Chapter Text
The new surroundings still feel unfamiliar, like a place that isn't quite home—similar, but not quite right. Everything has been rebuilt with great care, but there are noticeable differences. Even the wood is different now: new and light, unlike the aged, dark colors that used to dominate.
Xichen still wakes up some nights, thinking he can smell burning houses and hear screaming. It's been a couple of months, but it's still hard to believe that it's really over. Towards the end, no one had any hope. When Sect Leader Jin abandoned his neutral stance and joined the war on the Wen sect's side, the fate of the other sects seemed grim.
But heaven must have looked kindly on them, as balance was restored by an unexpected turn of events. Wen Ruohan’s death came unexpectedly. To the rest of the cultivation world as much as to the Wen clan, it seemed. The Wen clan quickly crumbled due to massive infighting between the family branches. Wen Ruohan’s eldest son died in battle months before his father’s death, and Wen Chao, the second son, didn’t possess the skills required to lead a sect. In the end, the Dafan branch of the family under Wen Qing established themselves as the new leaders. The war was called off in a matter of days.
The most devastated about this turn of events must have been Jin Guangshan. He joined the war on Wen Ruohan’s side when the Wen’s victory seemed inevitable. However, with the Wen sect spiraling and eventually withdrawing from the war altogether, the Jin sect stood no chance against the combined forces of the Lan, the Jiang, and the Nie sect. It didn’t take them long to admit defeat.
Xichen likes to believe that Clan Leader Jin was tired of the killing and the destruction, just like everyone else. But the common understanding is that Jin Guangshan is just a spineless coward.
The aftermath of the war brought about a clamor for revenge and the complete annihilation of the Jin clan, along with demands for the execution of the entire clan. The mere thought of such a cruel act continues to trouble Xichen. The Lan clan abhors killing, even of animals, but circumstances during the war forced them to do so. The idea of perpetuating bloodshed beyond the battlefields was unthinkable for Xichen.
Jin Zixuan and Zixun are Wangji’s age. Should they be killed for their Clan Leader’s crimes? It was Xichen’s dear friend Mingjue who advocated for this solution in the early days after the war. It’s difficult for Xichen to understand how his rough but gentle friend could be so determined to continue on that path of violence the war forced them all onto.
However, practical considerations led the victorious sects to pursue a different course of action. The stability of the Lanling region would have been compromised without the Jin clan, so a decision was made to utilize the Jin sect's assets to facilitate the reconstruction. Additionally, Clan Leader Jin was given an ultimatum to send a young member of the clan as a hostage to ensure future compliance.
The responsibility of hosting this young master fell to the Lan Clan. Xichen avoids dwelling on the potential repercussions should Clan Leader Jin cause trouble in the future. While Uncle reassured him that Jin Guangshan is not one to act rashly, he feels it is unjust to place someone's fate in the hands of a leader like Sect Leader Jin.
Initially expecting Jin Zixun to be sent as the hostage, it came as a surprise to receive a letter informing them that Jin Guangyao, the newly legitimized illegitimate child of Jin Guangshan, would serve as the hostage instead. Xichen has never met him before. Despite his name, Guangyao, he is of the younger generation and is of the same age as Wangji.
The other sects didn’t object to this decision, as Jin Guangyao’s ties to the Jin Clan preceded the ultimatum at least by a couple of weeks. So, it can't be said that Jin Guanshan did this in the knowledge of needing another son to give away. Everyone suspects a spy might have warned him, but nothing can be proven. Honestly, Xichen is relieved they won’t have to welcome Jin Zixun instead.
Xichen is keen to move on from the dreadful war as if it were merely a bad dream. There’s no need to dwell on it. He feels fortunate that his family, including Uncle and Wangji, emerged unscathed from the fighting and the devastating fire at Cloud Recesses.
Of course, Xichen still worries about them, especially Wangji. Of course, his little brother wasn’t involved in the fighting, but Xichen can tell that Wangji struggles to cope with the stress. Xichen is struggling, too, naturally, just like most of them. But Wangji has always been quiet, and now he seems to avoid talking even more.
Hopefully, the summer lectures will cheer him up a bit. Wangji doesn’t seem all that cheerful about the prospect, but Xichen is thrilled that they managed to rebuild just in time for Wangji’s first time to join these classes. He enjoyed those very much when it was his time to participate. Wangji can definitively use some joy in his life.
Uncle insisted that even the young masters of the Jin and the Wen clan should be allowed to join. The purpose of the lectures is to impart morality and wisdom to the new generation, which is especially valuable if your own sect lacks those qualities. Personally, Xichen embraces this decision as he longs to return to the way things were before the war. It’s time for their generation to build relationships and trust among one another to ensure a period of peace.
Mingjue thinks Xichen is naive about this and looks at him with disappointment at times. Xichen mourns this growing distance between them.
Jin Guangyao doesn’t have a sword — or a golden core, to be honest. And absolutely no one among the Jin cultivators would be willing to be close to him and take him on their sword. So, their journey to Gusu will be by carriage. Not that he is complaining. As uncomfortable as this might be, Guangyao is grateful for every moment he isn’t yet in Cloud Recesses.
