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Chapter Text

There is nothing like Discussion Conference, in Cloud Recesses nonetheless, thought Wei Wuxian, trying to escape all the judgemental and incriminating looks the ‘orthodox’ cultivators were sending him. What wouldn’t I give for a jar of Emperor's Smile... What did he think, dragging me all the way here? He knows Lans hate everything unconventional in cultivation, but no... ‘You're my head disciple, if I have to suffer through this instead of focusing on rebuilding Lotus Pier, I damn well will not suffer through it alone. You’re coming with me, end of discussion. A-Jie will handle everything here. Besides, a little break from your constant drinking in the wine houses will do you and the owners good. At least they’ll be able to replenish their wine reserves’.   

He and Jiang Cheng, along with several of their most trusted disciples were in Gusu Lan Cloud Recesses for three days already and all that was discussed so far was how generous the Lanling Jin was in aiding various smaller and bigger sects in rebuilding and establishing connections with new sects, which sprouted after the Sunshot Campaign like mushrooms after rain. Three days, and nothing but bootlicking. Wei Wuxian felt like he’s going to be sick if he sat there even a minute longer, so after lunch he snuck out, only sending Jiang Cheng a wink. It’s a good thing his brother knows him so well that he only rolled his eyes and let him go. Trying to keep Wei Wuxian in that discussion room any longer would surely end in some political disaster. 

He was walking leisurely through stone gardens and beautifully styled pathways, the serene atmosphere giving him a feeling of nostalgia. Memories of his study days flying before his eyes. How much easier it was back then... No worries, no wars, no pain, no death... We worried only for how to kill boredom, the only wars we experienced was on night hunts fighting resentful creatures, the only pain came from scrapes and cuts on training sessions or when playing around, and nobody even thought about the possibility of death, we were immortal cultivators after all. Now? All that’s left from those times are memories clouded by the shock of reality and adulthood that came too fast. Gods I’m pathetic, I’m not even 20 yet! And I feel like I’m fucking 40... ugh, get a grip Wei Wuxian! He shook off the morbid thoughts and decided to go find that waterfall he liked to spend his free time at during the lectures here. He was just about to turn the corner when he suddenly bumped into somebody. A tall somebody in white and light blue elegant clothing, stern features and a goatee. He was soooo screwed now... 

“Lan xiansheng, good afternoon. Wonderful day we have today, don’t we?”, yep he was screwed. “Forgive me for my inattention. I’ll be out of your way now”, said Wei Wuxian, stepping out of the way and waiting for Lan Qiren to pass him by with haughty expression and sneer on his lips. How wrong he was. 

“Wei Wuxian. Since the fate decided to cross our paths again, come” said Lan Qiren turning around and walking away, clearly expected to be followed.  

“Forgive me xiansheng, but my student years are long passed and I don’t need any more lectures.” answered Wei Wuxian, not moving. 

Lan Qiren stopped, saying “I said come. You are in Cloud Recesses. ‘Do not disrespect the elder’, ‘Honour your teacher and respect his teachings’. I taught you once, therefore I am forever your teacher. Now come.”  

And with this he strode away. What was Wei Wuxian to do, but obey? I'll just have to endure it. I do it every day from Jiang Cheng anyway.  

Lan Qiren led him to his office. It was a medium sized room, elegant and airy, with small stove for brewing tea close to small table for discussions and admitting guests, spacious desk for writing, and shelf that took a vast majority of the back wall for all documents and space for research materials. 

Wei Wuxian stayed by the door, unsure of what to expect. Lan Qiren sat at the table and waited. He rose one of his eyebrows looking at his guest. Wei Wuxian sighed and slowly came to sit down. And since Lan Qiren clearly stated he is here as his student and due to the generational difference, it was Wei Wuxian’s responsibility to prepare and serve tea. Once the formalities were seen to and first sips of tea taken, it was time for the lecture.  

“I assume you know, or at least are able to guess, what I want to talk with you about. I was informed you strayed from the orthodox cultivation and are dealing with demonic arts. You are also well aware what my opinion of it is since the lectures you were part of. However, I was informed that you disappeared for three months after the attack on Lotus Pier and were presumably thrown into the Burial Mounds by Wen Chao. Do not look at me liked that, I was Acting Sect Leader for years before my nephew took over the sect after his father’s passing, I have my way of gaining information outside of gossip. You have not used your sword since then, nor are you carrying it with you as our tradition and propriety dictates. Answer me this. What is wrong with your golden core?” 

Wei Wuxian was speechless. How did he know? There is no way he learned it from any spy, nobody except from me, Wen Qing and Wen Ning knows. There’s no way... Hackles raised, Wei Wuxian tried to play the fool. 

“I don’t know what you are talking about xiansheng, my golden core is just fine. And what Burial Mounds? Your informant must be quite the storyteller.” 

“Do not try lying to me and do not take me for a fool. My informant has seen a group of Wens, including Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu heading towards the Burial Mounds on their swords with someone in their grasp. The person was in bad shape, in nondescript clothing, but visibly young. Unfortunately, by the time the information got to me, you already managed to join the Sunshot Campaign. And also unfortunately, I managed to associate the youth they carried with you once the Campaign was well underway and I was informed about your new style of cultivation. Resentful energy damages the body and the spirit. It is vile, dangerous and unpredictable. I will ask again, what is wrong with your golden core?” 

This cannot be happening. Out of all the people in the world it had to be Lan Qiren, hasn’t it? He has to think of something fast. There are too many people here, too many sects, too many witnesses. He has to do something otherwise the Jiang sect is going to be in danger. They just started rebuilding, they cannot afford to be attacked now, when there is so little chance they will survive it. Not when everyone will find out he is coreless and decide that his Yin Tiger Amulet is out for grabs. It is too dangerous to be in anyone else's hands. 

And now here he is. All his plans to wait until the Yunmeng Jiang is fully re-established to destroy that damn thing and end this miserable existence of his with it. To wait until everyone is safe again after war. It’s all for nought. 

In his panic, Wei Wuxian stood up feigning anger, looking around discreetly as if someone would be able to hear. He started to move towards the door, saying “I told you already xiansheng, my golden core is just fine. As is my body and my spirit. I know myself best.” 

In a blink, Lan Qiren was in front of him, grasping his wrist. Wei Wuxian tried to escape, but what he didn’t take into account is the legendary Lan arm strength. Despite being a scholar and a teacher, Lan Qiren was still a Lan. Diligent in his training and honing his skills for years, he could easily overpower Wei Wuxian. 

And then he stated probing his meridians, which were found empty but undamaged, with void in place of the core. 

“Impossible,” said Lan Qiren, looking at Wei Wuxian in shock. “Who did this to you?” 

His grip on the wrist slackened, and Wei Wuxian was finally able to wrest his hand back to himself. He was in sooooo much trouble now.  

“Nobody did anything to me, I am completely fine. I didn’t expect the great Grandmaster of the Lan Sect, Lan Qiren, to be so discourteous as to grab people without their permission”, seethed Wei Wuxian through gritted teeth and with anger in his eyes, their colour flickering between grey and red.  

“Forgive me my discourtesy, but it was the only way to check on your health without you avoiding examination”, said Lan Qiren, trying to placate the fuming Wei Wuxian. “The technique used to extract your golden core is very old and only 2 or 3 copies of it exist, one of which is in possession of the Lan Sect. I know it was not the Core Melting Hand, his core crushing technique destroyed also the meridians. I felt the meridians of a person attacked by Wen Zhuliu and they were in state of total devastation. Your meridians are whole and healthy, although energy in them is stagnant and tinted by resentment, and they are singed only where they meant to be connected to the core. Someone clearly performed a surgery on you. The only question is what experiments were they performing on you and what they used your core for?” 

That's it, isn’t it? He's done for. After all his attempts to keep it a secret, after hurting so many people with his lies, it had to be his old teacher. He always thought the Old Man Lan hated his guts. He was ready for another lecture full of scolding and hateful comments, but he had no idea how it turned out as it did. 

And then the door opened.

