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Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng watch tearfully as Madam Yu leaves them in the boat with Zidian tying them up. As the boat floats further down the river, Jiang Cheng struggles desperately against the spiritual weapon that prevented them from leaving.

“Jiang Cheng! Look!” Although he wasn’t able to point, he turns so that Jiang Cheng could see another boat in the distance. He could see the faint figures of Uncle Jiang and Shijie. Once the boats met, Uncle Jiang and Shijie step out onto their boats.

“What’s wrong? Why are you being tied out with Zidian here?” Uncle Jiang demands

“The Wens..have sent soldiers over to Lotus Cove. Mother is fighting with Wen Zhuliu…Father, we have to go help her!” Jiang Cheng says desperately. Uncle Jiang reaches out an arm towards Zidian, almost uncertain. He seemed surprised when the snake unraveled itself around the two boys and wrapped around his wrist. 

“Father, let’s go help mother,” Jiang Cheng says desperately. “We’ll all fight and escape together.” Jiang Fengmian hesitates, then he grabs Yanli and shoves her towards her brothers and Zidian once again ties itself around them.

“Father!” Yanli and Jiang Cheng cry out. Wei Wuxian felt numb all over. All he could do was stare and cry silently as Jiang Fengmian asked him to protect A-Cheng and A-Li. Then the boat drifts away, further away from Lotus Pier. Jiang Fengmian all but ignored their cries as he headed back towards home.

“We have to go back. We have to go back now!” Wei Wuxian grabs Jiang Cheng’s arms as he tries to go back into the boat.

“Stop, Jiang Cheng! We will get revenge one day, but not right now!” Jiang Cheng slaps his hand away.

“What revenge?! We need to go back and help them!” He rages. Wei Wuxian shakes his head again.

“How? We don’t have our swords. What kind of help could we bring them? We need to get reinforcements.”

“The Jin Sect! We can contact them. Shijie, what did Jin Guangshan say about the Wens?” Yanli shakes her head, her face still streaked from tears.

“They don’t know what’s happening. They wouldn’t know to send help.”  Wei Wuxian,  keeping a firm hold on both his siblings said, 

“We should head into town first. Jiang Cheng and I will go back to check on the situation at Lotus Pier after we get you to a safe place, alright Shijie?” Her eyes widened but she couldn't say anything in response. They check into the inn, asking the caretaker there to look after their sister and that they’d be back soon. 

With so many Wen soldiers around, it wasn’t easy to sneak in, but they soon made it inside and climbed the roofs to peer into the courtyard. The sight they saw was met with horror. Bodies were piled up along the pond. The stone floor was streaked with blood and worse of all, two bodies lay motionless inside the courtroom. Jiang Cheng feels horror, anger, and sadness overwhelming him to the point that he was shaking. Wei Wuxian was shaking as well. The sight of his dead parents was all it took for him to roll silently off the roof and run back towards the forest and towards the town with Wei Wuxian hot on his heels. With a heavy heart, they tell the news to their sister who staggers backward, her expression pained. 

Later that night, she falls ill from a fever and Wei Wuxian leaves to get medicine and food, telling Jiang Cheng to stay put. Jiang Cheng could hardly hear him. His whole body feels numb. Almost mindlessly, he stands up and walks outside the inn into the rain. He could see Wei Wuxian in the distance at a stand, an umbrella gripped in his hand. The Wen soldiers were out looking for them, dead or alive, but most likely dead. They pause behind Wei Wuxian, their hands reaching for their sword. Jiang Cheng reacts quickly. He takes off running. He could hear a shout and footsteps running behind him, but he didn't stop. 

~

Wei Wuxian’s perspective.

When Wei Wuxian comes back, he is horrified to find both his siblings missing and could only imagine the worse. The innkeeper then hands him a note with a location on it. Fist clenched, he heads towards the location, running there despite being exhausted. To his surprise, when he got to the location, he saw Jin disciples waiting by the door of a manor. 

“Jin Zixuan?” He says in shock. 

“Wei Wuxian! There you are! Come inside and we’ll explain what happened.” Wei Wuxian listens as Jin Zixuan tells him that he and his men had arrived at Lotus Pier hours later after a distress signal had been seen, only to find the aftermath of the slaughter at Lotus Pier. He managed to drive off the Wens long enough to retrieve Madam Yu and Uncle Jiang’s body. Wei Wuxian pushes away the anger from the thought that if Jin Zixuan had only arrived earlier, then they could have lived. Instead, he simply dips his head slightly towards him and goes to be by his siblings’ side. 

“Wei Wuxian, wait! Jiang Cheng….,” Wei Wuxian freezes at the sight of his brother on the bed. Wen Qing is beside him, feeling his pulse while Wen Ning stands awkwardly to one side. Jiang Yanli is sitting on the bed, holding Jiang Cheng’s hands and crying softly while Mianmian comforts her.

“Wen Qing, Wen Ning! What are you doing here? How…,” Jin Zixuan answers him. “They helped us. As soon as we left Lotus Pier, we encountered them. My men and I were suspicious at first but Mianmian convinced us to trust them. And it was a good decision. Wen Qing helped heal my men’s injuries and they’re recovering fast.”

“What...made you trust them,” Wei Wuxian asks quietly.

“Wen Ning helped to drug the soldiers and Wen Chao so we were able to sneak inside and save Jiang Cheng,” Mianmian says. 

“What’s wrong with Jiang Cheng?” Wei Wuxian walks over to his brother’s side, his expression worried. 

“He…,” Wen Qing hesitates, glancing down at Jiang Cheng then casting a look over at the people from the Jin Sect. Mianmian blinks, then stands up, beckoning Jin Zixuan to follow. They do and close the door of the room behind them. The shocking news was revealed to them.

Wei Wuxian spends the rest of the week reading medical books until finally, he finds a solution. But one that came at a great price. 

The next day, Wen Qing, Wen Ning, Wei Wuxian, and Jiang Cheng go separate ways with Jin Zixuan and the rest. Wei Wuxian insisted that Yanli went with Jin Zixuan despite her protests and Mianmian finally convinced her. Wei Wuxian tells Wen Qing about his discovery. She protests and yells at him but after some constant nagging, she reluctantly agrees. The following day, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng head up the mountain with Wei Wuxian promising him he will be waiting at the bottom of the mountain. 

When Jiang Cheng awakens, he feels different. He stands up and he freezes. It was true. His golden core truly was back. He could feel its power surging through his body. Overwhelmed with emotion, he could only bow towards his unseen savior on that mountain top. 

Chapter Text

That same month, Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng led their Sects to reclaim their swords.

“Sect leader, this one belongs to Master Wei,” Jiang Cheng inhales sharply, glancing over at the sword that belonged to this brother. He steps forward to take it before Lan Wangji could. Ignoring the brief agitated and annoyed glance from the second Twin Jade, he grips Suibian firmly in his other hand. 

“ Do you really think he got thrown down in the Burial Mounds?” He was struggling to keep his voice steady. Lan Wangji doesn’t respond, only glances at Suibian with a deep longing look. Later that night at Unclean Realm, he runs his fingers down Suibian’s sheathe. He had been hesitant to do this earlier. Afraid of how Lan Wangji would react to it. Afraid of how he would have reacted to it. Now that he was alone and A-jie was asleep, he could do it. He needed to know.  He pulls at the hilt of the sword.

It came out.

Jiang Cheng stares at it in disbelief. He knew Wei Wuxian was powerful enough that his sword could be sealed, preventing anyone from using it except for him so why ? Something stirs inside him, inside his golden core. For a second he is silent, then he realizes. He thought his golden core had felt much different from his old one who had been destroyed. What he didn’t know was the truth and now he did. Just days before they had gone up the mountain, Jiang Cheng had protected him and lost his golden core in the process. Now his brother had done the same for him. He closes his eyes, his handshaking.

He thought back to the day he had lost his core. The way he had refused to give up Wei Wuxian’s location. 

“Tell us where Wei Ying is and we’ll let both you and your sister live, how is that?” Wen Chao says, leaning over him with the disciple whip in his hand. Jiang Cheng clenches his teeth against the pain of the whip scars and his broken ribs and glares up defiantly at Wen Chao. If Wei Wuxian was going through the same things they were doing to him, he would be killed. He had already suffered the whips from Zidian just two days ago and his mother, although having not used Zidian’s full power, had not held back from her whips either. 

“Why should I believe a damn word you say?! You’d just kill all of us!” Wen Chao laughs.

“You’re right. You shouldn’t trust me. But Wei Wuxian is the only one we need. He owes us a hand.” Jiang Cheng tries his best not to flinch. Wei Wuxian had been willing to let his mother cut off his hand if it meant sparing Lotus Pier from the Wens. If Wang Lingjiao hadn’t provoked her by mentioning the Supervisor Office, would she have done it?

“Why do you need him? You have the heir to the Jiang Sect!” At this point, Jiang Cheng was ready to sacrifice himself to protect both his brother and sister. He had already known he was going to the second he had decided to distract those guards.

“Wen Zhuliu!” Jiang Cheng’s blood runs cold as the Core-Melting Hand takes a step towards him, his fist raised.

“No…,” he couldn’t keep himself from showing his fear. He knew that man had that title for a reason. 

“Tell us where he is and we’ll let you keep your core,” Wen Chao sneers. Jiang Cheng wants to move away, but he was frozen in place. 

“ No ,” His voice is surprisingly steady. He had already gone this far to protect his brother. How could he back out now?

The pain that came next was unbearable and despite his pride and persistence earlier, he lets out a scream of agony. 

The only thing he felt is pain. He was too weak to fight back. He had felt the agony travel through his entire body as Wen Zhuliu crushes his core with his bare hands. He was drifting in and out of consciousness while lying on the cold floor, locked up in a shed. 

Mother, father, I’m sorry.

Shijie….

Wei Wuxian, you’ll look after her right? Protect her. For the both of us.

Everything went black. 

Jiang Cheng jolts out of his memory, his breath coming out in ragged shuddering gasps. Was all that pain for nothing ? If his brother had been caught, he would have lost his golden core. But despite Jiang Cheng running out to distract the guards, to get captured in place of him, despite all the pain he went through to protect his brother, Wei Wuxian had lost his core anyways. He takes deep breaths to calm himself. He would have to talk to Wei Wuxian about this. Despite being worried out of his mind, he also felt anger, confusion, and hurt that his brother had not told him. He would not have let him do what he did if he had known.

It must have been Wen Qing who helped with the transfer. No other doctor would be that skilled. He silently promises he would repay her. Not only for helping them after what happened in Lotus Pier, but for this as well. 

“Wei Wuxian...why..,” He talks to himself as tears roll down his cheek. “How could you give up so much? As if your golden core was nothing important to you.” His voice chokes out as he cries.  He was so overwhelmed by the amount of emotions and thoughts running through his mind that he was shaking.

I was more important to him than his own life. Why had he gone so far? Was it because his parents asked him to protect both A-Jie and him? Surprising himself, he clenches his fist when he remembered what his mother had said before leaving to fight the Wens.

“ Protect Jiang Cheng with your life, do you hear me?!”

No, it wasn’t only this. Jiang Cheng thinks, pushing away his bitterness. Wei Wuxian truly would have gone to this extent to save him, knowing how important cultivation was to him. Wei Wuxian would tell himself he would be able to survive without a core, but Jiang Cheng wouldn’t.

 He gets scared as he remembers what that Wen soldier had said.

“ He got thrown down in the Burial Mounds. There’s neither a skeleton nor a soul left of him!”

Jiang Cheng closes his eyes. If his brother had truly been thrown down there, what would be his chance of surviving? Half-starved, still suffering from being whipped and without a golden core in a place where there were only corpses and resentful energy. 

“No,” He says loudly to no one. “He’s alive, he has to be. I’ll find him.”

Three months later

Jiang Cheng glances over at Lan Wangji whose face was troubled as they stand in front of the Yiling Supervisory Office. The scent of blood was heavy in the air. They opened the doors cautiously and are greeted by a horrifying sight of the bodies of Wen soldiers scattered everywhere. From the looks of it, they had all been killed in different ways. Jiang Cheng swallows nervously as he crouches down to examine the bodies. Who had done this? And using such gruesome methods… Could it be…? He tries shaking the thought away, but the hope of his brother being alive prevents him from clearing his mind completely of it. They head into the office, finding a few more bodies along the way. They also saw talismans lined up against the walls. Lan Wangji takes one off the wall and examines him, frowning in thought. Jiang Cheng picked up one too and for a split, he thought he recognized the handwriting. 

“The talismans look strange.” Lan Wangji’s statement made him turn back towards the younger Twin Jade. He walks over to his side and examines the talisman over his shoulder. 

“It has an extra stroke,” Jiang Cheng says in realization.

“Yes. The function of this talisman has been reversed.” Jiang Cheng frowns, his eyebrows creasing downwards. Lan Wangji was silent and still frowning. As they move towards the Supervisory Office. The same amount of heaviness of resentful energy was here as well. To avoid detection, Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng fly to the roof of the office and together they watch through a spell hole.

Jiang Cheng stares in shock at what he was seeing. Wen Chao was in a terrible state, bleeding and covered in multiple wounds. Wen Zhuliu is beside him, tending to his wounds and offering him food. Then Wei Wuxian enters the house and the atmosphere changes. Chills run down Jiang Cheng’s back as he drinks in the sight of Wei Wuxian’s sunken cheeks and his smile...was so different from his usual cheerful one. It had an eeriness and coldness to it. He feels Lan Wangji stiffen beside him, in shock and confusion. 

After confronting Wen Zhuliu, he begins playing his flute, an eerie noise that ripped through the silence of the night. Jiang Cheng can only watch in horror and disbelief as he watches a ghost spirit dressed in all red attack both Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu. The second, Wen Zhuliu began reaching towards Wei Wuxian with the intent to crush his golden core. The core Jiang Cheng knew he no longer had, Lan Wangji slams his hand against the roof where Jiang Cheng was crouching. 

With one swift movement of his wrist, he wraps Zidian around Wen Zhuliu’s throat and slowly suffocates him to death, letting his body fall lifeless to the floor once the job is done. He instinctively reaches for Suibian but falters his movement. What use would his sword be if he doesn’t have a core? Perhaps this is why he’s resorted to using a new...different way of cultivation. Instead, he walks up to Wei Wuxian and hits him lightly in the chest.

“You brat. Where have you been these past three months? We’ve been looking for you for so long!” 

“It’s a long story,” Wei Wuxian said quietly, smiling ever so slightly as he glances down at ChenQing. 

Jiang Cheng pulls his brother into a tight hug. How am I going to tell him that I know the truth? Should I tell him? Lan Wangji finally speaks. “Wei Ying, your sword. Do you want it?” 

Fuck.

What would happen when Lan Wangji finds out the truth?

“Ah,” Jiang Cheng says half-heartedly. “Here,” He reluctantly hands Wei Wuxian his sword. 

“Thanks,” He murmurs, looking down at it with a solemn expression that only Jiang Cheng could see from where he stands. He places it back on a table behind only a few short seconds later, sitting down on it while twirling a black flute in his hand. Jiang Cheng could see the lotus charm at the end of it.

“Wei Ying, was it you who killed the Wens?” Lan Wangji’s voice was cold as steel, but Jiang Cheng could hear fear as well.

“What about it?” Wei Wuxian replies evenly back, holding his eyes steady. 

“Why did you give up swordsmanship for something else?” Jiang Cheng speaks without thinking.

“What’s wrong with using a new form of cultivation?” Wei Wuxian snaps his gaze over to him, a look of surprise on his face.

“These tricks harm both the mind and the body.” Lan Wangji’s voice is fierce. Jiang Cheng swallows. He has a feeling that his newfound cultivation was because his brother had no core. He didn’t like the idea of it harming him, but at the same time, what choice did he have?

“I know my own mind and heart,” Wei Wuxian says slowly. “I won’t lose control.”

“No one has ever used this type of cultivation without it being harmful... Come back to Gusu with me!” A rise of desperation in his voice now. He moves forward and then suddenly, Jiang Cheng has shifted his way between Lan Wangji and his brother. 

“Gusu? Why? He belongs to the Yunmeng Jiang Sect. If he is to be judged for this new cultivation, it will be in my sect.” Jiang Cheng says coldly. Lan Wangji narrows his eyes. They were face to face now. Suddenly, Wei Wuxian clears his throat loudly, breaking the tension. 

“Lan Zhan, I know you mean well, but I know what I’m doing. Really.” 

“Wei Ying, ” Lan Wangji’s voice has softened slightly now.

“I’ll look after him.” Wei Wuxian looks at him in surprise and Jiang Cheng even feels surprised at himself. 

“He’s my brother after all,” Jiang Cheng adds. Lan Wangji doesn’t answer him. Just then Wen Chao, who had been hiding in the corner of the room throughout their entire conversation scrambles out, begging them to spare his life. In response, Wei Wuxian kicks him. 

“Second Master Lan, we will handle this as it is a family member,” Jiang Cheng says politely. “There’s no reason for you to stay now.” Lan Wangji simply bows to both of them and heads downstairs. Jiang Cheng could see Wei Wuxian watching him, a look of sadness and longing in his eyes.

As soon as he is gone, Jiang Cheng sheaths his sword, glaring coldly at Wen Chao. The man who had destroyed his entire sect, leaving him and his siblings the sore survivors. The man had most likely tortured his brother and thrown him into the Burial Mounds to die. He pulls his arm back and thrusts the blade into Wen Chao’s chest. 

Chapter Text

“A-Xian!” A-jie cries out upon seeing her younger brother. He’s pulled into her embrace and he hugs her firmly back. Jiang Cheng feels lighthearted at the feeling of being together with his siblings again. 

“Here, have some soup. You must be starving. Where have you been these three months?” Wei Wuxian hesitates, his eyes uncertain again.

“Never mind that,” A-jie says. “What’s important is that you’re back. And you’ll be here to stay.” Wei Wuxian smiles. Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian are left alone in the room again as A-jie went to bring soup over from the kitchen.

“You’re really not going to tell us where you’ve been these three months? They told us you were thrown into the Burial Mounds.” Jiang Cheng knew Wei Wuxian would try to avoid answering this question as much as possible so he had to push now.

“Well...people who get thrown in there don’t survive,” Wei Wuxian replies. “Or they don’t ever come back. But I did, didn’t I?” His voice sounded distant and wary.

“Then you’re not going to tell me about this?” He reaches behind him to take out Suibian, which had been tucked into his belt along with Sandu.

“What about it?” Wei Wuxian sounds puzzled.

“I can sheathe it,” Jiang Cheng struggles to keep his voice calm. All the color Wei Wuxian’s face had gained ever since he came back to Unclean Realm had drained from his face.

“How?” He tries to keep his voice from shaking.

“Why are you asking me? I...I know what you did.” Jiang Cheng says, his voice softening unexpectedly.  Wei Wuxian backs away from him, shaking his head.

“But how..you..you weren’t ever supposed to find out…!” He exclaims. Jiang Cheng’s voice comes out with rage. 

“So you were going to keep this whole thing a secret?! For how long?!” Wei Wuxian’s voice sharpens.

“For as long as possible! All I wanted to do was to make you believe you had a core again! So you will be able to continue your cultivation with dignity and pride for the rest of your life! Cultivation is your life!”

“And what about you?” Jiang Cheng’s voice lowers again. He didn’t want anyone to overhear their conversation from outside.  

“It’s...I’m fine without it. I found my own way, didn’t I? But you? You’re a sect leader..you were the heir . Who else could lead the Jiang Sect? I’m only the son of a servant, how could I possibly lead a sect with no blood relation to the former sect leader. And Shijie…,” Wei Wuxian’s voice falters.

“Don’t say that.”

“Say what?”

“Call yourself ‘a son of a servant. You’re our brother. We’ve considered you that ever since you came to Lotus Pier!” Wei Wuxian’s eyes look away again, but Jiang Cheng moves to be in his eyesight.

“Why didn’t you have to sacrifice so much?” Jiang Cheng’s voice has dropped to a whisper.

“Because it’s what I had to do.” Wei Wuxian’s voice is calm. “I owe it to Madam Yu, Sect Leader Jiang, and all of the people in the sect. For everything, they’ve done for me. I made a promise to protect both you and Shijie. ” Jiang Cheng closes his eyes.

“Protect Jiang Cheng with your life, do you understand?!” His mother’s last words to Wei Wuxian are echoing back to him in his mind. He could help but feel a twinge of anger. Why hasn't she asked them to protect each other? Instead, she had pushed all the responsibility onto Wei Wuxian’s shoulders.

“We protect each other,” Jiang Cheng says quietly. “Do you want to know why I-,” He breaks off as A-Jie steps back into the room holding a tray with three bowls and a pot of soup on it. 

“What’s wrong?” She notices Suibian in Jiang Cheng’s hand who hastily puts it back in the sheathe.

“We’ll talk about it after we eat,” He says firmly. Wei Wuxian looks at them suspiciously but doesn’t ask any more questions. Jiang Cheng could see Wei Wuxian trying to avoid his eye contact as he spoons soup into his mouth. 

“You’re really not telling us where you’ve been these past months?” Wei Wuxian pauses his movement.

“There’s no need to tell... What matters is that I’m back, right? Like Shijie said.” Jiang Cheng bites back his frustration and eats his soup instead. Surviving in the Burial Mound with no golden core would be a miracle.  Jiang Cheng thinks. But somehow, he had a feeling Wei Wuxian was capable of doing something like that. Attempting the impossible, that was what Wei Wuxian was always good at, even better than himself. For once he doesn’t feel bitter about this, but grateful. He had his family back together again and he wanted to keep it this way for a very long time. 

~

After eating, Wei Wuxian leaves to take a walk. Grabbing the opportunity, Jiang Cheng hurries to join him and they end up walking outside Unclean Realm. 

“Were you going to tell me something earlier? You said there was something we’d talk about after eating.”

“It’s…,” Jiang Cheng hesitates, the words trembling on his tongue. “I didn’t go back to Lotus Pier that day for my parents.” Wei Wuxian freezes in his tracks. 

“What do you mean?” His voice was tense. Jiang Cheng swallows. If I already know what he did for me, it’s only fair if I told him as well.

“That day, there were Wen soldiers on the street looking for us. When I stepped out of the inn, I saw them approaching you so I ran out to distract them.”

“But why would you do that?! You could have been killed!” Jiang Cheng holds his gaze steady with Wei Wuxian’s angry ones.

“ Because ,” He snaps, feeling anger take over him. “They could have killed you ! Did you expect me to just stand and watch? Haven’t we lost enough?” Wei Wuxian glares at him with a look so fierce that he had to keep himself from flinching. 

“Why would you take such a huge risk? You were the heir to the Jiang Sect! Who would have rebuilt the sect if you’d gotten killed? And what about Shijie?”

“You would have done the same for me! Why should I have done differently? We’re a family . We look out for one another! We already lost my mother and father,” He says shakily. “I couldn’t lose you too.”

Wei Wuxian looks away and goes silent. 

“Why would I be worth the sacrifice? You’re the heir and I’m j-,”

“Shut up,” Jiang Cheng cuts him off, this time grabbing him by his collar. Wei Wuxian lets him. “I told you not to call yourself that. I don’t care if you were born in the family. You’re my brother. How many times do I need to say it?” There wasn’t anger in his voice now. 

“You should have told me,” he says, his voice trembling. “Why couldn’t you just tell me what you did? So what I did wasn’t for nothing!”

“Y-you wouldn’t have agreed to it.”

“No,” he says, his voice hard. “I wouldn’t have.” Despite how devastated he had acted when he lost his core, he wouldn’t have let his brother feel the same pain he went through.

“It wasn’t worthless...please don’t say that,” Wei Wuxian’s voice is still shaking. Jiang Cheng takes a deep breath. He was right. They had both sacrificed to protect one another. How could that be considered worthless? 

 He reaches out and tries to step closer to Wei Wuxian, but he pulls away, an expression of pain in his eyes. 

“If it weren’t for me, they wouldn’t have been provoked and targeted Lotus Pier. E-everything was my fault..why would you…,” He trails away, looking down at the ground.

“It wasn’t,” Jiang Cheng had only spoken out of anger at the time after seeing his parents’ dead bodies and the bodies of the other disciples. He had never truly blamed him. 

“The Wens would have attacked us anyway. They were already provoking the other sects.” Jiang Cheng reaches out again and this time Wei Wuxian lets him pull him close.

“It’ll be okay. We’ll get through this together.” 

“Your sacrifice wasn’t worthless…,” Wei Wuxian tells him again. “I wouldn’t have regretted my choice and-,”

“Neither would I,” Jiang Cheng cuts him off, speaking for himself. They had both sacrificed for each other out of love and they’d continue to have each other’s back for many years to come. 

~

As they walk back towards the room they were staying in, Jiang Cheng sees Lan Wangji standing outside it, as if he were waiting for them to return. 

“I’ll go find Zewu-jun and ChiFeng-Zun. We have some things to discuss today.” Jiang Cheng slips away. Of course, it was a bluff, but Jiang Cheng wanted to find them anyway. There was something he was meaning to ask them. He finds them in the main hall

“Zewu-jun, ChiFeng-Zun, there’s something I’ve been meaning to discuss with you,” He says after they give each other their greeting.

“Go ahead,” Nie Mingjue says.

“I know the outcome of the war hasn’t been determined yet, but after it is over. I want to find some Wen cultivators.” Nie Mingjue raises his eyebrow. 

“Find them? For what purpose?”

“Wen Qing and Wen Ning. They helped me, Wei Wuxian, and my sister after Lotus Pier. They’ve never taken part in the violence or battle against the sects. I want..to find them and make sure their lives will be spared.” Lan Xichen’s eyes crinkle into a warm smile.

“Sect Leader Jiang indeed has a good heart. Wen Ning and Wen Qing, as I recall, have always been different from the other Wen cultivators. I hear her branch from the sect are healers and low-level cultivators.”

“But I heard she works directly under Wen Ruohan. Can she be trusted?” Nie Mingjue still looks suspicious. 

“She risked her life to save us,” Jiang Cheng tells him. “She can be trusted.” Nie Mingjue sighs.

“We will have to see.” He says calmly. “If necessary, bring it up at the war conference in a few days.” Jiang Cheng nods and takes his leave. He’s surprised to see Wei Wuxian standing outside the door with a gloomy look on his face.

“What’s wrong? Did Lan Wangji leave already?”

“Yes...well, he did,” Wei Wuxian says quietly.

“Did something happen?” Jiang Cheng frowns.

“It’s nothing. We just talked and...the conversation didn’t go well. That Lan Zhan...is so persistent. Why does he want me to go Gusu so badly?”

“I don’t think he has ill intentions.” Jiang Cheng isn’t sure why, but he could almost sense that Lan Wangji was only saying what he said because he cared about Wei Wuxian. 

“What makes you so sure? His sect hates people who do wicked tricks like this. He probably just wants to lock me away.” Wei Wuxian huffs.

“Does he seem like that kind of person? You seemed close during our lecture at Cloud Recesses.” Wei Wuxian laughs at this.

“What are you talking about? He found me annoying and ignored me.” Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes.

“Right, you wouldn’t stop being obsessed over him. I really thought you were going to ditch Lotus Pier for him.”

“Are you kidding?” Wei Wuxian retorts. “That place has over 3000 rules, I can barely even breathe over there without being yelled at for breaking one of them.” Jiang Cheng only snorts in response, then looks at him with a more serious expression.

“You need to be careful though. This method of cultivation can be dangerous like he said. You should talk to him again and make sure you don’t misunderstand him.” Wei Wuxian presses his lips together stubbornly, spinning his flute in one hand.

“Whatever,” Wei Wuxian sighs.

“If he really does have a way to help you, then let him.” Jiang Cheng begins awkwardly. “I don’t know much about this new cultivation of yours and I’m not sure how to help either.”

“I can handle it fine on my own.” Wei Wuxian’s voice was stubborn. Jiang Cheng bit back his frustration. Why does he always try to carry burdens by himself?

“No,” Jiang Cheng’s voice is firm. “We promised we’d have each other’s back. No one should stand and fight alone in the face of war.” Wei Wuxian gives him a rather surprised look.

“Well...I just..don’t know if you can help me with this,” He says quietly.”

“Well..as long as you can control it, we won’t have anything to worry about. I’ll trust you to know what you’re doing, but,” Jiang Cheng puts a hand on Wei Wuxian’s shoulder. “If you have trouble or need my help, then tell me alright?” Wei Wuxian nods.

That evening, a banquet is held by Nie Mingjue to celebrate Wei Wuxian’s safe return. Nie Huaisang hurries to greet him, almost overwhelming him with questions until his older brother calls him back with a stern voice. 

“Young Master Wei, why do you not carry your sword?” There’s no hostility in Nie Mingjue’s voice, only genuine curiosity.

“ He forgot it,” Jiang Cheng says hurriedly.  He sees Wei Wuxian side glancing at him.

“I see.” Nie Mingjue nods. 

“How unfortunate. I was planning to ask Wei Wuxian to have a friendly sword duel with me.”  The voice comes from the young man who sits directly next to Jin Zixuan. Jiang Cheng remembers him as Jin ZiXun, a relative of Jin ZiXuan.  Wei Wuxian’s lips curl in amusement and Jiang Cheng can’t help but feel a pang of annoyance at the arrogance in Jin ZiXun’s tone.

“It would not be appropriate to ask such a thing at a banquet anyways,” Jiang Cheng says calmly. “There is plenty of time to show our skills when we fight side by side on the battlefield.” Jin ZiXun only scoffs.

“Sect Leader Jiang, disciples from sects compete like this all the time. Doesn’t it make more sense to test our skill before the battle?” Jiang Cheng doesn’t respond but sits down at a table with his siblings. 

“If I want to have a competition, I’ll let you know and send you a letter,” Wei Wuxian smirks, waving one hand. Jiang Cheng snickers while Jin Zixun scowls at his tone. The food and alcohol are soon brought out and Wei Wuxian is quick to indulge himself in the liquid with no hesitation. As he eats though, his eyes keep drifting to a table behind him, his expression troubled and distracted. He only turns his attention back to the rest of the people after Jiang Cheng nudges him with his arm, as they were giving a toast to him for his safe return. Shortly after however, Jiang Cheng notices Wei Wuxian slipping away from the party and immediately follows him. He finds him leaning against the railing of the mini bridge in front of Lan Wangji’s guest quarters. 

“What’s wrong? Why do you leave the party early?” Jiang Cheng asks, leaning back against the wooden railings next to his brother.

“Aren’t you doing the same?” Wei WuxXian says pointedly

“I’m only worried about you. Are you upset because of your fight with Lan Wangji earlier?” He looks over towards the residence where Lan Wangji is staying.

“Well…,” Wei Wuxian hesitates. “Yeah.”

“If you want to clear up misunderstandings, it’s better to do it now than never. You don’t want to stay like that for long right? He’s been avoiding you ever since...you guys last spoke.”

“Right,” Wei Wuxian says, clearly distracted. “I guess I will go talk to him.” Jiang Cheng watches him leave, still feeling uneasy. He returns to the banquet, sitting down next to A-jie, who gives him a questioning and worrying look.

“He’s alright,” he tells her, relieving her worries. “He just needs some space.”

“Sect Leader Jiang, you really should discipline your sect members,” Jiang Cheng’s teeth clenched as Jin Zixun speaks.

“After all, he is the head disciple. Shouldn’t he give a good example for the rest of the sect? Walking out of the banquet like this isn’t proper. Especially as a subordinate.” Jin ZiXun says arrogantly.

“My brother is tired,” Jiang Cheng says coldly. “I apologize for his bluntness,” He addresses Nie Mingjue. “Perhaps he is not used to being around so many people so soon after being...away for so long.” Nie Mingjue nods in understanding.

“I trust he will be present for the war meeting tomorrow at least?” 

“Yes,” Jiang Cheng assures him. Missing a banquet is no big deal for him, but a war meeting was much more important. Jin ZiXun was right in a way. He obviously still had to make sure Wei Wuxian acted accordingly. However, in no way did he agree with that man when referring to Wei Wuxian as a ‘subordinate’. He was his brother and he would be working alongside him, not under him.

~

The next morning when Jiang Cheng comes to walk Wei Wuxian to the war meeting, he is shocked to find him missing.  Not knowing whether to feel scared or angry, he hurries to tell A-jie to find him.  When the two return shortly after, Jiang Cheng is ready to reprimand Wei Wuxian angrily when he notices the expression on his face. Something was wrong. This isn’t the place to ask. His face is pale with glints of anger in his eyes. 

As they discuss what method they’d use to defeat the Wens, what Wei Wuxian says about the Yin Iron surprises everyone.

“You’re not going tell us what it is?” Jin Zixun’s sharp voice cuts in. Wei Wuxian smiles coldly.

“Trust me. It will work. ” Jiang Cheng is itching to ask him more questions, but he figured he’d ask later. He wants to talk to him privately either way. Lan Wangji is looking at Wei Wuxian with narrowed eyes, but his expression was not of anger, but uncertainty. 

“How can you be so sure that it can counter something as powerful as the Yin Iron?” Nie Mingjue narrows his eyes.

“Give me a month,” Wei Wuxian tells him.  He turns to leave but pauses when Lan Xichen asks him a question.

“Young Master Wei, why have you forgotten your sword again?” 

“We were planning to bring it to the blacksmith so it’d be in better condition. Before he goes into battle,” Jiang Cheng answers for him again. He sees Wei Wuxian looking at him again, his eyes blinking in surprise, but doesn’t comment anything. 

“Was it perhaps damaged when it was handled by the Wens?” Jin ZiXuan tilts his head.

“Perhaps,” Jiang Cheng replies, watching his brother leave. He stays there for a few moments before hurrying straight after him.

“So are you going to at least tell me what your plan is? Does it involve flute playing?” Jiang Cheng knows there was no way he could wield Suibian at its full power without his golden core. 

“Yes,” He says hesitantly “...and this,” Wei Wuxian taps the Qiankun pouch attached to his belt. Jiang Cheng’s heart skips a beat. 

“You don’t need to look like that. It’s not what you think it is...not exactly. I found a sword inside the shell of the Xuanwu tortoise.”

“A sword?” Jiang Cheng echoes.

“Yes. This is part of my plan. You’ll see soon enough.” He turns to walk away but Jiang Cheng stops him.

“Where were you before the meeting? You looked pale. Did something happen?” Wei Wuxian bits his lip, trying to avoid Jiang Cheng’s gaze but Jiang Cheng shifts so he stays within his sight.

“It’s nothing,” Wei Wuxian murmurs.

“No, it isn’t. Tell me,” Jiang Cheng says sharply. If they are going to a team, it meant avoiding keeping one another in the dark. 

“I saw...Nie Disciples with the Wens. They were only old people and women. I saw a child .”

“And?” Jiang Cheng persists. He wants to know if his brother had seen Wen Qing and Wen Ning.

“A-Xian!” A-jie interrupts them as she walks over. Wei Wuxian turns towards her with a smile. 

“Is something wrong? You look troubled?” A-jie had immediately picked up on both their feelings.  Wei Wuxian guides them inside his room and he tells them in detail what he had seen.  A-jie looks upset and troubled. Jiang Cheng has to press his hand on his wrist to prevent Zidian from springing out in light of the anger he felt. 

“I already talked to Sect Leader Nie and Zewu-jun about Wen Ning and Wen Qing,” He admits. Wei Wuxian whirls around to look at him.

“Why? It isn't the right time for that!” Jiang Cheng is confused.

“I thought you wanted to save them...and besides wouldn’t it make more sense to talk to them about it before we...win?”

“ If we win,” Wei Wuxian cuts in. “I’m stepping out for a bit. I need privacy for this,” He taps his Qiankun pouch, gives Jiang Cheng a pointed look, and leaves before he could say anything.

“Lady Wen and her brother...are we going to save them?” A-jie asks him, her voice gentle. 

“I will try my best.”  Jiang Cheng promises her. He was indebted to Wen Qing just as much as his brother. After all, it could have only been her, the best doctor in all of Qishan, who had helped Wei Wuxian with such a risky procedure.  

He heads towards Wei Wuxian’s room and hears noises from above. He looks up to see Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji sitting on the roof together, their shoulders and legs touching.  They scramble apart as Jiang Cheng gets closer. Wei Wuxian waves his hand. 

“Hey, Jiang Cheng! You want to come up as well?” Seeing Lan Wangji’s expression change and darken as he says this, Jiang Cheng could only chuckle and shake his head. 

“We have an important meeting tomorrow morning so I am resting early. You should too.” Jiang Cheng tells him. Wei Wuxian sighs, exchanging a glance with Lan Wangji before jumping down.

“You sure you two don’t want more privacy tonight?” Jiang Cheng snorts

“Y-you! Shut it!” He wacks Jiang Cheng with his flute. Lan Wangji’s ears redden. 

“We were just talking,” He says stiffly. 

“Of course,” Jiang Cheng smirks. He was glad Wei Wuxian was at least talking to Lan Wangji again, especially after their last meeting hadn’t gone so well.

“I’ll see you tomorrow at the meeting, Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian leans in to tell him.

“Mn,” Lan Wangji nods and walks back to the guest quarters where he was staying. 

Chapter Text

“By the way, Jiang Cheng...does Shijie know?” Jiang Cheng blinks

“Know about what?”

“About what you did...or what I did..”

“We both should tell her what we did. She deserves to know,” Jiang Cheng says quietly, then he says, “Are you going to tell Lan Wangji?”

“I’m..not sure if he will be able to take it.” Wei Wuxian replies dryly. 

“You’re going to have to tell him eventually. Don’t tell me you were planning to keep him in the dark like you were going to do with me?” There is a hint of anger in Jiang Cheng’s voice now.

“I’ll tell him eventually,” Wei Wuxian sounds tired. He goes into the room without a word. 

The next morning, Jiang Cheng decides he would tell A-jie the truth at breakfast and Wei Wuxian, although hesitant, agrees to do the same. Wei Wuxian tells her first, Yanli listening to each word with wide eyes, but doesn’t interrupt. However, when Jiang Cheng starts telling his side of the story, her tears could no longer be contained and she pulls both of them into a tight hug. 

“A-Cheng, A-Xian,  you are both the best brothers for one another and for me. From now on, we will talk like this more often, alright? As siblings, we need to be there for one another so don’t any of you dare be trying any burdens alone, alright?” Her usual gentle glance has a hint of uncharacteristic ferocity and sternness in it.

“Yes, Shijie,” Wei Wuxian says sheepishly. 

During the past month, Wei Wuxian continues to refine his cultivation tool and although Jiang Cheng had not asked what it would turn out to be, he makes sure his brother gets enough rest and to eat. His brother had seemed hesitant at first, trying his best to maintain privacy and even being secretive, but A-jie made sure she still brought him food up to his room as he worked. On other days, he wouldn’t be within Unclean Realm, practicing his cultivation elsewhere. However, Lan Wangji always accompanied him on these trips and although Wei Wuxian often seems paler after returning, he was unharmed. Jiang Cheng desperately wanted to go with them, to make sure Wei Wuxian really was being careful with his new cultivation, but he had duties in Unclean Realm. They had barely recruited disciples for their clan and they had to be trained and be prepared for the upcoming battle. All he could do was put his trust in Lan Wangji to keep his brother safe.

~

Jiang Cheng, Nie Mingjue, and Jin Zixuan take their disciples out several times to fight off the Wens, driving them out of YunMeng as well as other lands they had taken over. One day, Jiang Cheng comes back to one of the battle camps to find a huge commotion going on.

“Sect Leader Jiang, come quickly! It’s Lady Jiang!” Jiang Cheng immediately follows the disciple to the tent. A-jie is crying and holding back one from Wei Wuxian’s hand. Jin Zixuan lays sprawled out on a broken table while several Jin disciples lay unconscious around them. 

“A-Xian, it’s okay,” A-Jie sniffs, trying to pull Wei Wuxian back.

“How dare you speak to her like that?” He spat, ignoring A-Jie’s pleads. “Telling her to be more self-dignified.” Jiang Cheng seethes with the anger of his own at those words. This peacock ! Wei Wuxian looks ready to strike Jin ZiXuan again so Jiang Cheng moves forward but Lan Wangji beats him to it, resting a hand on Wei Wuxian’s wrist.

“Wei Ying,” He says quietly. His voice is soft. Wei Wuxian takes a deep breath and lowers his hand. Jiang Cheng relaxes and approaches him, looking at Jin Zixuan with reproachful eyes as MianMian helps him to his feet, looking at them awkwardly. Wei Wuxian doesn’t say anything more. Instead, he takes A-jie’s hands and pulls her outside. Jiang Cheng only looks at Jin ZiXuan with cold eyes. I don’t know what A-jie saw in him...at least the engagement has been broken off now. He follows his siblings out of the tent. 

“A-jie, are you alright?” Jiang Cheng catches up to them. His sister has stopped crying and is holding Wei Wuxian’s hand tightly.

“Yes,” She tells him, smiling at him. “Are you? Did you get any injuries after fighting those fierce corpses?” She begins checking over both of them until they reassured her that they were not hurt.

“We’re alright,” Wei Wuxian tells her. 

“Come with me and I’ll give you some soup. You must be hungry after fighting for so long,” Jiang Yanli takes both their hands and hurries them away. MianMian is in the food tent waiting for her.

“Lady Jiang...I’m sorry about what happened. I explained to Master Jin about what really happened and-,” She stops, her voice faltering.

“I think it’s best if we do not mention it again,” Jiang Yanli says calmly. “I won’t dwell on it. Everyone makes mistakes.” Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian exchange looks and roll their eyes in unison. Peacock made one too many mistakes. 

“Shijie, don’t even pay attention to him. He always makes you upset!” Wei Wuxian tells her, crossing his arms. 

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji is waiting outside the tent.

“You’re not going to worry about your own romantic relationships first?” Jiang Cheng nudges him. He holds back a smile as his brother’s face turns red.

“S-shut it! I’ll beat you up!” Wei Wuxian huffs, storming outside. Jiang Cheng snickers and goes outside the tent as well, leaving Jiang Yanli and MianMian to talk quietly to themselves. 

Jiang Cheng finds himself standing in the clearing by himself as he watches Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji walk away, their heads close together as they talk. Unexpectedly, Jiang Cheng finds himself going over to the main tent where Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen were talking. He lingers at the entrance, unsure of whether or not to enter. 

“Sect Leader Jiang, is there something you need to talk to us about?” Lan Xichen asks, sensing he was at the entrance.

“It’s nothing,” Jiang Cheng said quickly, bowing and turning to go. However, Sect Leader Nie’s voice stops him.

“Sect Leader Jiang, there’s been...something both of us have wanted to talk to you about.” Jiang Cheng turns back around and enters the tent. He had a feeling this would happen eventually.

“Is it about my brother’s new method of cultivation?” He’s looking over at Zewu-jun for his reaction. Jiang Cheng knew how the Lan Sect felt about cultivators using the unorthodox method. He had known from the way Lan Wangji had acted toward Wei Wuxian after confronting him at the Qishan Supervisory Office.

“It is. Xichen and I have been talking. We’re concerned about the effects of this new cultivation on Wei Wuxian’s mind and body. We also know using resentful energy is very difficult to control.”

“Lan Wangji has been helping him with that,” Jiang Cheng says, his voice steady. “He makes sure nothing goes wrong. They’ve been going out together every time Wei Wuxian needs to practice his cultivation.”

“I still do not feel reassured,” Nie Mingjue grunts. “The proper way to cultivate is by using the sword. Why has he stopped carrying his?” Jiang Cheng stiffens at the question. He had known sect leaders would consistently push and nag about why his own disciple wasn’t carrying a sword.

“As I mentioned before,” Jiang Cheng keeps his voice calm. “It is being repaired.”

“Surely, it wouldn’t take this long? After all, we are very close to our big battle with the Wens.”

“The blacksmith knows of the urgency to repair the sword. It should be done before the battle,” Jiang Cheng tells them. Nie Mingjue’s mouth sets into a line, but he doesn’t ask any further questions. Zewu-Jun, however, gives him a small smile and simply gives him a nod. Jiang Cheng finally walks out of the tent, feeling the tension lift from his chest. He was going to have to think of different excuses in the future. It wasn’t like he could tell the other sect leaders the truth. It was something that was meant to be kept between him and his siblings. Lan Wangji too if Wei Wuxian chose to tell him what he did. 

“Jiang Cheng,” Wei Wuxian is waiting outside his room for him and his expression is gloomy.

“What is it?” Jiang Cheng asks him.

“I told Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian replies. Jiang Cheng is about to ask what and then it comes to him. He told Lan Wangji about the golden core.

“How did he react?” Jiang Cheng asks despite having the feeling it had not gone well.

“Well..it didn’t go well,” Wei Wuxian says dryly. 

“You didn’t have to tell him if you didn’t feel ready.”

“Well...I must as well get it out,” Wei Wuxian twirls his flute absentmindedly.

“Is he upset with you? And your decision?”

“He’ll come around,” Wei Wuxian sighs quietly. “He’ll understand.” Jiang Cheng didn’t need to feel worried. He knew Lan Wangji would never be upset with Wei Wuxian for long. After all, he could see that their bond ran deeper than just friendship.

“He’s not mad at me , is he?” Jiang Cheng asks unexpectedly.

“Why would he be mad at you? You didn’t know either,” Wei Wuxian blinks.  Jiang Cheng looks at the ground, trying to push away the lingering angry feelings from the decision Wei Wuxian had made without informing him. I would never have let him do it if I had known. He thinks numbly. He shakes the thought away. There wasn’t anything he could do to owe his brother back except to protect him and the people who had helped them both.

