cave where they had fought the slaughter. Wei Ying thought the Cloud Recesses had been burned down.

Moving about behind him was Sizhui, trying to stay in the back, but knowing his son, Sizhui was paying close attention to what was being said. “They are fine. We rebuild the damage Wen sect did. We’re well.”

Wei Ying was relieved to hear it. He had no idea what had happened while he had been unconscious, but Lan Zhan wouldn’t lie to him. How had he ended up at the Cloud Recesses? “Burial... Mounds,” he whispered, quickly growing tired.

Lan Zhan nodded; he understood. “Wen Chao failed to carry out his threat. He failed to throw you into the Burial Mounds, but the fall did cause numerous injuries.” Seeing Wei Ying’s expression grow alert, he elaborated; ”Your left leg is fractured. Your right knee is severely bruised. The fingers of your right hand are broken and you suffered several blows to your face. Your jaw is either badly bruised or broken. Your eye cavity swollen and you sustained several broken ribs. Then there is the Wen brand mark… What happened to it? It’s worse than I remember.”

“Wang...” Wei Ying closed his eyes, though one of them had hardly opened in the first place. Hopefully Lan Zhan understood.

“Wang Lingjao did that? Did Wen Chao capture you? Beat you up and then attempt to kill you?” So far, his suspicions seemed correct. This was a different version from the Wei Ying whom he had lost at Nevernight.

Trying to nod was something Wei Ying immediately regretted doing. Moving his head simply wasn’t an option yet. Instead he moved his left hand and weakly squeezed Lan Zhan’s fingers.

Wangji felt relieved that Wei Ying was able to do so. “Is that the last thing you remember? Falling toward the Burial Mounds?” Another squeeze confirmed his suspicions. “I don’t know why or how this happened,” he admitted, “but you ended up in the pond near the waterfall instead. I was playing the zither when you suddenly fell from the sky.” He wanted to stick to the truth as much as possible.

Sizhui, who kept to the back, closely watched their exchange. That his father deeply cared for the injured man was easy to see. The utmost care, which Hanguang-Jun displayed while soothing some stray strands away from Wei Wuxian’s face, was only one sign of the affection his father held for the other man. That Wei Wuxian so easily accepted being called by his birth name indicated that the wounded man was comfortable around his father –very comfortable indeed. It was very puzzling.

Sizhui tended to agree with his father for now. Wei Wuxian, even if he was a demonic cultivator, didn’t seem evil. The man seemed worried for his father’s well being and the Cloud Recesses in general.

What confused Sizhui most was the topic of their conversation. What was this talk about being thrown into the Burial Mounds? He did know Wen Chao’s name, but Wang Lingjao’s meant nothing to him.

As far as Sizhui could tell Wen Chao had captured Wei Wuxian at one point, beaten him, and then attempted to throw him into the Burial Mounds. Just now his father had mentioned that Wei Wuxian had had ended up here instead, but Hanguang-Jun had offered no explanation for that.

Wangji noticed Sizhui nervously moving about and gestured for his son to approach. “Sizhui, I want you to meet Wei Ying.”

Blinking was an awkward affair, but one Wei Ying managed without additional discomfort. They weren’t alone? A young man appeared next to Lan Zhan, though he wasn’t sure he could call him that yet. The boy was in that awkward stage between puberty and adulthood.

“Wei Ying, this is Sizhui.” Wangji almost added –my son- but reconsidered, as he didn’t want to confuse his husband more than Wei Ying already was. “He will help me care for you. You can trust him.”

If Lan Zhan said that the youngster could be trusted, Wei Ying believed him. “Si...sh..ui,” he whispered, though the name came out all wrong and awkward, but he couldn’t help it. Talking hurt.

“Let me fetch you some water, Senior Wei,” Sizhui quickly said, wanting to make himself useful.

“Sizhui, bring tea instead.” Wangji pointed his son to the tea which was brewing close by. “It will ease his pain and help him go back to sleep.” There was little they could do right now, except making sure that Wei Ying rested without pain.

Sizhui quickly filled a tea cup and then handed it to his father. Hanguang-Jun made sure it was tepid before allowing Wei Ying to sip.

The exhaustion that lingered in his love’s eyes made Wangji feel helpless. “Go back to sleep if you can,” he advised once Wei Ying had emptied the tea cup. “You’re safe with me.”

Although sleep would bring him relief from the pain, Wei Ying didn’t want to doze off just yet. He wanted to look at Lan Zhan instead. Not so long ago, he had believed that he would never see the Jade of Gusu again; that everything was lost. In spite of the pain, he also felt hope. Lan Zhan was here.

Like his father, Sizhui’s heart went out to the hurting man, though he didn’t quite understand why. Yes, it was in his character to care and help if possible, but while looking into Wei Wuxian’s eyes, something else stirred in the deep recesses of his mind. Recognition?

Wei Wuxian looked familiar; he knew the man. Sizhui hadn’t realized that until now. It felt like they had met before, but that couldn’t be. Wei Wuxian had been dead for the past sixteen years. And yet, his heart told him that he knew and cared for the other man.

Wangji watched Wei Ying drift off into sleep again. Sleep would bring his husband temporary relief from his pain, and for that, he was grateful. Growing aware of Sizhui’s eyes upon him, he met his son’s puzzled gaze. He nodded, giving Sizhui the encouragement his son needed to address him.

“Father,” Sizhui started, realizing how intimate his father acted where Wei Wuxian was concerned. “You greatly care about him.”

How much should he tell Sizhui? Momentarily shifting his gaze away from his son and back to Wei Ying, he made up his mind. He was done hiding the truth. “Can you keep a secret?” Maybe it wasn’t fair to put such a burden on Sizhui’s shoulders, but he had waited sixteen years for Wei Ying to return to him and he was done hiding the truth.

“I can,” Sizhui vowed; he would never betray his father’s trust in him. “Does it concern Wei Wuxian?” Why did the Yiling Patriarch mean that much to Hanguang-Jun?

“It started almost twenty years ago,” Wangji whispered, holding on to his husband’s hand and tenderly stroking the sensitive skin. More bruises were starting to show, making him wonder if there was a spot Wen Chao’s guards hadn’t targeted. Looking at the burn marring Wei Ying’s chest was even harder, knowing how badly it had to hurt. “For some reason, Wei Ying decided he liked me. I did my best to discourage him, but he refused to give up.

The truth was that I felt attracted to him as well, but I was hesitant to act upon my feelings, so I rebuffed him instead. Wei Ying refused to give in though. One day, we ended up at the cold spring together and the current pulled us along. When we surfaced again, we faced a dangerous situation. Our ancestor’s Killer String attacked him, as it sensed that he wasn’t a sect member.”

Wangji smiled in fond memory. Sizhui’s expression was thoughtful and curious, and so he continued, “He called out and demanded I gave him my headband.” Sizhui looked shocked and he recalled feeling the same way.

“He did what? Didn’t he know what it meant?” The headband was sacred; only parents and a significant other were allowed to touch it. For Wei Wuxian to demand such a thing bordered on sacrilege.

“Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t, I don’t know. But I never hesitated and wrapped my headband around his wrist.” Wangji grew quiet then, knowing his son would understand what that gesture had truly meant.

“But that means...” Sizhui stared at the sleeping man; Wei Wuxian looked vulnerable and his father sitting next to him with a protective air about him, told him what was really going on. “You love him.” Wei Wuxian and his father were married and no one had told him!

“I do. And he deeply cares about me.” At least, the Wei Ying he had lost at Nevernight had. How did this younger version feel about him? He suspected age didn’t matter. Wei Ying wouldn’t have pestered him if he hadn’t been in love with him from the beginning. “He’s my husband. My cultivation partner.”

This revelation was unexpected, but Sizhui accepted it. “Does he know?” he wouldn’t put it past his father to have kept this from Wei Wuxian. The way Hanguang-Jun had phrased things earlier lead him to believe that his father hadn’t told Wei Wuxian that he had wed them that day.

“I doubt it very much. At the time, he asked for my headband because it would keep him safe. I never told him of my intentions, neither did I approach Jiang Fengmian, who was sect leader at that time, for permission to marry him. I never made it official.”

“But that doesn’t make it any less binding,” Sizhui pointed out. “You two are married.”

“We are. I love him and that’s why I will dedicate myself to seeing him healed. Do you understand?” Wangji hoped his son did.

“I do.” His father loved Wei Wuxian; Hanguang-Jun might not always show his love that openly, but it was there. Sizhui had never doubted his father’s commitment or love for him either. “Does anyone else know?” he did wonder about that.

“My brother does.” Xichen was the only one he could talk to about Wei Ying when his heart bled because he missed his mate so badly. When Wei Ying had still been alive, he hadn’t realized the treasure he was throwing away by not embracing what the other man was offering.

When Wei Ying had told him that he wanted them to be friends, right before the current had swept them away, he had stepped away from him, afraid and unwilling to change his ways in order to admit love into his life. He wasn’t going to make that mistake twice. This time around, he would treat Wei Ying as the treasure the man was.

“And now I know as well. Father, I will keep the secret.” But knowing he could talk to Zewu-Jun if needed helped. So his father had been married for almost twenty years and he had never suspected a thing. “I’m happy for you that he’s back.” He had often suspected his father was mourning a great loss, but he had never found out what had caused his mourning. Now, he knew.

//

Upon hearing that Lan Xichen out of all people requested an unscheduled audience, Jiang Cheng grew worried. What had caused the Lan sect leader to come to Lotus Cove that unexpectedly? Although he wasn’t in the mood for any verbal sparring, he nodded and told the guard to escort Zewu-Jun to the main hall.

His bad mood was due to Jin Ling causing mischief again. Ever since that boy had hit puberty Jin Ling showed certain character traits that had also annoyed him when dealing with Jin Zixun.

The peacock, as Wei Wuxian had so appropriately called him, lived on in Jin Ling, but every so often he also saw his sister’s character traits in the boy. For all his faults, Jin Ling was fiercely loyal and eager to do the right thing, even when his uncle threatened to break his legs for getting himself in trouble.

But he told himself to focus now that he was about to talk to Lan Xichen. He had never understood his brother’s fondness of that particular sect. It was true that Wei Wuxian had always greatly disliked Lan Qiren, but his brother had instantly adopted Lan Wangji. And to be honest, back then, they’d both taken a liking to Lan Xichen. It had been hard not to like the friendly and sincere first master of Gusu.

But Jiang Cheng had changed since then, and these days, he often saw intrigue even when there was none. Losing his parents had scarred him. Losing his sister had robbed him of his anchor, which he had used to balance himself. And in the end, he had lost his brother as well.

Yes, he had been howling mad after their sister had died on that battlefield, and when he had sought out Wei Wuxian, a part of him had wanted to strike and kill him. But in the end, he couldn’t do it. Wei Wuxian was, and always would be, his brother. And since he couldn’t have his brother’s love, he held onto hatred instead.

But beneath the hate, fear of abandonment and longing, simmered an overwhelming need to have Wei Wuxian at his side again. But Wei Wuxian was dead and so he hunted everyone who tried to step in his footsteps. He refused to let his brother’s memory be smeared like that.

“Sect leader Jiang,” Xichen said, paying the other man respect by bowing formally. He didn’t want to offend the often badly tempered man before they had even started talking. Too much was at stake.

“Sect leader Lan,” Jiang Cheng replied and bowed in return. “Please seat yourself.” He beckoned one of the servants to serve tea. “What brings you to Lotus Cove?” He preferred the direct approach.

Xichen knew that, but refused to be baited. “A personal matter,” he decided on, moving his tea cup closer, but not sipping yet. He was still trying to figure out how to deal with an often unpredictable Jiang Wanyin. He owed Wei Wuxian and his brother to try his best.

A personal matter? Hearing that made Jiang Cheng raise his eyebrows. What could that possibly be? “Please elaborate.” He was doing his best to act formally and keep a calm and open mind as befitting a sect leader, but at the same time, he was growing impatient.

