Chapter Text
Lan Zhan, now courtesy name Lan Wangji, is 11 years old when he first meets his betrothed.
Shufu and xiongzhang (no longer dada because they were both big boys now) had ensured all three of them were dressed in elaborate robes, forehead ribbons straight and took extra time to tie his hair, placing a heavier and fancier guan in his locks.
Shufu told him that his betrothed’s name is Wei Ying, courtesy name Wei Wuxian. She was Jiang Fengmian’s ward and daughter of Cangse Sanren (shufu didn’t seem to like her and xiongzhang seemed amused for some reason); she was also his age and when they were older, she would become Lan-furen like muqin.
Wangji knew nothing else beyond that. Xiongzhang explained that Jiang-zongzhu only wanted them to meet when they were older and shufu agreed. Thus, here he was, on a ferry taking him towards waters blooming with fragrant lotuses.
“Look, didi, aren’t they pretty?” Xichen chirped, a beacon of optimism.
“Mn.” But gentians were prettier in his opinion. “Will she like me?” he asked, allowing a hint of nervousness to seep through.
“Of course, she will. Wangji is so handsome, smart and well-mannered, what maiden wouldn’t like him?” Xichen reassured, carefully patting his hair, mindful of the guan.
Wangji was still doubtful. Many people looked unsettled whenever he stared at them for too long, or acted odd when he talked to them. Even his sheltered mind could tell those were not signs of someone 'liking' him.
If Wei Ying was going to stay with him like muqin had to, the thought of making her dislike him was very distressing. Muqin wouldn’t want him to make her miserable; naturally, she wouldn’t want him to do the same to his betrothed.
(“A-Zhan. When you find the one meant for you, you must have patience, not persistence.” Muqin had told him.
(“Patience is what allows a flower to bloom in the worst weathers, what makes a ray of moonlight glow in the darkest nights. Patience is a virtue that can make even the gloomiest people smile.” She explained.
(Fuqin must’ve been impatient, since he could never make muqin smile.)
If he marries Wei Ying, will he become as lonely as fuqin? If they have children, will they have to wait outside doors every month like Wangji did for muqin? Many people preach marriage as a joyous union yet his parents were separated throughout their entire marriage. How is such separation joyous in any way?
Their ferry bumped against the docking pier, jolting him out of his musings. Shufu spares his shoulder one last pat and xiongzhang a hand squeeze before they depart.
“Lan-xiansheng, welcome to Lotus Pier.” Jiang-zongzhu’s warm smile widened at Wangji. “It’s an honour to meet Lan er-gongzi at last. A-Ying is very excited to meet you!”
Wangji politely nods, having nothing to say.
“Wangji has also been curious to meet her. He even made a gift a for her.” Shufu said.
Wangji’s ears burned and he resisted the urge to tug at shufu’s sleeve, telling him to stop, that was supposed to be private.
Shufu encouraged him to offer a gift as a sign of well-meaning and xiongzhang told him that making it personally was not only a sign of sincerity but reassurance as it shows his intended that he was capable of household aspects.
Thus, taking inspiration from the beloved rabbit doll muqin had lovingly crafted for him and named Didi, Wangji had created one made of grey silk with an adorable ribbon and a bright smile. It looked cute; xiongzhang also said girls liked cute things.
“Lan-xiansheng, Lan-gongzi, Lan er-gongzi.” A nice girl wearing lilac robes curtsied at them. Her smile reminded him of xiongzhang’s. “A-Xian is this way.”
She guided them towards a well-crafted pavilion with purple gauze curtains. Wangji realized that Yunmeng was humid, nothing at all like the cool crisp mountain air of Cloud Recesses. But shufu raised them with decorum so he does not squirm when he sweats.
“A-Xian, help me pour tea for our guests, just like we practiced.” The nice girl told a younger girl.
Wangji peered past her (she was nice but also tall) and his breath caught in his throat.
“En, shijie!” she beamed at them, smile bright and cheeks rosy. “Hi! You must be Lan Zhan, Lan er-gongzi-”
“A-Ying!” Yu-furen chided. “Softly, not so loud.”
The girl (Wei Ying, his betrothed) sheepishly lowered her head.
“Sorry.” She said in a softer voice. “This one is Wei Ying, courtesy name Wei Wuxian.” She greeted, bowing as is proper.
Like her shijie, her black tresses were braided, with red ribbons. She wore a plum qixiong ruqun embroidered with pink lotuses and a lilac hezi. The light pastel colours made her sunkissed skin look warm, silver eyes like moonbeams curving pleasantly when she smiled.
The wind blew through the curtains, caressing her hair and skirts, swaying her like the petals of the lotuses he admired moments ago.
She looked at him…..in a way no one else ever did. Not with love- no, both of them were much too young for that still.
But it's different from others who looked at him warily out of necessary tolerance; she looked at him like she wanted to. Wanted to see more, wanted to learn more. And when he dared looked back, she saw something that made her want to sneak another glance, and another and another; rather than nervously averting her gaze like numerous others tend to do.
“Wangji, isn’t there something you want to show Wei-guniang?” Xiongzhang coaxed.
His ears were on fire- it was supposed to. Be. Private! Even if it was cute, it hardly seemed like something worthy of being flaunted in front of sect leaders and his future in-laws.
But xiongzhang asked him to and he must listen to his elders.
Reaching into his sleeve, he produced the grey rabbit. Despite the shyness burning his ears, he steadfastly held it out.
“For me?” Wei Ying asked, accepting it with reverence.
“Mn.” He nodded, unable to say more.