Chapter Text

It just couldn’t get worse, could it? Right when his world is falling apart, he just had to get another witness. And none-the-less, the Second Jade of Lan himself.  

~~~ 

Lan Wangji was looking for his Shufu, as his opinion was requested during the conference session. As he was nearing his Shufu’s office, he heard Shufu and Wei Ying talking. He did not mean to listen to their conversation, ‘Do not listen to conversations not meant for your ears’ after all. But as soon as he heard Shufu's question “what is wrong with your golden core?” he just could not resist. He tried to find out what is wrong with Wei Ying for such a long time now, offered his help numerous times, but alas. It is fair to say though that with his inability to express himself properly and his penchant for ‘Speak meagrely, for too many words only bring harm’, ‘Do not take your own words lightly’ and ‘Be careful with your words’, he might have been misunderstood. He was never one for words after all. 

Despite his best intensions, him and Wei Ying were in near constant state of arguing during the starting phases of the Sunshot Campaign. At one point he started to give up and just watched Wei Ying’s back on and off the battlefield, trying to get assigned to the same squad as often as possible, at least whenever they were on the same war front. They even managed to come back to sharing a comfortable silence every now and again. 

It did not however decrease his worry for Wei Ying.  

That is why he stayed under the door to Shufu's office, listening to the conversation happening inside, promising himself he will take punishment for breaking the rules later. What he heard however was beyond his wildest imaginings.  

And what he learned had broken his heart. 

Wei Ying did not have his golden core anymore. And what is worse, someone dared to take it away from him.  

He felt as if frozen in place. The emotional turmoil he felt at this moment was something he have not experienced before. Even during the guest lectures, when he just met Wei Ying, this annoying, ridiculous, shameless boy, who changed his whole world and turned his knowledge of himself upside-down, did not cause him so much trouble in distinguishing his emotions. Two of them he could however recognise – anguish for what Wei Ying had to go through, and fury at whomever dared to ever cause harm to his fated one.  

For Wei Ying was his fated one, whether Lan Wangji wanted it or not. He had fallen for him slowly and steadily throughout the lectures and their later adventures while looking for the Yin Iron, and even more during indoctrination and their fight with the Xuanwu of Slaughter. He accepted it fully during the time Wei Ying was missing, and his worry for his beloved reached its peak when he could not pull Suibian out of its sheath. Right in that moment he realised that if something happened to Wei Ying, he would not be able to live in the world without him. It only motivated him to look harder and further than ever before. The relief he felt when he and Jiang Wanyin found Wei Ying in that courier station was quickly washed away by worry once again. For his fated one has changed and was clearly harming himself using resentful energy. 

It all made sense now. Why Wei Ying turned to the unorthodox, why he never carried Suibian with him, why he used a dizi to fight. All those excuses, all the arguing and downright contemptuous behaviour at times, was all a form of protection. He was protecting his secret from being discovered. Knowing Wei Ying, he wanted to be an active part of the Sunshot Campaign, to fight, to protect his brother and sect leader on the battlefield, and exact his revenge on the Wen Clan and Sect. He was also protecting himself from everyone’s pity and disregard.  

That is why when he heard his fated one was presumably experimented on, he could not stand to be hidden any longer.  

He opened the door.  

What he found was a shocked and heartbroken Shufu (although not many would discern those emotions on Shufu's face) and a panicked and resigned Wei Ying. 

He went into the office, moving towards his beloved, until Wei Ying rose his hand, holding Chenqing defensively in front of himself and stepped back. 

“Wei Ying” was all he could say. All his attention was directed towards his beloved. They looked into each other's eyes for a while. The storm of emotions in Wei Ying’s eyes was overwhelming. There was so much sorrow and resignation in them, chased by distrust and soul-deep hurt, followed by sheer panic, as if he was a cornered animal in its last minutes of life. After a while Wei Ying closed his eyes, facing away and lowering his flute.  

“You’ve heard.” It was a statement, full of sorrow, hopelessness and resignation. 

Lan Wangji was like a frozen statue again. What was he supposed to do, to say? He took a breath, trying to find any words that would provide support, convince Wei Ying that he was not alone and had someone to rely on, someone who will never judge him and always help him. But his words, as limited as they were, had to wait.  

All of a sudden, as if his strength left him, Wei Ying started to sway. 

~~~ 

Of course he heard. It was obvious. Even on his jade-like face, the shock of the news was clearly visible.  

Lan Zhan started moving towards him, and as if in reflex he reached for Chenqing holding it in front of himself like a shield. He looked at Lan Zhan, as he called his name, and the turmoil of feelings visible in his eyes was overwhelming. So that’s how you judge Lan Zhan’s emotions... No wonder nobody seems to understand him. Nobody knows where to look... Thought Wei Wuxian out of the blue. The gold of Lan Zhan’s eyes seemed to swirl around his iris. Hurt, shock and for some reason anger were ones of the most prominent and easiest emotions to read in the Second Jade’s eyes. At least there wasn’t any pity in them. He wouldn’t be able to survive it, he thought, if Lan Zhan pitied him.  

Wei Wuxian turned away, resigned, knowing he will not be able to lie to these two anymore. He felt exhausted. It wasn’t a new feeling but being faced with his old teacher's shrewdness and Lan Zhan’s unexpected bout of rule-breaking, his façade started to crumble. He felt his energy slipping away as his heartbeat started to settle down. His vision went blurry, and he felt himself sway before strong arms caught him, not allowing him to hit the ground. He gazed up, or at least he tried to through the fog of his vision. Lan Zhan had caught him. Ah Lan Zhan, he thought looking into Lan Zhan’s eyes again, how I wish we could still be equals... To be able to call you my zhiji, to spar with you in the moonlight... To travel with you and night hunt with you... To... Ah, but it’s not possible now... How could a coreless nobody like me ever even dream of such things... You have such a bright future ahead of you and my single-plank bridge is too narrow for anyone but me.  

“Wei Ying, zhiji, from now on, no matter how narrow and dangerous the single-plank bridge you are walking is, I will follow you” he heard Lan Zhan say.  

“Did I just say everything out loud?” asked Wei Wuxian confused. 

“Yes you did Wei Wuxian. Wangji pick him up, we will take him to the healing pavilion,” said Lan Qiren, breaking the moment. 

“No healers,” Wei Wuxian started panicking again. “Nobody can know about this. Not now, not ever. Especially the visiting cultivators. The Jiang Sect will be ruined, a laughingstock. I cannot allow this, I need to protect Jiang Cheng and Shijie and the rest of the sect. Madam Yu and Uncle Jiang ordered me to before their death, I cannot let anything happen to Jiang Sect because of me. I ruined them enough already.” Wei Wuxian tried to get up and away from Lan Zhan, but he was too week and the Second Jade held him too tightly for that to be possible. 

Lan Zhan and Lan Qiren quickly exchanged glances, but Wei Wuxian was not sure what this was about. 

“Do not worry Wei Wuxian, we will go out of sight of everyone and ask for presence of only the head healer. Nobody from the conference will find out” said Lan Qiren, trying to calm and assure him. 

“Shufu, your presence was requested by the Sect Leaders. There is a matter that they insist requires your opinion.” 

“Very well, but first things first. We will take Wei-gongzi to the healing pavilion, where you will stay with him and the head healer. I will go to the conference and will come back to you as fast as I will be able to. I will think of an excuse for you. In these circumstances, there is plenty of things you would be more useful doing, rather than sitting in the conference hall. Now let us go” said Lan Qiren, leading the way. 

Yep, I am screwed for good thought Wei Wuxian from Lan Zhan's arms. Let's just hope Jiang Cheng will not have his moment of revelation.  

As we all know, Wei Wuxian isn’t all that lucky... 

Chapter Text

They walked down the least known and the most covered paths.  

Lan Qiren led them close to the healing pavilion and left them just out of sight, but still in hearing range. He decided it would be the safest to go in alone and ask for head healer in case of presence of others. It turned out to be a good idea, because as soon as he went in, the healing assistant on duty greeted him. 

“Could you please fetch Lan Liangchen daifu, I need to speak with him urgently,” said Lan Qiren and watched the healing assistant scamper off to inform the head healer of his presence. 

Soon enough, the head healer, a man few years Lan Qiren’s senior with no nonsense attitude, came to the reception room of the healing pavilion. By looks he was a clear representation of Lan nurture, with regal posture and hidden strength emanating from him. Lan Qiren known him as Qingheng Jun’s year mate and close friend before his brother’s unfortunate marriage, and after that as a staunch supporter of keeping the main Lan family at the helm of the Lan clan and sect. Lan Qiren often sought his advice when he was still a healing assistant when his nephews were feeling off, or when he needed backup when the clan elders tried yet again to take over the leadership or tried to control Lan Qiren. Fortunately for Qiren, Lan Liangchen had a real talent in medicine and penchant for revolutionising the medical arts in Cloud Recesses, so helping him get to the position of head healer had additional benefits for the both of them. 

