Chapter Text
Requirements to be chosen as the consort of the Crown Prince of Gusu Lan were painstakingly high; the bar set so high that there was no suitable candidate for the past twenty years. After all, the consort of the prince, by Gusu standards at least, had to be able to protect the prince. What was the use of a consort if not? They also had to be higher than average in looks: the Lans weren't going to accept anyone that looked like they were down in the dumps or ordinary. They didn't have to know how to do house chores, but it was a bonus if they could.
Though still at the ripe age of twenty-eight, the prince was getting steadily older with no aspect of getting married and the Duke, his royal uncle, Lan Qiren was getting impatient for an heir. So impatient that he had not only extended invitations to every woman in the kingdom, but to every man. He had even considered lowering the standards but he shook his head; the crown prince only deserves the best.
Lan Qiren was ecstatic when finally, finally a suitable person had returned their invitation. A man from the Jiang family, who were all, one way or another, scholars, warriors or someone of noble descent.
"Someone has stamped the invitation?" Lan Xichen, the crown prince asked with a small, forced smile.
Lan Qiren nodded, carefully masking his happiness from behind a frown as he sipped his tea, "Jiang Wanyin of the Jiang family and son of the Yunmeng Lord. I've heard he's the fifth most sought out individual; for his fighting, his knowledge and his looks."
Lan Xichen nodded, feeling dejected. It wasn't that he didn't like the Jiang, in fact, he had never actually seen him. But when the name that came out of his uncle's mouth wasn't the one he was looking for, he was feeling horribly disappointed but not surprised.
Jin Guangyao already had a fiance after all. Moreover, it was his best friend Nie Mingjue. Lan Xichen wasn't cruel enough to force himself in between their engagement and break them apart. It would only cause resentment and he didn't want that between his sworn brothers and himself.
Lan Xichen glanced at the invitation, something catching his eye. The one and only stamp on the entire parchment. Jiang Fengmian? He frowned.
"Am I not to marry Jiang Wanyin? Why has he not stamped his seal?" Lan Xichen asked his uncle who sighed.
"He must have been forced into it. There's no helping it though; anyone who marries you would get luxury beyond measure. It would be a blessing for their family."
If there was anything that Lan Xichen hated, it was forcing people to do things that were not of their own will. It was a trait that has made him fail numerous times at dealing with the court. Too cowardly to create a disturbance and too kind to reject an idea. A trait that had Lan Qiren placing his hand on his forehead and interrupting his conversations like an angel from heaven.
But Lan Xichen didn't have a choice, did he?
◇◇◇◇
The Jiangs were having their weekly dinner together, something Yu Ziyuan had insisted they have to ensure fleeting sensations of a stable family. But these dinners were unwanted by a certain person, making the supposedly happy atmosphere turn cold and tense in a matter of seconds.
Yu Ziyuan placed her chopsticks on the table with more strength than necessary and glared at her husband, "If you have something to say, just say it! Don't waste our time!"
Jiang Fengmian eyed her wearily then looked towards Jiang Cheng, who flinched at the sudden attention.
"I've returned the invitation regarding the royal consort back to the Palace." He said, finally. Jiang Cheng gulped. He didn't like where this was going. Yu Ziyuan narrowed her eyes at Jiang Fengmian, her lips pursed.
"And? What of it? We have been denying it for years, what's the point of speaking about this now?"
"I approved of it with my seal and sent it off." The air seemed to still around them. Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli froze, gaping at their father in complete and utter shock. Wei Wuxian furrowed his eyebrows,
"Uncle Jiang… you did what?"
Jiang Fengmian repeated what he said without an ounce of shame or pity, his face devoid of emotion but Jiang Cheng could see it. A small spark of delight in his father's eyes, and apparently Yu Ziyuan saw it too. She slammed her fists against the table, causing the three younger ones to flinch.
"Jiang Fengmian, do you understand what you've just done? The Forbidden City is a dangerous place! Even the Emperor is constantly in danger, let alone the consort of the prince!" She snarled. Jiang Fengmian didn't falter at her menacing tone, nor did he stand down. Instead, he looked straight into his wife's eyes and spoke, every word was like a stab to Jiang Cheng's heart.
"I did what was best. If Jiang Cheng doesn't marry the prince he would have no other option."
Jiang Cheng swallowed the limited saliva in his dry throat. Jiang Fengmian wasn’t wrong. Years ago, he had been subjected to malicious rumours that he was a whore, a slut that let himself be fucked by men of high status, just to get money. The rumours had come out of nowhere but it wasn’t unbelievable. With the elegant looks that Jiang Cheng possessed, he had been eyed by many men with a liking for pretty faces. Jiang Cheng had refused them, his siblings had denied them, his mother had ignored them but the rumours still escalated. He was now blacklisted and the entire empire knew of it.
"You have such little faith in your son? Sending him to the palace is like sending him to the gallows to be beheaded!"
"My faith does not matter in such circumstances. Besides, Jiang Cheng is old enough to protect himself."
"So when you want to gain something, Jiang Cheng is suddenly reliable and strong? When in other times, you look at him like he's a speck of mud on your shoes!"
