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Chapter Text

Prologue

Jiang Cheng cast another look at Wei Wuxian, who slept restlessly at his side. Typical. Falling asleep so that he could relax and not have to drive home, forcing Jiang Cheng to take care of him. Jiang Cheng conveniently forgot that Wei Wuxian had planned on staying at Nie Huaisang's apartment for the night. That it was Jiang Cheng who had insisted that they leave.

Jiang Cheng scowled as he thought back on the night. What a terrible party it had been. He shouldn't be surprised. Nie Huaisang's parties were all the same. Full of arrogant, self-important people who treated Jiang Cheng with disdain. Jiang Cheng didn't care. Let them. He didn't want to be friends with people like that anyway. The kind of people who sucked up to Wei Wuxian all the time, flattering him and laughing every time he opened his mouth. Disgusting. What was worse, Wei Wuxian hadn't even tried to include Jiang Cheng. Too busy hanging all over that pathetic ice block of a Lan. What did Wei Wuxian even see in someone as boring as Lan Wangji? It made no sense. Wei Wuxian always wanted to play around but all Lan Wangji did was sit off in some corner bringing down the atmosphere. Still, Wei Wuxian would stay a his side. Would introduce him to people. Would involve Lan Wangji in everything. All things Wei Wuxian should have been doing for Jiang Cheng, but lately, hadn't been. If he hadn't have been driving, Jiang Cheng would have kicked Wei Wuxian in anger.

Jiang Cheng frowned. He didn't recognise where he was. With a growl of frustration he realised that he must have missed his turn. He punched Wei Wuxian's arm. Hard. It didn't wake him. This was all Wei Wuxian's fault. If Wei Wuxian had been paying attention then they wouldn't be on the wrong road now. With a growl of frustration, Jiang Cheng jerked at the wheel, tyres squealing as the wheels fought for traction. They caught, swinging the car around, barrelling into several trash cans as it did so. Jiang Cheng ignored them, heading back the way he had come.

Up ahead he saw the junction where he should have turned left but had been too preoccupied. He made for it, turning the car at speed. The car veered into the wrong lane. Jiang Cheng cursed, pulling at the steering wheel, struggling for control. Without warning blinding lights pierced the darkness. Jiang Cheng slammed on the brakes. They caught with a jarring shriek but it was too late. Nothing could stop what was to come.

The force of the impact jolted Jiang Cheng forward. The airbag deployed with a violent pop, slamming into Jiang Cheng's chest with the force of a cannon. All around the air reverberated with the sickening crunch of metal. The windshield exploded into a million tiny shards that scattered across the asphalt, glinting in the moonlight. Jiang Cheng pushed away the airbag, breathing deeply. The smell of burnt rubber filled his lungs as he tried to make sense of what had happened. With a panicked cry he turned to check on Wei Wuxian, lying slumped in his seat. Blood was on his face, running freely from a cut on his head. He was still asleep, or more likely unconscious. Jiang Cheng tried again to wake him, shaking his arm. Wei Wuxian's head rolled sickeningly. He didn't wake. Reaching out, Jiang Cheng checked for a pulse. He closed his eyes, moaning with relief when he felt one. Slow but there. Wei Wuxian was alive.

Jiang Cheng forced his door open, falling out into the eerie stillness, reality only now beginning to sink in. They had crashed. He, Jiang Cheng, had been on the wrong side of the road and had hit another car. He looked up, and there it was. A small car, smaller than Jiang Cheng's, flipped over by the force of the impact. It lay upside down in the road, wedged against a tree. Jiang Cheng went over to look. A woman, dressed only in pyjamas, hung from her seat belt in the driving seat. Behind her, something that stopped Jiang Cheng's breath with shock. A baby, maybe even younger than his little nephew, limp in a child's car seat. Both were unmoving and blood soaked.

Jiang Cheng sank to the floor. He had done this. If the mother and child were dead, it was his fault. He didn't know what to do. How to find a way out of this mess. Horrified and so so scared, he reached for his phone, dialling the only number he could think of. The only person who he knew would help him. The only person who would know what to do.

Yu Ziyuan woke with a scowl, reaching automatically for the phone ringing on her nightstand. Her scowl deepened when she saw her son's name lighting up the screen. A quick look at the clock showed her that it was past two in the morning. A call so late could never be good. “A-Cheng, Tell me what's wrong.”

“Mom, Mom, I don't know what to do! It came out of nowhere. I just...I didn't see it and then...Mom, I think they're dead.”

“Pull yourself together, boy. Who is dead?”

“The people in the other car. A woman and a baby. Mom, there's so much blood. What do I do?”

Yu Ziyuan took a deep breath. This was bad. “Where is Wei Wuxian?” He should be there, taking care of things, taking care of Jiang Cheng, so why wasn't he?

“In the car. Unconscious. He hit his head in the accident.”

An idea began to form. Yu Ziyuan shook her husband. “Fengmian, A-Cheng needs us. Get up.” She watched him with a sneer as he sat up, looking around, confused. Completely useless, as always. She went back to her phone. “A-Cheng, where are you? Is there anybody there? Did anyone see the accident?”

On his end, Jiang Cheng took a deep breath. “I'm on Crescent Road, just passed the turn. There's no one here. I haven't seen anyone on the road for ages.”

“Good. Wait there. Your father and I are coming. Do nothing until we get there.”

Yu Ziyuan took in the situation immediately. Her son's car, hood crumpled, her son sitting on the ground leaning against the driver's side door. The other car in a much worse state a short distance away. She went over to it, bending down to look in. She paused, shaking her head. The two were obviously dead, but still, Yu Ziyuan checked for any signs of life. Pointless, although the child was still warm. Might even have survived with immediate medical care. Too late to worry about that now.

Jiang Cheng had stood as soon as he realised that is parents had arrived. He rushed to his mother. “Mom...are they?”

“Both dead.” She moved over to her son's car, reaching in to check on a still unresponsive Wei Wuxian.

“He's alive, Mom. I checked right away.” Jiang Cheng hurried to say.

Yu Ziyuan nodded blankly, looking around to asses the situation. She studied her son. “You've been drinking?”

“No, well, I mean, it was a party so I had one or two. I'm not drunk, Mom, I'm not. I was distracted, that's all. I missed the turn and then that car was just...there. They came out of nowhere, right at me. I couldn't swerve out if the way in time. What even is someone doing out at this time of night with a child?”

“Are you saying it was the other driver's fault?”

Jiang Cheng shrugged. “I didn't say that, exactly. Just, Mom. It was so fast.”

Yu Ziyuan shook her head. A mother and child. They would never be blamed for the accident, not when her son was coming from a party where he had been drinking. She looked up, scanning the area. No cameras. There would have been one at the junction maybe, but it would not have visibility of the crash site. There was only one way. One chance of saving her son. Of preserving the bright future in front of him. Of keeping the family name unsullied. “Fengmian. Help me move him.”

Jiang Fengmian startled. He had been staring blankly at his son's damaged car. He blinked at his wife. “What?”

“Wei Wuxian. Help me move him. You too, A-Cheng.”

“Mom?”

“No-one saw, A-Cheng. You said that Wei Wuxian was asleep?”

“Yes, but...”

“Then as far as anyone will know, he was driving, so stop standing around uselessly and help me get him into the driver's seat.”

Jiang Fengmian shook his head. “Ziyuan, no, we can't. This...”

“Would you rather see your son's future snatched away from him because of one mistake? Our family name dragged through the mud? Is your precious Wei Wuxian so important to you that you're willing to sacrifice your own son to keep him safe?”

“Of course not, but what if anyone finds out? What if it doesn't work?

“It will work; why wouldn't it?”

“Mom, people saw us leave the party. Wuxian was already pretty far gone. What if they say he couldn't have been driving?”

“Did anyone see you get into the car?”

“No, Mom, but...”