“Liangchen daifu,” greeted Lan Qiren, “could we speak in private?” 

~~~ 

Seeing the usually serious Lan Qiren even more serious is a clear give-away that something major just happen and that nobody can find out. 

“Of course. Xiangxi, take a break, some fresh air will do you good. Xiansheng, please follow me to my office” Lan Liangchen waited for his assistant to leave and wanted to lead Qiren ahead, but seeing him turning to the door instead and calling for his younger nephew stopped him in his tracks. And piqued his curiosity even more. 

Wangji came in with a man in his arms, clearly in need of nutrients, medicine and proper rest. The young man was the same age as young Second Jade, or at least close enough to be believed as such. Liangchen was not sure which sect does he belong to, as his clothing was not in any sect colours known to him. 

“Lan Zhan,” said the young man petulantly, “I told you I can walk on my own, why must you carry me like a delicate maiden? It’s so embarrassing.” 

Calling Wangji by his birth name got Liangchen to rise his eyebrows. As far as he knew, the young Lan does not have any close friends apart from his older brother, and even Xichen calls him by his curtesy name. 

Wangji just looked at him with worry in his eyes and seeing the pouting face of his charge softened visibly and just said “Wei Ying.” 

Said Wei Ying only grew more petulant, but stayed where he was.  

So, the birth name thing goes both ways... Interesting.  

It was quite shocking seeing the Second Jade so expressive after so many years of blankness on his face.  

Liangchen could see, however, that the whole secrecy is closely connected to the Wei Ying person, so without any more questions, he led the three to a private healing room, where he told Wangji to lay the patient on the bed. 

“Qiren, will you tell me what is going on, or should I guess?” asked Liangchen, reaching for the Wei Ying’s wrist to start examination. 

“Liangchen, before you start anything, listen,” said Qiren looking straight into the head healer’s eyes. “Whatever you will find, and whatever we tell you, must stay in complete secrecy. No one else apart from us four can know about anything that will happen in this room.” After Liangchen nodded, the teacher continued. “Do you remember the information I got about Wens carrying someone to the Burial Mounds?” 

“The one that came when we were discussing plans for the new healing pavilion?”  

“Yes. He was that person.” 

“He has a name xiansheng, no matter how much you don’t like me,” said his patient irritated. “My name is Wei Ying, curtesy Wuxian, head disciple of the Yunmeng Jiang sect. I would gladly bow, but I am being prevented from doing so by this stubborn Second Jade of yours.” He looked at young Wangji reproachfully, but with fondness in his eyes, that he visibly wanted to hide. By the look on Wangji’s face, he was not regretting it at all.  

“No need to bow young master Wei, you are clearly in no condition to do more than rest and replenish your strength,” he said, reaching again for Wei Wuxian’s wrist. 

What he found there was more shocking than he anticipated.  

The most glaring was an utter lack of a golden core. And to add salt to injury, it was clearly surgically removed, rather than crushed.  

Liangchen gave Qiren a pointed look, but only received a nod and silent nudge to continue. 

The techniques Liangchen invented and developed in spiritual examination allowed him to reach earliest sicknesses. He worked on this technique for years, ever since he was a young healing assistant. He discovered that bones and other tissues have a memory far greater than anyone ever anticipated. Each injury and health condition leaves a mark, which changes the way each tissue functions, no matter how slightly, and in turn can be used by an experienced healer to define the age and possible cause of the injury. His innovations and medical treaties got him wide recognition among the famous healers and allowed Qiren to promote him to his current position. He was never as grateful for his insight into patient’s medical past as right now with his current patient. 

Even considering he was thrown into the Burial Mounds, the extent of Wei Wuxian’s injuries was beyond any imagination. Counting from his 5th to 9th year Wei Wuxian experienced severe starvation and what looks to be animal bites and beatings which left him with several bruised bones and even broken ankle. Afterward, even if his starvation was decreased, there are periods in his early teenage years, during crucial growth spurts, when he was not given proper nourishment. Scars from regular cultivation training and night hunting were to be expected, but the lashes he received imply serious criminal offences, more than punishment for bad behaviour and mischievousness most of junior disciples partake in. He also had several broken or fractured bones in this period, all spread out throughout the years, but of minimum one every 8-12 months. It was shocking to know that this young man was a Head Disciple of a great sect, rather than a mercenary or a criminal with how many injuries he sustained in his young life. Even more so was the fact that Wei Wuxian was even able to move.  

When he finally got to the point where he suspected the massacre of Lotus Pier happened, the history of his health only gotten worse. The whipping from spiritual weapon, most probably Zidian, followed shortly by throat injury and another period of low nutrition, were the last recorded before major trauma which was the core removal surgery. Although the surgery site itself was clean and precise, the beating he received shortly after, and the stab wound caused the stiches to rip and the wound to get infected. The next set of injuries happened only hours later. Broken and bruised bones, dislocated discs, severe concussion, bruised and split internal organs, including kidneys and liver... It is a miracle the young man is even alive.  

The more he examined, the more injuries he found. Even as detached as a healer should be he could not ignore how difficult Wei Wuxian’s short life was. No wonder Qiren brought him to Liangchen directly. There is only one other doctor he knows of that could treat the young man efficiently, and she’s most likely either dead or imprisoned. Thinking about it, he does not know any other surgeon who would be able to remove golden core so precisely. 

“Qiren, you need to find Wen Qing, and bring her in immediately.” 

Chapter Text

Breathe in, breathe out... back hill meadows... majestic waterfalls... birdsong and sounds of evening insects... fresh winter air... smell of spring flowers... warmth of summer sun on my face... colours of autumn leaves... breathe in, breathe out... Lan Xichen really tried all possible conscious meditation methods to keep his mood from souring. Especially that he was still stuck in the conference hall with various sect leaders and other more-or-less important people of the cultivation world. However, the continuous squabbling that has been going off for past half a shichen is really starting to fray his nerves. I hope Shufu is not terribly busy and will come soon to share his opinion on this... topic.  

Lan Xichen was reluctant at the beginning to host the Discussion Conference, since Cloud Recesses were still rebuilding. However, as his Shufu said, allowing Lanling Jin to host it again would put too much power in their hands. Besides it would also add to A-Yao's responsibilities, and he was already incredibly occupied with whatever Jin Guangshan could push onto him. So, Xichen decided to pull in some of the favours he was owed and asked for some from others and offered to host this year’s conference. They managed to finish rebuilding the guest quarters and some of the more public buildings shortly before the sects were meant to arrive.   

Now however, his patience was thinning. Because no matter how much he tried to convince them to make a decision, the crowd was divided in its opinions evenly in half, and no matter what was said and which arguments were discussed, the division still remained the same. Infuriatingly.   

Lan Xichen was not one for cussing, but he felt like he might just break that one rule and soon.   

Luckily for him, Lan Qiren had a perfect timing.  

His Shufu walked into the conference hall regally, head held high and looking ahead. He stopped at the centre, waiting for the commotion to quiet down, however after several moments of being ignored, he huffed under his nose, and amplifying his voice, spoke to the arguing crowd.  

“What is it that requires my presence? I was told there is an urgent matter that requires my opinion.”   

“Ah, Lan Qiren,” said sect leader Jin unabashedly, “you’re finally here.”  

“Sect Leader Jin I was here for the past several minutes. I believe, however, my presence here is not as necessary as I was made to believe, since nobody seemed to acknowledge it. And please, sect leader, we are in official setting, it is Lan Xiansheng.”  

“Ah ha ha, of course, of course. Forgive me Lan Xiansheng.” Jin Guangshan responded through clenched teeth. His face was slowly turning red, and his fan fluttered faster and faster to help dissipate his embarrassment.  

It was quite amusing for Lan Xichen to watch. Especially that it was not often when his shufu showed his petty side. Even Wangji had weaker hold on this side of all main-bloodline Lans. On the other hand, having Lan Qiren being petty in discussion conference can only mean something big happened and he would prefer to be anywhere else but here.  

“What is it then that you need my opinion on?”  

Lan Xichen decided it was a high time to take over this conversation, before some of the sect leaders popped a vein.  

“We were just discussing the advantages and disadvantages of Chief Cultivator position. At the moment, there is equal number of sects which are against choosing new Chief Cultivator, and in favour of it. I suggested to ask for your wisdom and opinion, as you have been Acting Sect Leader for many years and are a long-time and well-known teacher of many generations of disciples through our guest lectures.” said Xichen, looking pointedly at his shufu. Please, just do something before I will lose it.  

Lan Qiren nodded his head gracefully at his nephew in thanks for the explanation and visibly decided to take his time responding. Or at least that was the initial plan in Xichen’s opinion.  

“You surely must see the positives of having a Chef Cultivator,” said Jin Guangshan. “For centuries there was always someone who helped resolve intersect issues, give advice on various problems, monitor whether all sects are performing their duties up to standard, etc. It is already over a year after the Sunshot Campaign finished, and we still have no one to take over after Wen Ruohan.”  

“And who would you put in this position, sect leader Jin?”  

“Well, someone with enough influence to be well connected and respected. Someone with vast knowledge of the cultivation world, and a well working team of advisors able to take over some of the internal sect matters, so the Chief Cultivator can focus more on the matters of the cultivation world.”  

In other words, himself then... How predictable. Thought Lan Xichen holding a bitter chuckle back. The self-importance of some people is beyond belief.  

“There are several things you missed, Sect Leader Jin,” countered Lan Qiren. “The position of Chief Cultivator was historically only temporary, arising only for the time of dire need. The person picked was always chosen unanimously, a person of utmost virtue and beyond any doubt. The position was made permanent by Wen Ruohan’s father and passed down to him after his father’s mysterious death when Wen Ruohan was 20 years old. During their reign, the position was twisted and abused, leading to the disaster that was Sunshot Campaign.” Lan Qiren’s words were sharp and to the point, almost dripping with disdain towards the sect leader. “I might not have fought actively in the battlefields of the campaign itself, but I fought for every inch of my home when it was attacked. I buried hundreds of my kinsmen and women after we finally pushed the Qishan Wen back. I watched my home burn, and worried for my nephews every hour of every day when they were out on the battlefields, not knowing whether I will see them ever again. And all of this, because the then Chief Cultivator decided to take over the cultivation world.”  