"That is not what I'm saying—"
"But it's what you're implying!"
Then it began. The continuous rally of insults that jumped back and forth between husband and wife. Jiang Cheng stared blankly at his bowl of rice, trying desperately to block out the hurtful words of his parents, to pretend that they weren't arguing about the person sitting right in front of them. He was tired. He was tired of his parents' arguments and he's tired of being the cause of it. Jiang Cheng could understand his mother's fury; what mother would want their child to be hurt? Who would want to sell their child off?
But Jiang Cheng could also understand what his father wanted. His father wanted him gone and completely out of his life. What better chance to get rid of his unwanted son, then now? By sending his youngest child to marry the prince, Jiang Fengmian could receive a lifetime of gifts along with a constant security that the Lans had his back. After all, if a person were to marry into the imperial family as a consort, there was almost no chance of ever leaving.
The Crown Prince was rumoured to be a gentle and benevolent leader. With his father, the Emperor in seclusion, he had to lead the country with the help of his royal uncle, the Duke. The prince had never stepped outside the palace walls so his face was seen by no one.
Jiang Cheng thought about it. The Forbidden City had an abundance of food and drink, money was a certainty and he was sure that the Crown Prince would pay him no attention. There may not be any love that could possibly stem from the marriage, but Jiang Cheng could be free from his parents' constant quarrels.
"I'll do it," Jiang Cheng interrupted, "I'll marry the Crown Prince." So please stop arguing. Stop looking at me like I'm worthless.
Four pairs of eyes immediately snapped to him; two from disbelief, one from anger and one from barely contained delight.
"Really, Jiang Cheng?" He had never seen his father so happy before, "That's great. I'm so proud of you."
This was what he wanted: his father's approval. He should have felt happy, but why did he feel so cold and lifeless?
◇◇◇◇
The marriage commenced a mere week after the invitation was approved, the three formal letters[1] were skipped and the six marriage etiquettes[2] were almost completely ignored. It was a sure sign that neither Lan Qiren, nor Jiang Fengmian wanted to wait, lest the other decided to change their mind. Overall, the marriage was fit for the Crown Prince, with bright, red banners and lanterns surrounding the palace, loud music and extravagantly dressed performers. The betrothal gifts were exchanged with the dowry and the celebration proceeded.
The bride and groom didn't speak a word to each other for the duration of the festival; not so much as a curious glance was shared between them. They both stared straight ahead with no intention of stopping.
Lan Xichen, still grieving over his broken heart, had plastered on a fake smile for his family to see. They knew better. He didn't approve of this wedding for the benefit of himself but for the Empire. He didn't look over at his soon-to-be consort. He didn't need to know. For all it's worth, he didn't think they would even speak to each other after the night of the marriage. He stared blankly at his bowl, picking up clumps of rice together as if about to eat, then dropping them again in rejection.
Jiang Cheng was no better. He wanted to puke when he served the tea to his parents, then to his siblings and finally to the imperial family. His hands shook slightly when he cut a lock of his hair, resulting in Wei Wuxian having to hold his hair in place. He passed it to the Duke who swiftly tied it together with Lan Xichen's own hair and placed it in a silk pouch[3].
The marriage would only be official once the couple completed consummation of an heir[4].
◇◇◇◇
"I will not touch you, so do not be afraid." Lan Xichen said gently to the man sitting stiffly on the edge of his seat. Jiang Cheng had an urge to snap back, 'who was afraid? It damn well wasn't him!' but his husband was the Crown Prince; he would only be looking for death.
Lan Xichen sat across from Jiang Cheng on the table, eyeing the various snacks on the table. Jiang Cheng couldn't see the face of his husband whilst trapped underneath the heavy headdress and the red veil that covered his face.
Jiang Cheng pushed a plate of peanuts towards Lan Xichen, "Your Highness, you should eat a little. You barely touched your food in the banquet earlier."
He really was such a hypocrite. It wasn't like he had much of an appetite either. Likewise in the banquet, Jiang Cheng knew he was going to be able to stomach the food. He couldn’t force himself to eat so he opted to spend his time observing the members of the imperial family from beneath his veil. He had unintentionally noticed that the Crown Prince had barely lifted the food to his mouth, opting to push it around his bowl instead. It wasn’t like Jiang Cheng cared for the prince, in fact, he didn’t give a damn at all, but if Lan Xichen were to pass away due to hunger, he’ll only look like a fool.
“Did you not agree to this marriage?” Lan Xichen’s voice broke through the silence. The Duke would strangle him if he ever found that he was breaking a Lan rule: no speaking whilst eating. But the “approved” invitation and the dejected drop of his spouse’s shoulders had him burning with curiosity. Was he not good enough for the Jiang?
Jiang Cheng was silent for a moment, hesitant to share his family’s predicament but he decided against it and replied shortly, “At first, yes.”
“You changed your mind?”
“The invitation was stamped and delivered to the Imperial Palace before I was informed so naturally, I would not agree.”
Seeing as Jiang Cheng didn’t hesitate, Lan Xichen hummed in response. He carefully observed the appearance of his spouse; the long, calloused fingers, the upright and proud carry of a tilted chin, the broad shoulders and the narrow waist.