“I love it!” she cooed, nuzzling against the soft silk. “Thank you, thank you!”
The burning in his ears seemed to spread to his cheeks and his chest. Not unpleasant but unfamiliar.
“I’ll name him Zhanzhan. Since he’s cute like Lan Zhan!” she beamed.
“A-Ying.” Yu-furen warned.
“Oh.” Her eyes dropped and Wangji despaired- he wanted her to smile! “Sorry, Lan er-gongzi.”
“Lan Zhan.” He amended. “You can call me Lan Zhan.”
“Lan Zhan.” She tested out. Then she grinned. “Then you can call me Wei Ying.”
“Wei Ying.” He liked that.
“Why’d he only give her a doll?” another boy in purple robes (the Jiang heir, Jiang Wanyin) asked his sister.
Wangji tried to ignore the slight stab of insecurity. Was a doll too insignificant?
“Sometimes, people give simple things with deeper meanings.” Truly, Jiang Yanli was like xiongzhang- calm and wise. Having her as a sister-in-law didn’t seem like a bad thing after all.
“Don’t worry about A-Cheng, he’s nit-picky when he’s grumpy.” Wei Ying snickered.
“Who’s your A-Cheng?” he snapped, cheeks red.
Wangji frowned at his callous behaviour against Wei Ying but she didn’t seem fazed in the slightest.
He does not speak as Wei Ying serves them tea and snacks, observed and instructed by her shijie and Yu-furen. He does not speak as shufu and Jiang-zongzhu discuss further terms of their engagement since both of them seem amiable enough with each other.
He does however, find himself moving when Wei Ying almost spills the tea.
“Sorry!” she squeaked, eyes apologetic.
“It’s okay.” He said. There were only a few drops, barely much of a mess to be embarrassed over.
He eyes the plates of snacks and fumbles to think of something.
“Do you….want one?” he asked, offering her a slice of Osmanthus cake seeing as to how she hasn’t eaten them yet.
“It’s okay, you can have it. Do you like em? You’ve already eaten three of them!” Wei Ying asked.
It was merely an observation but he still feels shy. Usually, only xiongzhang would bother to pick up such a trifle detail.
“Mn.” He nodded.
“Then you can have as many as you want.” She said, pushing an entire plate towards him. “Next time, you should try shijie’s soup. It’s the best.”
He nodded dumbly and could only stuff another cake into his mouth.
“Xianxian, why don’t you take Lan er-gongzi on a walk around the pier?” Yanli suggested before Wangji could embarrass himself.
“Sure, I’ll give you the grand tour.” She stood up and tugged at his white sleeve. “C’mon.”
Wangji dutifully followed the pull of the tug.
Wei Ying chattered, words tinkling and scattering like the clarity bell she wore. Her feet bounced against the wood in an untamed rhythm, full of life rather than poise.
She held his hand, hers so warm and soft whereas his was as pale and cold as jade.
Wangji felt his heart beating faster than Wei Ying’s energetic gestures.
Perhaps…..perhaps at the very least, this betrothal could be joyous after all.
They continued to exchange letters even after he’d left. They did so in a continuous flow as the years passed by and they grew older; Lan Wangji growing into the Second Jade and Wei Wuxian as the Head Disciple respectively.
Initially, she’d been a bit worried that Lan Zhan would grow tired of seeing her messy writing or ignore her sudden ramblings. However, each letter he wrote in reply though taciturn was sincere.
Overtime, she gained confidence to include drawings with the letters she sent; paintings of Lotus Pier’s scenery and doodles of everyday shenanigans. In turn, Lan Zhan revealed a romantic side of him by sending her poems written in his neat elegant hand.
| Ah! So romantic Lan er-ge. Such eloquence warms this maiden’s heart. | she had swooned.
She kept each and every letter he sent in a trunk under her bed; the same trunk that held Zhanzhan. Everyday, no matter how harsh Yu-furen’s training was, she always looked forward to reading his letters and replying to them.
In all honesty, she had been skeptical at first. Contrary to her carefree attitude, she wasn’t ignorant of Yu-furen’s dislike towards her. Since she was 9 and fresh off the streets, she was never discreet about it.
She remembers when she was 10, still unused to the reassurance that Lotus Pier was truly a place she could stay when she learned of the term ‘seclusion’. It had been mentioned briefly by one of her teachers and left her mind just as fast.
She was 10 when she first meets her shijie’s betrothed, Jin Zixuan and it barely took 10 minutes for her to decide that she hated him.
Another 10 years could pass and she still wouldn’t regret pushing him into the muddiest lake possible after he dismissed her wonderful shijie as though she was beneath him. Such a rude peacock! Hmph, he didn’t deserve shijie anyway!
Yu-furen had given her and Jiang Cheng a lashing as bad as Zidian, punishing them to kneel in the ancestral hall until their knees went numb. Wei Ying half-expected her to actually unleash Zidian but instead, a calculative gleam entered her eyes and frankly, she found that even more terrifying than whipping.
Yu-furen left the next day with Jinzhu and Yinzhu. She came back a day later, expression triumphant. Her had lips curled in satisfaction as she announced her succession in securing another alliance for Yunmeng Jiang through a betrothal.
Her betrothal.
The thought of being in the same situation with her shijie with a possible partner like the peacock nauseated her. The realization that she’ll have to leave Lotus Pier rattled her.
But who was she to complain? This secured the Jiangs an alliance- and that was good, right? It gave them more power, more protection. After everything they’ve done for her, this is the least she could do to repay them.