There was no easy way to say this, Xichen realized. “Last night something unexpected happened. A man fell from the sky.” He had phrased it like that on purpose and Jiang Wanyin giving him a puzzled look was expected. “The man fell into the pond, hit the rocks at the bottom, and was gravely injured. My brother happened to be there and saved him from drowning.”

“A man fell from the sky?” Jiang Cheng snorted; what kind of nonsense was that? “People don’t just fall from the heavens!” And even if they did, why would it concern him? “If Hanguang-Jun saved him, the man is his responsibility now.”

“After a fashion,” Xichen acknowledged, “but the situation is more complicated than that.” He sipped from his tea, rearranged his robes around him, and studied Jiang Wanyin, wondering how the other man would react to learning Wei Wuxian had returned to them. He had to be subtle.

“Wangji and I tended to his injuries. A crushed leg, bruised knee, several broken ribs, just to name a few of them. Closer examination showed that the man had been brutally beaten before that.”

“Why does any of this concern me? You have experienced healers at the Cloud Recesses, so why come here?” This was boring. Why couldn’t Lan Xichen simply go back to Gusu and leave him to his brooding?

Xichen placed his cup back onto the table, made eye contact, and stated, “I thought you would be interested to hear that his golden core has been destroyed.”

TBC

Chapter Text

Part 5

Jiang Cheng’s breath caught. “What?” Had Lan Xichen really said that?

Folding his hands, Xichen nodded once, but never broke eye contact. “It was either crushed or taken out surgically. We are still undecided on that.” He hoped Jiang Wanyin continued to listen. Maybe it helped that the other man didn’t know yet that they were talking about Wei Wuxian. “You remember Wen Zhuliu, don’t you?” Being cruel wasn’t his intention, but he needed Jiang Wanyin to understand what they were dealing with.

Glaring at Lan Xichen, he hissed, “How dare you ask me that? Of course I remember the bastard! But he’s dead, has been dead for almost two decades! His days of crushing cores are over!” If someone else had resorted to destroying cultivator’s golden cores, he would have heard about it and then he would have acted on it. Such a monster wouldn’t have lived; he would have dealt with the matter himself.

Thinking back to the days during which he had been without a core himself caused him to grow nauseous. He had felt weak and had hated himself for losing his core in the first place. If it hadn’t been for Wei Wuxian, he might never have regained his strength and the ability to cultivate.

Xichen broke eye contact, refilled his cup, and continued, “Wangji and I tried healing him, but without a core our healing energy can’t reach him. Making a full recovery might be impossible.”

“You still haven’t told me why this concerns me. Merely because his core is gone?” he asked again. “Your clan is fully capable of dealing with such a matter. I have urgent sect matters to attend to myself!” He didn’t, but Lan Xichen didn’t need to know. To be honest, he was bored out his mind these days. He didn’t do well during times of peace. After rebuilding Lotus Cove he felt useless. Maybe he should look into this matter.

“Do you remember a time when Lotus Cove was burning and you and your siblings found refuge with Wen Qing?” Xichen knew he was treading on dangerous ground, but he had to try.

This time Jiang Cheng rose from his chair and towered over Lan Xichen. “How dare you?” he hissed.

“Then you also remember Wei Wuxian going missing. Wangji told me that you waited for him at the inn you were staying at, as you had made a pact; he would wait for you there, but upon your return he wasn’t there.”

What was Lan Xichen up to? Unable to stay still any longer, Jiang Cheng started to pace. “Why are you bringing this up now? This happened almost twenty years ago!” But Wei Wuxian’s betrayal still hurt. His brother had promised to be at his side and then Wei Wuxian had abandoned him. He would never forgive Wei Wuxian for breaking his word.

Xichen refused to let Jiang Wanyin’s fury distract him. “Wangji also told me that the guards, which you questioned claimed to have thrown Wei Wuxian into the Burial Mounds.”

“Nonsense,” Jiang Cheng spat. “No one survives that. Even Wei Wuxian said so.” But he had wondered. As time had passed by, he had seen the darkness that surrounded his brother whenever he played Chenqing and he had wondered if there wasn’t some truth to that claim after all. Wei Wuxian had changed; when they had first met, he had hardly recognized his brother.

“This man, who fell from the sky… You know him.” Xichen remained seated, though staying in place and radiating calm was difficult now that his host’s pacing resembled that of a caged tiger. “He carries a Wen brand mark above his heart.”

That stopped Jiang Cheng right in his tracks. He spun around, stared at Lan Xichen, and snapped, “What?” He must have misheard! Lan Xichen couldn’t be implying that… “Is the bastard back?” This couldn’t be happening. Lan Xichen couldn’t be serious. There was no way for Wei Wuxian to come back from the dead.

Keeping in mind that Jiang Wanyin was impulsive, often bordering on aggressive, Xichen nodded. “We believe that he’s Wei Wuxian.” Closely watching Jiang Wanyin, he noticed the play of emotions that washed over the other man’s face; disbelief, hatred, love, hope. They were all there, all mingled together and impossible to separate. Why did Jiang Wanyin have to be so bad at managing his emotions?

“Wei Wuxian is back?” Close to hysterics, Jiang Cheng growled, “That’s just like him. To return in time of peace!” And to upend his world again. He couldn’t deny that one part of him wanted to rush over to the Cloud Recesses and see for himself, to convince himself that Wei Wuxian was alive again. That his brother had returned and that he had regained part of his family. That part wanted to bury his brother in a tight hold and never let go again.

But another part, the one that drove most of his actions, reminded him how much pain Wei Wuxian had caused him. “Serves him right that he returns broken.” His emotions confused him; he wasn’t sure what he was feeling, or why he had said that, as he instantly regretted it. He didn’t want his brother to hurt, did he?

Xichen shook his head in strong disapproval. Jiang Wanyin might be shocked, but to voice such sentiment was uncalled for. “Sect leader Jiang, I can’t believe you said that. He’s your brother.” He knew that Jiang Wanyin loved his brother; he had seen them interact during the Lan lectures. The brotherly bond they had shared back then couldn’t have been destroyed –not completely.

“A brother who broke his promise and let me to fend for myself. Don’t expect any compassion from me!” But while speaking those damning words that other voice chided him for acting so harshly. Hadn’t he wanted Wei Wuxian to come back to him? And now that his brother had done just that, he was pushing him away again? But wasn’t that the story of his life?

Determined not to get carried away, Xichen calmly got to his feet and watched Jiang Wanyin return to his frantic pacing. “When he woke, he asked about you. He worries.”

“He should!” Jiang Cheng glared at the other man. “That day at Nevernight he took his own life! We know that! He took the easy way out!” And Wei Wuxian had deserted him all over again!

Xichen knew better than to get into a verbal fight with Jiang Wanyin and refrained from pointing out the part the other man had played in Wei Wuxian choosing death. “This Wei Wuxian never took his life at Nevernight.”

Xichen’s words mystified him and he stared at Lan Xichen, wondering what the man was talking about. “What are you saying?” What was he missing? Trying to stare the other sect leader into submission, he was annoyed when Lan Xichen refused to budge and continued to look him in the eye. Not many withstood his glare and Lan Xichen actually impressed him by not backing down.

“This Wei Ying is younger than the one you remember. We believe that this is the young man who failed to meet you at the inn. It appears that Wen Chao did capture him and threw him into the Burial Mounds. For some odd reason he ended up at the waterfall instead, sixteen years into the future, but still carrying the injuries Wen Chao inflicted on him.”

Jiang Cheng’s thoughts raced; if what Lan Xichen was telling him was true, and Wei Wuxian had lost his core, it might have been Wen Zhuliu who had crushed it. But then he shook his head; what was he thinking? “Wei Wuxian died at Nevernight. There is no way for him to come back!”

“But he did. We don’t know how –what spell brought him back- but at the moment he’s at my hanshi, bedridden and in a tremendous amount of pain. And still, the first thing he wanted to know was if you were safe.”

Jiang Wanyin might be putting up a fight, but Xichen thought he saw tears lurking in those eyes. “Maybe you recognize this?” He placed the leather hair band featuring the metallic ornament, and a dirty, red ribbon onto the table in front of him. He had refrained from removing the blood from the items, hoping it would trigger Jiang Wanyin’s concern. He then stepped back, as he didn’t want the other man to feel pressured. “He wore this.”

The red ribbon didn’t prove a thing, as far as Jiang Cheng was concerned, but it was the shade his brother had always favored. Reaching for the leather band and ornament happened automatically. Seeing the blood that clung to the items, he failed to repress the shivers running down his spine. His breath caught upon recognizing them.

“Wei Wuxian wore these when...” They had found shelter at Wen Qing’s house and she had provided them with clothes. Wei Wuxian had worn this particular leather band the day his brother had walked him to that mountain.

What if those guards had told them the truth? Hanguang-Jun’s Killer String had been suffocating the guard who had told on Wen Chao; why would the soldier have lied? What if Wei Wuxian hadn’t deserted him on purpose? What if they had really thrown him into the Burial Mounds?

His world came crashing down around him. His anger, which always flared so hotly, slowly died. Zidian buzzed briefly, reacting to his emotions, but he restrained its power. Had he been living a lie all these years? Had his brother been captured and then thrown into the Burial Mounds after all? Had he hated Wei Wuxian because he had failed to uncover the truth?

Regaining his calm took him time and after drawing in a deep breath, he looked Lan Xichen in the eye. Softly, almost hesitantly, he asked, “Why are you here?” What did the other man want from him? To hear him admit that he had wronged Wei Wuxian?

“Wei Wuxian will want to make sure that you are safe. We cannot afford him sneaking off while he’s so severely wounded. Without his core, he might not survive. Wangji and I hope that you are willing to accompany me to the Cloud Recesses so you can reassure him.” Jiang Wanyin had calmed down and Xichen hoped that the other man realized the chance he was being given; to have his brother close again.

Jiang Cheng had suspected as much, but wasn’t sure how he felt about that. Did he want to confront his past? Did he want to find out what had truly happened back then? Could he admit to himself that he might have been wrong?

“I would ask you to be careful when you talk to him. Please remember that this Wei Wuxian doesn’t know about your sister’s death. He never went to Nevernight to confront the sects. He doesn’t know she died. Don’t tell him just yet.” Xichen knew he was asking for a lot -maybe asking for the impossible. “Can you do that?”

That particular thought hadn’t yet occurred to Jiang Cheng. Yanli’s death was forever burned into his mind. Watching her die, holding her as he released her last breath, it was the stuff of nightmares. And this Wei Wuxian didn’t know about that? “I’m not sure I can.” Even if he decided to comply, his emotions might get the better of him and make him lash out.

“At least you are honest,” Xichen said encouragingly. “I know this is a shock. I felt the same way when I realized who he was. I wasn’t sure at first; his face is badly bruised, which made it hard to identify him. But Wangji recognized him at once.”

“Of course he would.” Hanguang-Jun and Wei Wuxian had always shared a strange connection. His rage had evened out and calm returned. He needed to think about this. What did he owe Wei Wuxian? What did he owe himself? “Are you keeping him sedated?” If Wei Wuxian’s core was gone and if he really was that badly wounded, a healer might decide to keep him asleep for the time being.

“We try our best; his injuries limit the ways I can ease his pain. Drinking causes him pain, he can hardly talk, let allow chew. Without his core, we can’t heal him. His recovery will be long and he will be in pain for weeks, maybe even months. If you can find it in your heart to lighten his burden, I implore you to do so.”

“That’s easy for you to say. He isn’t your brother. He didn’t get your sister killed.” And his parents, but he decided not to go there. Wei Wuxian had hurt him, but at the same time, he did love his idiot brother. The conflicting emotions raging inside him made his head spin.

Xichen took a step closer, but refrained from touching the upset man. “Your sister sacrificed herself. It was her choice to protect Wei Wuxian. I understand that it hurts, but Wei Wuxian didn’t kill Lady Yanli.” Seeing Jiang Wanyin was about to lecture him, he raised a hand and stopped him. “You’ve lost your parents, your sister, and your brother. Now you’re given the chance to try again. Do you really want to lose Wei Wuxian all over again? He is all you have left.”