“Then stop making problems. Say the fresh air revived him, that he insisted on driving. Your father and I will leave. As far as anyone knows, we were never here. Give us ten minutes to get home then call the emergency services. Tell them there's been an accident. Tell them that you were also knocked out at first, but called as soon as you woke up. You must say that you and Wei Wuxian were arguing. That Wei Wuxian wasn't paying attention because he was drunk and irritated. Stay as close to the truth as possible. Say that he missed the turn and so he was speeding. Put it all on him. This will work. We know people. We have influence. We can make sure this is dealt with quickly, before anyone can object.”

She reached in, first wiping the driving wheel, then undoing Wei Wuxian's seat belt and pulling on his limp body. If they were lucky, he would never wake to deny the story they would tell. After a moment, her husband and son stepped up to help her.

Chapter Text

Wen Qing gasped when she saw the man on the stretcher. Wei Wuxian. Her friend, Wei Wuxian. They had been told that there had been a road traffic accident. Serious. At least two fatalities, one of them a child. That the person responsible was being brought in under guard. She had been ready to treat the victim, no matter what he had done; it was her job, after all, but she need only give the bare minimum of care. But this was Wei Wuxian. Someone she cared about. How could he be guilty of all he was accused of? It was inconceivable.

She hurried forward, wincing at the handcuff securing Wei Wuxian to the bed frame. At his side a stern-faced uniformed police officer. “We need to take blood to test for alcohol,” he demanded.

Normally, Wen Qing would have stayed out of it, but she needed to protect her friend. “Do you have a warrant?”

He turned to in surprise. “Doctor, this man caused an accident that killed a mother and her baby.”

“My responsibility is to my patient. I'm sorry, no warrant, no blood. Now please, let me get on with my job.” She pushed passed the officer, immediately calling out orders. She was still a professional, even in such an impossible situation. Everything else could wait until Wei Wuxian was out of danger. Wen Qing almost discounted the voices in the background until one in particular caught her attention. A familiar voice. While she continued to work, she let a small part of her mind listen in. Jiang Cheng. He was explaining that Wei Wuxian had been fighting with him and, in his distraction, had hit the other car. She frowned as she arranged the tests for Wei Wuxian. That didn't sound right. Wei Wuxian could be careless, but only with himself. This? Driving drunk? No, he would never.

She stepped back. Wei Wuxian was stabilised, being taken for an MRI. It was concerning that he was still unconscious. She wasn't needed for that. She had this one small window of opportunity to find out what had happened. Her brother had been at the same party that Wei Wuxian had been at. He would know. She would have to call him and let him know what was going on.

Wen Ning answered on the third ring, his voice anxious, as anyone's would be at receiving a call in the early hours of the morning. “Jie-Jie? Are you okay?”

“A-Ning, I'm fine. I don't have much time. Was Wuxian at the party you went to?”

“Yes?” He sounded confused at the question.

Wen Qing closed her eyes, knowing that what she was about to tell him would break his heart. “He's here. He was involved in an accident. A woman and child died, and A-Ning, they're blaming Wuxian for it.”

She heard her brother gasp in shock. “No, that can't be. I don't understand. Wait a minute.” Wen Qing could hear urgent voices on the other end of the call but couldn't make out the words. When the call resumed, it wasn't her brother who came back on the line.

“Qing-Jie?”

She frowned. “Who is this? Where's A-Ning?”

“He's still here. This is Nie Huaisang. We're still at my place. Who said that Wuxian caused the accident?”

“Jiang Cheng. I heard him talking to the police. I might have missed some of what he said as I was working on Wuxian, but it definitely sounded like he was blaming him.”

“I see. Is Wuxian conscious?”

“No. he hasn't been since the accident. It's worrying, especially as the initial examination showed no serious injuries. He's been sent for an MRI to check for any physical reason for it.”

There was a pause, then Nie Huaisang came back, urgent. “Have they taken a blood sample yet?”

“The officer wanted to but I wouldn't let him. Not without a warrant, but I don't know how long I can hold him off.”

“Do the blood draw, but when you send it off get a full tox screen, not just a blood alcohol level. Have them check for GHB and Rohypnol. Maybe Ketamine too.”

Wen Qing's eyes widened. “You think he was spiked?”

“It's possible. There was an...incident. After, he was disoriented. Slurring and confused. I wanted to take him upstairs to sleep it off but Jiang Cheng showed up and was his usual belligerent self. Insisted they had to get home and dragged him away.”

She gasped. “So he wouldn't be responsible for his actions?”

“Qing-Jie, if I'm right, then there's no way Wuxian was behind that wheel. I'd be shocked if he could even walk.”

“Oh my god. That's...Huaisang, they have him handcuffed to the bed. No-one is investigating anything, they're so sure he's guilty. I suspect the only reason he hasn't been arrested is because they can't read him his rights until he regains consciousness.”

There was more talking on the other end of the call, then a new voice came through. “Will Wei Ying be well?”

“Wangji?”

“Mn.”

Wen Qing sighed. “I'm sorry, but at this stage I don't know. His injuries should be manageable, but if he was drugged too, then we can't know if that will exacerbate his condition. I'll get the bloods done as soon as possible and then we'll know more.”

“I will come.”

“I don't know if you'll be allowed to see him. You're not family.”

“I will come. I will see him.”

“Wangji...”

“Qing-Jie, this is Nie Huaisang again. This whole thing stinks. There's no way Jiang Cheng didn't call his mother before doing anything. If she's not there, then there's a reason she's not. If you can, keep a copy of the tox screen results. We might need it. I'm going to start gathering information.”

“You don't trust the police?”

“I don't trust the Jiangs. They're rich and powerful and people are bribable. With a child dead, this is going to be a media firestorm. Demands for justice to be done, the usual baying for blood that happens at times like these. The authorities are gong to want to wrap it up quickly, cleanly and most importantly, visibly. Someone like Wuxian, an orphan with no standing, is the perfect sacrifice.”

“So what can we do?”

“You take care of Wuxian. Get him better. Make sure you record all of his injuries. Take pictures. Document everything. Keep copies of everything, too. We can't risk having that one piece of evidence that exonerates Wuxian to mysteriously go missing. Wangji's already left. He can help you. He'll be there soon.”

“They'll keep him away.”

Nie Huaisang huffed. “I'd like to see them try.”

Wen Qing smiled for the first time since Wei Wuxian was brought in. Nie Huaisang had a point. Lan Wangji was always polite and respectful. He was also utterly tenacious when he felt he was in the right. If Lan Wangji believed that Wei Wuxian needed protecting then it would be harder to keep him away that it would be to stop a speeding juggernaut. “I'll do what I can to smooth his way.”

“Good. Leave the rest to me. While it's a fact that the Jiangs have contacts in high places, I have contacts in low places, and trust me, that is so much more useful.” There was more talking that Wen Qing couldn't make out, and then her brother was back.

“Jie-Jie. Do what you can for Wuxian but please, take care of yourself, too. Don't put yourself in danger. You're only a resident. If the Jiangs...”

“A-Ning, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. Taking care of my patients is my job. No-one will question me doing my best for Wuxian. I have to go, get the blood-work done before anyone starts throwing their weight around. I'll talk to you later.” She had kept her tone confident when talking to her brother but it was a concern. The Jiangs had pull. Possible that they could cause problems for her if they felt threatened. Something she might have to consider when she had the time. That time wasn't now, not with Wei Wuxian was being wheeled back into the alcove, his guard silent at his side. She called to the nurse to draw blood for testing.

The officer perked up, looking at her hopefully. “You're going to do the test as I requested?”

Wen Qing paused. Nie Huaisang had told her to agree to help the police, but if she turned so abruptly, when she had been previously adamant that without a warrant there would be no test, then it could look suspicious. A compromise was needed. “I'm doing what I need to to determine how best to proceed with treatment for my patient. If he has anything in his system, I need to know.” As the officer looked ready to protest, she held up a hand. “If you want a copy of the report, get that warrant.”