The argument that exploded between the Jiang sect leader and his wife afterwards seemed to shake the very foundations of the wooden pier they resided on. The next time Jiang-shushu saw her, his tired eyes were apologetic and really, that already spoke volumes of his defeat.
Shijie had consoled her and even Jiang Cheng comforted her in his awkward way. Shijie reassured her that not all arranged marriages were miserable; but even she couldn’t fully hide the reproachful looks whenever Yu-furen’s scathing remarks extended to Jiang-shushu.
But shijie had still been willing to try. If she can do it, so can Wei Wuxian!
Besides, Jiang-shushu told her that she wouldn’t be meeting her betrothed until they were 11. So, she at least had a whole year to come to terms with it.
Yet, in the blink of an eye, she was being fussed over; combs and oils working through her tresses, body washed thoroughly with scented waters and clad in silks fancier than anything she's ever owned in her short life.
She liked to think that she hid her nerves pretty well. Yet, the moment she saw the boy who was her intended, her curiosity was piqued.
Unlike the Jins’ shiny gold, the Lans wore whites and blues that made them look ethereal; otherworldly beings against the dust of the mortal earth. They carried themselves with the same uptight propriety but without arrogance.
When she saw Lan Wangji, her first thought was how serious he looked. Such severity made her want to tease him, make him smile and loosen up- he was the same age as her after all! He needed to live a little more!
He had been……shy. He didn’t say much but no words were needed to convey the sincerity he showed when giving her Zhanzhan. Though he was silent, he did not seem bothered in the slightest when she chattered his ear off, humming and nodding with utmost solemnity.
His visit had lifted a weight off her shoulders. Even if neither of them asked for this betrothal, that doesn’t mean they can’t make it work. She found herself easing into friendship with him, a friendship as precious as any romantic attraction.
(And well…….as the years passed, she had the slight hope that maybe, just maybe, they truly could be more than that.)
Soon, she was 15 and sent to Gusu for the lectures in Cloud Recesses.
Lan Wangji met Wei Ying again on a rooftop, underneath the moon with two jars of Emperor’s Smile.
“Lan Zhan! Will you be lenient with your beloved betrothed?” she cooed, fluttering her lashes coquettishly.
He felt his ears tingle. Wei Ying had matured somewhat; silver eyes and smile still as bright, skin just as warm, hair in a simple ponytail with a fluttering red ribbon.
However, he too had matured as Cloud Recesses’ disciplinarian and he could not show blatant favouritism.
“Alcohol is prohibited.” He intoned.
“Then I’ll just drink it here!” she chirped, shamelessly downing a jar.
He had drawn Bichen and she in turn drew Suibian. Their blades had clashed and though he knew he should be stern, realizing he had to push himself, the clash of equal skill with each blow resonating to him, he found himself…..enjoying this, in a way.
But alas, Wei Ying had no interest in winning a fair duel. She’s gotten her Emperor’s Smile (and lost one but positives!), seen Lan Zhan, ruffled his feathers and had a thrilling spar under the moonlight. Ducking out of sight, she successfully sneaked away.
Wangji shook his head, sheathing Bichen.
This year’s lectures certainly won’t be dull.
“Wei-jie, I really admire your courage.” Mianmian mused as she strolled alongside her new friend.
“And I admire your patience. You must have a lot to put up with the peacock for so many years.” Wei Ying snickered.
“He’s not….that bad. Awkward and dense but not bad.” She defended.
Though even she had to admit that being Jin Zixuan’s retainer is a tanking job. Now, Luo Qingyang will defend Zixuan’s honour to her last breath (because unlike his father, he does have that much) but even she wasn’t blind to the spacious room of improvement his attitude could use (especially when it comes to Jiang Yanli).
Wei Ying will give credit where credit was due. Mianmian did seem like a genuinely good apple among the rotten batch of other Jins. Friendly enough to be likeable company but honest to not come off as a suck-up. Pity she was stuck with the Jins but hey, guess she gives them some semblance of hope.
Both girls found themselves easing into friendship upon realizing the kinship they shared. Both were servants of their respective young masters despite their title of Head Disciple; both ‘statuses’ came with responsibility and burdens that didn’t always give them much personal time to have fun.
But that all changes tonight.
She grinned upon seeing the paperman wave from her window. Grabbing the qiankun pouch containing the wine she smuggled in, she rendezvoused with Wei Ying- whom much to her surprise was there with an extra guest.
“She found out and decided to tag with.” Wei Ying smiled sheepishly.
Qin Su merely smiled beatifically. “I can keep a secret.” The excited grin that broke through betrayed the mysterious tone she used.
Her grin widened when she saw familiar jars of Emperor’s Smile in the Jiang disciple’s hands.
The doors behind them opened to reveal a wary Jiang Yanli cautiously checking for witnesses.
“Is everyone here?” she asked.
The three gathered girls nodded.
Yanli smiled and welcomed them inside with the grace of an empress. Wei Ying wasted no time sticking silencing talismans while the other girls covered the windows with blankets and spare robes.
Once their privacy was ensured, they laid their (smuggled) wares on the table. Wei-jie wasted no time helping herself to Emperor’s Smile.
“Here, Jiang-guniang. If you’re curious, don’t worry. It’s just honey wine with peach juice, it’s what Jin-furen serves at ladies’ parties.” Mianmian offered.
“Thank you, Luo-guniang.” She said, graciously accepting the cup.
“Call me Mianmian.” She offered.
“And I’m Yuandao!” Wei Ying chirped.
Yanli and Qin Su giggled and Mianmian’s cheeks burned. She tossed a handful of peanuts at Wei Ying in retaliation.
