Chapter Text
… … …
Lotus Pier
… … …
Jiang Cheng huffed as he ripped up the fine quality, cloud-patterned letter paper in his hand. Just for good measure, he sneered down at the scraps as well. How ridiculous. Never before had he thought that Lan Xichen could be so irritating – this was only one of many such letters in this week alone! Just what were those damned so-called gentlemen playing at?
The sour expression on his face persisted up until someone entered the room following a gentle knock.
“It seems A-Cheng is working hard.”
Jiang Yanli approached his desk and set a tray down in front of him. Sitting on top was a still steaming ceramic bowl, quickly beginning to fill the room with the fragrant scent of lotus pork rib soup. Jiang Cheng brightened, feeling better already.
“I brought you a little snack but don’t forget to come to lunch soon. Take more breaks. When A-Xian returns, I’m sure he will help ease your workload.”
“Him? All I ask is he doesn’t stir up even more trouble for me,” Jiang Cheng scoffed, clearing the space in front of him.
With a placating smile, Jiang Yanli nudged the bowl closer. “Have there been more proposal letters?” she asked knowingly. “That’s not exactly A-Xian’s fault, you know that. Besides, you’ve received plenty yourself.”
“I know, Jie.” It was true but that didn’t mean he had to like it. It was just his luck that he started taking over sect leader duties in time to deal with such matters that would normally fall to his parents. Alas, soon after the Sunshot Campaign ended, Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan had gone off on travels together, happily leaving the sect in the children’s hands.
Jiang Cheng eagerly downed a spoonful of soup, sighing in satisfaction. Meanwhile, Jiang Yanli picked up a letter from the pile at random and glanced through it.
“Hm, the Liu family? I often hear of the second lady’s talents. Perhaps A-Xian can consider it.”
“Oh, Lady Yue as well? She is a good friend and their personalities are a good match.”
At the third letter, Jiang Yanli’s musings cut off abruptly and Jiang Cheng looked up, still chewing on a chunk of meat.
“Something wrong, Jie?”
Jiang Yanli flipped the paper over and back again as if to check for signs of tampering. “This…” Incredulous, she handed it to Jiang Cheng.
Jiang Cheng looked down and frowned. “Ah, another one? I thought I got them all.” He gestured to the one he ripped up earlier, still scattered over the table.
“So…they’re really…?”
“Seems so.”
“And you’ve been ignoring them up?” Jiang Yanli rescued the surviving letter from Jiang Cheng’s fingers and carefully reread the elegant calligraphy. “Why? Zewu-jun sounds…quite sincere.”
“I’d be more inclined to believe it if the suitor was Zewu-jun himself. But Hanguang-jun? Who are they fooling?!”
Absently, Jiang Yanli scolded him for the disrespectful tone but her hand was slowly rising to her chin. “You have not sent a reply?” she guessed.
“Well.” Jiang Cheng paused to take another gulp of soup. “Technically, I did. But clearly they did not get the message. Tsk.”
A thoughtful look spread over Jiang Yanli’s face.
… … …
Cloud Recesses
… … …
The sun was shining brightly overheard and the sky was a clear blue, decorated by a sparse few wisps of pure white. It was a beautiful day indeed. Lan Xichen allowed himself a small smile.
He was returning from a few errands in Caiyi Town – nothing important, just picking up a few items for himself – and the basket of loquats in his arms spoke of a fruitful trip. The Hanshi was just coming into view when Lan Xichen spotted a figure approaching from the opposite direction. A second look confirmed that, yes, as he suspected, it was his little brother. Again.
“Wangji,” he greeted as they both came to a stop outside the Hanshi’s front gate.
“Xiongzhang, any news?”
Ah, cutting straight to the point, were we? Didi was not even bothering with pleasantries anymore, Lan Xichen thought sadly. Normally, he’d be more than delighted that this aloof brother of his was proactively seeking his company…but, unfortunately, the purpose of these visits was a little headache-inducing. In fact, ever since he took up the task of contacting the Jiangs, he’d been…ahem, honoured by Lan Wangji’s constant presence.