Lan Xichen was speechless. Lans were thought to supress their emotions in public to stay clear headed at all times. To hear his shufu speaking so passionately and sharply in front of the whole audience was shocking. And he himself was overwhelmed. Xichen knew his shufu loved him and Wangji, but he was always so guarded when expressing it, even in private. It was very difficult for the First Jade to keep his stoic demeanour at this moment. He will have to have a very serious conversation with shufu and Wangji about this.  

“My opinion is then to return to the historical function of Chief Cultivator, to its original form. In times of peace as we have it now, the position should remain unoccupied. There are other forms of intersect organisations to help resolve issues, such as for example intersect council for major sect problems. Minor subsidiary sects usually ask for advice of their principal sect. Other clans could ask for help from the intersect council as well. The intersect council should have regularly scheduled meetings and compose of people fully trusted by their sect leaders. All the other aspects of said organisation can be discussed another time. This is my opinion.” The unobjectionable tone of Lan Qiren’s voice left the conference hall in complete silence for several moments.  

“As always, Lan Xiansheng, your words carry immense wisdom,” said Nie Mingjue, raising and offering a bow. “I also believe this is the best solution. Too much power in hands of one man is too dangerous. Previous two Chief Cultivators caused enough pain and destruction to last us millennia. With so many sects destroyed and damaged severely because of one greedy and power-hungry bastard, the position of Chief Cultivator should remain empty.”  

“But we still have so much to sort out after the campaign, surly the Chief Cultivator would be of much help to all the sects,” Jin Guangshan argued.  

“Lan Xiansheng is right,” interjected Jiang Wanyin. “My whole sect was decimated due to ambition of one man. The intersect council would be more than sufficient to sort out any arising problems in times of peace. I agree with Lan Xiansheng and Sect Leader Nie.” He got up and also gave a bow to shufu.  

After this, outvoting Jin Guangshan was easy. Lan Xichen was the next to rise and agree with shufu, then Meishan Yu, Tingshan He, Baling Ouyang, followed by Pingyang Yao and others.  

Only the sects closely related to the Jin sect were reluctant, however, when Jin Guangshan was pressed, and saw he will not win this battle, he reluctantly agreed along with his subsidiary sects.  

“Now that this topic is concluded there is something I would like to raise,” said Lan Qiren. Xichen looked at his shufu with curiosity, receiving a look of ‘whatever I say, you knew of it and are supporting it without question, trust me’.  

So, this is why shufu was so agitated.  

“It came to my attention that a side branch of the Wen clan was famous for their medical knowledge. Especially one Wen Qing was known as a medical genius, as confirmed to me by our head healer, Lan Liangchen. Since said branch resided on the Dafan Mountain, and to the best of my knowledge most were non-cultivators and medics, I would like to request the transfer of the Dafan Wens under jurisdiction of the Lan Sect. It would be a shame if the wisdom of old and medicinal formulas of one of the most prestigious healer clans were lost in this cursed war. As all of you know, the Lan sect has always valued all kinds of knowledge, especially now, that our library was so severely damaged due to the fires caused by Wen Xu’s army. I believe, since the Wen Sect destroyed so much, they might as well help in regaining as much as possible, no matter, whether they do it by sharing their knowledge, or by redeeming their sins with labour and rebuilding what they burned.”  

The room exploded with whispers, confusion spreading throughout the conference hall.  

“As far as I remember, the remaining Wens were to be left under Jin jurisdiction,” said Jin Guangshan. “We all know that no other sect is stable enough to supervise so many prisoners.”  

“The Dafan Wen is only a small branch, counting no more than 250 people at their highest. Considering how Wen Ruohan did not concern himself whether his solders were cultivators or not, and the need for medics during war times, I would guess their numbers at least halved. The Lan Sect is more than able at current time to supervise 125 prisoners, especially that they will be providing so much of needed labour, both physical and mental,” interjected Xichen, seamlessly following his shufu’s train of thought. He was well aware there was a second bottom to this, particularly after the naming of Wen Qing. She was much too important to Wen Ruohan and his health to be just left on the loose.  

He looked around the room, focusing on Dage and Jiang Wanyin. Nie Mingjue’s hatred for all Wen was well known, as well as Jiang sect leader’s. Both of them lost their parents to Wen Ruohan’s ambition, Jiang Wanyin loosing even more – his whole sect. However, looking at both men now, Dage was actually considering it. More curiously though was the expression on the young Jiang sect leader’s face. There was anger there, clearly visible, but there was also resignation, fear and, surprisingly, hope. There must be something there, some major secret that he keeps and doesn’t want anyone to find out. Xichen turned back to Dage and caught his eyes. He could read the question there, and only subtly nodded his head, sending small ‘this is important’ look across.  

“If there will be a need for it, I can spare some of my people to secure the prisoners,” said Nie Mingjue. “I have seen the progress of rebuilding Cloud Recesses so far, and I have no doubt that with additional work force, the Lan Sect will be able to not only finish faster, but also manage the Dafan Wens.”  

“I agree,” added Sect Leader Jiang. “I have met the Dafan branch years before the war fully began, and from what I saw, most of them were elderly, women and children. All held by Wen Ruohan as a leverage for Wen Qing to stay obedient. They will be easy to supervise, and definitely knowledgeable enough to supply the Lan library.” His input was actually a big surprise to Xichen. It seems there was a pattern to his responses today– whenever Lan and Nie agreed on something, Jinag Wanyin would follow, but on his own, he would not speak, unless spoken to first. Initially, Xichen thought it to be arrogance or ignorance, now though it looks more like trying not to oppose the Jin directly, without the support of other great sects. Another conversation there for later to consider.  

Seeing all great sects in agreement with each other, Jin Guangshan was forced to accept, saying “fine, do as you wish. However, you will have to find out the location of those Wen-dogs and organise the prisoner transfer yourselves. There is too many of them left for me to remember everything.”  

“That will not be a problem Sect Leader Jin. I am sure we will manage the task,” responded Xichen, smiling amicably towards the man. We'll have to be very careful with this snake for some time, his ego won’t take two losses too kindly...

“I believe after all discussions and topics today it is time to stop for the day and enjoy the fresh air and stretch our legs a little before dinner time. Please, feel free to roam all the public areas, I remind however, that female quarters and building sites are forbidden to be entered under any circumstances. Thank you all and have a lovely afternoon.”  

As if on cue the sect leaders and their retinues started rising and leaving the conference hall. Xichen on the other hand approached his shufu, before he could leave, and caught his sleeve.  

“Shufu, would you like to walk with me a little,” said Xichen, looking pointedly at Lan Qiren.  

“Might as well,” shufu responded, only slightly impatient. “Will you mind going by the healers' pavilion? I would like to pass the news to Liangchen.”  

“Of course.”  

“Very well, let us go.”  

Xichen just hoped whatever reason shufu had to request the presence of Wen Qing, wasn’t a matter of life and death. He really did hope so.  

Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng left the conference hall at a brisk pace, nodding courteously to several sect leaders who seemed to want to gain his attention, but didn’t stop to speak with any of them. He was much too agitated, still disbelieving what he just did. He might have either doomed the Jiang sect or saved it. Opposing Jin Guangshan in such a public setting is never a safe move, especially with possible marriage alliance brewing slowly between a-jie and the Peacock. They started corresponding lately through Madam Jin, but he was suspecting Jin Zixuan was finally opening his eyes to how wonderful and precious his sister really is. 

He decided that blowing off some steam at the training grounds would be a good idea. He had to get rid of the pent-up energy. Jiang Cheng hated those conferences with a passion. He was one for action not sitting down and politicking. Give him a good night hunt, disciple training, even solo training for that matter would be much more preferable to this drag. 

I wonder where Wei Wuxian disappeared to , thought Jiang Cheng, heading towards old Lan training grounds. Knowing him, he’s probably keeping to the little used routes to avoid the judging eyes of the crowd. With my luck he’ll be somewhere around the training grounds, wreaking havoc and disturbing Lan juniors. Or maybe not.

Training grounds were at the edge of the settlement, far away enough that any training session including clashing swords wouldn’t disturb the serenity of the place and give the residents relative peace. Last time Jaing Cheng was there, he was still a student at Cloud Recesses. Although a quick tour of the completed and still ongoing renovations he was provided after his arrival confirmed their placement in the same spot, he didn’t really pay attention to the state of them.  

Taking a longer, more twisted route to find his wayward brother, Jiang Cheng found himself at the back of the healing pavilion. Suddenly, an ominous feeling descended upon him, goose bumps rising on his arms and the nape of his neck. He heard the voices coming from one of the windows. People were clearly arguing, if you can call it an argument, considering he was currently at the Cloud Recesses. What caught his attention though was that one of the voices belonged to Wei Wuxian.  

What did he get himself into now , Jiang Cheng thought resigned. Deciding to find out what was going on before he storms in, he sneaked closer to the window, taking a peek of who exactly was in the room. He nearly sold himself out, his eyes close to falling out of his sockets seeing Lan Qiren, Lan Xichen and a Lan healer standing on one side of the bed occupied by faint-looking Wei Wuxian, whose hand was held by none other than the Second Jade, Lan Wangji.  

Lan Qiren looked tired and resigned, the healer stood firm with slightly offended spark in his eyes, however, it was the look on Lan Xichen’s face that was the most disturbing. Pale and disbelieving, looking almost in shock, shaking his head slightly and clearly controlling his breathing as if trying not to lose his composure, the Lan Sect Leader was listening to the healer’s explanation. 

Then Jiang Cheng started to pay attention to what was said... 

“...have developed my techniques for years, Sect Leader, and perfected them when you were still a child. There is no possibility of a mistake. He really went through several phases of starvation and low nutrition during his life, multiple broken bones and whippings, and considering the damage from the fall into the Burial Mounds it is a miracle he is still alive. And I am certain, his core was not melted, but surgically removed.” 