The man's eyes widened. He gave her a conspiratorial grin, convinced that she wanted to help the investigation but was constrained by the hospital rules. “But any evidence will be preserved? A proper chain of custody established?”

“It will be part of the patient's medical records, yes.”

His smile widened. “Thank-you, Doctor. I'll get on that warrant immediately.”

Wen Qing nodded to him before turning away with a relieved breath. He had believed her. He would get his warrant then, if Wei Wuxian had been drugged, the police would know.

Yu Ziyuan pulled the car to a halt silently. She looked at the houses around them with a scowl. Almost all had security cameras. That could be a problem if they were seen leaving. Nothing she could do about it now. They could only trust that the police would assume that they already had the guilty party in custody and not ask too many questions. By the time anyone thought to check, the footage would be gone. Jiang Fengmian sat silently at her side. She felt a flare of resentment at his passivity. He had been completely useless, as he always was when things didn't go smoothly. At least he had agreed to her plan. She had worried that he might not. That he might, once again, put Wei Wuxian 's welfare in front of his own son's. He hadn't. Now she had to make sure that he stuck to the script. She got out of the car, huffing in exasperation when her husband didn't move. “Fengmian, hurry. We need to be back in bed when the police arrive to notify us of the accident.”

He blinked, then did as she told him. “Ziyuan, if this goes wrong...”

“It won't. Not if we do as agreed.” She sighed. “Leave the talking to me. Be shocked and concerned but say nothing.”

They lay side by side in the bed, both awake but not speaking. Yu Ziyuan considered going over their story again with her husband. Could he really be depended on? She wished that she could be sure. So much was resting on his shoulders. If he broke then they would all be lost. But there was no going back now. Her son would have already called in the accident. The plan was in motion whether they were ready or not.

She had no idea how long they lay on silence before the stillness was broken by the ringing of the doorbell. Jiang Fengmian shot up, turning a look of panic on his wife. She took his arm, squeezing hard. “Stay calm. They must believe that we have been woken from deep sleep. Look tired, confused.” That should be easy for him. She got up, pulling on her robe as Jiang Fengmian did the same. “Remember, as soon as you open the door stand back and let me do the talking.”

Jiang Fengmian nodded, turning on the lights as they made their way downstairs.

Two police officers stood on the doorstep. One older, experienced. Surprisingly, his young partner was Chinese. Yu Ziyuan had to force herself not to sneer. She knew why he had been sent. Knew that many older Chinese people barely spoke English. It was insulting that she be considered on a par with those pathetic immigrants. How could they not realise that she was not one of them. Even her address was confirmation that she was a person of substance. It was offensive. She wanted to take exception to this slight against her status but a tirade now would not give the impression she needed. She had to play her part.

She stepped forward, pushing passed her husband, one hand flying to her mouth. “Oh no, what has happened? My son, is it my son?”

The older officer put up his hands with a comforting smile. “Ma'am, your son is fine.” He took out his badge, his partner doing the same. “I'm Officer Johns, and this is Officer Song. He is fluent in Mandarin if you prefer to...”

“Officer, I was born in Manhattan. I hardly need a translator. Can we get on? My son?”

Officer Johns' smile faded slightly but he recovered and continued. “You son,” he consulted his notes, “Cheng Jiang, was involved in a road traffic accident but was not seriously injured.” Yu Ziyuan put her hand over her heart, closing her eyes with relief. “He's been taken to the hospital to be checked over, but I'm sure it's just a formality. I have to tell you, he wasn't alone in the car.”

Yu Ziyuan sneered. “That Wei Wuxian! Nothing but trouble.” She turned to her husband “Didn't I tell you, Fengmian? Didn't I say that that boy would bring us all to ruin?”

Officer Song frowned. “We didn't tell you the name of the other person involved.”

Yu Ziyuan blinked, then shrugged. “Who else would it be but Wei Wuxian?”

Officer Johns frowned at his partner, taking over the conversation again. “You are correct, Ma'am. It seems that this Wei Wuxian caused the accident. However, the investigation is still ongoing.”

“Of course. We'll go to the hospital, get the details from our son. Thank-you for your kindness, officer.”

“Not at all. Is there anything I can do for you?”

“No, we'll be fine. As long as my son is safe, nothing else matters.” With a final nod, Yu Ziyuan closed the door.

Song Zichen frowned at the closed door. Something was wrong. It had almost seemed as if the young man's parents had been expecting them. Certainly, the mother had made all the right moves, said all the right things but they felt somehow rehearsed. Just as the story the young man, Jiang Cheng, had told them at the crash site. It seemed too clean, as if he was repeating learned lines rather than giving them an account of what had happened. He had been in an accident. Two people dead and his friend unconscious, yet he had not faltered. Not for a moment.

“Zichen, come on, we're done here.” Johns called from the car.

“Did any of that feel...off to you?”

“We just told them their son was in an accident. What did you expect?”

“I don't know. Just...how did she know who else was in the accident?”

“Like she said, who else would it be? I guess she knew who her son had gone to the party with so assumed they were still together.”

“Maybe.” Song Zichen started to walk away, pausing as he reached the Jiang's car. He put his hand on the hood, eyes widening at the heat coming from it. “It's still warm.”

“So?”

“So if we just woke them up, why has their car been recently driven? We have to report it.”

“Fine, fine, I'll put it in the report. Now wrap it up and let's get back to the station. It's been a long night and I want to clock out.”

Song Zichen knew that was the best he would get from his partner. Johns wasn't a bad man, but he was only one year from retirement. He was marking time, never willing to stick his neck out. He wouldn't rock the boat. But Song Zichen was not satisfied. Not satisfied at all. Something didn't fit and he was not prepared to let it go, no matter the cost.

Wen Ning closed his phone and stared at Nie Huaisang. “What are we gong to do?”

Nie Huaisang tapped his lips with his fan. “We need information. This isn't going to stay under wraps for long. I figure we have four hours, maximum five, before this blows up. I need to make some calls, get things moving.”

“What about me? I want to help.”

Nie Huaisang nodded, pulling out a small card, handing it over. “This is the password to the security system. Download all the footage from the cameras. See if there's anything we can use.”

“Like?”

“Ideally, Jiang Cheng and Wuxian getting in the car with Wuxian as the passenger. Other than that, track Wuxian's movements from the time he arrived to the time he left. Log it all and back it up. We can go over it in more detail when we know what else we have to work with. To that end, make a note of anyone you see recording on their own phones.”

“I can do that. But then can we go to the hospital? I need to know that Wuxian is going to be okay.”

“We'll go, as soon as I get done here.” Nie Huaisang sighed. “You realise that the hardest part is going to be convincing Wuxian to fight back, right? To not just do what the Jiangs tell him to do?”

“I know. Those people have all but brainwashed him into believing that he owes them everything. That it's his duty to protect the Jiang siblings even to his own detriment. It's sickening, how he's been treated since he was only a child.”

“That's it exactly. Unpayable debt after unpayable debt piled onto his shoulders with no concern for his well-being at all. I've tried to make him see how wrong it is. We all have but it's hard to break the cycle of abuse. All those years of conditioning is going to be the biggest barrier to get Wuxian clear from this.”

“Huaisang, what if he never remembers?”

“If he was spiked he probably won't.”

“Then what if they convince him he really is guilty?”

“We convince him that he isn't. I'm counting on Wangji for that. Wuxian trusts him. Trusts his judgement. If Wangji keeps telling him that he wasn't driving, can't have been driving, then eventually Wuxian will believe it. Besides, we all know how Wuxian feels about drunk drivers after what happened to his parents. It's the one thing he's never done, so he's more likely to believe that he didn't this time.”

“We need to be there. To support him.”

“We will be. I'll call an Uber for half an hour. That should be enough time.”