“He isn’t,” Jiang Cheng lectured Lan Xichen, unwilling to give in. “I still have Jin Ling!” But his heart wasn’t in it. Yes, he might have Jin Ling, but the boy was still a child. He wanted Wei Wuxian instead. He needed his brother back in his life, but was he willing to open himself up to getting hurt again?

“Who is still a child. Sect leader Jiang, think this over very carefully. You have been given a chance; one most people never get. Don’t discard it that easily.” Although his heart urged him to return to the Cloud Recesses, Xichen decided to stay a little longer. “I will leave for Gusu in three hours. Please use that time to ponder this development.”

Xichen walked over to the doorway. He would spend those three hours at the waterside, meditating and recharging his spiritual energy. Once he was back at the hanshi he would return to caring for his patient.

Jiang Cheng watched the other sect leader stride out of the room. Vexed, he started pacing again. Wei Wuxian was back; the brother he loved and hated at the same time. But whom was he trying to kid? He still loved Wei Wuxian dearly, and maybe he was weak, but he needed his older brother at his side again.

Wei Wuxian not returning to Lotus Cove, but siding with the Wen survivors back then had deeply hurt him.

But he couldn’t deny that Lan Xichen had made a valid point. He was being given a second chance, and if he had understood correctly, the Wei Wuxian that had returned to them was the one Jiang Cheng had been waiting for at the inn. That Wei Wuxian had helped him regain his golden core and had still been acting the way an older brother should.

What should he do? He walked over to a window and looked out over Lotus Cove, his realm, his domain. When he had been young he had envisioned himself as sect leader, succeeding his father who would have died of old age. Wei Wuxian would have been at his side, supporting him, hopefully helping him manage their sect.

Without noticing it, they had drifted apart. Yes, they had both delighted in extracting their revenge on Wen Chao and he had felt satisfied killing Wen Zhuliu, but what he had truly wanted was Wei Wuxian at his side.

Sighing, he wondered why everything had gone to hell so quickly.

Nevernight had been a disaster. He hadn’t wanted to join the other sects in celebrating their victory over Wen Ruohan. He had long noticed Jin Guangshan’s hunger for power, but he had been unable to act on it.

No matter how long he lived, Jiang Cheng would never forget the maniacal way his brother had laughed after an arrow had pierced his heart. Wei Wuxian had simply pulled it from his chest and had flung it back at the archer, killing him in the process.

He had quickly realized that his brother hadn’t been himself that day, and he had been stunned that the resentful energy hadn’t targeted him as well. After all, he had done nothing to protect his brother.

Jiang Cheng still wondered how his senior sister had managed to run onto the battlefield. Why had she been there in the first place and why had no one stopped her? His heart had almost given up, realizing she had been wounded. And when she had protected Wei Wuxian, sacrificing herself so their brother could live, he had lost his mind.

This was such a mess. Jiang Cheng raised his arm and studied Zidian, his mother’s legacy. The day Wang Lingjao had appeared at Lotus Cove, demanding retribution, his mother had whipped Wei Wuxian. At the time, he hadn’t realized it, but she had been holding back. She could have done way more damage had she used the purple lightning’s full strength. Then she had grabbed them both and had taken them into safety. She might have told Wei Wuxian that he was to blame, but she had saved him. She could have left his brother there to die, but she hadn’t.

In spite of his mother’s often cruel behavior toward Wei Wuxian, she had cared enough to save his life. Jiang Cheng slowly realized that he and his mother were more alike than he had thought. The things they said and the way they felt were often at war with each other.

But he still needed to make a decision. Was he staying at Lotus Cove or leaving for Gusu? Lan Xichen was right; he had lost his entire family and now he had a chance to reclaim his brother. Did he want that?

He did, he finally admitted to himself. He wanted Wei Wuxian in his life again. Sighing, he made up his mind; apparently he was doing this.

//

Wei Wuxian was in pain. Sizhui had briefly taken over his father’s duty as Hanguang-Jun had needed to attend to urgent sect members during Lan Xichen’s absence. Jingyi had sent off a distress call and Lan Wangji had been forced to travel to Mo Manor.

His father’s departure meant that he was currently in charge of Wei Wuxian’s care, which was a daunting task. Thankfully the man was still asleep.

Sizhui had taken his father’s place and sat next to the bed, carefully monitoring his charge. Merely looking at the battered face caused him pain in turn. The medicinal tea thankfully kept him asleep. Once Wei Wuxian woke, the pain would return with it.

So this was the much feared Yiling Patriarch? Wei Wuxian didn’t look like the monster those stories made him out to be. He looked young and vulnerable instead. Hanguang-Jun had held Wei Wuxian’s hand the entire time while his father had been watching over him, and for some reason Sizhui found he wanted to do the same thing.

He didn’t understand why, but the wounded man felt familiar. Even though Wei Wuxian was also the Yiling Patriarch, Sizhui didn’t feel threatened. Gingerly, unsure why he was doing so, he wrapped his fingers around Wei Wuxian’s good hand like his father had done earlier. Wei Wuxian felt cold, his hand was clammy, and the man shivered beneath the blankets Lan Wangji had covered him with.

What did it feel like, living without a golden core? Sizhui had only been cultivating for two years; his golden core was slowly growing in strength, but it didn’t compare to his father’s. What would it be like losing it? The mere thought terrified him.

Wei Wuxian stirred in his sleep, moved about in bed, but then froze, whimpering pitifully. “You’re safe, please remain asleep,” Sizhui whispered, repeating words Lan Wangji had said earlier. “I will watch over you, I promise.” Now that his father couldn’t guard him, he would do so in his stead.

Wei Ying wondered about the voice reassuring him because it wasn’t Lan Zhan’s. Though he was loathe to wake up, as it meant returning to a world of pain, he eventually opened his eyes. Well, at least one of them. The other one only partly opened.

Sizhui’s breath caught now that Wei Wuxian was looking at him. Why wasn’t his father back yet? What was he supposed to do? “Senior Wei?” he said eventually, unsure how to address the other man, who didn’t look that much older than him. “Would you like more tea so you can go back to sleep?”

“Not… yet,” Wei Ying mumbled; he had already been sleeping too much. “Lan… Zhan?” he questioned. Where was the other man?

“Hanguang-Jun was called to assist on a night hunt, but he will be back soon. He didn’t want to leave you.” Sizhui grew nervous, realizing he was still holding Wei Wuxian’s hand. Had the other man noticed that?

Finding that boy holding his hand was odd, but not unwelcome. Wei Ying welcomed the physical contact, though he would have preferred Lan Zhan being the one comforting him. Admitting it was embarrassing, but he had forgotten the youngster’s name. “You are…?”

“Sizhui,” he quickly supplied, understanding only too well that Wei Wuxian’s memory might not be the best at the moment. “I’m his son.” The way Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened would have been comical, if it hadn’t been for the bruises and cuts. The swollen side of Wei Wuxian’s face remained immobile though.

“Son?” What had happened during these past few weeks? He had been fairly sure that when they had parted, Lan Zhan hadn’t mentioned a son! His confidant wasn’t old enough to have one!

Sizhui smiled at seeing the confusion and quickly tried to explain. It wasn’t the first time someone reacted like that since Lan Wangji had never been married. “Hanguang-Jun adopted me. I lost my parents and was left without family. So he took me in.”

Yes, that did sound like something Lan Zhan would do. The man did have a heart of gold, even though he often appeared aloof. “That’s… good.” Lan Zhan would be the best father Sizhui could hope for. The pain was becoming too much to bear and he hated himself for asking for a way out. “Tea?” he half whispered/whimpered, hoping Sizhui understood.

“I will fetch some.” But that meant letting go of Wei Wuxian’s hand and Sizhui was reluctant to do so. “I will be right back,” he promised, but he still couldn’t let go. What was it about Wei Wuxian that felt so familiar? What made him want to protect and care for the other man? Whatever it was, he had to postpone finding out, as Wei Wuxian needed his medicinal tea first.

Sizhui letting go and then carefully placing his hand back on the bed made Wei Ying want to smile reassuringly, but he only managed a grimace. Healing would take him a very long time. Without a golden core, there was no way to speed up his recovery and he had to suffer through it. He watched Sizhui, looking on as the youngster methodically brewed his tea, poured it, and carried it over to the bed, setting it aside so it could cool down.

Unsure what to do, or how to act, Sizhui simply smiled at his charge. “Is there anything else I can do to make you more comfortable?” he asked eventually. Though the silence between them felt comfortable, he did want to offer his help.

“Tell me… about… yourself… or… the Cloud… Recesses...” Wei Ying didn’t do silence well and listening to Sizhui talk would soothe him.

The request surprised Sizhui, but he went along with it, occasionally blowing onto the tea to help it cool down. “I like rabbits. Although pets are forbidden, my father loves bunnies. When I was little he always buried me in them, piling them on top of me. They are soft and wiggly, and even today I love petting them.” He hoped it was something Wei Wuxian wanted to hear as he had no idea what to share.

“Bunnies?” A soft huff of breath escaped him, as he recalled rescuing the bunnies from the cave and setting them free in the forest close to the jingshi. Lan Zhan had never mentioned liking them, but if Sizhui was telling him the truth, and he didn’t doubt that, his soul mate had lied to him. That Lan Zhan was actually capable of lying impressed him.

Sizhui nodded. “They are white and fluffy. I once caught one wearing a Lan headband. I asked my father why a rabbit would wear one, but he simply smiled. He doesn’t smile often.” Maybe losing Wei Wuxian was the reason his father always seemed to glum? Ever since Wei Wuxian had appeared at the Cloud Recesses his father had seemed different – more balanced, and at peace with himself.

The tea had cooled down and Wei Wuxian would be able to sip it, so he carefully placed the cup at the man’s lips. “Slowly,” Sizhui cautioned him.

Tiredly, Wei Ying sipped, slowly emptying the cup. Swallowing hurt, to be honest even breathing did. His chest burned and his leg sent angry waves of pain throughout his body. He was ready to go back to sleep now. “Stay?” he asked when Sizhui placed the cup aside. He didn’t want to be alone right now. Asking Sizhui to stay might be selfish, but he needed the company.

“I will,” Sizhui assured his charge. “I promised my father to watch over you. I’m staying.” He didn’t want to leave anyway, as he was quickly growing fond of Wei Wuxian. “Rest,” he whispered, trying his hardest to sound the way his father had when watching over the injured man.

Wei Ying noticed that, and although he was too tired, and in too much pain to smile, he very much appreciated the gesture. Drifting off into sleep again, he knew how lucky he was to have ended up at the Cloud Recesses, although how that had happened still eluded him. It didn’t matter though; at the moment he was safe and cared for.

TBC

Chapter Text

Part 6

Xichen, who had been meditating, sensed Jiang Wanyin’s approach and opened his eyes. The other sect leader looked pensive, which was a rare sight. It probably indicated that Jiang Wanyin had reached a decision, hopefully the best one for everyone involved.

Jiang Cheng waited for Lan Xichen to rise from the grass before addressing him. “I’ll accompany you to Gusu.” He hoped he had reached the right decision, but staying at Lotus Cove wasn’t an option, not when Wei Wuxian might need him. Realizing that his brother was gravely injured had taken him a while, but when he had, he knew he couldn’t turn his back on him.

Approving of that decision, Xichen nodded. “Before we leave, I need to know that you will act in Wei Wuxian’s best interest. In his current condition he can’t take much. Will you treat him as you did in your youth? You need to keep in mind that Nevernight never happened. This Wei Wuxian is the same person who escaped Lotus Cove alongside you and your sister. You can’t tell him about Lady Yanli’s death either -not yet.”

Jiang Cheng wasn’t sure he agreed, but nodded nonetheless. “I will try my best.” Acting like nothing had happened between them would be challenging, but he wanted to try. “Is he really that badly injured?”

“He is. And without his golden core he will need your support during his recovery.” Having his brother at his side might be the incentive Wei Wuxian needed to fight harder.

“His core is really gone?” Jiang Cheng cringed and failed to hide that particular reaction, as he vividly remembered how weak, cold, and miserable he had been after Wen Zhuliu had crushed his.