~~~ 

Wei Wuxian was resting in bed after drinking an awful concoction aimed to decrease his dizziness and invigorate him, when Lan Qiren returned with his older nephew. Lan Xichen looked mildly surprised seeing him in Lan healing pavilion. 

“Young master Wei, is everything alright?” 

“Sect leader Lan,” he nodded his head, “forgive me for not greeting you properly. I would gladly bow, but I was forbidden from moving off of the bed,” he said, looking accusatorily at Lan Zhan and the Lan head healer.  

“Wei Ying needs rest,” said Lan Zhan. 

“Wangji is right, young master Wei needs all the rest he can get,” confirmed Lan Liangchen, looking at his sect leader. 

“It is fine, young master Wei. If my head healer says you are in no condition to stand on ceremony, I will not hold it against you,” Lan Xichen looked back to his shufu and Lan daifu. “What happened?” 

“It is of utmost importance, Xichen, that whatever you hear in this room will not get out of it,” Lan Qiren warned his nephew. After getting an agreeing nod, he continued, “young master Wei bumped into me this afternoon, and since there was something I wanted to talk to him about, I have invited him to my office.” 

“More like demanded to follow you, xiansheng,” retorted Wei Wuxian with a sneer. 

“’Do not disrespect the elder’, ’Sneering for no reason is prohibited’.” 

“I am not one of your sect’s disciples xiansheng” 

“Yet, like I told you earlier, I was your teacher once, therefore I am forever your teacher. Now stay quiet and let me explain the situation without unnecessary interruptions,” said Lan Qiren to Wei Wuxian, then, turning to Lan Xichen, he continued. “Like I mentioned, I invited young master Wei to my office to confront him about his unorthodox cultivation. I am aware you were not informed about certain things during the war, Xichen, and I had no opportunity to share some of the information not related to the clan and sect matters, as those were irrelevant at the time to the restoration efforts of Cloud Recesses. Now, however, there is no way of explaining the situation without passing my knowledge to you. 

“During the first months of the Sunshot Campaign, shortly after Wei Wuxian joined the efforts, I was informed by one of my associates that Wen Chao and his retainers had thrown someone into the Burial Mounds. Unfortunately, I managed to associate this person with Wei Wuxian months after, when news of his new cultivation style and continuous refusals to carry his sword got to Cloud Recesses. Since Wen Zhuliu was Wen Chao’s bodyguard at the time, I assumed that his core has been lost to the Core Melting Hand. To my surprise, when I checked Wei Wuxian’s meridians...” 

“By force,” interrupted Wei Wuxian. Judging by Lan Xichen’s face, he could not decide whether to be horrified by the tale or amused by the bickering. 

“’Do not interrupt.’ I already apologised, now let me finish. When I checked Wei Wuxian’s meridians, they were whole, but there was no golden core in his lower dentian.” 

If he could pull it off, Lan Xichen’s eyebrows would travel straight to his hairline, they were so high in astonishment and disbelieve. 

“How is it possible? I have checked the meridians of many of Wen Zhuliu’s victims and every time the meridians were damaged beyond repair,” said the First Jade, getting paler by the minute. 

“There is a surgery, a very old one, allowing the transfer of a golden core from the donor to the recipient,” explained Lan Liangchen. “There are only few copies of it left, as it was used for nefarious purposes one too many times. Most of the copies were destroyed, however, one of them is in the Forbidden Section of our library.” 

“There’s Forbidden Section?” asked Wei Wuxian, trying to distract them from the topic of his golden core, and partially out of curiosity. 

“Yes. Will take Wei Ying when he feels better,” said Lan Zhan. 

“Wangji, not now,” scolded Lan Qiren 

“Yes, shufu.” 

“Are you certain Lan daifu? There must be another explanation.” 

“I am certain, Xichen. I have run a full diagnostic on him. The state of his body is truly atrocious, considering he was raised in one of the major sects. Malnutrition since he was about 5 till 9th year of life, multiple broken and/or bruised bones, whip scars, low nutrition periods... I am full of wonder that he even survived. Then the Burial Mounds; his body was in pure agony, there are still bones and organs that have not finished healing and are clearly thwarted from doing so by the amount of resentful energy stored in his meridians. I would dare to assume it was keeping him alive at one point and he never thought of actually cleansing himself of it to finish healing.” 

“I couldn’t,” said Wei Wuxian rebelliously. “How else would I be able to protect Yunmeng Jiang? We lost everything in the Wen attack, only handful of us left. Jiang Cheng was only 17 when he lost his parents and became sect leader; and recruiting during Sunshot only gave us so much. He had to rebuild the sect and Lotus Pier basically from scratch, with only war spoils to finance everything. He was excluded from the sworn brotherhood, left only at the mercy of Jin Guangshan, constantly resisting his nagging about shijie’s marriage to his peacock of a son. I had to have a way to protect the sect...” his speech was interrupted by a sudden coughing fit. 

Lan Zhan reacted quickly, helping him sit up, calm down and drink some water. He looked at his fellow Lans with reproach.  

Oh Lan Zhan, guarding me even from uncharitable thoughts.  

“Thank you, Lan Zhan,” he said out loud, lying back down. 

The remaining Lan trio was speechless for a minute. Lan Qiren looked mildly disturbed; Lan head healer was deep in thought, while Lan Xichen was fighting an internal war.  

Hearing the truth for once hurts, doesn’t it? thought Wei Wuxian. Keeping his brother out of a major sect alliance was a thorn in his side for a long time. He was blaming himself for it. Because why would anyone want an alliance with a sect having a demonic cultivator in their midst, even if said demonic cultivator helped win the war. 

“It was never my intension to keep Jiang Wanyin out of the alliance,” said Lan Xichen in a daze. “I only wanted Nie Mingjue and Meng Yao to stop fighting and start trusting each other again.” 

“It is not important now, Xichen, we can get back to this issue at a later time. Let us focus on the matter at hand,” Lan Qiren interjected. “As I was saying, Wei Wuxian’s golden core was not melted, which means it had to be surgically removed. Lan Liangchen could think of only one other surgeon capable of performing this surgery.” 

“That is why you asked for Wen Qing and her branch,” Lan Xichen realised, eyes wide open in understanding. His face was pale, breath clearly controlled as if not to lose himself in today’s revelations. He started shaking his head slightly as if to clear his thoughts. Sect leader Lan looked back to the head healer. 

“Lan daifu, are you certain there was no mistake in your diagnosis? Are you sure your techniques gave you accurate reading?” 

I really wouldn’t question a head healer if I were you, thought Wei Wuxian, seeing the offended spark that flashed in Lan Liangchen’s eyes. He tried it once with Jiang head healer before the fall of Lotus Pier. He will never forget being paralysed from his neck down for the whole of the treatment after one of Madam Yu’s punishments, and then some until he was begging Jiang daifu for forgiveness. He has goose bumps to this day just remembering it. 

“I am more than certain. I have developed my techniques for years, Sect Leader, and perfected them when you were still a child. There is no possibility of a mistake. He really went through several phases of starvation and low nutrition during his life, multiple broken bones and whippings, and considering the damage from the fall into the Burial Mounds it is a miracle he is still alive. And I am certain, his core was not melted, but surgically removed.” 

“So, we need to bring Wen Qing to the Cloud Recesses to find out what kind of experiments were young master Wei put through?” 

“I said already, I was not experimented on. Why are you not listening?” 

“Will you tell us then why Wen Qing performed the surgery?” 