Now, why was this? Everything really began with that heart-stopping day that took years off Lan Xichen’s lifespan.
At the time, the war against the Wens was reaching its end and people were already preparing for the inevitable celebratory feasts. All that remained was tying up the loose ends. Yet, it was on an unremarkable day that Lan Xichen received an urgent report that broke the cool-headed Zewu-jun’s composure.
A party of Lan disciples on a routine scouting trip had fallen into an ambush, becoming trapped within a barrier along with a ravenous, corrupt ancient beast. Hanguang-jun was leading the group.
“How could this have happened?!” Lan Xichen’s knuckles were white as his grip tightened on Shuoyue’s hilt. “Where did the Wens find such a beast?”
“W-we didn’t think it was possible.” The ashen-faced disciple trembled as he spoke. “On my way here, I passed by Wei-gongzi and told him what happened as well. I think he went after Hanguang-jun. He was much closer so he might be there already but…”
Half a shichen later, when they met Wei Wuxian halfway clutching a severely injured but alive Lan Wangji in his arms, Lan Xichen thought he might pass out from the wave of relief that crashed over him.
Despite everything, it was after that whole incident that Lan Wangji’s mood shot into the clouds. Lan Xichen might even describe him to be elated during that time. Even back then, Lan Xichen had already been well aware of his brother’s feelings for Wei Wuxian – if there was anyone who could bring about such a change in Lan Wangji, it was that bright-eyed Jiang Sect youth. Lan Xichen still didn’t know exactly the words that were exchanged while Wei Wuxian lingered in Wangji’s tent, insisting on personally looking after him. However, judging by Wangji’s reaction, Lan Xichen could only assume that Wangji had finally taken a courageous step and was rewarded handsomely.
In those last few days, Lan Xichen was certainly proud to see Lan Wangji enjoy the abundant time in Wei Wuxian’s lively company. He was sure that, given the choice, his little brother would still be stuck to Wei-gongzi’s side this very second. Unfortunately, both of them had post-war duties to perform as prominent members of their sects and the new couple could only separate, returning to resettle their homes.
No doubt Lan Wangji had received a promise so he did not seem rushed at first, content to work diligently in his own tasks and correspond by letter in the meantime. Lan Xichen also got the impression that Wangji was waiting for Wei-gongzi to arrive in Gusu. It would make sense – that way, they could inform the elders of their relationship side by side. That plan began testing Lan Wangji’s patience, however, when the rumours reached Gusu.
Even this morning in Caiyi Town, Lan Xichen had heard ladies gossiping about how the line of suitors had wrapped all the way around Lotus Pier.
“…Of course Wei-gongzi is especially popular!”
“Did you see the way he fights?”
“Forget that! Have you ever seen him smile? Oh my heavens…”
Evidently, their generation of young masters were all nearing marriage age and the smaller sects were scrambling over each other to put in a good word, especially after the war had threw the top young masters’ names into glory. Naturally, there was no lack of suitors for the Twin Jades as well and it was on yet another day of Lan Qiren hinting to Lan Wangji that “it was about time to consider” that Lan Wangji bowed low and proclaimed that he already found his fated one.
“Anyone but him! He will tear Cloud Recesses apart!”
“Wangji will accept no one else. Not in this lifetime, nor the next.”
“Such insolence!”
It followed that Lan Wangji spent the rest of the day and the next kneeling in front of their ancestral hall, refusing to leave. In the end, Qingheng-jun had to personally come drag him away. Lan Qiren, too, acquiesced under the persuasion of his brother and eldest nephew.
With the blessings of their elders secured, Lan Xichen thought that all would be well from that point on and volunteered to be the messenger. Off he went, perfectly happy, to arrange his brother’s marriage. Soon, he began wishing he left it to their father instead.