The rest of the night passed by awesomely in Luo Qingyang’s opinion. She made two new friends, got to bitch about Jin Zixun with Wei Wuxian, Yanli did a masterful recital of poetry and Qin Su coaxed her to perform a dainty Laoling dance, both girls balancing cups on the back of their hands as the other two cheered them on.
“This night has been amazing.” Mianmian declares and yup, she was feeling a little tipsy now. “I love you all. Wei-jie is so awesome, Qin Su, you’re awesome too and Yanli-jie is more awesome than my idiot gongzi gives her credit for.”
“The peacock doesn’t deserve her.” Wei Ying reiterated for the nth time.
“He could be worse……..” oh dear, Yanli was swaying slightly, pink dusting her cheeks.
“Yeah….he could be like that…..that Wen Chao.” Qin Su wrinkled her nose and took another big gulp to wash away the taste of that man’s name from her tongue.
The other three girls grimaced. Gossip may be forbidden but word still travels. Wen Chao’s violent entrance to Cloud Recesses is open knowledge; his salacious ways with women more so.
“Arrogant pricks, those bastards. Not Wen Ning though, he’s sweet as peaches.” Wei Ying hiccupped.
“You’ve met him?” Yanli asked.
“En, after Lan-laoshi kicked me out. Good with a bow! With a little tweaks, could give me a run for money!” looks like the alcohol was getting to her too.
“Oh my, does Lan er-gongzi have competition, Xianxian?” Yanli giggled- yup, better not give her anymore cups.
“’Course not! No one can beat my Lan Zhan. He’s so handsome and strong and kind and-and perfect! He’s so good, why’s he so good to me?” she pouted.
“Wei-guniang, don’t sell yourself short. You’re awesome! Mianmian, tell her she’s awesome!” Qin Su ordered, words slurred but spirited.
“To Wei Wuxian’s awesomeness!” she toasted.
“To all our awesomeness!” Wei Ying whooped.
After clumsily clinking cups, they downed another cup of alcohol.
This led to another toast to bless Wei Ying’s union with Lan Wangji, then another to miraculously cure Jin Zixuan’s stupidity, another to the Jiangs, Jins and Qins prosperity and Wei Ying piped in they do another, asking the gods to help her other friend Nie Huaisang finally pass his exams and for her to make it through the semester without getting expelled.
Unfortunately, the last one wasn’t answered as their door was opened by Lan fucking Wangji himself.
Behind him was an on-edge Jiang Cheng supporting a clearly inebriated Nie Huaisang, the latter of whom hummed along to a merry Qinghe folk song.
“Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying greeted, having no self-preservation whatsoever. “Wanna have a drink?”
Jiang Cheng groaned and facepalmed. Secretly though, he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t hoping Lan Zhan’s soft spot for Wei Ying might grant them some leniency.
Come morning and it more or less did. They weren’t expelled.
But their backs suffered one hell of a wallop courtesy of wooden planks. Pride and back equally bruised, all parties agreed that they won’t be doing this again anytime soon.
Wangji was preparing himself for a new day when a knock on the Jingshi’s door asked for his attention.
Opening, he was surprised to see Wei Ying standing there bright and early despite her constant complaints of their schedule.
“Good morning, Lan Zhan. Sleep well?” She greeted.
“Mn. Good morning to Wei Ying too.” He greeted back.
She smiled, a hint of nervousness to her usual cheerfulness and scratched her nose, eyes contrite.
“Look, about the other night, I’m sorry. I take responsibility for it but that doesn’t make it any less wrong. I didn’t mean to disrespect the rules and I’m sorry if I offended you and your Elders.” She blurted out.
Wangji blinked.
“And….here.” she held out a basket of….loquats? “As a token of my apology.”
He accepted the basket of bright fruit, noting how fresh it was. Had Wei Ying gone all the way to Caiyi to buy these for him?
“Wei Ying did not have to go this far. A sincere apology and reflection would have been enough.” He said.
“You know how I am. Plus, how can I pass up a chance to spoil my intended?” she teased.
“Do not tease.” He huffed.
She giggled. “See you later, Lan Zhan!” with a wave, she was gone.
Wangji tasted one of the loquats. It was sweet against his tongue.
After classes, he walked towards the backhills and shared his loquats with the rabbits, whom gathered eagerly for the special treat.
Once that was settled, he walked towards an area where the gentians bloomed and a lone gravestone stood. He placed a few loquats in offering and prayed that muqin could taste their sweetness in a happier place.
Wei Ying tried- she really, really tried to keep her word. She tried to cause less trouble in classes, toned down her complaints about the rules (upon introspection, she grudgingly admitted that some rules were justified) and bland food (if she ever becomes furen of this clan, first goal on her list is to change the dietary plans here) and overall, she did her damn best to not stir a mess that would get her expelled for real this time.
But goddamn it, her tolerance snapped when the peacock didn’t shut his mouth.
Cries of shock and outrage rang but she could still hear shijie’s muffled sniffles. She would have thrown another punch had Lan Zhan not intervened.
Lan Wangji was never one for being touchy but this time, he didn’t hesitate to physically grab her to stop her from pouncing.
“Control your woman, Lan Wangji!” Jin Zixun shrieked, face as red as the dot on his head.
“You control your cousin’s mouth! All he ever does is insult shijie, you practically insult Yunmeng Jiang! Why should we let it pass, huh?!” she spat.
“Wei Ying!” Lan Zhan hissed. “Enough.” He said firmly.
"You know what? I may be unsatisfied with Jiang-guniang but thank the gods I'm not betrothed to you." Jin Zixuan spat. "Heavens help Lan er-gongzi when the time comes."