Loud bang of the door sliding unexpectedly open was the only thing alerting the occupants of the room of the newcomer. 

“Tell me, Wei Wuxian, what exactly happed your golden core?!” 

“Shit.” 

Chapter Text

If before he thought, he was screwed, now he knew it without a doubt. He sat up.  

“Jiang Cheng. How did you get here?” Wei Wuxian asked, panic clear in his eyes. How much did he hear? When? HOW???  

“Don’t you Jiang Cheng me and don’t try to change the topic. Answer me this: what the fuck happened to your golden core? What is it about Wen Qing performing a surgery?!”  

Oh, he’s pissed alright. The Jiang Sect Leader was visibly fuming, his face the colour of puce, eyes bloodshot, breathing rapid. He'll be steaming from his ears soon enough if I won’t do something to calm him down a bit.  

“I can explain, just... calm down, please?”  

“Fuck calming down! You will answer me this instant!”  

This is bad, this is bad, this is bad...  

“Can anyone put up the sound barrier? Or will you let everyone in the Cloud Recesses know? I thought this was supposed to stay secret...” said Wei Wuxian looking at the Lans in the room. It seemed to snap them out of the shocked stupor at last.  

“Of course,” Lan Xichen responded, casting the spell. The blue dome spread beyond the room, finally allowing some privacy.   

“So? Do you deign it safe enough to tell me now?” Jaing Cheng asked, arms crossed, anger clearly visible on his face.  

Wei Wuxian took a steadying breath.  

“Do you remember in Yiling, after Lotus Pier, when Wen Qing was hiding us away? I told you I remembered where Baoshan Sanren’s mountain was. Well... I didn’t remember. I never knew...”  

Jiang Chen shook his head.  

“No, I met her. I met Baoshan Sanren, she restored my core.”  

Wei Wuxian grimaced, unsure of how to put it into words.  

“She didn’t. It was Wen Qing.” At his brother’s disbelieving look he hurried to explain. “I found an antient scroll in her library. Pestered her until she agreed. She did a surgery. A core transplant,” he finally settled on saying.  

Jiang Cheng’s eyes grow round in shock and denial.  

“Core transplant? It's impossible. There's no such a thing.”  

“Yes, there is,” Wei Wuxian said, grimacing even more. “That’s why I don’t have one. I gave it to you.” He shrunk back on the bed, waiting for the inevitable explosion that surely will hit him square in the face.  

“No. NO! It's impossible! I can’t have your core!” Jiang Cheng shouted in clear distress and started pacing around the room. He was muttering something unintelligible for a time, but then his volume started growing and his words became clearer. “...after everything. After all I did to draw their attention from you! Why would you do such a thing?!” he finally asked turning back towards Wei Wuxian.  

That made him perk up a little. Sitting straighter on his bed, Wei Wuxian asked with confusion.  

“Draw their attention? Who's attention? Jiang Cheng, what did you do!?” Wei Wuxian’s horror grew with every imagined possibility.  

Jiang Cheng deflated slightly, but still was incredibly angry.  

“When we were on the run, in that town we stopped to rest and you went to get some food, I saw Wens approaching you. I had to do something. I couldn’t lose you too. So I showed myself to them. I couldn’t let them catch you, so I let them catch me...”  

Wei Wuxian froze, his eyes almost falling out of his sockets. He could remember that situation. He was ready to fight them and draw them away from his siblings, but somebody shouted, and they left him alone. No, not somebody. Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng, who was taken back to Lotus Pier, beaten and tortured. Jiang Cheng, whose core was melted.  

“It’s my fault,” he said weakly looking at his brother. “Jiang Cheng... Your core... It’s my fault you lost it...”  

Hearing this, Jiang Cheng moved closer to him, determination filling his eyes.  

“No, Wei Wuxian, it’s not. I knew what would happen to me if they caught me. And I knew you could survive, protect A-Jie and rebuild our sect.”  

“No, Jiang Cheng, I could not ,” said Wei Wuxian, shaking his head. “You were the sect heir, sect leader ! I’m just a nobody, a son of a servant. I’m replaceable. But you are a true Jiang, you were meant to lead our sect and become the greatest sect leader the Jiang ever known! Don’t you understand? I couldn’t let you waste away. I had to find a way to heal you somehow. The transplant was the first light in the darkness I found after weeks of looking, reading every medical text Wen Qing had in her library. And it worked, Jiang Cheng. It worked!”  

“At what cost?!” Jiang Cheng argued. “And what’s that about being nobody huh? You're my fucking brother whether you want it or not! You're family!”  

“But Madam Yu...” Wei Wuxian started to argue back but was not allowed to finish before Jiang Cheng interrupted him.  

“I don’t give a fuck what she said or what she did, you are my brother for fucks sake! You were my brother from the moment father brought you home, the first real friend I had after years of other kids avoiding me and not wanting to play with me because I was the sect heir and my mother chasing everyone away. You refused to leave me alone despite my mother’s constant nagging that I shouldn’t play with anybody of lower station. I loved my mother but in this she was wrong. She didn’t allow anyone near me, yet she refused to have any more children. To give me more siblings to play with. She kept repeating to father that her duty as a wife was done for years before you came to live at Lotus Pier. You are my Twin Pride of Yunmeng. My brother. Even if it’s not by blood, my heart keeps screaming it to me every minute of every day. No matter how much you irritate me and how much trouble you bring, you’re family and family sticks together. Especially after everything we went through,” vented Jiang Cheng.  

It was Wei Wuxian’s turn to be in shock. His eyes started to water. For so many years he was trying to get Jiang Cheng to admit their siblinghood, even martial one, but he always dodged it and denied it. His heart was beating fast in his chest. Oh, he loved his shidi. The best shidi ever.  

“Jiang Cheng,” he said with adoration in his eyes. Jiang Cheng’s glare softened, and he came even closer, deciding to sit on the bed. He took out a handkerchief from his lapel and gave it to Wei Wuxian. He looked slightly embarrassed and lost. He was never good with emotions that was not his hallmark anger.  

“Why are you crying you big baby huh? Just you wait. You should save it for when jiejie will find out. You’ll be cut off from her soup for months, I tell you,” Jiang Cheng said light-heartedly, wanting to draw his attention away from the heavy emotions he was just subjected to. It worked.  

“Noooo, Jiang Cheng you can’t do that to meeeee... Pleeeaaase, you know how much I love shijie’s soup,” Wei Wuxian whined like a child.  

“I think it’s high time for you to finally start calling her jiejie too,” said Jiang Cheng. He got up from the bed, standing straight in his full, yet slightly dishevelled, sect leader glory. “As soon as we’re back in Lotus Pier, we’ll hold an official adoption ceremony. Everyone will have no doubt you are part of the clan, not only the sect.”  

Wei Wuxian froze. Again. How many more surprises will I encounter today? First Lan Qiren, then Lan Zhan, then Lan daifu, then Lan Xichen, now Jiang Cheng, twice at that... Can I just go to sleep now? Madam Yu would be so disappointed and horrified...  

“But, Jiang Cheng, your mother...”  

“My mother is dead. She cannot stop me now,” Jiang Cheng said with determination. “Father should’ve done that years ago, but he was too weak. I am not my father, neither am I my mother. And besides, as your sect and clan leader it is my decision to make. I made it.” He turned to the gathered Lans, as if he never forgot that they were present. “I am taking you as my witnesses. From this day on, Wei Wuxian is my adoptive brother, and he will be treated as such. Also, until I have my own children, he will be my heir presumptive.”  

“As you said, Sect Leader Jiang,” said Lan Xichen with a smile. He then turned to Wei Wuxian. “Wei gongzi, congratulations on your adoption and new position in your sect.”  

Wei Wuxian couldn’t take it anymore. Too many emotions for the day.  

“Oh hell, I’m screwed. Lan Zhan, save me...” he turned to his zhiji, hiding his face in Lan Zhan’s waist. Lan Zhan put his arm around him, his flowy sleeve hiding Wei Wuxian from view. His other hand though reached for his chin, making him look up to Lan Zhan’s face.  

“Mn. Wei Ying deserves to be treated with full honours due to sect leader’s brother and heir,” Lan Zhan stated sincerely.  

Wei Wuxian blushed furiously.  

“Not you too...” he tried to hide again, but decided against it and tried his luck in dissuading Jiang Cheng from his decision. “I know nothing about being an heir. I’m doomed to make a fool out of myself.”  

“Don’t worry,” Jiang Cheng said with a smirk. “When we come back, I’ll teach you everything you need to know. A-jie will help as well. Now we need to focus on your health.” Turning to Lan Xichen, Jiang Cheng bowed slightly. “Sect Leader Lan, I would be happy to offer my help finding Wen Qing. Please let me know when you’ll find out where she and her family is, I’ll send any resources I can spare to help you transport and guard them until they are safely under your jurisdiction.”  

“Thank you, Sect Leader Jiang. I will contact you when I know something,” responded Lan Xichen.  