“I forgot to tell you. That I saw Wen Qing.” It had slipped Jiang Cheng’s mind to tell Wei Wuxian about rescuing her from the dungeons until now.

“What? Where?” Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened. 

“While Lan Wangji and I were searching for you. I asked her to leave the Wen Sect...but she told me she needed to find Wen Ning and her family. She did not come with me.” 

“After the war….we should be able to find them,” Wei Wuxian says urgently. “Are we...are we going to make sure that she and her branch of cultivators are spared?”  Jiang Cheng wants to protect Wen Qing and her family very badly, but at the same time, he knew the other sects would try and come up with an excuse to indict them, and with their minimum amount of disciples, they could not stand directly against the other sects. They had to think of a solution.

“ I saw Wen Qing in the dungeon of Yiling when we went to receive our swords,” Jiang Cheng admits. “I told her to come to me if she ever needs any help so don’t worry, we’ll think of something,” Jiang Cheng reassures him. He wasn’t going to let Wen Qing or her family get executed, especially not after he knew what he did for them. 

~

On the day of the attack, all four sects ready themselves for their assault on Nightless City. They break through the defenses of Wens, getting closer and closer to the palace. Jiang Cheng makes sure his disciples flank Wei Wuxian’s side as he was only fighting with talismans and blocking out sword attacks with his flute. Lan Wangji is at his other side, protecting him as well. Just as the disciples cut down the last of the fierce corpses, something catches Jiang Cheng’s eye. 

At the top step of the palace, another wave of fierce corpses were coming, and judging by the yells of alarm around him, they were coming from the other side as well. When Jiang Cheng turns back around, he sees Wei Wuxian flying up to the top of a giant stone statue. Trusting him to know what he was doing, Jiang Cheng turns his attention back to the fierce corpses closing in on them.  

However as the battle continues and the sharp tune of the flute echoes throughout the battlefield, Jiang Cheng sees the fierce corpses turning on one another. Wei Wuxian was controlling them. He takes a few steps back, still keeping his sword gripped in his hand, and turns his attention back towards the Palace of Flames and Sun. Wen Ruohan has finally revealed himself and his attention is fixed on Wei Wuxian, his eyes narrow as he watches the man in black override his control of the fierce corpses. 

Suddenly, Lan Wangji takes a sharp intake of breath next to him and Jiang Cheng turns back around to see Wen Ruohan with a hand wrapped around Wei Wuxian’s neck. Jiang Cheng is ready to fly towards the both of them, but something stops him. Before either of them could move, a figure moves behind the Wen Sect leader and thrusts a sword through his chest. Lan Wangji finally springs into action, catching Wei Wuxian in his arms just after Wen Ruohan releases his grip on the man and falls to the ground dead. Jiang Cheng feels like he can finally breathe again before remembering where Wei Wuxian was. He rushes up the stairs towards Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian. His brother lay with his eyes closed in Lan Wangji’s arms but Jiang Cheng can see that he is breathing. His cultivation had taken a toll on him, but he was alive.

“I’ll bring him back to Unclean Realm,” Lan Wangji tells him. Jiang Cheng nods and watches silently as Lan Wangji flies away on his sword carrying Wei Wuxian. Lan Xichen passes by him as he hurries inside the palace to look for Sect Leader Nie. The figure who had killed Wen Ruohan had turned out to be Meng Yao. Jiang Cheng knew he had left the Nie Sect, but Nie Mingjue had never stated why. Jiang Cheng only remembered Nie Huaisang being devastated at seeing his friend leave. 

“Let’s clean up here,” Jiang Cheng orders the disciples. “Be careful handling the bodies or you may get corpse poisoning.” The disciples obey and get to work. Jin ZiXuan and his clan arrive late, but have his men help with the bodies as well. It is nearly dark by the time they arrive back at Unclean Realm. 

“A-Cheng!” Jiang Cheng turns at his sister’s voice.

“A-jie!” he hurries towards her but then he remembers the blood splatters on his robes and holds up his hand to tell her to stop.

“Wait,” he tells her. “I’ve got corpse blood on me. I should change up first.” Yanli only nods, but her gaze flickers around and behind him.

“Where A-Xian?” She asks fearfully. 

“He’s in his room...Lan Wangji should have brought him there. He’s okay,” He adds quickly. “Just..worn out.” He wasn’t really sure if what he said was the absolute truth. He could only hope. 

He does not have many injuries so he hurriedly changes into new clothes and runs towards Wei Wuxian’s quarters. He can see Lan Wangji closing the door behind him as he is exiting the room. Jiang Cheng hurries up to him and they greet each other with formal bows.

“Second Young Master Lan, how is he? Is he okay?” 

“The Stygian Tiger Amulet made him use too much spiritual energy. He is fine. He needs to rest and…,” His eyes flicker to the guqin on his back.

“The songs I play will help,” He finishes. “If you will allow me to play for him, I’d be glad to do so.”

“If it helps with his recovery, then you may do so,” Jiang Cheng replies. Lan Wangji nods and bows in farewell before walking away. Jiang Cheng immediately goes inside Wei Wuxian’s room. Yanli is already inside, sitting next to the bed where Wei Wuxian lay.

“A-jie…,” Jiang Cheng can see that her eyes are red from crying. “You don’t need to worry. A-Xian will be fine.” Jiang Yanli doesn’t speak, but she wipes her eyes with the back of her hand and stands up.

“A-Cheng, are you alright? Did you get hurt anywhere?” She asks, her voice anxious.

“I’m okay,” Jiang Cheng reassures her. “Just tired.” Jiang Yanli nods.

“I’ll get you some soup and you can rest. A-Xian...he will be resting for a while,” Her voice wavers, but becomes steady again. “Second Young Master Lan said he will come and play guqin for him.”

“Yes,” Jiang Cheng nods. He had a feeling this was what Lan Wangji had wanted to do all this time. Ever since Wei Wuxian had returned, the young Twin Jade had insisted for him to come to Cloud Recesses only for him to refuse multiple times. Now Jiang Cheng understands why. Lan Wangji was only worried about the impact of Wei Wuxian’s new method of cultivation on his body and wanted to bring him back there to help him.

He had never understood why Wei Wuxian had been so attached to him in the past, especially when Lan Wangji had always ignored him during their time at Cloud Recesses. But now he could appreciate Lan Wangji’s presence and he knew he cared about Wei Wuxian. They both wanted to protect him and perhaps that was enough for them to have a mutual understanding of one another. 

Jiang Cheng finishes the soup his sister had brought him and turns to leave the room. However, his hands hesitate on the door as he looks back over at Wei Wuxian. Something inside him didn’t want him to leave his brother’s side. Jiang Cheng walks back over to the bed and sits on the ground, resting his head next to Wei Wuxian’s arm. That night, he lets the reassuring sound of his brother’s breathing lull him to sleep. The reassurance that he was still alive and breathing in this world with him. 

Chapter Text

Yanli doesn’t leave Wei Wuxian’s side the next day. Jiang Cheng, on the other hand, takes to walking in the city of Qinghe. He stops abruptly when he hears the shouting and crying of women as well as the harsh yelling of men. He turns and begins to follow the sound. He can see Nie disciples leading a group of people covered in mud and dirt in ragged clothing. He scans the crowd, trying to locate a familiar face, but at last, he did not see one. He walks up to the disciples and greets them.

“May I ask who these people are?” Jiang Cheng questions.

“Sect Leader Jiang, these are Wen civilians that we’ve captured and been ordered to bring to Sect Leader Nie,” one of the disciples explains.

“Where will they be taken?” From Jiang Cheng’s observations, many of the captured people seemed to be old men and women. The disciples exchange glances.

“ For now, they will be kept in LanLing. However, I believe all four sects will have a say on what will happen to them,” One of the disciples finally says. “We’ll be on our way now.” Jiang Cheng watches them go. Why would Nie Mingjue have his disciples bring prisoners to LanLing when Unclean Realm would be just fine? Perhaps they didn’t want their enemies too close to their battle camp. Or maybe Jin Guangshan was planning something.

For the next two days, Jiang Cheng continuously hears conversations about more Wen prisoners being captured by both the Jin and Nie sect. He inquires about Wen Ning and Wen Qing several times, but Nie Mingjue always tells him he had not heard from them. Jiang Cheng even goes to ask Jin Zixuan, but he did not know where his father was keeping the Wens. Jiang Cheng knows he needs to ask Jin Guangshan himself or perhaps even ask Jin Guangyao, but something inside him told him he shouldn’t ask such a direct question about the two Wens. After all, Jiang Cheng knew Wen Qing would never agree to go with him unless her family was included as well and that meant he had to protect her, her brother, and the rest of the Wens who lived at Dafan.

He walks back towards Wei Wuxian’s room and opens the door. He lets out a surprised choking cry of relief when he realizes what he sees. Wei Wuxian is sitting up in his bed with Yanli’s arms wrapped around his shoulder.

“Shijie,” he murmurs then looks up as Jiang Cheng approaches them. 

“You’re awake,” He says softly. “You’re okay.” Wei Wuxian only smiles and nods. Jiang Cheng wraps his arms around both his siblings, pulling them close. They had survived the war. Both his siblings were alive and that was all that mattered to Jiang Cheng. 

~

“We can’t keep making excuses about your sword. We should tell the other sect leaders that you lost your golden core.” Jiang Cheng says as they prepare to go to a victory banquet that was to be held in Qishan. Wei Wuxian nearly chokes on his drink and leans forward to stare at him.

“What? Tell them...the truth ?” He stares at Jiang Cheng in disbelief. 

“No,” Jiang Cheng replies calmly. “We tell them that Wen Zhuliu melted it. And that is also the reason you disappeared for three months. There is no need to tell them about the part about the Burial Mounds.” He swallows. When Wei Wuxian had eventually told him and A-jie about where he had been when he had gone missing, the truth had hurt almost as much as when he found out about the golden core inside him. Being stuck in a place as dark and terrifying as the Burial Mounds for three months and having been able to come back alive seemed impossible. But his brother had always been good at that. Sometimes, he was jealous of that because of how his father always praised him. But this time, he felt extremely grateful as it had brought his brother back to him and his sister. There were questions he had been too afraid to ask and he wouldn’t ask now or ever.

“Then tell them that,” Wei Wuxian agrees, though his voice is weary. “Perhaps, they will stop questioning either of us about why I am not carrying my sword.”

“That may happen, but I have a feeling they still won’t approve of your new cultivation method regardless.”

“They’ll always have things to say,” Wei Wuxian shrugged. “You will be telling them tonight?”

“I see no reason to announce something like that in front of so many people,” Jiang Cheng shakes his head. “But if anyone asks again, that is what I will tell them.”

“A-Cheng, A-Xian,” They look up as Yanli peeks her head into the room. “We should start walking now.”

“Okay Shijie, let’s go,” Wei Wuxian’s face brightens and he hurries to her side and walks with her outside the door. Jiang Cheng is close behind them.

They arrive earlier than the Nie & Lan Sects. Meng Yao, now bearing the name Jin Guangyao and the title Lianfeng-zun bows to greet them as they arrive. They return the bows. The Lans and Nie soon make their entrance. Jiang Cheng and his siblings turn to greet them as well before walking around the hall to greet other cultivators. Jiang Cheng half expects Wei Wuxian to slip away to drink alone again, but he stays talking with Lan Wangji and Nie Huaisang, laughing softly with the young Nie as if catching up on old times. 

“Is there a reason Young Master Wei has forgotten his sword again?” Lan Xichen walks up to him. “The battle is already done, but I did not see him use it on the battlefield. Rather...he was using his other...cultivation.” Jiang Cheng swallows and prepares himself to speak.

“The truth is...before Sunshot Campaign and when Lotus Pier was attacked, something terrible happened.”

“What was it?” Nie Mingjue narrows his eyes in concern.

“My brother..h-he lost his golden core at Wen Zhuliu’s hand and that was why he disappeared as well.” Jiang Cheng keeps the anguished look in his eyes to seem more convincing.

“Did they capture him?” Lan Xichen asks worriedly.

“He...said he doesn’t remember much of what happened afterward,” Jiang Cheng said swiftly, thinking on his feet. “But  he does recall Wen Qing and Wen Ning giving him medical assistance.” It was a stretch for him to say such things, but it may help convince the other sect leaders to help Wen Qing and the Dafan Wens. 

“Such a thing happened to Young Master Wei? That is awful,” Jiang Cheng stiffens unexpectedly at Jin Guangyao’s sudden appearance. Something inside told him to be wary of Jin Guangyao.  Although his exploits during the Sunshot Campaign had given him a title and the acknowledgment from his father he had wanted for so long, he had still managed to gain Wen Ruohan’s trust. He had acted as a spy before the sudden betrayal that had happened when he had stabbed the Wen Sect leader with a sword. 

“Wangji never told me...or perhaps he wasn’t informed either,” Lan Xichen’s voice is warm with sympathy and concern.

“That bastard Core-Melting hand finally got what he deserved. I heard that you killed him himself.” Nie Mingjue addresses Jiang Cheng

“I didn’t know the truth then…, but he got what he deserved,” Jiang Cheng says through clenched teeth. He remembers the unbearable pain he felt when his spiritual energy was drained from him as his golden core was melted into nothing. It was not a memory he would ever be able to erase from his mind, but when he thinks of the pain Wei Wuxian went through when Wen Qing cut his core out, he could not compare his own pain to that of his brother’s.

“He is strong. He has his family by his side so he will get through it,” Jiang Cheng says, a fierceness in his voice. “His new cultivation may have been the only reason he survived and came back to us.”

“The Stygian Tiger Amulet is his spiritual tool, yes?” Jin Guangyao smiles. “I am curious where and how he managed to refine such a powerful item.”

“I am not sure,” Jiang Cheng says truthfully. “But he’s always inventing talismans and spells. He must have come up with something.”

“If he was captured and imprisoned, how would he have the means to create such a powerful weapon? He must have been in hiding calculating a plan.” Nie Mingjue says thoughtfully. “He is using Demonic Cultivation.”

“That may be true, but it is not the same type of Demonic Cultivation Wen Ruohan used,” Jiang Cheng said hastily. “He would not use it to hurt anyone.”

“I believe you,” Nie Mingjue sounds genuine. “Young Master Wei is a good person. But I advise you to keep an eye on him. Just in case.”  Considering what he had just told them, Jiang Cheng was positive that he was being told to look after his brother in case people wanted to hurt him rather than the other way around.

“Wangji has been offering to play a few new scores he’s learned on the guqin. I believe those will prove beneficial if Young Master Wei agrees to be helped.”

“Can he really control such a powerful item? One that can overpower that of the Yin Iron?” Jin Guangyao asks, curiosity written all over his face. 

“I believe that he can,” Jiang Cheng replies, but a twinge inside him told him he wasn’t sure of his own answer. 

“Sect Leader Jiang, Er-ge has told me that you’ve been asking the whereabouts of two Wen cultivators.” Jiang Cheng stiffens. Of course, Lan Xichen would have told his sworn brother about this. Does Jin Guangshan know too then?

“Sect Leader Jiang, I understand that you want to show gratitude to them, but the cultivators around you have a deep hatred for anyone with the surname ‘Wen’. I advise you not to show such sympathy towards them if you do not want the other sects to harbor suspicions towards you and your sect.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Jiang Cheng says coldly. “I’m sure you know Wen Qing and Wen Ning did not contribute to the invasion of the sects nor the destruction of Lotus Pier. Did Jin Zixuan not inform his father?”

“Father does know. He said he would discuss it in full during the next conference meeting.”

Nie Mingjue lets out a grunt in response and turns his attention towards Jiang Cheng again. 

“A-Yao does make some fair points,” He says gruffly. “The cultivators in other sects may not share your views. They only have a mutual hatred for the Wens.”

Jiang Cheng hesitates before speaking.

“And how do you both feel then?” Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue exchange glances.

“Things are still uncertain. We will bring up our opinions at the next conference meeting. It will be more beneficial than telling you right now.” Jiang Cheng nods. He bows and turns to take his seat in front of his sister’s table. 

“Where’s A-Xian?” Yanli asks him. Jiang Cheng looks around the room. It is then that he notices both Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian are absent from the tables and the center of the room itself. Jiang Cheng listens to Jin Guangshan as he talks about the hard work the sects had put into eradicating the Wens. Jiang Cheng stands along with the rest of the cultivators as they toast to Jin Guangshan.

“There’s been something I’ve been wanting to talk about. It was inappropriate before because of the campaign but I hope everyone can listen to what I have to say today.” Jin Guangshan begins. Jiang Cheng briefly pushes his thoughts about Wei Wuxian out of his mind to focus on the man in gold.

“Jiang Fengmian and I were as close as brothers. My wife and Madam Yu were also as close as sisters. My son, Jin Zixuan has been engaged to Lady Jiang since they were younger, but due to some misunderstandings, the engagement was called off.” Misunderstandings? Jiang Cheng thinks. More like Jin Zixuan never appreciated A-jie and caused the engagement to be broken off.

“Now that my friend has joined the angels, both my wife and I wish for the two families to become relatives by marriage again.”  Jiang Cheng’s mouth sets into a line, unsure of how to respond. 

“That way, I will be able to comfort my old friend by taking care of his daughter,” Jin Guangshan finishes.

“Sect leader Jiang, what is your opinion?” Jiang Cheng is hesitant, thoughts going through his head as the other sect leaders begin to encourage him to accept it.

“This is a good thing. Just accept it.”

“Just say yes.”

“Sect Leader Jin,” Wei Wuxian’s voice suddenly echoes through the room as he walks in with Lan Wangji a little ways behind him.  “We appreciate your kindness.” He says while bowing. “For a life-long matter such as marriage, I assume you should ask my Shijie rather than asking Jiang Cheng himself. Don’t you think so too, Jiang Cheng?” Wei Wuxian looks over at him. Jiang Cheng looks back at him with even eyes. He’s right.

“Wei Wuxian,” Jin ZiXun says loudly. “My uncle was addressing Sect Leader Jiang. Are you in any place to interrupt them?”

“Then you can ask Jiang Cheng yourself,” Wei Wuxian answers back. He gives Jiang Cheng an expected look who finally stands up and addresses Jin Guangshan.

“Sect Leader Jin, this indeed shouldn’t be decided between the two sects. When my father was alive, he also had the same thought. We should leave the decision up to my sister. It shouldn’t be meddled by others.”

“You’re right. For this matter, we should ask Lady Jiang.” There was a moment of silence before A-jie stood up.

“I am very grateful for your kindness,” She begins. “But the Jiang Sect has just gone through havoc. I should consider the rest of the sect and return to Yunmeng to help rebuild Lotus Pier. It is not the right time for me to get married. Sect Leader Jin, please excuse me,” She finishes before sitting down. Jiang Cheng watches Wei Wuxian leave the hall, a silent worry pushed to the back of his mind.

The banquet continues with Jin Guangyao announcing that the Jin sect would be holding Baifeng Mountain Crowd Hunt next month. Jiang Cheng and his sister leave the banquet early to make sure Wei Wuxian had returned safely to Unclean Realm.

“So you told them?” Wei Wuxian leans against the wall and watches as Jiang Cheng packs up for their journey back to Yunmeng for the next day.

“I told Zewu-jun and Chifeng-Zun, but,” Jiang Cheng pauses. “Lianfeng-Zun had overheard.”

“Is there anything wrong with that?”

“I am not sure,” Jiang Cheng says. “But his father will find out as well.” Jin Guangshan’s imposing attitude at the banquet had struck him as odd. Moreover, the ominous position he sat in from the throne chair that once belonged to Wen Ruohan. 

“I don’t see the Jins being a problem. Unless that Peacock upsets Shijie again. Then he will be the one asking for it.”

“Don’t do anything foolish,” Jiang Cheng says sharply. “We should maintain the Jiang Sect reputation.”

“Okay fine,” Wei Wuxian sighs. 

~

The next day, they return to Lotus Pier. The Wens had not been able to occupy it thanks to Jin Zixuan and his men, but the aftermath of the battle that day still shows through the scattered arrows and swords on the floor along with the dried blood.

The next couple of days, everyone works to help rebuild the parts of Lotus Pier that had been destroyed by the Wens. They take down the fire symbol banners and doors and replace them with newly carved Lotus doors. However, as the days go by, Jiang Cheng begins to notice the absence of Wei Wuxian inside Lotus Pier.

“Has anyone seen Wei Wuxian? There is a task I need him to do for me,” He questions one of the disciples.

“He must have gone to town to drink again,” the disciple answers him. Jiang Cheng bites back his frustration and it was soon replaced by worry. He knows his brother loved his wine, but it seemed to Jiang Cheng that he was avoiding them. Avoiding Lotus Pier and everyone in it, despite having just barely rebuilt their clan. If something is bothering him, he should have told me.  

~

“Wei Wuxian,” he comes up to his brother at once as soon as he sees him entering the courtyard. “Where have you been?” He already knew the answer judging from the jar of alcohol in his hands, but he wants to ask anyway.

“Just went to drink,” Wei Wuxian answers. Jiang Cheng sighs and follows him inside Sword Hall.

“Did you speak to Lan Wangji last night? You two left the banquet for quite some time.”

“We talked. He still does not quite understand why I made such a sacrifice, but what’s done is done. I told him I would make the same choice no matter what.” Jiang Cheng looks away, the pang in his chest growing heavy again.

“Just...don’t make a huge decision like that ever again and not tell me..and A-jie,” He mutters. Wei Wuxian turns to look at him, his eyes tired and cheeks sunken in slightly, and gives him a nod and a smile. It seemed nearly forced compared to the bright and wide smiles Jiang Cheng had seen before the Sunshot Campaign.  It hurts to look at, but he holds his gaze steady.

“Then you better do the same, alright?” Wei Wuxian raises his eyebrows at him.  Jiang Cheng only smirks at him.

“We can see who keeps their promise first.”

“Hmm, if we’re the Yunmeng Pride Twins, then how about we look after one another and make sure neither of us gets into trouble.”

“Since when have I ever been able to prevent you from getting into trouble?” Jiang Cheng retorts. “Ever since we were kids, you’ve dragged me into your mess.”

“Haha, you’re right! But,” Wei Wuxian’s eyes grow warm. “We always have each other’s back even in the most difficult situations.” Jiang Cheng knows it was true. Even if it meant sacrificing something, they’d protect one another.

“Well, I am the sect leader now, so I doubt you’d be the one to drag me out of trouble. I can have your back, but please at least try not to give the sect any trouble.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Wei Wuxian smirks. 

~
Wei Wuxian is around Lotus Pier more the next couple of days, but Jiang Cheng knows he slips away for a few hours to go to town to drink. One day, Jiang Cheng decides to follow him, taking A-jie with him to give her some fresh air after all the work they’ve done. 

“I want to go to the tailor shop,” Jiang Cheng tells his sister.

“Tailor shop? How come?”

“A new set of robes...for Wei Wuxian. Something with purple. He can wear something new at the hunt next month” Jiang Cheng says hesitantly. His mother hadn’t allowed Wei Wuxian to wear the purple colors of the Jiang Sect. She had always tried to separate Wei Wuxian from both her children, not necessarily by not allowing them to be around one another, but drawing a clear line of distinction between them and him. It was one of the reasons Wei Wuxian called Jiang Yanli ‘Shijie’ rather than ‘A-jie’, referring to her as his sister.

“I’m sure A-Xian will love that,” A-jie smiles at him. “We should have them make it black with purple. Black is his favorite color.”  Jiang Cheng nods. They go into the tailor shop to make their order and walk back to Lotus Pier soon after.

“A-Cheng, do you think we can find Wen Qing and Wen Ning? What will the other clans say if they knew we sheltered them?” The worry in his sister’s voice reflected his own. 

“We never said anything about sheltering them, only finding them,” Jiang Cheng begins. “If we do have to take them in, we won’t tell them they are ‘Wens’. We’ll tell them that they are people who lost their homes during the war.” This was not fully a lie. The Dafan Wens had been forced to flee during the war after all.

“Wen Ning and Wen Qing will be recognized, but not the rest of her family,” Jiang Cheng continues. He had only had a brief glimpse of Wen Qing’s branch of cultivators after he had gone after Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji in search of the Yin Iron, but he distinctly remembered old women and men as well as a young child. It was the same people Wei Wuxian had described being whipped by the Jin cultivators.

“I believe the Jins have taken over in capturing the rest of the Wens,” Jiang Cheng explains. “Jin Zixuan told me in a letter. But his father claims that the prisoners they have are only criminals. And there is no one by the name of Wen Qing or Wen Ning. Jin Zixuan has not been told where the prisoners are being held.”

“It seems suspicious.” This statement took Jiang Cheng by surprise as he had also been thinking the same.

“Jin Zixuan does not know where the prisoners are being kept. Doesn’t that strike you as odd? As heir to the sect, shouldn’t he know such matters?”

“It is indeed suspicious. Jin Guangshan has been informed of the help Wen Ning and Wen Qing has given us, yet his efforts to find them seems minimal. I told Sect Leader Jin that the Jiang Sect would be willing to help them gather up the rest of the Wens, but he told me that he had them handled. Even the Nie Sect’s help got dismissed. Why is that?”

“It seems like my suspicions were correct. Haven’t you noticed that the Jin Sect has been trying to flaunt their powers recently?” A cheery voice comes from behind them.

“A-Xian, there you are,” A-jie turns around to greet him.

“Since when has the Jin Sect not flaunted?” Jiang Cheng scoffs but quiets down after his sister gives him a look. 

“You’re exactly correct. The Jin Sect has always acted quite arrogantly. Even that Jin Guangyao has a place next to his father now.”

“But next to Jin Zixuan...he wouldn’t be able to compare,” Jiang Cheng shakes his head. 

“But either way, we need to find Wen Qing and Wen Ning,” A-jie says quietly.

The three of them exchange looks and nod in agreement. 

“We will find them no matter what.”

Chapter Text

The following month, Jiang Cheng goes to attend a Conference Meeting at Carp Tower to discuss how the rest of the Wen civilians would be dealt with. The Yao and Ouyang sects are quick to call for their executions to make them pay for the atrocities they inflicted upon them and the major sects. 

“The innocent shouldn’t be harmed,” Zewu-jun insists.

“Zewu-jun, with all due respect, the Wens also slaughtered innocents without mercy,” Sect Leader Yao objects. A few murmurs of agreements go through the hall. Jiang Cheng exchanges a glance with Jin ZiXuan from a few tables over. 

“Does that mean we need to sink to their level?” Jiang Cheng speaks out, his voice dangerously calm.  He had to speak carefully when mentioning Wen Qing and Wen Ning. One mishap of words could lead to the other sects suspecting him of harboring war criminals. And he knew that Lotus Pier could not afford the consequences.

“Sect Leader Jiang, what do you mean?” Sect Leader Ouyang speaks up loudly. “How can our actions possibly be compared to what the Wens did?”

“I believe what Sect Leader Jiang means,” Jin ZiXuan speaks, his voice ringing out. “Is that we should not condemn innocents for the crimes that others committed. Would you blame a child for the crime of its parents?” Jiang Cheng lets out the tension from his chest. It seems Jin ZiXuan kept his word after all. And he speaks with much integrity. It reminded him of how Jin ZiXuan had defended MianMian against Wen Chao. Like Wei Wuxian, he too had been surprised at Jin ZiXuan’s bravery. Not bad for a peacock. He could almost hear Wei Wuxian’s voice whispering in his ear.

“Remembering the conversation we had with Zewu-jun last time, I believe we agreed on sparing the elderly, women, and young and keeping an eye on them. We should pick out the cultivators who took part in the killing and have those executed while noncultivators will be spared,” Nie Mingjue adds. “I am sure that can be arranged soon,” Jin Guangshan rumbles. “I have let my nephew put the Wens in a temporary camp at Qiongqi Path where they are being detained by Jin disciples. But I still do not see how it is necessary for trials . The Wens lacked morality and attacked for reasons of arrogance and power. They never showed mercy to us, did they?”

“Either way, we can’t execute all of them. What about the elderly and children who did not participate in the war?”  The voice was a female’s and Jiang Cheng could see that MianMian had spoken up from across the room. Her voice shakes but is filled with determination.

“I do not want to see children slaughtered. It’s...against our sect’s morals!” Jiang Cheng turns his head in shock. Nie Huaisang? Speaking up? He never spoke at all at Conference Meetings .

“Huaisang,” Nie Mingjue begins, his voice hardening.

“Am I wrong, Da-ge?” Nie Huaisang lifts his head.

“They should be given a chance to redeem themselves. I know and have met Wens who have helped us during the Sunshot Campaign. They took great risks to go behind Wen Ruohan’s back,” Jiang Cheng adds.

“Da-ge, tell everyone about who helped you when you got captured by Wen Ruohan. Go on,” Huiasang nudges his brother’s arms.

“Quiet!” Nie Mingjue snaps but he sighs and speaks again.

“I remember a young maiden when I got captured. She helped to treat my injuries,” Nie Mingjue says.

Wen Qing . Jiang Cheng thinks. 

“A ‘Wen’ helped you?” Jin ZiXun scorns in disbelief.

“They helped us as well,” Jin ZiXuan admits, shooting his cousin a look. “A young lady who knew medicine and her brother.” He then looks over at Jiang Cheng.

“Wen Qing and Wen Ning,” Jiang Cheng says. “They assisted us when Wen Zhuliu and Wen Chao invaded Lotus Pier. They saved my brother’s and  my sister’s lives and mine.” And she transferred Wei Wuxian’s core to me too.

“Lady Wen?” Zewu-jun echoes. “I remember she accompanied us when we went to Bailing Lake. She was indeed knowledgeable in medicine. Her skills are beyond the expectations of even Lan healers.” 

The Ouyang and Yao sect leader, Jiang Cheng notices, have gone silent. Jin Guangshan, on the other hand, looked furious and flustered. Within a few minutes, it seemed as if the room had forgotten there was even a Chief Cultivator in the room with them. 

“Father, since the other sects seemed content on it, why don’t we listen?” Jin Guangyao turns to Jin Guangshan. 

“As I said earlier,” Jin Guangshan seems to be gritting out the words. “It will be arranged. We are currently busy preparing for the Mountain Hunt so I will arrange for another conference meeting to discuss the terms in further detail. So far we have only captured Wen cultivators and detained them in those camps. We have yet to find the civilians that have fled from the war,” Jin Guangshan says in a firm voice.

“Very well,” Nie Mingjue says. The rest of the meeting went without any further issues.

~

“We were discussing how we’d deal with the Wens at the meeting today,” Jiang Cheng says as he spoons soup into his mouth.

“What did the other sects say?” Wei Wuxian says, his mouth full of lotus roots. 

“Cultivators who participated in the war won’t be spared of course, but noncombatants civilians...well Jin Guangshan says he hasn’t captured any yet at the labor camps.” Wei Wuxian frowns.

“I’m not sure if I can believe that. Where could the civilians possibly have fled to with so many Nie and Jin cultivators chasing them? Lan Zhan and I saw Jin ZiXun and his men chasing and shooting down elderly and women. I’m not sure if I trust Jin Guangshan’s words about not finding any civilians.”

“When did that happen?” Jiang Cheng looks at him, surprised.

“Two days after I woke up. I wanted to mention it before, but it slipped my mind until you mentioned the meeting today.”

“We’ll have to figure it out after the Mountain Hunt,” Jiang Cheng says decisively. “For now, we still need to focus on rebuilding Lotus Pier and training the disciples.”

“I would help with training, but ,” Wei Wuxian waves his flute pointedly in his face until Jiang Cheng wacks his hand away. 

“Teach them archery then. Are you up for that?”

“Sure,” Wei Wuxian sighs. “But I wish...I could do more. I did promise to assist you as sect leader, didn’t I?” Jiang Cheng looks over at his brother carefully, once again taking in how noticeably worn out he looked. He wasn’t as thin as when he came back from the Burial Mounds. Both Jiang Cheng and A-jie made sure of that. But the fatigue and sunken look were still there in his eyes and face.

“Just..don’t worry about it,” Jiang Cheng sighs out. “Take care of yourself first. That’s more important to me. Don’t overwork yourself, you understand? Or I’ll break your legs!”

“How mean, ChengCheng,” Wei Wuxian pouts.

“At least you’ll be lying down! And don’t call me that!” Jiang Cheng scowls. Wei Wuxian only laughs and runs out of the room. 

The time for the Baifeng Mountain Crowd Hunt came swiftly. Wei Wuxian, after some persuasion from A-jie, wears his new set of robes with the Clarity Bell tied at his waist. ChenQing is tucked in his belt.  They walk into the clearing and disciples line up next to where the other sects were. Sect leaders take their seats at the appropriate tables. Jiang Cheng can see Wei Wuxian leaning in to talk to Lan Wangji with a cheerfulness and excitement in his eyes he had not seen in a while. 

Jin Guangyao steps forward to explain the details and rules of the hunt. The hunt would begin first with an archery competition where participants would shoot a target. Each of the seven circles on the target represented a different mountain path. The closer they are to a bullseye, the easier it would be.

“This year, we have a special activity prepared.” Jiang Cheng is alert at those words and watches as Jin Guangyao gestures with his hand. A collective murmuring spreads through the sect members as they realize what was happening. A group of chained cultivators in tattered red clothing were pushed to the front of the targets. Judging by their outfits, they were Wens. His sister is looking over at him with a look of distress on his face. Meanwhile, Wei Wuxian looks furious and takes a step forward with ChenQing gripped tightly in his hand. Jiang Cheng catches his eye and gestures him back with a slight flick of a chin. He wasn’t any happier with what the Jins were doing, but they couldn’t take action. Not now. Wei Wuxian steps back in line next to Lan Wangji.

Jin ZiXuan is the first to step forward with a disciple holding a set of bow and arrows. He grabs the arrows and jumps into the air, shooting the arrow way above the head of the Wen prisoners. It hit the bullseye. 

“Whoever wants to take on the challenge, step forward. I want to see who can do a better shot than that,” Jin ZiXun says loudly. 

“Hey Lan Zhan, can you do me a favor?” Jiang Cheng hears.

“What is it?” Lan Wangji replies.

“Can I borrow your forehead ribbon?” At this, Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes in exasperation. At this, Lan Wangji had immediately looked away from the man next to him. Wei Wuxian steps forward and stands in front of the targets. He takes the black ribbon off his wrist guard and places it over his eyes, tying it behind his head. Jiang Cheng watches with anticipation and curiosity. He can see the other sect leaders focused on his brother as well, waiting for his next move. Wei Wuxian takes the bow and all of the arrows and in one swift moment, he spins around and releases the arrows. All of them hit the center of the targets.

Everyone cheers and claps in response. Jiang Cheng claps the hardest, feeling pride for his brother.  Lan Wangji, as usual, does not do anything but looks at Wei Wuxian with a sense of pride as he retakes his place next to him

Jin ZiXun, however, seems to be unimpressed.

“Showing off  your tricks at an opening ceremony?” He scoffs. “Why don’t we see if you can keep yourself blindfolded throughout the entire hunt?” Jiang Cheng watches him talk with a curl on his lips.

“Fine,” Wei Wuxian replies. The cultivators begin to separate onto their own hunting paths. Jiang Cheng, against his better judgment, leaves Wei Wuxian to hunt alone while he takes several disciples with him to take on a different path.

Within an hour, the prey was already decreasing so quickly. Just then, in the distance, Jiang Cheng hears the sound of a flute and the scurrying of small footsteps followed by the sounds of nets catching something. Jiang Cheng sighs. 

“Nearly thirty percent of the prey has been caught by Wei Wuxian alone! Has he no shame!” A group of Nie cultivators passes by him, shaking their heads. Jiang Cheng watches them walk without a word. His brother was drawing attention to himself yet again, using his crafty tricks to lure the prey into various nets that belong to the Jiang Sect. There was no rule about catching too much prey, but the other sects always had something to say. Especially now when his brother was being called someone who practiced wicked sorcery. Jiang Cheng decides to tail Wei Wuxian secretly from behind. He can see him, leaning against a tree, still blindfolded. Did he really accept Jin Zixun’s challenge just like that? Jiang Cheng thinks incredulously. He moves forward but then stops, eyes narrowing.

 Lan Wangji is approaching Wei Wuxian, walking slowly. He barely catches what happens next, but he’s frozen in place out of shock. He hears a muffled grunt as Lan Wangji pushes Wei Wuxian against the tree. Jiang Cheng tenses instinctively, a hand over the sheath of Sandu but stops, his eyes widening. Lan Wangji was kissing Wei Wuxian, holding his wrists back to prevent him from taking his blindfold off. 

Jiang Cheng spins around and walks away, feeling dazed and mildly disgusted by what he had just witnessed. He knows Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian were very close and there was something other than friendship between them, but to witness something like this left him stunned. One of the Twin Jades doing something this shameless seems impossible. Jiang Cheng walks away into the trees and reunites with his group of disciples. 

For an hour, Jiang Cheng and his disciples take a different path than Wei Wuxian. That is until they see flashing of swords in the distances. Jiang Cheng notices it before anyone else and together they walk in the direction where they saw it. They arrive just in time to see Jiang Yanli walk off with Madam Jin. Wei Wuxian stares after them with a look of confusion on his face. Zewu-jun, Jin Guangyao, and Lan Wangji were there as well.

“What happened here?” Jiang Cheng inquires as he walks towards Wei Wuxian.

“You just missed a rather interesting show,” Wei Wuxian tells him, waving his flute at him.

“What show?” Jiang Cheng asks, but Wei Wuxian doesn’t answer and the others are already walking away. Lan Wangji lingers, keeping his gaze on Wei Wuxian.

“I’m going to take a walk in town,” Wei Wuxian declares. “I need a break from...all these other sect leaders.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to join you?” Jiang Cheng asks. “We haven’t...really done that in a while, right?” He adds as Wei Wuxian gives him a surprised look.

“Don’t you have a banquet to attend? Lan Zhan can join me. Do you want to?” He gives Lan Wangji a questioned look.

“Mn.” The man replies with a nod.

“Alright then. Don’t be gone for too long or I’ll send people to look for you,” Jiang Cheng calls. Wei Wuxian scoffs.

“Why would you need to do that? I’m perfectly safe with Lan Wangji protecting me. Don’t worry, little brother.” Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes and waves him off. He returns to Glamour Hall and sits down at one of the tables. Once in a while, a sect leader offers him a drink and a toast. 

When he steps outside to get some fresh air, he notices something in the sky. Two flare signals; one of Yunmeng Jiang’s and the other of Gusu Lan’s. Jiang Cheng tenses when a disciple hurries up the stairs towards him, calling him frantically.

“Is something wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?” Jiang Cheng questions.

“A maiden at the entrance asked for you. She didn’t give a name, but she gave me this and said you’d know who she was once you received it.” Jiang Cheng watches as the disciple pulls out a comb. A breath catches in Jiang Cheng’s throat. This was the comb he had given Wen Qing shortly after rescuing her. 

“And another thing….someone from the Jin sect was with her.” Jiang Cheng narrows his eyes. A Jin disciple was with Wen Qing

“She did not seem like a disciple. I’ve seen her with Young Master Jin,” The disciple continues. Jiang Cheng relaxes a fraction. What was MianMian doing with Wen Qing? He distinctly remembers seeing her after the burning of Lotus Pier. 

“Take me to her,” Jiang Cheng orders. “Now.” 

“Sect leader Jiang, is something wrong?” Lan Xichen, Jin Guangyao, and Nie Mingjue are hurrying towards them just as Jiang Cheng mounts his sword. 

“Why is there a signal from Gusu Lan in the sky?” Nie Mingjue asks. 

“Wangji...he told me he went into the city with Young Master Wei,” Lan Xichen says, his tone worried.

“Something happened. We should hurry.” Jiang Cheng says urgently. 

“I’ll take you to the maiden,” The disciple who had given him a comb says quietly. Jiang Cheng nods.

“The rest should go towards the flare signal,” Jiang Cheng says. The others exchange looks and nod. 

Jiang Cheng flies his sword to the edge of the city and hurries after his disciple. 

“She’s running!” the disciple shouts, quickening his pace. Jiang Cheng runs past him to see a figure in a hood and rags run around a corner. Jiang Cheng quickly goes into another alleyway to cut her off and crashes into the figure. 

“Wen Qing! Wait,” He grabs onto her wrist firmly. “It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Wen Qing pulls her wrist out of his grasp and puts her hood back over her face and only looks at him warily. Jiang Cheng tries again.

“Lady Wen, why are you here in LanLing? Where is Wen Ning?” Wen Qing’s eyes tear up at the mention of her brother. It was a familiar feeling to Jiang Cheng. A memory flashes before his eyes of his sister’s devastated face when he told her the news that Wei Wuxian had gone missing. The long hours and days he and Lan Wangji had spent looking for him while fighting off Wen soldiers.

“Wen Qing...you gave one of my disciples the comb. Did it not mean you came to me for help?”

“Sect leader Jiang! Lady Wen” A female voice makes his head shoot up.

“MianMian, you’re here too?” He stares at her in surprise as she comes to a halt in front of her. She’s holding a basket in her hands

“Lady Wen, why did you run off? I told you to stay put while I got some food,” MianMian begins, then her eyes shoot up towards him.

“Why are you here?” Her eyes narrow and she steps in front of Wen Qing. Jiang Cheng admires her for her brave facade but puts a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. 

“She gave one of my disciples the comb I gave her. She was asking for my help. How did you bump into her?”

“Young Master Jin asked me to run errands in town and I noticed some Jin disciple pushing her so I told them off,” MianMian explains.

“Lady Luo...Sect Leader Jiang, we need to get to A-Ning. Young Master Wei and Second Young Master Lan have already-,” Wen Qing stumbles to her feet, but she sways, causing both Lady Luo and Jiang Cheng to throw out their arms to catch her.

“Eat this first. And then we can go,” Lady Luo takes out food from her basket, pressing a bowl of noodles with soup into the other woman’s hands. Wen Qing’s hands shake as she eats the noodles. Within minutes, she had finished the noodles and the soup and was standing up again.

“Thank you, Lady Luo.”

“I can fly with you,” Jiang Cheng offers Wen Qing.

“There’s no need,” Lady Luo says. “Qiongqi Path is not that far away, but we need to hurry.”

~

“Jiang Cheng! Wen Qing!” Voices from below call out as soon as they approach. It had begun to pour now, drenching him and the two women beside him. Jiang Cheng hardly makes out his brother’s figure in his black robes.

“Wangji, Young Master Wei. There you are,” Lan Xichen, Nie Mingjue, and Jin Guangyao had just arrived too.

“We saw flare signals. Is something wrong?” Lan Xichen asks worriedly.

“Xiongzhang, Lady Luo...she told us about this place,” Lan Wangji begins.

“And what is this place?” Nie Mingjue demands, scanning his eyes around. Jiang Cheng blinks away the rain and finally gets a clear view of his surroundings. There were elderly and women huddled in groups. Their arms and legs were chained and they had bruises and cuts all over.

“Everyone. What is going on? You all ran off after seeing flare signals!” Jiang Cheng turns to see Jin Guangshan galloping towards them on a horse with several dozen disciples behind him.

“Who are these people?” Lan Xichen demands. “Are these the ‘cultivators’ you claimed to have captured? These are all elderly!”

“What is the meaning of this?” Nie Mingjue adds, his voice trembling in anger.

“They are the Wen dogs we captured, who else?” Jin Zixun says rudely.

“You-!” Wei Wuxian seethes from beside Lan Wangji, his hands going to his flute, but Lan Wangji grabs his wrist firmly. 

“A-Ning!” Wen Qing cries as she runs towards the camp. Wei Wuxian, Lady Luo, and Lan Wangji run after her, with Lan Wangji flashing his sword threateningly at anyone who tries to hurt her. Jiang Cheng and the other sect leaders follow slowly from behind.

“A-Ning!” Wen Qing was huddled over a motionless form on the ground. She scrambles inside her thin clothes for her medical needles as she begins to treat him. Wen Ning !

“Granny, Uncle Ning won’t wake up!” The whimper comes from a child, no older than five. He was being held by an elderly woman who stood next to a small, broken up shed. Jiang Cheng can see more people were being held inside.

“These are all elderly and women. We had an agreement, Sect leader Jin!” Jiang Cheng hears Nie Mingjue yelling over the rain. “Jin Guangyao! Did you know about this?! About the lies, your father told?!”

“N-no!” Jin Guangyao stammers, ignoring the outraged look his father gave him. “I knew about the camps, but I didn’t know these were the people being held there. I swear, da-ge!” Jiang Cheng feels his stomach churning from the heavy stench of death hanging in the air mixed with the feelings of anger and horror he felt inside.

“Why is there a child here?” He turns away from where Wei Wuxian and Wen Qing were taking care of Wen Ning.  He addresses Jin Guangshan, but Jin ZiXun answers him instead.

“Why should we care? They’re Wens . They’re nothing but criminals!”

“You’re saying an innocent four-year-old child should suffer because of what his relatives did?” Lan Xichen snaps, his tone harsh. “We are not the Wens. Why should we treat human beings like this? Has the war taught you nothing about humanity?”

“Er-ge...I’m sure we can work something out,” Jin Guangyao insists. 

“We can,” Nie Mingjue says aggressively, “by no longer allowing Jin Guangshan the authority to detain the Wens. It is clear that the Jin sect could not handle such matters in a decent manner.”

“Now wait here ChiFeng-zun,” Jin Guangshan begins.