“May I remove your veil?”
“...I believe that was the first part of his ritual, Your Highness. You need not ask,” Jiang Cheng muttered, causing Lan Xichen to chuckle as he walked towards his consort. He carefully slid his fingers underneath the veil and gently tugged it off.
The moment they locked eyes, Lan Xichen momentarily stopped breathing. With his bright blue eyes, flawless skin and sharp features, Jiang Cheng was truly breathtaking. It sufficed enough to say that the rumours of him being sought for his looks was not based on assumption, but on facts.
Jiang Cheng had no idea where to look and settled with keeping his eyes glued onto Lan Xichen’s dark, amber ones. He observed the face of the mysterious Crown Prince, a face he had yet to see. With milky, white skin and the features of a god, Lan Xichen was indeed one of the Gusu Lans who valued perfection, and if his face was anything but perfection, Jiang Cheng would slap himself.
“Your Highness, do you mind if I remove my headdress?” It was fucking heavy and Jiang Cheng’s head was about to droop straight down to the floor. Lan Xichen blinked.
“Ah, right, of course you may.”
Jiang Cheng wasted no time in waiting. The moment Lan Xichen gave his permission, Jiang Cheng immediately ripped the headdress off, sighing quietly in relief at the freedom of his head. He started forcibly pulling out the numerous hair ornaments, cursing silently when it got stuck. He gave up. Whatever, he’ll sleep first then wake up and deal with it.
“If you pull too roughly, you’ll hurt yourself,” Lan Xichen’s voice interrupted his thoughts. He didn’t have time to react before he felt warm hands brush through his hair. He flinched at the sudden contact. The hands froze.
“I apologise if that made you uncomfortable. I only wanted to help.”
“N-No, it’s alright, Your Highness,” Jiang Cheng said quickly, “I’m just not used to people touching me.”
He stiffened visibly, wary of the warm hands. The instincts of a warrior had been enforced into him since he was young by his mother. Any signs of danger had to be prevented before escalation. Thus the mere touch of unfamiliar others left him in an alarming sense of paranoia and caution.
Lan Xichen didn’t respond, opting to carefully remove the ornaments. He thought for a while before, “Does your family not partake in activities with close proximities?”
Jiang Cheng’s grip on his wedding gown tightened, “My mother is a warrior so she naturally doesn’t engage in anything that’s too gentle or soft-spoken. My father is a scholar and prefers to indulge in his studies.” And in a child that wasn’t his own, “How about Your Highness?”
“My father is currently in seclusion and I have not seen him since I was eight. My uncle is busy with the affairs of the empire so he cannot spend his time with us. My brother occasionally stops by to have tea. But other than that, there’s not much else. Ah, do you have any siblings, Consort Jiang?”
“I would have assumed you had already done background checks, Your Highness.”
Lan Xichen laughed sheepishly, “I was curious, so to speak, but I didn’t want to intrude.”
“Your Highness is too kind,” It was Jiang Cheng’s turn to laugh, “I have an older brother and sister.”
“I see,” Lan Xichen couldn’t help but think of how wonderful it would be to have an older brother. Then perhaps, he wouldn’t have to be subjected to the crown, nor to an unhappy marriage; for both parties, it would only be mutual respect at the most. He swiftly pulled out the last hairpin, letting Jiang Cheng's hair cascade down his back.
The two went to bed that night after some more small talk, at least one chi[5] away from each other on the large bed. They slept with their backs away from each other and didn't so much as turn to wish the other goodnight.
◇◇◇◇
“If I may, My Lord, I wanted to inquire about my stay in the Forbidden City[6].”
Jiang Cheng had requested an audience with the Duke and was currently sitting besides him, sipping, no doubt, expensive jasmine tea.
“Of course,” Lan Qiren peered at him from behind the teacup he was sipping, “Ask away.”
“Is my freedom ensured when I am here? Must I visit my family, or can they come here?”
“Your family may visit once a month, or vice versa. On the former matter, if freedom means walking around the Forbidden City, you may venture as you will but with two guards. You are not to leave the city walls. ”
Jiang Cheng found this to be complete nonsense. Wasn’t he selected to be consort because he could protect himself? And why must he only be allowed to visit his family once a month?
“Why must I bring along guards, My Lord, when I am fully capable of protecting myself?”
“Have you ever been present in an assassination attempt?”
“Yes, I have, numerous times, actually. My mother is a warrior and she has no lack of enemies,” Jiang Cheng replied, utterly confused. Lan Qiren stared at him, grimly.
“I can assure you there would be no less, if not more of these attempts. If anything were to happen, your safety must come first. Having guards give you more time to flee.”
“To flee?” Jiang Cheng repeated. Running away, he was taught, was the most cowardly thing a warrior could do. Now Jiang Cheng was being subjected to damage to his own pride, “Fleeing is a cowardly thing to do. I refuse to do so.”
“It is not so much as fleeing as it is bidding time. While in the palace, you must carefully consider your options first before brushing it off as something cowardly,” Lan Qiren responded, his eyes stared at Jiang Cheng in a way which screamed ‘no objections’.