(To hold bias towards another's character is as prohibited as violence.)
(But upon hearing those words, Lan Wangji briefly understood the rage that had pushed Wei Ying towards such violence in the first place.)
In the end, both of them were sent to kneel and reflect upon their actions.
All Wei Ying could reflect over was the unfairness of it all.
Don’t get her wrong. She is eternally grateful to have such an affable arrangement between herself and Lan Zhan; but oh, how she wished her shijie could be spared the same courtesy.
It seemed unfair that she had a better chance at happiness, if not contentment, whereas shijie had a lower shot considering how neglectful her intended was and they weren’t even married yet!
It was irrational but a small part of her felt as though she robbing all the good fortune shijie could’ve gotten out of an arranged marriage. She can’t help but wonder if shijie could’ve gotten a better prospects if she wasn’t around. As much as it hurts her heart, perhaps she could have even gotten Lan Zhan who would’ve surely made her feel more respected.
“Wei Ying.”
She blinked, glancing up to see a morose Lan Wangji.
“Don’t worry, not causing anymore trouble though…..it might not matter anyways.” She smiled wryly. “Your shufu can’t wait to kick me out, can he?”
“No.” he knelt down beside her. “I had explained the circumstances that led to the confrontation. Shufu is rigid but not unreasonable.”
“Thanks, Lan Zhan. But you don’t have to.” She sighed sullenly. “I don’t regret punching him but I know it solves nothing. Shijie is probably still crying anyways.”
He knelt beside her silently, unsure but still, she was touched by the effort.
“…..you know, I’m supposed to be alone to ‘reflect’ and all but I appreciate the company.” She blurted out.
“……is….Wei Ying unhappy?” he asked instead.
She blinked. “Well, yeah, I mean, I know I act like one but I’m not a sucker for punishment like this-”
“I mean, is Wei Ying discontent with the arrangement?” he amended.
“No.” she replied bluntly.
“Are you certain?” he asked again, golden eyes intently staring into her soul.
“Lan Zhan.” She reached out and squeezed his hand. Both their hands were bigger and rougher now compared to when they were children. “I couldn’t have asked for a better man to be my betrothed.”
He looked at her and it struck her that despite his mature bearing, he was still the same age as her- old enough to bear responsibilities but still too young to face the uncertain future unflinchingly.
Something flickered in his eyes. Doubt. Hesitance warring with wanting, lips pressed thinly, a miniscule pinch to his brows.
But then purple figures entered their peripheral and she pulled away.
“Hi, Jiang-shushu….Yu-furen.” Shit, both of them are here?
“Kneel.” Yu-furen hissed, Zidian crackling. Wei Ying instantly straightened.
“Lan er-gongzi.” Jiang-zongzhu greeted.
Unwilling to intrude more than he already has, Lan Zhan returned his greetings and left.
(“I couldn’t have asked for a better man to be my betrothed.)
Despite his clan’s edicts staunchly forbidding one to wish harm upon other, he selfishly prayed that today’s events will not ruin the possibility of his own happiness tantalizingly hovering in the future.
(Years later, he would look back on that day and wonder just how trivial it was in the face of mortal struggles to come.)
Yu-furen’s face was indecipherable by her standards. She twisted Zidian, the only sign that lacked composure compared to her poised posture.
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli sat before her, the former wishing she had the latter’s equanimity. She could already guess how the discussion between sect leaders had gone.
“Tell me what happened.” She ordered.
Wei Ying opened her mouth but before she could get a word out, Yu-furen glared at her.
“Was I speaking to you?”
Right, shijie goes first. It would not do to have a servant speak for her.
Shijie told her what had happened, obviously trying to be honest without being tactless, polite without sugar-coating. It hurt to see her try to keep an optimistic viewpoint despite the crestfallen dimness in her eyes.
When she was finished, Yu-furen glanced at her, permitting her to provide her recount through her perspective.
Yu-furen took a long sip from lukewarm tea before setting down the cup, hands with strong fingers and manicured nails folded in her lap.
“I do not understand heartbreak.” She said frankly. “My pride has been bruised more than I like. Jealousy and resentment have become familiar companions.” She glared at Wei Wuxian waspishly.
“But I do know that no man deserves to hold such power over you. Either of you. We are women, in this world, society demands us to make attachments to men we may or may not love but we can do what we can to avoid the weakness that comes with such things.”
‘Is happiness a weakness?’ Wei Ying wanted to ask. (After all, hadn’t that same avoidance cost Yu-furen and Jiang-shushu as such?)
“You are also my daughter, A-Li, never forget that. And you.” She sneered at Wei Wuxian. “You punched a sect heir?”
“He insulted shijie. As your daughter, doesn’t that by extension offend Yunmeng Jiang as well?” she replied honestly.
“You dare believe such rash actions paint us in a better light?!” she slammed her hand down, Zidian crackling against the table. “You were out of line. Impertinent girl! What kind of-!”
“You are both correct.”
Both of them turned towards Yanli.
She stared at them both, eyes understanding.
“A-Xian was wrong to punch him despite his slight. Violence isn’t the way to solve such dispute however…..a-niang, what you said is true. He is……good, I believe he has a good heart but he is just a boy. I…I cannot allow a man to hold power over me, much less a boy.” She said.
Approval, pride and dissatisfaction warred on Yu-furen’s face.
“So if your father were to break the engagement…..”
“We are still children.” She shrugged. “Perhaps with time, he can grow to become a man but until then……..I’m sorry a-niang, I understand you are close with his mother but I don’t want that similarity alone to bind us to such heavy obligation.”