“The Yunmeng Jiang Sect will be responsible for the Wens detained in this particular camp,” Jiang Cheng declares. Wei Wuxian turns to him with a surprised expression on his face.

“That sounds good, Sect Leader Jiang. I will take Er-ge and Da-ge to the other camps at once. Jin ZiXun, if you could be so kind as to tell me the location,” Jin Guangyao gives off that smile he always put on as he addresses his half-cousin. 

“What exactly will you do with these Wens?” Jin ZiXun sneers. “Allow them into your sect and make them disciples?”

“Anything other than what you did to them,” Lan Xichen answers calmly. 

“If they are well-abled men, I will put them to work to rebuild Lotus Pier. That way...I won’t hold it against them for staying there.”

“It is a good idea, Sect leader Jiang,” Nie Mingjue agrees. “Let them repay us by helping to rebuild what their sect has destroyed.”

“Sect leader Nie, if I may,” Wei Wuxian interjects. “I’d like to inform you that Wen Qing’s branch of the Wen sect had always studied medicine since before Wen Ruohan’s rule. They never participated in the war. They are Wens, but Dafan Wens, not Qishan.”

“I understand that part, Young Master Wei. I met Wen Qing once in Nightless City when I got captured by Wen Ruohan. She assisted me and treated my injuries.”

“I need to take Wen Ning somewhere to treat him properly,” Wen Qing says, standing up from where she had just been kneeling. “He’s hurt pretty badly. Bruises and scars all over.”

“These men and women don’t look like they’re in any better condition either,” Nie Mingjue grimaces as he studies the faces of the other Wens. They shrink back in fear as he approaches. 

“I still do not understand why you show mercy for them,” Jin ZiXun says loudly. “Have you forgotten the atrocities they caused to us in the war?”

“It is because we will never forget that we’re showing mercy. We will not stoop to the same level of evilness as the Wens and treat people like animals,” Jiang Cheng says coldly, staring him straight in the eyes. Wei Wuxian comes to step beside him, an unforgiving glare coming from his face as well.

“Everyone, for now, you should return to the banquet. The others are quite anxious after you left. We-,”

“There’s no need,” Jiang Cheng interrupts Jin Guangyao. “We should Wen Ning back to Lotus Pier right now. He is gravely injured and needs to be treated as soon as possible.” That was not the only reason Jiang Cheng had spoken out. He suspected that if they let the Wens be kept in the camp for even another day, the Jins may find an excuse to kill them and erase all evidence of the horrible deeds they had done.

“Then I will arrange for horses to be brought here for you. As well as carriages. I will bring Lady Jiang as well.”

“Have her carriage be brought to the edge of the city. There is no need for her to...see such things,” Jiang Cheng says swiftly. Jin Guangsha, Jin ZiXun, and Jin Guangyao soon leave.

“Jiang Cheng, are you sure about this?” Wei Wuxian gives him an uncertain look. “ In the beginning, we were only talking about Wen Qing and Wen Ning and now…,”

“The other sects have seen what the Jins did as well. They won’t tolerate the Wens being treated in such a manner,” Jiang Cheng says. “Didn’t you want for this to happen? You sent off that flare for a reason, did you not?”

“I...didn’t plan to. Lan Zhan convinced me.” Jiang Cheng lets out a breath.

“You weren’t planning on breaking them out, were you?”

“I almost used my flute...I was so angry at what they were doing. Lan Zhan stopped me further escalating the situation.” 

“I did not like it as well. I thought it’d be better to inform Xiongzhan and let everybody know,” Lan Wangji says quietly. 

“Do not try to handle something like this alone. We promised to be there for one another, remember?”

“Of course I do, Jiang Cheng. I’m just rather surprised...I didn’t think it would turn out like this.” Jiang Cheng had been contemplating how he would protect Wen Qing and Wen Ning without angering the other sects who had practically declared that anyone who helped them would be considered enemies. He had chosen his words carefully at the last Conference meeting. Now that both the Nie and Lan sect had seen the inhumane mistreatment of the Wen Remnants, they weren’t willing to turn a blind eye either.

“Neither did I,” Jiang Cheng admits.

Chapter Text

The Wens had settled down within a few days at Lotus Pier. Jiang Cheng is quick to give them new uniforms; seeing the black flame pattern and red colors in Lotus Pier had brought back some very unpleasant memories, not only to him but the few surviving disciples as well. He tells the tailor to give the robes a more dark purple-red shade to distinguish their robes from the Jiang disciples.  Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng stand side by side in the courtyard and watch as the able-bodied men help the Jiang disciples work on construction. Wen Yuan, now Wei Yuan, on the other hand, had made several new friends with the younger shidis and were playing near the ponds, splashing each other happily.

“Are you worried that this will affect the relationship between the Jin and Jiang Sect? I heard...that Peacock’s and Shijie’s engagement was reinstated. He finally learned to appreciate my Shijie, huh?” Wei Wuxian scoffs. He tilts back his head to drink from the wine jar in his hands

“About time!” Jiang Cheng snorts in agreement. “Jin ZiXuan is on our side. He won’t let his father turn against his fiance’s sect. He was quite ashamed and shocked when he saw the labor camps. Says that they were disgracing the sect. Moreover, the other sects all voted to overturn Jin Guangshan’s position as Chief Cultivator for abuse of power. The minor sects aren’t too happy about our actions, but they can’t say anything about it until a new Chief Cultivator has been reinstated.”

“You mean Sect leader Yao and Sect leader Ouyang? They’ll always have something to say, especially Sect leader Yao. He won’t stay quiet at the next conference meeting, just wait and see. He’ll say something about the Wens.” Jiang Cheng snatches the wine from Wei Wuxian’s hand and takes a sip, ignoring the pouted glare he’s given.

“Of course he will,” Jiang Cheng scowls. “His sect was one of the first to be destroyed by the Wens. He’s not the kind of person to spare anyone with the surname ‘Wen’. Jiang Cheng pauses and takes a deep breath. He hands the wine jar back to his brother.

“Which is why I plan to do something so the other sects won’t even dare consider attacking the Wens.” Wei Wuxian side glances at him. 

“And that is?”

“Marry Wen Qing.”

Wei Wuxian chokes and sputters on a mouthful of wine, queuing Jiang Cheng to slap him on the back.

“Wait, you’re serious?”

“Of course I am!” Jiang Cheng feels heat rising up his face. His lingering feelings for Wen Qing from when he first met her during the Cloud Recesses lecture had been relapsing ever since that disciple had handed the comb he had given her to him. He had returned it to her since then. 

“Marrying her means both she and her relatives will be under our protection by name . She will be my wife.”

“Have you spoken to her about this yet?” Wei Wuxian gives him an odd stare. They both knew how others felt about arranged marriages.

“I will,” Jiang Cheng replies. “Speaking of marriage...A-jie’s wedding will be planned out soon as well.”

“Oh yes,” Wei Wuxian nods eagerly. “So many weddings in such a short amount of time.”

“We’ll all get married one by one,” Jiang Cheng grins. 

“Not me… I don’t have anyone to marry yet,” Wei Wuxian shrugs, spinning his flute in his hands. Jiang Cheng stares at him.

“What about Lan Wangji?” At this, Wei Wuxian drops his flute in shock.

“L-Lan Zhan?!  What? Why would he be interested in me? I didn’t know you could make jokes like that, Jiang Cheng!” He picks his flute back up again

“You’re the one who was obsessing over him when we were studying in Cloud Recesses,” Jiang Cheng retorts back. “Besides, didn’t you two clear up your misunderstanding?
Wei Wuxian shrugs, “Still..why would he want me? ” Jiang Cheng inhales sharply. He hadn’t understood Lan Wangji’s intentions at first when he had constantly insisted on Wei Wuxian coming to Cloud Recesses with him. He had initially thought it was for punishment but over time, he had chosen to convince Wei Wuxian to talk to him, to tell him the truth. He had thought that’d fix up their relationship completely but what if Lan Wangji’s thoughts for Wei Wuxian had gotten even worse?

“Is Lan Wangji thinking less of you because he found out you had no core?” His fist clenches almost reflexively. 

“No! He isn’t. He’s not like that.” Wei Wuxian shakes his head. “He knows how powerful my demonic cultivation is, but…,” His voice falters.

 “He deserves better,” Wei Wuxian insists. “I can’t...he has no future with me. His uncle will disapprove of my cultivation, even if he did know the truth. Why would he want his nephew to marry someone without any means to cultivate except for the heretical path?”  Wei Wuxian shakes his head. If I were the judge, I’d say Lan Wangji doesn’t deserve Wei Wuxian, not the other way around . Jiang Cheng thinks silently. Their relationship had first started with Wei Wuxian chasing after Lan Wangji and being rejected multiple times and during the Sunshot Campaign, Wei Wuxian had been doing all that he could to avoid Lan Wangji. If it weren’t for Jiang Cheng’s constant insistence and some light encouragement from A-ji, they may have never spoken again. Their misunderstandings had been fixed, but why was Lan Wangji still acting so weird?

His brother…didn’t know about the kiss either and Jiang Cheng didn’t intend to tell Wei Wuxian. The last time he had seen Lan Wangji interact with Wei Wuxian was after they had rescued the Wens

“Then why hasn’t he tried talking to you? I thought he’d at least come to visit. ”

“He’s busy,” Wei Wuxian says calmly. “He has to help rebuild Cloud Recesses after all.”

“Right.”

A pause. 

“How do you feel about Lan Wangji?” Jiang Cheng asks at last. “Now that you’ve stopped trying to avoid him and understand his intentions for you.”

“He’s...great..of course, he is! He’s one of the Twin Jades, how can I say otherwise? And handsome too. How can anyone not like him? Even he is...boring sometimes.” Wei Wuxian stammers.  Jiang Cheng snickers.

“I do appreciate his help for playing music, but he...he still doesn’t like it,” Wei Wuxian murmurs. “But it’s not like I have a choice.” Jiang Cheng didn’t like it either, but as Wei Wuxian said, there was no choice. His only method for proper cultivation was gone after all

“You really haven’t figured it out yet?” Jiang Cheng says at last.

“Figure what out?” Wei Wuxian looks puzzled. Jiang Cheng just shakes his head.

“Never mind. Keep an eye out on the gates, will you? Let me know if anyone other than Lan Wangji decides to pay a visit.” Jiang Cheng walks away to find Wen Qing, leaving Wei Wuxian to his own thoughts. Jiang Cheng had given her the grand guest suite so she would be able to take care of her brother and their sect healer had provided her with an abundant amount of herbs.

“Wen Qing, Lady Wen, how is your brother?” Jiang Cheng asks quietly.

“Recovering well. Thank you for everything, Sect leader Jiang. Your actions...surprised me,” Wen Qing stands up from Wen Ning’s bedside.

“How come? I gave you the comb for a reason,” Jiang Cheng inhales slightly, “it’s not just about...you. I wanted to try my very best to protect your family as well.”

“Even when the other sects declared anyone with the surname ‘Wen’ an enemy? And if anyone helped them, they’d be seen as enemies too?” Wen Qing’s gaze levels with his.

“I was hesitant when I heard that, but Jin ZiXuan remembered the help you gave us. I was unconscious most of the time, so I did not remember. But I know enough from my siblings and once I found out about the core...I knew I could not back down. Your sect has never harmed anyone. I’ve seen them falling victim to the Yin iron themselves,” Jiang Cheng pauses to look at Wen Qing whose eyes are even with his, with an expression of surprise and gratitude.

“My sect’s motto is ‘attempting the impossible’. All my life, I’ve been told I never understood that” Jiang Cheng can’t help but let the bitterness show in his voice. “Wei Wuxian was better at it...he understood it better. He understood it when he willingly chose to give up his core without any regard for himself. And I-,” Jiang Cheng freezes, realizing what he was about to say.

“I wanted to prove myself worthy. To do something that seems risky, but I had to move forward with it because it is the right thing to do. Intersect politics can be dealt with. It is something I can handle,” Jiang Cheng says hurriedly. Wen Qing’s eyes narrow slightly as if she had caught on his change in words, but says nothing.

“What about the possibility of war? What will you do then?”

“Jin ZiXuan won’t let that happen.”

“Sect leader Jiang, he may be the heir of the Jin sect but he is still only one man.”

“He is not alone in his thoughts. Either way, who I marry is an affair within our sect. Other sects cannot interfere, no matter how disapproving they are. The comb I gave you...it was given before the war. It is an engagement gift.” Wen Qing’s eyes widen.

“What?” Her voice is hushed and shocked.

“That is what we will tell the other sects. Our engagement was established long before the remaining Wens were declared our enemies. If you will come with me to Carp Tower tomorrow, we will announce it together to the other sects. If you are willing to marry me…,” Jiang Cheng pauses. “It will protect your family. Your family will be mine as well.” Something about saying that made Jiang Cheng feel lighter. He had just lost his family, his parents, his shidis. At first, he only had a small number of half-trained cultivators recruited during the Sunshot Campaign. But now he could have a real family again, not just his two siblings. 

“Okay,” Wen Qing says at last, her eyes meet his own steadily. “I will marry you. For my family.” Jiang Cheng sighs in relief. For now, she would be marrying him for protection only. Perhaps one day, he can win over her heart as well.

~

“A-Cheng, is it possible if you can train me to fight with a sword?” Jiang Cheng nearly drops his spoon onto the floor in shock.

“Shijie?” Wei Wuxian stares at her in surprise. A-jie’s cultivation had never been strong as her core was too weak for her to even use a sword for long. 

“A-jie, that’s so sudden,” Jiang Cheng says, finally finding his voice. 

“I want to do something, A-Cheng. A-Xuan told me...about what his father did. He didn’t give too many details, but I saw how Wen Ning looked when you two rescued him from the labor camps. I saw an elderly woman with a toddler strapped to her back,” Her voice is hushed and distressed. Wei Wuxian leans close to comfort her.

“I’ve spent most of my life caring for you, always telling you both to stay safe, but I want to do something more than just words. I want to protect you two as well,” She continues. “And we have other people to protect now too,” She smiles warmly over at Wei Yuan.

“A-jie, are you sure? Your core is-,” Jiang Cheng begins, but his sister’s firm gaze makes him stop speaking.

“Of course I’m sure. How can I not be sure about protecting my two didis? My core might not be strong, but I will train it. I can go to see Wen Qing and make sure it will be okay for me as well.”

“Shijie, you’re amazing,” Wei Wuxian sighs.  A-jie smiles.

“I am Yu Ziyuan’s daughter for a reason and if I am to marry into the LanLing Jin sect soon, I want to live up to that name.”

“You don’t need to prove anything. You’re already awesome enough, Shijie!” Wei Wuxian insists. 

“I heard A-Cheng ask Wen Qing to marry him. The marriage will keep her and her family protected, but I wish to do something as well,” A-jie declares.

“Tell us.”

“Being sworn sisters with her...will be my first step,” She says.

“Sworn sisters...like how Lianfeng-Zun, Chifeng-Zun, and Zewu-jun have sworn brothers?” Wei Wuxian asks.

“Yes. It’s like how Mother and Madam Jin have sworn sisters too. A-Qing will be marrying into the family so we will be sisters-in-law anyways.”

“If you’re ready, we can go to Carp Tower right now. This Discussion Conference is an important one. I’m bringing Wen Qing with me.”

“I’ll stay behind then. Someone needs to keep an eye on Lotus Pier, especially with our new guests,” Wei Wuxian exchanges a meaningful look with Jiang Cheng who nods.

“I’ll stay with Master Wei,” Wen Ning says quietly. Jiang Cheng nods.

“Send me a message if anything happens.” Jiang Cheng goes to find Wen Qing and they walk to the entrance of Lotus Pier.

“We can fly. On Sandu,” Jiang Cheng says, swallowing. Wen Qing’s eyes meet his once and then she nods. He mounts onto Sandu and offers her a hand, which she accepts after a brief pause.

“Hold on,” He tells her despite himself. The flight to LanLing was brief and quiet. They land shortly within the gates of Carp Tower. The Jin disciples greet him with bows as he enters while staring at Wen Qing as though they were trying to figure out who she was. Wen Qing had not worn her usual red robes with flame symbols so they did not recognize her as a Wen.

“Sect leader Jiang, welcome,” Jin Guangyao greets him with his usual smile. Jiang Cheng wasn’t sure it was genuine after what had happened last time.

“Sect leader Jiang, who have you brought with you?” Jin Guangshan asks, looking over at Wen Qing. It was strange, Jiang Cheng thought, that the Jin sect leader wouldn't recognize the prisoners he had taken captive. But then again, he would never have bothered remembering the face of someone he thought of as a Wen-dog. 

“She was the former head of a remaining group of Wens that your nephew held captive in the labor camps,” Jiang Cheng tells him. “And soon to be my spouse.” As expected, there was a collection of gasps throughout the hall.

“You want to marry a Wen?” Jin ZiXun asks scornfully. “After everything they did?”

“Wen Qing and her family are a branch of the Qishan Wen sect. They’ve specialized in medicine for years and took no part in the Sunshot Campaign,” Jiang Cheng explains calmly. “The ones you captured in the camps were her family. I’m sure Zewu-jun and Chifeng-Zun know what happened that day as they were all present.”

“Yes,” Nie Mingjue growls, glaring at Jin Guangshan. “The LanLing Jin sect should be held accountable for their crimes.”

“You’ve already got me dismissed from my position as Chief Cultivator, what more do we have to do?” Jin Guangshan snaps back. 

“We are still waiting to investigate the other labor camps,” Jin Guangyao tells his sworn brother. “In due time, we will report to you.”

“I came here to say what I needed to say,” Jiang Cheng cuts in, “because I believe this marriage will help to end the hostile blood conflict between the Wen sect and the rest of the sects. My spouse and my in-laws will live with us in Lotus Pier. There will be no further conflict with the Wens in the future. They will be under my protection.”

“How do you know you can trust them?” Sect leader Yao calls out. “After all, they are Wens.”

“If you remember what I said during the last conference, I told everyone how Wen Qing and her brother helped us. Furthermore, her family consists of mainly elderly men and women. They will not harm us. After all, they were subject to Wen Ruohan’s cruelty just as much as we were.”

“My family holds no grudge against the other sects. If we were able to help with taking down Wen Ruohan, we would have,” Wen Qing speaks up, keeping her voice steady and meeting each of the sect leaders’ eyes. “But in the end, we were not able to do much help. Especially when Wen Chao threatened the lives of my family if we tried to aid you.”

“That is not true, Lady Wen,” Nie Mingjue tells her. “I remember your help from that time. It may not seem like a big deal to you, but to me, it seems as if it weren’t for you, the sects may not have had the chance to defeat Wen Ruohan. You saved the lives of two sect leaders.” Wen Qing feels surprised to be praised by the Nie sect leader out of all people. After all, he was the one who held the strongest hate for the Wens, even before they had started raging war against the other sects.

“Thank you for saying so,” Wen Qing dips her head towards him. “As Sect leader Jiang said, my family has studied medicine for many years. We only ever used our skills to save people, not harm them. We are not like Wen Ruohan and his followers. We despise them and were grateful to the other sects for finally freeing us from his rule. We do not want conflict with the other sects and only wish to live in peace.”

“What Lady Wen says seems sincere,” Lan Xichen nods. “We saw the horrors they were subjected to in the camps. I feel disappointed that we were not able to bring justice to everyone, including those hurt by Wen Ruohan’s rule within Qishan. We did not think about how they would have suffered and only assumed under our own biases that all Wens were like him. But we simply cannot blame everyone for their relatives’ mistakes.” 

“I heard that there was a child rescued from the camps,” A female cultivator stands up from where she sits next to her husband, Sect leader Ouyang. “Is that true?”

“My lady-,” her husband tries to pull her back into her seat but she ignores him,

“It is true. He is my cousin,” Wen Qing replies. “ He is four years old, he was only three when he was brought to the camps. The Jins captured him along with his parents.”

“How cruel!” She exclaims. “I have a son myself….I wouldn’t wish that kind of treatment upon any child.”

“The child shouldn’t have had to suffer,” Another cultivator adds in agreement. “And so young too.”

“Although the Wen sect no longer exists,” Jiang Cheng says, “I hope Wen Qing and her family’s presence will stand to represent the side of the Wens we never got to see. We will arrange a wedding date soon. Perhaps soon after my sister’s own wedding.”

“Hmph,” Jin Guangshan turns away his head rudely. Wen Qing ignores this.

“My lady,” Jiang Cheng says loudly enough for him to hear, “let us return home.” Wen Qing takes the hand he offers her and they walk out from the hall.

“I don’t expect any of the Jins to be at our wedding,” Wen Qing says dryly. “Given their response.”

“Lady Wen! Sect leader Jiang!” A female voice calls from behind them. Jiang Cheng turns at the familiarity of it.

“MianMian,” Jiang Cheng greets in surprise, recognizing her as the woman who was always by Jin ZiXuan’s side. 

“I want to congratulate you two,” She says breathlessly, beaming. “And Lady Wen..I...I’m sorry for what my sect did to you. It was unacceptable. I can’t believe they were capable of such things,” MianMian takes Wen Qing’s hand and squeezes it lightly. Wen Qing doesn’t pull away.

“I’m...so angry at them,” MianMian continues, her voice starting to seethe. “Right after defeating Wen Ruohan and his Wens, my own sect, the one who said they were bringing justice to the world and saving everyone, committed such horrible acts. And to the elderly and children too! It’s ridiculous,” She blurts out. A few Jin disciples give her a reproachful look as they walk by. She doesn’t flinch and glares back at them until they walk away hurriedly.

“I don’t care if they can hear me,” She says angrily. “They should feel responsible for what they did. They should feel ashamed!”

“Maybe some will, maybe some won’t,” Jiang Cheng shakes his head. Right now, the only decent Jin he could think of was the woman standing before him and Jin ZiXuan, his soon to be brother-in-law. 

“I should go...Young Master Jin will be waiting for me,” MianMian says, at last, letting go of Wen Qing’s hand and turning away. 

“MianMian, thank you. I will see you at our wedding?” Wen Qing smiles.

“Oh, of course. I want to formally introduce myself first,” MianMian says, bowing her head. “My name is Luo Qingyang, but you can call me MianMian.”

“Then you can call me ‘Wen Qing’,” Wen Qing says back. 

“I will see you soon,” MianMian dips her head in farewell and walks away. Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing mount onto Sandu and depart at last. Wei Wuxian isn’t in the courtyard when they return, but the smell of strong spices alerts Jiang Cheng that he was in the kitchen.

“Oh no…,” Jiang Cheng mutters under his breath as he makes his way to the kitchen. The smell of spices only grows stronger.

“Jiang Cheng, you came back just in time! Wen Qing should get a chance to try out Yunmeng’s cuisine!”

“I have tried it,” Wen Qing says calmly. “Your sister’s soup is amazing.”

“No, I mean Yunmeng cuisine,” Wei Wuxian holds up a dish, the content on it sprinkled in red. Jiang Cheng automatically coughs at the overwhelming smell of spice. 

“Don’t give your future sister-in-law food poisoning before the wedding please ,” Jiang Cheng growls. Wei Wuxian gives an offended look.

“It will not . Besides...Qing-jie is a doctor, is she not?”

“No need to state the obvious,” Wen Qing says sharply. “And as a doctor, I can tell you that the amount of spice in that dish is hazardous to one’s health.” Jiang Cheng snickers at the shocked look on Wei Wuxian’s face.

“Qing-jie, you should try it first,” Wei Wuxian whines.

“I’ll pass,” Wen Qing says calmly as she turns to spoon soup into her bowl instead. Wei Wuxian sighs. 

“Maybe A-Yuan will like it then,” He says gleefully. Wen Qing immediately snatches the dish from his hands.

“Do not feed this stuff to a child . Or I will use needles to numb your taste buds for an entire week. Do you understand?”

“Wahh, you’re meaner than Jiang Cheng when it comes to threats. How merciless!” Wei Wuxian exclaims. He sits down in his chair and pours several spoonfuls of spice into his rice before he starts eating.

“You two are a great match. I can’t imagine any other woman who can handle Jiang Cheng’s temper.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jiang Cheng growls.

“It’s a compliment,” Wei Wuxian says gleefully, pouring himself some soup from the pot on the table and filling it to the brim with ribs.

“Hey! Stop taking all the meat!”

“I need protein to conserve energy!”

“Then save some for me!”

Wen Qing sighs and stares at the two teenagers bickering. Just then, A-jie comes in, asking what the commotion was all about.

“Are your brothers always like this?” Wen Qing asks her when she approaches. She smiles.

“Yes, they always act like this. I suppose you will have to get used to it but ,” She turns to Jiang Cheng. “ A-Cheng ,” She chides. Jiang Cheng stops trying to steal the spoon away from Wei Wuxian and sets back down immediately, smiling sheepishly.

“How old are you two again?  I’ll just make more soup with extra ribs in it.”

“XianXian is three years old,” Wei Wuxian responds. 

“And A-Cheng, let’s not act like that in front of your future fiance, okay?” Her tone is gentle when scolding, much unlike their mother’s whenever she criticized him. It made Jiang Cheng feel warm on the inside. He only nods once, matching his brother’s sheepish smile whenever they were scolded by their older sister. 

“A-Xian, be good around Wen Qing. She’ll be your new sister-in-law after all.”

“I know, Shijie. But I’m going to miss you. You’ll be living at Carp Tower with Peacock from now on!”

“And I’ll come  visit as much as I can,” Jiang Yanli smiles, caressing his head sweetly before turning to the stove behind her. 

“Our family has expanded nicely,” Wei Wuxian says solemnly, then he turns to Jiang Cheng with a cheeky grin.

“Would you say Peacock is a good addition to our family?”

“I say it’s too soon to judge,” Jiang Cheng replies while Wen Qing frowns in thought.

“Peacock? You mean Young Master Jin? You have strange names for people you dislike,” She purses her lips.

“I never said I disliked him.”

“Weren’t you the one who got into a fight with him at Cloud Recesses?” She presses. Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes at the memory. Jin ZiXuan had not been the kindest to A-jie back then, but at least now, he was both a faithful and loving fiance.

“Well, I’m going to get more wine from the Yunmeng markets. You two can have your own...private time,” Wei Wuxian grins and leaves the room.

“Wen Qing, I need to ask you something,” Jiang Cheng says quietly once Wei Wuxian was out of sight. 

“Is it about the golden core transfer?” 

Jiang Yanli’s movement freezes as her entire body tenses upon hearing those words. She stops what she’s doing and turns to look at Wen Qing as well, a look of intensity and stress in her eyes.

Wen Qing looks at the two of them and waits until Jiang Yanli takes a seat next to her before she begins speaking. 

Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng’s head spins as he tries to sleep that night. He had fully prepared himself to ask Wen Qing about the details of the golden core the moment she started settling down at Lotus Pier. Or that was what he thought. He wanted to know more, but he had hesitated to know at the same time. Attempting the impossible was what his brother was good at. Enduring those long nights of pain while being forced to stay conscious only proved how strong he was. 

Fifty percent success rate. That was what he had been told about the transferring of the golden core. Either one of them could have ended up dead. Then what? His sister could have left all alone. He shivers at the thought despite the blankets being wrapped tightly around his shoulders. 

 A-jie had started crying at some point as Wen Qing continued, but refused to leave the room when Jiang Cheng had told her to. Eventually, the three of them had left for their own rooms in silence to retire for the night. 

Jiang Cheng finally decides to give up on sleep for now and take a walk around Lotus Pier to get some fresh air. As he walks through the intertwining pathways and towards the courtyard, he sees a familiar figure slip out the front door. Jiang Cheng frowns. Where was Wei Wuxian going at this hour? He follows Wei Wuxian and his direction soon leads him to the docks. By the time he’s caught up, his brother was sitting at the edge of the pier, staring out at the moon sky. Jiang Cheng starts to approach him but then stops when he realizes Wei Wuxian is shaking and it was not from the cold. He catches a glimpse of circles under restless eyes. He wasn’t sure if the fatigue was caused by demonic cultivation or something else.

“Wei Wuxian?” Jiang Cheng calls out at last.

His brother jolts and turns around, surprised to see him.

“Jiang Cheng? What are you doing out so late?”

“That’s what I want to ask you,” Jiang Cheng retorts, taking a seat next to him at the edge of the dock. 

“No reason...I just couldn’t sleep. Needed fresh air,” Wei Wuxian says rather quickly.

“You too? Did thoughts about your boyfriend keep you awake?” Jiang Cheng teases. Wei Wuxian smiles at this, but it seemed almost forced as if his thoughts were elsewhere.

“What’s keeping you awake? Are you really not thinking about Lan Wangji?” Jiang Cheng presses. 

“It’s nothing. I just like sitting by the piers during this time of the year at night.” Jiang Cheng looks at him again. Wei Wuxian’s eyes are directed at the water below now.

“Tell me what’s bothering you.”

“Why would anything be bothering me?” Wei Wuxian’s voice is casual. Jiang Cheng crosses his arms.

“Because this isn’t the only time you’ve woken up in the middle of the night. The disciples who guard the night-shift told me they’ve seen you walk from your room past midnight.” There’s a sharp intake of breath.

“What did Wen Qing tell you then?” He asks at last. Jiang Cheng blinks in confusion.

“She didn’t say anything…,” He pauses. “She noticed too then?” Wei Wuxian seems to have relaxed at this.

“It’s just nightmares,” he says, his voice quiet. “Nothing to worry about.” Jiang Cheng stares at him with a hard expression. Nightmares that prevent you from sleeping every single night. What is there not to worry about?

“I’ll have Wen Qing give you some special incense powder then,” Jiang Cheng stands up, ignoring his brother’s protests, and extends a hand to his brother who takes it after letting out a sigh. They begin walking back to Lotus Pier.

“What made you come out in the middle of the night?” Wei Wuxian gives him a questioning look. “Don’t you usually sleep early and wake early? Sect leader duties and all.”

“I had a lot on my mind as well. With two weddings coming up,” Jiang Cheng tells him. Wei Wuxian knocks his shoulder lightly into his with a short laugh. 

“Well, LanLing Jin has most of Shijie’s wedding planned out on their end. It’ll be taking place at Carp Tower after all. We have enough money left over for your wedding, don’t we?” Jiang Cheng nods.

“Wen Qing says she doesn’t want anything too extravagant, but it doesn’t seem right to give the future lady of Lotus Pier such a simple wedding.” Wei Wuxian frowns thoughtfully, spinning his flute in one hand.

“First...who are we inviting?” He then snorts.  I can’t imagine any LanLing Jin cultivators wanting to show up. Other than Jin Zixuan.” Jiang Cheng snorts as well.

“Good. I wouldn’t want them there anyway. But Lady Luo will be sure to come. We bumped into her on the way back.”

“Who?” Wei Wuxian blinks.

“MianMian,” Jiang Cheng says, exasperated. “Luo Qingyang.” Wei Wuxian’s eyes light up.

“I see. So that’s her real name, huh?”

“Why did you want to know her real name that badly?” Jiang Cheng stares at him suspiciously. 

“It was nothing...I just wanted to know so I could tell Lan Zhan...because you know, during that time...never mind,” Wei Wuxian shakes his head. “I’m going back to bed. Good night.” He heads off towards his room with a wave of his hand. He starts heading towards his own room when he realizes that Wen Qing is standing outside her own room, watching them.

“Wen Qing?”

“He had nightmares again...didn’t he?” Her voice is sharp but has a soft undertone to it.

“He...didn’t tell me the details and I didn’t ask,” Jiang Cheng answers.  Wen Qing only nods as if she understood.

“He wasn’t the only one to have nightmares….after the procedure,” Her voice trembles and Jiang Cheng looks at her, a breath stuck in his throat. 

“Was that...the reason he had nightmares too then?” Jiang Cheng could understand why. Having his core crushed had been painful enough for him but having it surgically removed and having to stay awake for several days...

“I don’t know,” Wen Qing admits. “It must be a contributing factor. As well as being in the Burial Mounds.” Jiang Cheng closes his eyes. He had had his fair share of nightmares after Lotus Pier had been burnt down and his parents had been killed. During those restless nights as he was looking for Wei Wuxian, he had only pictured the worst in his mind. The war may have been a nightmare for everyone, but could it compare to what his brother went through? He had never pushed for the full details of what happened in the Burial Mound as he didn’t want to force his brother to retell the trauma he had gone through, but he could hardly imagine anything good happening. Other than the fact that Wei Wuxian had somehow managed to escape from there solely by his invention of Demonic Cultivation. However unrighteous it seemed to the other sects, Jiang Cheng’s feelings about it had changed upon learning it had saved his brother’s life.

“Will he continue using this way of cultivation for the rest of his life?” He asks the question to no one in particular.

“He doesn’t have to,” Wen Qing says slowly. “I surgically removed the core without damaging the meridians, but it’d take years for him to grow another core as strong as the one he had previously. Unless...there was another way for him to speed him the process.”

“In your medical books...surely,” Jiang Cheng stops as he remembers most of the books had been lost when the other sects liberated Qishan and raided many of the buildings. The only ones Jin Zixuan had managed to recover were the few books from her home in Yiling. 

“Time will tell,” She says at last. Jiang Cheng only nods.

“Good night then,” She dips her head once and goes back into her own room.  Jiang Cheng looks at the closed doors for a while longer before going to his room as well. 

The next morning, Jiang Cheng is immediately asked for a pass of entry after eating a swift breakfast. It was from Lan Wangji. Jiang Cheng had expected Wei Wuxian to be the first one offering to go greet him, but he had sent another disciple in his place instead. When Jiang Cheng had gone to meet him, Wei Wuxian was nowhere in sight.

“Are you here to talk with Wei Wuxian?” Jiang Cheng asks, despite knowing the answer. Lan Wangji only nods. Jiang Cheng leaves him in Sword Hall while he goes to look for his brother. He was not in his room nor was he with Wen Yuan. He finally found him after hearing the sound of a flute playing in one of the pavilions by the pond. He was sitting on one of the fences surrounding the dock.

“Wei Wuxian,” Jiang Cheng calls his name to get his attention.

“Do you need me for something, Jiang Cheng?” Wei Wuxian gets off the fence and walks over to him.

“Lan Wangji is here. He wants to see you,” Jiang Cheng informs him. To his surprise, the bright expression on Wei Wuxian’s face drops into one of wariness and uncertainty.

“Oh. I see. Well I...I don’t know what he wants to talk to me about,” Wei Wuxian says quietly. 

“I thought you wanted to talk to him,” Jiang Cheng looks at him, confused.

“If he didn’t want to talk to me before, why does he suddenly want to see me now?” Wei Wuxian says, almost defensive. 

“You said he was busy, didn’t you? He’s found the time to see you now.” Jiang Cheng blinks. His brother seems to be purposely trying to avoid seeing Lan Wangji. Jiang Cheng finds it strange and suspicious, but before he could push further, Wei Wuxian sighs and says,

“I’ll go then and I’ll make it quick.” He tucks his flute into his belt and walks briskly off. Jiang Cheng follows him, but not into Sword Hall. He can hear them talking quietly to one another, Wei Wuxian’s voice slightly louder. Were they fighting again? Had Lan Wangji really been avoiding Wei Wuxian?

Perhaps Lan Wangji really was too obsessed with the righteous path to even care about Wei Wuxian’s well-being. Was Lan Wangji still trying to condemn him despite knowing the fact that he had no core? Maybe I misunderstood their relationship...maybe that kiss was just...

If that was the case, he wasn’t going to let Lan Wangji take Wei Wuxian back to Cloud Recesses. He wasn’t going to let another sect punish his own disciple. He begins making his way to Sword Hall

“Wei Ying, I found the book in the library pavilion. It may be the only way to help you cultivate properly again.” Jiang Cheng freezes in his tracks. Lan Wangji had found a way? Was that what he had been doing this past month? Reading books in his sect’s library?

“It’s too risky!” Wei Wuxian says loudly.

“Riskier than what you did?” Lan Wangji shoots back.

“I-,” Wei Wuxian stops talking. He noticesJiang Cheng standing outside Sword Hall.

“If Lan Wangji found a way to help you, then you should accept it. Why are you trying to get your way out of it?” Jiang Cheng asks tightly.

“No reason,” Wei Wuxian says quickly . Jiang Cheng narrows his eyes. Being evasive as always.

“I need time to think about it. There are other consequences that need to be considered,” Wei Wuxian says.

“Like what?” Surely demonic cultivation was less safe?

“First, what’s going to happen to the amulet? We can’t simply put it in a chest and put it in the storage room. It has too much resentful energy contained inside of it for that. And putting it in anyone else’s hands isn’t an option either.”

“Then...does it need to be destroyed?” Lan Wangji asks hesitantly. 

“If I can find a way, then we do that. I only created that thing to counter Wen Ruohan’s fierce corpses. I can do my cultivation fine without it,” Wei Wuxian replies.

“Then hold on to it for now,” Jiang Cheng tells him before turning to Lan Wangji.

“What did you find in the library that can help Wei Wuxian?”

“Spiritual energy growth pills..a way to create them, I mean,” Lan Wangji tells him. “But it requires huge transfers of spiritual energy just to make one pill.”

“That’s why I told you it was fine, didn’t I?” Wei Wuxian says impatiently. “I’ve been used to not having a golden core for over three months now.” 

Jiang Cheng wants to hit him. Used to it? Cultivators spend their entire life forming a golden core and he gave his up without hesitation...for me . 

Jiang Cheng knows he’d regret it if he passed this opportunity to help his brother reform a core.

“ Idiot ,” Jiang Cheng grits out. “Why would you say something like that? Continuing to cultivate the way you are right now can’t be used for the rest of your lifeIf you have a chance, then take it. Why are you hesitating?”

“Because of the risks involved. How much spiritual energy can one cultivator give up for this pill? And we don’t even know if it’ll work!” Frustration rises inside Jiang Cheng now.

“ Bullshit ! You never hesitated about giving your core to me with the fifty percent success rate.” Lan Wangji flinches and tenses when he hears this. 

Did Wei Wuxian not tell him that? Jiang Cheng thinks.

Wei Wuxian goes quiet, unusually subdued. 

“If you want to know if it’ll work, then is there any way I can see this book?” Wen Qing’s voice cuts in. Everyone turns their head.

“Lady Wen,” Lan Wangji greets her with a bow. She returns it.

“I couldn’t take it outside of Cloud Recesses as it was from the Forbidden Chamber, but if..if you could accompany me back there one day.” Lan Wangji’s flicker over to Wei Wuxian as he speaks. 

“I can...but it won’t be any time soon, I’m afraid. We’ll be busy with a number of things in the next few months.” Her eyes glance over towards Jiang Cheng who nods at her.

“I’ll need time to figure out how to destroy the amulet. So we’ll take the time to study the book as well,” Wei Wuxian adds. Jiang Cheng lets go of the tension inside him at last. Why was everyone in his family so stubborn ? Then again, his brother and sister would say the same about him. Perhaps, blood or not, it still ran in the family.

Lan Wangji departs Lotus Pier, Wei Wuxian watching it from the docks with an unreadable expression on his face. 

Chapter Text

“That reminds me...I think we’re going to have another visitor today,” Wei Wuxian tells him.

“Oh, and who might that be?”

“Wei-Xiong! Jiang-xiong!” A familiar voice yells out across the courtyard.

“Nie Huaisang?” Jiang Cheng blinks as their old friend comes running towards them.

“Oh, my apologies,” Nie Huaisang says sheepishly with a bow. “I should be calling you Sect leader Jiang now. Time really flies, doesn’t it?”

“Drop the formalities if you want to when we’re alone.” Jiang Cheng shrugs. He was a sect leader and desired to be respected as such but sometimes, he just wanted to let go and feel like he did during those carefree days again. 

“What brings you to Lotus Pier, Nie-xiong?”

“Uh well...I’m running from my brother.”

Jiang Cheng raises an eyebrow.

“You what ?”

“Da-ge is trying to get me to do saber practice again and I got sick of it so I ran and escaped here.” 

Jiang Cheng sighs and pinches the bridge of the nose with his fingers. He already had to deal with enough things today without having Sect leader Nie storming into Lotus Pier to drag his younger brother away.

“Fan-gege!” Nie Huaisang jumps, looking startled at the sudden appearance of Wen Yuan at his ankle.

 “A-Yuan, hugging people again, aren’t you?” Wei Wuxian sighs and reaches to pick up the child, but he hides behind Huaisang.

“Wei-Xiong, this child was really rescued from the..the camps?” He looks stunned. “My da-ge met him

“Well…,” Wei Wuxian smirks. “What if I told you I gave birth-ouch!” he pouts in disbelief when Jiang Cheng hits him on the head.

“Quit telling everyone you gave birth to him. You’ll make our sect lose face!”

“But it’s the truth. I grew him out from the lotus pond,” Wei Wuxian grins. A-Yuan giggles in response. Nie Huaisang bends down to smile at the child. 

“You’re adorable. I can’t believe people believe all Wens are evil. Just look at him,” Nie Huaisang tucks his fan under his arm and lifts A-Yuan up who squeals with delight.

“I didn’t know you were good with children.” Jiang Cheng watches them, looking faintly amused.
“Well..I don’t think I’ll ever have children of my own but I remember having to kidsit some disciples one time,” Nie Huaisang replies, tickling A-Yuan’s chin before putting him down.

“Here, you can have this,” He hands over the fan in his hands and the child takes it with delight before running away.

“I’m great with kids, unexpectedly,” Wei Wuxian tells Huaisang as he wraps one arm around the other’s shoulders.

“Says the one who planted said child into a lotus pond.” Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes. “And then Wen Qing had to spend hours cleaning the mud from his clothes.”

“Actually, she made me do that,” Wei Wuxian laughs. 

“Come inside and sit. Let’s not stand in the courtyard to do our talking,” Jiang Cheng says briskly and leads them inside the Sword Hall. As they sit, several disciples come to bring them tea and a tray of snacks. 

“By the way, I want to ask you a question on behalf of my brother while I’m here. And I want to have an answer too. As a friend.” Wei Wuxian tilts his head and looks at Jiang Cheng with a confused look who only looks at Huaisang expectedly. What could Nie Mingjue possibly want to ask his brother?
“He’s been asking about the amulet,” Huaisang begins. Jiang Cheng can already see his brother’s eyes narrowing and pulling away from Huaisang. The other notices and hurriedly continues.

“It’s because he’s worried.”

“Worried? About me ?” There’s genuine surprise on his brother’s face and in his voice. Jiang Cheng feels surprised as well.

“Are you sure?” Wei Wuxian gives his friend a skeptical look.

“Of course I am! He knows you’re my friend. Why wouldn’t he care?” Huaisang insists. “Anyways, my brother is worried about your cultivation to be specific. Because of how harmful it is to the mind and body.” Jiang Cheng knows his brother has heard this too many times as he notices the look of exasperation on his face.
“He offered to help you make a saber.”

“A what?” Now it’s Jiang Cheng’s turn to be shocked.
“The Nie sect cultivates the demonic energy of beasts and monsters. We don’t use human energy which is what makes our cultivation remain...righteous, as other sects would call it. “But if you channel that energy through a saber, you can fight again. With a real weapon.”
“Using a saber is very different from using a sword…,but it sounds like it could be efficient enough.” Jiang Cheng nods.
“Da-ge can train him. If you’re willing to let him borrow your head disciple for a month,” Nie Huaisang replies.

“I won’t need a month.” Wei Wuxian shrugs. “It can’t be that different right?”

“Uh well, you can’t ask me as I despised saber practice.” Nie Huaisang hides his face with his sleeve now that his fan has been given away. 

“The techniques used are very different considering it’s heavier than a regular sword,” Jiang Cheng says pointedly.

“Oh right...but I’m sure I’ll get used to it after a few rounds of practice.” Nie Huaisang gives him a skeptical look hearing the confidence in his voice. 

“I wish I could be as good as you,” Huaisang sighs. “I’m sure my brother will try and force you to convince me to join you in practice. And I’ll get an earful if I don’t improve.” Wei Wuxian lets out a light snicker.

“I can’t help being naturally talented. If he asks me, how can I refuse? Especially after he offered to help me first.”

“ Wei-Xiong ,” Nie Huaisang begins pleadingly, but he stops and nearly jumps out of his skin at his brother’s loud voice yelling his name. Jiang Cheng buries his face into the palm of his nose. I knew this was going to happen. Why am I fucking surprised?

“I apologize for the disruption, Sect leader Jiang, Young Master Wei, but I’ve come to retrieve my brother,” Nie Mingjue says once he’s let into Sword Hall. Meanwhile, Huaisang had ducked behind both Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian.

“Nie-xiong, you should go,” Wei Wuxian shifts and pulls his friend out from his hiding spot. “I’ll see you when I officially come to Unclean Realm, okay? Jiang Cheng has other paperwork and sect leader duties to take care of.” Despite Huaisang’s protests, Wei Wuxian lightly pushes him towards his brother.

“Wei-xiong, how could you! I thought you were my friend!” Nie Huaisang wails.

“Young Master Wei, my brother told you? I meant to tell you about it myself.” He glares down towards his younger brother who flinches back, staring at the floor subdued. 

“He did something useful by coming here, Chifeng-Zun,” Wei Wuxian replies cheerfully.

“Then...will Sect leader Jiang agree to let his head disciple come?” Jiang Cheng blinks when he realizes he’s being addressed.

“He may go, but as Lotus Pier still needs to be rebuilt and repaired, I will send him over in two month’s time if Sect leader Nie agrees to these terms.”

“Of course. After all, he is your disciple.” Nie Mingjue nods.