"Then what is expected of me while I'm here?"
“What else? You are to assist the Crown Prince in his duties and do whatever he tells you to do. Ah, right, I have one request and I was wondering if Consort Jiang would be so kind as to fulfil it?”
Jiang Cheng raised his eyebrows in surprise, “I will do whatever I can once I hear my Lord’s request.”
“You will come to know that the Crown Prince is too… soft-hearted for the court[7],” Lan Qiren’s face showed visible disgust. Jiang Cheng bit his lip to stop his urge from laughing, “I know that you are capable in terms of the law. Dare I ask you to assist the Crown Prince in his decisions during his meetings?”
“Yes, I am a legal practitioner, but His Highness’ affairs are confidential. It would do me, nor the empire any good if I were to listen in. I have only been here for a night, there is no proper basis in which I deserve my Lord’s trust.”
“A strong tongue,” Lan Qiren chuckled, “You’re right, you have not been here for long at all, but you are the Crown Prince’s consort. You are allowed to join in on these meetings. Besides, the Crown Prince needs someone to monitor him. He does not know how to say no.”
Jiang Cheng huffed out a laugh, “Then if my Lord insists, I will assist his Highness.”
Lan Qiren stroked his beard in thought, “However, if any news of those meetings are to travel to those aside from yourself, be aware that your head will be in great risk.”
“Of course, my Lord. I am not one for idle chatter about private affairs.”
They sat there in silence for a moment to enjoy the tea. Jiang Cheng, though he had agreed, had no intention of interrupting the meetings. He knew all too well that if he joined in, his presence would only be a burden and unwanted. He didn’t know what the Duke was thinking to ask such a request.
“The Crown Prince has never been in a relationship where he could just take,” Lan Qiren started. Jiang Cheng tilted his head in confusion, “I hope, as his consort, that you can help him, or he’ll keep giving and giving until he is nothing but an empty vessel. It has happened before.”
“I… I cannot promise anything.”
“I’m not asking you to promise me anything. Just love him, that will be enough.”
Jiang Cheng looked down at his fingers, swallowing nervously, “I can understand his Highness’ pain as I have experienced—I’m still experiencing it. But if his Highness is the type to just give, then I’ll just give him more. This I can promise.”
Chuckling, Lan Qiren stroked his beard and peered at Jiang Cheng with an expression he couldn’t comprehend, “Thank you.”
Jiang Cheng just gave a small smile in response.
◇◇◇◇
On Lan Qiren’s insistence, Jiang Cheng had been pressured into joining the meeting the following week. Lan Qiren had none but shoved him into the Hall of Mental Cultivation[8] before leaving without so much as an explanation and ditching him to be subject to tens of stares.
“Consort Jiang, what seems to be the matter?” Lan Xichen asked, surprised to see his consort. He had just entered himself, settling onto his golden throne.
The ministers standing in front of Lan Xichen gave each other looks, ones that Jiang Cheng chose to ignore, though he did lock eyes with a familiar person, Jin Zixun. A petty excuse of a minister that must’ve gotten into the Palace based on connections alone. Jiang Cheng came from a family of lower status and wealth than his, but he was confident that Jin Zixun had no skills to match his class. Seeing as Jiang Cheng had defeated him in numerous legal cases, he could safely say that he was beyond Jin Zixun in terms of skill.
Jiang Cheng bowed respectfully to Lan Xichen before saying, “Your uncle has requested that I assist you during your meetings.”
“Assist me?” Lan Xichen raised an eyebrow, to which Jiang Cheng nodded his head in response. If his uncle had insisted, then it must’ve been on purpose, “Alright, take a seat.”
Some nearby guards had prepared a chair the moment Jiang Cheng had opened his mouth, leaving an exquisite and intrinsically decorated, wooden chair on the ground right below Lan Xichen. Jiang Cheng pursed his lips in mild disgust at the unnecessary extravagance, but took a seat.
“Your Highness, is this not improper? To have a newly-wedded consort sit in a private meeting is not of appropriate etiquette," Jin Zixun spoke up, eyeing Jiang Cheng with looks of disgust. The ministers standing on his half of the court all nodded in agreement. The others stood there silently, neither agreeing or disagreeing, as if waiting to see what Jiang Cheng would do.
But Jiang Cheng wasn't going to do anything. He was going to sit there in silence and wait for the decisions of Lan Xichen. This was his meeting. He must lead the way.
"If the Duke has sent Consort Jiang here, then I have no intention of forcing him to leave. Let us begin the meeting, shall we?"
The ministers threw nasty looks at Jiang Cheng before settling down and straightening their backs. Lan Xichen motioned towards one of the men standing in front; the imperial advisor.
“Lan Liuyu, report please.”
Lan Liuyu, a friendly looking middle-aged man with features that made him seem like he was always smiling, stepped forward and bowed deeply, “Our spies have heard that the Wens are planning a massacre, starting with the smaller states and moving scross. At this moment, they are targeting Yao and Chang states.”
Lan Xichen frowned and leaned his arm against his throne in thought. Jiang Cheng eyed him warily, silently wondering what the Crown Prince would do.
