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"Did you hear? Sect Leader visited Madam Lan today."
"But today is Tuesday."
A group of Lan disciples gathered around in a conspicuous huddle, freshly excited after an exhilarating night hunt. Not even Gusu Lan was immune to the drunken essence of victory.
Lan Ruqian, newly appointed Head Disciple of Gusu Lan, frowned. "Gossiping is forbidden in the Cloud Recesses," she reminded. For her efforts, she received wry smiles and dismissive snorts.
"He's not really Madam Lan though, is he?" another disciple piped up, eager to bypass the rule.
"And what would you suggest?! Should we all call him Master Lan?!" a fourth disciple entered the conversation, tone sharp. The small group winced as they turned to observe the Yunmeng-typical purple colouring of the newest arrival's robes.
Zhang Xiaolian, the Head Disciple of Yunmeng Jiang, stood furiously with her arms crossed and forehead creased.
Lan Ruqian sighed.
"We mean no disrespect towards Yunmeng Jiang, Head Disciple Zhang."
Her intonation was perfectly polite but it did nothing to soothe Zhang Xiaolian's ire. The Gusu Lan disciples were narrowly saved by the arrival of Wei Wuxian, Acting Sect Leader of Yunmeng Jiang. By his own insistence; he refused to fully assume the mantle of Sect Leader.
His eyes were stormy but Wei Wuxian kept a bright smile on his face as he spoke. "I didn’t know Gusu Lan could gossip!" He began cheerily. "But my shimei and I can't stick around forever. Maybe we'll join you next time!" And with that impressive closing statement, Wei Wuxian bid them adieu, leaving as quickly as he arrived with Zhang Xiaolian in his wake.
She made sure to send one last scathing glare at Lan Ruqian, who countered it with a placid smile of her own.
"Gusu Lan disciples have better things to do than to stand around all day." Lan Ruqian stated, shaking her sleeves as she prepared to storm off eloquently. It was her polite way of saying fuck right off. The group immediately scattered, strangely eager to fulfil their sect duties.
Lan Ruqian sighed.
She could only hope that Wei Wuxian and Zhang Xiaolian did not wreak havoc in the Cloud Recesses again…
Meanwhile, Wei Wuxian was on a mission. A mission which was being spectacularly impeded by the esteemed Hanguang-jun.
"Lan Zhan," he began brightly.
"Wei Ying."
"I want to see him."
"Saozi does not wish to see you."
At that, Wei Wuxian startled and then bared his teeth in an unfriendly manner. Any hopes of intimidating Lan Wangji were thrown out the window when the man raised an elegant brow as if to say it's gonna take a lot more than that to scare me, buddy.
Well, fuck him.
"He's my brother," he tried again.
"And he’s my brother-in-law."
"You just don’t know when to give up!"
Another elegant brow raised as if to silently comment on Wei Wuxian's hypocrisy.
"If Jiang Wanyin does not wish to see you then I will not force his hand." And with a graceful flourish of his robes, Lan Wangji walked off.
"I think your mother's spirit is trapped here."
For once in his life, Lan Xichen was speechless. The bizarre mixture of trepidation and anger must have been very visible on his face because Jiang Wanyin tilted his head and shouldered on.
"You haven’t played Inquiry for her, have you."
He had not.
Jiang Wanyin barely suppressed an eye roll, choosing to lightly scoff instead.
The uproar caused by Jiang Wanyin's decision to reside in the Gentian House set a new standard for outrage in Gusu Lan. Lan Xichen had to appease and placate many elders; it was such a tragic loss of decorum that even his uncle, who would have much rather forgotten the existence of the previous Madam Lan, joined him in restoring the sect's peace.
But nobody had been more furious than Lan Wangji.
Before Jiang Wanyin could place one foot in their mother's former abode, Lan Wangji had accosted him. If looks could kill, the young Jiang would have been deceased ten times over. They had shared a silent conversation. It took twenty painstakingly-long minutes for Jiang Wanyin's scowls and Lan Wangji's icy stares to cease; it seemed the duo had finally reached some sort of agreement. For the first time in his life, Lan Xichen could not understand his brother's expressions.
Some part of him was pleased that his brother and his husband were getting along. Other parts of him resented being left in the dark.
Whatever enmity that had built up between Jiang Wanyin and Lan Wangji was now thoroughly extinguished. Lan Wangji visited Jiang Wanyin almost every day. The only day his brother refused to step into the Gentian House was Tuesdays.
Due to his sect duties, Lan Xichen struggled to find time to visit his – for lack of a better term – shut-in husband. Oftentimes, he could only manage a visit once a month. But, like his brother, he never visited on Tuesdays.
Until today.
And now the unlikely couple sat together. The gentle smile which normally rested on Lan Xichen's face had slipped off.