His first letter received no reply. Nor his second. He felt the initial stirrings of doubt. Shouldn’t it be only a formality? Even if the proposal’s timing was sudden, at least Wei-gongzi shouldn’t be surprised. After the third letter, he finally had confirmation that the letters were at least making it to Lotus Pier.
The brothers had stared down at the blank page in silence. Lan Xichen surreptitiously glanced at the envelope to make sure the nine-petal lotus emblem was authentic. It definitely was. In that moment, he wanted to personally drag Wei Wuxian in front of him and shake him. Just a little. This was no time for such jokes, Wei-gongzi!
“Perhaps…there was a mishap when it was sent?” Lan Xichen suggested warily. He could almost see the storm clouds forming above Lan Wangji’s head. “…Wangji, ah! There may be nothing written but that’s a good thing, right? It’s not a rejection! Right?!”
Back in the present, looking into Lan Wangji’s dejected, resigned eyes, Lan Xichen was overjoyed that today, finally, he was able to give him something other than a reluctant head shake and empty words of comfort.
“Here, hold this.” Lan Xichen shoved his loquat basket into Lan Wangji’s hands. Wangji’s bemused face turned anticipatory when Lan Xichen reached for his qiankun pouch and pulled something out. It was a letter embossed with the Jiang Sect lotus. This time, Lan Xichen had the foresight to read the letter first so he had no qualms in calming Lan Wangji’s obvious trepidation with an encouraging smile.
The paper was all but ripped from Lan Xichen’s hands and he watched light amber eyes fly over the page, taking in the delicate writing. He saw the realization dawn on his brother’s face and the new hope that reignited.
It was not the Young Sect Leader Jiang but rather his sister who had written back.
For the Lan family’s eyes only:
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I must apologize for the delay in this correspondence. We have received a large volume of missives recently and my brother, as the young sect leader, can only do his best to carefully consider each request. In consideration of the close ties between our two families, I did not wish to keep you waiting any longer. As such, I have taken it upon myself to respond on my brothers’ behalf and can only hope this does not create any offense.
From Zewu-jun’s words, I inferred that A-Xian himself was expected to visit your honoured abode personally. I must inform you that A-Xian has been away from Lotus Pier for over a month on an urgent and time-consuming assignment and thus was unable to do so. He has not been made aware of your recent letters either. I hope this has not caused undue misunderstandings.
That said, matters as vital as marriage are best discussed in person as I’m sure you can agree. A-Xian is also due to return very shortly, within these few days. I hereby invite Hanguang-jun and his elders to Yunmeng Lotus Pier, upon convenience, so that we may discuss this at greater length.
By the personal pen of Jiang Yanli, daughter of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect
When Lan Wangji finished reading, he looked up to see Lan Xichen’s smile grow a little wider.
“As far as I know, Wangji, you have no pressing tasks on hand so there’s no reason to delay this trip. Shall I go inform father and uncle?”
“Mn!”
… … …
The young Jiang Ming felt a single bead of sweat trickle down his face. He gulped nervously but he didn’t back down. Before him, three immaculately dressed men stood tall and poised. One was clearly the elder, if the long goatee was to be trusted, while the other two men somehow looked very similar yet incredibly different.
Jiang Ming had never met them before but he knew exactly who they were. How could he not? The good names of the Lan gentlemen were renowned across the cultivation world, after all. Thus, for the life of him, Jiang Ming could not understand why his dear sect leader was making them wait outside in the scorching heat. Then again, Hanguang-jun’s frigid presence was enough to lower the temperature around him.
No one said a word though Jiang Ming thought he could see Old Master Lan’s expression grow darker by the second. Jiang Ming could only take solace in Zewu-jun’s polite and gentle aura to distract from the tension Hanguang-jun was exuding. Just when Jiang Ming was on the verge of imploding, a shidi ran out to whisper something into his ear. He almost let out an audible sigh of relief.