“His core is gone. Wangji and I both checked on it.” Jiang Wanyin started walking and Xichen fell into pace with the other man. “Maybe you should alter your appearance. I don’t remember you looking that stern when you attended our lectures.”

“Humph,” escaped Jiang Cheng, as he hadn’t realized he might have to slip into a persona he had long left behind. “The clothes will have to do, I’m not changing them.” But he did loosen his hairdo slightly, letting strands tumble in front of his face. “Better?” He almost sneered that word, but restrained himself at the last moment. He would also have to watch his manners around Wei Wuxian.

“It will do,” Xichen chuckled, having realized that the buff exterior was merely a front. Jiang Wanyin struggled with his emotions and expressing them was a challenge. It made the other man unpredictable and hard to read. “For what it is worth, I think you made the right decision.”

Jiang Cheng really hoped so too.

//

Wangji hurried back to the hanshi. Finding a heavily contaminated sword at Mo Manor, practically breathing the energy that had once surrounded the Tiger Seal, had been utterly unexpected. Though, maybe he should have known something like that might happen. After all, Wei Ying had also been returned to them.

Seeing Sizhui holding Wei Ying’s hand and guarding their charge made Wangji stop walking and study his son. It was only a matter of time before Sizhui remembered the man who had once planted him in the earth and who had carried him around, always safely tucked away on his hip. This Wei Ying might not know A-Yuan, but Sizhui was their son nonetheless. Wangji didn’t doubt that they would quickly grow close. “Sizhui,” he said while joining his little family.

Family… That realization was instant and complete. Wangji had a little family now; a husband, and a son, and he was determined to keep them both safe. “How is he?”

Although Sizhui was relieved to find his father had returned, he also felt caught, as he was still holding Wei Wuxian’s hand. Every so often, spasms coursed thought the injured man’s fingers and he had found that gently squeezing them helped subdue them. “He woke up some time ago, we talked a little, and then I helped him drink the medicinal tea, just as you instructed.”

“You talked?” Wangji sat down on the side of the bed and reverently placed the palm of his hand on Wei Ying’s brow to check for fever.

“About bunnies, yes. He seemed surprised to hear you like rabbits.” Sizhui uncurled his fingers, let go of Wei Wuxian’s hand, and tucked the blanket closer around the sleeping man’s form. “He was also surprised to hear that you’re my father. I explained to him that you adopted me.”

Hopefully Sizhui hadn’t revealed too much. “I can very well imagine his surprise. After all, to him, I’m not that old. He thinks we’re the same age. Back then the title of Hanguang-Jun was still new to me.”

Sizhui hadn’t fully realized that. “How old is he?”

Which was an excellent question. “Eighteen? Twenty?” he guessed. Maybe Jiang Wanyin, should the man join them, could tell them.

“In that case his surprise makes sense. If he believes that you adopted me when you were that young,” Sizhui said and chuckled.

“Wei Ying wasn’t that much older when he adopted you, Sizhui.” At that tender age Wei Ying had taken on a responsibility even elders shied away from.

“Adopted me?” Sizhui blinked. Had his father really said…?

Oh, Wangji realized his mistake too late, but now that he had slipped up, he had better tell Sizhui what had happened back then. Their son deserved to know the truth and it would help them to grow close again. “I should probably tell you...”

//

Sizhui’s head reeled after the things his father had revealed. His real name was Wen Yuan and he had been part of the Wen survivors who had lived at the Burial Mounds. He had heard of them during his history lessons, but he had never imagined having been one of them.

Wei Wuxian adopting him and even telling Hanguang-Jun that he was the boy’s mother had shocked him at first, but later, he had giggled. In the back of his mind, he did remember someone mothering him, carrying him around, and planting him in the earth. Staring at Wei Wuxian, he was finally able to identify the man he had once called Xian-gege. It had been Wei Wuxian burying him alongside radishes and turnips.

“Is that why he feels familiar?” Sizhui had reclaimed Wei Wuxian’s hand, rubbing the fingers that trembled within his. Lan Wangji had made himself comfortable on the bed, closely watching Wei Wuxian. His father’s right hand rested on their patient’s brow, while his left monitored Wei Wuxian’s breathing, positioned on his chest. “Is that why I want to hold an and never let go?” he inclined his head, pointing out the way he couldn’t stop clutching Wei Wuxian’s hand.

“You always held his hand back then. Wei Ying would make sure you remained on your feet whenever you threatened to trip. He sat you on his hip and carried you around. When he told me he had given birth to you, I believed him,” he admitted and actually blushed slightly. Those were fond memories.

How many times had he cursed himself for leaving his little family? He should have stayed at the Burial Mounds in order to protect them. When he had walked into Yunmeng he hadn’t known he had a son. When he had left, he had been a father, but he had never realized it.

Seeing his often reserved father grow flustered was a sight to behold and Sizhui grinned. But then he sobered, realizing, “But this Wei Wuxian never did those things.”

Wangji nodded. “He would have, but he somehow ended up here instead of at the Burial Mounds. I still wonder why and how.” Maybe one day he would find out, but for now he needed to focus on his husband’s recovery.

//

To his surprise, Jiang Cheng grew nervous now that they had arrived at the Cloud Recesses. He had even started fidgeting with his hair, trying to loosen the normally strict hairdo even more. Maybe he should remove the elaborate hair ornament? Wei Wuxian might wonder about it, but in the end, he decided against it.

Xichen noticed his companion’s rising agitation, but ignored it for the time being. Mentioning it might only increase Jiang Wanyin’s anxiety. He hadn’t thought the other man would be this apprehensive about meeting his brother. “Wangji is currently watching over Wei Wuxian. You might find your brother asleep and it would be best to not wake him. Would you mind waiting for him to wake up out of his own accord?”

“I will do my best to be patient,” was the best promise he could give Lan Xichen. Now that they were ascending the stairs to the terrace of the hanshi, his hands had turned sweaty and his heart definitely raced inside his chest. “Is it really him?” What if Lan Xichen had made a mistake in judgment?

“See for yourself,” Xichen said soothingly, opening the door and signaling for Jiang Wanyin to enter. Hopefully the other man could control his emotions upon meeting Wei Wuxian.

Jiang Cheng’s steps faltered when he caught sight of Lan Wangji meditating next to the bed. Shifting his gaze, he stared at the man asleep in it. He was hesitant to look, afraid to be disappointed, but at the same time, he needed to know for sure. Was it really Wei Wuxian?

“You can approach the bed,” Xichen encouraged the other sect leader when Jiang Wanyin came to a stop. Wangji opened his eyes and the two brother exchanged a look. Xichen hadn’t thought Jiang Wanyin to be so hesitant to approach. To be honest, he had expected the other man to be lashing out at Wei Wuxian by now. Seeing the other sect leader this pensive and calm was new.

Wangji wasn’t sure how he felt about Jiang Wanyin’s presence. The man was the very reason why he had failed to save Wei Ying that day at Nevernight. If it hadn’t been for Jiang Wanyin striking at that rock, he might have been able to pull Wei Ying into safety. He doubted that he would ever find it in his heart to forgive Jiang Wanyin for taking Wei Ying away from him. And now that the man advanced on the bed, he was determined to keep a close eye on him. At the first sign of trouble, he would remove Jiang Wanyin from the hanshi.

Jiang Cheng never noticed Lan Wangji’s alertness. His gaze was fixed upon the busted face of the man in the bed. Lan Xichen hadn’t exaggerated when the other man had said that Wei Wuxian was severely injured. It really was bad. Taking another step closer to the bed, he momentarily forgot to breathe.

Yes, by now he had recognized his brother in spite of the bruises and fractures which Wei Wuxian had suffered to his face. “It’s him.” How could this be? But he was certain the man asleep in the bed was his brother. His heart would always recognize the boy he had grown up with.

Sixteen years ago Wei Wuxian had fallen to his death. Sixteen years ago he had searched for his brother’s remains, but hadn’t found any. The only thing he had found had been Chenqing and he knew Wei Wuxian would never willingly part from her, which meant his brother must be dead. Looking at Lan Xichen for guidance, Jiang Cheng fought for composure.

Xichen took pity on the stunned man and offered, “Wei Wuxian might make a full recovery, but I can’t say for sure. Without his core to help him heal, he might remain incapacitated. If you can find it in your heart to care for him, please do.” He knew that their relationship was complicated, but they would always remain brothers. They might not be related by blood, but they were in spirit. The brotherly bond that bound them was strong.

Seeing how protective Lan Wangji acted toward Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng thought it be best to first ask permission to proceed. “May I?” He needed to touch; needed to convince himself that Wei Wuxian was real. That this wasn’t a hallucination or someone playing tricks on him. He needed to touch Wei Wuxian.

Wangji nodded, though he monitored Jiang Wanyin’s movement very carefully. The man’s expression gave him hope; maybe the sect leader would accept his brother into his life again. He had long stopped trying to figure out what made Jiang Wanyin tick.

Seating himself on other the side of the bed, Jiang Cheng studied the sleeping man. He cringed at realizing how badly injured Wei Wuxian was. If Wei Wuxian really lacked a golden core, recovery –if that was possible– would take weeks, though months seemed more likely.

“Wei Wuxian?” Jiang Cheng whispered, wondering where to touch. He should stay clear of bandages and bruises, but… In the end, he gently wrapped his fingers around Wei Wuxian’s left hand, as the right was splinted and bandaged.

A voice, familiar yet unexpected, roused Wei Ying from his slumber. The pain was always there, close to the surface and trying to grab hold of him. Sleep was the only thing that somewhat subdued it. For one moment he had thought that he had heard his brother say his name. But Jiang Cheng wasn’t here, was he? Opening one eye was fairly easy, but he only managed to peek with his other.

What he saw made him gasp in surprise. “Cheng!” he managed, though his bruised jaw made him regret ever calling out in the first place. Once he realized that his brother was real and even holding his hand, Wei Ying tried to move, to get as close as possible to the other man. He instantly paid the price for wanting to move his body, as it retaliated with crippling agony. Damn, he really had to stay still!

“Wei Wuxian, it’s really you.” Jiang Cheng had fully expected to never hear his brother’s voice again, and he hated how shaky Wei Wuxian sounded. ”You’re in pain,” he observed, his voice trembled as well, but for a different reason. “You fool! What did you do to get yourself into trouble this time?” If only he could wrap his arms around him and hold him close, shield him from the cruel world, which had hurt him.

“Wen… Chao…” Wei Ying fought the pain moving through his skull and descending into his spine whenever he spoke. “Sorry, I… wasn’t there… I… promised you…” He desperately needed Jiang Cheng to know that he hadn’t deserted his brother on purpose and in order to achieve that, he gathered his strength. “I waited… You… didn’t come… Wen Chao… did,” was all he was capable of before his jaw seemed to lock in place, rendering him mute.

Jiang Cheng stared at his brother in shock and swallowed hard. Wei Wuxian’s admission meant that everything Lan Xichen had told him was true. Wei Wuxian had remained at the inn, waiting for him, but Wen Chao had gotten to him first.

“I’m here now. I will take care of you. Keep you safe,” Jiang Cheng promised, recalling making a similar promise when he had been little; he had made it upon realizing just how scared his new brother was of dogs.

“I’m sorry too,” Jiang Cheng whispered, for not reaching out to his brother when they had grown apart. “I need you at my side.” Realizing how much he had missed his brother was a slow and painful process, and only now that they had been reunited, his heart reminded him how much he used to love Wei Wuxian.

In spite of the dire situation he was in, Wei Ying felt happy and managed something that resembled a smile. It wasn’t just Lan Zhan who wanted to look after him, his brother too. Everything would change for the better now that Jiang Cheng was here.

Jiang Cheng noticed the distorted smile and his heart broke a little. He didn’t want to address this, but had no choice as he needed to know what they were up against. “Lan Xichen told me that your core is gone.” He waited then, watched Wei Wuxian closely, and noticed the way his brother instantly shut down. “Wei Wuxian, is that true?” Sometimes his brother needed a bit of persuasion when it came to admitting the truth.

