Chapter Text
“There’s a way,” says his uncle as he turns towards Lan Xichen. “If Yunmeng Jiang joins forces with us, we have more leverage over Qishan Wen.”
“Yunmeng Jiang?” questions Xichen, bewildered. “Uncle, Yunmeng Jiang has assumed neutrality since before the war started. You know that’s near impossible.”
“Hmm,” says his uncle, in deep thought. “I don’t think it’s nearly as impossible as you think.”
Lan Xichen is rightfully even more confused. Did uncle know something that they didn’t?
“What do you suggest, Uncle?”
His uncle turns to him. “I think it’s time for you to pay them a visit.”
“A visit?” parrots Xichen. “Last I heard, the Jiang Sect Leader is very elusive. Especially after his shixiong defected. If anything, he will be less inclined now more than ever to get involved. Us winning against the Wens may prove to be ominous for his brother’s safety.”
Another elder smiles. “That is why we must not tell him that we are seeking refuge or his assistance. Not at first.”
Lan Xichen’s eyes widen. “You suggest subterfuge? Uncle, deceit is forbidden.”
The alarm in Xichen’s voice gets his uncle’s attention and his uncle tsks.
“Perhaps we can promise his people safety after the war is over? Especially his brother.”
“I don’t think that is prudent, especially under guise of a ruse. I would not feel so inclined to help if I were in his shoes.”
The elder squares his shoulder and turns to him. “Then, he must never find out that that is your true intention in approaching him.”
Lan Xichen shakes his head, panic ridden. That is impossible.
Even if Lan Xichen were to somehow find the recluse of a sect leader, his intentions for approaching him will be apparent. Yunmeng Jiang is one of the only sects that remains powerful – and safe from being directly targeted again – despite the devastation that the Wens have caused.
“Then, what else do you suggest, Sect Leader Lan?” says the elder, exasperation coloring his features.
Lan Xichen is lost for words. He knows that they need the additional help. With the Jin clan refusing to stand against the Wens and the Nie clan already brutalized, it’s only a matter of time that the Wens come for Gusu Lan. Every day, his disciples’ lives continue to be in peril, them having accepted that they will not return home after being called away to fight the Wen forces at the Gusu borders, and there is nothing Lan Xichen can do to alleviate that fear except hope for their safe return. Now, however. Now, he has a chance to do some good. Something that may prove to be fruitful and save many lives, if it works.
But with deceit and lies?
“This is war,” says the elder. “As much as we like to hold on tightly to our principles, are they really greater than the lives of many? Yunmeng Jiang has the army of disciples and their mysterious martial art techniques favoring them. We can use any element of surprise. If they were to join and help us, this war will be over before it finally burns us all. You will be saving many innocent lives.”
Lan Xichen is still not convinced. Yes, it is true that many lives will be saved. However, what of the lives of those Jiang disciples who will be caught in the crossfire? What of those in Yunmeng Jiang who want nothing to do with this war and want to continue to live in peace?
“Please leave me to think on this matter. I cannot make promises that I don’t feel inclined to keep.”
--
That is how it all started. In the end, Lan Xichen has no real choice. After seeing countless more innocent lives becoming victims to Qishan Wen’s greed, after seeing a resounding terror and hopelessness in the face of the villagers that border the Gusu Lan territory, after holding countless disciples during their final moments, Lan Xichen concedes.
They need help and Yunmeng Jiang is the only option they have.
This is war. They have no luxury for exalting tales of honor and virtue.
He must do what needs to be done.
--
After deciding, Lan Xichen is not hasty. He tells his sect elders what he intends to do. His uncle frowns but does not say anything to deter him.
After, Lan Xichen starts to plan. He knows that he needs to prepare. He cannot afford any mistakes. So, he does.
He prepares disguises. He knows that he cannot afford to look like himself, lest he gets caught by either Qishan Wen or Yunmeng Jiang. So, he prepares masks and face paints. He prepares appropriate robes. He prepares to the most minute detail.
He trains his speech. He learns to curb the idioms, the speech, that is very specific to Gusu Lan. He knows that he does not have enough time to master the native tongue of Yunmeng. However, he does train enough to pass off as a traveler of unknown origins.