“Old Master Lan, Zewu-jun, Hanguang-jun, apologies for the wait. Our sect leader is ready to see you now!”
… … …
In the main guest hall of Lotus Pier, Jiang Wanyin stared down at the visitors from the high seat. The three Lans stared back.
Finally, the young Jiang Sect Leader offered his greetings.
“Please take a seat,” he said. And when everyone was settled, he continued, “We are honoured to receive such illustrious guests today. You have travelled far.”
Lan Xichen inclined his head in acknowledgement. “We are the ones who should thank Sect Leader Jiang and Lady Jiang for the invitation. For such a momentous matter, we wish only to show our sincerity – it is our honour to arrive here today.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
Jiang Wanyin’s tone was deliberately ambiguous and Lan Xichen could tell his uncle was already holding back a scolding. He, himself, was not quite sure how to respond. They were saved from the trouble when the hall doors opened.
When Jiang Yanli entered bearing tea and refreshments, Jiang Wanyin leapt up and hurried down the raised dais towards her. “Jie, why didn’t you let someone else handle that? At least have someone help you!”
The young lady waved him off with a smile. “It’s no trouble. I only wished to offer our best hospitality to our honoured guests.”
“Our gratitude for your efforts, Lady Jiang.” Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji bowed to her in turn.
Jiang Yanli’s pleasant demeanor was a stark contrast to her brother’s, successfully muting the strange tension from earlier. When the pleasantries were over, everyone settled into their respective seats.
“Thank you for coming all this way,” Jiang Yanli said first. “A-Xian is still not back yet but I dare say you have come at just the right time. A-Xian’s last correspondence suggested he would be back within these few days.”
Lan Wangji lit up at the mere mention of Wei Wuxian…though, of course, only his brother could tell.
On the other hand, Jiang Wanyin’s face darkened. “Since A-Jie has invited you to our humble Lotus Pier,” and he was still a little miffed that she didn’t tell him until the last minute, “let us get straight to the point. What is it that you want from us?”
Lan Xichen glanced at Lan Wangji who appeared just as taken aback.
“It is already Wangji’s greatest honour that Wei-gongzi should accept this union. Our two clans would naturally benefit from this relationship as well but that was not our priority by any means. We do not seek anything more from the Jiang Sect.”
“Union? Greatest honour?” Jiang Wanyin set down his teacup with enough force to make Lan Qiren furrow his brow. “I appreciate the dedication but this façade has continued for long enough, hasn’t it?”
“A-Cheng…”
“A-Jie, don’t tell me you can stand for these gentlemen trying to take Wei Wuxian away?!”
Even Lan Wangji’s composure was breaking at the seams by now. Lan Xichen placed a hand on his rigid shoulder and said, “Sect Leader Jiang, Lady Jiang. There must be some misunderstanding.”
At this point, Lan Qiren could no longer sit back and watch this back and forth. He had agreed to accompany his nephews in his elder brother’s place only because said brother was in the middle of a crucial stage of his seclusion, though they thought it would only be a formality in any case. Clearly, they had been mistaken.
Lan Qiren stood and the younger men and lady rose to mirror him.
“Young Sect Leader Jiang,” he said. “Xichen and I have come in place of Wangji’s father to discuss his marriage to Yunmeng’s head disciple, Wei Ying. The Lan Sect does not take such a matter lightly. If this union is not mutually desirable then we shall not waste any more of your time.”
“Shufu!”
“Wangji, stay quiet.”
Jiang Wanyin raised his hands politely to Lan Qiren but remained unmoved. “Lan-xiansheng, with all due respect, this union—”
“Wait!” Lan Xichen hurried to interrupt. He could feel his brother’s anxiousness growing, infecting him as well. “Perhaps it would be appropriate to ask for Wei-gongzi’s own opinion? He and Wangji have promised their futures to each other and it wouldn’t do for us to belie their intentions.”