His jaw refused to move, making it impossible for Wei Ying to answer, so he settled for squeezing his brother’s fingers instead. He lacked strength and was appallingly weak, but Jiang Cheng would understand.

“It really is gone?” A deadly rage threatened to consume Jiang Cheng. “Was it Wen Zhuliu?”

Wei Ying wanted to lie. He wanted to tell Jiang Cheng yes by squeezing once more, but he couldn’t. He had always been a bad liar and that hadn’t changed. Instead, he remained still. He didn’t try to speak, neither did he squeeze his brother’s fingers.

Wangji and Xichen noticed the lack of response as well. It only strengthened Xichen’s suspicion that the core had somehow been surgically removed. Why else wouldn’t Wei Wuxian admit Wen Zhuliu had caused it?

Wangji was slowly realizing the same thing. Another, even more troubling thought came to him. One which had doubtlessly registered with his brother as well, judging by the trepidation showing in Xichen’s eyes. Jiang Cheng had lost his core, had been miraculously healed, and now Wei Ying’s core was gone instead.

An accomplished doctor like Wen Qing might have found a way to accomplish such a transfer. If that was the case, than Jiang Wanyin’s original core was still gone and the one circulating and boosting his spiritual power was Wei Ying’s.

Hearing Lan Zhan gasp alerted and alarmed Wei Ying. Lan Zhan was smart; if anyone could figure out why his core was gone it would be him, Wei Ying knew that. Avoiding Jiang Cheng’s gaze for now, he looked at Lan Xichen instead and saw a similar expression in those normally calm eyes. The sorrow that now colored their expression told him that the older man had realized the truth as well. They couldn’t tell Jiang Cheng though! His brother could never know!

Jiang Cheng wondered what all those looks were about, as he had noticed them too. The two brothers seemed shocked; what was eluding him? What did they know that he didn’t?

“I will find out who did this you, and when I do, I will make them pay,” Jiang Cheng promised fiercely. No one hurt his brother like that. No one took away Wei Wuxian’s core. He still remembered how it had felt –being without his core. He had hated every minute of it.

Wei Ying closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax. His secret was still safe and hopefully it stayed that way. The pain was pulling him under and fighting it was a struggle, but he didn’t want to let go yet. He wanted to hold on to the knowledge that his brother had come for him.

His brother’s pitiful state bothered Jiang Cheng more than he wanted them to know. Seeing Wei Wuxian incapacitated like that was wrong. His brother wasn’t supposed to hurt.

“You tried healing him?” Jiang Cheng recalled, addressing Lan Xichen, who was brewing tea. The scent of medicinal herbs told him they had been using it to put his brother to sleep.

“We did,” Wangji replied. “But without a golden core, our spiritual energy has no way to anchor itself inside his body.” But no matter how long it took Wei Ying to heal, he would always be at his husband’s side.

“Can I try?” Jiang Cheng had no experience healing someone, but how different could it be from healing himself? Wei Wuxian shuddered and he moved closer, sitting next to his brother and resting his right hand close to the heart and bandages that hid the Wen burn mark. He still recalled the way his brother had used his own body to shield Mianmian from Wang Lingjao. The scar that stretched across his brother’s abdomen looked awfully familiar and made him flinch.

“It won’t work,” Lan Xichen said gently, as he placed the freshly brewed tea close to the bed, but he also knew Jiang Wanyin had to find out for himself. The other man would try healing Wei Wuxian anyway, so it might be best to supervise the attempt and then to pick up the pieces when Jiang Wanyin realized how helpless they were. “But you can try.”

Wangji understood his brother’s reasons for allowing this, but he also realized that Jiang Wanyin would be as devastated as they had been after trying. Nodding at Xichen, he remained close as well, ready to intervene should Jiang Wanyin throw a tantrum or experience a breakdown.

Hearing Jiang Cheng say that he wanted to heal him, touched something deep inside Wei Ying. Healing his brother by giving Jiang Cheng his golden core had been what had driven him back then as well. Opening his eyes slightly, he looked at Jiang Cheng, wishing he could speak, tell his brother how much he loved him and that he would do whatever it took to keep Jiang Cheng safe.

Feeling Wei Wuxian’s gaze upon him, Jiang Cheng made eye contact. His brother didn’t need words to tell him how much he cared; he could easily read that in the other man’s facial features, no matter how distorted they were. “I’m going to try anyway,” he decided. He didn’t doubt that the two brothers had tried healing Wei Wuxian, but he needed to find out for himself.

Gathering his spiritual energy and focusing it in to his fingertips, Jiang Cheng rested them at the inside of his brother’s wrist, cringing when he found the skin there black and blue. “I’m sorry they did this to you.” If he could, he would make them pay, but Wen Chao, Wen Zhuliu, and Wang Lingjao were long dead.

Wei Ying wanted to tell his brother that it didn’t matter; that as long as Jiang Cheng was fine, that he was fine as well. He could deal with the pain; he had been in agony for one day and two nights once and the pain the core transfer had caused him had been worse than this. At least this time around he got a reprieve when he went to sleep.

Suddenly a golden spark erupted from Jiang Cheng’s fingertips. He willed it into his brother’s body, willed it to bring relief and healing. This was his brother; he wasn’t giving up so easily. “Heal him, damn it,” he cursed, trying to bully his spiritual energy into doing what the two brothers had claimed was impossible.

TBC

Chapter Text

Part 7

At seeing the golden energy seep into Wei Ying’s skin and then spread throughout the rest of the body, Wangji’s eyes widened. He wasn’t prone to showing his surprise, but Wei Ying’s body accepting the healing energy stunned him. “Brother,” he gasped, looking at Xichen and seeing his surprise mirrored in Xichen’s eyes. “This can’t be happening! His core is gone!”

Xichen nodded and moved closer. He knelt next to Jiang Wanyin and watched the spiritual energy enter Wei Wuxian’s arm and from there, spread throughout his patient’s chest, cloaking him in a golden hue. “I don’t understand this either,” he admitted, when Wangji rested a hand on Wei Wuxian’s brow.

Jiang Cheng didn’t care why it was working; the only thing that mattered was that his brother’s body accepted the healing energy. It was more than that though; Wei Wuxian’s center eagerly reached for it, pulling it close, almost hoarding it and begging for more. He couldn’t explain the feeling, but as his energy moved through the injured body and instinctively reached for his brother’s core, he suddenly realized how familiar Wei Wuxian felt. How compatible they were. He froze in shock.

Wei Ying hadn’t known this would happen. If he had, he would have found a way to stop Jiang Cheng from doing this. But Wen Qing had taken out his golden core, leaving nothing behind and he had never known this was even possible.

Jiang Cheng’s spiritual energy, although managed by his own former golden core, shouldn’t be able to connect with him. But Wei Ying was too drained to react. Instead, he closed his eyes, let the warmth cradle him and drive away the perpetual cold that enveloped him. A familiar energy now made its way into his chest, settled down near his heart and started warming him from the inside, much like his core once had.

“I…” Jiang Cheng could only stare at the spiritual energy that traveled down an easily established and stabile link that now connected his golden core to his brother. The only conclusion he could possible reach left him stunned. Now he knew why they had identical scars running across their abdomen.

“What did you do?” Jiang Cheng questioned eventually, staring at his older brother, whose facial features still carried the signs of the suffering Wei Wuxian had endured. “Don’t tell me that Wen Qing and you played me. Did you….”

Shaken, Jiang Cheng wished the wounded man would look at him, but he could tell that Wei Wuxian was in shock; his brother couldn’t hear him. The amount of healing energy flooding his exhausted body had rendered Wei Wuxian momentarily helpless.

Xichen, who was hesitant to address the matter, knew someone had to, and so he whispered, “Your brother’s body carries has an odd scar.” He leaned in closer and pointed out the thin, ridged line that marred Wei Wuxian’s abdomen. “I wasn’t sure at first, but now I can safely say that his core was surgically removed.” How would Jiang Wanyin react to finding out the truth? A truth that took all three of them aback?

Seeing tears flowing down his brother’s face, Xichen’s heart went out to Wangji. How much did Wei Wuxian love Jiang Cheng to give him his core?

“The idiot!” Jiang Cheng was furious and tempted to walk away from this, but he couldn’t. Wei Wuxian needed him; needed his healing energy. Only he could help the injured man heal and now he knew why. “The fool gave me his core!”

Jiang Cheng shook his head, glared at Wei Wuxian, and wasn’t even aware of the tears bursting from his eyes, dripping from his face, and landing on Wei Wuxian’s brow. “Why did you do that?” During these past sixteen years he had never suspected a thing!

Yes, Jiang Cheng had felt stronger after he had regained his core, but had assumed that it was due to Baoshan Sanren healing him. It had never crossed his mind that it was Wei Wuxian’s golden core enabling him to cultivate. “You idiot!” Throwing caution to the wind, he gathered his brother in his arms and held him close.

Wei Ying’s breath caught at the sudden movement; the discomfort he was now in forced him to pay attention. But the pain receded and warmth replaced it; a familiar warmth. He had missed feeling like that.

“I’m so angry with you!” Jiang Cheng ranted, but at the same time he made sure that a steady amount of healing energy entered his brother’s system. “Why do you do these things? Why did you fool me into believing that it was Baoshan Sanren who healed me? You’re going to pay for this once you’re back on your feet! Don’t think you’re getting off easy!” Crying hot tears, he clutched his brother close to his chest, willing him to heal, willing broken bones to mend.

But even healing energy had its limits. And although minor fractures had begun to heal and most bruises had faded, healing the broken leg and ribs needed more time. Also, the burn, which Wang Lingjao’s hot iron had worsened, wouldn’t heal that easily.

But Wei Ying had to admit that Jiang Cheng giving him that much healing energy took the edge off the pain. “Stop,” he whispered, his head buried against his brother’s chest. Apparently his jaw was behaving again and healing. “Don’t exhaust yourself,” he hadn’t given Jiang Cheng his core for his brother to drain himself.

“Shut up,” Jiang Cheng scoffed hotly. “You don’t get to tell me what to do after you went behind my back to fix my core. You gave me yours and never asked me if I was fine with that.” Furious with his brother, his spiritual energy surged and sent a powerful spike down the link, causing Wei Wuxian to freeze against him and yelp softly. “Sorry,” Jiang Cheng offered at once. Getting back in control of his emotions took effort though. “What were you thinking?” And why hadn’t he, in sixteen long years, ever suspected a thing?

Knowing better than to admit what he had done, Wei Ying claimed, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Once he told Jiang Cheng that his brother was right, mayhem would ensue.

“Oh, you do! Don’t take me for a fool! Wen Qing helped you. The two of you lured me onto that mountain. The woman waiting for me was her, not Baoshan Sanren! Don’t lie to me, Wei Wuxian!” The only way for his brother to redeem himself was to admit the truth.

Recognizing that particular tone, Wei Ying sighed and felt relieved that his ribs no longer ached that badly. “Jiang Cheng…”

“Tell me the truth or I’m going to break your –“ Jiang Cheng stopped himself just in time, reminding himself that Wei Wuxian’s leg was badly fractured already. “Wei Wuxian, you shouldn’t have done that.” Irritated, because his brother refused to look at him, he placed a hand beneath Wei Wuxian’s chin and lifted it. “Look me in the eye and tell me I’ve got it wrong. That you didn’t give me your core. You can’t, can you? Because it’s the truth!”

It was all there –in Wei Wuxian’s eyes– the guilt, but also the conviction that his older brother had done the right thing. Wen Qing was dead. She couldn’t help Jiang Cheng figure this out, but maybe Lan Xichen could find out how she had accomplished the core transfer and then he would give it back. No matter how much he dreaded a future without a golden core, he refused to keep what wasn’t his.

He couldn’t lie to his brother and thus Wei Ying failed to speak up. He had given Jiang Cheng his core; it was the truth and he couldn’t lie. “Jiang Cheng… please accept it,” he whispered instead, knowing he was pleading guilty, but denying it wouldn’t help either.