“As of right now, they are of no urgent threat, but they have been building an army. It won’t take long for them to exterminate the smaller states. Your Highness, what do you suggest we do?”
“Notify the Yao and Chang states and tell them to strengthen their forces. Tell them that I will send some guards for assistance,” Lan Xichen started, “Spread the word to all the other states to strengthen their forces too. It would be best to tell the villagers too. ”
“Your Highness, telling the villagers will cause panic. I’m afraid they won’t be able to take the news positively.”
“I... believe that no one would think positively about these news. Telling them will prepare them for what is to come. Ignorance is a bliss but not now. Any objections?”
No one spoke. Lan Xichen took that as agreement and motioned for Lan Liyu to continue. Matters concerning floods and limited food were then spoken of, Lan Xichen responding to them with suitable solutions, all of which Jiang Cheng found to be completely reasonable.
Lan Xichen concluded the meeting that afternoon and Jiang Cheng dismissed himself. He honestly had no clue why Lan Qiren told him to join the discussions. Lan Xichen didn’t need any help.
He stepped quietly out of the throne room and paused. He internally groaned to himself but bowed slightly to the ministers in front of him, “My greetings to the ministers.”
Jin Zixun, who stood in the front, lifted his nose in the air and scoffed, “Jiang Wanyin, you have lowered yourself so much as to become a consort. What, did you seduce your way up?”
Jiang Cheng didn’t answer, keeping his eyes glued to the floor. He was in no mood to argue with an imbecile.
“Now you even have the audacity to join the court? The Crown Prince must’ve taken a liking to you—or your body at least.”
Gritting his teeth, Jiang Cheng clenched his fists from inside the wide sleeves of his purple robes. Being subjected to these insults, again, was something he had come to the Forbidden City to run away from.
But he wasn’t weak. Jiang Cheng straightened his back and relaxed his hands. He locked eyes with Jin Zixun and spoke.
“Minister Jin, I am but a consort, however, I do have the right to protest. Between you and me, I do have the winning factor in terms of appearance, yet I also have you beat in terms of intelligence. It would do you well to remember the number of defeats you have had when we were in court. Must I remind you of it again?”
Jin Zixun flushed red in anger, pointing his finger in shock at Jiang Cheng, who gave the ministers a small bow before walking off, secretly smug. What none of them knew was that Lan Xichen was trying his best to stop a laugh from escaping as he listened in from behind the door.
He quickly masked his face back into what he hoped was its usual serenity and walked out. The ministers quickly bowed nervously. Lan Xichen gave them a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes and strolled leisurely away, placing his hands behind his back.
Lan Xichen had a content smile on as he followed the figure of his consort, who was walking slowly. He didn’t know where Jiang Cheng was going but he had wandered off to a nearby garden. Jiang Cheng paused, making Lan Xichen stop in his tracks.
“Your Highness,” Jiang Cheng said, turning around to face him, “When will you stop following me?”
Lan Xichen froze.
Ah.
Right. Jiang Cheng was skillful in his martial arts. It was no surprise he would’ve noticed his presence. Lan Xichen smiled sheepishly, stepping closer towards Jiang Cheng so that he was at least a metre away.
“Ah, I apologise for that. I overheard your conversation with Minister Jin and I was curious about something.”
“What is it, Your Highness?” Jiang Cheng asked curtly, expecting the same old. If he really was a slut, if he really did get fucked by god knows who.
“How many times did Minister Jin get defeated?”
Jiang Cheng blinked. Lan Xichen smiled back, raising his eyebrows for an answer with genuine curiosity.
“Ah, um… five hundred and sixty-two.”
“So many?!” Lan Xichen asked, shocked, though secretly delighted at the number.
“We have been rivals since I had become a detective and when he was still a magistrate. I defeated him in my first case and he didn’t… expect it, to say the least. He versed me yet again in another case and we’ve been recording every number,” Jiang Cheng explained, feeling slightly ridiculous at their childishness. Lan Xichen chuckled.
"How interesting. To think Minister Jin would lose so many times. It must be humiliating to his reputation, seeing as he puts so much pride in it."
Jiang Cheng smirked, "Your Highness seems to have some animosity for Minister Jin?"
"Minister Jin has his charms but his… behaviour is a little overwhelming at times," Lan Xichen replied, chuckling nervously.
"Are you not going to ask, Your Highness?" He said finally. Lan Xichen tilted his head in confusion.
"Ask what?"
Jiang Cheng furrowed his eyebrows in disbelief, "About what Minister Jin said about me."
"Whatever Minister Jin said is not his nor my place to speak of. All that matters is that you know the truth."
"You don't care that your consort is portrayed as a slut, Your Highness?" Jiang Cheng retorted. Fuck his language, he didn't have any polite words to replace it.
"As far as I can tell from the times that we've l talked, you are definitely not like you have been rumoured to be. I must admit that I know nothing of the news of you being… well, a streetwalker[9]. Gossip is forbidden in Gusu after all."
Jiang Cheng scoffed internally, narrowing his eyes at the Crown Prince who smiled cheerfully. He sighed and turned away, keeping his gaze on the flowers.
“Do you have any requests for me?”