“Thank you...for offering to help. I know how the sects feel about his kind of cultivation.” Jiang Cheng knows that the Lans had spoken out the most against it during the Sunshot Campaign, but luckily Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji were there to convince their disciples to trust him.

“I don’t like it,” Nie Mingjue admits. “But if you trust that he can control it and won’t harm anyone, then I will trust him as well. Though, if he can master the saber, then I believe that won’t be a problem in the future.”

“Right.” Jiang Cheng nods. 

“One last thing...about the Stygian Tiger seal, if you’ve noticed from the past meetings, Jin Guangshan seems particularly interested in it.” Nie Mingjue’s eyes flicker over to the Qiankun pouch attached to Wei Wuxian’s waist.

“I plan to destroy it,” Wei Wuxian answers calmly. “The only reason I made it was to ensure victory in the war. There won’t be any need for it afterwards.”

“I see. I am glad to hear you have a plan.” Nie Mingjue nods at him. “I will take my leave now.” The four of them exchange bows before the Nies went on their way. 

“So, what do you need me to do for the day?” Wei Wuxian turns to him the minute they are out of sight.

“If you’re up for overseeing training,” Jiang Cheng begins, then shakes his head. His brother still looked too exhausted during the past few days, despite Jiang Cheng assigning him to do the more simple tasks.

 “How about you teach class for today? You’ve always been the best at talismans. And inventing them too.”

“Sure.” Wei Wuxian nods as he twirls his flute in one hand. “I heard from Wen Qing that you’re planning to have Wen Ning oversee the archery class.”

“You told me he was one of the best.” Jiang Cheng replies. “ And I can definitely see why. The disciples’ aim while shooting down kites have improved tremendously.”

“Really? Hmm, maybe we can have a competition sometimes. Like the good old days?” Wei Wuxian knocks his shoulder with his.

“You sure about that? My aim has improved a lot too. Though that feat you pulled off during the Phoenix Mountain Hunt was impressive.” Wei Wuxian blinks at him in surprise and Jiang Chen feels surprised at what he had just said.

For years, all he wanted was his father’s praise, to compliment him the same way he had with Wei Wuxian. Instead, he was always filled with the self-frustration that his father never once looked in his direction and his mother had constantly berated him for not living up to his reputation as sect heir. He rarely ever gave compliments himself. But now it felt like that was all in the past. He didn’t need anyone’s approval. He was a sect leader now and he had grown into his role for the past few months. His siblings were always supportive of him no matter what and he could only return it.

“I’ll be off now. Let me know if you need me for something.” Wei Wuxian has already walked off, waving a hand with his back turned. Jiang Cheng watches for a while before retreating to his own office. He spends the rest of the day answering letters over trade disputes, territory division of Qishan, and other paperwork. It’s dark by the time he slips out from his office, stretching out his arms to soothe his stiff muscles. The smell of soup surprises him as he walks through the halls of Lotus Pier. A-jie wasn’t home so who…?

“This tastes amazing! I’ve never had a soup this good other than Shijie’s homemade one!” Wei Wuxian’s excited voice rings out as he nears the kitchen.

“Your sister’s soup does taste amazing, but as your future sister in-law, I won’t let you get away without trying cooking from my side of the family.” comes Wen Qing’s reply.

“Aw, trying to play the role of sister-in-law already? How sweet-ow!”

“This doesn’t mean anything!” Wen Qing huffs. “And I don’t have a choice, do I? I am to be the Madame of Lotus Pier, especially with Jiang Yanli living in Carp Tower soon. I have to get used to my role, do I not?”

“Jie, you’re already used to it. You always cooked for me back in Qishan,” Wen Ning says cheerfully.

“Jiang Cheng, why are you standing outside? Come in and eat! You must be tired after all that paperwork!” Jiang Cheng gets pulled in by surprise, not realizing he had just been standing there and listening to the conversation.

“Okay, I know. Get off! And move over so I can sit.” Jiang Cheng sits and Wen Qing places a bowl of soup in front him before sitting down. From the smell, it was an herbal chicken soup with snow fungus.

“Has anyone else eaten yet?” He asks. 

“Granny and A-Yuan ate early.” Wen Qing replies. “You and Wei Wuxian are the last to eat. I had to practically nag your brother to eat something.”

“I wasn’t hungry before,” Wei Wuxian mutters, but he spoons the last of the soup into his mouth right after he speaks. Wen Qing glares dagger at him. 

“You lost a lot of weight in the Burial Mounds and you haven’t gained it all back yet, despite it being over a month since you’ve returned.” At this, Jiang Cheng frowns and places his bowl down. Wei Wuxian and Wen Qing both look at him then look away again. 

“A-jie told me you’ve been drinking less of her soup after we came back to Lotus Pier. I wanted to ask you about it, but you keep slipping away from Lotus Pier every time I try.” Jiang Cheng stares his brother straight in the eye, locking them so he doesn’t look away. He tries not to worry, but how can he not when his sister is worrying too?

“It’s nothing to worry about.” Wei Wuxian insists. As if to make his point, he goes to refill his bowl and sits back down. Wen Ning watches them in silence.

“Don’t drink it if you can’t finish it,” Wen Qing huffs at him. 

“I can finish it,” Wei Wuxian replies as he sprinkles a handful of spice inside his bowl. Jiang Cheng coughs at this and lifts his bowl to his face when Wei Wuxian looks at him. Wei Wuxian does finish the second bowl of soup and he leaves shortly after to return back to his room. Jiang Cheng goes to check on him again a while later and finds him meditating in the lotus position with a few lit candles in his room. The wisps of resentful energy in the room makes Jiang Cheng tighten his grip on Sandu automatically, but he takes a few deep breaths to keep himself calm and closes the door quietly, returning back to his own room to sleep. 

The details Wen Qing had told him about the golden core transfer still echoes in his head, despite the passing days. The events tonight had only resuscitated them further. There was one detail that could never leave his mind.

“ Two nights and one day,” Wen Qing had said that night to both him and Jiang Yanli. “That’s how long he had to be awake for. I couldn’t use anesthetics or the core would have been affected. He had to be conscious enough to feel the diminishing of spiritual power leaving his meridians and body.” At that point, Jiang Yanli had left the room in tears and Jiang Cheng wanted to follow, but he found himself frozen to the spot in shock. Learning about the general truth of the golden core transfer had been painful but this...this was..it had been too much.  

He had left the room soon after, feeling shaken and angry. Angry again at his brother for sacrificing so much for others while not caring about himself. Angry at Wen Qing for putting his brother through that much pain just for him . But he had also been angry at himself for not protecting his brother and doing more for him. 

He closes his eyes and tries to sleep but he ends up dreaming of the mountain again. The mountain where “Baoshan Sanren'' lived. This time when he falls unconscious just like he had all those months ago, he could hear things. Things he wished he had never heard. At first he hears Wen Qing’s voice, clearly now, mixed with Wen Ning and his brother’s voice. Then there were screams of pain, raw and apparent. His brother ’s screams of pain. No matter how hard Jiang Cheng tries, he couldn’t wake himself up in the dream until after a while, he wakes up from the dream himself in the real world, with cold sweat on his back and forehead. His brother had nightmares, but he wasn’t immune to them either. He had woken up one time to soft crying coming from Wen Qing’s room but when he had knocked on her door, it had immediately gone silent and she didn’t reply when he called her. 

Jiang Cheng sits up in bed, trying to calm his breathing and heartbeat. In the silence of the night, he realizes he can still hear the cries and closes his eyes to shut it out. It didn’t go away. That’s when he realizes that they were coming from his brother’s room. 

Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng bolts out from the room, holding Sandu in one hand. Jiang Cheng hurries towards his brother’s room. Several disciples, including Wen Ning were already standing by it, looking uncertain and scared.

“Sect leader...we heard noises from Da-shixiong’s room. Is he alright?” One disciple asks.

Jiang Cheng pushes open the door to Wei Wuxian’s room and hurries to Wei Wuxian’s bed. His brother is turning restlessly on the bed with beads of sweat coming from his forehead and pained grains escaping him. Jiang Cheng wishes their sister were here. She would be able to bring him comfort in a way Jiang Cheng knows he wouldn’t be good at. How could he when he had inherited his mother’s sharp personality?
“Wei Wuxian?” He tries shaking his brother awake, but his hands only get pushed away by flailing arms. Something wasn’t right. His brother’s breathing had become labored, despite the fact that he was only having nightmares. 

“Get Wen Qing!” He barks out the command to one of the disciples standing by the door, who darts off instantly.

He keeps his eyes on Wei Wuxian, whose face was twisted in discomfort. Checking him over quickly, he could see that there were no physical injuries, but that only makes Jiang Cheng feel more helpless. He hated seeing his brother so vulnerable when he had always been the best of them. He had been strong, both physically and mentally, even if Jiang Cheng had a feeling he hid away his pain behind that smile. He had been the bright sun for both his sister, him and the rest of the sect (though maybe not his mother), but after returning from the Burial Mounds, he had changed too much.

“Jiang Wanyin, is Wei Wuxian hurt?” Wen Qing’s presence makes him sigh in relief. 

“He’s not... physically hurt, but the other disciples and I heard him in distress. I can’t seem to rouse him either.” He steps away from the bed to let Wen Qing check on Wei Wuxian. Her eyes furrow in concentration as she takes his pulse.

“What’s wrong?” He demands.

“I don’t know.” Wen Qing shakes her head. “The nightmares have never gotten this bad. The incense powder...must not be efficient. It must be due...to the resentful energy...” Jiang Cheng tenses. From the sound of her tone, it seemed like even Wen Qing couldn’t do much. Afterall, there was no real cure to nightmares, but neither of them could bear to see Wei Wuxian suffering. Even if it wasn’t physical pain, nightmares this bad would still affect his health and mental wellbeing.

“It could also be a side effect...from the  golden core transfer too,” She says this nervously, while shooting glances at Jiang Cheng.

“The pain...because he has no core?” Jiang Cheng asks shakily. He was still taking time to accept what his brother had sacrificed. It wasn’t easy, but every time he tried, other things only made it more difficult. Like what was happening right this moment.

“The best I can do is to use needles. That will allow him to sleep restfully for tonight. It can’t be a permanent solution. He needs time to heal and being around his family is the best way he can do so.” Wen Qing bends over Wei Wuxian to place the needles into him. Jiang Cheng feels the tension inside him releasing a fraction as his brother lets out a sigh and relaxes into the blanket that he had previously pushed off before. Jiang Cheng moves to tuck the blanket back over Wei Wuxian’s shoulders before Wen Qing can.

“Do we need anyone to stay with him?” Jiang Cheng asks.

“That is up to you. I’ll remove the needles in the morning,” Wen Qing says softly, her eyes warm with sympathy. Wen Qing turns to leave the room and after a long hesitation, Jiang Cheng leaves the room as well. He follows close behind Wen Qing and escorts her to her room.

“Wen Qing…” He speaks her name more confidently than he had since she had been brought to Lotus Pier. 

“If the nightmares get bad...not only for Wei Wuxian and...me, but for you too, will you tell us?” Wen Qing’s steps falter and he hears her take a shaky breath before answering him.

“I can endure it.”

“We all think we can.” Jiang Cheng takes a step towards her, his hands hovering on her shoulders. She seems to tense at it, but he doesn’t move it away.

“I know...it isn’t easy to admit that we’re vulnerable. But family is there for one another. You can trust them.”

“I trust you, Jiang Wanyin. And I trust your sect.” She replies steadily back. “How can I not when you’ve gone so far to protect us?”

“First, tell me how long your own nightmares have been going on.” She turns away and fixes him with a hard look. For a brief second, it reminded Jiang Cheng of his mother, but also it was different. It wasn’t as sharp or angry. It reminded him more of his sister’s look when she was worried about him.

“Not long...they haven’t been bad. I just...can’t forget the details you told us,” Jiang Cheng murmurs. He wonders if his sister was okay at Carp Tower tonight, if she had nightmares too. He’d hate to think that he wasn’t there to comfort her.

“It’s not something that I can drive out of my mind either. I was there. I had to…,” Her voice breaks off.

“You did nothing wrong.” It was almost hard for Jiang Cheng to say this considering he had felt brief anger at her less than an hour ago. 

 “You were trying to save me. It wasn’t an easy decision but you pushed through.”

“I did,” She says shakily.

“But...how did you feel about this? How do you feel about it now?” Her eyes sink into his.

“I’m still...trying to accept it,” Jiang Cheng admits. “He did so much for me...and if I hadn’t found out by myself, that idiot would have kept it a secret probably to his own grave. I wouldn’t have ever found out what he sacrificed for me.”

“We...weren’t ever going to tell. Wei Wuxian told us not to. Because he knew how you’d react.” Wen Qing looks away briefly before looking back at him. Jiang Cheng only sighs.

“It was hard for me, but I will learn to accept it….and I’ll make sure we stay by each other’s side and be there for one another just like we always had.”

“In the future, let’s hope we won’t ever have to go to such lengths of sacrifice to protect one another,” Wen Qing says at last. Jiang Cheng blinks at her.

“I don’t want to see lives being lost,” She adds, her voice softening. “Protect one another with all your power...but please ...don’t risk your lives.”

 Jiang Cheng remembered the day he had diverted the Wens’ attention from Wei Wuxian. He had been fully ready to be captured and killed that day, willing to leave his sister to Wei Wuxian’s protection.

“Is it not right...to be willing to die to protect the people you love?”

“ Jiang Wanyin , you know what I mean.” Wen Qing’s voice sharpens. “You can fight to protect one another and live to see another day, isn’t that what makes the fight worth it?”

“Yes,” Jiang Cheng says at last. “To live another day to continue protecting one another. I understand.”

“Good...the war only just ended and we shouldn’t lose any more lives. I don’t want to lose anyone to bloodshed and I’m sure you don’t either.” He doesn’t. He has already lost enough already.

“That day you went back to Lotus Pier, were you really going back for your parents’ body?” Wen Qing’s question takes him by surprise.

“I wasn’t,” Jiang Cheng replies back honestly. “I saw the soldiers approaching Wei Wuxian so I ran. They chased after me.” Wen Qing closes her eyes at this, her fists trembling at her side.

“I know what you’re going to say,” Jiang Cheng continues, his voice exasperated. “But I was doing it to protect him. We both did what we did to protect one another. Because we’re family. Would you not do the same for Wen Ning?”

“I would.” She says immediately.

There was a long bout of silence between them.

“It’s late. We should go back to sleep. Good night, Jiang Wanyin.” She goes into her room and closes the door. Jiang Cheng returns back to his room and sleeps peacefully until morning.

~

“Wei Wuxian, you’re going to fall off,” Jiang Cheng calls as his brother runs down the pier.

“No I won’t. My balance is too perfect!” Wei Wuxian laughs as he teeters on the edge. 

“Quit messing around and help me,” Jiang Cheng grumbles, though he was glad to see his brother in good spirits again. He had not yet asked him about last night’s events. He wasn’t even sure if Wei Wuxian remembered what happened and Jiang Cheng was hesitant about asking out of concern that he may revive his brother’s fretful dreams and bad memories. 

“Are you going to ask me about last night?” His brother sits down at the edge of the pier and Jiang Cheng joins him. Jiang Cheng blinks.

“I wasn’t going to,” Jiang Cheng murmurs. “I didn’t think you would want to talk about it.”

“It’s...nothing to worry about, I promise. Don’t tell Shijie what happened...she will worry too much. But will you believe me if I tell you these nightmares aren’t as bad as you think?” Wei Wuxian glances at him.

No...especially not after what I saw last night.

“If they get too bad, you need to tell me,” Jiang Cheng says at last and Wei Wuxian sighs.

“There’s nothing anyone can do...they're my own nightmares, what can I or anyone do to stop them?”

“Talk,” Jiang Cheng says as if it was the most simple thing in the world. 

“If something is bothering you, tell me.  No one says it’s easy...but it isn’t impossible either.” Jiang Cheng is surprised to hear himself saying this, when he himself found it hard to speak his emotions. But he had promised his sister that they would be there for one another and this meant they had to talk and be honest with one another, especially if one was suffering or trying to hide what bothered them.

“Were these nightmares caused by….your memories in the Burial Mounds?” He hesitates to ask, but his words come out anyways. He feels a pang of guilt seeing his brother flinch ever so slightly at those words.

“Yes...but mainly it’s because of the resentful energy. Most of the time...I can fight them off. If I set my mind on happier memories, I can counter the voices in my head..but it’s complicated...”

“You haven’t felt any physical pain?” Jiang Cheng watches his brother carefully when he gives his response. 

“No...but-,”

“Wen Qing says you have to tell her if you do. It’ll be a normal thing to feel...as a side effect of the golden core transfer.” He squeezes out the words with effort. There’s silence and irritation flares up in Jiang Cheng along with the worry.

“If you don’t tell her, I’ll break your legs and drag you there myself.”

“Fine fine! I will tell her. I promise. I don’t want you or Shijie to worry about me so I have to, right?” He grins sheepishly. 

You always make me worry, you self-sacrificing idiot.

“You don’t have to talk about your nightmares,” Jiang Cheng says at last.  “but if you want to, then we’ll be here to listen.”

“Okay.” Wei Wuxian still looks uncertain, but he gives Jiang Cheng a reassuring nod. They leave the docks to greet Yanli at the door, who had been escorted back to Yunmeng by Jin ZiXuan himself. Wen Qing is already there and to Jiang Cheng’s surprise, MianMian had also come along and seemed to be in a deep conversation with both Wen Qing and Jiang Yanli.

“Shijie, you’re finally back!” Wei Wuxian immediately smiles brightly at the sight of her. His expression changes to a scowl when he sees Jin ZiXuan.

“Peacock, I hope you treated my Shijie well.”

“She’s my fiancé, of course I did,” Jin ZiXuan retorts.

“A-Xian,” Jiang Yanli gives her younger brother a look. Wen Qing and MianMian exchange equally exasperated looks. 

“Well..I can accept it...you make her happy,” Wei Wuxian mutters, though he looks off to one side as he speaks.

“Have you two been well while I’ve been gone. How have your duties been, A-Cheng? Did you remember to eat?” She swarms them both with questions.

“Of course. Wen Qing would drag us to the kitchen by our ears if we tried to skip meals,” Wei Wuxian laughs. Jiang Yanli smiles at Wen Qing.

“I’m glad I have a sister in-law who makes sure my didis eat well.” Wen Qing smiles back at her. 

“Out of habit of course. And I have to learn how to take care of my husband in the future, don’t I?” Wen Qing looks at Jiang Cheng as she speaks. Immediately, he feels heat rising in his cheeks, but he hides it by turning around and leading Jin ZiXuan to Sword Hall. Wen Qing and Wei Wuxian escort Jiang Yanli back to her room.

“The wedding plans, how are they going? It’ll be happening in two months time as planned, right?”

“That is correct. My father wanted me to bring the bride price to you personally. I’ve had the servants take it into the courtyard already.”

“Thank you.” Jiang Cheng nods curtly. It was almost lucky that Jin Guangshan hadn’t tried to cut off ties with the Jiang sect after what had happened with the Wens, but with Madam Jin looming over her husband like a tiger with its prey, he wouldn’t have dared break off the engagement. 

“I wanted to congratulate you as well. For your engagement with Lady Wen.” Jin ZiXuan’s voice is genuine. 

“MianMian told me. She said you’d be holding a private ceremony this month.”

“I prefer not to attract the attention of too many sects,” Jiang Cheng says admittedly. Your father is still unhappy with what I’ve done and the only person preventing him from attacking is your mother.” There is also the possible courtship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. Gosh darn, am I going to have to plan three different weddings in the next few months…?

“And me. I would not allow it either,” Jin ZiXuan says steadily.

“Is anything happening in Carp Tower? Other than the preparation for the wedding I mean.”

“A-Yao is adjusting a little better. He seems more comfortable when A-Li and MianMian are with him. My mother...well...she isn’t too fond of him. I try my best to help my brother avoid her.” Jin ZiXuan sighs and gives him a sheepish look.

“On another note, the investigations for the camps are almost complete. Both my cousin, my father and several high ranking disciples are being held the most responsible for the conditions and atrocities that have happened. Some of the other camps were far worse than the one Wen Ning and his family were at. We questioned all the prisoners there, though it was unnecessary considering that at first glance, anyone could see that the conditions of the camps were not the ones that were agreed upon by the other sects.”

“Where have they been taken?”

“They’ve been relocated to Qinghe. Chifeng-Zun will be in charge of them now. The meeting to choose the new Chief Cultivator is going to take place in a couple of weeks.”

“We look forward to that then.” Jiang Cheng nods. “Who do you think would be the best candidate?”

“Perhaps Zewu-jun,” Jin ZiXuan says thoughtfully. “I don’t think anyone would be suggesting another candidate from the Jin sect.”

“He has a good reputation. He would make an excellent Chief Cultivator,” Jiang Cheng agrees.”

“Then let’s hope the majority will vote for him. Of course, Chifeng-zun would also make a good Chief Cultivator.” Jin Zixuan nods

“A-Cheng, A-Xuan, there’s something I need to talk to the both of you about.” Jiang Yanli had come into the yard. She’s holding Wen Qing’s hand in one hand and MianMian’s in another. The two of them looked nervous and uncertain.

“I was wondering if we should have a ceremony...an official one. A sworn sisters ceremony like the one Jin Guangyao, Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue had when they became sworn brothers.” 

His sister’s voice sounded nervous, but her eyes and face held a confidence Jiang Cheng hadn’t seen before.

“If you’d like to, we can have one here,” Jiang Cheng offers, but blinks in surprise when his sister shakes her head slowly.

“Carp Tower,” She says, her eyes glinting. “I want it to be known to everyone.”

“Lady Jiang,” Luo Qingyang says uncertainly. “Are you sure? My status,” She swallows nervously.

“MianMian, you’ve always been a valuable cultivator, regardless of your status. Furthermore, you have a good heart. Our parents do not always define who we are inside. Why should status matter when you’re a good person?” There were a lot of meanings behind Jiang Yanli’s words. It made Jiang Cheng think about his own parents, how his father thought he was too much like his mother. But it also makes him think of Wei Wuxian. Regardless of who his parents had been, he had turned out to be a formidable cultivator and someone who had a strong sense of justice. MianMian, despite her status, had been kept close by Jin ZiXuan who valued her as a friend. Nie Mingjue had valued Jin Guangyao’s intelligence when he had been in the Nie sect. Now that he had been accepted into the Jin sect, perhaps Jin Guangshan would see his value as well.

“A-Li is correct. I have already spoken to my Father about it. He was surprised but didn’t protest against it.”

Maybe because he doesn’t care about people like MianMian. Jiang Cheng thinks. Though it is surprising that he didn’t say anything considering A-jie will soon be his daughter in-law.

“Let’s do it then.” Jiang Cheng nods. 

Chapter Text

The ‘Sworn Sister’ ceremony took place a few days after the conversation at Lotus Pier. Neither of the three women wanted to delay it as they were too excited.  People were surprised, there had been whispers and gossip, but it had been wonderful, even if Jiang Cheng only watched from a distance.   Everyone knew Madam Yu and Madam Jin had been sworn sisters in the past, but since then it had never been done before. 

Jiang Yanli made it clear that anyone who belittled either of her sworn sisters was also insulting her. The Jin disciples minimized their gossip after this remark. Anyone who gave them hostile looks received a scowling glare from Jiang Cheng in return. Madam Jin, against all odds, had been one of the first people to congratulate all three women. Nie Mingjue also congratulates them, commemorating them on their strong companionship. Both Jiang Yanli and Wen Qing had already gained Nie Mingjue’s respect and Luo Qingyang had quickly bonded with him as well. Nie Huaisang had grown close to them as a result as well. 

After the sworn sister ceremony, Jiang Cheng notices that his sister has started carrying her sword around more often. Wen Qing carries her as well, though he knows that she wouldn’t have the need to use it. Her lotus decorated herb bag, whom he had given to her as one of her wedding gifts, attached to her belt is far more noticeable by the people who knew her as a famous healer, not a cultivator. 

After he had started training her about a month ago, he had noticed her core had indeed been strengthened, although it was not by much. She had spent time meditating in the morning sometimes to strengthen it before she started training with her actual sword. He had started off with very basic training at first, but she still got tired too easily and had to sit down several times. Then later, Wen Qing had discovered that several of her meridians had been blocked and the reason the sect healers hadn’t been able to detect it before was because the meridians were located in a place that was hard to detect blockages. 

Jiang Cheng puts Jiang Qiu in charge of his sister’s training. She had married into the Yunmeng Jiang sect shortly after the war from the Meishan Yu sect and had trained alongside Yinzhu and Jinzhu. Although his sister had started far later in her training than any other cultivator, Jiang Cheng is certain she will one day become an excellent fighter, even if she chose to avoid the battlefield. 

A week later, Jiang Cheng held the private wedding ceremony of him and Wen Qing in Lotus Pier. Although normally the oldest sibling gets married first, due to possible political conflict, he had decided to push the wedding early so it would not interfere with his sister’s marriage into the Jin sect. Only a small handful of cultivators were invited. Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji, Nie Mingjue and Nie Huaisang were all present. The only Jins present were Jin ZiXuan and MianMian.  Nobody questioned Jiang Cheng’s decision to not inviteJin Guangyao, despite both his sworn brothers being present. However much he was claiming to investigate the camps, many cultivators were still suspicious of his involvement in them. Both Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue make no comment on it; Nie Mingjue only scoffs and shakes his head while Lan Xichen looks on with a solemn smile.

Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing walk into the Ancestral Hall together. Wen Qing had looked great in the dark-purple robes he had given her to wear, but she always looked the most beautiful in red.  The color that sparked fear and anger in everyone during the war. But Jiang Cheng never felt fear nor anger when looking at Wen Qing.

They stand before two tablets of Jiang Cheng’s parents and begin the traditional bai tang. 

Their first bow was to the Heavens and the Earth. Their second bow, to the tablets. 

If my parents were alive today, would they be proud of what they did? In protecting the Wens despite so many people hating them? 

No, it wasn’t that.

He had protected the innocent and repaid the debt that he owed to Wen Qing and Wen Ning. His father would have done the same.

The last bow was to each other.

Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing turn to face each other and bow their heads. As he does so, his eyes flicker upwards. The uncertainty that he had seen a month ago in her eyes were gone, replaced by a warmth that felt familiar to him. He had seen the look in his siblings’ eyes, but from Wen Qing it felt new and different. It was something he liked and would get used to. 

After the ceremony, Jiang Cheng brings Wen Qing into the bridal chamber where they perform the tea ceremony. Because neither of their parents were present, Jiang Cheng’s grandmother from the Meishan Yu Sect gets served tea, being the oldest family member. Finally, he gives her the Jiang family Clarity Bell, helping to tie it onto her waist. There was one more bell reserved for A-Yuan for his next birthday, whenever that day would come. 

 The banquet takes place immediately after the ceremony ends. For the wedding, they had also invited several people from the Meishan Yu sect who had been eager to meet Jiang Cheng’s wife. They had been in shock when they first heard that the sect leader of the Jiang sect was marrying a woman who had been in charge of a collateral branch in the Qishan Wen sect. But after hearing the atrocities that the Jin sect committed on the innocent people of the Dafan Wens, they had been angered. 

“I hope you’ve settled down in Lotus Pier well,” One of the lady cultivators is saying to Wen Qing. “I’m sorry about what the Jin sect did. We know how much the other sects suffered because of Wen Ruohan. The other sects fought the war to end the cruelty, yet Jin Guangshan, that man.” The cultivator shakes her head in disbelief. 

“Our people also suffered under Wen Ruohan,” Wen Qing says quietly. “We were relieved when we heard about the victory of the other sects. I only wanted to live in peace with my family after that. We didn’t wish to be bothered yet…,” She breaks off as Jiang Cheng walks over to take her arm. He greets the Meishan Yu members and makes small talk with them. The former Wen sect members were hesitant at first, but Uncle Four eventually came forward nervously to talk with the other sect members. Unsurprisingly, the other sect members were equally wary of the Wens, especially given the events of the war, but eventually saw that they held no ill intent or hostility.
The rest of the banquet went on well. Jiang Cheng stays with Wen Qing, walking around to formally introduce her to the other sect leaders. Luo Qingyang, Jin ZiXuan and Jiang Yanli are sitting together with Wen Yuan. The two Jin sect members had made an effort to not wear the usual golden colors of their sect. It still made the Wens wary, especially A-Yuan who cried out in fear at the sight of anyone wearing gold. It still angers Jiang Cheng when he thinks of what the young child had gone through before Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji discovered the camps. Being wary of the Jins after that, he had been reluctant to reinstate the engagement between his sister and Jin ZiXuan, but he couldn’t deny her happiness. Moreover, Jin ZiXuan had promised to keep his father in line for the sake of his fiance’s sworn sister and soon to be sister-in-law. 

Wen Qing greets Jin ZiXuan a little stiffly, but bows politely to him, keeping a calm expression on her face. MianMian nudges Jin ZiXuan in the shoulder as if urging him to say something.

“Madame Wen, I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to make sure no further harm can come to the Wens if my father ever tries anything against you or your family.”

“Will he still try anything when they’re under the protection of my sect?” Jiang Cheng asks sharply. Jin ZiXuan’s brows furrowed.

“He is mainly unhappy about losing his position as Chief Cultivator.”

“The position was never meant to be permanent. It was only so he could have extended his power to stabilize the cultivation world while the Lan and Jiang were rebuilding,” MianMian points out quietly. “But after his crimes got exposed, the position became necessary to prevent things like that from happening in the future ever again.” 

Jin ZiXuan and Jiang Cheng only nod at this. They may be under the protection of his sect, but that doesn’t mean the world has forgotten that they are Wens even with the support he had from other sects to spare their lives. There would still be dangers. He still had to worry about Jin Guangshan’s ambition to get his hands on the Stygian Tiger Amulet. He leaves Wen Qing to talk with the two Jins and goes to find Lan Xichen. 

“I’ve come to talk to you about my brother,” Jiang Cheng says after they exchange respectful bows to one another. 

“And my brother is involved as well, I assume,” Lan Xichen says smoothly. Jiang Cheng nods.  “He told about his plan to help Young Master Wei. I am willing to do what I can to help as well. Especially if it will contribute in helping him to get back onto the path of the sword.”

“My brother knows as well, but he is stubborn about it. He isn’t willing to to let others risk themselves for him. “Jiang Cheng sighs. “Even if he is a hypocrite and risks himself for others all the damn time.”

“If we have other cultivators to help us, then the risks will not be as high,” Lan Xichen says serenely. “With your permission, Wangji can bring Young Master Wei back to Gusu with help to further research on the theory of spiritual growth pills.”

“Lotus Pier is almost back to normal so his absence will not be a burden. I am willing to allow Wei Wuxian to go to Gusu so he can get whatever help he needs. As long as he is healthy again.”

“We just need his cooperation. I’m sure you and your sister can convince him. For his sake and for yours.”

“We don’t need his cooperation. As sect leader, I can order him to go to Gusu with Lan Wangji. He won’t object,” Jiang Cheng says firmly. “Either way, he wouldn’t risk upsetting A-jie by refusing to go. We’re all worried about him, but especially her.”

“I can hear you!” Wei Wuxian calls from where he’s sitting by the lotus pond with Lan Wangji and Wen Yuan.

“Good!” Jiang Cheng calls back, rolling his eyes. 

“A-Yuan wants to go too! To Rich-gege’s home!”

“Mn. If A-Yuan wants to go, I will take him there.”

“Lan Zhaaan,” Wei Wuxian protests. “First, you have to ask Granny Wen and Jiang Cheng. Secondly, my poor A-Yuan will be bored out of his mind with all the rules there. He won’t have any fun!”
“There are bunnies,” Lan Wangji says serenely, looking at the young boy. Immediately, his eyes light up in delight.

“A-Yuan wants to see the bunnies!” He begs

“Not fair,” Wei Wuxian mutters, but Jiang Cheng catches a sight of a smile on his face mixed in with the uncertainty.

“I’ll go then. There’s no way A-Yuan will leave without his Xian-gege right?”
“We’ll all go together!” The boy replied cheerfully. 

“Fine fine, we’ll go,” Wei Wuxian sighs, rolling his eyes in the direction of Jiang Cheng. 

“That’s one way to convince him,” Lan Xichen says, a look of amusement on his face. Jiang Cheng only scoffs lightly. 

“Perhaps it is best if we all go?” Wen Qing’s voice comes from next to him. “My medical knowledge may be useful if you are studying about golden cores.”

“That would be good,” Jiang Cheng agrees. He senses someone else approaching and turns his head to see Nie Mingjue and Nie Huaisang beside him now.

“My offer about saber training still stands. He is welcome at Unclean Realm for however long it needs,” Nie Mingjue tells Jiang Cheng.

“Thank you.”  Jiang Cheng dips his head. “We’ll always remember this act of kindness.”

“If it can help Wei Wuxian take up the path of proper cultivation again, I will do it,” Nie Mingjue replies calmly. “Even if it is not the traditional way he grew up with.”

“You’re just trying to make him train me, aren’t you?” Nie Huaisang groans. “I don’t want to put that burden on a friend, Da- ge,” He whines.

“But you rather put that burden on me with my constant nagging of you?” Nie Mingjue snorts back. Nie Huaisang only sighs and hides his face behind his fan again. Jiang Cheng feels relaxed. With the other sect leaders showing support for him, he can only hope there would be no further trouble in the future. At least not any he and his sect had to face alone. After the banquet ends and everyone leaves,  he brings Wen Qing into his bedroom, the walls decorated in red and paper cutouts with the characters for ‘Double Happiness”

“I know you are not a cultivator who fights, but I want you to have it.”

“What is it?” Wen Qing looks into his eyes. He shifts his hand closer to her wrist, allowing Zidian to slip off his wrist and onto hers. Her hand tenses beneath his, but she doesn’t move away and allows the spiritual weapon to wrap around her wrist.

“This is…,” She begins, but she breaks off, her voice faltering. “Are you sure about this?”

“As sure as the day I decided to protect you and your family,” Jiang Cheng tells her. “ Our family.”

“My new family,” She adds, letting out a soft breath. 

The Jiangs had considered her family ever since Jiang Cheng took her to Lotus Pier. They had all grown fond of Granny Wen, Uncle Four, Wen Ning and A-Yuan within a few weeks. Now it was official.

“Now we will protect and lead the sect together,” Wen Qing says, her voice full of confidence.

“We will.”

Jiang Cheng leans in, hesitant at first, but Wen Qing looks at him as if waiting. He closes his eyes and leans in ever further until he feels her soft lips against hers. They kiss for a long time and fall asleep on the bed, their arms wrapped around one another while moonlight wraps over them like a blanket.

Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing split the sect duties and disciple training among themselves. One of the first things she does as sect lady is set up several healer establishments in the small village in Yunmeng. After Wen Qing had officially become sect lady, there were an abundance of Qishan Wen and Dafan Wen people who were willing to swear their loyalty to the Yunmeng Jiang Sect. Jiang Cheng, after a long discussion with Wen Qing decided to allow some of them to join, most of them children and women, while the cultivators would be closely guarded until they’ve proven their loyalty. Nie Mingjue was wary of Jiang Cheng’s decision but decided to trust his judgement.

 Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing go to the Discussion Conference together the following week. With her two sworn sisters sitting by her, Jiang Cheng can tell she was a lot more comfortable being in Carp Tower. Jiang Cheng isn’t worried though. He knows that it would take more than a few hostile glares from Jin disciples to make her confidence waver. A few Nie disciples were willing to approach her, having known that she had gained the respect of their leader. She also carries the fan that Nie Huaisang had given to her as a wedding gift. 

At the meeting, he noticed that Jin ZiXuan sits at the head of the table and surprisingly, Jin Guangyao sits at a table next to him while Jin ZiXun sat at one of the side tables. He seemed a lot more relaxed than the last meeting without his father around and he chose to avoid Madam Jin and Jin ZiXun and stay closer to his half-brother and soon to be sister-in-law. 

Upon popular choice, Zewu-jun was appointed as the new Chief Cultivator. The only person who looked discontented was Jin ZiXun, clearly still angered and in disbelief that the other sects had gone against his father due to treatment of the Wen civilians. After the meeting, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji immediately disappear off to who-knows-where. Jiang Cheng approaches Lan Xichen and his brothers.

“Chifeng-zun, are the Wens settling down well in Qinghe? My wife has been asking about them.”

“They’re doing better than they were in the labor camps,” Nie Minjgue replies gruffly, his eyes swiveling over to Jin Guangyao as he speaks. The man ducks his head and avoids eye contact.

“Da-ge,” Jin Guangyao begins. “I should have told you...and Xichen too. I’m sorry that I didn’t.”

“A-Yao, it’s in the past now,” Lan Xichen says soothingly, though there’s still a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

“Sure it is. As long as nothing like that happens again,” Nie Mingjue huffs, still sounding suspicious.. 

“If he’s willing to learn from his mistakes, I’m sure it won’t,” Lan Xichen replies.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” Jin Guangyao says. He looks around nervously before speaking.

“My father also told me to inquire about the Stygian Tiger Amulet. He’s been asking about it ever since the war ended. He put me in charge of the investigation for the fourth piece of the Yin Iron.

Jiang Cheng narrows his eyes. He was sure that Jin Guangshan’s interest in his brother’s spiritual tool wasn’t out of concern, unlike when Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen had asked about it.

“Is it because of its similarity to the Yin Iron?” Jiang Cheng asks at last. “It is true that his cultivation is unusual, but he does not use it for evil and he spent months mastering it.” He had no choice considering he was in the Burial Mounds and had to find a way to escape.

“The last piece of Yin Iron was last seen with Xue Yang, was it not? But when we searched him, it was nowhere to be found. Either way, I do not think Wei Wuxian would associate with someone like him,” Nie Mingjue says smoothly.

“He made the amulet from a sword he found inside the Xuanwu cave,” Jiang Cheng tells them. “As far as I know, we do not know what it is made of, but my brother knows its power more than anyone.”

“Even if the sword was made of Yin iron,” Nie Mingjue says slowly. “Wei Wuxian refined it so its power is not as corruptive, but the dangers are still there. It should not be put into the hands of someone who is inexperienced.”

“I don’t know how Jin Guangshan thinks he can control the amulet more than Wei Wuxian can. It was because of my brother that we were able to secure a victory in the war. He created it so it should stay in his possession. After all he knows best about the power it possesses and how to control it. It should stay with him for the time being. We do not want it falling into the wrong hands.” 

“Jin Guangshan doesn’t have the right to such a weapon. No sect should,” Nie Mingjue says firmly. “We all know what happens when one sect has too much power.”

“It will be destroyed eventually,” Jiang Cheng tells them. “The Yin Iron was destroyed so no one could ever use it again. The same should be done to the amulet. My brother has already agreed to it.”

“That is the best thing to do,” Jin Guangyao agrees. “I do not know my father’s motive for wanting the amulet.”

“What else can it be but for power?” Nie Mingjue says roughly. “In the beginning, we had no choice but to elect him as Chief Cultivator due to the other sects not being powerful enough, but he couldn’t possibly keep the position after violating the agreement we had about the conditions for the Wens. In the beginning, he already planned on acting on his own without caring about what we agreed on.”

“That won’t be a problem anymore,” Jin ZiXuan speaks up as he approaches them. “The sect elders and my mother have agreed to temporarily put me into the position of sect leader while my father...well, he is taking an extended break.” The four of them exchange looks at this. Jin Guangyao finally breaks the silence.

“I see,” he says. “If you need me to assist you, I’d be happy to help.”

“Of course,” Jin ZiXuan nods. 

“What help could he possibly give? Does he know anything about Jin politics?” Jin ZiXun rudely interrupts, making both Nie Mingjue and Jiang Cheng glare reproachfully at him.

“He knows plenty about politics,” Nie Mingjue speaks up, surprising all of them. “He used to assist me with paperwork and sect duties.”

Jiang Cheng glances over to see Jin Guangyao’s surprised expression. Nie Mingjue may be distrustful of the man, but he would rather defend him than hear Jin ZiXun slander someone who was clearly talented and not what others thought he would be.

“My sister’s wedding will be the next big event. Unless Hanguang-jun decides to court my brother before or try to elope with him.”

A smile creeps onto Lan Xichen’s face.

“That will depend on what happens between them when Young Master Wei comes to Cloud Recesses,” He replies smoothly. Jiang Cheng was sure nothing bad would happen. He had finally convinced his stubborn brother to go to Cloud Recesses to get some help so his health wouldn’t be at risk. 

The following week, Wei Wuxian left Lotus Pier for Unclean Realm. Unsurprisingly, Lan Wangji joins him.

Jiang Cheng busies himself with sect duties again, occasionally finding the time to play with A-Yuan and scoffs over the letters his brother sent back from Unclean Realm. Apparently, Nie Huaisang had gifted him a pet raven, which he had decided to name Khan. In fact, he had trained that raven to deliver the letter he was reading right now.

To Jiang Cheng, Lotus Pier,

I honestly know why Nie-xiong doesn’t like saber practice now. It is a lot more straining on my body than wielding a sword. Not to mention...I have to learn a completely new technique. It is hard not to go overboard, but I’ve been slowly getting used to it.Anyways  Lan Zhan and I have meditation sessions for two hours after each meal so that’s been helping. We’ll be going to Gusu after Shijie’s wedding as planned. Also what did you tell Zewu-jun about my relationship with Lan Zhan?? He’s been sending Lan Zhan letters about bridal gifts! I want a full explanation for this.

Best,

Wei Wuxian, UnClean Realm

Jiang Cheng finishes the letter, chuckling softly to himself. He hadn’t expected Zewu-jun to let slip what he had said at the last Discussion Conference, but he knew his younger brother the best and of course, he would have wanted to ask for his input. He had been aware of Lan Wangji’s feelings for Wei Wuxian ever since they first met at the lecture session. Jiang Cheng reads through the other letters.

Jin Guangyao had stopped sending letters questioning him about Wei Wuxian’s amulet and flute and instead, sent him updates about more political matters. Apparently Jin ZiXuan discovered that a boy named Mo Xuanyu was another one of his half-brothers and had brought him to Carp Tower. He had put Jin Guangyao in charge of helping the boy adjust.

MianMian on the other hand, sent both Wen Qing and him letters about how Jiang Yanli was doing in Carp Tower. Daringly, she even adds in how she tries her best to avoid Jin ZiXun and even Jin ZiXuan prefers to keep her by his side rather than either of his relatives. Though Jin Guangyao was trying his best to gain Jin ZiXuan’s trust and help him restore the slightly damaged reputation of the Jin sect due to their father. 

Jiang Cheng is still wary of Jin Guangyao, especially when his sister is in Carp Tower with him, but something tells him that she will be a good influence for him. She always had been one to both him and Wei Wuxian. His sister would give him the love that he was never able to get from his family. Their family was expanding a lot faster than he thought it would. And after what the war took from them, he could only see it as a good thing.

The next day, he receives a butterfly message from the Nie sect’s head disciple, Nie Zonghui, urgently asking to send Wen Qing to Unclean Realm as soon as possible. There wasn’t enough detail in the message for Jiang Cheng to find out who had been hurt. So he and Wen Qing arrive at Unclean Realm looking quite frantic and anxious with Jiang Cheng fearing the worse and thinking Wei Wuxian had hurt himself. However, Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji and Nie Huaisang were the first to greet them and usher them inside. To his surprise, Lan Xichen was there too.

“Sect leader Nie had a very close call to qi deviation,” Nie Zonghui explains. “Luckily, Young Master Wei and Hanguang-jun were there and played ‘Cleansing’ for him to calm him down. It was mild compared to the cases of past leaders that I’ve heard and read about.”

“How is he now?” Wen Qing steps forward. “Please bring me to him.” 

Nie Zonghui bows and leads her away. Jiang Cheng stays with Wei Wuxian and the others.

“Has this been happening often? I know he was hurt during Sunshot campaign but I assumed he was recovered by now.” 

“All Nie sect leaders...are prone to qi deviation. It has to do with the sabers,” Nie Huaisang says, looking rather uneasy. 

“I see…,”

“Lan Zhan and I detected an unusual amount of resentful energy while practicing cultivation on Nie territory,” Wei Wuxian says. “We already know that sabers the Nie sect wields use the resentful energy of beasts, rather than humans. That’s what distinguishes them from the demonic cultivation Wen Ruohan used.”

“And?” Jiang Cheng looks at his brother to continue.

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian exchange looks, before Lan Wangji speaks.

“The amount of resentful energy we felt was far too erratic and powerful to be from beasts. So we followed the energy signal to its source.”

“What did you find?”

“A tomb,” Wei Wuxian answers.

Jiang Cheng’s only reaction is to stare at them both in shock. 

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian goes further into the details, explaining how he and Lan Zhan tried to explore the entrance of the tomb. Jiang Cheng is aware that Nie Huaisang’s fanning pace has been consistently increasing the more Wei Wuxian speaks. 

“We thought the energy signal was only coming from corpses, but there was another energy signal. One that was similar to what I feel coming from sabers like Baxia.”

“Saber spirits,” Nie Huaisang murmurs so softly that barely anyone could hear. 

“Huh?” Wei Wuxian blinks at him.

“I-I shouldn’t say. You should ask my da-ge yourself,” Huisang says hurriedly.

“We’ve stumbled upon some sect secret, haven’t we?” Wei Wuxian sighs. 

“It isn’t what you think it is,” Nie Huaisang says hastily, looking carefully at both Twin Jades as he speaks.   

“I am sure there is a reason behind it,” Lan Xichen replies calmly. “We’ll either wait until he is well enough to tell us or come back another day.