Jiang Cheng closed his eyes and prayed for patience where his pigheaded brother was concerned. Once he had managed to compose himself again –somewhat– he reestablished eye contact, finding that the closed and swollen eye was almost healed. Some bruising remained, but Wei Wuxian could use it again. Jiang Cheng wasn’t done discussing this, but for now, he should focus on his brother’s recovery. “You’re improving.”

Wei Ying had realized the same thing; the pain was bearable by now. “Thank you,” he mumbled and lowered his gaze again. The expression in Jiang Cheng’s eyes told of his brother’s displeasure.

Xichen had kept his distance until now, but he needed to check on his patient. Though Wei Wuxian seemed much improved, he had to make sure the injured man was comfortable. “May I examine him?” he asked Jiang Wanyin after seeing the fierce protectiveness reflected in the other man’s eyes.

“That depends. If you’re asking me to stop giving him healing energy, then no.” Jiang Cheng was going to do whatever he could to help Wei Wuxian heal.

“You don’t have to stop,” Xichen quickly reassured him. “You can continue.”

“In that case, yes.” Jiang Cheng refused to let go just yet and clutched Wei Wuxian against his chest. “Wei Wuxian, don’t even consider struggling free. You’re too weak for that.” He knew his brother best.

Wei Ying had considered pulling away and breaking the connection, but something was happening where his core used to be. Something was changing; the cold had left and warmth was settling down. It almost felt like his core was back.

Remaining out of the way and limiting himself to watching Jiang Wanyin healing Wei Ying took a lot out of Wangji, who wanted nothing more than to hold his husband close instead. But iron discipline helped him stay in the back and let the two men attend to Wei Ying. He would have his moment later.

Xichen frowned; he used his own spiritual energy to examine his patient and didn’t know what to think of the golden energy now settling down in Wei Wuxian’s chest. Theoretically, such a thing was impossible as there was nothing left for the energy to anchor itself to, and yet, it was growing stronger, almost as if…

“Brother?” Wangji had seen the wonder on Xichen’s face. “What’s amiss?” What could possibly be wrong? Wei Ying looked stronger, bruises were fading, and the facial features had relaxed now that the bruised jaw had been healed.

“It seems like…” Xichen wondered how to explain this, “It can’t be, but it seems Wei Wuxian is growing a new core and it’s using Jiang Wanyin’s spiritual energy to stabilize itself.” He hadn’t even known such a thing was possible!

Wangji found it impossible to say who looked more shocked. Jiang Wanyin, who appeared relieved beyond belief or Wei Ying, whose big eyes spoke of utter disbelief. “How certain of this are you, brother?”

“Quite certain,” Xichen acknowledged after probing the small and fragile golden core that now occupied Wei Wuxian’s chest. “It’s nowhere as strong as it used to be, but it’s there.”

Xichen then allowed for a smile to break through on his features, which had been solemn before. “Wei Wuxian, apparently your body and core are still linked. Once your brother started giving you healing energy, the two of them connected again. Though I would suggest you take a break, Jiang Wanyin. You shouldn’t exhaust yourself. If you want to continue healing your brother, you should rest for a short while.”

Jiang Cheng was loathe to stop, but he realized that Lan Xichen had made a valid point. “Don’t think you can get rid of me that easily, Wei Wuxian! I’ll keep a very close eye on you. Don’t you dare run away from this, do you hear me? Tell me!” Using his hold on his brother, he gently maneuvered Wei Wuxian into a slightly upright position so they could make eye contact. “Promise me not to do anything stupid. Stay here and rest. Promise me, you fool!”

What could he do except giving in? “I promise.” Wei Ying wasn’t looking forward to his brother’s tantrum, which Jiang Cheng would throw at some point. But he didn’t want to leave his brother again. Even more importantly, he wanted to stay with Lan Zhan as well. The two men meant the world to him and he couldn’t bear the thought of being alone again. He needed them.

“Make sure to remember that promise when you want to sneak off.” Slowly, Jiang Cheng pulled his spiritual energy back into himself, temporarily closing their connection, and with that came an immense sense of loss. He had never felt that connected to his brother before. He loved Wei Wuxian; it was as simple as that and Jiang Cheng didn’t want him to be in pain. That was why simply placing Wei Wuxian back onto the bed wouldn’t do. Seeking out Lan Wangji’s gaze, he nodded, indicating that the other man should take his place and hold Wei Wuxian.

Wangji acted at once. When Jiang Wanyin got to his feet and vacated his spot, he sat down and pulled Wei Ying into his arms. “Thank you,” he told the sect leader. Jiang Wanyin could have denied Wei Ying, could have let him to suffer, but instead, the other man had reached out and helped.

Jiang Cheng settled for nodding and then reluctantly allowed Lan Xichen to help him to his feet. “I didn’t know healing someone was that exhausting!”

“You gave too much of yourself,” Xichen explained, having experienced the same fatigue many times before. “Let me show you to the guest room.”

“I’m not leaving the hanshi,” Jiang Cheng stated, still looking at his brother, who now settled down in Lan Wangji’s arms. Wei Wuxian might never have realized it, but Jiang Cheng had noticed the interest on Hanguang-Jun’s part. Had seen him mourn and long for Wei Wuxian’s return. And judging from the way his brother now stared at Lan Wangji, the attraction was mutual. He huffed, wondering if they would ever tell each other.

“We’re not leaving,” Xichen quickly assured the other sect leader. He noticed that Wangji was moving onto his side, so his brother could hold Wei Wuxian with his whole body, protectively wrapping himself around the recovering man.

“We should give them some privacy,” Xichen told his companion, wondering if Jiang Wanyin was willing to accept their relationship. Hearing the other sect leader snort and seeing him nod, reassured Xichen. Jiang Wanyin knew and wasn’t getting in the way –good.

Jiang Cheng allowed Lan Xichen to guide him to the guest room and sat down on the bed. Stretching onto his back, he sighed and stared at the ceiling. “Did you know?” he wondered.

“What about?” Xichen seated himself at the foot end of the bed, knowing only too well that he should keep an eye on Jiang Wanyin for the time being. After all, the other man lacked experience in healing and had exhausted himself.

Where to start? Eventually Jiang Cheng settled on, “Wei Wuxian giving me his core?”

“I suspected something like that might have happened when I saw the scar, but I wasn’t sure.”

Jiang Cheng nodded. “Do you know how I realized what he did?” He turned his head and made eye contact. When Xichen shook his head, he revealed, “Because I have an identical scar at the exact same spot. It must have been Wen Qing. She took out his core and then gave it to me.”

“It explains a lot, doesn’t it?” Xichen observed, “Wei Wuxian keeping everyone at a distance, choosing demonic cultivation and using Chenqing instead of Suibian to deal with his enemies.”

“I don’t know what happened to Suibian,” Jiang Cheng admitted, “but I collected Chenqing that day when I checked for his remains at Nevernight.” He closed his eyes and rubbed his brow. “I should have known that something was wrong when he refused to carry Suibian. I even ridiculed him for it.”

“Without a golden core Wei Wuxian couldn’t wield his sword.” Xichen pointed out and then smiled; Jiang Wanyin’s way of dealing with the current situation pleased him. The other man was acting in a respectful and rational way. “But now that you have started restoring his core, he will be able to cultivate by practicing swords again.”

“Cultivating the right way,” Jiang Cheng whispered. He pushed himself up to his elbows and rested his back against the bed railing so he could continue to study Lan Xichen. “Knowing such a young version of him is in the next room is mindboggling. I lost one brother sixteen years ago, and now a different one has returned. I don’t want to lose him again.” Admitting this was hard, but he went ahead anyway, “I haven’t acted the way a brother should for decades.”

Xichen reminded him, “No matter what happens, you’ll always love him. You want to see him healed and happy. No matter what happened in the past, you now have the future to look forward to.”

“I just hope that I won’t screw this up,” Jiang Cheng mumbled. Both of them had screwed up in the past, but that ended now. He was going to act like the wise and respected sect leader he had always hoped to be. The Wei Wuxian resting in the other room was sixteen years younger than him. That Wei Wuxian didn’t know how badly they had fallen out, and this time he vowed to stop things from falling apart again.

//

Wangji savored the feeling of holding the one he loved so close. He was careful not to jostle the still healing man, but Wei Ying was snuggled close and Wangji carefully tucked his husband’s head beneath his chin. To this Wei Ying, what had happened in the cold cave pond, had occurred only recently –just a few weeks ago. He might be able to use that to his advantage, for he didn’t intend to continue to hide their marriage. “I can brew more tea so you can go back to sleep.”

Wei Ying didn’t want that; he was comfortable the way he was. “Don’t, please stay instead.” He felt warm, he was in Lan Zhan’s arms and his brother was helping him heal. Even more importantly, Jiang Cheng had threatened him, which meant his brother still loved him. He knew that Jiang Cheng’s mind worked in mysterious ways.

“Are you in much pain?” If Wei Ying was, he would prepare that tea at any rate.

“It’s tolerable. I’ve been through worse.” The discomfort he was currently in didn’t compare to having his core taken out. “Lan Zhan, do you think your uncle will allow me to stay?” He liked the Cloud Recesses, where it was peaceful, and even more importantly, it was Lan Zhan’s home. And he wanted to be where Lan Zhan was.

“If he doesn’t, I will take you to Lotus Cove and we will live with your brother.” Wangji had pondered what to do should Lan Qiren react badly to a reborn Wei Ying living at the Cloud Recesses. He would miss his brother, but Wei Ying was the other half of his soul. “I won’t allow us to be separated ever again.”

Had he ever heard Lan Zhan speak with such conviction before? “You can’t make such a vow. You have no idea what the future will bring.”

Wangji disliked that answer. “Wei Ying, look at me if you can?” Wei Ying shifted slightly and he quickly supported his love. “Don’t overexert yourself,” he tempered him.

“I’m fine. My leg still hurts, but I can manage.” His still mending ribs ached as well, but the pain was bearable. With Lan Zhan’s help, he managed to shift in such a way that he could easily maintain eye contact and he smiled, happy that the pain was receding. He had his brother to thank for that.

He also owed Jiang Cheng for the new golden core that now radiated warmth throughout his exhausted body. Yes, it was weak, but he hadn’t been born with a strong golden core and remembered what it had been like before he had started cultivating.

Wei Ying had had to cultivate like everyone else and he could do that again. It would take time, but it was nothing to worry about. “What is it, Lan Zhan?” Why did the other man want him to make eye contact?

“I didn’t leave your side that day in the cold cave pond either, did I?” Maybe Wei Ying would realize the truth by himself.

“You didn’t,” Wei Ying’s smile brightened. “By the way, can I ask you something?” He wasn’t sure he should bring this up, but he had been wondering.

Wangji’s heart picked up in speed now that a familiar, naughty expression had appeared in Wei Ying’s eyes. “Anything you want.”

Lan Zhan might regret that, Wei Ying thought amused. “I do hope that you never told anyone that you gave me your headband, as only parents and significant others may touch it. If one was inclined to do so, one could say that you giving me your headband indicates you accepted me as your husband.” He felt rather smug about pointing that out and was looking forward to embarrassing Lan Zhan. Would he succeed in making him blush?

So Wei Ying had known? Or at least suspected it? Pleased, Wangji smiled. “You are right. You are my husband and therefore I shouldn’t have left you in the first place. I will never forsake you again.” That clearly wasn’t the reaction Wei Ying had expected; his husband gasping for breath told him so. “Don’t worry, you don’t need to dress accordingly to our sect’s rules. And I won’t force our rules upon you either. You’re a free spirit. Taming you wouldn’t do.”

Lan Zhan so readily agreeing to his observation was the last thing Wei Ying had expected. “You…? But I was only joking!”

“I’m not.” Wangji guided Wei Ying’s left hand to his lips and pressed a kiss onto its back. A quick look told him, that although the fingers of his husband’s right hand had straightened, they still weren’t healed and so he cautiously gathered the limb and rested it against his chest. “Wei Ying, we are married and you are my husband.”

Wei Ying wasn’t sure what to make of that development. He had really merely been joking! “Your brother will surely object! And what about your uncle?”