During the long hours that he sits in the carriage, he spends time berating himself for stumbling into this situation and trusting like a damn child. His mother’s dying wish for him was to seek out father. Guangyao feared to be received with disdain. When he went to Carp Tower, the Jin sect waged war against the other sects. And after Wen Ruohan’s death, they were losing. By then, this was an open secret. So Guangyao didn’t expect father to be thrilled about yet another mouth to feed.
But to his surprise, he was welcomed into the clan with no questions asked. In hindsight, this should have made him suspicious. But back then, he was too relieved to care. He still mourned his mother’s death and longed for a place to belong.
There wasn’t any warmth towards him in Koi Tower, and Madam Jin was openly disdainful from the start. But this was to be expected. Guangyao thought he could make them see his worth. Growing up, he had to learn to endear himself to others quickly. He is pretty good at anticipating people’s needs and catering to them.
In a way, this is what he is doing now, isn’t it? He is fulfilling his family’s needs. They needed someone to send to the other sects as a hostage to ensure father’s compliance. Of course, father doesn’t care about Guangyao at all, beyond his usefulness in this particular problem. So there is absolutely nothing stopping father from doing whatever he wants. He wouldn’t care if Guangyao’s life was at risk for it.
Maybe he should try to run. They watch him closely— father instructed them to do so—but shouldn’t he try at least?
When Guangyao begged father not to send him as a hostage — pathetic and useless, of course, but he had to try — father had him beaten for it. He scolded him for being ungrateful and unwilling to do anything for his family, who readily accepted him. That beating was worse than any of the beatings Guangyao received growing up. The brothel’s madam had a nasty temper and a burning dislike for Guangyao, but compared to the beating father’s servants dished out, the madam’s punishments had been child’s play.
Guangyao had been unable to walk for three days after that ordeal. Afterward, he was warned that his punishment would be twice as bad if he tried to run or caused trouble.
So now, he is too scared to run. No matter how frightened he is of the Lans, he is more frightened of the Jin cultivators right now. He knows how childish this is. He is sure he’ll regret his cowardice soon enough.
Guangyao heard about the devastating fire the Wen sect started in Cloud Recesses. That night, the Lans lost many disciples and most of their buildings. Worst of all, they lost so much of their ancient library.
While the Jin sect had nothing to do with this attack directly, the Jins were on the same side as the Wens. Guangyao will be an easy target for venting their anger. Why shouldn’t they? Guangyao’s “family” lost, and he was the price they had to pay. The Lan clan suffered greatly during the war, and now they will get to make the Jins suffer. Guangyao will have to bear their anger alone.
Xichen walks the familiar paths through the slightly unfamiliar pavilions. They did a fantastic job rebuilding everything in such a short time, he thinks yet again. It’s just as beautiful as before. He wonders if he is the only one who still feels lost between the new buildings. He feels like he is in a foreign place that might look similar to his home but not quite.
Xiongzhang," Wangji's voice interrupted Xichen's thoughts. His expression is even more severe than usual.
Xichen knows what this conversation will be about. His little brother is upset he will have to join this year's lectures.
Xichen turned to face his younger brother, concealing a smile. "Yes, Wangji?"
Wangji's expression gets even darker. He knows very well that Xichen is teasing him. But he wouldn't quite glare at his older brother.
"Xiongzhang," he says again, with slightly more emphasis.
Part of Xichen wants to prolong this and make his brother actually voice his protest for once, but that would be unfair. He doesn't intend to give in after all.
"Uncle and I believe it's best, Wangji," Xichen speaks gently, anticipating Wangji's resistance.
Wangji remains unimpressed.
"We understand you've covered most of the material with your tutors, but we feel it's important for you to study with your peers," Xichen adds with tact. Although he wants to emphasize the need for Wangji to make friends and find enjoyment, he chooses not to voice those thoughts, knowing Wangji would not appreciate it.
Instead, he adds, "Uncle counts on you to set a good example for the others."
As expected, Wangji's frown softened slightly, and he seemed less resistant to the idea.
"And it's a time when connections between the sects are essential. We need harmony between us all."
Or maybe Xichen is the only one who so desperately craves this. The only one who can't breathe when he thinks about the war, the hatred among the clans...
"Xiongzhang?" Wangji steps closer and looks at him with concern.
"No, it's fine," Xichen assures him. It is fine. "It just is a great opportunity to strengthen our ties to the other clans. You'll be my closest advisor when I lead the sect, Wangji." Xichen smiles at him fondly. "The young masters, who are your classmates this summer, share this type of responsibility."
"Xiongzhang wants me to find out who to trust?" Wangji looks alarmed. Of course, he does. He would be the last person Xichen would assign such a task to. Wangji isn't particularly good at understanding other people. This wasn't what he meant.
"Of course not. I want you to familiarise yourself with your peers. We'll be spending meetings and gatherings with them. You'll like it better if they aren't strangers to you then."