"She’s at her strongest on Tuesdays." Jiang Wanyin looked supremely uncomfortable now, scowl softening as his eyes darted to inspect every corner. He resolutely refused to meet Lan Xichen's eyes.
Both of them could hear the unspoken question.
Did she die on a Tuesday?
Lan Xichen sighed.
"Tuesday is the day my brother and I would see her. We could only see her once a month. She was… a very patient woman. She never once complained."
His husband remained silent as if sensing that he had more to say.
But Lan Xichen could not force himself to continue. He plastered a kind smile onto his face, directed it at Jiang Wanyin with full force, and shook his sleeves elegantly. As he made to rise from his seat, Jiang Wanyin's mouth fell open in obvious shock.
"Aren’t you going to continue?!" Jiang Wanyin demanded.
Lan Xichen did not sigh, but it was a near thing.
"Please reconsider living with me in the Hanshi, husband."
He promptly left the house, taking care to not trample any of the surrounding gentians. To his surprise, he found they had been recently watered. Definitely, his husband's doing.
A genuine smile graced his face.
Lan Ruqian was truly having a very bad, horrible, no-good, terrible day.
First, the disciples she sent to deal with reports of malicious water spirits from Caiyi Town found themselves caught up in a malevolent scheme, which meant she had been forced to dispatch another group to rescue them. How embarrassing.
Then, Zhang Xiaolian of Yunmeng Jiang had all-but-stormed the Cloud Recesses, with her Acting Sect Leader at her heels like a dog—which was an ironic comparison, as everyone was well-acquainted with Wei Wuxian's deep fear of canines.
Now, she was being forced to clean up after her own Sect Leader who was either occupied with expelling rogue spirits or – if rumours were to be believed – visiting his other half. On a Tuesday.
"Where is the Sect Leader?" She did not snap at the closest disciple, but it was a near thing. In response, the disciple began to tremble until finally pointing in the direction of the Gentian House.
"Not you too." Lan Ruqian rolled her eyes, fully prepared to scold her subordinate, when her Sect Leader fully deemed it appropriate to emerge out of nowhere.
"Qian-er, are you terrorising xiao-Hua again?" Lan Xichen asked.
"Not in the slightest."
"She most definitely is!"
The scathing glare Lan Ruqian shot 'xiao-Hua' could have burned Satan himself.
In response, 'xiao-Hua' smartly fled the premises.
"And where were you?" She asked Lan Xichen, who could only smile.
"I was visiting Jiang Cheng. Let’s go appease the merchants in Caiyi Town."
"Alright, let’s proceed—" She abruptly cut herself off. A strange expression flickered on her face. The tranquil quiet of the Cloud Recesses had already been wholly disturbed, courtesy of Wei Wuxian and Zhang Xiaolian. What was one more thunderous, life-changing event?
She shrugged and followed Lan Xichen.
"I think Zhang Xiaolian will try to rip our texts again…"
"JIANG CHENG, LET ME IN!"
With Zhang Xiaolian bravely serving as a distraction, Wei Wuxian slipped past the usual Lan defences surrounding the singular pathway to the Gentian House. He could hear the entirety of Gusu Lan bristling at the intrusion of their usual peace. Grandmaster Lan seemed to be directing a rescue effort from the sound of his imperious yells. And if Wei Wuxian could comfortably hear the chaos from his vantage point, then he knew that his shidi could as well.
However, Jiang Wanyin remained holed up in the sad little house surrounded by gentians. He had refused to see his shixiong numerous times since his marriage – and that had admittedly stung Wei Wuxian more than he would ever like to confess – but that was old news. What truly raised alarm bells for both Yunmeng and Lanling was Jiang Wanyin refusing his jiejie the right to see him.
In tears, Jiang Yanli hurriedly arrived at Lotus Pier with three-month-old Jin Rulan in her arms. Wei Wuxian had personally received them both, initially delighted at a surprise visit from his beloved shijie and shizhi, but this joy soon faded into horror.
He could still remember his burning outrage which then transformed into a sweltering panic. Jiang Wanyin would never reject the chance to see his living family members. Even Wei Wuxian had been counting on an invitation after a few months when Jiang Wanyin's anger would have fizzled out.
There was only one explanation for it.
Gusu Lan was holding his shidi hostage, just as they had done to the previous Madam Lan. This was simply unacceptable.
The first few times he protested in full capacity as Acting Sect Leader. Wei Wuxian attended conferences, engaged in political battles with the esteemed Zewu-jun, and did not achieve his aims.
He could not rely on Sect Leader Jin, despite his shizhi being the man's grandson, because he knew that Jin Guangshan was unreliable and slippery. Wei Wuxian often wished Jiang Wanyin had assumed his rightful position as Sect Leader. His shidi would have been able to build much stronger relations with Jinlintai. As Sect Heir, Jin Zixuan was useless and too used to acquiescing to his father's whims – though he was developing a backbone for Jiang Yanli's sake. Jin Guangyao was no help either, being a devoted sworn brother of Zewu-jun. And Wei Wuxian would jump off a cliff before he seriously considered approaching Jin Zixun for aid.