Wei Ying would’ve cried tears of joy and pride for her shijie, heart elated that she’s found the courage to express her desire for self-respect.
“……..leave us, A-Li.” Yu-furen said eventually.
“A-niang?” the worry was evident.
Yu-furen rolled her eyes. “I’m not going to eat her.” She huffed. “Go check on your father and brother.”
She smiled reassuringly at shijie, prompting her to leave her alone with Yu-furen.
“Am I overestimating you when I assume your relationship with the Second Jade has become as tumultuous?” Yu-furen asked.
“No, Yu-furen. Lan Zh-er-gongzi has been cordial.” She replied.
“Jiang Fengmian is a fool if he believes isolationism to be the key to securing a sure future for Yunmeng Jiang. Your actions have played a role in costing us an alliance with Lanling Jin; cost us another and you will bear all consequences alone, do you understand?” she said lowly.
“Yes, Yu-furen. Wei Ying understands her duty.”
“It would do you well to continue as such.” She stood and left in a regal brisk flurry of violet silks.
Wei Ying allowed herself to breathe deeply, grateful that her relaxed back was void of whip marks after such discussion.
Word of Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli’s broken betrothal spread throughout Cloud Recesses. Fortunately, under the pedantic rule of Lan Qiren, all students eventually returned to their routine of normalcy.
Neither Jiang nor Jin confronted each other about it. They skirted around such a topic passively, especially if the Jin heir or Jiang heiress were within earshot. Both parties were in mutual agreement to cast a veil over the sensitive topic.
And hey, if anyone’s good at lightening the mood, it’s Wei Wuxian and she did so with gusto. Even Jing Cheng contributed in his own way, opting to extend his temper to the pettier but normal struggles of a student rather than the peacock.
(Deep down, Jiang Cheng was also undeniably glad that the betrothal was broken.)
Naturally, both Jin Zixuan and Wei Wuxian were punished. Worse, she realized her punishment would be monitored by another Lan whereas Lan Zhan was stuck with the Jin heir.
“This is definitely Lan-laoshi’s way of getting back at me.” She had grumbled to Jiang Cheng.
“It’s well-deserved.” He sniffed. “If Lan Wangji was the one assigned to babysit you all the time, you’d get nothing done by the end of the semester. Plus, it’d be inappropriate if you guys were always set up together.”
“Aw, is Chengcheng concerned over this maiden’s virtue?” she purred, batting her lashes.
He gagged. “Oh fuck, why did you have to put it like that- wait.” His face turned dead serious. “He didn’t try anything, did he?”
“No!” she quickly reassured. “He was as touchy as a stone wall.”
“Good.” Jiang Cheng nodded. “Otherwise, I would’ve bashed him into one.” He muttered.
“Killing is prohibited in Cloud Recesses.” She quoted.
“Do you have a fever? Qi deviation? I could’ve sworn I just heard you sound like a fucking Lan.” He said, aghast.
“Aiya, don’t worry. I’m not turning into a Lan just yet.” She teased.
He couldn’t stop the sour twist of his face at the reminder. (The reminder that both his sisters will eventually leave him alone. He doesn’t want that, he hates that.)
“Hey, don’t make that face or it’ll stay stuck like that.” Then she added, voice softer and uncharacteristically solemn. “A-Cheng, even if I have to move to these mountains, my roots will always be of Lotus Pier, okay? We both have our duties but we also have our ties. Don’t forget that.”
He bit the inside of his cheek.
(Of course, he knew that, how could he not when a-niang reminded him of them every day? How could he not when he’s seen how happiness is always caught in the crossfire between duty and ties? How could he not fear after seeing the abject misery of his parents?)
“Wei Ying.” Wangji greeted.
“Lan Zhan!” she cheered. “Come in, come in. Shijie, shidi, we have a guest.”
“Oh? I’ll prepare some tea.” Yanli said.
“No need.” He rumbled. “I wish to show Wei Ying something.”
“Oooh, a surprise?”
Jiang Wanyin’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“A-Cheng.” Yanli chided without turning away from the tea.
“They need a chaperone.” He insisted.
“I will not besmirch Wei Ying’s virtue.” Wangji vowed.
“We’ll be back before dinner, promise.” Wei Ying chimed.
Wanyin relented but not before giving Wangji a sharp scowl. The man seemed to bear a perpetual dislike towards him though thankfully, it was mild compared to Jin Zixuan’s share.
He guided Wei Ying towards the backhills where balls of fluff roamed amongst greenery.
“Rabbits.” Wei Ying gasped, delighted. “Lan Zhan, how could you keep this from me?” she pouted.
He picked up a rabbit, ignoring the adorable pout. “I am sharing with you now.”
Following his lead, she selected a black-furred lop that that bold enough to approach her.
“I thought pets were forbidden?” she pointed out as they both settled down in the grass.
“Not pets, companions. Friends.” He corrected. “….muqin was fond of them.”
(Both of them rarely talked about their parents in their correspondence and neither have pushed to ask.)
“……….I think a-niang was fond of donkeys.” She said softly. “I remember her riding one.” And little else beyond that.
“Would…..Wei Ying like to take one home?” he offered.
“Mmmm, tempting but no.” she mused. “Wouldn’t want to separate them from their family. Rabbits die from loneliness, you know? And these little guys deserve all the love in the world, don’t you?” she cooed, nuzzling one lovingly.
“Besides, if I’d known Cloud Recesses had rabbits, I would’ve moved here ages ago.” She chirped.