Wangji's look tells Xichen that he won't like it either way. This conversation could have gone better. Xichen wanted to convince Wangji to look forward to the lectures or at least look at the prospect with less dismay. It seems like he failed.
"I won't disappoint Uncle or Xiongzhang," Wangji answers shortly before bowing briskly and walking away even brisker.
Despite his words being proper and the bow being up to standard, Wangji's sulkiness is clear to Xichen, even if it might have been invisible to anyone else. That's new. Wangji's newfound defiance, if you can call it that, amuses Xichen. He hopes that this change comes with growing up and isn't something brought on by living through the trauma of war.
He decides to do his best to ensure his brother enjoys those lectures. Wangji could use some friends, and if necessary, he will help a bit.
Wangji and Xichen are both invited to have tea with Uncle. It's early afternoon, and the air smells faintly like pine trees. Xichen is very grateful he can sit with his family and that all his loved ones are healthy and safe. So many have lost far more than just some buildings in the war.
"Xichen, Wangji," Uncle says, looking at them and putting his teacup down. "The Jin clan's hostage is due to arrive any day now." Uncle reminds them, even so, they surely haven't forgotten.
Wangji avoids Uncle's eyes, his expression hard.
Uncle frowns. They both know why Wangji is against this. Xichen can understand. But Uncle doesn't have much patience for it. Xichen suspects Uncle shares Wangji's objections, but his position doesn't allow him to be unyielding and stubborn, unlike Wangji. The two of them are much alike.
Having a hostage means leverage over the other side. It is their insurance of compliance. If the Jin clan dares to act against the peace agreement, the hostage would have to pay the price. It's a custom with a long tradition.
However, having a hostage comes with a consequence. What if the other clan still dares to defy the agreement? In this case, they would have to follow through with their unspoken but well-known threat. The hostage's life would be taken in revenge. They would have to execute him.
Killing is forbidden within the Lan territories. And taking the hostage to a different sect's area for execution wouldn't honor the rules in spirit.
This is unacceptable to Wangji. He had been taught all his life that the rules come before all else. The rules are the foundation of morality and the clearly defined path to righteousness. Uncle taught him.
Xichen understands his brother, but he also understands Uncle. What choice do they have? They need to ensure the Jins' compliance. And during the conference between the Jiang, the Nie, and the Lan clan, it was decided that the Lan sect was the best choice for hosting the hostage. Anywhere else, the chances for retribution at the hands of some disciple would be higher.
"Wangji," Uncle says with a clear warning in his voice, "you will be responsible for our guest. You will ensure he settles in and is made aware of our rules."
Xichen gasps. This comes as a surprise and not a welcome one.
"Uncle, maybe we can talk about this more," Xichen says, trying to salvage the situation.
"No. Your brother is old enough to take on responsibility." Uncle's tone of voice doesn't leave room for argument.
Wangji doesn't react. Xichen didn't expect him to. He just stares at his lap icily. He won't exactly argue with Uncle, but he'll certainly let him all feel his intense displeasure. Xichen knows how arguments between Uncle and Wangji tend to go. Family dinners will be tense for some time to come.
Xichen always feels this tension most keenly. But this isn't what he is so unhappy about now. He wants his brother to spend a carefree summer, make friends, and be happy.
Uncle wants to get Wangji on board instead of having him sulk about the situation. But Xichen sees the potential for this to backfire most spectacularly.
"Will Jin Guangyao be allowed to join the summer lecture?" Xichen wants to know. He really hopes so. Otherwise, Wangji will be kept away from his peers even more.
"What do you think is best?" Uncle looks like he feels slightly guilty about denying Xichen a say in the other matter. After all, he will take over as sect leader one day, not too far in the future.
"If the young masters of the Jin clan and even the Wen clan will participate, I see no reason to deny Jin Guangyao that opportunity." Xichen decides.
Besides, keeping Jin Guangyao from seeing his cousins during that time would be cruel. He won't have that many chances to spend time with his family while living in Cloud Recesses. He should at least be allowed to have this.
"I agree." Uncle nods approvingly. "There is no need to be more unkind than necessary with our guest."
"Not a guest," Wangji interjects.
Xichen sighs. Just as expected, Uncle's mouth immediately thins to a displeased line.
"Lan Zhan," Uncle's tone is stern. "Your opinion hasn't been asked for. If you can't be respectful, go to the library and copy the family principles until you can."
Wangji stands up and leaves without a word and without bowing and Uncle looks like he is about to call him back to issue a stricter punishment for this display of willfulness. Xichen tries to distract him by pouring more tea.
Distracted or not, Uncle refrains from stopping Wangji. Xichen is glad.
Usually, their uncle doesn't disallow them to speak until they are spoken to, not even when they were much younger. Lately, however, Wangji and Uncle seem unable to sit together peacefully. They are both too stubborn to see matters from the other's point of view.
Their rules urge them not to argue with family, but Xichen knows better than to point that out to either of them. They know. And they don't enjoy this either, Xichen is sure.
He hopes that the moods will settle with time. He also hopes their guest, Jin Guangyao, won't be like his cousin, Jin Zixun. May they all be spared that fate.