He alters some of his body language and sword fighting style as well. This one takes him days, if not weeks. He has to continuously catch himself from falling back into the mannerisms of a sect leader. This one is extremely difficult. He hopes that he practices enough.
--
Getting inside the Yunmeng Jiang territory is not difficult. There are guards planted at the borders for security. However, it is obvious that they are merely there to defend and protect instead of waiting to attack. A strange sense of warmth curls inside Lan Xichen.
He breathes a sigh of relief as he settles himself down at a nearby inn. He is waiting for his food, not yet retired to his guest room when he looks around.
There must be someone who knows where the Jiang Sect Leader is.
However, everyone around him remains oblivious to his trepidation. He knows that this is one thing that he cannot plan for he himself does not know anything about the Jiang Sect Leader.
The last time he saw anyone from Yunmeng Jiang was almost a decade ago when his brother lost his heart to Wei Wuxian, the elusive sect leader’s shixiong. Sect Leader Jiang and the esteemed Madam Yu had came for a visit, their children accompanying them. Unfortunately, they didn’t stay long, and Lan Xichen was soon called away shortly after their arrival in Gusu Lan. At the time, he had figured that there will be plenty of other times for all of them to become acquainted. However, he was wrong. Soon after, news spread that the Jiang sect had been devastated by the Wens, their parents murdered during the horror. They were the first ones to be targeted.
Everyone expected the Jiang sect to be decimated, especially after no one heard from any of the living members for years after the devastation. However, defying every expectation, they rose like a lotus would from the murky water and muddy carnage, quickly gaining back the control they had lost and drawing the Wen forces back, killing Wen Chao – Qishan Wen’s sect heir – in the process. They took back their territory in a matter of days, without any outside help, to the awe of the other sects. For a brief period, everyone felt hopeful. After all, they were the light that everyone had been seeking – hoping for. Unfortunately, the happiness was short-lived.
In a matter of weeks after their return, Yunmeng Jiang re-established their previous stance of neutrality. Honoring the past agreements, no one could force Yunmeng Jiang to bear arms if they themselves did not wish it. There was no convincing the Jiangs, missives after missives for help going unanswered and their borders remaining close when faced with any political upheaval. Only travelers visiting for trade business or indulgence were allowed. This point became even more pronounced when Wei Wuxian defected to protect the Wens. The Jiang sect was so hard-pressed on neutrality that they did not budge on their stance at all, only asking Wei Wuxian to leave and conduct his business outside of the border of Yunmeng Jiang.
For what feels like the hundredth time since he left Gusu, Lan Xichen sighs again. Why does this feel so hopeless?
How can his elders expect him to achieve what even the sect leader’s shixiong could not? The more he thinks about it, the more futile his attempts feel. However, what other choice does he have?
“This is perhaps the seventh time you have sighed ever since you came in,” says a sardonic voice from next to him.
Lan Xichen looks up, startled, at the man smirking down at him.
Oh.
“My apologies,” he says quickly. “I meant no disrespect. It has been a long day.”
The man shakes his head, his smirk still in place. He goes to place a dish in front of Lan Xichen.
“Ah, I have not ordered anything yet.”
The man looks at him, amused. “I know. After the fourth time you sighed, I decided to make you something, so you are too busy with sampling food to sigh.”
Lan Xichen’s cheeks color in embarrassment. This is going swimmingly, he chides himself.
Looking at the dish placed in front of him, his expression turns apologetic again.
“Whereas this one appreciates your kind gesture, I must apologize for not being able to accept it. I do not eat meat.”
The person’s eyebrows shoot up, almost meeting his hairline. “You do not eat meat? That’s certainly…unexpected.”
The person gives Lan Xichen a onceover before humming in thought. Lan Xichen usually finds other people’s lingering gazes repulsive. However, the stranger has been kind to him, and he does not seem to have any ill-intent towards Lan Xichen. So, he cannot muster any disgust in response.
“Wait here,” says the person before going somewhere and Lan Xichen is left bewildered.
After few moments where Lan Xichen idly watches the crowd and thinks of what else to do, the man returns.