This turned him towards Qinghe Nie, which was equally a lost cause. Sect Leader Nie was another sworn brother of Zewu-jun's and he vehemently vouched for Lan Xichen's honour at every opportunity possible. Nie Huaisang disliked seriously opposing his brother but he liked Jiang Wanyin enough to the point where he could be convinced to defy Nie Mingjue. It was Wei Wuxian's own pride which refused to let him ask the younger Nie for aid. After having suffered a nasty separation from his most beloved shidi, he did not feel like sowing strife between another pair of brothers. Besides, he reasoned, these were internal family matters; the cultivation world did not need to be dragged into everything.
Grandmaster Lan always looked seconds away from a qi deviation whenever he saw him. Wei Wuxian had bothered Lan Wangji a few times over this matter, but he also recognised that the esteemed Hanguang-jun had little to do with his own sect's affairs. He mainly hounded Lan Wangji for daily updates on Jiang Wanyin's health.
And, now, here he was.
Standing outside Jiang Wanyin's humble abode, being denied entry.
Wei Wuxian was stubborn enough to remain exactly where he was for days on end. He had no doubt that Zhang Xiaolian would find a way to keep him supplied with food and he was well-versed in the locations of every hiding spot in the Cloud Recesses. The former Wen remnants – who had discarded the surname 'Wen' and replaced it with 'Jiang' – might worry for a while but Wei Wuxian could always send them a message.
He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he completely disregarded the change in the air, nor did he acknowledge the light smattering of footsteps until they came to a halt behind him.
"Acting Sect Leader Wei, it’s always a pleasure to see you." The gentle voice of Zewu-jun sounded so sincere that Wei Wuxian's hardened resolve almost crumbled instantly. Key word: almost.
He forced a scowl onto his face instead.
"I cannot agree, Sect Leader Lan. Why have you held my brother hostage? Let him out." Unlike many in the cultivation world, Wei Wuxian lacked the patience to beat around the bush. He could make a mountain out of a molehill but he would not take aeons to do it.
Lan Xichen's smile wavered and something akin to surprise filled his eyes.
"Wanyin is holding himself hostage. I have asked him to accompany me in the Hanshi – my own quarters, you see – often but he refuses."
Fortunately, Lan Xichen decided to be as straightforward as Wei Wuxian. His younger brother usually retained the blunt role of the duo. However, today had been such a tiring day; all of his carefully cultivated Lan decorum simply evaporated.
Unadulterated surprise coloured Wei Wuxian's face. The expression was so raw and genuine; it reminded Lan Xichen of the youthful boy that had traipsed through the Cloud Recesses before the war.
"He's not letting shijie see him, Zewu-jun," Wei Wuxian said quietly, having decided that his brother-in-law was no longer his enemy.
The younger man studied his hands as he spoke.
"If it were just me, I would understand. Jiang Cheng can be mad at me all he likes. But he's never turned her away, Lan-da-gege!" Desperation burst through Wei Wuxian's voice.
Lan Xichen blinked, simultaneously awed and mortified by the new, familiar, term of address. He opened his mouth, closed it, and then opened it again. Before he could even begin to formulate his thoughts into words, the door of the Gentian House slid open.
Jiang Wanyin glared at his brother and husband.
Wei Wuxian stared back, face filling with unbridled joy.
"Jiang Cheng!" He lunged for his shidi, only to be thrown back by invisible protective wards. Lan Xichen winced out of sympathy.
"Wei Wuxian," his husband's voice was low and rough with disuse.
"Jiang Cheng—"
"Leave at once."
Wei Wuxian's mouth dropped open, shock and horror and indignation crowding his face all at once. Instead of trying to foolishly step towards Jiang Wanyin again (and be repelled) as Lan Xichen had expected, he chose to accusingly point a finger at his brother-in-law.
"You Lan fuckers have poisoned him, I'm going to fucking kill you—"
"WEI WUXIAN, SHUT THE FUCK UP!"
Lan Xichen was certain this profanity would have caused another uproar amongst the Lan elders if they had not been preoccupied.
Wei Wuxian paled and drew back.
Jiang Wanyin either did not care to see his shixiong or did not care to entertain anybody further, as he retreated into the Gentian House as quickly as possible.
"I will go speak with him," Lan Xichen said delicately.
"You do that," Wei Wuxian muttered.