“You aren't gong to drive?”

“I was drinking at the party. It's likely still in my system. I think one accident tonight is more than enough, so Uber it is.”

Jiang Cheng sagged with relief when he saw his parents enter the ER. The questions from the police had been getting difficult. He worried that he would make a mistake so he kept repeating the story he had agreed with his mother but he could see that they were becoming frustrated when he kept using the exact same words rather than answer the questions. But now his mother was here. She would support him, get all these people to back off.

He was right. Yu Ziyuan placed herself in front of her son, glaring at the police officers. “My son is traumatised. He should not have been questioned without the support of his family.” She turned to Jiang Cheng, wrapping her arms around him with relief, as if she hadn't just left him standing in the wreckage of an accident earlier that night. “A-Cheng, have they examined you? Are you injured?”

“I'm okay, Mom. Just a few cuts and bruises. The doctor cleared me to go home.”

“I will speak with the doctor. I want a full report on your condition.” She glared again at the police. “Is it normal procedure to harass victims of an accident, Officer?”

“Officer Brent, Ma'am, and this is my partner, officer Green. Ma'am this is a serious incident. There were fatalities so yes, it is normal to gather information as soon as possible.”

“My son was not responsible for the accident. He should be allowed to recover before questioning. I will be taking him home as soon as I speak with whoever treated him.” She waved down a passing nurse. “You, bring me the doctor responsible for my son's care.”

The nurse sighed. “I will inform him that you wish to speak with him. I'm sure he will be with you as soon as possible.” Then she left as Yu Ziyuan continued to complain about the service as if she was in a five star hotel rather than a hospital ER.

Wen Qing was checking Wei Wuxian's chart when she heard the commotion in the reception area. His guard had gone for coffee, so they were alone when one shrill voice rose above all the background noise. Yu Ziyuan had arrived.

Peeking out, she cold see the woman arguing with the police and generally causing a scene. She watched as her harried colleague, the unfortunate man who had been assigned to Jiang Cheng's care, spoke to her briefly before making his escape.

Then Yu Ziyuan's voice again rose to demand that she be taken to Wei Wuxian. A demand that was denied. Wen Qing smiled. For once, the Jiang's neglecting to formally adopt Wei Wuxian worked in his favour. The fact that they had kept Wei Wuxian, raised him for years, all without any legal right, still left her as aghast as when she had first found out. How was it even possible? Where were social services? CPS? Why had literally no-one ever checked to see that Wei Wuxian was being protected? That his situation was safe? Because he hadn't been safe. Not at all. He had scars from that woman. Actual physical, as well as emotional, scars. Yet always, Wei Wuxian excused the Jiangs. Blamed himself for being a burden. For being too much trouble.

She reached out a hand to stroke Wei Wuxian's hair. Well, he wasn't alone anymore. He had people who loved him. People who would defend him.

Yu Ziyuan watched the young doctor scurry away, then she turned to the police officers who were still standing by. “I will see Wei Wuxian now.”

Officer Brent gave her a polite smile. “I'm sorry, Ma'am. That won't be possible.”

“What do you mean? We are his family. I demand that we be allowed access to him.” She needed to be the first person to speak with Wei Wuxian. He must be kept from contradicting the agreed upon narrative. He would be disoriented, confused. It should be easy enough to manipulate him into believing that he had been driving. Once the idea was fixed in his head, it would become truth. The guilt of it would lead to him confessing everything. But for that, she needed to see him, and these people were in her way. A woman had come up, introducing herself as Doctor Ramirez, the medical director. Yu Ziyuan raised her chin, giving the woman an imperious stare. “Why are we being kept from our ward?”

Doctor Ramirez smiled. “Hospital procedure, Ma'am. We can only allow immediate family in.”

“We are his family.”

“Do you have proof of that? Again, I'm sorry, but with the patient still unconscious I need some sort of ID. You say he's your ward? You adopted him?”

Yu Ziyuan scowled. “Not formally, but we raised him. We are all he has.”

Doctor Ramirez turned to talk quietly with the police officers. If that was the case then maybe this woman should be allowed in. Before she could make a decision there was a new arrival.

“Where is Wei Ying?”

“What are you doing here?” Jiang Cheng scowled at Lan Wangji, who stood calmly in front of them.

“I have come to see Wei Ying.”

Officer Brent, Doctor Ramirez at his side, shook his head. “I'm sorry, Sir. As this lady has just been told, it's family only.”

Lan Wangji turned to Doctor Ramirez, calmly opening his phone and showing it to her, repeating, “I was informed that Wei Wuxian had been injured. I am here to supervise his care.”

Surprised, she looked at the information Lan Wangji had pulled up, eyebrows raising at what she read. Reading over her shoulder, Officer Brent reacted in much the same way. Doctor Ramirez smiled kindly. “I see. Of course. You have your ID, Mr. Lan?”

He did, showing it when asked.

“Perfect, thank-you.” Doctor Ramirez ushered him towards the cubicles. “Come this way.”

Yu Ziyuan gaped as Lan Wangji was led away. How had he been allowed entry when she had been denied? She made to follow but was held back by Officer Brent's raised hand. “Ma'am, you need to wait here or in the waiting room.”

“But we're family.”

“Unless you have proof of that then you will have to stay here. Or in the waiting room. Now please, move back.”

Yu Ziyuan growled in frustration, turning and striding away, thwarted.

Wen Qing had seen the entire encounter from behind the curtain. Seen Lan Wangji arrive. Heard him ask to see Wei Wuxian. His voice urgent, but calm. Not piercing like Yu Ziyuan, yet somehow just as easy to hear over the noise. Lan Wangji wasn't arguing. He had barely raised his voice. Simply demanded to be allowed to see Wei Wuxian. When Doctor Ramirez, backed by the police officers refused, Lan Wangji showed them something on his phone. Then Lan Wangji was being brought back to the cubicle as Yu Ziyuan continued to screech complaints behind him.

Lan Wangji nodded to her then moved to Wei Wuxian's side, taking his hand. Doctor Ramirez watched for a moment then left them alone. Wen Qing raised an eyebrow a Lan Wangji. “How did you manage that?”

“I hold Wei Ying power of attorney. Durable and medical.”

Wen Qing was shocked. “Since when?”

“Since college.”

“I see. I assumed that the Jiangs would have that responsibility. I was wrong?”

“Mn. He was not convinced that Madam Yu or Jiang Fengmian would make the best decisions for his care should he become incapacitated.”

“Which they wouldn't. Especially that vile harpy of a mother. What surprises me is that Wuxian got that but still let them treat him like dirt.”

“It is hard to break years of indoctrination. We have spoken of it. He has also spent some time talking with the college counsellor. He has been progressing. Wei Ying did not intend to work for the Jiangs business as expected. He anticipated resistance when he made his decision known.”

That was another shock to Wen Qing's understanding of the situation. It had always seemed to be understood that once college was over, Wei Wuxian would join Jiang Industries. She, all of their friends, had assumed that he would feel obligated to do so after so many years of being told it was what he owed for being taken in. “But, wasn't that part of the deal? That in exchange for getting his education paid for he would work for the Jiangs?”

“Initially that had been Wei Ying's aim. Until it was discovered that Jiang Fengmian had misrepresented the situation.”

Wen Qing gaped. “Okay, I know none of this. Why do I know none of this? And how did Jiang Fengmian misrepresent the situation? What is going on here, Wangji?”

“Wei Ying did not wish to cause embarrassment to the Jiangs so chose to keep certain details confidential. I will respect that wish until such time as he allows me to share the knowledge.”

“He might not have a choice. Wangji, I've been listening to the story being told by Jiang Cheng. He's saying that they were arguing. That Wuxian was drunk, distracted and driving erratically. I don't believe it, but with Wuxian unconscious there's nothing to counter his claims.”

“He is lying.”