“Xichen knows.” Wangji wasn’t giving Wei Ying a way out. “And he approves. Once he learns that I finally told you he will be happy. He wanted me to tell you right from the start.”

“And master Lan? He will never approve.” Lan Qiren hated him, Wei Ying was convinced of that.

Wei Ying was probably right about that, but that wasn’t going to stop Wangji. “If he disapproves, we will make Lotus Cove our home. I’m sure that your brother will welcome us with open arms.” Wangji knew that Jiang Wanyin had once named the two brothers the Pride Twins of Yunmeng. That could still happen, though sixteen years late.

Maybe he would leave the Cloud Recesses anyway. Except for Xichen and Sizhui nothing kept him here. His uncle’s tendency to harshly punish even a minor violation of their rules was becoming harder to accept. “Would you like that? Living at Lotus Cove?” Wei Ying’s eyes gave the other man away as they radiated joy.

“I do, but I can’t ask you to leave your home.” Wei Ying would help his brother rebuild Lotus Cove and then they would make sure Jiang sect was never attacked like that again. Now that this golden core was growing back he could actually help!

“You’re not asking. I’m offering. There’s a difference,” Stroking Wei Ying’s matted hair, he realized that his husband hadn’t probably bathed yet. Once Jiang Wanyin had healed Wei Ying a bit more, they might be able to arrange for a quick bath.

Catching Wei Ying yawn, Wangji’s fingertips glided along his love’s eyelids, He relished being able to do so again. Wei Ying promptly closed them when fatigue got the better of him. “You need to rest. And when you wake up again, you shall eat.” Wei Ying must be starving!

“That sounds nice.” Wei Ying buried himself in Lan Zhan’s embrace. Thinking of his soul mate as his husband took time, but knowing they were bound in that way eased his mind and helped him doze off.

Wangji waited for Wei Ying’s breathing to even out and then he closed his eyes as well, letting the tears, which he had been holding back, finally fall.

So much had happened during these past few days. He had experienced so many mixed emotions, but at the moment he was happy –so incredibly happy. He had never cried because he felt happy before. In the past, he had shed tears due to missing Wei Ying, his heart aching for the other man’s company.

And now that Wei Ying was in his arms, everything was finally right in his world. Wangji vowed that he would never forsake his husband again.

TBC

Chapter Text

Part 8

When Jiang Cheng woke up, the first thing he noticed was that he wasn’t at Lotus Cove. This wasn’t his bed, the scent rising from the blanket was all wrong. Opening his eyes, he blinked and wondered why he felt like he had fought the entire Wen sect singlehandedly. His bones ached and his eyes stung.

Elbowing himself into an upright position, he took in his surroundings. Slowly last night’s events came back to him. His brother had given him his golden core sixteen years ago and he had never suspected Wen Qing and Wei Wuxian fooling him into believing it had been Baoshan Sanren instead.

Those two had orchestrated everything to perfection. They had put up a brilliant act; Wei Wuxian leading him to that mountain and Wen Qing pretending to be Baoshan Sanren.

Looking down, his gaze settled on Zidian. The ring briefly flared with emotion, but he quickly controlled it. If he hadn’t been so emotional back then, Wei Wuxian might not have resorted to such drastic measures.

Thinking back to the way he had acted after Wen Zhuliu had crushed his core, he felt embarrassed and even ashamed. He had acted like his life was no longer worth living. He had behaved like a spoiled brat and it had made Wei Wuxian act in a way he had never imagined.

His brother had sacrificed himself, giving him his core so he could cultivate again, so his depression would lift, and he could fight again. Jiang Cheng huffed; in that way, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli were exactly the same. She too had sacrificed herself so their brother would live.

What had he sacrificed himself? Wen sect had killed his parents, but Jiang Fengmian had meant the world to Wei Wuxian as well. His mother, Madam Yu, had often been harsh, maybe even cruel, but he knew his brother had cared for her.

Yes, he had lost everything the day Wang Lingjao came to Lotus Cove, but didn’t the same thing apply to Wei Wuxian? Their sister had comforted them, had been strong for them, and Wei Wuxian had followed in her footsteps.

But he himself had given in to despair. Maybe he wasn’t the brave warrior he had always thought himself to be. What if his father had been right about him? Maybe he had never been meant to lead their sect?

Strands of hair tumbled in front of his face, reminding him he had loosened them so he would resemble a much younger version of himself. This was a mess.

Wei Wuxian had no idea that sixteen years had passed by. His brother still thought they were young, Lotus Cove still recovering from the Wen sect’s attack, and to Wei Wuxian, Yanli was still alive. He wasn’t looking forward to telling Wei Wuxian the truth when that time came.

But for the time being, he refused to think of that just yet. Wei Wuxian had just returned to them and his brother needed him. Apparently he was the only one who could heal him and help him rebuild his core. Taking stock, he realized he felt much improved. His golden core had easily restored itself.

Wei Wuxian’s core had, he reminded himself; oh, his brother wasn’t off the hook yet. Jiang Cheng intended to discuss this until he had detailed knowledge of what had happened back then!

“You’re awake and must be hungry.” Xichen had taken it upon himself to look after their guest, since Wangji was occupied taking care of his husband. Learning that his brother had finally told Wei Wuxian that they were married had pleased him. Wangji had suffered silently for way too long as it was.

“I’m fine,” Jiang Cheng quickly assured the other man, but he eyed breakfast eagerly. Once Lan Xichen placed the tray next to the bed, he whispered a thank you and reached for the steamed buns; his favorites. “How is the idiot doing?”

Xichen smiled. “Your brother is still asleep. Like you, he slept through the night without waking even once.”

A look outside told Jiang Cheng that it must be close to noon. He hadn’t realized he had slept that long. “He has started to heal, hasn’t he?” Lan Xichen, an experienced healer, would know.

“He has.” Xichen gestured for his guest to continue to eat and offered him hot, sweet tea, which would hopefully energize Jiang Wanyin. “I had no idea that you were able to heal him, but it makes sense.”

“Because my core is actually his.” Jiang Cheng still had a hard time dealing with that. “What was he thinking? Why did he do that?”

“Don’t you know? You know him best, don’t you?” Jiang Wanyin lowering his gaze and then nodding meekly made Xichen smile. “He loves you dearly.”

“And I was acting like a spoiled brat at the time,” he was able to admit that now. “Whining, instead of accepting what Wen Zhuliu did to me.” Wei Wuxian hadn’t seen another way out than giving him his core.

“He never told me,” Jiang Cheng admitted while sipping the tea. “They put on this act, letting me believe they had located Baoshan Sanren and that she would heal me. In reality it was Wen Qing waiting for me and my brother curing me by giving me his core. I’m not sure I can forgive them for playing me like that.”

“Wei Wuxian loves you and Wen Qing… I do believe she meant well. Maybe she cared about you too?” Xichen had noticed their interaction back then. “Maybe seeing you like that pained her?”

“I loved her once,” Jiang Cheng suddenly confessed, though he had no idea why he was admitting his feelings. “She rejected me.” Maybe he needed to talk and on some subconscious level he did trust Lan Xichen? The older man knew his history. Lan Xichen knew what had happened all that time ago. “I’m pissed off.”

This time, Xichen chuckled. “I don’t blame you. I would react the same way had Wangji done such a thing behind my back, but please keep in mind why your brother did that.” When Jiang Wanyin raised his head and gave him a puzzled look, Xichen added, “Because he loves you.”

Xichen shifted and looked rather guilty upon acknowledging, “I’m not sure that I would find the strength to do what your brother did. If Wangji’s core was destroyed, I don’t think I could offer mine. I love him dearly, but the thought of sacrificing my core… I would lack the courage to do that.”

“But Wei Wuxian didn’t,” His brother had done the unspeakable. “Do you know of a way for me to give it back?” Xichen’s expression turned alarmed and Jiang Cheng shrugged. “It’s not mine to begin with.”

“True,” Xichen reasoned, “but why would you do such a thing? Wei Wuxian has a golden core again, albeit weak, he will be able to cultivate it and it will acquire more strength throughout the coming months. If you really want to help your brother, I would advise you to stay at his side and support him. Set aside your anger, though that might be asking for the impossible.” Xichen grinned.

“Which is Jiang sect’s motto,” Jiang Cheng completed, sighing in frustration. “Fine, I’ll stay and help.” Though he was sect leader, and at some point he had to return to Lotus Cove.

“Actually, there’s another reason why I wanted to talk to you.” This time, Xichen poured himself some tea and sipped. He had to be diplomatic about his.

Jiang Wanyin narrowed his eyes at the other sect leader. Why was Lan Xichen really here then?

“My uncle is still unaware of the fact that Wei Wuxian has returned and that your brother is currently staying at my hanshi. Once my uncle finds out, he might demand your brother’s departure. Lan Qiren doesn’t like Wei Wuxian very much.” Xichen felt ashamed of his uncle’s rigid ways. He wasn’t sure the sect would support him if his uncle opposed him. Lan Qiren had a lot of support among the elders.

Jiang Cheng recalled the reasons why Lan Qiren might object to Wei Wuxian’s presence. If the emotionally constipated man wanted Wei Wuxian gone, Jiang Cheng knew the perfect solution to that problem. “In that case, I will take my brother with me. Lotus Cove is his home too.” He cringed at recalling that he had named his brother a defector and had publicly cast him out. Well, that was easily fixed.

Xichen’s mouth became a straight line and Jiang Cheng suspected he knew why. “Yes, I will welcome your brother into my home as well. Separating them would be cruel. Lan Wangji has been pining for almost two decades. I just wished they got around to confessing their feelings to each other. It would spare us some major drama!”

“Actually,” Xichen started and then paused, chuckling again, ”My brother did confess before Wei Wuxian dozed off. And your brother admitted his feelings as well. The pining is over and done with.”

“Thankfully!” Jiang Cheng ate some rice and vegetables, once more recalling the Lan sect was vegetarian for some elusive reason. “Let’s do this,” he announced once he had finished breakfast. “I want to see for myself how he’s doing and maybe heal him some more. If you think I’m up to that?”

Jiang Wanyin asking him for his opinion surprised Xichen. “You seem recovered. Just don’t drain yourself. Pace the energy transfer this time. The more often you do it, the easier it becomes.”

Well, he didn’t plan on doing it that often! Wei Wuxian had better start taking care of himself!

//

Wei Ying staring at him and smiling every so often made Wangji’s heart beat faster. When his husband had woken up, Wei Ying had blushed, doubtlessly mentally replaying their last conversation in his mind. It was what he had been doing during the night while he had guarded his lover’s sleep.

“I still stink,” Wei Ying remarked, realizing his hair was filthy. He suspected Lan Zhan had resorted to unfair tactics during his sleep, as he had woken up refreshed. Lan Zhan had cleaned him up, except for the hair, which might prove challenging. “It’s the hair,” he explained upon seeing Lan Zhan’s puzzled expression.

“Mn.” He had considered washing Wei Ying’s hair, but needed an extra pair of hands. Since Sizhui was scheduled to arrive shortly, he had postponed washing it. “I will attend to it.”

During the night he had watched Wei Ying closely and when morning came, he had cleaned him up. Wei Ying hadn’t woken once since a healing sleep had been upon him.

Recalling the injuries he had encountered the last time he had washed his lover’s body, Wangji found them less severe and some actually gone. The leg and hand were still fractured, but the ribs seemed to be healing. If only he could heal Wei Ying as well!

“Father? Brother Wei?” Sizhui approached, watching them, and liked what he saw. His father appeared relaxed and was smiling. It was a beautiful sight to behold. Sizhui hadn’t been aware how much his father had missed having Wei Wuxian in his life.

“Sizhui, please fill a basin with water so we can wash Wei Ying’s hair,” Wangji told his son, knowing Sizhui was eager to help. Sizhui looked more at ease around Wei Ying, and a curious expression lay in his son’s eyes. He understood only too well.

Sizhui probably had a lot of questions, but he had asked the young man to refrain from interrogating Wei Ying, reminding him that this version of Wei Wuxian had never adopted him. At some point, the truth would come out and they would deal with the situation then. But for now, they needed to focus on supporting Wei Ying.