Flicking his eyes to the Prince, Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow, “I believe Your Highness should be the one asking for requests.”
Lan Xichen chuckled, “I suppose but after your little conversation with Minister Jin, I’m feeling especially delighted. I can only thank you for that by fulfilling one of your requests.”
Jiang Cheng stared at him in disbelief, “Your Highness, I don’t think animosity is the right word to describe how you feel about Minister Jin.”
“Minister Jin has repetitively rejected my plans, despite my insisting and continues to enforce his ideas onto me, and well, it’s not like I can refuse when he’s so… passionate.”
Biting his lip to stop his laugh from escaping, Jiang Cheng turned to face him and crossed his arms, “Your Highness, the Duke has mentioned your… soft-heartedness in court. He asked me to assist you as he believes you cannot—well, don’t know how to refuse people. You didn’t seem to have that problem today, Your Highness.”
“Well, you seemed so determined to stay and I couldn’t force you to leave, so…”
Jiang Cheng sighed, “Your Highness, I am starting to believe the Duke right now. You need to learn how to refuse people.”
Lan Xichen rubbed his neck awkwardly, “I have tried, Consort Jiang, but I just dislike having to say no.”
“I won’t accept that as an answer, Your Highness.”
He blinked and stared at Jiang Cheng blankly, “Did you just—”
“No, Your Highness. I did not.”
“Consort Jiang, do you know the consequences for speaking like that?”
“No, Your Highness. I do not.”
“Are you not afraid?”
“No, Your Highness. I am not.”
“You really are brave, Consort Jiang.”
“...I’m not,” Jiang Cheng replied, “I was terrified that you were going to behead me for speaking rudely to you, Your Highness.”
“Then why…?”
“Sometimes, when we need to refuse something, we have to confront our fears and appear strong. That way, no one will know that you’re hesitating. If Minister Jin were to talk back to you, Your Highness, all you have to do is stare right into his eyes and repeat the same words; so he knows you’re determined to refuse. Like what I did.”
Lan Xichen stared into Jiang Cheng’s eyes, searching. For what he was searching for, he wasn’t sure but what he got was sadness and an emptiness he couldn’t comprehend.
“So you were just helping me…” He chuckled softly, “I can assure you though, that I won’t behead you under any circumstances.”
Jiang Cheng turned away, looking back at the flowers, “You’ve known me only for two weeks, Your Highness. You don’t know for sure if something will come up where you need to kill me.”
Lan Xichen didn’t reply.
After all, Jiang Cheng was correct. If he ever did anything wrong, Lan Xichen wouldn’t hesitate to send him to the gallows.
“You seem to speak from experience, Consort Jiang.”
“Your Highness is perceptive as expected,” Jiang Cheng muttered, “Detectives are honest people but we must lie whenever it is necessary. If we lie, it only means that the person we are talking to cannot be trusted.”
“I’ll remember your words,” Lan Xichen replied with a smile, “I do hope that you won’t have to lie to me.”
This time, Jiang Cheng didn’t reply. Lan Xichen took a step closer to his consort with a beam, “Say, do you really not have any requests, Consort Jiang?”
Jiang Cheng tensed at the sudden close proximities but he still locked eyes with the Crown Prince.
“Since Your Highness insists, I do have one request.”
◇◇◇◇
“Jiang Cheng!”
Jiang Cheng didn’t have time to react before a body came colliding with his own and was pulled into a tight hug. He sighed but hugged back with one hand. After a while, Jiang Cheng slapped at Wei Wuxian’s back, hard, and plastered his usual scowl back on.
“Wei Wuxian, let go! I can’t breathe!”
Wei Wuxian loosened his arms but didn’t let go, instead, pulling Jiang Yanli, who was standing patiently in the back with a smile, into their hug. Wei Wuxian, with his bigger build, wrapped his arms around the two of them, or at least tried to. But Jiang Cheng compensated for the space by hugging the two back. They let go after a while with smiles on their faces.
The three hadn’t seen each other for a month and the longing was strong. Wei Wuxian had run at him after he had been checked from head to toe by the imperial guards, only arriving quicker because he had flaunted his status as their superior and rushing ahead. Lan Xichen stood awkwardly behind them with a small smile. He really didn’t want to be here but his uncle had said that he had eyes everywhere, and he had no intention of misbelieving.
And why was the Crown Prince currently standing behind them with an awkward smile instead of busying himself with his own affairs?
“Since your Highness insists, I do have one request.”
“What is it?”
“I want to venture as I will. Alone.”
A pause.
“I’m afraid that is not possible. To ensure your safety, you must have at least two guards around at all times.”
“Then why are you currently alone, Your Highness?”
Lan Xichen smiled softly, “The same reason as you, Consort Jiang.”
Jiang Cheng frowned. He had been granted a month of freedom; to walk around as he pleased without the constant clatter of footsteps from the guards behind him. He only had a month before he was to hear them again. Lan Xichen’s reason was the same as his? Impossible. As if the Crown Prince couldn’t do as he wished.
“I was also given a month of freedom by my royal uncle. I… haven’t been stable recently so he is worried. Thus, I’ve been able to have a bit of freedom for now.”