“Is there a reason for us to know?” Wei Wuxian says slowly, stroking the raven that had come to land on his shoulders. 

“If it is private sect affairs, we shouldn’t interfere,” he continues.

“It’s not just about that. We should still find the source of resentful energy. It could be dangerous,” Jiang Cheng says.

“I can assure you that it isn’t demonic cultivation,” A loud voice interrupts them.

“Da-ge!” Nie Huaisang and Lan Xichen hurry over to Nie Mingjue who was walking with Wen Qing supporting him at his side.

“It is our Ancestral Hall,” Nie Mingjue tells them.

“If you need help with dealing with the resentful energy there...then I can do it,” Wei Wuxian says.

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji says sharply. Glancing at him, Jiang Cheng can see worry on Lan Wangji’s face. 

“It isn’t safe. You don’t know how much you’re being exposed to,” Jiang Cheng cuts in.

“I’ve been exposed to enough in the past,” Wei Wuxian answers flatly and Jiang Cheng’s gaze flickers to the ground at the reminder.

“If the resentful energy isn’t enough to kill, the saber spirits are,” Nie Mingjue interjects. “How would you fight them?”

“I can think of something. I can have one or two people keeping them at bay while I clean the resentful energy.”

“I’ll go.” Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji say at the same time. They look at one another, then quickly look back at Wei Wuxian.

“And one more issue, are you planning to place this energy inside the amulet?” Nie Mingjue asks. Jiang Cheng notices Wei Wuxian looking at him before replying. 

“It’s the only object that can hold the resentful energy, so yes.” 

“What exactly will this do? I am confused,” Jiang Cheng says. Nie Mingjue looks around before speaking.

“We both know the Nie leaders channel the resentful energy of beasts and other creatures,” Wei Wuxian says. “And that this has led past sect leaders to have qi deviation and some have died. Forgive me if I am being insolent with my words but...is it really a coincidence?”

Everyone turned to look at Nie Mingjue who for once, looked lost for words.

“I prefer not to say it here,” he says after a long pause. “I can’t fill you in on too many details, but I’m going to tell Wei Wuxian and Hanguang-jun only as they were the ones who walked it on the...secret.”

“Da-ge,” Huaisang protests. “If it’s a sect affair, shouldn’t I-,” He goes silent as Nie Mingjue shoots him a stern look. Lan Xichen places a hand on his shoulder.

“Xichen-ge, I apologize for having to keep it from you. I can give you a full account afterwards.”

“Sect leader Nie...as it involves my brother’s safety, can’t I possibly be filled in on this information as well?” Jiang Cheng pries. Nie Mingjue hesitates.

“If you’re going to go then use Zidian.” Wen Qing steps forward and pushes the snake-shaped bracelet into his hands. “It might be more efficient than using a regular spiritual sword.”

“Jiang Cheng, Lan Zhan and I can handle it,” Wei Wuxian says stubbornly. Jiang Cheng sets his mouth in a line.

“You don’t even know what you’re going up against. Not fully. Let me come with you.”

“You’ll all know once I tell you a bit more information,” Nie Mingjue says gruffly. “Follow me.” 

Wei Wuxian sighs and walks with Lan Wangji and Nie Mingjue. Jiang Cheng follows behind, casting a single glance back towards Wen Qing who’s watching him as she stands next to Nie Huaisang and Lan Xichen. They enter into Nie Mingjue’s private study room and Jiang Cheng closes the door behind him.

“There is indeed an unusual amount of resentful energy in our Ancestral Tomb,” Nie Mingjue begins as he seats himself at the head table. “It comes from our saber spirits. Baxia has one as well and it’s driven by bloodlust. I believe you can imagine why.” 

Jiang Cheng nods silently. Nie Mingjue had earned the title ‘Red Blade Master’ for a reason. Many enemies had died by his hand and their blood was on his saber. If you looked closely enough, you would even see the slight red tint on its blade. 

“The killing intent is what drove all the past leaders to qi deviation. The saber spirits will continue to have this killing intent even after its owners have died,” Nie Mingjue continues. “We have a way of combating this killing intent, but I won’t be going into that. Wei Wuxian, can you really deal with these restless spirits?”

“Of course. If I have a way of helping, I’ll do whatever it takes,”  Wei Wuxian says. “Moreover, it would prevent any further qi deviations of sect leaders such as yourselves.”

“In that case, I’d greatly appreciate your help,” Nie Mingjue says, bowing to all three of them.

“Sect leader Nie, there’s no need to thank us,” Jiang Cheng replies. “It’s the most we can do to repay you after your humble offer to my brother.”

“Will just the two of us go?” Lan Wangji asks quietly, looking at Wei Wuxian.

“You’ll need more backup than that,” Nie Mingjue tells them.

“I already said I’d be going earlier,” Jiang Cheng says. “Will our swords be enough to combat them? We haven’t fought against saber spirits before.”

“I suggest that we have Second Master Lan play his guqin to soothe the resentful spirits. In turn, that’d make it easier for Sect leader Jiang to keep them at bay.”

Oh?

Jiang Cheng meets Lan Wangji’s steady gaze. Unexpectedly, they were teaming up again. With the same conviction they had during the months Wei Wuxian was missing. 

Was it friendship? Jiang Cheng had asked himself the same question back then. They were allies in war and fought side by side against Wen soldiers. But Jiang Cheng hadn’t considered their relationship to go beyond mutual companionship. 

“I’ll join you in case the saber spirits are too overwhelming,” Nie Mingjue interrupts his thoughts. “Who knows if Baxia might be the only weapon efficient enough to fight.”

“We should set out before dark then,” Jiang Cheng says. And the others nod in agreement. Lan Xichen and Wen Qing wish them well as they leave Unclean Realm with Nie Huaisang telling them to be 

careful and to return safely. They head out with Wei Wuxian leading the way. They walk deeper and deeper into Nie territory. 

“We’re getting close,” Wei Wuxian tells them. “There’s a maze array here, but Lan Zhan and I went through it last time to investigate the resentful energy.”

“You’re the only one who can sense it. I don’t feel anything abnormal,” Jiang Cheng muses. That must be due to his golden core keeping the resentful energy out.

“How do we get into the tomb?”

“Follow me this way,” Nie Mingjue leads them over to a hidden entrance. 

“These saber spirits are loud,” Wei Wuxian comments as they make their way deeper into the tomb. “Their resentment and blood lust is strong, I can feel it.”

Jiang Cheng can hear uncertainty in his voice, but he had a feeling his brother  was worrying more about him and Lan Wangji. Zidian, as if sensing the resentful energy getting stronger, starts crackling ever so slightly. Baxia, now held in Nie Mingjue’s hand, had begun trembling as well.

“Everyone, stay on alert,” he tells them.  “Wei Wuxian, we’re heading into the heart of the tomb now. Whenever you’re ready.”

The man in black exchanges a look with Lan Wangji and they move forward into a room with the name ‘Blade Hall’ carved at the top of the entrance. The air feels heavier the moment Jiang Cheng steps forward into the room and Zidian springs to life and uncurls from his wrist unconsciously. There were coffins around the room, looking much like a regular tomb, but Jiang Cheng knows there aren’t bodies in them. 

“Lan Zhan, play your music first.”

“Mn.”

“And be careful, all of you.”  He’s addressing all of them, but Jiang Cheng feels Wei Wuxian gaze on him and the look he returns sends a clear message back for him to do the same. 

The sound of Rest lifts some of the weight in the air, but the tension doesn’t leave anyone’s body. Jiang Cheng can’t help but take out Sandu as well, gripping its hilt tightly and he stands on one side of his brother while Nie Mingjue shields the other. When the sound of the flute rips through the air, Jiang Cheng feels chills run down his spine. The same way it had when he had in Nightless City. The notes are sharp and haunting and the power behind it barely keeps Jiang Cheng from wincing.

  The walls and coffins start shaking, causing dust to fall from the ceiling, but the four of them hold their ground. The first saber spirit attacks with such ferociousness, it was as if Rest had no effect on it. He reflexively snaps up Zidian and deals a hard blow to it, slamming it away from his brother. The guqin starts playing more frantically as does the flute. Lan Wangji had stopped playing music and had started sending waves of spiritual energy to fend off the saber spirits instead. The saber spirits came towards them at a slower pace, but the ferociousness behind each blade didn’t cease. It was a lot more exhausting trying to combat the power of sabers then regular swords. He didn’t know how long it’d been, but his arms were starting to ache. Still the golden core burning inside him seems to give him strength.

 He keeps one eye on his brother and the other on the surroundings. The black tendrils of resentful energy are slowly being pulled towards Wei Wuxian and into his robes where the amulet is. He can feel the instinct inside him screaming to get his brother away, but he pushes away with a reassurance his brother knows what he’s doing. However, just as the resentful energy begins to die down, a larger saber spirit sends a strong wave of energy that manages to knock both him and Lan Wangji out from the room. Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji scramble to their feet but the stone doors slam shut in their faces.

“Wei Ying!” It’s the first time Jiang Cheng had heard him sound this frantic and worried and it only stimulates his own worry and fear that he had been holding back this entire time.

Jiang Cheng swears loudly and pushes against the door, but his earlier fatigue prevents him from putting much strength behind it. Even with Lan Wangji pushing the door frantically, it still doesn’t budge.

“He’ll be fine,” Jiang Cheng tells him, trying to keep his voice calm. “Chifeng-Zun can protect him. He was holding off most of the blade spirits the entire time.”

The two of them pace back and forth outside the door. They try to find another way into the tomb, but there is none. They try pushing against the door again, but to no avail. From where they stand, Jiang Cheng sees the minimum sunlight that seeped into the tomb fading as time went on. It feels like hours before the stone doors finally swing open. 

Chapter Text

Nie Mingjue walks out, leaning heavily to one side with Wei Wuxian’s arm slumped over his shoulders. Jiang Cheng immediately takes Wei Wuxian’s other arm and supports him from the other side.

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji supports Nie Mingjue on the other side and together, they lower them both to the ground.

“Is he alright?” Jiang Cheng’s gaze is on Wei Wuxian’s unconscious form. There’s blood on his neck and robes, but it doesn’t appear to be his. 

“He’s alright. He’s alive. We all made it out alive,” Nie Mingjue says, sounding exhausted, but triumphant. “He managed to cleanse the resentful energy from Baxia too.”

“We should get you both back to Wen Qing then,” Lan Wangji says after checking on Wei Wuxian’s pulse. “He’s exhausted his energy again. But it’s not as bad as it was after Nightless City. He should be fine after he rests for a few days.”

“Does he need to be brought back to Gusu to heal?” Nie Mingjue asks.

“We’ll have Wen Qing be the judge of that,” Jiang Cheng says.

 They head back to Unclean Realm and are immediately met by Wen Qing, the Nie sect healer, and Lan Xichen. The Nie healer gets to work on Nie Mingjue’s, Jiang Cheng’s and Lan Wangji’s minor injuries while Wei Wuxian is taken to another room to be looked at by Wen Qing.

“Is Wei-xiong alright?” Nie Huaisang asks him. He has Khan on his shoulders who’s poking at his feathers restlessly as if sensing his owner was injured.

“He’ll be okay. The resentful energy always...takes a toll on him, but Wen Qing will take care of him,” Jiang Cheng reassures him.
“Where exactly did you guys go?” Nie Huaisang presses. “Da-ge didn’t tell me anything…”

“You’ll know soon enough,” Jiang Cheng replies.

“To answer your question, he’s fine to be traveling to Gusu.” Wen Qing steps out from the room they’d been waiting outside. “But Jiang Cheng, we shouldn’t join them just yet. A-Yuan is still at Lotus Pier right now. Didn’t they promise to bring him along?”

“You may go with them if you’d like to. We should do whatever we can to improve Wei Wuxian’s health before my sister’s wedding. I’ll return back to Lotus Pier for now. I shouldn’t be gone too long from there anyways.”

“When will you be returning back? I can offer you a carriage.” Nie Mingjue comes out from the room behind Wen Qing. Lan Wangji had gone into Wei Wuxian’s room and Jiang Cheng itches to follow him.

“Thank you, Chifeng-zun, but there’s no need. I flew here on short notice and I should fly back soon.”

“Why not stay for the night and then return in the morning?” Nie Mingjue suggests. “We’re both tired out from fighting those saber spirits. It'd be best to restore your spiritual energy if you’re going to fly.”

“Sure,” Jiang Cheng agrees. “I’d like to see Wei Wuxian first.”

“That is fine. I’d like to see him myself as well.” 

 Upon entering the room, he sees Wei Wuxian sitting on the edge of a bed with Lan Wangji sitting at a table a few feet away. Jiang Cheng takes his time to walk over, meanwhile, Nie Huaisang immediately rushes over

“Wei-xiong, Wei-xiong!” He exclaims in a voice that makes Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian wince. Khan immediately flies off Nie Huaisang’s shoulders to its owner.

“Quiet.” Lan Wangji’s cold voice quickly subdues Nie Huaisang’s loud anxiety.

“I’m not telling you any details, Nie-xiong,” Wei Wuxian says before his friend can open his mouth again. “You’ll have to ask your brother. It’s not my place to tell anyone.”

“But you already told people,” Nie Huaisang whines.

“Well...I had no choice at that moment.” Wei Wuxian shrugs, then he finally notices Jiang Cheng leaning against the wall by the door.

“Hey, Jiang Cheng.”

“Yes?”

“Could you take care of Khan for me? If we’re going to Cloud Recesses, well.” Wei Wuxian grins sheepishly. “I can’t have any pets there. Maybe not until-,” He stops, his face turning red as he glances over at Lan Wangji.

“I can do that.” Jiang Cheng takes the bird from his brother’s outstretched hands.

Instead of staying there though, the black bird chooses to fly and sit on Jiang Cheng’s head. 

“He likes you.” Wei Wuxian laughs. “He seems to like everyone...I’ve never seen a bird this friendly with others.”

“Only if I give him food,” Jiang Cheng grunts. 

 “And Nie-xiong, how did you teach Wei Wuxian to train this bird? I have sores on my hands from him pecking me because I didn’t realize that I needed to reward him for delivering letters.” Jiang Cheng shows the sores on his hand as if to make his point. 

“Of course you have to reward him. He flew such a long way,” Nie Huaisang laughs and Wei Wuxian joins in. Wen Qing only rolls her eyes. 

“Huaisang,” Nie Mingjue says, “Why don’t you bring Sect leader Jiang, Zewu-jun, and Madame Wen to their rooms first?” 

“If it’s possible, we’d like a room close to Wei Wuxian,” Wen Qing says. “Just in case.” Jiang Cheng frowns,

“I thought you said he was fine.”

“He’s about as fine as he is whenever he finishes manipulating massive amounts of resentful energy,” Wen Qing replies dryly. “And the only other time he did that was at Nightless City. Those saber spirits had years of resentful energy in them. Not as much as the yin iron, but still a lot. I’ve instructed Lan Wangji to play music for him until they join us for dinner.”

“Oh and Jiang Cheng,” Nie Huaisang whispers close to his ear. “Wangji-xiong and Wei-xiong, while they were here at Unclean Realm-,” 

Jiang Cheng feels his face heat up for no reason as his friend says this. Meanwhile, Wei WuXian lets out a yelp of protest and slaps his hand over Huaisang’s mouth.

“Nie-xiong, not now!” He hisses. Lan Wangji’s glare towards Huaisang grows even harder, enough to make it feel as if the temperature in the room dropped. Huaisang quickly draws back and instead ushers for Jiang Cheng, Lan Xichen, and Wen Qing to follow him.

Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing get placed in a room next door as requested while Lan Xichen stays closer to the main quarters near Nie Mingjue and Nie Huaisang.  As Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing settle down in the guest room, he returns Zidian to her and starts packing. His mind keeps dwelling on what Wei Wuxian had prevented Huaisang from saying and seconds later he throws up his hand in exasperation.

“I can’t believe this!” He exclaims, making Wen Qing turn towards him in surprise. “A’Qing...he leaves home for a week with Lan Wangji and they’re already being shameless! Can I honestly let him out of my sight for even a minute?”

Wen Qing only smiles and gives a small chuckle.

“Wei Wuxian has always been that shameless, you didn’t know that? Besides as long as Lan Wangji is helping him, it doesn’t matter right? At least Wei Wuxian is accepting help and their relationship isn’t as bad as everyone thought it was.”

Jiang Cheng shakes his head in disbelief. “He should have at least waited until they were married. Okay, you know what!” He tosses his sword onto the bed and throws his hands up.

“I think I know exactly the conversation we will be having at dinner tonight.”

Lan Xichen was here so the timing would be perfect. The two of them head down to dinner one shichen later when a disciple comes to escort them. Wei Wuxian is already there, sitting next to Lan Wangji and is basically draped over his shoulders. Jiang Cheng watches as he hastily sits back in proper form when he steps into the hall.

“You’re here early,” Jiang Cheng remarks. “I thought you’d be late.”

“Well...Lan Zhan says eating will also help me regain energy. Zewu-jun also came over to my room to play music so the cleansing process was a lot faster.”

“That’s good then. Did he tell you anything more about the method he read about in the library?”

“I...didn’t ask about it,” Wei Wuxian admits, then shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter...I already said it was too risky.”

“You already risked enough for others, didn’t you? Why can’t others do the same for you?” Jiang Cheng asks. He keeps his voice calm, but can feel the familiar frustration burning in his throat and chest.

“It’s actually not that risky,” Wen Qing interjects. “He’s told me the details. But I’ll have to read more on the actual theory.”

“Let’s just sit down and eat first,” Wei Wuxian says hurriedly. “We can talk about it later, alright?” The others nod in agreement.

When Nie Mingjue and Nie Huaisang finally arrive in the hall with Nie Zonghui by their side, the dishes and wine are brought out and laid down on the table in front of them. 

“First, let’s have a toast to Wei Wuxian for helping to clean the resentful energy in our lands.” Nie Mingjue lifts his cup and everyone in the hall does the same.

He’s still concealing the whole truth . Jiang Cheng thinks as he drains his cup. But it’s not my sect’s secret, it doesn’t matter to me.

Wei Wuxian is quick to indulge in as many cups of alcohol as possible while Lan Wangji sips his tea calmly at his seat next to him, fully tolerating his antics and allows the other man to lean into his shoulders. Jiang Cheng only sighs in exasperation and picks up more meat with his chopsticks and places it into Wen Qing’s bowl.

“Zewu-jun, there’s something I want to discuss with you and I want everyone else to hear it as well,” Jiang Cheng says once he finishes his bowl. Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue stop their conversation and look over at him curiously.

“Sect leader Jiang, please go ahead,” Lan Xichen replies. 

“I think it’s about time we arrange a union between Wei Wuxian and Hanguang-jun, don’t you think? Everyone has seen how their relationship has developed over the months.”

“Jiang Cheng!” Wei Wuxian exclaims.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Lan Xichen smiles. He turns to address his brother, 

“Wangji, what do you think?” 

“Yes,” Lan Wangji says firmly, looking straight at Wei Wuxian’s gaping face. “Want to marry Wei Ying.”

“Lan Zhan….” Wei Wuxian’s protest grows fainter, but the uncertainty in his eyes is still there. “Are...are you sure? I-...”

Lan Wangji doesn’t give him the chance to finish his sentence because he had planted his mouth on his, muffling his voice. Out of reflex, Jiang Cheng covers his eyes in embarrassment.  Nie Mingjue claps loudly, letting out loud hoots in his half drunken state while Huaisang covers half his face with his fan, occasionally peeking over at the two men with wide eyes.

“You two!” Jiang Cheng says loudly. “Please save your shamelessness for Gusu. I’m sure Master Lan will be more than happy to be an audience!”

Upon saying this, even Wen Qing and Lan Xichen let out soft laughs, their eyes crinkling up with joy.

Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing depart Unclean Realm before Wei Wuxian wakes up the next morning. They arrive back at Lotus Pier before the afternoon with Jiang Cheng stopping by Caiyi Town briefly to buy a stick of hawthorn candy and some toys for A-Yuan.

“Cheng-ge!” Something collides with his leg the moment he steps into the courtyard.

“A-Yuan, what have I told you about grabbing people like that?” Wen Qing says sternly. “You could make them trip and get hurt.”

“Sorry Auntie Qing..I forgot.” Wen Yuan blinks apologetically up at Jiang Cheng who only reaches down and ruffles his hair.

“Here,” Jiang Cheng hands the child the candy and toys and he squeals with delight.

“Thank you, Cheng-shushu.” Wen Yuan hugs him again before hurrying off, toys and food each in one hand.

“No running while eating, A-Yuan!” Wen Qing calls after him.

“Jiejie, Sect leader Jiang, you’re back!” Wen Ning hurries into the courtyard.

“Wen Ning, I told you to call me ‘Jiang Cheng’. We’re family now.”

Wen Ning ducks his head and nods.

“Yes, Jiang Cheng.”

“How were things while we were gone, A-Ning? No trouble?” Wen Qing asks.

“No, things were quiet other than letters being sent to us from minor sects such as Ouyang and the Yao sect. I helped to organize them like you asked, A-jie,” Wen Ning replies. 

“That’s good.” Jiang Cheng nods. He had been rather hesitant of leaving Lotus Pier without much defense, but he’d assured himself that Wen Ning, however fragile he seemed, was more than capable of defending his home and taking charge of the other disciples. After all, Wen Ning had undoubtedly good archery skills. He heads towards his room and begins to go through the pile of paperwork and letters on his desk with Khan as his only companion. It was going to be a long day. 

By evening, he’s more than grateful when Wen Qing brings him his evening meal, insisting that he eat. Whenever he spent late nights doing paperwork, it’d either been Wen Qing or his sister who coaxed him out of his room to eat something. Growing up, he either faced harsh criticism from his mother or silent judgement from his father with only the gentle coaxing of his sister as sincere encouragement.

 Though with Wen Qing, although it wasn’t as gentle as his sister’, it was nowhere near as harsh as his mother’s. Her voice was always firm and hard, but with a soft undertone. It was something entirely new and he’d slowly gotten used to it in the weeks after he married her. 

“A-Yuan, did you do anything fun while we were gone?” Jiang Cheng asks the young toddler while eating dinner that day. He had Wen Yuan on his lap as he ate.

“I watched Xing-gege, Ning-shushu and everyone else practice his bow. He shot down the kites one by one!”

“Really?” Jiang Cheng gives him a fond look. “ Who shot down the most kites?” 

“Of course it was Ning-shushu! He shot the highest too!” 

“Do you want to be like him then?” Wen Qing pinches the boy’s cheeks.

“I want to be like Rich gege and wear a forehead ribbon and white robes!” Wen Yuan exclaims. “Or wear a red ribbon like Xian-gege.”

“Hmm? You want to be a Lan, huh?” Jiang Cheng scoffs, unable to keep himself from rolling his eyes. “I think you look best in purple. Like your Li-jiejie and Cheng-shushu

“But Li-jiejie wears green sometimes.” Wen Yuan blinks. “And gold,” He adds in a smaller voice. Jiang Cheng sighs and shifts the boy closer to him. It wasn’t going to be easy to make the young toddler no longer associate the color ‘gold’ with bad people. But perhaps after the wedding celebration, things would be different.

Jiang Cheng spends the rest of the weeks before his sister’s wedding planning Wei Wuxian’s. There were many exchanges of letters between him and Lan Xichen. He didn’t know how they’d managed to do it, but Lan Qiren and the elders agreed to the marriage. Perhaps one of the reasons was because of the book Lan Wangji had read in the Forbidden library. However, rather than letters about planning and bridal gifts, most of the letters were diplomatic arguments about whether Wei Wuxian or Lan Wangji would marry into their husband’s sects. 

As for letters from LanLing, the ongoing investigations of the now abandoned labor camps continues as Jin Guangyao roots out all the officials who were involved in the abuse of the prisoners. Although Jiang Cheng still suspects that the man himself had been involved in the setting up of those camps, Lan Xichen’s words come back to him, reminding him that the man was trying to redeem himself. 

He is my head disciple. Jiang Cheng writes in one letter. He can’t leave Lotus Pier. He needs to be by my side supporting me.

Lan Wangji is in the direct heir line, Lan Xichen counters back.  He definitely can’t leave.

~

Jiang Cheng arrives in LanLing a day before the wedding celebration starts with Wen Qing, Wen Ning, and Wen Yuan. Jiang Yanli and Luo Qingyang hurry over to greet them.

“A-Yuan, you’ve grown taller!” Jiang Yanli kneels down and strokes the boy's cheek. 

“Really?” Wen Yuan’s eyes widen in delight. Khan, who had been sitting on Wen Yuan’s shoulders on the journey into Lanling caws to get her attention.

“Hello to you too, handsome.” Jiang Yanli scratches the bird under his chin.

“Yes, you’re a big boy now,” Luo Qingyang laughs.

“But not as big as Ning-shushu and Jiang-shushu.”

“You’ll have a long way to go before that, silly.”

“A-Cheng, did A-Xian not come with you?” His sister asks him.

“He’s coming with Lan Wangji. He’s in Gusu right now,” Jiang Cheng tells her. “Didn’t he send you letters?”

“He did, though I thought he would return to Yunmeng before the wedding. But I know his healing at Gusu is especially important. It took all three of us and Second Master Lan to finally convince him to go there,” Jiang Yanli sighs.

“Stubborn idiot as always.” Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “Lan Qiren might hate his dark practices, but Lan Wangji won’t let any harm come to his future husband. Besides, they’re supposed to be there to help him.”

“Will the Lan healers find out about his core though?” Jiang Yanli’s voice drops to a hush. “I thought we weren’t supposed to have too many people find out.”

“Zewu-jun says Lan Wangji is the only one helping heal right now. When the time comes, Wen Qing will be his personal healer.”

“But when he gets married…” Jiang Yanli looks worried and when she looks worried, something inside Jiang Cheng nags him as well.

“When that time comes, we may already have a solution,” Wen Qing answers calmly. 

“Come on inside, what are we all still doing here?” Luo Qingyang waves her hand and turns to walk up the stairs. The others quickly follow suit. 

“Jiang Cheng,” Wen Ning says rather hesitantly. He’s looking at Wen Yuan, who had stopped abruptly at the top of the stairs, with a worried expression on his face. Luo Qingyang looks from the entrance of the banquet hall to the young child with a meaningful look on her face.

“I assume Jin Guangshan had to come back,” Jiang Cheng says quietly.  He looks over at Wen Qing whose eyes has narrowed and turned cold.

“Keep him close,” Jiang Cheng says at last. However, every fiber in his body was against the idea of having the child in the same room as that man, he also had to show the Jins that Wen Qing, Wen Ning, and Wen Yuan were a part of his family now.  Wen Qing steps forward but Jiang Yanli is faster, holding the child securely in her arms. A look passes between the two women, one Jiang Cheng couldn’t quite read, but after a while Wen Qing stands back up, straightens her robes and nods at Jiang Cheng. They step into the hall together. 

“Sect leader Jiang,” Jin Guangyao steps forward to greet him first, followed by Jin Zixuan.

“Lianfeng-zun, Jin ZiXuan.” Jiang Cheng returns the greeting. Looking around the hall, there’s no sight of Jin Zixun and Jin Guangshan didn’t seem to be in the hall either.

“Jin Zixuan, will your father be present for the celebrations?” Jiang Cheng asks.

“He will,” Jin Zixuan replies with a heavy sigh. “There is no way he can miss out on the first day of the wedding. We have to do the bows in front of both him and Mother..and he is still...family after all.” Jin Zixuan speaks the word hesitantly with a look of unease.  

Personally, Jiang Cheng wouldn’t have considered someone who had done so much evil as family. He silently wishes that Jin Guangshan would expose the rest of his treacherous personality. 

“He will leave after the first day,” Jin ZiXuan adds quickly. “And my cousin, however, will not be present. Mother and I both agreed that his present would be too...troublesome in front of Madame Wen and Wen Qionglin.”

This, Jiang Cheng can agree with. The man had shown absolutely no remorse about abusing the prisoners kept in the labor camps. Just imagining him anywhere near his new family members made Zidian give off tiny sparks. The other sects soon arrived one by one, including the Qin sect, led by Qin Cangye and Madam Qin. Beside them was their daughter, Qin Su. They all greet everyone one by one. The Lan sect, unexpectedly, were the last to arrive. Jiang Cheng had expected to see his brother with them, but only Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen were present. Something felt off. He can tell by the look of worry on Lan Xichen’s face.

“Zewu-jun, Grandmaster Lan,” Jiang Cheng greets them. “Why did Lan Wangji and my brother not accompany you?”

“They got held back. They’ll be joining us tomorrow.” He speaks hesitantly 

“Are they alright?” Jiang Yanli asks with concern in her voice. Lan Xichen looks around cautiously, before stepping closer to the two siblings. 

“The method that Wangji read about, the one about making a new core for Wei Wuxian, required the resentful energy to be extracted in order for it to work properly...if the process was successful.”

“Okay and?”

“The extraction process wasn’t easy. We had assumed the resentful energy was always doing more harm than good, but it seemed that wasn’t the case,” Lan Xichen explains in a quiet voice. “He had injuries prior to losing his core. They hadn’t healed properly and the resentful energy was what was keeping the wounds from getting worse.”

“So what you’re saying is,” Jiang Cheng says slowly with a growing weight in his chest. “If all the resentful energy is removed, then it can open up his past wounds?”

“Yes,” Lan Xichen sighs heavily. “We had to stop the extraction process because of that and have him heal up before he can come to Lanling.”

“I’m sure Wen Qing can do something about this.” He looks over at his wife who had been quiet this entire time, a thoughtful look on her face. 

“I’ll have to try my best,” She says at last. “It may be complicated. Like Zewu-jun said, the resentful energy didn’t heal his wounds. Not exactly. Because it doesn’t work like spiritual energy does.”

“We shouldn’t worry about it now,” Wen Qing says, reaching out to hold Jiang Yanli’s hand reassuringly. “I’m sure we will be able to come up with a solution.” 

Wei Wuxian arrives the next day, looking as bright as ever with Lan Wangji, calm and reserved by his side. 

“Shijie, Shijie!” Wei Wuxian runs over to his sister immediately. “Have you been well in LanLing? Did Peaco-, Jin ZiXuan take care of you?”

“She’s my future wife, of course I did,” Jin ZiXuan scoffs. 

“Hmph, you better have,” Wei Wuxian snorts in reply. However much the two of them hadn’t gotten along in the past, things would change eventually. 

“Hey Wei Wuxian!” Jiang Cheng calls. “Take your bird back, won’t you? He’s stinky.” The bird squawks in outrage at this and immediately flies away and back to his owner. 

“Not true!” Wei Wuxian exclaims indignantly. “ Khan washes his feathers every morning and evening. Huaisang trains all of his birds to clean up after himself.”

“It’s true,” Nie Huaisang says serenely. “I can’t do much about the bird droppings though. I have to clean their cages weekly and it’s a lot of work.”

“Hmph,” Nie Mingjue snorts. “Practicing saber is a lot of work but cleaning bird droppings? I don’t think so.”

“If I’m keeping Khan at Cloud Recesses, I’ll clean up after him myself. I promise,” Wei Wuxian holds up a finger. “Lan Zhan, don’t you agree Khan is very well behaved?”

“Mn,” Lan Wangji replies.

“Tell that to my hand!” Jiang Cheng waves it in the air. 

“Aiya, they will heal eventually. Anyways, we should get some work done. Tomorrow is the wedding after all!”

Somehow, they all managed to avoid seeing Jin Guangshan before he arrived late in the evening.

~

The next day, Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing wear their newly tailored robes prepared for them to be worn at the wedding. Wei Wuxian also wears new robes; for once it was not black or a dark color, but rather a light purple-ish blue color. Judging by the design, they must have been tailored for him on Lan Wangji’s request.  Wen Qing and Luo Qingyang disappear to Jiang Yanli’s room to help her prepare. Other Jin disciples went to help Jin ZiXuan. As per tradition, the groom and bride were not allowed to see one another before they went to the altar due to possible bad luck. Jiang Cheng waits in the Glamour Hall with the rest of his family. Madam Jin and Jin Guangshan sit at the front of the hall. As groom and bride step into the hall together, Jiang Cheng can see the tears welling up on both Wei Wuxian’s and Wen Qing’s face.

“Jiang Cheng,” Wei Wuxian blubbers quietly. “She’s so beautiful.”

“I know that!” Jiang Cheng whispers back. “Quit your crying, don’t be so dramatic,” he adds even as he feels his own tears in his eyes. Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli finish their three bows and proceed onto the tea ceremony. When the rest of the formalities are done, Jiang Yanli and Jin ZiXuan leave to go to the bridal chambers. The next day, the banquet begins. Throughout the banquet, he notices that most of the cultivators in the room stand clear of Jin Guangshan as they walk around and offer cheers to the new couple. Wei Wuxian avoids the Jin disciples entirely and instead stays near Lan Wangji and his brother. Jin Guangshan soon leaves the banquet hall and goes into another room behind it. 

“Cheng-shushu” A small tug at his robes. Wen Yuan is standing there with another boy next to him. He looked to be about thirteen. 

“Who’s this? Did you make a new friend?”

“This is Mo-gege,” Wen Yuan says. Jiang Cheng blinks when he hears the surname.

“Mo Xuanyu?” Jiang Cheng asks. The boy nods in response. Jiang Cheng hadn’t noticed the boy earlier. He must have just arrived. 

“A-Cheng, you’ve met A-Yu?” Jiang Yanli comes up to them and smiles warmly at all of them.

“Yanli-jie,” Mo Xuanyu says delightfully.

“Have you been showing A-Yuan around?” She asks. Mo Xuanyu nods. 

“Make sure you have an adult with you both at all times if you’re showing him around Carp tower, alright? Bring MianMian with you, alright?” 

“Yes,” The boys reply in unison. The children leave with Luo Qingyang following. At their ages, drinking wine and being at large gatherings were not suited for them, so they had asked to walk around instead. 

“Where did Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji go off too?” Jiang Cheng asks Wen Ning. The young man looks around the room and simply shakes his head.

“I am not sure. But they must be together. Perhaps, they decided to retire early for the night?”

“Wei Wuxian definitely doesn’t sleep this early,” Jiang Cheng replies. “But I do know he likes to drink alone rather than in banquets.”

“Are you worried?” Wen Qing asks, studying his face.

“I don’t know,” Jiang Cheng admits. He did feel uneasy. Jin Guangshan had left the banquet hall as well and he didn’t feel comfortable with the fact that he could bump into his brother.

“We can search for him if you’re worried,” Wen Qing presses. Jiang Cheng shakes his head.

“No need. Lan Wangji is with him. They’ll be fine.”

The celebration lasts the entire week. Jin Guangshan, as Jin ZiXuan had told him, was not present for the other celebration banquets. Everyone assumed he had left right after the first banquet despite there being no news of it. However on the evening of the last celebration, the unease in Jiang Cheng’s stomach returns as he is startled by the sound of frantic knocking just before he was about to retire to bed.

“Lan Wangji?” He looks in confusion at the man in front of him.

“Is Wei Ying with you?”

“No, why would he be?” Jiang Cheng replies.

“I can’t find him. I left the room to talk to my uncle and brother and when I returned, the room was empty,” Lan Wangji replies and Jiang Cheng can hear the anxiety in his voice. “I thought he had gone to see you or Nie Huaisang.”

“He left without saying anything?” Wen Qing frowns as she steps up next to Jiang Cheng. “How long has it been?”

“Half a shichen,” Lan Wangji replies. “I thought he would return soon, but it’s been too long.”

“I’ll come with you to look for him,” Jiang Cheng says. “A-Qing, stay here. I’ll go check on Wen Ning and A-Yuan as well, don’t worry.”

“Be careful. I’ll keep the doors locked until you return.”

There is barely anyone around Carp Tower except for several disciples on night duty.

“Sect leader Jiang, Hanguang-ju, what brings you two out here so late at night?” 

“An evening stroll,” Jiang Cheng says quickly before Lan Wangji can reply. It was best if they didn’t tell any Jins about what they were really doing. There were still plenty of disciples loyal to Jin Guangshan despite what he had done.

“We’re searching near Fragrance Hall. It should be empty, but maybe we can find clues.”

“We can not enter,” Lan Wangji says quietly. “Madam Jin still resides there.”

“We’ll look around the walls of it then. We need to make sure we don’t look suspicious. Stay on alert,” Jiang Cheng tells him. Lan Wangji only nods in response. When they get close to Fragrance Hall, the entrance of the courtyard is empty, derived from disciples or guards. 

“Something isn’t right,” Lan Wangji says quietly, his hand reaching towards the hilt of Bichen. Jiang Cheng silently agrees, reaching for his own sword. Just then, they hear the sound of a sword clinging against a hard object in the distance. Looking above, Jiang Cheng spots Khan circling frantically over a spot just behind a corner of a wall. Jiang Cheng exchanges a look with Lan Wangji and the two of them immediately run towards the sound.

“Jiang Cheng, over here!” A familiar voice yells as they get closer. Wei Wuxian is blocking the sword attacks coming from a hooded figure in black. Lan Wangji launches himself forward to put himself between the stranger and Wei Wuxian.

“Jiangzha?” Lan Wangji narrows his eyes as Bichen and the other sword come into contact with another.

“Xue Yang?! What is he doing in Carp Tower?” Jiang Cheng hisses. 

“Great question, I’d like to know that too,” Wei Wuxian replies. Xue Yang only gives a sneering laugh in response and takes out a talisman from his robes. Jiang Cheng thrusts out Zidian and Lan Wangji attacks with Bichen again, but a sudden light blinds them and Xue Yang disappears.

“Great. Teleportation talisman,” Wei Wuxian says flatly. 

“How did you bump into him?” Jiang Cheng asks. 

“I heard noises outside the room. I knew it couldn’t have been Lan Zhan since he had just left. I kept seeing a shadowy figure run away so I followed it,” Wei Wuxian replies.
“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji sighs. “It could have been dangerous. He led you over to the most secluded part of Carp Tower on purpose.”

“Well, I assumed everyone else was asleep. I wanted to investigate.” Wei Wuxian shrugs.

“Is that a reason to go investigate something weird alone?” Jiang Cheng crosses his arms. “You were up against Xue Yang of all people.”

“I thought it was just a random Jin disciple,” Wei Wuxian insists. “Besides, they were running towards where Shijie lived and I was worried it was some assassin.”

“Not an excuse,” Lan Wangji says, giving him a hard look. 

“Sect leader Jiang!” A group of Jin disciples were hurrying towards them. “We heard the sound of fighting. What happened?”

“Xue Yang was here,” Jiang Cheng tells them. “I know it’s late, but we need to inform Jin Zixuan. Or Jin Guangyao.”

“I’ve already been informed.” Jin Zixuan walks towards them with two Jin disciples by his side. “How in the world did this happen? There’s no way he could have gone past the lookout towers without being spotted!”

“Right. And security has been increased due to the wedding celebrations,” Jiang Cheng adds. 

“Do you think he could have teleported inside?” Wei Wuxian asks.

“No, we have wards preventing that,” Jin Zixuan replies.

“If that’s the case, it means Xue Yang didn’t teleport out of Carp Tower. He could still be hiding somewhere,” Jiang Cheng exclaims.

“We’ll dispatch all of our disciples to look for him,” Jin Zixuan says. 

“I’ll do the same,” Jiang Cheng replies. “We’ll wait for their report in the morning.”

Chapter Text

“How in the world did Xue Yang end up in Carp Tower?” Nie Mingjue exclaims loudly when the news is told to the other sect leaders the next day.

“No one knows,” Jin Guangyao sighs. “We’ve searched everywhere and he was nowhere to be found. We even interrogated all the disciples in case they saw something strange.”

“He lured my brother out of his room deliberately. Do you think he was after the amulet?” Jiang Cheng asks.

“I understand if Xue Yang would want the power of the amulet, but would he risk sneaking into Carp Tower just to get it? It makes no sense.” Wei Wuxian shakes his head. 

“What if he was already here?” Jiang Cheng begins, but then stops. Saying something like that would immediately be misunderstood.

“As a prisoner?” Wei Wuxian looks over at him. “If that was the case, then why weren’t the guards searching for him? A prisoner breaking out from the dungeon wouldn’t be kept quiet.”

“It’s suspicious,” Lan Xichen says worriedly. 

“For now, we need to send out more disciples to find him,” Jin Zixuan says quietly. “It’s been hours so he may have already escaped somehow, but if we find any traces of him, we have to follow it.”

“Send news if you find anything,” Nie Mingjue says. “I’ll send more men out as soon as I return to Qishan.”

“Travel safely, Da-ge,” Jin Guangyao says. Jiang Cheng doesn’t miss the suspicious glare Nie Mingjue gives him before he heads down the stairs. After saying goodbye to Yanli, the Jiang sect and Lan sect depart as well. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji say their goodbyes as well, their heads close to one another as they talk quietly to one another, words that Jiang Cheng can’t make out, before parting ways

“I’m going back with you to Lotus Pier,” Wei Wuxian tells him. “The next time I go to Gusu, Zewu-jun says you and Wen Qing should come along.”

“For the treatment, I assume?”

Wei Wuxian nods.

“Jiang Cheng, how surprised are you about Xue Yang being in Carp Tower?” Wei Wuxian asks him once they were out of earshot of the Jins and Lans.

“Fairly surprised….I guess?”

“Jin Guangshan has been greedy for the power of the amulet and has shown an unusual interest in demonic cultivation in general. What lengths would he have gone to in order to get his hand on that power?” Wei Wuxian says slowly. Jiang Cheng stiffens.

“You don’t think….Jin Guangshan recruited him?”

“It wouldn’t surprise me,” Wei Wuxian replies. “Do you remember reading the report on the experiments done on the Wen civilians in the labor camps?”

“I remember,” Jiang Cheng replies. “How did you hear about it?”

“Chifeng-zun told me. Anyways, we don’t have proof that Xue Yang is secretly hiding in Carp Tower, being kept by Jin Guangshan’s men somewhere, but it would explain how Xue Yang suddenly showed up there without alerting the guards. And he showed up only a few days after Jin Guangshan returned to Carp Tower.”

“How are we going to prove that Xue Yang is being kept in Carp Tower? It’s not like we can investigate thoroughly. Why didn’t you speak up earlier about your suspicions?”

“Well.” Wei Wuxian bites his lips. “I didn’t want to make such a huge accusation in front of all the other sect leaders without anything to back up my words.”

“Right,” Jiang Cheng grunts. “I guess we will have to wait until the next time Xue Yang reveals himself, if he does.”
“If he’s really working for Jin Guangshan, he wouldn’t be hiding for long,” Wei Wuxian replies. 

~

A month later, Jiang Cheng, Wen Qing and Wei Wuxian traveled to Cloud Recesses. Lan Xichen leads them to the library and to the Forbidden Room. Finally, Jiang Cheng gets filled in on all the details of the spiritual growth pills. Their main use was to help advance someone’s cultivation. For someone who was too weak to cultivate their own core, the pills helped to speed up the process. However, it could not be a replacement for cultivating; the user needs to be physically strong enough to keep the core spinning through cultivation otherwise it’d eventually dissipate.  

“There’s one more thing about the pills,” Lan Wangji says. “Something I forgot to tell you last time.” He looks straight at Wei Wuxian who tilts his head in question at him.

“They were left here by your mother after she left Baoshan Sanren’s mountain.”

A hushed silence fills the room.

“M-y mother?” Wei Wuxian whispers. Lan Wangji hands Wei Wuxian the thin book he had found with the pills and opens up the first page to reveal the name written on it. Jiang Cheng leans in to read as well. The page did indeed have the name ‘Cangse Sanren’ written on it. 

“Why did your uncle keep this in the Forbidden library?” Jiang Cheng questions. 

“Because the pills are also made from bits of core essence. That’s how it keeps its solid form.”

“Pieces of someone’s core?” Jiang Cheng murmurs. The real question was, whose core essence was used to make the first pill?” Cangse Sanren? Or maybe even Baoshan Sanren herself.

“There’s nothing wrong with using such a method, right?” Wei Wuxian questions.

“No, not exactly,” Wen Qing says. “Though perhaps it has to do with the idea that one pill takes a significant amount of energy to make as well as pieces of core essence. If multiple pills are made, it would be equivalent to someone depleting their spiritual energy completely in other words, their core.”

Oh…

“He doesn’t need too many,” Wen Qing says quickly. “Like I said, It’d be incredibly difficult just to make one anyways,” Wen Qing says as she reads over the book. “His meridians are still intact which means he can cultivate a core again, but at this age, it is extremely difficult to form an entirely new core. That is what the pills are for.”

“Pretty sure I can still do it,” Wei Wuxian mutters under his breath.

“I’m sure you can,” Wei Qing says briskly. “But it would take months, maybe years. The resentful energy in your body would slow the process down because it can easily corrupt a weak core.”

“But trying to cleanse it…” Wei Wuxian exchanges a look with Lan Wangji. “It didn’t exactly work out.”

“It will if I’m here,” Wen Qing replies. “May we go to a private infirmary room?”

“Of course,” Lan Xichen replies. “Follow me, please.” They follow him to an infirmary room. Lan Xichen explained the situation to the two healers inside and instructed them to assist Wen Qing.

“We need to do the extraction first. We won’t extract all of it, but enough so you can take one spiritual pill. Lie down, you’ll need to be unconscious for it,” Wen Qing instructs.

“How come?” Lan Wangji frowns as Wei Wuxian does what he’s told. He also takes off his outer black robes.