“It may be wise to deploy several of your most trusted men to form a search team,” suggested Lan Qiren. “I doubt the Jin will want to cooperate without any problems. Jin Guangshan is not one to take a defeat easily. Xichen, speak with Nie Mingjue, explain him our suspicions about Jin’s too quick agreement to our request of taking the Dafan Wens. Ask for his most trusted as well. Hopefully, your long-standing friendship with him will make it easy. Now let us leave, Wei Wuxian needs his rest”  

“Yes, that he does,” confirmed Lan daifu. “Wangji, I assume you want to stay?”  

“Mn,” Lan Zhan confirmed with slight nod.  

“Very well, but no funny business. Your Wei Ying needs care, not straining energy that he lacks at the moment. Do I make myself clear?”  

“Mn” responded Lan Zhan, his ears reddening adorably by the second.  

“Good. I will be back within a shichen with next dose of your medication Wei gongzi.”  

“Ugh, I hate your bitter poisons,” grimaced Wei Wuxian.  

“Stop exaggerating. You’re not a child,” Jiang Cheng scolded with his usual angry face back on its place.  

“But Xianxian is three,” he fluttered his eyelashes innocently with his best pout to accompany it.  

“Three my ass,” Jiang Cheng huffed. Wei Wuxian knew that the next thing his brother will say will come from his rarely used but well cultivated mischievous core. He had that glint in his eyes that bode trouble. “Besides, if you’re three, you can’t marry. And from what I see, there is a marriage contract I need to negotiate here.” He turned to Lan Xichen again with a smirk. “Maybe after Dafan Wens are settled here we can schedule a meeting, Sect Leader Lan?”  

“With pleasure, Sect Leader Jiang.” Lan Xichen had suspiciously very similar glint in his eyes, as he answered with a smile.  

Then it hit him. Wait, wait, wait...  

“Marriage?!”  

Chapter Text

He sat in his favourite meditative spot in the whole of Cloud Recesses. The trees overhead were swaying gently in the summer breeze. Birds were singing their afternoon songs. The stream was gurgling nearby, with fish splashing close to the surface every now and again. The air was fragrant and peaceful. He took deep breath in, held it, and let it out. His energy circulated inside him, at first fiercely, like a lightning storm. But as he meditated, with every breath he took and a lot of concentration, it calmed to a liking of a swift stream, then a river after a storm, and then finally to a slow current of the lotus lakes.  

When he finally managed to calm his qi and was sure that he had it firmly under control, he let his mind wander, slowly digesting all new information, and starting to strategize his next moves. He will be eternally grateful to his late teachers and masters for showing him how to harness his emotions and qi and transform it into something constructive. 

He still remembers how much he struggled at the beginning. He was always struggling with containing himself. Having energy so alike his mother’s electric lightning, rather than his father’s slowly flowing river, the methods of the Jiang were not easy coming. His mother always refused to teach him more than absolute basics of the Yu style.  

“You are an heir to the Jiang, you will harness the methods of the Jiang,” she replied every time he tried to ask for help. 

So he struggled and struggled, until, when he was about 7 or 8 years old, his late meditation master took him aside after the meditation hour passed. He checked Jiang Cheng’s qi flow, it’s properties and nature. 

“You are a force of nature young master,” he said. “Your qi is like a storm, full of lightning and rain. Leading your qi as if it was always a steady river will not let you progress. But the river is not always steady. At the very source, the riverbed is narrow, with many rocks on its bottom. The water is fast and dangerous. Many rivers create waterfalls on their way to the sea. And waterfall is not that different from lightning storm. It’s loud and formidable. It carries the energy of the rainfall, but concentrated in one place, which makes it more dangerous. Close your eyes young master. Let’s take it slow. Imagine your energy as a lightning storm. Take a breath, now, imagine that rain turn into a waterfall, all that energy condensed. That waterfall is vast and powerful, hitting its bottom with remarkable force. Breathe out. Good. Breathe in. The waterfall gives its water to a bit wider riverbed now. It's still rocky and dangerous, but the water is not as fast anymore. Breathe out. In. The further away it gets from the waterfall, the river is more and more calm, the riverbed smoother and steadier, the flow of the water more and more sure. Good. Keep breathing. Now the river is vast and powerful. But it is also calm and nurturing, giving its water to our beloved lotus lakes. It moves slowly to its destination. Good. Give me your hand. Yes, very good. We just found a way to harness the lightning storm.” His late master smiled gently at him, and Jiang Cheng could not contain his happiness. He ran to a-jie as soon as he could to share the news with her. He always first told a-jie and not his mother. She would not understand. She never did.  

Just like she did not understand that the Jiang were one with the people. They not only coexisted with them, but also cooperated. They lived in symbiosis, giving and taking in equal measure. 

Yu Ziyuan always tried to separate him from the disciples and common people of Lotus Pier and Lotus Cove. Before father brought Wei Wuxian, any attempts at making friends with his shidi and shixiong were thwarted by his mother. Only once he asked for another brother he could play with, if he could not associate with those below his station. He was 4 then. Mother looked at him strangely, and only said her duty as a wife was done. His father has an heir and a spare and she is not a cow. Jiang Cheng didn’t understand it then, but as he grew and witnessed his mother and father growing further and further apart, he knew having a-jie and him was only a duty done in her eyes. He knew she cared about them in her own way, but she never was particularly motherly to them. Not until that last hug, she never shown her affection to him publicly. And very sparingly in private. 

It only got worse when Wei Wuxian was brought to Lotus Pier. Mother was always angry, always scolding, arguing with father about even the simplest of things. Always belittling Wei Wuxian and constantly comparing Jiang Cheng to him. No matter in physical training or cultivation lessons, it’s always been ‘How can you let this son of a servant be better than you? You are the hair of the Jiang, do you want other sects to make a laughing stock of us?’ 

Jie tried her hardest to keep them together, treated them both equally, cared for their injuries, both physical and mental to the best of her ability. Even still a child herself, she was more motherly to them than Yu Ziyuan. 

Thinking of a-jie, he needed to contact her as soon as possible. 

~~~ 

Jiang Yanli,   

Lotus Cove, Lotus Pier  

Jie,  

The discussion conference is taking an unexpected turn, and with all the new findings I will unfortunately require your assistance in Cloud Recesses.   

There is also a Wei Wuxian shaped trouble. He was brought under the care of Lan healers, his unhealthy eating, drinking and sleeping habits finally catching up with him. I will give you more details when you reach here.  

Please make haste, as the situation is turning unstable and I would really appreciate your wisdom.   

We miss you dearly and hope to see you soon. Take the fastest and strongest fliers with you, as well as several others.   

Jiang Cheng   

~~~  

Oh dear , she thought as she finished reading the letter. She stood up, immediately starting giving orders to her 5th shidi, Li Fengbao, to take over the running of the sect during her absence. He proved himself a loyal disciple and clever negotiator in the past few months. As one of the original Jiang disciples, the last descendant of one of the few Jiang branch families surviving the massacre, and their distant cousin, he will be the best choice to supervise Lotus Cove’s affairs in her absence.  

Jiang Yanli then sent her handmaiden to pack few of her official robe sets and some accessories (“Pick the less gaudy and the most elegant. And the peony hairpin, too. It might come in handy”). Yu Daoli had a great aptitude in reading the room and dressing her accordingly for the occasion. That, combined with her skill in wielding daggers made her a perfect assistant and protector for Yanli. Her waipo knew what she was doing when she sent Yu Daoli and her sister to serve her.  

Summoning 3 of their best flighers and 7 of their stronger disciples to sect leader’s office, she explained the situation and ordered them ready for departure at first light. 

A-Cheng, a-Xian, jiejie is coming.  

Chapter Text

They were spotted in the late morning the day after his letter was sent with Lan’s fastest messenger. A group of 10 Jiang cultivators with Lady Jiang traveling as a passenger on one of their swords and her two handmaidens. As they neared to land close to half shichen later, a welcoming party including himself, Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren was already waiting at the gates.   

“Thank you for coming this fast, a-jie,” he said, taking his sister’s hands in his. Just this gesture will show her how grave the matter is, as she knew well any displays of affection on his side, especially with others around signify his distress.  

“Of course, a-Cheng. Your letter was unexpected, but if haste was required, that’s what we made. Now, let me greet our hosts, we can finish our conversation in more private setting,” replied Jiang Yanli, squeezing his hands in fortifying gesture. “Forgive me my lack of manners,” she said turning to the rest of the welcoming party. “This Jiang Yanli greets Sect Leader Lan and Lan Xiansheng,” she saluted respectfully, holding her sword in front of herself.  

His sister was not a strong cultivator, but she still caried her sword to all official events, to signify her status as a member of cultivational family. She always preferred subtler ways of interacting with others, using reason rather than strength, none the less, she was a primary daughter of the Jiang, and prided herself in her heritage.  