“Then will Your Highness start having guards after a month?”
“Yes,” Lan Xichen paused in thought, “Unless we strike a deal.”
Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Lan Xichen’s eyes twinkled.
“Why don’t we stay together then?”
What?
“Consort Jiang, think about it. If we are constantly together, my uncle will feel reassured, seeing as we will have each other’s backs. We will be able to remove the guards. In this relationship, we can build trust between the two of us and we can keep each other’s secrets.”
“But I won’t be alone then, Your Highness.”
an Xichen laughed, “Some friendly company is overdue, don’t you think?”
Jiang Cheng turned away to think. If he were to stay with the Crown Prince, maybe he could walk wherever he wanted. After all, Lan Xichen was the soon-to-be-heir. He could pull strings and maybe Jiang Cheng could have a new friend. One he could confide in. Like Lan Xichen said, some friendly company really was overdue.
“Alright, Your Highness. What are the conditions?”
“There are none.”
“No conditions? Please do not lie to me, Your Highness.”
“Lying is forbidden within Gusu. I cannot and will not lie. Do not worry, Consort Jiang, I have no conditions.”
“Then if Your Highness has no conditions, I have one.”
“And what might that be?”
“If anything were to happen to stop this deal, whether temporary or permanent, my family must not be involved. This means that under no circumstance, is my family allowed to hear of this.”
“Of course. This deal will be a little secret of ours.”
Wei Wuxian turned to Lan Xichen with a frown, “Who might you be…?”
Lan Xichen smiled pleasantly, “Lan Xichen.”
Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened and he quickly bowed his head in respect. Jiang Yanli did the same with both her knees on the ground and her hands clasped neatly in front of her.
“We apologise for our discourtesy, Your Highness. We did not recognise you.”
Lan Xichen nodded his head in response, “Please stand up, Imperial Guard Wei, Young Mistress Jiang. I have to apologise beforehand for disturbing your family time.”
The two straightened up and sent Jiang Cheng some questioning glances who pretended he didn’t see them. He instead sat down at the jade table located in the courtyard of the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
After his discussion with the Crown Prince, Lan Xichen had spoken with his uncle and reached an agreement. Which was that they were never to leave each other’s side, thus resulting in Jiang Cheng moving into the Warm Chamber, which was Lan Xichen’s personal quarters. Jiang Cheng had wanted to refuse, but Lan Qiren seemed to be more insistent to get an heir than he realised.
At first, it was awkward. It was like the night of their marriage all over again. With the two of them preferring to sleep on two different beds, which Lan Xichen had made sure of, they didn’t indulge in the activities that Lan Qiren expected of them. Instead, they simply conversed daily and eventually, became closer. It took them a month, but it was better than nothing.
He took out four cups and poured tea into it, passing one to Lan Xichen who Jiang Cheng had pulled with him to sit down.
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli sat down hesitantly and quietly drank the tea.
“How is Mother and Father?” Jiang Cheng asked softly, “Are they still arguing?”
“The house has been strangely quiet without you there, Jiang Cheng,” Wei Wuxian spoke up with a grin, “We all miss you.”
Jiang Cheng bit back a sigh. He already knows who wouldn’t miss him.
“A-Cheng, I’ve made some lotus pork rib soup and those pork buns that you love,” Jiang Yanli smiled as she placed a basket onto the table, “I have also brought some without spice if you want to try some, Your Highness, though I’m sure it won’t suit your tastes.”
“I would love to try them, Young Mistress Jiang.”
“Of course you would, Your Highness. My sister makes the best food in Yunmeng,” Jiang Cheng said with a proud smirk which made Lan Xichen laugh gently. Jiang Yanli smiled at their interaction, taking out the plates of food. Wei Wuxian hid a smirk.
Jiang Cheng immediately grabbed a pork bun and bit into it, melting at its taste, “It’s as good as always, A-Jie.”
“It better be,” Wei Wuxian snapped, “Those guards almost ripped the basket off of Shijie’s hands if it weren’t for me being of a higher status… I apologise, Your Highness.”
Lan Xichen who was perfectly content in sipping his tea, looked up, surprised, “No, no, I will personally make sure that they are more lenient for your next visit.”
“Oh no, Your Highness. It is good that they are overly-cautious. Please do not worry, Your Highness,” Jiang Yanli said gently with an embarrassed smile. Lan Xichen smiled in response. Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes before taking a lotus seed pastry and passing it to Lan Xichen.
He stared at it in surprise but smiled and accepted the pastry. He took a bite. His eyes widened in amazement.
“This is delicious, Young Mistress Jiang.”
“I’m glad you like it, Your Highness.”
Jiang Cheng grinned inwardly to himself as he took another bite. He had missed his sister’s cooking after a month of eating the same, bland Lan food. Though, he didn’t think he was one to complain, when Lan Xichen’s food, as Crown Prince, was based on maintaining health instead of providing taste. He had been curious once (his biggest regret) and was graciously given a bite of a strange-looking yellow cube[10]. Though incredibly embarrassed at the lack of etiquette, Jiang Cheng had immediately spat out the contents from his mouth and didn’t bother to ask what it was. He had promptly returned to his fish (the one part of the meal that was somewhat satisfactory). Lan Xichen had a good laugh then and Jiang Cheng was almost tempted to give him a good punch.