“In case his injuries cause him pain,” Wen Qing replies. “I doubt he went into details of what happened to him before the Burial Mounds.”

There’s a long pause.

“Wen Chao,” Jiang Cheng says through gritted teeth. “He doesn’t need to tell us the details. We should have already realized the damage done.”

“Wei Ying…” There’s distinct distress in Lan Wangji’s voice.

“Lan Zhan, I’m fine now. I...I don’t feel them,” Wei Wuxian reassures, but Jiang Cheng can see that look in his eyes, the look he has on whenever he tries to act like he’s fine. Wei Wuxian’s eyes fall close once Wen Qing inserts the needle into the appropriate places.

“I’ll need one of you to pass spiritual energy later, preferably Jiang Cheng’s. His body seems to respond more positively to energy from its original core than anyone else’s. Other Lan healers can stay as well, in case I need more help with the extraction”

“I’ll stay then,” Jiang Cheng says.

“Good. I’ll need everyone else to leave for now.” 

“I’ll go,” Lan Xichen says. “Wangji should stay. Just in case. I have to tell Shufu that you’re here anyways.” He leaves and closes the door quietly behind him.  Jiang Cheng watches as Wen Qing pulls tendrils of resentful energy out from Wei Wuxian’s wrist and transfers them over to a Qiankun pouch. Wei Wuxian’s hand, which was being held in Lan Wangji’s palm, unexpectedly tightens. Lan Wangji stiffens and Wen Qing pauses as she notices the subtle movement too. 

“The needles don’t seem to have any effect,” She murmurs. 

“Why?” Lan Wangji asks.

“I suspect it’s because the resentful energy has been merged for a long time with his body and soul. The needles can only do so much as to reduce the pain from the injuries once they reemerge.  Removing it is risky, but keeping it in his body holds an even greater risk. I’ll extract as much as needed.”

“Wei Ying, bear with it for just a bit longer.” Lan Wangji shifts closer to Wei Wuxian on the bed, holding his hand close to his chest. Jiang Cheng sends spiritual energy to his forehead rather than his wrist, allowing Wen Qing to get a better grip on Wei Wuxian’s wrist. It seemed like hours had passed as the extraction continued with Wen Qing occasionally stopping to check his pulse. At some point, Lan Wangji had let go of Wei Wuxian’s wrist and had taken out his guqin to play his music, helping to get rid of some of the resentful energy and allow Wen Qing to take a break. 

“There’s no infection happening. I assume that is due to the resentful energy. Though I’m not sure what the Lan healers did differently when they tried to do the extraction.”

One of the Lan healers in the room, Lan Shu, speaks up at this.

“We were worried about the extent of his injuries. In case he started bleeding out, we wanted to be careful.”

“I see.” Wen Qing nods. She finally lets go of Wei Wuxian’s wrist and starts opening up his robes to examine his injuries.

“Broken bones,” She observes. She then rolls up his sleeve. Jiang Cheng spots reddened teeth marks among his arms.

“Bitemarks? From where I wonder.” Wen Qing murmurs

“Wen Indoctrination,” Jiang Cheng says, swallowing. “They would have healed properly after we rescued him from Xuanwu cave, but then...Wen Chao and his men came…” Jiang Cheng also suspects the small bitemarks came from fierce corpses.

“After the war, I did opt to check for the injuries Wen Chao inflicted, but it seems the resentful energy hid it from sight.” She shifts to turn Wei Wuxian over onto his side. Jiang Cheng suddenly flinches and Lan Wangji’s expression darkens visibly. Wen Qing inhales sharply

Even through the red robes, they can see the lines of whip scars on his back.

Zidian...Mother, she…

Jiang Cheng can see Wen Qing’s wrist trembling, the one with Zidian on it. Jiang Cheng wouldn’t blame her if she took it off and threw it at him, but she doesn’t. Instead she simply focuses on putting the poultices and herbs onto Wei Wuxian’s injuries. Then she finally takes the needles out and allows Wei Wuxian to wake up. 

“Wei Ying, how do you feel?”

“Well, I can’t really move,” Wei Wuxian huffs. “Qing-jie didn’t take out all the needles.”

“Of course I didn’t,” Wen Qing retorts. “You still have internal injuries to heal, but once you take one of the pills, the process should speed up in no-time.”

“Here’s the question I want to ask,” Jiang Cheng says. “Does only one person need to create this pill?”

“No, I do not think so,” Wen Qing says. “It will be easier if more than one person made it anyways. Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen already tested out how to make the second one following the instructions that Wei Wuxian’s mother left us.”

“They used their core essence too?” Wei Wuxian asks sharply.

“Only small bits,” Lan Wangji answers. “Not more than necessary.”

“ Lan Zhan ...I told you only one was enough,” Wei Wuxian says quietly, his brows furrowing.

“ I’ll be the one to decide that,” Wen Qing retorts.

“The second one will ensure stability. Madame Wen says so. Besides we wanted to test out how to make another one.” Lan Wangji answers.

“So this was why you refused Lan Wangji’s offer?” Jiang Cheng says. 

“Of course…” Wei Wuxian swallows. “They’re taking out tiny essences of their own core, it’s risky!”

And having your core transferred to me isn’t? Jiang Cheng thinks with exasperation.

“You really couldn’t have filled me in on the details sooner?” He sighs

“We had to evaluate all the possible risks first,” Wen Qing says, though she ducks her head slightly. “I did plan to tell you earlier, but I wanted to be sure of the rate of success before doing so.”

“What is it then?”

“Higher than the core transfer,” Wen Qing answers simply. “Around ninety five percent. Transferring the energy into him will be easy. What will be hard is whether or not he keeps the core spinning.”

“How many do we need to make in total then? To make sure the core doesn’t dissipate?” Jiang Cheng asks.

“Three,” Wen Qing replies. “The third should come from your core, Jiang Cheng. If you’re willing to, that is.”

“Absolutely not!” Wei Wuxian snaps at the same time Jiang Cheng says,

“Yes, I’ll do it.”

Jiang Cheng glares at him and Wei Wuxian stares right back defiantly. 

“Wei Ying, listen to Madame Wen,” Lan Wangji says in a soft, but firm voice.

“But Lan Zhan!”

“No buts!” Jiang Cheng snaps.

“You gave your entire core to me and you won’t let me use small pieces of it to help you?! You’re not talking me out of it.”

Wei Wuxian averts his gaze, still looking unhappy, but doesn’t protest further.

“What do we need to do next?” Lan Wangji speaks up.

“Wei Wuxian will stay here to recover. I need Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji to come with me to transfer energy to the pills to give it more stability. The more energy it has, the better. That way, Wei Wuxian won’t have to start cultivating again from too weak of a core.”

“Right.” Jiang Cheng nods. “You.” He points a finger at Wei Wuxian. “ Don’t you dare move and do as Wen Qing says or I’ll break your legs.”

“Sticking a needle in him works too,” Wen Qing says.

“No, no, I won’t go anywhere,” Wei Wuxian whines while holding up two fingers. “I promise.”

“Good.”

They don’t leave until Wei Wuxian lies down on the bed with his eyes closed and a blanket tucked over him. 

Chapter Text

“Jiang Cheng, sit down and take a breather first. Don’t overdo it.” Wen Qing’s firm hands pushed him down into a cushion. Jiang Cheng can feel small beads of sweat on his forehead and chest heaving up and down. 

“This is harder than it looks,” Jiang Cheng says, panting. Of course it was, he was literally pulling tiny pieces of his core out from his dantian. He finds it amazing that doing something like that was possible without some sort of operation despite having read the book Cangse Sanren had left behind.

“If Wei Wuxian finds out that you collapsed because of this, he’ll be livid. And so will I. Sit down and meditate for an hour or two before doing it again, alright?” Wen Qing says sternly, handing him a cup of tea. Jiang Cheng simply nods and takes the tea gratefully. He then adjusts into a lotus position and closes his eyes to meditate and steady his breathing. He stays like this until a Lan servant comes knocking at this door to bring him and Wen Qing lunch,

He and Lan Wangji had spent the next couple of days adding their own transfusion of energies to the pills. Surprisingly, even Lan Qiren had offered his help. His two nephews had to inform him of Wei Wuxian’s condition before they could go forward with the creation of the pills, given that the book was taken out from the Forbidden Library. With the knowledge of Wei Wuian’s ailments, Lan Qiren finally understood the circumstances of why the man fell to Demonic Cultivation and had offered his help out of a sympathy Jiang Cheng never expected to see from the man. At least now, there was a higher chance of him fully accepting Wei Wuxian as his future nephew in-law. 

“Once the pills are done being made, we can go back to Lotus Pier. He still needs to destroy the amulet before he can take the first one,” Wen Qing says as they sit down for their meal.

“Why not use spiritual energy to destroy it? Surely it will be more efficient that way?” Jiang Cheng asks. Wen Qing shakes her head.

“It was made from the Yin Iron. It cannot be easily destroyed. Moreover, it was forged and refined by Wei Wuxian. It should be destroyed by him only.”

“Can he really do it safely? He hasn’t told me any details.”

“Then ask him yourself,” Wen Qing sighs. “You know how he always tries to keep things to himself.”

“I should put more faith in him,” Jiang Cheng admits. “But you’re right. He always keeps things to himself.”  It had taken nagging from Jiang Cheng for Wei Wuxian to even admit he was having nightmares. The only reason Jiang Cheng had heard him that one night was because Wei Wuxian had admitted to having forgotten to put silencing talismans on his doors and his walls.

Wei Wuxian had done that when they were younger too after facing multiple punishments from Madam Yu for waking up half of Lotus Pier at night. She also criticized him for still having such fears despite being thirteen and regarded it as childish. Regardless, Jiang Cheng would sneak over to his brother’s room to check on him, despite the risk of being caught and having to kneel in the ancestral hall as punishment. 

“Hey, have some more faith in your da-ge!” A loud, but familiar voice comes from outside.

“Who’s my ‘da-ge’?!” Jiang Cheng sputters as Wei Wuxian walks into the room. “Shouldn’t you be resting?” He scowls up at him, but Wei Wuxian only grins at him in response.

“I need the exercise. How am I supposed to cultivate again if I’m lying in bed all day? I need to strengthen my muscles again. And regain body fat.” Wen Qing scoffs.

“You can start by eating more . You can’t gain either fat or muscle if you aren’t eating enough.”

“I’ve been trying , really.” Wei Wuxian holds up three fingers solemnly. “I stayed with Lan Zhan for almost half a month and I’ve almost gotten used to the food here.”

“I find that very hard to believe,” Jiang Cheng snorts. “He lets you drown the food in spice, doesn't he?”

“Yes...well, I just don’t mind the vegetarian dishes,” Wei Wuxian murmurs. Jiang Cheng blinks. There would have been a time when he would be stunned by Wei Wuxian’s words because he knows that his brother would never prefer Gusu’s bland food to Yunmeng’s spicy ones. But now the circumstances were different.

“You have to get used to eating meat again.” Wen Qing’s voice is gentler now. “I’ll give specific instructions to the cooks once we return to Lotus Pier.”

“Alright Qing-jie. I’ll listen to you,” Wei Wuxian sighs. “I don’t want to worry Shijie.”

“Don’t worry any of us,” Jiang Cheng says abruptly.

“Aiya, I know. I have to go now. Lan Zhan’s waiting to play his guqin for me again.”

Wei Wuxian leaves and Jiang Cheng resumes pulling bits of his core out and mixing it into the pill vessel. He stops when there is a soft glow emitting from the pill. Then he starts pouring his spiritual energy into the vessel instead. Before dinner comes, the third pill has been completed. After his meal, he meditates for a while longer to recover his energy before sinking into the bed with exhaustion. Wen Qing slips into bed with him, keeping him warm by his side.

“I owe you too much, don’t I?” Jiang Cheng sighs. “You’ve done so much for me, for my family. ”

“So have you,” Wen Qing replies evenly. “We’re husband and wife now. What’s there to owe? Your people are my people now.”

“I never thought anybody would be able to break through that stubborn shell of my brother’s.”

“I have my ways,” Wen Qing’s eyes twinkle.

You’re too good for me. Jiang Cheng thinks, his eyes softening. He can’t help but think that his mother would have liked Wen Qing. She was a woman with a strong personality, not afraid to stand up for herself and not willing to be pushed down by others in a men-dominant society. His sister and Lady Luo both were following her example and their bond as sworn sisters only further strengthened their unity.

“You and my sister both,” Jiang Cheng laughs. 

I got lucky . Jiang Cheng thinks. His parents hadn’t had the happiest marriage; they were always at odds at one another for a multitude of reasons. Meanwhile, Jiang Cheng had been able to marry the woman he loved against all odds while the rest of the cultivation world were calling for the death of all Wens. Jiang Cheng leans in, his lips brushing hers softly and she presses closer so they sink into a kiss. That night, the two of them sleep, their arms and legs tangled around one another.

~

“Qing-jie, is there a specific order in which I need to consume the pills?” Wei Wuxian asks the next morning. “If I take the one my Grandmaster makes, won’t it be too strong for me to handle?”

“It needs a strong base,” Wen Qing emphasizes. “To prevent the core from just dissipating. You’ll feel the effect of it immediately. You have to meditate a lot after taking the first one. Though,” She pauses. “It’s possible if you use Jiang Cheng’s core.” She gives them both a pointed look.

“What about my sword?”

“You won’t be able to wield it right away obviously. Depending on how quickly you keep the core essences spinning and strong, you could wield it a month later. Maybe even half a month.”

“Is that even possible?” Lan Qiren frowns. He had unexpectedly joined Jiang Cheng and the others today.

“If anyone can do the impossible, it’s Wei Wuxian,” Jiang Cheng tells him. 

“Maybe I can do it quicker than that,” Wei Wuxian scoffs. Wen Qing shoots him a look.

“Try not to overdo it. Just know that I’ll be monitoring you the entire time and you won’t try to wield the sword until I give you the say so, alright?”

“Fine,” Wei Wuxian grumbles.

“Well, now I need to discuss another matter,” Jiang Cheng clears his throat. “The wedding.”

“Xichen has already prepared the bridal money,” Lan Qiren replies. “Have you chosen a wedding date?”

“I was thinking of sometime next summer. At Lotus Pier.” 

“Lotus Pier?” Lan Qiren rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Not at Gusu?” Jiang Cheng laughs softly while shaking his head.

“With all due respect, Master Lan, I’m sure my brother would want a more exciting and upbeat wedding where he can drink plenty of Emperor's Smile and indulge in all the spicy foods he wants.” To his surprise, Lan Qiren smiles just ever so slightly.

“Yes, I suppose you’re right. Will you be returning to Lotus Pier with him?”

“All three of the pills have been made and my brother should return home. Until he’s married, he’s still my head disciple and has duties at Yunmeng. Wen Qing has cleared him to travel as long as he doesn’t strain himself.”

“I see.” Lan Qiren nods. “I wish him luck in cultivating again.”  Jiang Cheng’s not sure if he’s saying it out of concern or relief that he’s abandoning demonic cultivation, but either way, as long as he was treated well in the Lan sect once he married, he wouldn’t need to worry.

They all walk to the gate together. Wei Wuxian leans his head in close to Lan Wangji’s, whispering something to him that Jiang Cheng can’t make out.

“If anything goes wrong, you’ll tell me?” Lan Wangji asks, his eyes locked with Wei Wuxian’s and voice tensing.

“Of course,” Wei Wuxian replies. 

“If he doesn’t,” Wen Qing says loudly. “I will. No need to worry, Lan Wangji. I’m his primary doctor. I will take good care of him as always.” 

They decided to fly back home, with Wen Qing riding with Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian riding with another disciple. A-Yuan immediately runs out to greet them, shouting excitedly. Granny Wen and Wen Ning were close behind him.

“A-Yuan, my little lotus seed. Did you miss me?” Wei Wuxian immediately picks him up and showers him with kisses. 

“Hey, stop hogging him to yourself,” Jiang Cheng grumbles. “Give your Cheng-ge some kisses too?” A-Yuan blinks up at him, staring for a while as if he was thinking, then he nods and leans over to give Jiang Cheng a kiss on the cheek too.

“A-Ning, how was everything while we were gone?” Wen Qing walks to her brother.

“Everything was fine, A-jie. No trouble.Though a few Jin disciples did pay a visit.” Jiang Cheng looks up sharply at this.

“They were just bringing Mo Xuanyu over to play with A-Yuan,” Wen Ning adds hurriedly, noticing Jiang Cheng’s expression. “And they told the disciples that they haven’t been able to find Xue Yang.”

“I still find it suspicious that he showed up the same day Jin Guangshan went back to Carp Tower,” Wei Wuxian huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. “Jiang Cheng, are you sure A-jie’s safe at Carp Tower with a murderer like him on the loose?”

“Jin Zixuan wouldn’t let anything happen to her,” Jiang Cheng replies. “He’ll know to keep his guard up.”

“Young Master Wei, I’ve been thinking of letting you adopt A-Yuan as your son,” Granny Wen says, stepping forward. “You and Second Master Lan both.”

“Granny?” Wen Qing and Wen Ning both stare at her in surprise.

“A-Yuan is very attached to the both of you. We’ll always be his family, but I won’t always be there to take care of him. I’d very much want it if you could take him under your arms. He can study well at Gusu to be a great cultivator one day.” Jiang Cheng wants to point out that A-Yuan would study well at Yunmeng as well, but holds his tongue this time for his brother’s sake.

“Granny, I’d love to,” Wei Wuxian answers, his voice emotional.

“Are you my A-Niang now?” A-Yuan looks up at Wei Wuxian. 

“Yes!” Wei Wuxian grins. “Yes I am!”

Jiang Cheng chokes.

~

A few months later, they receive a letter from their sister, announcing that she was pregnant. Both sibling pairs were overcome with joy.

“A-Yuan, you’re going to have a cousin soon! Isn’t it exciting?” Wei Wuxian tells him. 

“Like a brother or sister?” A-Yuan asks. 

“Yes!”

“You should pick a courtesy name,” Jiang Cheng says. “When the time comes.”

“Me?” Wei Wuxian looks hesitant. 

“Yes,” Jiang Cheng says again, more insistent this time.

“Well if it’s a boy...then how about Jin Rulan?” Jiang Cheng crosses his arms and raises his eyebrow at him. Suddenly, he regrets saying what he said earlier.

“Seriously? It sounds like a name from the Lan sect.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Wei Wuxian exclaims. “The Lan flower is the gentlemen of all flowers and the Lan sect is the gentlemen of all people. It’s a good name.”

“If you say so,” Jiang Cheng huffs. He picks up A-Yuan to sit  into his lap.

“You’ll be the most gentlemen of all Lans, right? Even more than Lan Wangji?”

“Mn!” A-Yuan nods eagerly, despite not fully understanding what he had just said. Then he looks at Qing-jie who’s quietly sipping her tea next to Jiang Cheng.

“Qing-gugu, how can I have more cousins? Or brothers and sisters? Where do they come from?” All three of them simultaneously choke on their tea.

“Wei Wuxian,” Wen Qing says, a little too loudly. “Why don't you bring A-Yuan to play down by the docks?”

“But it’s wint-,oh okay.” Wei Wuxian stands up. “Stay close to me and don’t fall into the water, alright?” Wen Ning stands up with him and they all hurry away, leaving Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing alone. There’s a long awkward silence.

“A-Yuan should...have more family members,” Jiang Cheng says at last. “Whenever you’re ready I mean…”

“One day,” Wen Qing replies, meeting his eye. Hearing this, Jiang Cheng is unable to help the joy soaring in his heart and leans in to kiss her, hard. 

His parents had never been easy on him, especially his mother, but Jiang Cheng makes a promise to himself and Wen Qing that he’ll give his future children all the love he hadn’t been able to receive.

Chapter Text

“Stop fidgeting or I’ll paralyze you with needles,” Jiang Cheng says impatiently. He circles his brother with the measuring tape.

“Since when did you use needles?” Wei Wuxian gives him an astonished look.

“Wen Qing gave me some. In case I need to threaten you when she’s not around.” Wei Wuxian gives him a look of outrage.

“You both are so mean,” Wei Wuxian grumbles. “Why is my didi bullying me?”

“Who’s your ‘didi?” Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes. “Seriously, stop moving! Do you want a wedding robe or not?  Usually A-Qing would be the one to do this, but she’s visiting A-jie and Lady Luo.” 

“I wish we could have gone with them,” Wei Wuxian says longingly.

“We already stayed at Cloud Recesses for a couple of days. We should stay at Lotus Pier now, manage sect affairs,” Jiang Cheng says briskly. “And you have to do your meditation and breathing exercises. 

 The second he stops moving, Khan immediately flies over and lands on his head. Jiang Cheng snickers while Wei Wuxian makes a look of annoyance, unable to swipe the bird off.

“Shoo. Don’t bother us,” Jiang Cheng waves his hand at the bird who calmly ignores him and starts playing with Wei Wuxian’s hair with his beak. The bird stares at him with its beady eyes then finally flies off.

“Out of all the pets you get, it just had to be a bird,” Jiang Cheng grumbles. He finishes writing down the measurements of Wei Wuxian’s proportions. 

“Do you want a pet too?”

“Like what? One of your Lan bunnies?”

“Definitely not. Those bunnies belong together. We can’t separate them. Remember what Shijie said?”

“Yes,” Jiang Cheng’s voice softens. “Family should stay together, but...you’re going to marry Lan Wangji in Gusu and A-jie’s already in Carp Tower.”

“We’re not that far away. We’ll visit, obviously! And you have Wen Qing and Wen Ning.”

“Of course. If I hadn’t...protected and married her, Lotus Pier wouldn’t be as full as it was once before.”

“I don’t think that’s true,” Wei Wuxian says, turning around to face him. “You’d have been able to rebuild the sect no matter what. I’ve always believed that you’d be an amazing sect leader! Shijie did too.”

It was true. His parents may not have had confidence in his abilities but his siblings did . They had always encouraged him and when his parents were still alive and their words had given him solace; they still did now. 

~

With just him and Wei Wuxian managing sect affairs, both of them had a lot more on their hands. Wen Ning continued to lead the archery lessons and the rest of the Wens helped with chores around the kitchen and the entirety of Lotus Pier.

“Jiang Cheng, Jiang Cheng! Have you tried Uncle Four’s wine?” Wei wuxian bursts into his office without knocking and Jiang Cheng gives him a glare of annoyance at being interrupted.
“Of course I have!” Jiang Cheng retorts. “How long has it been since they moved in? He’s been in our wine brewery ever since. And selling them on the docks.”

“No no, it’s a new wine, of course!” Wei Wuxian exclaims. “ He always lets me sample them for free.” Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes.

“I don’t have the luxury to drink all the time unlike you.”

“I haven’t been drinking that much…” Wei Wuxian sighs. “Qing-jie doesn’t allow it. She says it’ll hinder my appetite.”

“Yeah yeah, whatever. Go back to meditating. Make sure you do it for at least half a shichen and use incense sticks to keep track.”

“I just finished a session. You know it’s impossible for me to sit still for that long, right?”

“Obviously. You could never sit still during meditation classes as a kid.” There’s a pause and Wei Wuxian clears his throat

“Jiang Cheng, regarding the amulet. I think there is one safe place where I can safely destroy it.”

“Which is?”

“The Burial Mounds,” Wei Wuxian replies. “And I’m sure the other sects will want to bear witness to it as well, especially the Lan and Nie sect. I do not think we should delay the destruction any longer. I’m surprised the other sects have been patient about it for now.”

“Because I’ve been sending them monthly reports. The amulet has been sitting around with you and you haven’t used it since the Sunshot Campaign. So there wasn’t much to say in those reports.” Jiang Cheng tells him. 

“Hmm right. I had no reason to use the amulet again. It’s dangerous, anyways. It shouldn’t be too difficult to destroy since it hasn’t absorbed much resentment and wrath.”

“So you did figure out how to destroy it safely? I assumed you hadn’t figured it out yet because you didn’t give me updates,” Jiang Cheng snorts.

“Relatively safe.” Jiang Cheng frowns at him. “What do you mean relatively safe?” Wei Wuxian makes a face. 

“Well...safe enough so that the backlash will be minimized...to a certain degree,” Wei Wuxian says. 

“ Backlash ? You told me it’d be safe.” Jiang Cheng asks, his frown deepening.

“Look.” Wei Wuxian raises his hands defensively. “I created the amulet out of desperation. I wasn’t thinking twice about anything while making it, only that I wanted to get out from the Burial Mounds and reunite with you and A-jie as quickly as possible. To be honest, I wasn’t even sure in the beginning on how to destroy it. There’s a reason it took me this long to figure out a safe array to suppress the backlash’s energy.”

“Tell me more about it.”

“It’s resentful energy after all and it’s impossible to suppress it completely, especially with something as simple as an array. Using Chenqing, I’ll stand outside the array with the amulet placed inside of it and use the resentful energy to make the amulet tear in on itself and therefore it will explode and be destroyed.”

 Something about his tone told Jiang Cheng that the array wasn’t guaranteed one hundred percent safety. How could it be when he was trying to destroy something he barely knew anything about in the process of creating it?

What if something went wrong? The unspoken question comes to Jiang Cheng’s mind. What if...the array isn’t enough? Jiang Cheng searches Wei Wuxian’s eyes, knowing how well his brother was good at hiding his emotions now. 

“Sect leader, two rogue cultivators have arrived. They’ve asked to see you.” A voice comes from the door, interrupting Jiang Cheng’s thoughts.

“Rogue cultivators?” Wei Wuxian echoes. “I wonder...who it could be.”

“Let’s go greet them and find out.” Jiang Cheng slips the paper with the measurements into his robes, making a note to drop it off by the tailor later. 

“Xiao-Daozhang!” Wei Wuxian exclaims when he spots the man in white. “And Song Daozhang.” Next to him was a man in dark gray and a young girl they did not recognize. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng bow.

“Sect leader Jiang, Young Master Wei,” They return the greeting with accompanied bows.

“This is A-Qing.” Xiao Xingchen takes the girl’s hand. She will be our first disciple in the near future.”

“Sect leader Jiang, Young Master Wei,” She greets him with polite bows.

“Lady A-Qing,” They return.

“Song-Daozhang, Xiao-Daozhang, what brings you to Lotus Pier?” Jiang Cheng questions as they bring the guests into Sword Hall. The servants bring them tea and snacks.

“We heard that Xue Yang was spotted near LanLing. It has been some months since he escaped Unclean Realm. We wanted to ask the major sects if they’ve seen any sign of him,” Song Lan explains.

“He wasn’t just spotted near LanLing. He was inside Carp Tower,” Wei Wuxian says. Xiao Xingchen frowns deeply at this.

“What? But how?”Jiang Cheng exchanges a look with Wei Wuxian. This involved personal sect affairs. They were not sure if they should share it. 

“We do not know,” Jiang Cheng says at last. “It was dark so we did not see his face. But once Lan Wangji saw his sword, we were able to confirm it was him.”

“If he really got into Carp Tower, he must have been under a masterful disguise,” Xiao Xingchen theorizes. “Surely a major sect such as LanLing Jin wouldn’t have such poor security?”
“Unless,” Wei Wuxian alludes. “More than one disciple was helping him and  working under whoever ordered him to sneak into Carp Tower in the first place.”

“We should focus on catching him and interrogating him for answers,” Jiang Cheng cuts in, giving Wei Wuxian a warning look before he can mention Jin Guangshan’s name.

“Xue Yang isn’t someone we can interrogate easily,” Song Lan says grimly. “He refused to admit he massacred the Yueyang sect.”

“That is true,” Jiang Cheng replies. “For now, it would be easier to track Xue Yang down rather than whoever allowed him into Carp Tower. The Jin sect are our allies and we can not make baseless accusations or try to investigate their disciples ourselves.”

“Of course.” Xiao Xingchen nods. “We understand that and won’t meddle with major sect affairs. For now, if you have any news of Xue Yang, please inform us immediately. We will work together like this to catch him.”

“Of course,” Jiang Cheng replies. “This time, we will make sure he gets brought to justice.”

They lead the guests out to the gate and say their farewells. 

“Take care,” Wei Wuxian says, bowing to the three of them.

“And you as well.”

Jiang Cheng returns to his office to prepare the letters regarding the destruction of the amulet to the other sects. He realizes, with annoyance and dread, that he would have to send an invitation to Jin Guangshan as well as he still has his position as sect leader. Whether Jin Guangshan would bring his nephew or not, Jiang Cheng would have to see.

~

A month later, while meditating, Jiang Cheng receives a butterfly message. The bright red color signifies it was an emergency so he quickly holds out his hand to receive it. It was from his sister!

Something very urgent has happened in LanLing. It involves A-Qing and A-Yang. A-Cheng, you must come quickly!   Jiang Cheng stands up, frantic and terrified that something had happened to his sister, her son and his wife.

What if Xue Yang came back? He thinks, his hands trembling in fear. Jin Guangshan had recently been summoned to Carp Tower. The investigation done on him and several other higher ranking Jin disciples was almost complete and the trial would be held this month. 

Wei Wuxian had left a week earlier to test out his arrays in secret at the Burial Mounds. Jiang Cheng had wanted to send disciples with him to protect him, but he had insisted on going alone to maintain discretion, so instead he had sent disciples to be stationed in Yiling instead. Then two days ago, he had sent a letter to him informing him that he would be visiting LanLing before he came back home.  Jiang Cheng made sure that his departure remained a secret from the other sects, excluding the Lan sect where only Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren had been informed. 

Jiang Cheng quickly prepares to leave Lotus Pier, leaving one of the most experienced senior disciples to look after the sect while he is gone. 

“Wen Ning, you can fly with me.” Jiang Cheng tells the other boy as he takes out Sandu. “A-Qing..something might have happened to her. We need to hurry.” He allows Wen Ning to hold onto him as they take flight. It was clear that his brother-in-law was not used to flying at this height or in general. Jiang Cheng can feel him squeezing very tight and feel him shivering against the cold wind. He speeds up his flying. They only stop once near Moling before flying again. Once they land at the gates, they practically run inside and up towards Glamour Hall.

“A-Qing, A-jie, what happened?” As he walks into the hall, he can see Wen Qing and his sister holding up Luo Qingyang, who's shaking with tears running down her face.

“Jiejie!” Wen Ning hurries to his sister's side.  “Lady Luo!”

Coming closer, Jiang Cheng sees that his sister has an uncharacteristic look of fury in her eye, one that almost reminded him of his mother. She even had a hand over the sheath of her sword. 

“Jin Guangshan,” Jiang Yanli practically hisses, echoing their mother’s tone almost perfectly. “How dare he lay a hand on you? Was anyone else in the room with you?”

Luo Qingyang shakes her head, her breath still coming out in shuddered sobs. Wen Ning steps closer to the other woman, a look of worry and uncertainty on his face.

“MianMian!” Jiang Cheng turns to see Jin Zixuan running into the hall with Jin Guangyao by his side. “What happened?”

“Your father summoned her to talk,” Jiang Yanli explains, the anger still strong in her voice. “And he tried to...he tried to-”

Jiang Cheng looks over at Luo Qingyang’s shaky and pale visage, the front tips of her hair slick with sweat and can only think the unimaginable. 

“Did he hurt you?” Jin Zixuan’s eyes flash, mirroring his wife’s anger now. 

“I didn’t give him a chance,” Luo Qingyang shudders.  “I..I-”

“She stabbed him,” Jiang Yanli finishes the line for her sworn sister. Jiang Cheng’s breath hitches in his throat. He had always known about how Jin Guangshan surrounded himself with women, basically spending most of his days with them in the brothels and basically throwing the responsibility of his sect leaders on Jin Zixuan.  He did it despite risking the anger of his wife.

“What?” Jin Zixuan sounds more shocked than angry. “Are you sure you’re not hurt?”

“She was defending herself.” Jiang Cheng starts at Madam Jin’s voice. He hadn’t even realized the woman had come into the room. Next to was another woman Jiang Cheng recognized as Madam Qin.

“What happened with Jin Guangshan?” Jiang Cheng asks anxiously. “Is he…”

“A servant came in and screamed at the sight. Yanli got me out just now.” MianMian  says quietly.

“I tried to heal him,” Wen Qing says drly, a sheer look of annoyance on her face. “The guards refused to let me anywhere near. The doctors arrived a few moments later but...” Wen Qing falters, her face twisted into an expression of guilt and anger. However much she despised Jin Guangshan, her duty as a healer was the value she upheld the most. 

 Jiang Cheng clenches his fist at this. The Jin disciples still dared to disrespect Wen Qing even when she was his sect lady?

Suddenly, Jin Zixun storms into the room with a look of anger and outrage on his face. About a dozen disciples follow him. Immediately, Wen Qing and Jiang Yanli step protectively in front of their sworn sister.

“Young Madam Jin, why are you protecting this brat? She attempted to murder the sect leader and she needs to be punished for her crimes!” Jin Zixun yells. Jin Guangyao stays back from the other disciples, not wanting any part in the conflict.  Jiang Cheng moves closer to his sister and wife as the other man reaches for his sword. Zidian starts sparkling as if sensing the danger towards its owner’s loved ones.

“What did you just call my sister?” Wen Qing snaps, her eyes flaring up. Jiang Yanli’s eyes narrow and she glares at Jin Zixun with a look of discontent and annoyance.

“Your uncle attempted to do unspeakable things to her against her will. What did you expect her to do?” Wen Qing snaps. “Are you going to say she deserved it because she’s a woman?”

At this, Madam Jin’s eyes seem to flash dangerously and she reaches over to place a hand over Luo Qingyang’s

“Jin Guangshan attempted to assault her. She had no choice but to defend herself,” Madam Jin says firmly. “It’s not the first time he’s done it.” She sounds disgusted and furious. “I praise you for defending yourself because I know not many others dare to do it. Qin Feng, tell them.” 

Madam Qin hesitates, looking extremely unnerved with the amount of people in the room.

“He..he did the same to me,” She gulps. “Qin Su is..she’s..she’s Jin Guangshan’s daughter!” Jin Guangyao’s face pales and both Jin Zixun and Jin Zixuan gape at her.

“What?” Jin Zixuan exclaims, his voice barely a whisper.

“What proof do you have,” Jin Zixun begins but Madam Jin shoots him a look so venomous that he immediately snaps his mouth shut.

“The proof is right there! Are you deaf? Nearly you know nothing about women just like your uncle!”

“Lady Qin,” Jin Zixuan begins awkwardly. “You did not speak about this sooner?”

“I didn’t d-dare to...I didn’t k-know how everyone would react. Our sect and the Jin sect have always been close allies and friends. Would anyone trust me?”

“A-Feng, you really should have told me sooner,” Madam Jin soothes.

“A-Su is...she’s my sister?” Jin Guangyao asks, his face still pale. “Does she know?”

“Not yet,” Madam Qin replies.  Jiang Cheng doesn’t know why Jin Guangyao looks so nervous, but he turns his attention away from the Jins and towards his family instead.

“Is Jin Guangshan still alive then?” Jiang Cheng demands.

“He was bleeding profusely when I arrived into the room,” Wen Qing says drly. “The sect healer took a few minutes to arrive. I can not be sure if he survived or not.”

“Madame Wen, Young Madam Jin.” Jin Guangyao had pushed away his nervous and shaky facade and was giving both women a smile. “Perhaps you should take Lady Luo out from here first. We will continue to discuss the matter with Sect leader Jiang.”

“I’d prefer to escort my wife and sister to their rooms first,” Jiang Cheng says curtly.  “Given what has just happened to Lady Luo.”

“Of course,” Jin Guangyao nods, as if he understood. Jiang Cheng leads the three women out from the hall. Jin Zixuan walks right behind them, clearly worried for his friend. They all go into the shared room of Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli.

“A-jie,” Jiang Cheng says suddenly. “Didn’t A-Xian send you a letter? Saying he would come to LanLing?”

“He did.” His sister nods.

“It’s been two days...shouldn’t he be here by now?”

“You think something’s happened?” Jiang Yanli’s brows deepen with worry.

“I don’t know,” Jiang Cheng shakes his head. “I’ll send him another butterfly message.”

“Jiang Cheng! Shijie!”

“Looks like there’s no need. Wei Wuxian is here,” Jin Zixuan says, getting to his feet to open the door, but it had already burst open.

“Jiang Cheng, I got Qing-jie’s message and came as soon as possible. What happened?” Wei Wuxian sits down to catch his breath.

“Did you run here overnight?” Jiang Cheng studies him. His robes are covered in dirt and are disheveled and there are dark circles until his eyes.

“No,” Wei Wuxian replies. “I rented a horse. It still took two days...and also I was trying to avoid someone.”

“Who?” Jin Zixuan frowns. Wei Wuxian shakes his head.

“I’ll talk about it later. Can someone tell me what happened? A Jin disciple told me that Jin Guangshan got seriously injured and Jin Zixun was yelling something, but I didn’t want to stick around to hear it. Jin Guangyao told me I’d find you here.”

“So what happened was this,” Wen Qing begins. She explains everything while keeping one arm wrapped firmly around Luo Qingyang’s shoulders, Jiang Yanli at her other side. Wei Wuxian’s eyes are almost red with anger as he listens.

“Bastard!” He hisses, clenching Chengqing so tightly that Jiang Cheng can see the whites of his knuckles. Wen Qing herself flexes her hand, Zidian giving off sparks and crackles.

“He only just came back to Carp Tower and he already wants to cause trouble!”

“I apologize for my father’s behavior,” Jin Zixuan says with genuine regret in his voice. “I never thought..he would do that to you, MianMian. I’m sorry.”

“Honestly,” Wei Wuxian snorts. “Young Master Jin, with your Father’s personality and reputation, are you really that surprised? He wasn’t interested in MianMian before because he disapproved of her low status but now that she has a sworn sistership with my Shijie and Qing-jie, he suddenly was interested.”

“A-Xian,” Jiang Yanli reprimands gently.

“I-,” Jin Zixuan looks flustered.

“I did notice...him looking at me during the wedding banquet,” MianMian says shakily.

“What?” Wen Qing and Jiang Yanli exclaimed in unison. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“I just..didn’t want to ruin the mood,” She murmurs in response.  “I brushed it off.”

“ MianMian ,” Wen Qing sighs. “Please..my meimei*...don’t hide things like that from us, especially not something that big.”

“Sect leader Jiang! Madame Wen!” An urgent voice calls from outside. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng scowl towards the door.

“What now?” Jiang Cheng snaps, very much not in the mood to see any other Jin disciple.

“The healers are urgently requesting Madame Wen to come treat Sect leader Jin.” Jiang Cheng stands up and flings open the door, sneering down at the disciple who flinches back from it.

“Now you want my wife to treat him? You refused her before when she offered with all her good grace.”

“A-Cheng,” Wen Qing puts a hand on his shoulders. “I should go if I am being called. As a healer, that is my duty.” Jiang Cheng gives her a look and she continues, lowering her voice, “even if he is a scumbag.”

“Try your best then,” Jiang Cheng grunts in reply, still shooting flames into the disciple who had stepped back from the door with his head ducked down, refusing to meet his eye.

Wen Qing heads out the door.

Chapter Text

“What’s going to happen to MianMian? The Jins won’t be forgiving of her,” Wei Wuxian says once Wen Qing has disappeared out the door. “Jin Zixuan, aren’t you going to do something?”

“I do not know if I can protect her,” Jin Zixuan replies as he clenches and unclenches his fist repeatedly. “The elders especially will be furious.”

“She did nothing wrong,” Jiang Yanli’s voice is firm. “Has the news of Qin Su’s heritage spread yet?”

“If there’s anything that spreads faster than fire, it’s news. Big news,” Jiang Cheng says. “All of Carp Tower must have heard by now.”

“If..if Jin Guangshan is doomed,” Wei Wuxian begins, cautiously. “Who else will be blamed?”

“They can’t blame Wen Qing,” Jiang Cheng says, flexing his hands. “She offered to help but ultimately they kept her away until now.”

“I won’t let the council indict either of them,” Jin Zixuan says, his voice ringing out loudly. “A-Li, you don’t need to worry. They won’t be punished. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Young Master Jin, we have news about your father,” A voice calls from outside.

“And? How is he?” Jin Zixuan opens the door.

“Stabilized.” came the reply. “If Madame Wen had gotten to him any later, he may not have made it.”

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian exchange eyerolls and there is almost a look of regret in his eyes. Jiang Yanli, despite her gentle nature did not look sympathetic either. Jin Zixuan looks around the room, clearly feeling the mood of everyone in it and scratches his head awkwardly. 

“Okay well uh, just keep us updated then. How is my Mother holding up?”

“Madam Jin is….unhappy about what Sect leader Jin did. She did not go to see him.”

“I see. Thank you.” The disciple bows once to Jin Zixuan and leaves. Jin Zixuan closes the door again.

“The other sects won’t let this go,” Jiang Cheng says. “What Jin Guangshan did I mean. Harassing a young lady, no matter what status you have, is unacceptable. And I’d think he had committed enough crimes.”

“Father’s...punishment has already been decided. We just needed to announce it to the rest of the sects,” Jin Zixuan sighs. 

“What punishment was it exactly? I’d hope it fits his crimes,” Wei Wuxian huffs.

“Stripped of his title and sent into permanent exile,” Jin Zixuan replies. “He won’t be allowed to step foot in LanLing ever again and I expect the other sects wouldn’t allow him anywhere near their territory either.”

“Yunmeng Jiang certainly won’t,” Jiang Cheng affirms.

“It seems like fate caught up to him first,” Wei Wuxian mutters under his breath. Jiang Cheng elbows him in the side, giving him a warning look. 

“A-Cheng,” A-jie says quietly. “Could you bring..MianMian to Lotus Pier? Just for now.”

“A-Li, I promise I’ll protect her,” Jin Zixuan says. “She’ll be safe here.”

“I don’t doubt that you’ll protect her, A-Xuan,” Jiang Yanli says, her eyes soft. “But...I’m still worried. You can’t keep an eye on her all the time.”

“MianMian, it’s up to you then,” Jin Zixuan says, turning to his friend who had finally calmed down and wiped the remainder of her tears away.

“I’ll go with A-Qing,” She says, giving Jin Zixuan an apologetic look.

“Do not worry about it. As long as you are comfortable.” He nods at her then opens the door again. “I will calm down Jin Zixun and the disciples.” No sooner after he leaves, Wen Qing returns with a grim expression on her face.

“A-Qing?” Jiang Cheng questions.

“Any news about Jin Guangshan? How bad was the wound?” Jiang Cheng asks, more out of curiosity than concern.

“Well...let’s just say MianMian got him good . I can say I chose the right disciple to be my sworn sister.”

“ A-Qing .”  Jiang Cheng elbows his brother in the ribs as wheezes of laughter start coming from the man next to him.

“I’m being honest,” Wen Qing says calmly. “She nearly drove that knife into his heart. It missed but still managed to cut open some major arteries. They really shouldn’t have delayed me from coming to treat him, but the Jin healers were all too confident.” Wen Qing pauses as both Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian stare at her with an expected look in their eyes.

“Coming from me, I don’t think...it is likely that he will make it.” Wen Qing concludes. Jiang Cheng stops himself from sighing with relief, just barely. 

“He is stable,” She continues, “But he will only survive if his servants and healers cooperate with me and have him take the medicine that I’ve prescribed. If he refuses,” Wen Qing grimaces. “Then it won’t be my problem. I’ve already done everything I can as a healer to assist.”

“Which means,” Wei Wuxian cuts in. “We should take MianMian and leave for Lotus Pier.”

“I can hardly leave my patient,” Wen Qing says tartly, sounding disappointed. 

“If anything happens to him, they’ll just blame you,” Jiang Cheng says. “What then? You’re a doctor, but you’re also the lady of Lotus Pier and the sect needs you right now.”

“Honestly,” Wei Wuxian says, his brows furrowing. “I’m not sure if it’s convenient for him to die right now.”

“What?” Jiang Cheng gives his brother an incredulous look.  “What makes you say that?” This, coming from his brother, was certainly shocking. Even MianMian, A-jie and Wen Qing were staring at him.
“I believe he conspired with Xue Yang as well, but for now there is no proof. Perhaps we will have to wait until the day I destroy the amulet to see. If he is dead...well, he’ll just end up dying without being indicted of one more crime.”

“Wei Wuxian, what are you planning?” Jiang Cheng doesn’t like the grim expression on his brother’s face.

“Nothing, really. Never mind.” Wei Wuxian shakes his head. “I shouldn’t talk about it here.” Jiang Cheng casts a wary glance at the door.

“Let’s go talk in our rooms,” Jiang Cheng decides. 

“Shijie, will you be okay?” Wei Wuxian looks hesitant to leave his sister. 

“I’ll keep Jiang disciples with her,” Jiang Cheng reassures him.  “Lady Luo, stay with my sister for now. And please take an escort if you wish to leave the room.”

“Thank you, Sect leader Jiang.”

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng leave the room to go back into their own guest quarters. Once they’re in the room, Wei Wuxian immediately sticks silencing talismans on the doors and windows before turning to Jiang Cheng with an intense look in his eyes.

“What’s so important that we couldn’t say it in front of A-jie?”

“I don’t want her to be in danger. If she overhears it,” Wei Wuxian replies. 

“Say what you have to say then.”

“If he did conspire with Xue Yang and Jin Guangshan is dead, we wouldn't be able to find evidence.”

“You think Xue Yang would confess?” Jiang Cheng frowns.

“Xue Yang rarely works together with other people. Even when he was with Wen Ruohan, he had his own goals. He just reaped for benefits. The Jin sect is rich enough to pay him whatever he needs.”