“I know, but how do we prove it? I took a record of Wuxian's injuries as Huaisang suggested. But still, the police are convinced he's guilty. It's not going to be easy changing the narrative, not once it gets set in people's minds. You know the Jiangs will use all of their influence to keep Wuxian in the frame for this.”

“We will find a way. The truth will be revealed.”

“Are you really this confident or are you pretending?”

Lan Wangji looked at her. She huffed. Of course. Lan Wangji never said anything he wasn't sure of. “It would help if Wei Wuxian would wake up.”

“He will.” Lan Wangji squeezed the hand he held. “Wei Ying, you must wake now.”

Wei Wuxian opened his eyes.

Chapter Text

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji reached out to smooth the frown from Wei Wuxian's face.

Wei Wuxian blinked, tried to speak, eyes widening as he realised he couldn't.

Wen Qing bustled forward. “It's okay, Wuxian. You were in an accident and there's a tube down your throat. Give me a moment so I can pull it out.” She did so rapidly, handing him some ice chips to ease the dryness.

“Wha happn?”

“You were in an accident, Wuxian.” Wen Qing repeated, glancing quickly at the curtain. “What do you remember?”

“Party. Lan Zhan? Qing-Jie? Wha happn?”

Wen Qing turned to Lan Wangji. “Whatever you need to say, make it fast. The guard is going to be back any minute and once they see he's awake the police are going to want to question him. Maybe even arrest him. This is going to be our only moment of privacy before it all gets messy. They're not going to leave him unattended again now that he's conscious.”

“Mn.” Leaning close so that Wei Wuxian could focus on him, Lan Wangji said urgently, “Wei Ying, can you hear me?”

“Lan Zhan? You upset? Hurt?”

“I am well, Wei Ying. Unfortunately I was not with you when the accident occurred. Wei Ying, you must listen carefully and do as I say. The police will come soon to ask questions.”

“Police? What? Lan Zhan...what?”

“I know this is confusing. You must only remember that, whatever is said to you, know that you were not driving. You are not responsible for what has occurred.” Lan Wangji looked up at Wen Qing. “If the questions become invasive can you object?”

“Yes. If they get too aggressive, to the point it affects his health, I can put a stop to it. For now, at least, but I don't know for how long. He really should have a lawyer.”

Lan Wangji paused, looking thoughtful. “I believe that if Wei Ying requests representation then they cannot continue to question him until he has it.” He leaned closer again. “Wei Ying, when the police begin to question you, say that you will not answer without your lawyer present.”

“Huh? Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian was looking blankly from one to the other. His head hurt. He felt sick and confused. What was happening?

“I'm not sure he can remember everything, Wangji.”

He sighed. “Then I will attempt to insist upon it. Wei Ying need only agree.” Lan Wangji gripped Wei Wuxian's hand. “Wei Ying, do you understand what I have said?”

“Not driving?”

“Mn. When they ask, you must tell them that but nothing more until you have a lawyer.” He looked up at Wen Qing. “Might it be better if he says nothing at all?”

“I don't know, Wangji. If he just refuses to answer it might make him seem guilty. Surely it can't hurt if he just says that?”

“That is my thought. Some counter to the statement Jiang Cheng has already made. Nie Huaisang will be here soon, I think. He will know more.”

“Don' 'member, Lan Zhan.”

“I know you don't. But I know that what I am telling you is the truth, so it is what you must say.”

“'Kay.”

Wen Qing checked for the guard. She saw him, coffee in hand talking with the detectives. “Wangji, the power of attorney.”

Lan Wangji looked up with a nod before leaning down so that Wei Wuxian could focus on his face. “Wei Ying, may I have your permission to share what you disclosed to me when you made your decision to assign me your power of attorney?”

Wei Wuxian's gaze sharpened. He might not be able to completely follow what was going on, but Lan Wangji would not ask if it wasn't important, so there was only one answer he could give. “Okay. Trust you.”

“I give you my word, Wei Ying, I will only do what is in your best interests.”

“I know. Always do.”

And then the guard was pulling back the curtain and there was no more time.

The more senior of the two detectives approached the bed. “Mr. Wei, I'm Officer Brent, this is my partner, Officer Green. We have a few questions for you.”

“Is Wei Ying under arrest?” Lan Wangji demanded.

Officer Brent frowned. “No.”

“Then he should be permitted to rest before answering anything.”

“Sir, I'm only looking for some clarification on a few points. Such as why your...friend...chose to drive while under the influence.”

“Not driving.” Wei Wuxian mumbled.

Startled, Officer Brent moved closer. “Are you claiming that you were not the driver? You were found in the driver's seat, unconscious at the scene. How do you explain that, Mr. Wei?”

“No. Wasn't driving.” Wei Wuxian repeated as his eyes began to close.

Lan Wangji moved back to his side, taking his hand again. “He has told you that he was not responsible for the accident. If you have any further questions then they will need to be asked in the presence of his lawyer.”

Officer Brent huffed. “He has a lawyer?”

Still not moving, Lan Wangji shook his head. “Not as yet. You will have to wait while we retain one for him. You may not question him further until he has had access to legal counsel.”

“Look, we only want to ask a few questions. If he's innocent as he claims then what's the harm in answering?”

Lan Wangji was adamant. “Wei Ying has only now awoken. He is disoriented. I will not allow him to be pressured. He should not speak with you until he is fully recovered.”

“Sir, this is not your concern.”

Raising an eyebrow, Lan Wangji gave the officer an unimpressed look. “Need I again show you my power of attorney?”

“There's no need for that. Still...”

“Officer Brent, while my friend remains in a vulnerable state, I am within my rights to speak for him. I have stated plainly that he is to be allowed to consult with a lawyer before proceeding. You have a duty to respect those rights.”

Officer Brent frowned. “You know the law?”

“I know that you are not permitted to coerce an emotionally compromised person.”

Wen Qing was staring at Lan Wangji in amazement. The officers wouldn't let it go, she was sure of that, but he had bought them time. She watched the police, wondering what they would do now. She didn't have long to wait to find out.

Officer Brent scowled, stepping out of the cubicle, pulling out his phone as he went to consult with his superiors. A short while later he came back in with a smug grin. He stood over Wei Wuxian. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer for advice before we ask you any questions. You have the right to have a lawyer with you during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish. If you decide to answer questions now without a lawyer present, you have the right to stop answering at any time. Do you understand these rights as they have been explained to you?” Brent sneered, as if he had won.

Lan Wangji gripped Wei Wuxian's hand tighter, getting his attention. “Wei Ying, please inform the officer's that you are exercising your rights to counsel.”

Wei Wuxian blinked. “I'm exercising my rights to counsel?” He repeated, as if it was a question.

Officer Green leaned in to whisper to his partner, “Pete, he's asked for his lawyer. We have to stop questioning him.”

Sneering, Officer Brent stepped away. “Fine. I'll contact the Public Defender's office, get someone down here promptly. He'll remain under guard until that happens. We'll be back.” He swept the curtain aside and strode out, his partner following with an apologetic look back.

Wen Qing leaned in with a small smile, checking over Wei Wuxian to be sure he had not been negatively impacted by the questioning.

“Is Wei Ying well?” Lan Wangji asked, worried.

“Much better now that he's awake.” She dropped her voice, leaning in to whisper. “I think Huaisang was right about him being drugged given how quickly he's recovering now. The blood-work will show us more.”

“Lan Zhan, Qing-Jie, what's happening?”

“Ah, sorry, we shouldn't be talking over you like this. “Wen Qing apologised. “Wuxian, has anything come back to you from the accident?”

He frowned. “Why was I in a car?”

“Jiang Cheng insisted that you leave with him.” Lan Wangji scowled. “He should not have. You were unwell, Wei Ying. Huaisang tried to argue that you be allowed to remain, but Jiang Cheng was adamant.”