“Him and Lan Er-gongzi?” Jiang Wanyin scowled. “And what makes you think Wei Wuxian would agree to such a thing? Are you not aware that Wei Wuxian and Hanguang-jun’s relationship is widely renowned?”
After all, during the Sunshot Campaign, the number of fights and disagreements between the Lan Sect’s second young master and Yunmeng’s head disciple were often the go-to topic for gossip.
Wei Wuxian had been heavily injured and bedridden for months after that first attack on Lotus Pier by the Wens. Of course, he was never one to lie still so even that forced rest time was put to good use. Every time Jiang Cheng checked on him, he inevitably tripped on the newest trinket or talisman of Wei Wuxian’s invention.
Eventually, Wei Wuxian had managed to sneak out against doctor’s orders to test his new weapons and techniques. Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan chewed him out for days each time but even they were astounded by the sheer effectiveness of his methods. They were…unusual, to say the least, summoning and taking advantage of vengeful energy, coupled with masterful strategies, to ensnare the enemy with minimal losses to allies. And when Wei Wuxian finally recovered enough to pick up Suibian and head to the frontlines, he seamlessly integrated new and old techniques to blaze a brilliant trail on the battlefield. With Jiang Cheng at his side, the name of the Twin Warriors of Yunmeng sounded across the lands.
However, while everyone was showering Wei Wuxian with praises, Lan Wangji stood out from the crowd, calling him reckless and overzealous. Hotblooded from the rage of war, Wei Wuxian responded in kind and then promptly started ignoring him when Lan Wangji persisted. It was only when the war was nearing its end when their feud seemed to die down.
But…
“Has Wei Ying never…mentioned anything?” Lan Wangji asked stiffly.
This time, it was Jiang Yanli’s words that doused Lan Wangji with cold water.
“Indeed, A-Xian has often mentioned Lan Er-gongzi’s name. As his sister, I was glad to hear that your relationship was on the mend.” Her smile was knife sharp. “But he has not mentioned a single thing further than that. So, please forgive A-Cheng’s attitude but we do have our reservations.”
…Not mentioned a single thing…
Lan Wangji felt as though shards of ice were slowly sinking into his heart. Was it all a lie? That day in his tent, hadn’t Wei Ying agreed? And all the letters they sent in the following months, all the ‘see you soon’s…what were they? Just Wei Ying’s way of playing with him? Ways of keeping him happy and in the dark while Wei Ying happily moved on?
“Lady Jiang,” he heard himself say. “Whatever Wei Ying feels, my proposal was sincere. I…ask only to hear him tell me his wishes in person.”
“And that is completely within reason, Hanguang-jun. That was also why I invited you here so please feel welcome to stay until A-Xian—”
The hall doors open once again, this time with none of Jiang Yanli’s gentleness.
Bam!
Everyone turned to look. Framed in the doorway was a tall, slender figure dressed in dark colours. An eye-catching red ribbon fluttered in and out of sight behind him as he practically flew into the hall. After so long, the sight was like a single flower in Lan Wangji’s desert.
“Jiang Cheng!” Wei Wuxian yelled, his voice sending a tremor through Lan Wangji’s heart. Then he paused. “Shijie’s here too? And…wow, so many people. What’s the occasion?”
“Wei Ying…”
“Ah, Lan Zhan!”
Distantly, Lan Wangji could hear Jiang Wanyin yell something back but his gaze was trained on one person only. Under his scrutiny, something stood out. In the blink of an eye, his feet had carried him to Wei Wuxian’s side and he frantically reached for him.
“Wei Ying, you’re injured.”
Wei Wuxian’s dark clothing hid it well but the stained fabric on Wei Wuxian’s side and arm was glaringly obvious to Lan Wangji. His fingers brush over the spots and was relieved to find them dry. They’re not bleeding anymore. He glanced up to see Wei Wuxian’s startled eyes.
“L-lan Zhan, it’s fine. They’re barely worth a mention; nothing I can’t handle.”