“He doesn’t seem like someone who’d desire gold or silver,” Jiang Cheng replies, remembering Xue Yang’s words when they had found him at Chang Manor.

“I have no idea why he’d agree to work for Jin Guangshan, but either way Jin Guangshan can’t die yet, not until all of his crimes are exposed.”

“To be honest,” Jiang Cheng says, his lips pulling back in a sneer. “Death is far too easy of a punishment for him.”
“That’s right,” Wei Wuxian agrees. “I’d be disappointed if I couldn’t flaunt destroying the amulet to his face.”

“Seriously?” Jiang Cheng gives him an unamused look. “Anyways, are you coming back to Lotus Pier with me? I left it in a hurry. We’ll be bringing Lady Luo back as well.”

“I need to visit Gusu again.” Wei Wuxian gives Jiang Cheng an apologetic look. “It involves the array I am working on. I may need Zewu-jun and Lan Zhan to play Rest.”

“A safety precaution?”

“Yes. As we know, the amount of resentful energy at the Burial Mounds is overwhelming, so there is a risk of losing control. The array is there to prevent an explosion, but ‘Rest’ is necessary to keep the resentful energy under control. I can’t play to destroy the amulet and keep it under control at the same time.” There’s a strange look in Wei Wuxian's eyes as he says this, as if there was more on his mind than what he’d just said. Jiang Cheng opens his mouth, ready to demand some answers out of him when there’s a knock on the door.

“A-Cheng, Wei Wuxian, it’s me.”

“Qing-jie,” Wei Wuxian hurriedly goes to let her inside. “Did something else happen?”

“No.” Wen Qing blinks evenly at him. “Weren’t we going to leave Carp Tower?”

“Didn’t you want to stay?” Jiang Cheng questions. Wen Qing purses her lips and shakes her head.

“I don’t want to stay where I’m not welcomed...they’re suspicious towards me because I am MianMian’s sworn sister and they think I will try to do something to worsen his condition.” Jiang Cheng immediately assumes that ‘they’ meant Jin Zixun and his group of cronies. 

“Then we will leave,” Jiang Cheng says, standing up. “We left Lotus Pier in a hurry anyways and we must go back.” 

They gather their disciples and start heading towards the gates. Suddenly a call from behind makes them stop. Jiang Cheng turns to see Jin Guangyao, tugging along Mo Xuanyu.

“C-can you take A-Yu with you?” Jin Guangyao asks, bowing as he approaches. 

“Mo Xuanyu? Why?” Wei Wuxian tilts his head in surprise. 

“I..I’m just afraid something might happen to him.” Jin Guangyao swallows and Jiang Cheng narrows his eyes to study his expression. 

“Like what?” Jiang Cheng asks, his voice cool but calm.

“Xue Yang returning...it’ll be dangerous for a young child.”

“If Carp Tower has enough people protecting my sister, why would they not protect Young Master Mo?” Wen Qing cuts in. 

“Ask him about it once you’ve left LanLing,” Jin Guangyao says, his voice sounding ominous. He casts several nervous glances behind him. “This is the only opportunity I had. With my father indisposed. You must hurry.” He ushers the young boy  towards MianMian who takes his hand with a puzzled look on her face. Jin Guangyao hurries away before any one of them could ask him further questions.

The information Mo Xuanyu gave them turns out to be both shocking and useful. Mo Xuanyu had seen Jin Guangshan talking to a mysterious hooded figure. He was not able to identify the man, but the voice description convinces Jiang Cheng that it had been Xue Yang. The young child had witnessed everything and had been too scared to tell anyone after being threatened and abused by Jin Guangshan’s men consistently. It was only been Jin Guangyao that had helped him escape after witnessing his father’s unruly behavior. After this information had been revealed, Jiang Cheng had kept Mo Xuanyu under close protection, ordering the disciples to keep him a certain distance within Lotus Pier to ensure his safety. Mo Xuanyu quickly grows comfortable in Lotus Pier and plays together with A-Yuan happily.

A week later the destruction of the amulet is finally set into motion. Wei Wuxian returns from Gusu and Jiang Cheng has gotten replies back from the other sects, both minor and major. It’s  not the only news he receives though. Wen Qing approaches him one night, her eyes shining as she takes her hand and pulls him into their bedroom. Then she tells him the news and the world seems to spin around him.

“You’re...pregnant?” Jiang Cheng whispers, his eyes drowning into hers. Wen Qing nods once, her lips widening into a smile. Jiang Cheng lifts up a hand to rest it on her belly, where their unborn child (or children) were growing. She places her hands over his and leans in to kiss him. Just for one night, all their worries were forgotten and swept away.

Chapter Text

“A-Qing, can you sit down and let me handle it?”

“I’m only pregnant. I’m not helpless,” Wen Qing replies back, exasperated. “There’s no way you can make me sit around all day.” Jiang Cheng sighs and gives up trying to convince her.

“Well, tomorrow is the big day and you’re staying at Lotus Pier.” He tells her. “Someone needs to look after the children,” he adds as Wen Qing opens her mouth to protest. “I know Wen Ning is fully capable of wielding a bow and arrow, but we know fighting isn’t your specialty.”

“I fight if I have to,” Wen Qing replies. “To protect my home and family. But fighting doesn’t always mean I will wield a weapon in my hands.”

“Good. That’s why we need you to protect Lotus Pier. I’ll leave enough disciples at Lotus Pier just in case but tomorrow….”

“You’re still worried, aren’t you?” Wen Qing asks carefully.

“He always makes me worry. Idiot,” Jiang Cheng murmurs under his breath.

“You should have more confidence in him. Hasn’t he always been a high achiever?”

“Most of the time. If he knows what he’s doing.” But it always comes with a cost...

“Keep an eye on him,” Wen Qing says. “And keep an eye on your surroundings as well.”

“I will. I promise. You’ll look after yourself too? Wen Ning will be here...to make sure you won’t do anything reckless.”

“I’m not that fragile!”

“I’ll look after Jiejie,” Wen Ning says earnestly from where he’s helping A-Yuan pick out lotus seeds from their pods. Mo Xuanyu sits next to him, watching his fingers move with wide curious eyes.

“ A-Ning , I’m the older sister. I should be looking after you .”

“A-Yuan wants to look after Qing-gugu too!”

“No no silly. Ning-shushu will look after you .”

“No!” A-Yuan pouts. “A-Yuan is a big man. Can protect Shushu too!”

“And me!” Mo Xuanyu chimes in, not wanting to be left out. 

“A-Yu is old enough to train. A-Yuan isn’t,” Wen Qing says. “How about I have him be taught how to wield a bow and arrow?”

“I can teach him, jie,” Wen Ning says.

“You go do that,” Jiang Cheng replies. “A-Qing, I have some sect affairs to deal with for the day. Don’t exhaust yourself, alright?” His wife lets out an exasperated sigh but agrees. 

The next day, Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng and his disciples were the first to arrive, giving Wei Wuxian time to clear out the resentful energy in a small area in the Burial Mounds and set up the array without any curious onlookers. Within half a shichen, most people arrived. The Lan sect had arrived next where Lan Wangji had immediately gone over to assist Wei Wuxian.

“Look who actually showed up.” Jiang Cheng looks over to where his brother is gesturing to. It was Jin Guangshan. His usual bright face was pale and discolored and he was barely hiding his grimaces of pain. He’s standing next to several of his disciples. Jiang Cheng grimaces at the sight of Jin Zixun. Jin Zixuan and Jin Guangyao, rather than standing next to their father, stand between the Nie and Lan disciples instead. Zewu-jun is engrossed in a conversation with Jin Guangyao while Nie Mingjun stands next to him, the slight head tilting being the only indication that he is listening in. 

“Did the healers really clear him to come?” Jiang Cheng scoffs.  “Yesterday, Jin Zixuan said his father was in bed all day.”

“He probably chose not to listen to Wen Qing...or the healers didn’t listen to her words either. Not our problem,” Wei Wuxian mutters back. He went back to working on his array. The Jiang disciples form a line, cutting him off from the other sect disciples in case anyone was too curious and wanted to see the array at a close proximity. Jiang Cheng had given them orders to stay on alert and protect Wei Wuxian in case anyone was hostile enough to try and attack.

“Lan Zhan, come here for a second.” Wei Wuxian waves him to come closer and Jiang Cheng watches as the two lean in to talk, their heads close together but not yet touching. 

“Sect leader Jiang,” Nie Huaisang appears at his side and greets him formally. 

“Nie-xiong, you came too? I thought you stayed away from all the danger.”

“I was worried,” Nie Huaisang replies. “You didn’t go full into the details of how he was going to destroy it in your letter to my Da-ge.”

“Well that’s...I can’t exactly do that,” Jiang Cheng says tartly. “I prefer not to share my brother’s inventions so openly.”

“In case someone else tries to use them?”

“That’s...well yes.” Jiang Cheng nods reluctantly. 

Xue Yang is still out there and if he really is colluding with Jin Guangshan…it could be bad. Especially if he has another piece of the Yin iron on him.

“For something like the amulet, it’s best not to go into details,” Jiang Cheng adds.

“You’re right, Jiang-xiong.”

“Hey everyone!” Wei Wuxian’s loud voice interrupts them. “Are you ready for the show?” Jiang Cheng facepalms.

“Can’t he be serious for once?” Jiang Cheng hisses. He walks through the ring of disciples. Other than Wei Wuxian, only Lan Wangji was inside the circle. 

“Explain how you’re going to do it again,” Jiang Cheng tells him. Wei Wuxian casts a look around to make sure nobody else was in earshot before speaking again.

“The amulet is already inside the array. There’s a specific amount of resentful energy I have to use in order to destroy the amulet and not have it be too overwhelmed. Otherwise, the backlash won’t be able to be contained.”

“He’s really going to destroy it? How?” Voices murmur across from the crowd of cultivators.

“Can that array of his really contain the power from the destruction of such a powerful tool? Doesn’t it have too much resentment”

“It’s best not to get too close. We should stay by the edge in case we need to run.”

“Lan Zhan, Jiang Cheng. It’s time.” The three of them nod.

“Step further away,” He tells them. Jiang Cheng hesitates but backs away until he’s at least half a yǐn away. Lan Wangji follows him, but stays slightly closer to Wei Wuxian, his guqin hovering out in front of him. Only the sect leaders stand near them along with Jin Zixun and Nie Huaisang.

(A/N: A yǐn is 35 yards)

When the first note of Chenqing plays, Jiang Cheng winces; already the note was heavy in resentful energy. He hears the people next to him take deep breaths to maintain their qi and spiritual energies. The resentful energy is quick to respond to the music, rising out of the ground within the array’s boundaries and sinking itself into the amulet. Wei Wuxian’s eyes gleam a bright red as the resentful energy grows and the amulet begins to tremble and shake under the strain of  it. Jiang Cheng has been keeping his concentration fixed on Wei Wuxian for so long that he doesn’t notice the panicked cries behind him.

“Why are there corpses!?”

“Is it a trap?! Is Wei Wuxian trying to kill us?”

“Of course it isn’t! There are Jiang disciples here too. He wouldn’t dare!” Jiang Cheng stiffens. His brother’s eyes are fixated upon the amulet, narrowed in concentration. He hadn’t even noticed the corpses himself.

“Someone is...controlling the corpses,” Jiang Cheng mutters.

“Who?” Jiang Cheng had forgotten that Lan Wangji could hear him.

“Let’s find out. We need to fight off the corpses first!” Jiang Cheng reluctantly leads a few disciples back to help the minor sects fight the corpses. Lan Wangji hovers nearby as well, making sure to leave a small enough distance between him and Wei Wuxian in case he needs to run back.

“Nie-xiong, get behind us. Now !” Jiang Cheng grabs the Nie boy by the sleeve and pulls him back so he’s behind him and Lan Wangji. He cuts down another corpse.

“These corpses are...way too weak,” Jiang Cheng realizes. “There’s no way Wei Wuxian created them.”

“Sect leader Jiang, how can you be so sure? Hasn’t Wei Wuxian always been uncaring of his actions?” This voice, of course, belonged to Jin Zixun.

“He’s an idiot but he’s not going to hurt his sect,” Jiang Cheng snaps. “If you aren’t going to help, then get out of the way!” He cuts down another corpse, turns around and is barely able to avoid being tackled by another one. A purple spark shoots out and disintegrates the corpse right in front of his eyes. Jiang Cheng stares at space in front of him for a second before he feels something wrap around his wrist. He stares down and sees Zidian.

“Wha-,” He begins, but then he hears the flapping of wings and black feathers fall down in front of him.

Oh.

For a second, his heart nearly stopped thinking Wen Qing had run all the way to the Burial Mounds. He unfurls Zidian and cuts down several corpses all at once. There were still more coming. Jiang Cheng silently curses loudly under his breath. He had strayed too far away from Wei Wuxian now. He couldn’t even hear the flute anymore. He decides to leave the rest of the corpses to Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen and runs back towards the back of the Burial Mounds. As he gets closer, he immediately realizes something is wrong. There’s an alarming amount of resentful energy, so thick and black that Jiang Cheng can’t even see through it. 

“Wei Ying!” Lan Wangji must have followed him. There’s no response except the shrieking of resentful energy. Jiang Cheng tries to push his way through, but immediately it becomes difficult to breathe and he pulls back.

“Sect leader Jiang! Over here!” Jiang Cheng turns and follows Lan Wangji where he’s leaning against a tree, observing something on the bark.

“Someone drew...something here,” Lan Wangji tells him. Jiang Cheng gets close and immediately recognizes the symbols on the bark as the stygian lure flag. It was barely visible, but it was there and drawn in blood.

“Wei Wuxian wouldn’t have drawn this...wouldn't it only lure more resentful energy to him? It makes no sense! But perhaps this is what drew the corpses here too.” He watches as Lan Wangji draws another symbol over the bark, making the blood disappear. Movement from the far left side of the Burial Mounds, near a small cave opening, catches his eye. Against all odds, he had spotted someone’s robes flickering in the distance despite the resentment clouding most of his vision.

“Lan Wangji, there’s someone over there. We need to investigate.” The rest of the cultivators, other than the Nie and Lan, had fled by now. Even Jin Guangshan and Jin Zixun had taken his disciples and left. The two of them run towards the cave just to see a figure in black robes disappearing behind a rock wall, but not before they catch a glimpse of a familiar sword.

“Xue Yang!” Jiang Cheng hisses. “Get out here and fight us! Coward !”

“Tch tch,” Xue Yang’s cold voice replies. “Shouldn’t you worry about someone else first before me?” As if on cue, a loud cry of pain makes both of them spin their heads around.

“You-!” Jiang Cheng seethes all while his heart pounds out of his chest as the familiarity of that cry. Lan Wangji takes a step closer to Xue Yang’s hiding spot

“The resentful energy isn’t listening to him anymore.” Xue Yang’s hand flicks out. Jiang Cheng’s eyes widen when he sees the shape of a flute in his hands.

“Those corpses-”

“That was me!” Xue Yang says in a sing-song voice. The scream comes again.

“Jiang Wanyin, we need to-,”

“I know!” Jiang Cheng snaps back. He snaps out Zidian, ready to pull Xue Yang out from his hiding spot but he flinches back, hand covering his eyes as something bright gets thrown towards them, briefly blinding them. By the time they’d both recovered, Xue Yang had gone from the cave. Not wanting to waste any more time, they run back towards the wall of resentment outside. It had grown even larger.

“We need to get through. Wei Ying is still in there. The resentment is...hurting him.” The fear was audible in Lan Wangji’s voice, echoing Jiang Cheng’s own. Lan Wangji starts playing on his guqin and Jiang Cheng begins to use Zidian to try and clear a path through. The resentful energy only recedes a little, but it’s enough to keep it from choking them.

“Jiang Cheng!” A voice calls out, making them freeze in their steps. “Lan Zhan. Don’t come over!” Jiang Cheng can just barely make out the form of his brother. The resentment was just barely being kept at bay by the array. As Jiang Cheng watches, the glowing light in the array seemed to be weakening. The amulet, on the other hand, seemed to be absorbing a dangerous amount of it. Jiang Cheng feels his blood run cold. What they had feared the most had already happened! Wei Wuxian lifts the flute to his lips again.

“Wei Ying!”

“Wei Wuxian! What are you-,”

“There’s...there’s too much resentment..I can’t…” His voice changes into gasps of pain which makes the two push forward even more, but then the music starts again,faster and sharper than ever, so sharp that it makes them stagger back a few steps. The resentful energy, as if sensing their weakness pushes against them harder than ever, as if it were determined to keep them away from Wei Wuxian just as they were determined to get to him.

He is ours. You will not have him.

The resentful energy seems to hiss in their ears, snarling at them with a hostility so strong, it makes Jiang Cheng shudder.

“ No .” Lan Wangji’s voice comes out hard. “Wei Ying does not belong to anyone.”

Laughable...you are the one who desires him the most. You weaken him and tie him down. And us? We make him strong.

Something seems to snap inside Jiang Cheng at this.

“A-Xian is strong because we are by his side. Do not pretend to know him!” The resentment hisses and pushes against them again but the two of them push back with double the force. Zidian flares up in response to its owner’s emotions, its desire to protect the man in front of them, lost in the swirls of resentment. The purple lightning crackles and dissipates a large amount of resentful energy. The flute is still going, faster and more frantic. Jiang Cheng pushes his way through, almost reaching Wei Wuxian’s side.

“Don’t!” Jiang Cheng jerks his hand back at the ferocity in Wei Wuxian’s voice. “Get out of here now!”
“We’re not leaving without you!” Jiang Cheng yells back.

 There it was again, his brother’s stupid self-sacrificing nature.

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji pleads.

“Please!” Wei Wuxian’s voice is hoarse now. “I need to finish the job..before it’s too late.”
“Wei-,” Jiang Cheng doesn’t even get to finish his sentence as something wraps around his ankle and yanks him back. Zidian flares up one second too late. He’d already been thrown outside the range of the wall of resentment. Lan Wangji lands next to him with a loud grunt. 

Before Jiang Cheng can even get to his feet, the deafening noise of a loud boom rings out, so strong that Jiang Cheng braces himself by grounding himself with Sandu. The wave of energy that follows afterwards knocks them back even more. Jiang Cheng hears the loud grunt of Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue behind him. By the time Jiang Cheng gets back on his feet, there’s an ominous silence in the Burial Mounds. Jiang Cheng runs.

Chapter Text

The only sound he hears is the roaring in his ears and the pounding of his heart, threatening to burst out from his chest. He also hears the fast thumps of footsteps behind him.

“Wangji!”

“Xichen, wait!”

“Wei Ying!” 

Their voices echo throughout the trees. The thickness of resentful energy seemed to have dissipated and settled down around them, no longer curling around their bodies to attack them.

“A-Xian! Wei Wuxian!” Jiang Cheng’s voice joins them. He tries to remember where the array was, but the blast had scattered so many rocks and branches around that he can barely tell which direction to go in. He spots movement and runs towards it. He sees two figures: one in a hood crouching over another one on the ground. Zidian immediately comes to life.

“Xue Yang! Don’t you dare touch him!” Jiang Cheng swings his arm forward but Xue Yang has already jumped away. A flash of white next to him informs him that Lan Wangji had given chase after the man, not willing to let him get away again.

“Da-ge, that was Xue Yang!” Comes Xichen’s voice.

“What?! Go after him! At once!” Nie Mingjue roars. 

A few Nie disciples and Lan disciples respond to him and soon a whole group of disciples has taken off after Lan Wangji. Only the Jiang disciples stay.

“Wei Wuxian!” Jiang Cheng runs to his brother, whose eyes are closed and his arms are limp at his side, Chenqing lying next to his fingers. Jiang Cheng checks him over for injuries but finds none. He presses a finger to Wei Wuxian’s neck and lets out a loud exhale of relief when he feels the pulse. It was weak against his skin, but still rather steady. He checks his brother’s meridians less. Whatever spiritual energy he had left circulating in his body was barely tangible now. He had almost completely depleted his energy levels!

“Is Da-shixiong alright?” A shaky voice asks.

“He’ll be fine.” Jiang Cheng passes his brother a small stream of energy. “We need to get him to Wen Qing. And we need to hurry.” Jiang Cheng picks Wei Wuxian up, supporting his head with his shoulders and prepares to fly on Sandu when a soft murmur makes him stop.

“Jiang Cheng…”

“Wei Wuxian??”

“The amulet...I only destroyed one half…” Jiang Cheng stiffens. “What?”

“I broke it in half...to reduce its power..” Wei Wuxian mumbles, his voice barely audible. “Someone took…” He doesn’t finish his sentence before he falls unconscious again, his head lolling limp against Jiang Cheng’s arm. That’s when Jiang Cheng glances at the ground and notices one half of the seal. He bends down, still keeping a hold on Wei Wuxian and slips the seal into his pocket. Then he  jumps onto Sandu and pushes towards Lotus Pier with what little spiritual energy he had left. He lands right in the center of the courtyard and ignores the disciples’ questions and cries as he stumbles into Wen Qing’s infirmary.

“What happened?” She hurries over in an instant as Jiang Cheng places him onto the bed.

“He’s alive..just exhausted….I don’t know. You’ll have to check him over. I didn’t find any injuries on him.” Jiang Cheng speaks hurriedly. Wen Qing assesses Wei Wuxian, removing his outer robes to reveal his red one. She checks over him just as Jiang Cheng did.

“There aren’t any external injuries,” She tells him. “But destroying the amulet weakened him severely. I expected that to happen already, but you seemed frantic when you brought him. Did something go wrong?”

“Xue Yang showed up,” Jiang Cheng says, his hands tightening into a ball. “He..he must have laid a trap there. Nobody realized it. Wei Wuxian got overwhelmed by resentful energy. The amulet...it nearly absorbed a dangerous amount of resentful energy”

“It could have ended up far worse if the amulet had absorbed a large enough amount of energy,” Wen Qing says grimly as she checks Wei Wuxian’s pulse, meridian and qi levels. “But it seems like the exercises I told him to do helped to prevent too much damage to his meridians, especially when there was just enough spiritual energy to combat the resentful energy.

“He broke it in half…,” Jiang Cheng says. “but he told me that someone took the other half. It must have been Xue Yang.”

“Where is he? Did you manage to catch him?”

“Lan Wangji and the other sect leaders went after him...Jin Guangshan fled at the beginning when corpses started appearing.”

“Of course he did.” Wen Qing scoffs and shakes her head as she starts preparing her needles.

“Rest for a bit. Then help pass him some spiritual energy,” She says briskly.

“I can just do it now,” Jiang Cheng insists. Wen Qing shakes her head.

“Your core is already half depleted. The resentful energy in the Burial Mounds had a negative effect on it. I’m telling you to rest. As my patient, it’s an order. As your wife and mother to your future children, it’s a request.”

“Fine.” Jiang Cheng complies. He sits down at a nearby bed, folds his legs in a lotus position and meditates with deep breath, maintaining the flow of his qi. However his meditation doesn’t last long when Lan Wangji nearly bursts into the infirmary. Jiang Cheng snaps his eyes back open.

“Wei Ying!”

“Second Master Lan,” Wen Qing says sharply. “Wei Wuxian needs his rest.”

“But he…”  Lan Wangji’s eyes go wide as he stares at Wei Wuxian, still lying unconscious on the bed.

“He isn’t hurt..not really,” Wen Qing tells him. “He’s just exhausted.”

“Were you able to catch Xue Yang?” Jiang Cheng demands.

“Yes. We locked him back up in Qishan,” Lan Wangji tells him.

“Xian-gege?” A-Yuan pokes his head out from behind Lan Wangji’s legs.

“A-Yuan, you can’t be here,” Wen Qing says sternly.

“A-Yuan, come on.” Mo Xuanyu appears and gently tugs at A-Yuan’s hand.

“But Xian-gege..he is hurt!” His voice comes out in a soft whimper. Lan Wangji bends down and picks up A-Yuan into his arms.

“Your Xian-gege will be fine,” Lan Wangji tells him in a gentle voice. To Jiang Cheng’s relief, Lan Wangji takes the children and leaves, closing the infirmary door behind them. Jiang Cheng returns back to mediation for another half a shichen.

“At least this idiot was quick to think on his feet,” Jiang Cheng mutters. He’s only just sent a letter to LanLing to inform his sister of what happened. Jin Zixuan hadn’t been present at the Burial Mounds since he was reluctant to leave his wife’s side. He helps transfer spiritual energy to Wei Wuxian as Wen Qing had instructed. After a while when Jiang Cheng checks his pulse again, it feels much steadier than before. Jiang Cheng leaves Wei Wuxian in Wen Qing’s care and goes to find Lan Wangji.

“Did you find anything on Xue Yang?”He asks.

Lan Wangji replies by taking out several different objects from his Qiankun pouch. There was the stolen half of the amulet in one hand along with a bamboo flute. There was also a name tag; the insignia on it shows that it belonged to a guest disciple. The object that catches Jiang Cheng’s eye the most is the Jin entrance token. 

“That’s-!” Jiang Cheng shouldn’t be surprised, he really shouldn't. But seeing the proof of what he and his brother had been suspecting for so long right in front of him was almost like a slap in the face.

“Then we have sufficient proof now?” Jiang Cheng hadn’t even realized Luo Qingyang was with them.

“Mn,” Lan Wangji says. “Mo Xuanyu’s words alone could not have been enough, even with Jin Guangyao’s testimony. This, this is solid proof. Moreover Xue Yang confessed everything that he had been under Jin Guangshan’s orders.”

“Maybe I should have stabbed him harder,” Luo Qingyang mutters under her breath. Jiang Cheng suppresses a snort of agreement. Lan Wangji’s eyebrows twitch but his face remains stony as ever.

“What happened to Jin Guangshan?”

“In the dungeons,” Lan Wangji answers. “My brother and uncle are going to confront him. Nie Mingjue is staying at Unclean Realm. He is personally guarding Xue Yang along with Nie Zonghui to prevent another escape.”

“I..I had a friend who sent me a letter,” Luo Qingyang shares. “She was one of the few who didn’t flee the Burial Mounds...not until the resentful energy got too overwhelming. She also saw Xue Yang.”

“She can be an alibi then. Is she still in Carp Tower?” Jiang Cheng asks.

“No..I told her to go to Unclean Realm. Just in case.”

“Good.” Wen Qing nods in approval. “Any other news?”

“Madam Jin,” Lan Wangji says quietly. “Is prepared to strip Jin Guangshan of his title once the truth behind his collusion with Xue Yang has been exposed.”

“Stripped of-,” Jiang Cheng begins, then breaks off, too shocked to continue.

“Jin Zixuan will be the sect leader then.” Luo Qingyang’s face lights up with relief and satisfaction. “Madam Jin indeed has the power to do what she plans to do. As the sect lady, if the sect leader is caught doing something unorthodox and immoral, then she has the power to take over and make decisions for the sect.”

“I expect to be called to Carp Tower soon then,” Jiang Cheng says. “ but...I don’t think I should leave Lotus Pier.”

“No you should not.” Wen Qing’s firm voice answers him. 

“How is Wei Ying?” Lan Wangji asks the question first.

“Doing better than when he arrived. He’s not in any danger. He’s simply unconscious for an unknown period of time. But,” She adds when three pairs of worried eyes stare into her.

“If we have him take a spiritual energy pill, then maybe he can wake earlier.”

“He can take it when he’s unconscious?” Jiang Cheng questions

“Yes.”

“If he takes Baoshan Sanren’s pill, will it not overwhelm him?” Lan Wangji asks.

“He already has a small essence of a core...the energy from the pill will boost it,” Wen Qing explains. “ Remember the pills can only speed up the process of forming a core; it can’t replace it. Though right now...in his current state, it is better to take the pill with Jiang Cheng’s core essence.”

“Then let’s do that tomorrow,” Jiang Cheng says with finality. “Today, we will let his body recover.”

Lan Wangji stays in Lotus Pier, sitting vigil by Wei Wuxian’s bedside. Later that afternoon, Huaisang comes to visit, a frantic and worried look on his face.

“Wei-xiong, he..he…-,” The boy stutters when he arrives at Lotus Pier.

“Calm down...he’s alright. Really,” Jiang Cheng tells him. Even with Wen Qing’s reassurance, there’s still a mixture of worry, anger and frustration inside of him when he had seen his brother’s pale and unconscious form on his bed.

He told me everything would be fine...we just didn’t expect...a trap to be laid for us. We should have been prepared!

“Do you think he knew there was a trap?” Huaisang’s question makes Jiang Cheng’s head snap back towards him.

“If he knew...why would he….why would he not tell me?” Jiang Cheng stammers.

“To lure out Xue Yang,” Huaisang replies. Jiang Cheng frowns deeply.

“What? Why would he…” He trails off and when he speaks again there’s anger in nhis voice.

“That idiot !” Jiang Cheng hisses so loudly that Huaisang jumps. His brother had been acting so weird when Jiang Cheng had asked him about his plans. Now that Jiang Cheng thinks more about it, there had definitely been something guarded in his eyes, a look that he had mistaken as concentration and thoughtfulness. But it had disappeared so quickly that Jiang Cheng hadn’t considered pushing him for answers.

“Who?” Huaisang asks nervously. 

“My self-sacrificing idiot of a brother. That’s who.” Jiang Cheng growls, flexing his hands in and out so that Zidian sparks.  He’s half-ready to barge into the infirmary himself when someone places a hand on his shoulders. He forces himself to calm down and turns around, his eyes locking with his wife’s.

“When he awakes,” Wen Qing says, a fire in her eyes. “We can both beat him up for being impulsive.”

“Jiang-xiong! Madame Wen! Be reasonable,” Huaisang tries to protest but the glare that Wen Qing gives him makes him fall silent immediately.

“We are being reasonable,” Jiang Cheng says hotly. “That idiot promised me he’d be careful. Instead he risked his life just to lure out Xue Yang!”

“He didn’t ask for Xue Yang to show up,” Huaisang points out quietly. “He simply didn’t say anything when he knew someone had set up spirit lures.”

“Ask for Wei Ying’s side of the story. Before accusing.” A cold voice says.

“Ask him yourself when he awakes,” Jiang Cheng snaps back, still irritated. He turns just as a disciple runs up to him. 

“Sect leader, Young Madame Jin has arrived with Jin Zixuan,” A disciple reports. Luo Qingyang slips away immediately and Jiang Cheng follows her to greet his sister and husband.

“A-jie, don’t worry too much. Wen Qing says he’ll be fine,” He says when he sees the distressed look on his sister’s face. 

“Take care of yourself first, A-Li,” Jin Zixuan added, his hands lying gently on her stomach. “It was a long journey. We should rest first.”

“I’ll see A-Xian and A-Qing first,” She insists. Jiang Cheng doesn’t protest against this and has Luo Qingyang guide her to the infirmary.

“Sect leader Jiang,” Jin Zixuan begins awkwardly. “My father was really colluding with Xue Yang?”

“Lady Luo told you?”

“Yes. She sent me a butterfly message.”

“We have proof. Chifeng-zun found a Jin sect token on Xue Yang and a name tag. Apparently he had secretly been recruited as a guest disciple.”

“I always knew my father wanted power but this,” Jin Zixuan grimaces. “He’s gone too far.”

“He went too far when he imprisoned innocent Wens in labor camps,” Jiang Cheng says through gritted teeth. 

“My mother is watching over Carp Tower as acting sect leader for now. A-Yao is helping to root out any other disciples who may have been helping Jin Guangshan and Xue Yang.”

“Wasn’t he the one who released Xue Yang in the first place?” Jiang Cheng frowns.

“Mother suspected him at first,” Jin Zixuan explains. “But I defended him.”

“Why?”

“He helped A-Yu escape,” Jin Zixuan answers. “If he had been trying to work with Xue Yang too, he wouldn’t have done that. After all, A-Yu saw what happened. I trust him. He’s been working hard to redeem himself ever since the incident about the camps was found out.”

“You kept spies nearby, didn’t you?” Jiang Cheng looks Jin Zixuan in the eye. He doesn’t reply, but the way his eyes flicker away from eye contact tells Jiang Cheng enough.

“There’s something else I need to tell you about...I didn’t want to worry you with anything else, but it’s rather urgent.”

“Go on then.” Jin Zixuan’s tone is making Jiang Cheng tense.

“My cousin got cursed by the Hundred-Holes Curse. He thinks Wei Wuxian did it. He’s trying to convince his disciples to help him seek revenge. Additionally, he tried to blame the attack of corpses and resentful energy on Wei Wuxian, saying that he led everyone into a trap.”

“Oh of course he would,” Jiang Cheng sneers. “They’re trying to turn things in their favor.”

“Mother was going to put him in the dungeons along with Jin Guangshan, but both of them escaped along with few dozen disciples. They could very well be headed this well. I came here to warn you as well as find a way to stop him.”

“You brought your disciples?”

“Yes but it may not be enough.”

“I have disciples as well!” Huaisang pipes up. Jiang Cheng had nearly forgotten he was there.

“Jiang Cheng!” At the sound of his wife’s voice, Jiang Cheng turns around.

“We need you here. We’re about to start,” Wen Qing says urgently. 

“Start? Start what?” Huaisang and Jin Zixuan both ask. Jiang Cheng doesn’t answer their question.

“Stay here,” Jiang Cheng addresses them and the disciples that are in the courtyard.  “Send someone in if Jin Zixun arrives. Do not let them through the main gates.”

“Yes, sect leader!”

Jiang Cheng walks quickly towards the infirmary and closes the door behind them. Lan Wangji and Jiang Yanli are in the room as well.

“What do you need me to do?”

“Lan Wangji and A-Li will pass Jiang Cheng energy while Jiang Cheng passes it to Wei Wuxian,” Wen Qing instructs. “Keep the flow of energy small and steady.”

“Alright.” Jiang Cheng nods. “Is it really alright for him to be unconscious?”

“It’s better for him to be unconscious,” Wen Qing replies. “Let’s begin.” 

Lan Wangji and Yanli help hoist Wei Wuxian into a sitting position. The pill lays sitting on Wen Qing’s palm while she holds a cup of water in another. She places the pill into the water. To Jiang Cheng’s surprise, the pill breaks apart, making the water glow a soft gold color.

Oh.

Wen Qing tilts Wei Wuxian's head back and places the cup to his lips. He drinks, his throat bobbing up and down as he does so. When the cup empties, Jiang Cheng takes Wei Wuxian’s wrist and passes him energy as instructed. He feels his sister’s energy flowing into him from where she sits beside and Lan Wangji’s hand is on his other shoulders, a more unfamiliar touch.

They pass him energy until Wen Qing instructs him to stop. Though Wei Wuxian remains sleeping, some of the color is already returning to his face, the energy pill taking effect almost immediately. His breathing evens out and his face smooths out. At that moment, a disciple rushes in, announcing Jin Zixun’s arrival.

Chapter Text

“May we help you, Young Master Jin?” It is Wen Qing who greets Jin Zixun at the gates with Jiang Cheng close behind her. The disciples, having sensed the tension in their leader, had followed close behind them, their eyes trained on Jin Zixun and the disciples behind them. Yanli had stayed with Wei Wuxian while Jin Zixuan had come with them. Above the two groups of opposing sect disciples, Khan circles restlessly.  Jiang Cheng had left enough disciples behind near Wei Wuxian’s room, but as he scans the situation, he realizes it had been unnecessary. Jin Zixun had barely any disciples with him compared to the amount at Lotus Pier right now. 

“Where is Wei Wuxian?” Jin Zixun says rudely, without even greeting anyone.

“Resting,” Wen Qing replies, her voice icily calm. Jin Zixun sneers.

“Resting from what exactly?”

“Destroying the amulet wasn’t an easy feat,” Jiang Cheng cuts in. “He’s recovering.”

“He had enough energy to do that and cast a curse on me! I want him to remove it!” Jin Zixun’s hostility has increased and the Jiang disciples immediately respond to it by placing their hands over their swords. The Jin disciples did the same. Zidian starts crackling on Jiang Cheng’s wrist and he makes no move to retract its energy. Khan lets out a sharp screech and dives down close to Jin Zixun’s face, just barely missing his eyes. Jiang Cheng whistles sharply to call him back but not before the bird deals three red scratches across Jin Zixun’s face.

“What is that creature? Another one of Wei Wuxian’s inventions? He clearly attacked first then!”

“It’s a bird,” Wen Qing answers calmly. “You insulted its owner. He reacted. That’s all there is to it.”

“Jixun! Don’t speak nonsense!” Jin Zixuan says sharply. “You come here accusing our allies? Do you have no shame?”

“I’m only accusing Wei Wuxian, not the entirety of the Jiang sect!”

“Wei Wuxian didn’t curse anyone,” Jiang Cheng snaps back. “There was no time. Especially not when the resentful energy went on a rampage.”

“And how do you know he didn’t do it on purpose?” Another Jin disciple calls out. Jiang Cheng shoots him a fiery glare.

Be very careful with your next words. Are you accusing my sect?”

“We’re accusing one person.” The Jin disciple dares to answer back, echoing what Jin Zixun had said moments earlier. 

“Which happens to be my brother and head disciple.” Jiang Cheng narrows his eyes. “Do you think I or my sect will tolerate an insult to any of our own?” Jin Zixun’s gaze seems to waver, but he still holds his head up arrogantly.

“Are you unaware that Xue Yang was found lurking in the Burial Mounds?” Jiang Cheng went on. “And that he was recently recaptured by Chifeng-zun and Zewu-jun?”

“Xue Yang? That delinquent that killed the entire Chang sect?”

“Yes. Him. He set up a trap for us in the Burial Mounds by drawing Stygian lure arrays. I’m guessing you left Carp Tower too quickly to hear the report about him. He was found with the Jin entrance token.” Jiang Cheng scoffs before continuing. “Do you remember that time when Xue Yang was found in Carp Tower? We all thought it was quite strange.”

“You’re accusing us?” Jin Zixun snaps. “Of allying with that scum, Xue Yang? How dare you!”

“There is clear evidence,” Wen Qing replies. “Do you have any evidence that Wei Wuxian cast a curse on you other than on the basis that he knows how to harness resentful energy and your grudge against him?”

Jin Zixun seethes and is ready to snap something back when his lips are sealed shut. Jiang Cheng turns to see Lan Wangji stepping through the crowd of disciples, staring coldly at Jin Zixun. 

“I think it’s best that you leave,” Jiang Cheng says, turning back to Jin Zixun. “Before you send the wrong message to my sect and the other sects about your intentions here.” 

“Leave,” Jin Zixuan adds, though he’s moreso addressing the disciples behind Jin Zixun than anyone else. “Now. Or you will all be punished for insubordination.” Jin Zixun’s eyebrows furrow in anger. He spits out a mouthful of blood upon forcibly breaking the Silencing Spell on him.

“Cousin!” Jin Zixun wants to protest, but the other disciples are already stepping back and sheathing their swords. Jin Zixun glares at them, but they don’t make eye contact with him.  Jin Zixuan is still heir and with Jin Guangshan’s position in jeopardy and Madame Jin acting as temporary regent, the likelihood that someone new will be in charge was inevitable. 

“Do not jeopardize our sect’s alliance with the Jiangs!” Jin Zixuan says sternly. “A-Li is my wife and Sect leader Jiang and Wei Wuxian are my brother in-laws.”

“Wei Wuxian?” Jin Zixun sneers. “You claim the son of a servant to be your family?”

“He’s A-Li’s brother in all but blood. She’s always seen him as a brother and I care about what she thinks.”

“What about me?” Jin Zixun exclaims. “Don’t I deserve justice too? Look at this curse on me!” He pulls open the front of his robes to reveal the scabs on his chest.

If it really were Wei Wuxian, this wouldn’t even be as close to a punishment that he deserves. Especially after his crimes at the labor camps. Jiang Cheng thinks.

“Wei Wuxian had no curse marks on him. A curse like that will always have a backlash, no matter how powerful a cultivator is,” Wen Qing says calmly, her eyes observing the curse mark. “ I won’t allow anyone to disturb my patient on baseless accusations.

“Escort them out.” Jin Zixun turns to the disciples who had come with him and Yanli to Lotus Pier. “Let Mother know to prepare the dungeons.”

“Cousin!” Jin Zixun shrieks. “What did I do wrong to deserve such a punishment?”

“You’ll join Father,” Jin Zixuan answers calmly. “ You were lucky I didn’t send you away after what you did to those Wen civilians. I wanted to give you a chance because you were family. It turns out, you’re not going to change.” He jerks his head at the Jin disciples. “Take him away. Now.” 

Jiang Cheng watches with satisfaction as the disciples take Jin Zixun away, his shrieks of outrage fading into the distance.

“Now that that is over, I will go check back on Wuxian,” Wen Qing says.

“Activate the barrier that Wei Wuxian made for us,” Jiang Cheng orders one of the disciples. “It works with both resentful and spiritual energy.”

“Da-shixiong made a barrier? When?”

“Last week,” Jiang Cheng explains. “He sealed part of the power of the Stygian Tiger Amulet inside the barrier array. The amulet is destroyed, yes but the array retains its power.” Jiang Cheng sighs. “He made other inventions...ones he didn’t tell me about. Not yet at least. Wen Qing found them in his room. Either way, go activate it. I don’t want any more unwanted visitors.”

Jiang Cheng returns to Wei Wuxian’s room. A-jie is there, sitting on the edge of the bed, her hand holding one of Wei Wuxian’s. Wen Qing holds his other hand as she checks his meridians and pulse. Lan Wangji stands close to her.

“A-Qing, how is he?”

“His body is responding well to the core. We were right to give him the energy pill from your core first.” 

“How long before he wakes up?” A-jie asks, her voice still worried.

“A day at most,” Wen Qing replies. She then turns to Lan Wangji. “I’ll need you to continue to play Cleansing for him. The backlash caused some of the resentful energy to enter his meridians again.  It’s not a lot, but the core fragment isn’t enough to get rid of it.

“Right away.” Lan Wangji sits down at one of the tables and takes out his guqin, beginning to play the song. It was already nightfall now. Jiang Cheng has to coax both his wife and sister to eat and rest, considering how they were both pregnant. Luo Qingyang keeps the children entertained.

“Where’s Xian-gege?” A-Yuan whines. “Want to play!”

“He can’t play right now,” Yanli  tells him in a soft voice. “Why don’t you go play with A-yu? Catch some frogs by the lake?”

“But Xian-gege,” A-Yuan pouts. “Why can’t he play?” None of the adults know how to explain this to a child.

“He’s still resting and tired right now,” Yanli explains. “Once he’s done, he can play with you.”

“Okay,” A-Yuan sighs and Mo Xuanyu comes to take his hand. Luo Qingyang ushers them away.

“I should go back,” Huiasang says. “Da-ge won’t want me away for too long.”

“Stay safe,” Jiang Cheng tells him while escorting him out. “We’ll see you again soon.” Huaisang nods once and leaves.

“I’m guessing there’ll be a summon to LanLing soon,” Jiang Cheng asks Jin Zixuan.  “Or Qinghe, I presume?”

“It’s too risky for an escort to LanLing so the meeting will be in Qinghe. If it’s okay, A-Li and I will stay in Lotus Pier until I am called to Qinghe too.”

“Of course,” Jiang Cheng agrees. “Will there be plans for you to be sect leader once everything is over?”

“That will most likely be the case.” Jin Zixuan nods. “Mother is only acting as temporary regent. Right now, she is digging out every last one of Jin Guangshan’s most trusted supporters and having them interrogated. It’s most likely that they are all to be exiled considering their leniency to the war crimes both my Father and cousin committed.”

“What about your Father? Exile as well?”

“Yes, as well as the stripping of his title.”

If he doesn’t die in the dungeons first. Jiang Cheng thinks to himself.
“Your mother will still be around to help you.”

“And help take care of Jin Ling once he’s born,” Jin Zixuan agrees. “I’m not sure if it’s too soon for A-Li to take on the role of sect lady.”

“Nonsense,” Jiang Cheng says briskly. “My sister helped me to rebuild Lotus Pier. Sect affairs aren’t her strength but she is capable of handling them.”

“Of course,” Jin Zixuan says hurriedly. “I don’t doubt her abilities. I know she’s more capable than what people say about her. I will have MianMian to help as well.”

“She’d be a good advisor to you.” Jiang Cheng nods.

“I have plans to make her my head disciple,” Jin Zixuan continues. “The elders will protest but I won’t let that stop me. After everything that happened, I trust her more than the elders and the sect officers. She’s always been a good friend to me.”

“I trust you will be better than your Father. I wouldn’t have let my sister marry you otherwise,”

“Of course. I promised to take care of her for the rest of my life, didn’t I? That’s what you do. When you fall in love.”

“Right,” Jiang Cheng says wistfully.

“That being said, I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you yet. Are you excited to soon have a nephew and your own children, whether it is a daughter or a son?”

“Nervous,” Jiang Cheng admits. 

“About being a Father?” Jin Zixuan chuckles. “I am as well. Considering how my own Father was, I’m not sure if I know anything about parenting.”

“I guess we have to rely on the mothers.” Jiang Cheng shrugs. Neither of his parents had been particularly capable of giving any of them a healthy environment growing up and Jin Zixuan probably had it just as worse.

~

Wei Wuxian wakes up the next morning like Wen Qing predicted. After she assesses him, she reassures everyone that he is in stable condition but still required to move as little as possible.

“How do you feel?” A-jie is quick to fuss over him. Jiang Cheng waits on the other side of the room with his back leaning against a wall, watching.