“But I told him, Lan Zhan. I told him I was going to stay at Huaisang's when we went. I wanted him to leave the car home and get an Uber, then he could drink and not worry about driving home. He insisted he was fine.”

“He was not. Wei Ying, there was an accident.”

“You said. Is Cheng hurt?”

Lan Wangji looked at Wen Qing, unsure how much Wei Wuxian should be told. How much stress he could handle. She sighed. “Wuxian, Jiang Cheng is fine but, I'm sorry, there was another car involved. A mother and child were killed.”

Wei Wuxian stared at her, uncomprehending for a long moment. Then he closed his eyes with a sob. “No, please, no.”

Wen Qing leaned in again as Wei Wuxian began to hyperventilate. “Wuxian, breathe with me. Come on. In, out, in, out. Deep breaths.”

“Wei Ying, this was not your fault. You are not to blame for their deaths.”

Wei Wuxian opened his eyes, tears falling as he gazed at Lan Wangji. “Lan Zhan, a mother and child.”

“I know. It is terrible, but not your fault, Wei Ying.”

That was when Wei Wuxian noticed the handcuff. “What, Lan Zhan? Why am I handcuffed?”

His rising voice alerted the guard, who came to stand over him menacingly with a sneer. “You killed two people, that's why.”

Wei Wuxian's eyes widened as he again began to panic. Wen Qing pushed at the guard. “That's enough! I can't stop you from being in here but you will not upset my patient.”

The man huffed, sitting back down and crossing his arms to sulk.

“Lan Zhan, he said...he said...”

“He is mistaken.” Lan Wangji again looked to Wen Qing.

She shrugged. “He will find out soon enough. Better from you than the police.”

“Lan Zhan, what? Please, tell me what's going on?”

“Wei Ying, I am sorry. You were found, unconscious, in the driver's seat. Jiang Cheng has told the police that you were driving.”

“I was driving? But you said...”

“He lied, Wei Ying. You were not, could not have been. When he took you from the party you were confused, uncoordinated. You were barely able to walk. You had trouble speaking, your vision blurred. You could not have been behind the wheel.”

“He's right, Wuxian.” Wen Qing added. “I heard Jiang Cheng giving his report. He said that you were arguing with him and distracted. That doesn't tie in with what Wangji has said. There's no way you could recover that fast, especially if you were drugged.”

“I was drugged?” Wei Wuxian frowned, trying to remember anything, but his mind was a blank. “But how?”

“Jin Zixun.” Lan Wangji scowled.

“What? I don't...no I do remember that. He was trying to make you drink, right? Generally being a dick to you?”

“Mn. You took it from him and said that you would drink it for me.”

“Yes, yes, that's right. That's the last thing I can remember. Wait, you're saying that Jin Zixun tried to spike you?”

“That is Huaisang's thought. Jin Zixun has never liked me. Huaisang believes that he wished to embarrass me. He failed because of you, but now this has happened.”

“Not your fault, Lan Zhan.”

“Neither is it yours.”

“He'll deny it.” Wei Wuxian said. “Jin Zixun will deny everything. There's now way to prove any of this.”

“The drugs would have still been in your bloodstream, Wuxian.” Wen Qing told him. “We will have the proof. They're not going to get away with this.”

Wei Wuxian closed his eyes with a grimace. “Jiang Cheng won't have thought to do this. Not on his own.”

As much as Lan Wangji disliked Jiang Cheng, he had to agree. The man was tiresome, but not the best at critical thinking. “Madam Yu.”

“Madam Yu.” Wei Wuxian agreed.

“We must find a way to access Jiang Cheng's phone records.” Lan Wangji said thoughtfully. “If he called his mother before the police then that in itself is suspect.”

Wen Qing frowned. “You now how to do that?”

“No.” Lan Wangji frowned, then cheered slightly. “Nie Huaisang.”

Wei Wuxian nodded, then winced as it sent a spike of pain through his head. “”Yes, that's just the sort of thing Huaisang would know how to do.”

“We can ask him when he gets here.” Wen Qing sighed. “For now, I have to go. I have other patients, but I'll try to get back when I can. Wuxian, they're bringing a lawyer here for you, then they're going to start questioning you again. You're not sick enough for me to refuse access.”

“Don't get yourself in trouble, Qing-Jie.”

“I will do what I can, but it's likely we'll only keep you in for observation tonight and discharge you tomorrow. You know you can't go back to the Jiangs? If you need a place to stay then there will always be room with us.” With a last squeeze of Wei Wuxian's arm, Wen Qing left.

Lan Wangji again took Wei Wuxian's hand. “You would also have a place with me, Wei Ying. Huaisang, too, will certainly offer shelter.”

“Lan Zhan, I can stay with you?”

“You are always welcome, Wei Ying. You know I have wanted you to leave the Jiangs for some time.”

“I know. I should have listened. I thought...well, it doesn't matter now. I never believed they would...but I was never family to them. Not really. No matter what Uncle Fengmian and Yanli said. Still, to do this...how could they? Lan Zhan, you're sure I wasn't driving? Maybe...”

“You were not, Wei Ying. We will prove that you were not. You must fight this. Promise me that you will not allow the Jiangs to manipulate you into covering Jiang Cheng's crime?”

“I...no, of course I won't.”

“This is not the first time you would take responsibility for the things he has done, Wei Ying. Have you forgotten the toilet paper incident in school?”

“Well, yes, but that was...”

“You allowed yourself to be blamed, Wei Ying. Had Huaisang not found CCTV footage showing Jiang Cheng and his cronies caught in the act you would have been expelled.”

Wei Wuxian sighed. “I know. I know I've taken the blame for him in the past. I thought I owed it to the Jiangs for taking me in, but that's different now. You know why it's different now Lan Zhan. Even if I hadn't found out about Jiang Fengmian's lies, I still wouldn't let this go. Not something this serious. Not the very thing that killed my parents. Someone died. A baby died, you said. If I let Cheng get away with this, and then he did something that got someone else hurt, how could I live with myself?”

“Mn. He must face the consequences for his actions. As must Madam Yu and Jiang Fengmian were they involved.”

“You really think we can find proof that I'm innocent?”

“I do. We will. The truth will not be denied. Wei Ying will not be left to deal with this alone. Wei Ying will never be alone again.”

Chapter Text

Wen Qing looked at her watch again. She desperately wanted to get back to Wei Wuxian, but she was still on shift. Luckily, it was a slow night so she had been able to spend more time with him than would usually be possible. Her colleagues had been understanding, giving her as much time as they could but it wasn't fair of her to take advantage of their kindness. Later, after the lawyer came, then she would go back to check on him. She took an instinctive step forward when she saw her brother rush into the reception area, Nie Huaisang close behind him. Then she stepped back. The police were already making their way over. It would be better if they didn't find out that she was a friend of Wei Wuxian. They might demand a different doctor, one who would be more on their side. She couldn't allow that. She knew how her colleagues felt about drunk drivers who killed innocents. It was how she had felt, after all, until she saw that the suspect was Wei Wuxian.

No, better to stay in the shadows. Get on with her work and make sure she could stay in a position where she could gather evidence that would help clear her friend.

Wen Ning rushed up to the desk, too agitated to ask his question. His hands clenched as he fought to get out the words. The receptionist looked at him kindly. “Are you injured?”

He shook his head. “M-My friend," he gasped, "he was brought in after an accident. W-Wei W-Wuxian?”

The woman's face hardened. She knew who he was asking about. The man who had caused the accident that killed the young mother and her baby. “You should find better friends.”

Wen Ning blinked. Nie Huaisang who had come up next to him, narrowed his eyes at her words. “Are you always so judgmental about patients?”

“Only ones who destroy families.”

“Look, I don't know what you've heard, but our friend is innocent.”

The receptionist looked past him with a smug smile. “Tell that to the police.”