“Do not joke about such things lightly.” He said, words clipped.
(She still doesn’t know about what happened to muqin. Doesn’t know that not too far from here was the prison that housed her.)
“Eh, Lan Zhan?”
He tilted his head in acknowledgement.
She smiled, blooming across her face like the lotuses she admired so very much.
“I’m going to miss you. Not this place and it’s rules but…I’ll definitely miss you and the rabbits.” She said.
This time, he reached his hand out first and squeezed. He wondered if his hand was cold against hers still.
“I will miss Wei Ying too.”
Then he reached into his sleeves took out a small bundle wrapped in a sky-blue handkerchief. He placed it by Wei Ying’s side.
Setting the bunny aside, she picked up the bundle and unwrapped it, eyes widening when she saw the fa zan inside. It was made of smooth wood with elegant swirls of silver. A small rabbit carved from jade was at the end, nestled amongst gilded lotuses.
“Lan Zhan…..” she breathed.
“I understand that you are not frivolous with jewellery. But I wanted to…indulge.” He said and oh, he looked so cute when his ears blushed like that!
“Lan er-ge, you’re too good.” She sighed, reaching out to brush one of his bangs aside.
“Help me put it on?” she asked.
She returned to her dorm with the weight of a fa zan in her ponytail.
They reunited a year later at the Grand Discussion Conference held by Qishan Wen. Quivers were filled with arrows, bows were strung and blood red uniforms were worn.
Wei Ying managed to briefly catch up with Wen Ning before joining the rest of the Jiang disciples. Craning her head, she eventually made out a familiar golden-eyed figure.
“Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! Your headband is crooked!” she teased.
The Second Jade stiffened, checking his ribbon only to realize it was, in actuality, perfectly straight. He glared at the cheeky girl.
Jiang Cheng smacked her. “What are you doing?!” he hissed.
“What? I haven’t seen him in a year, I miss teasing him.” She snickered.
Jiang Cheng facepalmed. Some people call his shijie ‘spirited’, he prefers ‘shameless’.
By the time he brought his hand away, she was already skipping towards the second Lan.
“Lan er-ge, hang on!” she managed to stand in front of him. “It was just a joke, we haven’t seen each other in a year and you treat me so coldly.”
“Ridiculous.” He intoned.
“I said I’m sorry.” She pouted. “Eh? Lan Zhan!” she stepped closer. “You’ve grown taller than me!”
He hummed, even though their difference in height was probably only an inch or so.
“Is Wei Ying excited?” he asked.
“Definitely! Yunmeng Jiang takes pride in their archery as much as their swimming. Eh, Lan Zhan, you wanna team up? I’ll bet we can score the most points together.” She suggested.
“Excessive pride is forbidden. And it would be unfair.” He pointed out.
“And you’re supposed to be scoring for Yunmeng Jiang!” Jiang Cheng snapped. “Excuse us, Lan er-gongzi but we best regroup with our disciples.”
“Good luck, Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying waved as she was dragged off. In a rare moment of physical expression, he waved back, surprising his peers.
“……..it’s creepy.” Jiang Cheng murmured.
“What is?” she asked.
‘How you make him so vulnerable? Humane? Disgustingly in love?’ “Nothing.” He bit out. “Just focus on getting ready.”
“Always.” She smirked.
The drums were beat in a steady tandem like the heartbeat of a great beast as the sect leaders of the Great Sects arrived.
She found it ironic how Wen Ruohan bore the regalia of the sun yet his presence was as disconcerting as darkness. The kind that haunted you, strangled you, that turns silence into suffocation on the most peaceful of nights.
His second son, Wen Chao on the other hand, was about as terrifying as a firecracker. But unlike firecrackers, he lacked any spark of enjoyment one would get from it.
The second Wen heir had sauntered with his group of goons, all arrogance without an ounce of his father’s dignified bearing.
Wangji watched, unimpressed as Wen Chao set himself up for failure the moment he decided to flaunt his non-existent skills by ‘warming up’ in front of them.
A row of targets had been placed in front of the entryway to the hunting grounds. A disciple from each clan was allowed the chance to fire a practice shot as an excuse to show off. He found it pointless and a waste of time.
Still, Wen Chao seemed deadset on wasting the seconds by humiliating himself. More than once, a disciple raised their hand to disguise a snicker whenever he missed a target. The last one had been a lucky shot courtesy of a Nie disciple’s sneeze startling him.
Jiang Cheng looked ready to snap his bow into two, Huaisang looked ready to doze off, Jin Zixuan stared at Wen Chao’s bow as though it personally offended his ancestors and Wei Ying didn’t bother to hide her laughter.
His goons sang praises and a scattered few bothered to offer polite applause.
Then he noticed something.
Wei Ying was no longer laughing.
Her silver eyes were as flinty as steel, an scathing iciness glared in place of glowing warmth.
Following her gaze, something ugly stirred in his stomach when he saw the lecherous sneer twisting Wen Chao’s face, sleazy eyes roving over Wei Ying’s form.
Noticing too, Jiang Cheng’s scowl turned murderous and he subtly shifted his position to shield Wei Ying.
“It’s okay, A-Cheng.” She whispered.
“But he-”
“I can handle this myself.” She said with a frosty tone that would’ve made any Lan proud.
Wen Chao swaggered over and it took every ounce of willpower in Jiang Cheng’s being to not punch that sleazy look off his rat-like face.
“My my, I had no idea Jiang-zongzhu’s ward was such a beauty.” He purred, trying to sound charismatic but his nasal voice made such praise nauseating. “Why would he let such a lovely flower like you compete amongst men?”