Suddenly, Lan Wangji was angry. He grabbed Wei Wuxian’s wrist. “Barely worth a mention? How much blood must you lose, then, before it is worth a mention?”
Wei Wuxian stared back at him with surprise and growing displeasure written all over his face. “Lan Zhan,” he said, his smile fading. “This is our first meeting in quite a while. Must you be like this right away?”
“I…”
“Wangji, do not overstep your bounds,” Lan Qiren reminded from somewhere behind him. Lan Wangji did not drop Wei Wuxian’s wrist. “Wangji.”
“Hanguang-jun.” Jiang Wanyin’s voice was cold. “Unhand him. Or do you need me to help you?”
But before Jiang Wanyin could do anything, Jiang Yanli rushed forward to lay a hand on Wei Wuxian’s arm. She tugged lightly and Lan Wangji finally, very reluctantly, had to let go.
“A-Xian! How could you be this careless? I will send for a doctor immediately.”
“Shijie, there’s no… All right, all right. Xian-Xian will listen to Shijie.”
It took a split second for him to relent under Jiang Yanli’s stern gaze, Lan Wangji noticed bitterly. Something in his heart was tickled as he watched Wei Wuxian grin happily under Jiang Yanli’s careful touch and Jiang Wanyin’s concerned poking. His own fist clenched beneath his sleeve.
“So what brings our guests all the way from Gusu?” Wei Wuxian turned a curious eye onto the Lans, his brief ire at Lan Wangji already forgotten. “Lan Zhan, I didn’t expect you to come to Lotus Pier first. I thought you were waiting for me to go find you first?”
“There was really such a thing?” Jiang Wanyin frowned.
Meanwhile, Lan Wangji’s hope flared. “Wei Ying, you remember?”
“Of course, I do! How could I forget that, after years of asking, Lan Er-gongzi finally agreed to come visit Lotus Pier! So of course I was counting the days to go fetch you from Cloud Recesses. I’ve been missing Emperor’s Smile, too. If only this night hunt hadn’t gotten in the way…”
“Wei-gongzi.” Lan Xichen stepped forward. “This is great to hear. If you and Wangji are both in agreeance, we can move forward without delay. I realize you may have wanted to do the honours with Wangji but Wangji already informed the Lan elders himself. That is why we have deigned to come to Lotus Pier. I hope it is not too sudden for you.”
Wei Wuxian blinked. “Informed…the elders? Surely so much ceremony is unnecessary just to visit a friend?”
Lan Xichen’s smile froze on his face.
Jiang Wanyin laughed. “I told you he would never agree to such a ridiculous thing.”
“What’s going on? Jiang Cheng, what are you taking about?”
Gingerly, Lan Xichen extracted the newest letter he’d written and handed it to Wei Wuxian. The entire room watched him as he read it. As his eyes widened in disbelief, Lan Wangji’s dimmed.
“This… I—!”
Jiang Yanli took his hand. “A-Xian, I need you to tell Shijie plainly. Did you know about this? Did you agree to this?”
Like a coffin lid sliding shut, Wei Wuxian shook his head.
“Lan Zhan, I…” Wei Wuxian was flustered in a way he rarely was and the letter weighed heavy in his hand. “I didn’t think… If this was because I saved your life, there’s no need to go this far! You helped me out plenty of times, too, right? I…oh.”
A certain day and a certain conversation flitted through his mind. His breath stuttered. Could it be…?
“That day…?”
Lan Wangji did not meet his eyes.
“Ahem.” Raising a sleeve to cover her mouth, Jiang Yanli let out a light cough. “It appears A-Xian and Hanguang-jun have things they need to talk about. May I trouble Hanguang-jun to accompany A-Xian to his room? His wounds still need to be taken care of.” She turned to Lan Wangji. “If Hanguang-jun wouldn’t mind, can I entrust this task to you?”
“A-Jie!”
“Shijie…”
“Lady Jiang, please be assured that Wangji will take great care of Wei-gongzi.”
“Mn.”