Both Nie Huaisang and Wen Ning spun around, coming face to face with Officers Brent and Green. Both were holding out their badges. Brent sneered at them. “You're here for Wei?”

“We are.” Nie Huaisang confirmed. “Can we see him?”

“Are you family?”

Nie Huaisang sighed, already seeing where this was going. “No. We're friends. Good friends.”

Brent frowned. “How did you know he was here? As far as I know, there was no next of kin to inform.” He turned to his partner. “Come to that, how did that other one know? That damn know-it-all.”

Green shrugged. “Maybe the Jiangs told them. Does it matter?”

“Just seems strange, that's all. Maybe they were involved.”

Nie Huaisang pointed at Officer Green. “Like he says, does it matter? We're here and we want to know what's happening with our friend.”

“Your friend, is under arrest for causing an accident that killed two people.” Brent sneered.

Eyes widening, Nie Huaisang took a step back. “He's already been arrested? But the accident was less than two hours ago. You can't have finished the investigation already.”

Brent huffed. “What investigation? We have a witness that puts the blame squarely on him.”

“I don't care what you think you have.” Nie Huaisang glared. “He wasn't driving. He can't have been.”

Brent started to speak, but Green held up a hand to stop him. “You sound very sure of that. Were you there?”

“No.” Nie Huaisang admitted. “But it was my party they were coming from. Wei Wuxian was supposed to stay the night, but Jiang Cheng all but dragged him away. Wuxian wasn't well. He was barely able to stand. No way could he drive.”

Green frowned. “Pete...”

“No.” Brent insisted. “We have the right man, and forensics will prove that. You're just making our case for us, that he was driving under the influence.”

“You're not listening.” Nie Huaisang insisted. “Even if someone put him in the driving seat, he would never have been able to even start the car. I'm telling you, you have the wrong man.”

Brent was becoming agitated. This was supposed to be an easy, open and shut, case. Then, first it was the smart-ass refusing to let them question the suspect and now this jerk trying to cause difficulties. He wasn't having it. “He was behind the wheel! How do you explain that, then?”

“Isn't that what you should be finding out?”

“You...oh for...not another one.” Brent pointed at the man who had come up behind Wen Ning and Nie Huaisang. “I suppose you're here for Wei, too?”

“I am.”

“Well, too bad. He's not receiving visitors.” Brent crossed his arms in satisfaction, pleased to be able to deny access to Wei Wuxian. “You can all go sit and wait.”

The new arrival frowned. “I must insist...”

“No, your friend is under arrest. No visitors.”

“I think there's been a misunderstanding.” The man pulled out his wallet, showing his ID. “Counsellor Xiao. If you're Officer Brent then I'm here because you called the Public Defender's Office asking for someone to be sent here promptly.”

Frowning, Brent looked at the ID. “'You're his lawyer? But...do you know him?”

“Surprisingly, not all Chinese people are acquainted.”

Brent was still confused. “Did they send you because you're Chinese?”

“You would have to ask my boss that. All I know is that I got a call to come down here. Now, since that's cleared up, I would like to speak to my client.”

Nie Huaisang had been staring. “He didn't do it. What they're accusing him of? Wuxian, he didn't do it.”

“He r-really didn't.” Wen Ning added. “His p-parents were killed by a drunk driver, so he would never do that himself.”

The lawyer reached out to shake both their hands. “Xiao Xingchen. I heard some of what you were saying. If you are willing to stick around then I would like to speak with you later.”

“Yes, of course, we'll be here.”

Wen Ning nodded.

Xiao Xingchen gave them another smile before turning to the receptionist. “Where might I find Mr. Wei?”

Lan Wangji looked up as the curtain was pulled back, raising an eyebrow at the young Chinese man who entered. The guard stood, waving him away. “You need to leave.”

Xiao Xingchen again showed his ID. “Actually, you are the one who needs to leave while I speak with my client.”

Frowning, the guard checked that he was, in fact, who he claimed to be, then left with an annoyed huff.

Lan Wangji gave him a small bow. “I am Lan Wangji. I would prefer to stay while you speak with Wei Ying.”

Xiao Xingchen returned the bow, moving closer to the bed. “Mr. Wei, is that alright with you?”

“Yes. I want Lan Zhan here. And can we raise the bed?” Lan Wangji instantly did so. “That's better. It's so awkward trying to have a reasonable conversation with me lying here like a beached whale. Okay, so, I wasn't expecting a Chinese lawyer, but I'm really glad to see you.”

“It is possible I was assigned to you due to my ethnicity. If you prefer, you can request alternate representation at a later date.”

“No, no, I wasn't complaining. I'm sure you'll do a great job.”

“I will certainly endeavour to do my best for you. It's good that you asked for legal advice before answering questions. Can you tell me about the incident?”

Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji, who gave his hand an encouraging squeeze. “I'll try, but there's really not much to tell. I was at my friend's party. We've all just completed our final exams so it was a celebration.”

“You were drinking?”

“I was, but I was going to stay the night there so I didn't see it as a problem.”

“We believe that Wei Ying was drugged.” Lan Wangji offered.

Xiao Xingchen turned to him, surprised. “Drugged? Is there a reason you think that?”

“The last thing I remember is this total asshat trying to force Lan Zhan to drink and I took it from him and drank it.”

“Mn. It is possible that the drink was spiked. After consuming the drink, Wei Ying became increasingly fatigued. He was nauseated, disoriented and uncoordinated.”

Xiao Xingchen nodded thoughtfully. “Your friend in reception mentioned something similar. But he didn't mention drugs.”

Wei Wuxian brightened. “Huaisang is here? Or was it Ning-Di?”

“There were two of them. I'm afraid I didn't get the names. Both were insistent that you were not guilty. I was going to talk to them later.”

“They're staying?”

“Yes, although I doubt they'll be allowed to see you tonight. I'm surprised they let...Lan Wangji, was it?” At Lan Wangji's nod he continued. “Let Lan Wangji stay with you. Officer Brent was not...pleasant.”

“I believe I may have vexed him when I refused to allow his continued questioning of Wei Ying.”

“Lan Zhan holds my power of attorney, so since I was kind of out of it, they had to let him stay.”

“I see. That is fortunate. They're going to want to talk to you now that I'm here and I'm sorry, Mr. Wei, but I'm afraid that Mr. Lan won't be able to be with you for that. Not now that I'm here.”

“I know. It's okay.”

Lan Wangji nodded. “I had anticipated that outcome. You will not allow them to bully Wei Ying?”

“I will not.”

“What about Qing-Jie? Will they let her be here?”

Xiao Xingchen frowned. “Is this another friend?”

“Yes, but she's also the doctor who's been treating me.”

“It is possible that the officers are not aware of Dr. Wen's connection to Wei Ying. She felt it better not to mention it.”

“Probably wise. I'm surprised they didn't make the same assumption of familiarity as they did with me. In answer to your question, no, its not explicitly required. However, it is generally expected that a doctor will be present to provide medical care and ensure the safety of the patient. Given that Mr. Wei has only recently regained consciousness, it would be reasonable should I request that Dr. Wen be called. May I ask, was blood drawn to test alcohol levels?”

“Uhm...Lan Zhan, do you know?”

“Wen Qing initially refused to do so without a warrant. Nie Huaisang advised her to check for any drugs while they remained in Wei Ying's system. The results would then be a matter of record.”

“Okay, good. If we have proof then the police should be told of this possibility. Will Dr. Wen be willing to talk with me?”

“I am sure that she will.” Lan Wangji confirmed.

“Then I think we're going to have to let the police in to question you, Mr. Wei. The sooner it's done, the sooner we can get this cleared up.”

Yu Ziyuan was becoming concerned. So much of her plan had relied on Wei Wuxian being unable to present an alternate story. Her son had told her that he had been asleep from the time he was put in the car, and then knocked unconscious. He wouldn't remember. Surely, when he told the police that, then that would be it? Only her son had put forward a full account, so his account would be the one accepted.