“Wen er-gongzi’s concern is appreciated but this one can take care of herself.” She tittered.
“I can do it better.” He smirked.
Though violence is forbidden, Wangji contemplated exploiting a ‘loophole’ (as Wei Ying is so fond of doing) upon realizing he wasn’t in Cloud Recesses. However, any possible rule-breaking was unneeded.
In the blink of an eye, Wei Ying pivoted, nocked and fired five arrows at once. All five hit the bullseye dead-centre.
“I’m already the best so I’ll have to decline.” She smiled, baring pearly white teeth full of mockery.
Face as red as his robes, he growled and stomped off.
“Nice one, shijie.” er-shixiong snickered, high-fiving her. Jiang Cheng grinned, patting her back.
“Heh, next time I’ll do it blindfolded.” She proclaimed.
“Yeah yeah, enough bragging, more hunting.” Jiang Cheng said, affectionately elbowing her.
Her eyes caught molten gold and her heart beat faster, knowing they were shining with approval.
She beamed at him and he nodded back.
The competition began and the Wen were not in favour. Lan Wangji, Jin Zixuan and Jiang Cheng set a steady pace, taking down increasingly difficult targets and increasing their scores. Wei Ying on the other hand opted for another tactic.
Her scores were swift, aiming and hitting whatever target came her way. And well, if she just so happened to be faster than Wen Chao and ‘accidentally’ stole his targets, the only one to blame was himself for his mediocre skill.
(If Jiang Cheng noticed such tactic, he pretended not to notice. He needed to focus on his targets too, he only had one pair of eyes. Besides, in the end, her scores were their scores. He wasn’t complaining.)
Unfortunately, Wen Chao was petty and cruel, unafraid to resort to violence, rules be damned. Enraged and embarrassed, what little remained of his tolerance snapped and he fired his arrows towards an Ouyang disciple in the nearby vicinity.
“Ouyang-xiong, look out!” Jiang Cheng warned.
But it was too late, the arrows were too fast, he was going to be pierced either way-
As if bestowed by divine intervention, another arrow intercepted in time.
Lan Wangji landed as collectedly as returning from a trip to the market for groceries.
All three released a breath of relief. Wen Chao, the coward, had already scampered off to look for more people to bully.
“Thanks, Lan Zhan.” She replied.
“En. Everyone is unharmed?” he asked.
“Peachy but if I get my hands on that Wen Chao, I’ll make sure he becomes the opposite.” Jiang Cheng growled.
“Many thanks, Lan er-gongzi!” the Ouyang disciple said profusely before leaving.
As Wangji turned to leave and find more prey, Wei Ying called after him.
“Lan er-ge, your ribbon is crooked!”
He spared her a dubious glance before turning away.
“It really is this time. Hey, wait up!”
There was a tug and release, white blinding his vision as his forehead ribbon fluttered loose.
He stood still as a statue, absently aware of the splinters from the broken bow in his grasp. Behind him, Wei Ying looked like a startled rabbit, the forehead ribbon (his forehead ribbon) still held in her grasp.
“…..Lan….Zhan?” she asked hesitantly.
He reminded himself to breathe, focusing on the air rushing down his throat. His heart beat against his ribcage so hard it ached, his blood roared in his veins, burning him from the inside out.
“I’m sorry, it really was crooked. I didn’t mean to pull it off!” she apologized hurriedly, eyes panicked. “Here, I’ll help you put it back on.”
Mouth dry, he was powerless as she looped the length of fabric around his forehead, clever fingers securing it at the back of his head. There was ink staining her nails, he idly noted.
Jiang Cheng watched, slack-jawed and questioning his life choices. Unbeknownst to them, a nearby Lan disciple fainted on the spot, another two Nie disciples looked dazed and a Jin covered his mouth as though witnessing a juicy scandal (in a way, he was).
Wangji was in a daze. Wei Ying’s mouth was moving but his ears felt like they were stuffed with cotton. He tried not to think about how pink her lips were despite being chapped, his eyes strayed and-oh, she still wore the fa zan he gave her, the jade rabbit glowing in her tresses.
He-
He needed to leave before he did something he regretted.
Wei Ying watched as he turned around and stormed off without another word, baffled as to why he’d react in such a way over a mere forehead ribbon.
“What….did. You. Do.” Jiang Cheng gritted out.
“I don’t know!” she cried, genuinely confused.
He groaned, running his hands over his face and through his hair.
“Oh my god, YOU ARE HOPELESS!” he bemoaned.
“As if you’re any better!” she snapped, cheeks red, normally thick skin burning as she recalled how he had looked at her with an intensity that stirred something within her, lips pressed thin and colourless but never tarnishing his jade-like beauty in the slightest.
“Let’s just win this thing and rub it in Wen Chao’s face.” She said before running off to do as such.
She fired arrow after arrow with single-minded dedication. Nock, aim, fire, nock, aim, fire, the pattern soothed her somewhat.
The competition ended and she realized that Lan Zhan had already left halfway.
‘Is he mad at me? Disgusted? Offended? So much he couldn’t stand my face, much less say anything to it?’ stones churned in her stomach and she stubbornly ignored the lump in her throat.
No, she would not be deterred! She was Wei fucking Wuxian, she can’t give up! She has to get to the bottom of this. She’ll draft a letter for Lan Zhan first thing once she returned to Lotus Pier.
She won first place and despite the heaps of praise her peers gave her, such an achievement felt hollow in her heart.
A year later, her heart turned to stone when all sects were given an edict to enroll their heirs into Qishan Wen’s Indoctrination Camp.