“Here,” he says, placing something in front of Lan Xichen.
Lan Xichen’s eyes widen. The rich aroma of spices clouds his senses and his mouth waters. His stomach gives a resounding growl, demanding some sustenance, and his hand reach for the chopsticks before he can help himself.
He takes a bite of the spiced tofu and eggplant dish with a small bite of rice and his eyes widen at the burst of enticing flavors swimming on his tongue. He cannot help but take few more bites before realizing that he still has not thanked the person for his thoughtfulness. However, Lan Xichen soon realizes that his untrained tongue is starting to burn from the onslaught of spices. Much to his embarrassment, he sniffles too before taking several bites of the bland rice to counter the rich flavors of the dish.
“Thank you,” he eventually rasps out after several bites of rice and huge gulps of tea.
The man in front of him looks at him in horror. “If the flavor is not to your taste, then why do you force yourself to eat?!”
Before Lan Xichen can respond, the man hurries away with the dish he placed earlier, leaving Lan Xichen only with some side dishes and rice. His stomach still protests in hunger, so he helps himself to a few more bites of the mildly flavored vegetables and pickled lotus roots.
Before he can take more than few bites, the person returns. This time, he has another dish. He places a bowl of clear broth with tofu chunks in front of Lan Xichen.
“This is more mildly spiced,” the man says. “I believe this should suit your palate better.”
Lan Xichen blinks at the man in front of him.
Is this how things in Yunmeng work? Are people usually this kind?
Amid war, Lan Xichen rarely gets moment like the one he is currently experiencing. He cannot help but feel deeply touched.
“Thank you,” he whispers. “I am unsure of what I did to deserve such consideration from you, but I am grateful nonetheless.”
Hearing this, the man’s lips become downturned and his face colors in a scowl.
“What nonsense are you spouting?! You are a customer. If I don’t take care of you then who will?”
Lan Xichen blinks at him again, realization dawning at him. His face colors with embarrassment and he smiles sheepishly at the man.
“Regardless, for you to care for my palate and bring me something that is more compatible with my range is still something to be appreciated.”
The man scoffs. “Just eat. You were devouring those side dishes as if you hadn’t had a decent meal in a while.”
Lan Xichen can do nothing but smile in response. After all, he is hungry and lying is forbidden. When Lan Xichen sips the first spoonful of broth, he cannot help but let out a grateful sigh. It is richly flavored, yet not overpoweringly so.
“This is delicious!” he exclaims as he looks at the man still standing by him.
The man’s expression is that of relief once he hears Xichen. His whole countenance loosens. He smiles crookedly at Xichen before walking away to attend other customers.
Xichen feels a momentary sense of loss from watching him walk away. Because of his long travel to Yunmeng, he hasn’t had much company. Being a sect leader, he is always surrounded by people. However, he hasn’t had that in a while and the inn keeper’s insistence on Xichen finding his food acceptable brings back the nostalgia of being around his near and dear ones.
Lan Xichen soon finishes all that was placed in front of him. He heaves another sigh again after sipping the last spoonful of his soup.
“Sighing again?” he hears as he sees the man take a seat in front of him.
“Oh, please don’t let me keep you from your responsibilities!” Xichen is quick to insist.
The man chuckles. “Something must really be troubling you if you haven’t noticed that there is barely anyone here. People are already getting back to what they need to do during the day, so they no longer need to dawdle here.”
Once the man points it out, Lan Xichen looks around to find that the tables are indeed nearly empty.
Have I really just not noticed? How?
He mentally chides himself for being so absentminded.
The man in front of him chuckles and Xichen can’t help but feel startled.
Oh. The man has an exceptional smile.
Of course, this is not a new observation. The man’s smirk is just as endearing but there is something so happy about his chuckle that it lightens Xichen’s heart. Amid all the death, he has rarely gotten an opportunity to sit down and chat idly like this. So, he smiles in return.
“Thank you,” he says again, this time with a wide and grateful smile.
The man’s smile softens further. “I am glad that we were able to find something that suits your taste. It’s rare for anyone to come to try Yunmeng cuisines without at least having some affinity or tolerance for spices. Forgive me for my presumptuousness.”