“Don’t think you’re off the hook just because the Prince is here, Jiang Cheng.”
Jiang Cheng glanced at Wei Wuxian who was looking especially stern, “What is it?”
“Jiang Cheng, you know what I’m talking about.”
He sighed, keeping his gaze on his teacup, refusing to look into his sibling’s eyes. Lan Xichen looked over at the three of them and decided that his presence was probably unwanted. He excused himself and stood a length away, far enough to not hear their conversation.
“A-Cheng, we didn’t get to talk to you before the wedding but you didn’t have to agree to this marriage.”
“Even if I didn’t agree, would I have a choice? Father had already agreed on my behalf.”
“If you didn’t agree, I would’ve done what I could to help you!” Wei Wuxian blurted out in anger.
“You would’ve helped me? Who do you think you are?” Jiang Cheng hissed, ignoring his brother’s hurt flinch, “Just because Father likes you more— only likes you doesn’t mean that you can be of any help!”
Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened, “Jiang Cheng, there’s no way that Uncle Jiang doesn’t like you! You’re his son and I’m not. That’s why he’s treating me so leniently!”
Jiang Cheng scoffed, “He doesn’t only like you because you’re not his son. What a load of bullshit.”
“Jiang Wanyin!”
“Wei Wuxian! Don’t think that just because you’re better than me means that you get the final say! Yes, you’re older than me, smarter than me, a stronger fighter than me and fuck, you even have a better knack for solving cases— WHICH. WAS. MY. JOB!”
At one point, the two of them had stood up and were now standing face to face. Jiang Cheng’s lip quivered in anger. Wei Wuxian glared at the floor, Jiang Yanli looking desperately from one brother to the other.
“Isn’t it great, Wei Wuxian? You’re now the heir to Father’s oil industry. You can get Father’s approval and even Mother won’t be able to criticise you.”
Wei Wuxian didn’t reply, his fists clenched so tightly, his nails dug into his palms. Jiang Cheng hated seeing this. His brother’s ridiculous silence. The silence that was supposed to solve all problems if Wei Wuxian just shut up and take all the slander. He hated it, because Wei Wuxian wasn’t supposed to be the one who just stomached all the hatred. He should be standing tall and fighting back.
Jiang Cheng had only one purpose in life, and it was to endure through all the slander that was thrown in his and his family’s way. If he kept his silence, his family wouldn’t be affected. Then he could just suffer by himself. It was better that way.
“Why aren’t you talking, Wei Wuxian? Is that not what you’re best at? What happened?” He paused, waiting. Fight back, Wei Wuxian, say something. Don’t let my hatred get to you.
“Do you really want to be here?”
There was a pause before Jiang Cheng chuckled darkly.
“Why would I not want to be here? The Forbidden City has everything I need and more! I won’t be subjected to Father’s disappointment, to Mother’s expectations. There’s nowhere better for me than here!”
“Jiang Cheng, I know you only came here because you were too kind to refuse—”
“Too kind?” Jiang Cheng was definitely losing his mind as he huffed out a sarcastic laugh, “Me? Kind? I’ve never seen anyone match those two words together! Wei Wuxian, I’m not kind! Don’t fuck with me! I’m a whore, a bitch, a fucking slut that sleeps with aristocracy so I can get money and now I’m even aiming at royalty!”
“YOU KNOW THAT’S NOT TRUE!” Wei Wuxian roared, “YOU’VE NEVER SLEPT WITH ANYONE!”
“WHAT DO YOU KNOW? ACCORDING TO THOSE RUMOURS, I’M NOTHING BUT TRASH AND EVEN MY OWN PARENTS BELIEVE THAT! FATHER TREATS ME LIKE VERMIN AND MOTHER CAN’T EVEN LOOK AT ME WITHOUT GETTING ANGRY! WHAT ELSE WOULD I BE IF NOT A PILE OF SHIT ON THE GROUND?”
He hated this. He hated how he would always be the one to worsen the mood. Here his family was, coming over to visit trash like him when they could’ve lived perfectly happily without him to block their way. Here he was, getting angry over a few sentences and destroying his only chances of his family ever coming to visit again.
Jiang Cheng’s knees buckled and he dropped to the floor. His chest heaved up and down as he tried to catch his breath. He could feel his tears coming out but he didn’t care.
It hurt. It hurt so much.
When will the pain stop?
Lan Xichen had never seen his consort become so broken, so fragile. In the month that they had talked, Jiang Cheng had always been strong, with a defiant personality and a fierce temper. But as he stared at the crumbled figure on the ground, with tears pouring out of his eyes as he gripped at his robes, he couldn’t bear it.
It just made him so mad. So furious that Jiang Cheng was breaking down and all his family could do was watch.
He marched right over, knelt down on the soft grass, and wrapped his arms around his consort. Lan Xichen placed Jiang Cheng’s head on his shoulder and pulled him in close.
All the hurt that Jiang Cheng had suffered so far, all the slander he had endured, Lan Xichen was going to ensure it never happened again.