For the second time that day, Lan Xichen stepped inside his husband's home. Jiang Wanyin received him with hardened eyes and furrowed brows, clearly not having forgotten his unorthodox exit. Confusion also lingered on the younger man's face. He was right to be puzzled. Lan Xichen never visited him on a Tuesday, nor did he visit more than once a month. To have the Lan Sect Leader visit him twice on a Tuesday was a strange occurrence and it disturbed their delicate routine.
"Come, sit with me," Lan Xichen invited pleasantly. Jiang Wanyin raised a brow but moved to sit across from his husband. He busied himself with arranging tea preparations and then serving it. Lan Xichen picked up a cup with a strange look in his eye.
"This was my mother's favourite set."
"I know. She told me."
They shared an intense look, filled with emotions that neither of them could hope to decipher. And then Lan Xichen began to speak.
"Not many people knew my mother. Not like how I knew her. Wangji was so young when she passed and shufu has never been fond of her. My father—a controversial figure in the sect. He is a conversation for another time. But my mother… you said she is here with you…?"
Jiang Wanyin sighed heavily as he studied his own teacup, almost wishing that he could drown in its depths.
"Ever since I lost my golden core," he began dully, "I've noticed a lot. Little things hurt more and big things hurt less. I married you to secure Wei Wuxian's position. We needed support."
Lan Xichen knew all of this but he remained silent. There had to be a reason for Jiang Wanyin to be recounting the facts.
Their marriage had caused a different type of uproar. His shufu was pleased that he did not want to marry for love but he was also remorseful. Somehow, Lan Qiren had gotten it into his head that his own bland practicality towards love had influenced Lan Xichen. The Lan elders dithered with their opinions but did not seem overly concerned.
Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian both heavily objected to this alliance, citing their desire for their brother to marry for love. But Jiang Wanyin had refused to back down and his elder siblings finally conceded. Lan Wangji had never voiced his opinion on the unlikely match, but the faint air of disapproval had clung to his younger brother for weeks until Jiang Wanyin somehow placated him.
"I couldn’t stay at Yunmeng. I'd see the disciples training and it would make me so angry. I wanted to join them but I couldn’t. Not like that. So, I married you and came to Gusu. And guess what, Zewu-jun? I saw the exact same fucking thing. Disciples with intact golden cores! Cultivators! Because, of course, there are going to be cultivators in a cultivating sect! That’s why I came to the Gentian House. I didn’t want to be around anybody or anything. Lan Wangji knows that. Your mother knows that."
Jiang Wanyin took a deep breath.
"Your mother's story isn't mine to tell. But I tried to do something stupid and she stopped me. She talked to me. Asked me about you and Lan Wangji. Even asked me about Wei Wuxian. She told me things about… you."
The tips of Lan Xichen's ears were red. He could not understand why. Jiang Wanyin was also blushing, an alarming streak of rouge settling across his face, but he continued speaking.
"I already told you, her story's not mine. You and I are so different to your parents, my parents, and whatever the fuck a-jie and the peacock have. But your mother—she knows what it’s like to give up something you’ve known your whole life. And—you know what?! I don’t want us to have a loveless marriage! I don't want to lock myself away forever! Lan Huan, I want to live a fucking happy life. I want to see my nephew, I want to see a-jie, I want to walk around the Cloud Recesses, I want to see you! I think I even want to see Wei Wuxian's ugly face!"
The transition from sombre words to barely repressed yells startled Lan Xichen immensely but he almost fell over at Jiang Wanyin's use of his name. His husband did not notice his shock and the esteemed Zewu-jun almost screamed when Jiang Wanyin leapt forward, placing his hands on Lan Xichen's shoulders. Their faces were so close. If he leaned forward, he could brush his mouth against the beauty mark situated next to Jiang Wanyin's mouth.
"We won't repeat your parents' mistakes! I'll leave the Gentian House and stay in the Hanshi with you. We can adopt Hong-er and he can live with us too. I already have a great courtesy name in mind. We can call him Jingyi. I need to arrange visits with the Madams of other sects! I need to help with assigning sect duties and organising sword training! I've thought about this for so fucking long, Lan Huan, you don’t even understand! I can't sit around on my ass all day. You have so much to do and I want to help. Don't worry, I really won't murder one of the elders even if I joked about it once—I understand now that joke was in bad taste and that’s why Teacher Lan threw up and—"
Jiang Wanyin continued rambling furiously but his words dissolved into white noise for Lan Xichen, who could only admire how his grey eyes sparkled with righteous indignation and determination, how his mouth kept trying to revert to its natural state (a fearsome scowl), and how radiant he looked when infuriated. Lan Xichen's ears thoroughly burned.
Oh, he thought to himself, mouth dropping open.
He is beautiful.
Jiang Wanyin was looking worried now, less animated and more subdued, and pressing himself closer to Lan Xichen. The older man hated causing his husband unnecessary distress but he could not find it in himself to respond appropriately. He was still drowning in his life-changing realisation.
And I love him.