Brother Wei? That was new, though Wei Ying had to admit he liked the ring to it when Sizhui had called him that. He couldn’t help feeling a bit embarrassed now that he was indisposed and had to rely on them. “Lan Zhan. we don’t need to bother the boy. My hair can wait.”

“It’s no inconvenience, brother Wei,” Sizhui said, trying hard not to slip back into calling the other man Xian-gege like he had done when he had been little.

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying objected again. “Send him away. He doesn’t need to be stuck inside on such a sunny day!”

Wangji hardly reacted, knowing his son wouldn’t leave even if he told him to. Sizhui was determined to be around the man who had adopted him seventeen years ago. “Mn.”

“Don’t mn me!” Protesting was exhausting though, Wei Ying quickly realized. Jiang Cheng might have started healing his body, but that didn’t mean he was up to his old tricks yet.

“Mn.” Wangji couldn’t deny he enjoyed teasing his husband a little. He had missed doing so for nearly two decades.

Wei Ying accepted his fate when the two men started to wet his hair, rinsed it, and removed the blood and dirt from it. It didn’t take long for the water in the basin to turn dark. Sizhui fetched clean water, and when they were finally done, Wei Ying had to admit he felt better. “Thank you,” he told them, giving Sizhui a pointed look at well.

“You’re welcome, Xian-gege,” Sizhui said, instantly noticing his slip up and growing angry with himself. “Sorry, calling you that is inappropriate.”

“Xian-gege?” Wei Ying looked at the boy, saw the need in those eyes, and simply accepted it. “My senior sister calls me A-Xian and since she isn’t here, you can call me Xian-gege instead.” Turning his head carefully, as he was still in considerable discomfort, he addressed Lan Zhan. “Is she safe? You didn’t mention her yet.”

Lan Zhan hated lying. Not because it went against Lan sect rules, but because twisting the truth simply wasn’t right. But he didn’t have a choice; he couldn’t tell Wei Ying that she had died sixteen years ago. Not yet. “She’s safe.”

Wei Ying sighed in relief. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t asked about her yet! But if Lan Zhan said she was fine, he believed him.

“I didn’t know if you are able to chew yet.” Sizhui returned with breakfast. The cook had prepared rice porridge, sweetened with honey and had added sliced pieces of fruit. “Do you think you can manage this?” Sizhui was about to hand his father the bowl, when Lan Wangji gestured for him to assist Wei Wuxian instead. Eager to spend more time with Wei Wuxian, Sizhui sat down.

Wei Ying wasn’t sure about chewing, but his jaw was behaving, so he decided to give it a try. With Sizhui feeding him, he managed half of it. When Lan Zhan presented him with herbal tea, he tried to object. “I know what that tastes like,” he said, as he had recognized the scent. “I don’t want it.”

“Wei Ying, you shall drink it,” Wangji decreed and promptly placed the cup at his husband’s lips.

Knowing when he had lost, Wei Ying sipped and eventually emptied the cup. “You could have warned me,” he grumbled.

“Then you wouldn’t have drunk it, you fool!” Jiang Cheng, who had been watching the homely scene, realized he might have to welcome another Lan sect member to Lotus Cove. The look in Sizhui’s eyes reminded him of another boy’s, one who had clutched his leg and whom he had tried to shake off. Wei Wuxian had chided him back then. Ah, Lotus Cove could deal with two Lan sect members instead of one.

“Jiang Cheng!” Wei Ying happily exclaimed, cursing the fact that he was bed-ridden for he wanted to jump to his feet, run toward his brother, and hug him. But all he could do was feebly raise an arm and hope for Jiang Cheng to have pity on him. Why was his brother giving him such an odd look though?

Oh, he had forgotten about Jiang Cheng knowing about the core transfer. It had slipped his mind; maybe it had been wishful thinking on his part that Jiang Cheng had forgotten all about it. But his brother’s expression told him that he was in trouble.

Sizhui quickly got out of the way when Jiang Wanyin approached. His father remained close though and Lan Xichen hovered near the doorway, telling him they didn’t want the two brothers to be alone quite yet. It was his clue to take up position next to his uncle and watch the scene unfold. Although Jiang Wanyin looked angry –but the sect leader always did- he knew his father and uncle would keep Wei Wuxian safe.

“Idiot!” Jiang Cheng scolded his brother and pointed a finger accusingly at him. “Do you have any idea in how much trouble you are? You put up an act! Wen Qing and you. You…”

Words failed Jiang Cheng then, realizing Wei Wuxian was crying and looking dejected. The bandages around his brother’s chest reminded him how just badly injured his brother was. This wasn’t the time to lecture him. “We will talk about this later,” he announced, “and you will explain everything.” But for now he sat down on the side of the bed. “Why do you always do such reckless things?”

“Jiang Cheng,” Wei Ying loudly complained, while looking peeved, “don’t be mean to me! I’m hurting. You should be nice to me instead so I will heal faster.” He could easily tell that his brother was frustrated with him, but he would do it all over again if that meant keeping him safe. He would give Jiang Cheng his core and not change a thing. “Hold me and comfort me,” he demanded in a childish voice, awkwardly rubbing his nose.

Jiang Cheng sighed; he’d forgotten about Wei Wuxian’s legendary pouts. Their sister had always given in, indulging him, and now that she wasn’t here, he realized that Wei Wuxian relied on him to take her place. But he sucked at nurturing! “How old are you?” he asked, resorting to old, familiar patterns, which he had missed.

“Three,” Wei Ying smiled, though he didn’t feel like it. He was hurting all over and quickly growing tired again. “Sorry,” he whispered, when his eyes threatened to close. “I’m tired,”

“And you only have yourself to blame!” But contrary to his harsh words, Jiang Cheng moved closer, wrapped an arm around his brother, and guided Wei Wuxian’s head against his chest. Gathering his spiritual energy, he placed his fingers at his brother’s wrist and released the healing energy. Lan Xichen had been right earlier; doing this the second time was easier.

“We should give them some privacy,” Xichen told his brother and Sizhui. Wangji’s glare made him smile; his brother had always been protective of Wei Wuxian, but even Wangji had to know they were intruding.

“Only for a moment,” Wangji decided after making sure Wei Ying was resting comfortably in his brother’s arms. He didn’t like leaving his husband unguarded and would take up position on the terrace, his every sense trained on Wei Ying.

Amused, Xichen gestured for his brother to follow him. Sizhui nodded and also complied.

Wangji glared at Jiang Wanyin for good measure, telling the other man without using words that he would pay if he screwed up.

Jiang Cheng nodded, amused as well. Wei Wuxian was safe with him. When the three men had left, he did feel relieved, as he had wanted to talk to his brother in private. “Wei Wuxian, in how much pain are you? Don’t lie to me.”

“Or else what? You’ll break my leg?” Wei Ying smiled against his brother’s chest, relishing the protective embrace he was in.

Jiang Cheng wanted to lecture his brother, but didn’t. “No, but you owe me. You lied to me. You deceived me. You were in league with Wen Qing. The least you can do is to tell me the truth from this moment on.” Wei Wuxian flinched, and he regretted using such harsh words, but he had to get through to his stubborn brother.

“It’s not that bad,” Wei Ying eventually said, being honest because Jiang Cheng was right; he did owe his brother. “You’re helping.” Now that healing energy flooded his system and strengthened his new core, his body was healing. “I’m sorry about deceiving you,” he whispered, feeling shy, “but I didn’t want you to feel guilty. I wanted to give you my core, but I knew you wouldn’t accept my offer. So I went behind your back.”

“You thought I would never find out?” Jiang Cheng gently raised his brother’s head, so Wei Wuxian was forced to look at him. Seeing his brother’s eyes swimming with tears made him emotional in turn. They were fools, both of them. “Wei Wuxian, how did you plan on hiding the fact that your core was gone? Do you really think I’m that stupid?”

The look in his brother’s eyes made Wei Ying shiver. “No, I don’t. I planned on telling you that Wen Zhuliu had gotten to me as well. That he had also crushed my core.”

It might have worked, Jiang Cheng realized. “You thought this through, covering every detail.”

“I just wanted you to be whole again.” Wei Ying felt guilty because his brother had discovered the truth, not because he had deceived him. Giving Jiang Cheng his core had always been his plan.

“Wei Wuxian, if you want me to forgive you, I need you to take a vow.” Jiang Cheng, who wasn’t one to plan ahead like his brother did, had actually devised a plan while talking to Lan Xichen earlier.

“What kind of vow?” He was willing to do a lot for Jiang Cheng, but if his brother wanted him to leave Lan Zhan he couldn’t do that.

“That you will return to Lotus Cove with me. That you shall stand at my side and help me rule our sect. You said you would be at my side forever, now I demand you keep your word.” Jiang Cheng noticed his brother’s shock, which changed into unease and eventually made Wei Wuxian avert his gaze. “That’s the deal.”

“Jiang Cheng… I want that, I really do! But I can’t… I can’t leave Lan Zhan.” Admitting that was harder than he had thought. “I love him.”

“I’m not asking you to leave him, you nitwit! Lan Xichen and I already discussed this. The three of you are welcome at Lotus Cove and he already told me that Lan Wangji is willing to accompany us.”

“The three of us?” Had he missed something? Maybe, because the energy that continued to fill his new core was highly distracting.

“You, Lan Wangji, and the boy he adopted. What’s his name again? Sizhui?”

“But Jiang Cheng, I can’t ask them to leave their home!” Maybe they could compromise? “What if I spend most days at Lotus Cove and you allow me to see them once a month?” He could live with that.

Jiang Cheng sighed. “You really are dense!”

“I resent that,” Wei Ying weakly objected, because his impulsive brother’s frustration had caused a spike in the healing energy rebuilding his core. Their connection was strong and his core regaining its former strength. He still wondered how this was even possible.

“Lan Wangji, join us, will you?” If his obstinate brother refused to see reason, Jiang Cheng had to approach this differently.

Wangji stepped inside at once, eagerly taking in his husband’s appearance. Jiang Wanyin calling him like that had worried him, but now that he found his husband safely locked in a healing embrace, he relaxed. “I’m here,” he said, stating the obvious.

“Please tell Wei Wuxian that you don’t mind moving to Lotus Cove. My stupid brother refuses to believe me.” Hopefully hearing it from Lan Wangji would convince his brother.

Ah, he should have known it might be something like that. Wangji approached the bed, sat down next to it, and looked at his husband, who appeared drunk, but it was the healing energy and not alcohol causing the effect. “Your brother is correct. I will accompany you to Lotus Cove.”

Wangji had discussed the matter with Sizhui and Xichen while they had been waiting on the terrace. “Sizhui will come with us, though he will continue his studies at the Cloud Recesses. As he already learned to maneuver his word, such an arrangement won’t cause problems.”

Although his brother had regretted letting him go, Xichen had instantly agreed that residing at Lotus Cove was in the best interest of everyone involved. “My brother will visit regularly,” Wangji added, knowing Wei Ying might object.

“I still don’t like it,” Wei Ying admitted, but he also knew that he currently wasn’t in the position to make demands. And he did want to go home. “Jiang Cheng…?”

“Yes?” Seeing the drowsy expression in his brother’s eyes, Jiang Cheng realized he might be overdoing it, and tempered the energy flowing down the link, as Lan Xichen had advised earlier.

“I want to go home. Can we really go back there?” Wasn’t Lotus Cove still in ruins? “What about the Wen sect? What if they attack again?” Wei Ying worried.

“We’re safe for now. There have been certain developments and I will tell you, but right now, you need to focus on healing.” Jiang Cheng wanted to bring his brother home too. Locking gazes with Lan Wangji, he managed a grateful smile, “Thank you for letting me take him home.”

“Mn.” Wangji nodded and curled his fingers around Wei Ying’s right hand as those fingers seemed perfectly healed. He could remove the splints and bandages later. “Wei Ying deserves to go home. He has waited a long time to go back.”

Wei Ying, slowly losing the fight to stay awake now that his body was working hard on healing itself, managed a minute nod. Yes, Lotus Cove called him home and he wanted nothing more than to live there with his family.
The end