“My head is still killing me,” Wei Wuxian says a little too cheerfully. “But other than that...I feel great. I haven’t felt this good in a long time.”

“That’s because those spiritual pills worked a miracle,” Wen Qing replies. “You can feel it, right?”

“Just a bit,” Wei Wuxian says quietly, his eyes filling with emotion. “If I concentrate hard enough.”

“We used Jiang Cheng’s core essence first. Your body responded well to it,” Wen Qing tells him. 

“Did it matter which spiritual pill I had to take first?” Wei Wuxian asks.

“The original plan was for you to take the one your mother left,” Wen Qing explains. “But your body wasn’t in the right condition to take one so strong, especially when your meridians were affected by the destruction of the amulet.”

“No wonder I hurt all over,” Wei Wuxian grumbles, leaning back into the pillows Yanli had propped up for him. “That reminds me. What happened to Xue Yang?”

Jiang Cheng shoots him a sharp look and pushes himself off the wall to walk over to the bed.

“Wei Ying, you saw him?” Lan Wangji beats him to the question.

“Uh,” Wei Wuxian ducks his head immediately. “Sort of?”

“Give me a straight answer before I pound it out of you,” Jiang Cheng says sharply. Wei Wuxian sticks his lips out in protest.

“Jiaang Cheeng,” He begins.

“No.” Jiang Cheng cuts him off and crosses his arms over his chest. Wei Wuxian sighs.

“I didn’t know. I only suspected, alright? I knew someone drew Stygian lure arrays. They’re my own inventions, how could I not sense its power? I’m guessing Xue Yang got the information from Jin Guangshan on how to draw it out. Either that or everyone in the cultivation world already heard about it after the Sunshot Campaign. Anyways,” Wei Wuxian continues. “I didn’t know Xue Yang would show up, but I had a feeling that in the Burial Mounds, he would find a good time to strike. And Jin Guangshan would find the opportunity to blame it on me, especially with so many witnesses.”

“We could have set a trap for Xue Yang if you told me your suspicions,” Jiang Cheng retorts. “ He commanded the spirits and corpses to attack us in the Burial Mounds. You barely defended yourself while trying to destroy the seal at the same time. Xue Yang nearly got away with the other half!”

“What?” Wei Wuxian sits up so quickly that he winces. “Did you catch him?”

“Yes,” Lan Wangji replies. “I cut his teleportation talisman in half before he could use it. We have him in custody at Unclean Realm with extra security.”

“He has a yin iron piece, right?”

“Mn.”

“It needs to be destroyed, but I need to play the song with Chenqing.”

“You wrote a song that’d destroy it?” Jiang Cheng asks.

“Lan Zhan and I wrote it together,” Wei Wuxian replies. “With help from Zewu-jun. We prepared ourselves ahead of time.”

“When can he travel to Qishan?” Jiang Cheng asks his wife.

“Not anytime soon,” She replies. “Since he’s awake now, we can leave him to continue his meditation exercises. Hanguang-jun can stay with him.”

“Qing-jie,” Wei Wuxian wants to complain but he falls silent when both Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing give him a look.

“If you want to keep that core spinning, you need to work hard,” Wen Qing says sternly.

“She’s right, A-Xian,” A-jie adds. “I’ll bring you soup in a bit. You must be hungry.” Everyone leaves the room to allow Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji privacy. The next day, Jiang Cheng receives an urgent butterfly message from Madame Jin, reporting that Jin Guangshan had died of his wounds in the dungeons.

Chapter Text

Apparently, the Jin sect leader’s death had been due to neglect of taking the medicine Wen Qing had provided and the conditions of the Burial Mounds. Jin Zixuan and A-jie had left a day after the news went out to attend the first day of the funeral rites. Once Wen Qing clears Wei Wuxian to travel, Jiang Cheng, his brother and Lan Wangji head off to LanLing.

When Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian arrive with his fiance in tow, the Jins are still in mourning though there’s a strange solemn atmosphere rather than a grief-filled one that they’d expect at most funeral rites. Only Qing Cangye seemed to be grieving his old friend the most. His wife and daughter are there, but their expressions are blank and cold. It was only then that Jiang Cheng remembers the truth about how Qin Su had been conceived. Zewu-jun and Chifeng-zun pay their respects along with Jin Guangyao though in hindsight, they didn’t have much respect to give after what Jin Guangshan had done.

The following few days after the funeral, another conference meeting is called for, summoning all minor and major sects.

 “My son will take over the position as Sect leader,” Madame Jin announces. “The Jin sect needs a stronger leader now more than ever to renew our reputation and standing in the cultivation world.” Jin Zixuan stands and bows.

“Thank you, Mother. I will take good care of the sect and I will be sure to restore it to its former glory. I hope to renew the sect’s relationship to the other sects in the cultivation world.”

“You’ve always had my support,” Lan Xichen speaks up. “I am confident you will be an excellent sect leader.”

 “The first action I will make as sect leader is to make Luo Qingyang my head disciple.” Murmurs and loud surprised gasps fill the room. Luo Qingyang looks equally surprised, her eyes wide, but she regains her composure and stands from her seat.

“Thank you, Sect leader Jin. I am honored to take this position and I will serve to assist you and the sect.” She turns to sit back down, but A-jie and Wen Qing quickly beckon her to sit at their table and she does so.

“Sect leader Jin, is this appropriate?” Sect leader Yao asks loudly. “Surely you want to choose someone with more experience?”

“MianMian is perfectly capable of being my head disciple. She is headstrong, honest, and brave,” Jin Zixuan answers calmly. “And sworn sister to my wife. She will be a valuable assistant and trusted disciple to both of us.”

“You really want a woman to be a head disciple?” One of the higher-ranking Jin officials scoffs.

“What’s wrong with women?” Madame Jin’s eyes flare up at the response. “The Meishan Yu sect has had female sect leaders for generations! Have you forgotten that both I and my sworn sister Yu Ziyuan also came from that sect?”

“N-no.” The Jin official shrinks back under Madame Jin’s wrath.

“I don’t see any issue,” A female Jin disciple speaks up. “As long as she is trustworthy. Who knows how many rats we need to weave out of this sect?”

“What is that supposed to mean?” a cry of outrage came from another disciple.

“I mean, those who support Jin Guangshan! And those might covet for the position of the sect leader.”

Immediately at least a dozen eyes go to Jin Guangyao who immediately backs away until he’s right next to his sworn brothers.”

“Enough.” Jin Zixuan raises his hands. “I will find out who is loyal and who isn’t. For now, there is another matter to address. We need to find out who cursed my cousin.”

Murmurs fill the room. 

“Zixun was cursed?”

“That man has so many enemies…”

“Indeed. The way he speaks is so arrogant and rude. It wouldn’t be a surprise if someone wanted revenge.”

“I heard he stormed into Lotus Pier and accused the Jiang head disciple.”

“Doesn’t he practice dark arts?”

“He destroyed the amulet...that must mean that he’s going to give it up.”

Jiang Cheng pinches his nose and makes an impatient grunt as the murmurs continue. 

“I made a talisman,” Wei Wuxian declares, interrupting the murmurs. “I was able to study up on it while recovering. I’ll need someone to activate it by holding it near the curse marks though.”

“I’ll get a disciple to do that,” Jin Zixuan replies swiftly. “Actually no, I’ll do it myself.”  Jiang Cheng watches as Wei Wuxian takes out the talisman from his robes and hands it over to him. Jin Zixuan disappears with Luo Qingyang right by her side. Jiang Cheng sits patiently with Wen Qing trying his very best to ignore the way Wei Wuxian is basically draping himself all over Lan Wangji in a room full of cultivators. He distracts himself by making small talk with Huaisang instead. Despite having embraced the seriousness of a sect leader for the past year, he’s glad Huaisang is still comfortable talking to him as just a friend.

“That was quick,” Wei Wuxian says as Jin Zixuan walks back into the room. “I guess he cooperated?”

“I don’t think Jin Zixun is capable of that,” Jiang Cheng says pointedly. He suspects that Jin Zixuan left out the part about the talisman being Wei Wuxian’s invention when explaining it to his cousin.  He watches as his brother activates the talisman and it begins glowing. Then the glowing turns from white to red and a thin red line points around the room as if it’s looking for something. Several cultivators flinch away from it, but eventually. it stops moving and lands on a cultivator dressed in greenish-blue clothing. He is not a Lan disciple, but something about him seems vaguely familiar to Jiang Cheng.

“Sect leader Su?” A minor sect leader calls out. “The light is pointing to you.”

“It is,” Wei Wuxian agrees. “Care to explain why?” 

His brother’s voice is calm, but Jiang Cheng can hear an intimidating edge to his voice and see the intense gaze in his eyes. 

“How should I know?” The sect leader sputters. “This is another one of your tricks, isn’t it? Because you’re close to Hanguang-jun??”

“You know Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian glances at his husband expectantly. There’s an even colder look on his face as he stares at Sect leader Su.

“I remember him. Wasn’t he a guest disciple at Cloud Recesses?”

“Su She was his name, right? Su Mishan.”

Oh him! Jiang Cheng remembers now. He’d been there with them when they went to fight the Water Ghoul. He had summoned his sword into the water and couldn’t bring it back. Wei Wuxian would have fallen into the abyss if Lan Wangji hadn’t saved him back then. But...what was his grudge against Lan Wangji?

“Su She?” Wei Wuxian tilts his head, confused. “Lan Zhan, how do you know him? Have I met him before?”

“Cloud Recesses lectures,” Lan Wangji reminds him. 

“Huh? Oh.” The blank look doesn’t leave Wei Wuxian’s eyes. “Now what kind of history did you have with Jin Zixun to curse him?”

“What makes you think it’s me?” Su She sneers back.

“Clearly it’s not Wei Wuxian messing around because he doesn’t even know you,” Nie Mingjue says pointedly. “Or he didn’t know you.”

“I don’t remember him,” Wei Wuxian says with a nervous chuckle. “But believe me, my talisman is accurate. I want to find out who cursed Jin Zixun for the sake of clearing my name. Why would I cause more trouble for myself by lying?”

“Su She, you should just confess.” Jiang Cheng’s eyes fly to the front of the room. This is Jin Guangyao speaking. There’s a conflicted expression on his face as he looks at Su She.

“You-!” Su She’s expression turns to outrage and shock.

“I know we both had our...dislikes of Jin Zixun, but don’t you think you went too far?” Jin Guangyao shakes his head. “As a Sect leader, doing something like that is not acceptable.”

“I can’t say I’m surprised that he got cursed,” Wei Wuxian mutters so quietly under his breath that only Jian Cheng and Lan Wangji can hear him. Jiang Cheng, in this situation, can only silently agree with him. Su She finally explodes, yelling in anger.

“So what if I cursed him? He deserved it! He treats everyone who has lower ranks than him like scum. Am I not allowed to give him some payback? Those as arrogant as him, I’ll kill every single one of them who comes my way!”

Angry shouts fill the hall.

“What insolent behavior from a sect leader!”

“How can a sect leader even behave like this?”

“Sect leader Su,” Jin Zixuan says with the calm authority of a sect leader. “Now that you’ve confessed, I'll give you an option. Release the curse from my cousin and I’ll leave this matter behind us. Either way, my cousin is to be cast out of the sect and cultivation world after we seal his spiritual powers. It is simple.”

“I…” Su She frowns deeply as if contemplating his decisions. “I-I’m not regretting my choice! Why should I remove it?”

Jiang Cheng scoffs and shakes his head. Why was this person trying to be so brave?

“If you wish for the other sects to maintain trade with your sect, I’d suggest you do it,” Jin Zixuan replies, his voice getting cold now. “Cursing a member of the Jin sect using wicked tricks is the same as an attack. You won’t be mistreated by him again as long as you lift the curse.”

“Fine,” Su She reluctantly agrees, seeing dozens of cultivators staring in his direction. 

“How did you find the manuscript on this curse?” Wen Qing speaks up at Jiang Cheng’s side. “The Hundred-holes curse was invented in Qishan Wen by our third sect leader as a form of punishment. If you have it, you must have gotten it from someone who raided Nightless City.”

“I saw it in Jin Guangyao’s room,” Su She mutters. “I memorized it. 

“There is another way to remove the curse. We kill the caster,” Wei Wuxian says as he casually spins his flute. At these words, the Su cultivators immediately stare at Wei WuXian hostility. Jiang Cheng nudges him in the side, a warning to hold his tongue.

“Wei Ying.”

“I’m only joking, Lan Zhan. I’m sure Wen Qing can do something about it but if Jin Zixun is as stubborn as his uncle, he’d rather die than let a Wen treat him.”

“There should be a countercurse written in the manuscript,” Wen Qing says calmly. “I can’t help you remove the curse. It can only be removed by the caster.”

Su She takes out a folded piece of paper from his robes and opens it up to read. Seconds later, he lifts his eyes back to look at the people in the room.

“It takes quite a bit of spiritual energy to remove the curse.” He sounds nervous but Wen Qing snaps an impatient reply.

“You didn’t think of that before you decided to curse him?”

“Figure it out,” Jin Zixuan tells him. “Until then you’ll be confined to a guest room and watched closely by guards.”

Jin Guangyao doesn’t say a word to Su She as he’s guided out of the room by Jin cultivators. He doesn’t even look at the man. Jiang Cheng had been watching his expression the entire time. It had changed from disbelief to conflicted to resigned. Whatever relationship those two had, it had been broken the moment Jin Guangyao exposed him. Jiang Cheng really hopes that these small acts of betrayal wouldn’t continue being a habit to him.

Within a few days, Jin Zixun had been freed from his curse. However, his joy is cut short since he’s immediately banished from the sect. Disciples from each of the sects escort him to the very edge of Nie territory. The only items Jin Zixuan is generous enough to give him are a bag of gold coins and a non-cultivator sword. 

“Now, let’s destroy the other half of the seal,” Wei Wuxian declares the next day. “Where is it being kept?” 

“In a secure vault in Unclean Realm,” Nie Mingjue answers. “Are we returning to the Burial Mounds to destroy this piece?”

“Oh hmm? No need,” Wei Wuxian replies. “I can draw out the array and destroy it here. I added some more improvements to it this time. But I’ll need some help from Lan Zhan. Last time, Xue Yang had everyone distracted with fierce corpses. ”

“Of course,” Lan Wangji immediately agrees. This time, there was no need for every sect leader to be present. Only Nie Mingjue, Jiang Cheng, and a handful of Nie and Jiang disciples would be the witnesses. They watch as the combined energies from Lan Wangji’s and guqin and Wei Wuxian’s flute swirl around the amulet, in a storm of blue and red. Moments later, there was a deafening crack, enough to shake the ground and stagger back a few steps from the energy waves, but not enough to knock anyone off their feet. 

“Wei Ying!” Jiang Cheng blinks through the cleared dust just in time to see Lan Wangji catch Wei Wuxian in his arms. Jiang Cheng is at their side in the next second.

“I’m fine,” Wei Wuxian says quietly. “That wasn’t as bad as the first time….my head still hurts though.”

“Rest,” Lan Wangji says with a tender and gentleness that reminded Jiang Cheng of A-jie when she spoke to them. 

“Both of you move over and let me assess him,” Wen Qing’s sharp voice cuts through the air. Jiang Cheng backs away obediently.

Just like Wei Wuxian said, the damage wasn’t as heavy this time and he was cleared to be on his feet within two days. 

~

Three months later

“Wei Wuxian, stop hogging him to yourself! It’s my turn!” Jiang Cheng growls as Wei Wuxian continues to coo at his nephew in his arms. They’re at Lotus Pier with A-jie and her husband currently visiting Lotus Pier after the birth of Jin Ling. MianMian had joined them as well.

“Let me hold him for longer!” Wei Wuxian sticks his tongue out at him. “I gave him his courtesy name after all!”

“Oh yeah?” Jiang Cheng mutters. “And whose idea was that, huh?”

“A-Xian, A-Cheng,” A-jie scolds. “A-Ling is a baby, not an object that you fight over. A-Xian, let A-Cheng hold him.” 

At his sister’s command, Wei Wuxian immediately passes Jin Ling over to Jiang Cheng who takes him with a smug look on his face. Jin Ling fusses and whines over being moved around so much.

“A-Li, why are you letting them hold my son more than me?” Jin Zixuan sighs but his eyes are filled with affection.

“Wait your turn, peacock,” Wei Wuxian huffs at him. 

“Can you please stop calling me that? Doesn't  it ever get old?”

“Of course not!” Wei Wuxian grins in delight. “We even have a mini peacock now.”

“Hey! You can call me peacock but not my son. He’s still a baby!”

“Can you boys shut your mouths for just one second?” Wen Qing storms into the room, her eyes flaring like flames. 

“Sorry, Qing-jie.” Wei Wuxian immediately falls silent. Even Jin Zixuan stops speaking. Jiang Cheng hides a snicker under his breath. Wen Qing’s intimidation would never cease to amuse him. She was even more cranky when pregnant, Jiang Cheng has learned, especially with him making her rest most of the day at Lotus Pier and ignoring her insistence to do her duties around Lotus Pier. 

“Honestly, why are you arguing over a baby?” Madame Jin, now Madame Liang, huffs out. She had changed back to her original surname not long after her son’s coronation and had chosen to return to Meishan. However, her visits to Carp Tower were still frequent and Jin Zixuan had extended her stay after her grandson’s birth. 

“Let me see!” A-Yuan whines as he jumps up and down to try and see Jin Ling. Mo Xuanyu stands on his toes to try and take a peek as well.  Jiang Cheng kneels down slowly to let them see. 

“Chubby,” A-Yuan declares loudly after staring at the baby for a few minutes. The room erupts into laughter. 

“A-yuan, you were also that chubby and small once,” Wen Qing tells him.

“Not anymore!” He insists. 

“Jiang Wanyin, let Auntie Luo hold him too. I haven’t had my turn yet.” Jiang Cheng hands the baby over to the woman. Jin Ling once again fusses at being passed around to so many people. 

“Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, do you think your uncle will let us adopt A-Yi? He and A-Yuan already became instant best friends after we brought him to Cloud Recesses.”

“Lan Jingyi, that boy who acts nothing like a Lan?” Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes. “You really should adopt him. He’s more like you than A-Yuan.”

“Jiang Cheng! Don’t say such things in front of my son!” Wei Wuxian covers A-Yuan’s ears. “Don’t worry, A-Yuan. I’ll make sure you’ll be just like me when you grow up.”

“Please don’t .”

“Xiongzhang will let us,” Lan Wangji replies, completely ignoring the conversation between the two bickering brothers. As always, his attention was always focused on Wei Wuxian.

“I’ll going to bring A-Ling to his wet nurse now. And let him have his nap,” A-jie says, taking her son back from MianMian’s arms. “He must be tired after meeting so many people.”

“Let’s go spar,” Wei Wuxian says the instant A-jie is out of sight.

“Seriously? Why now?” 

“We haven’t done it in ages. Besides, I need practice. Before I can use Suibian again.”

“Wen Qing says you won’t have to wait long,” Jiang Cheng says, feeling something like warmth in his heart. “You were very diligent in meditation in Cloud Recesses according to Zewu-jun. For once.”

“That’s because Lan Zhan was there. You know dual cult-,”

“I do not need to hear the details,” Jiang Cheng interrupts him before he can continue. He and Wei Wuxian leave the room and walk outside to the courtyard. As they both grab training swords, Jiang Cheng notices that Lan Wangji is watching them from the steps of Sword Hall. Neither of them hold back and are giving everything they’ve got. 

Although Wei Wuxian’s core isn’t as strong as his previous one, after taking one of the other spiritual pills during the month he spent in Cloud Recesses, he’d definitely gotten a lot stronger. It’s only now that Jiang Cheng realizes how much he missed sparring with his brother. It made him feel like they were kids again, young and carefree. Training the disciples and showing demonstrations simply didn’t give him the same joy and adrenaline.

Even with Wei Wuxian moving much slower than normal, Jiang Cheng’s sword is twisted out from his hands and for once in his lifetime, he is not bitter about it.

Chapter Text

Everyone at Lotus Pier works hard to prepare for Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji’s upcoming wedding in the following months. After the public execution of Xue Yang, an endless amount of cultivators asked to join the Jiang and Nie sects despite some of the earlier wariness and criticism of the sheltering of the Wens. After the Dafan Wens had spent so many months living in Lotus Pier,the minor sects finally realized that they were truly not a threat. Rather, most of their criticism had been aimed towards the Jin sect.

Now, with Xue Yang dead and the Jin sect finally stabilized after weeding out countless traitors, Jiang Cheng can finally focus on the grand celebration ahead.  He spends the first half of the month sending out invitations and the other half on preparing the actual festivities. Wei Wuxian had spent an entire month making his own gift for his fiance. Traditionally, these gifts would have been prepared by his parents, but since that wasn’t an option, he’d opted to make the gifts himself. 

Both Jiang Cheng and his sister had been in awe at the finishing result: an intricate scarf made with silk and embroidered with bunnies. He’d also carved a hairpin with a jade rabbit. Lan Wangji and his brother had returned a large number of gifts: a variety of Wei Wuxian’s favorite spices, jars of Emperor’s Smile, a porcelain set, herbs, and tea. Lan Xichen had even included a book of music scores, written by famous musicians from all different sects throughout history. Unexpectedly, Lan Wangj had also made a rabbit hair ornament for Wei Wuxian. Huaisang had given Wei Wuxian a fan decorated with bunnies and clouds, the setting of the painting very closely resembling Cloud Recesses.

It was a lot more than what Jiang Cheng had received during his own wedding, but he had no complaints. He was more than satisfied to give his brother a grand wedding since he hadn’t had that luxury himself. The Jiang sect was a lot stronger and stable than it had been during the months right after the war. 

They arrive in Cloud Recesses three days for the other traditional wedding procedures before the actual wedding ceremony. A Jiang elder is chosen to represent the Hao Min Po* to conduct the Hair Combing Ceremony the night before the wedding. 

(* A/N: Means ‘fortune lady’, must be someone with great fortune and living parents, children and grandchildren)

The Nies arrive the next day. 

“Have you seen Wei-xiong’s wedding hanfu yet?” Huaisang asks as soon as they’ve finished greeting one another. 

“Of course! Who do you think helped him pick it out?”

“I assumed it was your sister,” Huiasang chuckles. “Who helped her with her own wedding hanfu?”

“Madam Liang,” Jiang Cheng replies. A-jie told me that MianMian helped her out as well. I don’t know who else can help Wei Wuxian with his hanfu. It only makes sense that I am the one to help him, being his brother and all.”

“I’m guessing it’s the usual black and red colors?” Nie Huaisang opens his fan and smiles. “Yes. Black represents ‘water’, a good representation for our sect and red is the normal color to wear on one’s wedding day. Besides, I knew he’d want to wear his favorite colors.”

“Of course. He’d never agree to get married wearing any other color. It represents who he is. Other than Jiang purple.” 

Later that afternoon, the young Jiang disciples and shidis take out the items prepared for the door games.*

(*A/N: Door games are usually prepared by the bridesmaids to test the groom’s determination to marry the bride and to win approval from the bride’s family. Though since there are two grooms, LWj will be the one challenged since WWX is marrying out of the sect. The games typically involve the groom eating something spicy, sour and bitter to prove he can endure every stage of marriage )

 Lan Wangji is able to endure every challenge, surprising all the Jiangs by his unexpected strong endurance to the spicy dish that the Jiang disciples had prepared. Though Jiang Cheng can barely hold back his snickers as he watches the red creep up the face of the Second Twin Jade, despite keeping a straight face.

A-jie smiles and hides a laugh behind her sleeve as well and they walk to stand in their appropriate places in the Lan ancestral hall. Wen Qing and Wen Ning stand beside him while the rest of their family stand  a row behind. Lan Xichen stands across from him next to Lan Qiren.  The rest of the Lan elders stand behind them. As more guests come in, Jiang Cheng catches sight of Nie Huaisang briefly and they exchange nods before he and his brother go to stand next to the other Nie guests. Jin Zixuan and Jin Ziyao stand next to one another with little Mo Xuanyu clinging shyly to Jin Zixuan’s side.

At the front, Qingheng-jun’s and Madame Lan’s tablets had been brought out and placed on the table. Wei Cangze and Cangse Sanren’s tablets were there as well. Jiang Cheng had been able to find the tablets of Wei Wuxian’s parents in his father’s study the week before; his mother had never let his Father put the tablets in the Jiang ancestral hall and had had to keep them in his room instead. Wei Wuxian had been filled with shock and gratitude upon being presented to them. He had even hugged and cried into Jiang Cheng’s shoulders.

“Jiang Cheng..you…”

“Get off! Don’t be such a baby!” Jiang Cheng had grunted but he hadn’t pushed Wei Wuxian away.

“Thank you.. ”

“What is there to thank me for? We’re family.”

Everyone soon falls silent as the ceremony begins. Jin Ling coos excitedly upon seeing the red confetti fall from the ceiling and reaches his small hands upwards, waving his hand in the air. 

It’s the first time Jiang Cheng is seeing Lan Wangji in any other color other than blue or white. Seeing A-jie in her own wedding dress had been stunning and breathtaking, but this was an entirely different feeling. 

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji walk in together, looking stunning in their red wedding hanfus. The lotus flowers on the sleeves had been carefully embedded with a golden thread and silver needle. Granny Wen and A-jie had worked tirelessly on it together, working late into the night. The golden thread had been provided by Madame Jin.  On Lan Wangji’s hanfu, there were patterns of clouds and orchids. Jiang Cheng swears he spotted the outline of a bunny as well. The ceremony went on with the three bows of the Baitang: one to the heavens and the earth , one to the parents and the third to one another. Lan Wangji wears the elaborate hairpin Wei Wuxian had made for him. Wei Wuxian on the other hand, wears the Lotus hairpin he and A-jie had given him. Jiang Cheng most definitely did NOT cry.

The wedding was almost, almost as beautiful as his sister’s. The Lan’s weddings were  much more elegant and peaceful compared to the excited, loud  and festive celebration that the Jins had prepared for their sister’s wedding. The tea ceremony went well with Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji serving tea to Lan Qiren and his relatives first before they served tea to the Meishan Yu relatives that were present. By the late afternoon, the newly wedded couple had disappeared into their bridal chamber. The guests return to their own rooms. 

The smaller banquet was held the next morning with only small dishes and servings of tea. Jiang Cheng had almost forgotten how tasteless the food was at Cloud Recesses and again  wondered how Wei Wuxian would get used to it considering how crazy his palette is. After the banquet, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji disappear to the backhill, taking  Wen Ning, Mo Xuanyu and Lan Yuan with them. Even A-jie had joined them, taking little Jin Ling with her to meet the rabbits that Wei Wuxian always spoke so fondly of.  Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing follow after them, but remain at the top of the slope, watching the children play.

“When I studied here, there were only about ten rabbits. Now there’s almost thirty of them. A-jie, Wei Wuxian and I ended up playing with them for a long time.”

“Really?” Wen Qing looks over at him. “You had a soft spot for animals?”

“Not exactly,” Jiang Cheng mutters. He remembers he’d made fun of Wei Wuxian for holding a rabbit, but had not hesitated in the next moment to cuddle it after one was basically thrown in his face.

“I had three puppies when I was young. I had to give them away.”

“Oh,” Wen Qing says softly.”

“I was mad at first but...I gained a brother and a best friend that day. It didn’t mean life was perfect, of course. Having Wei Wuxian as a brother could never be easy. But I think it was worth it.”

“Everything is worth it as long as your family is safe.”

“He won’t really be by my side anymore, not all the time. But Lotus Pier will always be his home.” He scoffs softly. “Of course, being a Lan doesn’t mean he can get away with being my head disciple. He’ll have to travel frequently now that his duties are split between two sects.”

Wen Qing’s lips curve into a smirk.

“Well...his core isn’t strong enough for him to fly on a sword yet, so I expect Lan Wangji will come with him.”

“So I can’t have him to myself for even a day?” Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes. “Should have known.”

Wen Qing laughs.

~

“Hey Lan Wangji,” Jiang Cheng says, arms crossed over his chest the morning the Jiangs prepared to leave to return to Lotus Pier. They had much to prepare for the banquet in a few days. 

“Make sure my brother gets enough sleep. He still has his nightmares but he’ll say they’re not bad if you ask. Force him to talk if you need to. And make sure he gets enough to eat as well, he’s already skinny enough, but Wen Qing says his diet has been slowly getting back to normal.”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji nods as if he already knows what he must do. 

“The food here is as simple as ever. I’ll send over shipments of Yunmeng spices every month.”

“Of course.” Lan Wangji nods again and dips his head.

“ChengCheng, aren’t you going to miss me?” Wei Wuxian crows out as he walks over after hugging his sister goodbye.

“Who’d miss you?!” Jiang Cheng snorts. “Personally, I can’t wait to get some peace and quiet. And don’t call me ChengCheng!”

Wei Wuxian sticks his tongue out at him in response.

~

When the time comes for the banquet,  dishes after dishes are prepared, filling the entirety of Lotus Pier with the fragrance of spices. Jiang Cheng had sent people to buy even more jars of Emperor's Smile for the feast and Uncle Four had even made an entirely new wine for the occasion.

MianMian, Jiang Cheng learns, is surprisingly an excellent cook. Later he learns that MianMian had tried to teach Jin Zixuan how to cook for A-jie in order after the soup incident had occurred. He’d wanted to cook her something to apologize for misunderstanding. Jin Zixuan had left Jin Guangyao in charge back at Carp Tower and now the three of them are standing in one of the hallways, watching the servants and maids. bustle back and forth with their tasks. The two of them had come to Lotus Pier since A-jie had wanted to help out with the preparations for  Wei Wuxian’s wedding. They’d arrived a week after her. Jin Ling had been left in the care of Zixuan’s mother. 

“Did he manage to cook something edible?” Jiang Cheng inquires. “Though, I’m sure anything is more edible than my brother’s cooking.” MianMian snickers as Jin Zixuan’s face turns red.

“He did, as a matter of fact, make something edible. It took him a few tries though.”

“MianMian, please save me some face. Should my head disciple really be embarrassing me?”

“Now you’ll know how I feel,” Jiang Cheng snorts. 

“Hey! Why can’t you say something nice to me on my wedding day?” A loud voice complains from one of the rooms.

“I congratulated you on finding someone to tolerate you to be his husband. Is that not a nice thing?”

“Jiang Chengg!” Footsteps start hurrying in their direction and Jiang Cheng braces himself to get put into a headlock.

“A-Xian, get back here. I’m not done fixing your dress!” The footsteps stop at once.

“Yes, Shijie. Sorry.” 

“You two are always like this, aren’t you?” Jin Zixuan asks. There’s a hint of envy in his voice.

“Yes,” Jiang Cheng answers casually.

“A-Yu is a lot younger than me,” Jin Zixuan sighs. “And I try to take care of him but…I don’t really know how to be an older brother. Even with A-Yao, I try to be nice to him, but it’s not easy. A-Li is much more approachable when it comes to being kind to others”

“If you can be a good father, you can be a good brother too,” Luo Qingyang says earnestly. “You were doing everything to make Jin Guang-, I mean Jin Ziyao feel comfortable when he first arrived in Carp Tower.”

“But it was awkward,” Jin Zixuan admits. 

“Well, you were awkward around my sister too when you were young and dumb and didn’t realize what love was. You will learn.”

“Just as A-Li on how to be a sibling,” Luo Qingyang adds cheerfully. “She’s amazing at being one.”

“Yes,” Jiang Cheng agrees at once. He nudges his brother-in-law lightly.

“Don’t worry too much about it. Being a brother is easier than being a sect leader...unless you’re Wei Wuxian’s brother,” He adds.

“He’s my brother-in-law now. That’d count,” Jin Zixuan mutters.

“I have Lan Wangji as my brother-in-law now. I never could have imagined that could be possible in this lifetime.”

“Lan Xichen too,” Luo Qingyang adds with a smile. 

 “Anyways,” Jin Zixuan continues. “Who knows how many other brothers I could have? I always knew they were probably out there somewhere, but I couldn’t consider them brothers because I’ve never met them.”

“Will you go look for them?”

“No...I don’t wish to force them to live in Carp Tower,” Jin Zixuan shakes his head. “Even A-Yu loves Lotus Pier more than LanLing. I don’t wish to force them into the cultivation world when they could be living peacefully somewhere else. They might not even want to see me , considering what my father did to their mothers after conceiving them.”

“Don’t think about them then,” Luo Qingyang says. “You have a bigger family now. With connections to the Lan and Jiang sect. Even the Nie sect now that Sect leader Jiang, Young Master Wei, and Second Master Nie have become sworn brothers.”

“There’s been talk about restoring the Wen sect too. I’ve been talking about it to Wen Qing, I mean,” Jiang Cheng says. “The old Wen sect were cruel and merciless but she wishes to rebuild it under a new reputation and name.”

“That will be for the future then?” Luo Qingyang asks quietly. “The future generation can help make the cultivation world a better place.”

“There’ll always be bad people out there. It’ll be inevitable.” Jiang Cheng shrugs. “But as long as there are people willing to remain righteous and fight for justice, they can never win.”

“Mm,” Jin Zixuan and Luo Qingyang say in mutual agreement. They finish talking and go back to helping with the preparations. 

“I want to help too!” A small figure runs through the hall.

“A-Yuan, don’t run. You’ll fall and hurt yourself.” Wen Ning hurries to catch up with his cousin. 

“Here, I’ll teach you how to cut some paper decorations.” Luo Qingyang is quick to come to relieve Wen Ning of his troubles. “Where’s A-Yu? He can help too.”

“In the kitchen with Yanli-aiyi,”A-Yuan replies. “He's cooking. She says she’ll teach me when I am older.”

“Oh I see. For now, you can help me decorate, okay? Let’s go.” They disappear down another hallway.

Jiang Cheng returns to assessing and overseeing the wedding preparations. The normally purple-decorated Lotus Pier is soon transformed to red.

 The doors and walls are covered with red paper cut-outs of the words ‘double happiness’. Red lanterns are hung on the ceiling and red curtains are draped over the door frames and hallways.

“Right.” Jiang Cheng nods, then he blinks. “Will he start wearing Lan robes now?” “I’m sure Hanguang-jun will give him the luxury of wearing whatever colors he wishes. Perhaps a customized Lan sect robe with tints of purple.”

“Of course Lan Wangji would do that for him.” Jiang Cheng hears his sister calling to him and turns away.

“I should go now. Duty calls.”

He leaves to go to the banquet hall, where dishes were already being spread out on each table. The dishes included mabo tofu, spicy steamed Wuchang fish, hot dry noodles, roast duck, pheasant, chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and spicy stir fried lotus roots. For the tables where the Lan guests sat, the spiciness of the dishes are adjusted accordingly. 

The entire cultivation world is invited for the wedding, including many minor sects. The Dafan Wens, though no longer seen as a threat, are purposefully seated away from the other sects and closer to where all the Jiang disciples sit. In one of the courtyards, Jiang Cheng catches a glimpse of A-Yuan riding on Nie Mingjue’s shoulders, giggling in delight and not being afraid of the height he’s being held at. 

“Your brother has a soft spot for young children. I never could have expected that,” Jiang Cheng comments quietly when Nie Huaisang comes to stand next to him.

“You really didn’t know? Some of the other labor camps my brother liberated, there were children there as well. I don’t believe they were of Dafan Wen, but my brother would never blame innocent children for their parents’ crimes. They’re training to be our disciples now.”

Most of the other Wen civilians they’ve rescued are living in villages around Yunmeng. Most of the children, the ones who’d survived the labor camps, had been put into orphanages or had been taken in by Yunmeng civilians.

“When the children in the villages are of age, I’m sure some of them may want to join,” Jiang Cheng says. “Either way...we’re finally at peace. With Xue Yang and Jin Guangshan gone.”

“I admire you for being so strong and making it here to this point.” Nie Huaisang smiles at him. “Both you and Wei-xiong, I mean.”

“Loss makes you fight harder for what you have left,” Jiang Cheng replies simply.

“I only have my Da-ge...I don’t know what I would do without him.”

Jiang Cheng elbows him lightly.

“What do you mean you only have him? We’re sworn brothers! And I’m sure you’ll find a pretty maiden to love one day! Even Zewu-jun has found someone.”

“Oh!” Nie Huaisang hits his fan against his palm. “ Lady Qin, you mean? San-ge introduced her to him...after,” Nie Huaisang coughs and hides his face behind his fan. “After that reveal.”

“Why don’t you find someone like Lady Luo then?” 

“Jiang-xiong!” Nie Huaisang exclaims.

“It was only a suggestion.”

“There’s no way Jin-xiong would let his head disciple and best friend marry into the Nie sect. And I’m sure she doesn’t want to leave either.”

“Don’t worry. You have plenty of time to find someone.” Jiang Cheng waves his hand, gesturing for Huaisang to follow him inside. The other guests had already begun to sit at the tables. Lan Yuan and Lan Jingyi sit at the table with the other junior disciples, their heads together as they whisper to one another.

The banquet was much louder and more exuberant than the banquet held in Gusu. Jiang Cheng can see Lan Qiren frowning deeply at the loud excited shouts coming from the Jiang disciples as the banquet went on. His frown deepens even more when Lan Jingyi arouses the Lan disciples to join in. Lan Xichen on the other hand, smiles at them and calmly drinks his tea and picks out food from the vegetarian dishes placed out at their table. Meanwhile on the Jiang side of the hall, Jiang Cheng is trying his best to ignore how Wei Wuxian is draped all over his husband while consuming jar after jar of Emperor’s Smile.

“Hey, Cheng-didi, I’m so glad you offered to hold this banquet. I don’t know how I would be able to celebrate without some Emperor’s Smile.” Jiang Cheng barely holds himself back from throwing a piece of food at Wei Wuxian.

“Who’s your didi?!”

“Technically, I’m older than both of you so you’re both my didis,” Nie Huaisang says as he stumbles over, his voice slurred due to having drunk his fair share of alcohol too.

“That’s not how it works,” Jiang Cheng sputters. “Just how drunk are you?”

“Huiasang!” Nie Mingjue scolds, making Huaisang jump about a foot in the air.

“Sorry, Da-ge,” He mutters and he immediately sits back down. On the side of the room where the minor sects sat, it’s mainly quiet though neither he or Wen Qing miss some of the dirty looks cast towards the newly wedded couple. Wen Qing glares back in their direction until they look away, drawing their heads together to whisper things that neither of them can hear. Jiang Cheng ignores them and turns his gaze back towards where a drunk Wei Wuxian is trying to convince a flustered Jin Guangyao to drink a sip of Uncle Four’s new wine. Jiang Cheng sighs and is ready to go interfere when unexpectedly,  Nie Mingjue gets there first and chugs the entire cup. Somehow even Lan Xichen had gotten himself drunk after one small sip of alcohol.

As the night goes on, Jiang Cheng has his hand full with one drunk brother,  two drunk sect leaders, and one very red-faced uncle in-law. 

When the red bean and lotus seed soup is taken out during the end of the banquet, Jiang Cheng can’t help but let out a sigh of pure relief. He and Lan Wangji help bring Wei Wuxian to his room to sleep for the night once the banquet has ended and almost all of the guests have gone home. Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen had been brought to their own guest rooms as well.

“A-Qing, that was one of the most exhausting banquets ever,” Jiang Cheng later complains to Wen Qing that night as they settle down to sleep. 

“But you had fun, didn’t you?”

“Sure,” Jiang Cheng huffs. “I’m going to end up cleaning up after him. Again .”

“You look after one another. That’s how it should be and how it will always be.”

“Yeah well...he has Lan Wangji to look after him now, doesn’t he?”  A feeling of bittersweetness overcomes him and he turns away to look out the window where the moon is just visible over the still lake, casting its reflection on the water.

“A-Li is in Carp Tower now with Jin Zixuan caring for her. Does that mean you won’t still look after her?”

“Of course not,” Jiang Cheng says immediately. Oh.

“They won’t be around all the time anymore, but that doesn’t mean they’re not here . They’re always with us.” Wen Qing sits down next to him, resting her head on his shoulders

“Yes,” Jiang Cheng sighs.

No matter how far someone is, as long as you hold them in your heart, they’ll always be with you.

The next morning, Jiang Cheng wakes up early and is surprised to see Wei Wuxian sitting on the wooden railing ledge of one of the pavilions.

“Hey,” Wei Wuxian greets him without turning around. 

“You’re up early. Where’s your husband?” Jiang Cheng leans against the column of the pavilion.

“Helping A-jie make breakfast.”

“‘A-jie’ huh?” Something softens in Jiang Cheng’s voice.

“Actually, she’s been telling me to address her as that for a while now. I guess I finally listened to her. Even Lan Zhan calls her Yanli-jie.” Hearing this, Jiang Cheng’s lips purse outwards and he rolls his eyes with a snort.

“Should I be calling Zewu-jun ‘Xichen-ge’ now then?”

“He wouldn’t mind it.”

“It’s not proper,” Jiang Cheng mutters under his breath.

“Why not?” Wei Wuxian elbows him.

“It’s weird enough that we call Huaisang ‘Da-ge’. Just because he’s a few months older.”

Three months later

“Jiang Cheng, please sit down. You’re making my head hurt,” Wei Wuxian sighs. They’re all standing outside the medic clinic. Wei Wuxian is leaning against his husband, one elbow on his shoulders.

“Then look somewhere else!” Jiang Cheng snaps. His anxiety is making him irritated now. It had only been less than half a shichen since Wen Qing had gone into labor.

“Fine.” Out of the corner of his eyes, Jiang Cheng sees Wei Wuxian turn to stare into Lan Wangji’s eyes instead. 

“She’ll be fine.” Granny Wen’s hand on his shoulder makes him stop pacing. “My granddaughter has helped plenty of women give birth, including A-Li’s. Either way, the Jiang healers will make sure everything goes smoothly.”

“Right,” Jiang Cheng breathes out. 

Another incense of time passes before the wailing of an infant cuts through the silence. The healer comes out with a smile on her face.

“Congrats, Sect leader! You have two healthy children. Two daughters!”

“Wait, two?” Wei Wuxian sits up, his eyes lighting up. “Twins then?”

“Yes.”

Jiang Cheng inhales and exhales sharply before following the healer inside. 

“Jiang Cheng, I could hear you stressing out from outside,” Wen Qing says the moment he comes inside. “ You should really have more confidence in me. I’ve delivered plenty of babies.”

“That’s what I said,” the healer says. “But it’s hard to calm our leader down.”

“What kind of husband wouldn’t fret?” Jiang Cheng huffs, but his annoyance dies away when he has one of his daughters in his arms.

“Names...what should we call them?”

“Jiang Yu…,” Jiang Cheng says, not taking his eyes off the baby in his arms. “For a carefree future.”

“Jiang Liu for our second daughter. Willow trees have always been my favorite.”

“Then we can grow one here,” Jiang Cheng says. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

“We had more things to worry about than growing trees,” Wen Qing snorts in reply.

“Qing-gugu, A-yuan hold?” Lan Yuan bows politely at them before asking. After spending a few months in Cloud Recesses, he’d already learned many of the Lan principles and manners. 

“You can see her, but not hold. She’s still too fragile,” Wen Qing explains, patting the bed with one hand.

“This is A-Liu, your cousin.”

“Liu-meimei,” Lan Yuan says softly, his eyes wide.

“A-Ling, come see as well.” A-jie enters the room, holding A-Ling in her arms. Her eyes shine with tears of happiness upon seeing her two nieces.

“Ling-didi used to be this small,” Lan Yuan says, tilting his head. “He got big.”

“You were once that small too, A-Yuan,” Wen Ning laughs.

“Nuh-uh, A-Yuan always a big boy.”

“Meanwhile, your Xian-gege is still three years old,” A-jie laughs.

“A-jie!”

Jiang Cheng blocks out the sound of his brother’s loud complaints and holds his daughter close to his chest like she’s the most precious person in the world to him. She was, of course, among many others in his family. No matter what difficulties they faced, nothing was more important than family. Nothing was more important than keeping their family safe. And they’d done that and would continue doing so for many years to come.

BONUS SCENE:

Five years later

“A-Ling, come swimming with me!” Lan Yuan’s loud squeal breaks the silent meditation Jiang Cheng had been having near the pavilion. Silence was futile in the summer during these past few years at Lotus Pier.

“I don’t want to swim!” Jin Ling pouts. “Ask A-Yu instead!”

“I already did. She’s in the healing pavilion with Qing-gugu again. What are they up to anyways?”

“She’s learning boring stuff,” Jin Ling huffs.

“It’s not boring!” Lan Yuan immediately comes to his aunt’s defense. “Her boring stuff was what healed your scraped knee last month. Be grateful!”

“Bu-”

“A-Yuan is correct,” Jiang Cheng cuts in with a stern voice. The two children freeze and turn to bow in greeting towards him. “Is that anyway to talk about your jiuma?”

“Sorry, Jiujiu.” Jin Ling ducks his head.

“Go run off and play then. And find A-Liu to join you if A-Yu won’t come. Make sure your Wen-shushu is watching nearby if you’re going into the water alright?”

“Yes, jiujiu.”

“Yes, shushu.”

Jiang Cheng watches the two small figures run away, one in white, the other in yellow. For a moment, he sees two other figures, one in purple and the other in black before it fades back to white and yellow.

He returns back to his meditation spot in the pavilion. As he sits down, he feels the gentle breeze brushing the hair against his face and hears the croaking of frogs. Somewhere in the distance, there’s the laughing of children and splashing among the water. He smiles lightly, closes his eyes and lets the sound of home flow through him.