Lan Xichen startles at this and shakes his head to quell the man’s worries. “Everything that I had the opportunity to try was truly delicious. My tolerance might be sorely lacking but it did not make the experience any less enjoyable.”
“You were drenched with sweat, and you had tears rolling down your cheeks,” the man responds, dryly.
“I am not used to the weather in Yunmeng yet. And I was overwhelmed with the exquisite taste of the dishes!”
Lying is forbidden, but Xichen has long since learned how to work around some of those rules. Both of those things are true, after all.
The man scoffs again before turning to the wait staff and gesturing for them to clear the dishes.
“You have come at a perfect time to try our moon cakes. The Mid-Autumn Festival is in few days, so we are trying different varieties for our stall at the festival.”
Before Lan Xichen can protest, the moon cakes are being placed in front of him. His words die on his tongue as the fresh aroma of nuts and fruits fill his nostrils. Despite him having just eaten, his mouth begins to water again.
The man slides the sweet delicacies closer to Xichen, looking exceedingly amused. “If there is a flavor that you favor over others, let us know. We are still in the process of sampling and deciding on the final line-up.”
Lan Xichen looks at the pastries, mesmerized. His chopsticks soon grab hold of one, and he has to physically stop himself from shoving the whole thing in his mouth. He takes a delicate bite and chews, thoughtfully. Just like before, he eyes widen at the range of flavors that dance on his tongue.
“How is it possible for something to be this delicious?” he asks as he stares at the pastry that is gently held between his chopsticks, not really expecting any response.
He makes quick work of that one and goes on to trying another one. This one too is an explosion of unexpected – but mouth-watering – flavors. Whereas the previous one had a red bean paste filling, this one has something richer and sweeter with pine nuts enhancing the flavors even further. Xichen is left mesmerized again.
“I take it that you like them?” asks the man in front of him. Xichen does not know how he knows but he feels that he is being made fun of. However, he does not feel even a slight need to defend his honor when he feels especially sated.
He takes one final sip of his tea before concluding his meal.
“You have a fine establishment here,” he offers. “I have never eaten such flavorful delicacies.”
The man’s eyes soften in response. “You seemed troubled,” he says, the offer to listen remaining unspoken.
Lan Xichen’s smile dims.
“I am looking for someone,” he says, unsure of whether he should reveal the identity of the person.
The man’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. He looks intrigued.
“Has this person wronged you in some way?” the man asks.
Xichen shakes his head. “This person is the only one that can help me and my family.”
The man’s forehead wrinkles in concern. “Are you in any kind of trouble?”
Lan Xichen does not want to lie so he does not say anything. “This person is the only one who can help,” he repeats, in lieu of answering the man’s query.
“If you don’t mind me asking,” the man tries again, “who exactly are you looking for? What does this person look like? Maybe I can help. After all, I see many travelers and natives that pass by here.”
Lan Xichen halts and thinks for a moment. The man in front of him has been nothing but kind to him. He also does not seem intent on getting Xichen’s story outside of usual curiosity and concern. Xichen knows he cannot reveal his own name but surely revealing that he is looking for the sect leader in their own territory is nothing blasphemous. Surely, that is acceptable. Where else does one look for a sect leader if not in their own home?
“I am not sure whether he has ever visited your establishment…” he says, stalling, unsure of whether he should reveal the purpose of his visit to Yunmeng.
The man chuckles. “Well, you won’t know at all if you are this secretive about it. It’s alright. Let’s not make a fuss over it. Your secrets are your own. If you must keep them close to your chest, then who am I to pry them out of you.”
The man does not seem offended in the slightest as he shakes his head with a smile.
“I wish you the best of luck in your ventures here. Yunmeng is especially vibrant this time of the year, so I hope that you are able to take some time away from your search and enjoy what this town has to offer before you return.”
The man moves to get up and leave Lan Xichen to his thoughts when Xichen’s hand shoot out to grab his wrist, halting him.
“I am looking for Sect Leader Jiang,” he blurts out in a rushed breath.
Hearing Xichen’s words, the color drains out of the man’s face as he stares at Xichen with horror-filled eyes.