“Think nothing of it, Lady Jiang,” replied Lan Xichen returning her greeting with gracious smile. “I will not hold your affection towards your youngest brother against you. After all, I know exactly how it feels, when one’s didi, despite being more than capable, is away from one’s sight,” he added, his smile growing with fondness.  

She smiled back at the Lan sect leader.  

Jiang Cheng cleared his throat, feeling a little sheepish. He was the Jiang sect leader for goodness’ sake, he should not be this affected by teasing not addressed directly at him, yet still... Pull yourself together, Jiang Wanyin! He thought to himself, giving himself a mental slap. You’re not a small boy anymore and there are more important things to take care of at this moment!  

“I would hate to dismiss all the formalities and courtesy, however the case at hand is quite urgent, Sect Leader Lan. I believe finding a safe space to get my a-jie updated on current situation is well in order?”  

“Yes, of course,” Lan Xichen replied. “Let us head to my office. It is secluded enough that no guests should disturb us. And I will put up the silencing wards straight away this time. We don’t want more stray ears accidently finding out, do we?”  

“Yes, me finding out by accident is better to not be repeated. Especially with Jin Guangshan in the vicinity.”  

“Yes, I agree,” said Lan Qiren. “With two losses yesterday, I assume he is not very happy. It would not surprise me if he will have someone sneak around just to try and find a way to gain some burdensome information to use against us,”  

It was still weird for Jiang Cheng to witness this side of Lan Qiren. He always thought him uptight, stuck in his old-fashioned ways of thinking, with over 3000 rules ingrained in every part of his body and soul. To discover Lan Qiren much more down to earth than he lets himself be seen in public, well hiding his pettiness, so similar to his younger nephew’s, made Jiang Cheng look at his old teacher in completely different light. He seemed much more human.  

“Sect Leader Jiang, Lady Jiang, please follow me. Yinli,” Lan Xichen turned to one of the disciples on guard duty, “please take the rest of the delegation to the Jiang quarters and send for some refreshments.” Lan Yinli bowed gracefully and lead the Jiang disciples away.  

The remaining six were led ahead to the sect leader’s office. As they approached, Lan Xichen looked at a-jie's handmaidens, question in his eyes.  

“Daoli, Yindao, please guard the door. Your mistress will decide herself how much she will share with you after everything is explained,” said Jiang Cheng. Both women looked to a-jie for confirmation, bowing to them after receiving it. They turned away from the office door, taking positions on both sides of the entrance.  

With an eye roll, Jiang Cheng led his sister inside.  

“I feel like Jinzhu and Yinzhu reincarnated while still alive,” he said with sarcasm, his eyes betraying his bittersweet memories of their mother’s handmaidens.  

“You know how Yu warriors are like a-Cheng. Loyal to the last drop of blood. I am their mistress. No matter how much authority you or anyone else has, they will not take anyone’s orders while I am around or if it goes against my wishes and will.”  

“Warriors?” asked Lan Xichen. “I was under impression they were your handmaidens, Lady Jiang.”  

“Oh, that they are. Our waipo sent them for me after the war ended. And as it is tradition in the Yu, only the most skilled are to serve the main family. Make no mistake, Sect Leader Lan. They are all that handmaiden should be, as well as the best warriors the Yu produces,” a-jie replied with innocent smile, completely negated by the cunning glint in her eyes. Jiang Cheng was always afraid of this combination.  

Lan Xichen invited them to sit around a low table, preparing the tea himself. After it was ready and drank, to allow Yanli some respite after her journey, they explained the situation. Lan Qiren recounted his conversation with Wei Wuxian, looking at Jiang Cheng when it came to his discovery of the missing golden core. Jiang Cheng took his sister by her hands and told her the news. His a-jie's eyes quickly filled with tears, a million questions written all over her face, her body tense and ready to leave the room and its occupants at any moment to go to the healing pavilion. The only thing holding her in place were his hands holding hers and a quick barrage of words tumbling out of his mouth, begging to listen to the end. After several deep breaths and a fresh cup of tea, his a-jie collected herself as much as she could, signalling she is ready to continue. Lan Qiren told them about the fainting spell, the discoveries the head healer made when checking Wei Wuxian’s health, and the request he had regarding Wen Qing. Here, Lan Xichen took over, explaining the current state of affairs of the conference, especially the decisions made regarding the chief cultivator position and the search of the Dafan Wen. He told a-jie about his confusion and shock upon learning of their brother condition, and how Wie Wuxian opened his eyes regarding excluding the Jiang from the sworn brotherhood. Here, Jiang Cheng told his part of the story, growing more emotional by the minute. He included the brief description of their shouting match, and his decision about formally adopting their asshole of a brother.  

Jiang Yanli listened to everything quietly, and when the story was over, took some time to gather her thoughts. Finaly, she said, “So a-Xian gave his core to you, you sacrificed yours for him. We know, or suspect at least, it was Wen Qing who performed the transfer. Jin Guangshan was snubbed twice within quarter of a shichen, which is very dangerous indeed, and we need to find a way to look for Dafan Wen and Wen Qing on our own, without any help from the Jin. Did I miss anything?”  

“Um, I guess there is this budding romance involving Wei Wuxian and Hanguang Jun that I might have missed out from this story. Sorry a-jie,” he added sheepishly.  

Yanli’s eyes sparkled briefly, before she took a deep breath and, closing her eyes, started to meditate. Both Lans looked at him, worried something was wrong, but he only shook his head. Taking a sip of his lukewarm tea, he indicated to them to give his sister a few minutes to rearrange her thoughts. The sole fact that a-jie started meditating while still in company was a sign of her distress. The three of them, Wei Wuxian, a-jie and him, knew each other’s quirks and signs enough to guess what each was thinking at any given time. At the minute, his a-jie was thinking of a plan, a way to come out of this situation with a winning hand.  

Some quarter shichen passed before Jiang Yanli took a deep and measured breath, a telltale sign of her leaving meditation. As she looked to Jiang Cheng, there was determination in her eyes.  

“I want to see him now, if it would not be too much trouble,” she said, turning to their hosts.  

“Of course. Let us head to the healing pavilion.”  

The four of them left the office. Daoli and Yindao looked at his sister, and registering her state, the puffy eyes and dry tear tracks, looked at him with questioning eyes.  

“Like I said, a-jie will tell you what she wishes in the right time. Take position,” he told them, and they flanked a-jie immediately.  

The way to the healing pavilion was quiet, Lan Qiren advising them on taking the back routes again, just to be cautious. As they got inside Wei Wuxian’s room, Yanli’s eyes moistened again, looking straight at their brother. Jiang Cheng could see every miniscule change of Wei Wuxian’s face, from surprise at their sister’s presence, to realisation her eyes are watery, and that he is the cause of her tears. His face paled further, all colour draining, when a tear started rolling down a-jie's face. The panic in his eyes was priceless – one thing Wei Wuxian could not stand were their sister’s tears.  

“Shijie, a-jie, jiejie, please don’t cry, please,” he said, trying to get out of the bed. “I’m sorry, I did wrong, I was stupid, it’s all my fault, but please, please don’t cry.”  

Jiang Cheng went to him quickly, holding him down, so he stayed put. Despite him being weak still, the need to get to a-jie was strong. Jiang Cheng looked to their sister quickly, indicating for her to come closer, please before this idiot does something to himself again. A-jie moved slowly, then quicker, finally getting to the bed and embracing their brother with fierceness.  

“Why didn’t you say anything? We would’ve helped you, supported you. You are our brother. There is only the three of us left. We're the closest in the world. Why didn’t you say anything?” she repeated, her tears soaking Wei Wuxian’s shirt.  

“I’m sorry a-jie, I’m really sorry, but you wouldn’t let me proceed with the transfer. Nobody could know. There was so much at stake at the time. Besides, I managed just fine.”  

“Just fine?” Yanli sat up, looking angrily at Wei Wuxian. “Is that why you are in healing pavilion, malnourished and exhausted? Just fine?! Looking like death, pale and skeletal, and oh so fragile? But don’t worry, I will make sure you get back to full health, just you wait. I will get the best healer just for you, the best medicine, so you regain your health. I will make sure you receive the best nutritious foods, as clearly my cooking is not sufficient to bring you back to healthy weight. Lan Xiansheng,” a-jie said, rising from Wei Wuxian’s bedside and wiping her face, “I would like to meet your head healer to find out what exactly we need to do to return my brother to health.” She then bowed to the teacher with grace.  

“Of course, Lady Jiang. I will schedule a meeting at his earliest convenience.”  

“Thank you.”  

“No jiejie, I don’t want anyone else’s cooking, your food is the best in the world. Please, don’t refuse Xianxian, he is only three years old,” Wei Wuxian started whining, most probably to distract their sister.  

“Don’t worry a-Xian, once you progress enough on your way to recovery I will start cooking for you again,” she told him sweetly, message clean and clear. Ha, I told you to forget about lotus root and pork rib soup!  

“Now, I believe we have some planning to do.”