She had counted on being there when Wei Wuxian finally woke – better for them if he never woke – but she was prepared for all possibilities. Or at least, she had been. She had thought to be the first person Wei Wuxian saw. The first person to talk to him. She would tell him that he had insisted on driving home from the party. That Jiang Cheng tried to argue but that he wouldn't listen. That, in his distraction and alcoholic haze, he had caused a fatal accident. The very story they had concocted. In his confused state he would believe her. Why wouldn't he? He would remember no different. His guilt from doing the very thing that had taken his parents from him would shatter him. He would fold. He would not fight a conviction. He would go to prison and no one would be any the wiser. Her son would be safe.

Now that was ruined. She couldn't understand what had happened. How was it possible that they, Wei Wuxian's family, had been kept from him while that Lan boy had been let in? It made no sense. What was on his phone that had made such a difference? What had he shown them for him to be given preferential treatment? Whatever it was, it was a disaster. Now, he would be the one to have Wei Wuxian's ear. Lan Wangji would be the one to influence Wei Wuxian's narrative. How had the boy even known about the accident?

She had been keeping watch. Hoping for a single moment when Wei Wuxian would be left alone and vulnerable. That's all she would need. One single moment. It never came. She saw the police go to talk to him, then come out in frustration. She had hoped. Maybe this was her chance. But Lan Wangji was still with him, so she continued to wait. But then she saw more of We Wuxian's friends arrive. That annoying little Nie and the stuttering Wen. And then another man she didn't recognise. One who was also allowed behind the curtain to talk to Wei Wuxian.

She frowned. What was going on? Who was this new arrival? She took a step closer, keeping an eye on the police officers who were talking quietly in reception. She ducked back when Lan Wangji emerged. He looked her way, but he couldn't possibly have seen her. She watched from the shadows as he went to speak first to a nurse, then to the police, and finally to join his friends. She watched as the police went back to question Wei Wuxian while Lan Wangji and the others found seats where they could wait.

It was too late. Nothing she could do now. Whatever Wei Wuxian said was out of her hands. Better to get her son and take him away from here. Too risky to stay. She had no confidence in either her husband or son's abilities to stick to the story with any degree of competence should the questions become difficult. Better to leave and rehearse them both in the lie. And while they learnt their parts she would start making calls. Start the process that would trap Wei Wuxian in the lie like a fly in a spider's web. With one final glare towards Wei Wuxian's friends, she left to find her family.

There was a nurse just outside the cubicle. Lan Wangji approached her. “Dr. Wen asked to be informed when the police were ready to begin their questioning.”

The nurse gave a nod. “Yes, she told me. I'll have her paged.”

He gave her a grateful nod and made his way to reception. He paused, sure he felt eyes on his back. Looking over he saw Yu Ziyuan ducking away. So, she was still snooping. It would do her no good. She would not be allowed any influence over Wei Wuxian. Not now, not ever again. He walked over to the police next, ignoring Brent, addressing only his partner. “Officer, they are ready for you to return.”

“Great, thanks, Mr. Lan.”

Brent sniffed, annoyed at being overlooked but pleased to get things moving at last.

Lan Wangji watched as the police walked back to the cubicles. There was nothing more he could do now. He would have to trust Xiao Xingchen to protect his Wei Ying. With a sigh, he went to join Nie Huaisang and Wen Ning.

They sat together quietly, Nie Huaisang fiddling with his fan. Finally, he turned to Lan Wangji. “How did you do it?”

Lan Wangji turned to him with a frown.

Nie Huaisang huffed. “How did you get in to see Wuxian? I mean, I'm glad that you did, but how did you?”

“I showed them my power of attorney.”

Gaping, Nie Huaisang turned to Wen Ning. His blank look was enough to show that no, he knew nothing about that either. “'You have Wuxian's power of attorney? How? When?”

“Since we were eighteen. Wei Ying has agreed that I may explain the details, but I suggest that we wait until Wen Qing is able to join us. She also asked the same questions. I would prefer to explain only once.”

Nie Huaisang really wanted to know, but as long as he was eventually going to be told, he could wait. “Okay, still, it's good you could be with him. Was it you who arranged the lawyer?”

“Mn. He has the right to legal counsel. I insisted he be given it. The police were not pleased, but they cold not refuse.”

“How is he?” Wen Ning asked, worried. “Has he remembered anything?”

“No. Not since taking the drink from Jin Zixun.” He nodded to Nie Huaisang. “Wen Qing thinks you are right, that Wei Ying was drugged since he has improved significantly since regaining consciousness. We must find proof of the situation. Jin Zixun will never admit fault.”

“Ning-Di has been reviewing the security footage. It shows Wuxian taking the drink then stumbling about until Jiang Cheng took him away. Unfortunately they were parked out of sight of cameras, but you can see that Jiang Cheng was all but carrying Wuxian. We can find more. A lot of people were filming the party, we can approach them, get their videos. We can do more in the morning when people start waking up.”

“Phone records.” Lan Wangji said, to the confusion of the others. “Wei Ying was found in the driver's seat. Jiang Cheng would not have thought to do so without prompting.”

Nie Huaisang pointed his fan at him. “He called his mother. This whole mess has Yu Ziyuan written all over it.” He tapped his lip thoughtfully. “We'll have to hack Jiang Cheng's server to get them.”

“I could do that.” Wen Ning said. “I mean, I know how to if you can get me access to the equipment I need, Huaisang.”

“I know what you're capable of, Ning-Di.” Nie Huaisang grinned at him. “It's why Nie Security awarded you your scholarship after all. And it's a good idea. It's a bit iffy so better if we keep this between us.” Nie Huaisang patted Wen Ning's leg. “Da-Ge will let you use the company resources. Or he will once I explain the situation to him. He's always liked Wuxian and he sees you as an extra little brother.”

“He sees everyone as a potential extra little brother,” Wen Ning huffed.

“Good point.” Nie Huaisang agreed, turning to Lan Wangji. “Wangji, what has Wuxian said about what's happening?”

“He has told the police that he was not driving.”

Nie Huaisang raised an eyebrow. That was encouraging. “Well, that's better than I had hoped. Does he know that Jiang Cheng is blaming him?”

“I told him of it. He will not lie for Jiang Cheng in this.”

Nie Huaisang sighed in relief. “Thank god. That was my biggest worry, that he would refuse to implicate Jiang Cheng because of this ridiculous debt they hold over his head.”

“He will tell the truth, no matter the cost. Wei Ying understands that the dead must receive justice.”

Wen Qing had been summoned back, quietly checking the machines to which Wei Wuxian was attached. The lawyer, he had introduced himself to her as Xiao Xingchen, stood next the the head of the bed. Both police officers faced him and Wei Wuxian.

Officer Brent cleared his throat, looking speculatively at Wen Qing, as if he had only just realise that she was Chinese. It was clear that he wanted to ask if she knew Wei Wuxian but, luckily for them, he didn't dare after what had happened with Xiao Xingchen. Wen Qing finished her examination and stood back. “You can begin, officers, but if my patient becomes dangerously agitated I'm going to have to call a halt.”

Brent nodded, fixing his gaze on Wei Wuxian. “Mr. Wei, do I need to repeat the caution?”

“No, it's okay, I got it, and now I have my lawyer to help me if I get confused. I'll answer what I can but I have to warn you, I really don't remember much.”

“You told us that you weren't driving, but now you say you don't remember?”

“I remember an incident at the party I was at. I don't remember leaving my friend's house. I was supposed to be staying the night there, so I do know that I wouldn't have gone if my mind had been clear.”

Brent's eyes sharpened. “You admit to being drunk?”

“I admit that I was drinking, which I didn't consider a problem, since I had no intention of driving. I don't drive drunk, Officer. Ever. My parents were killed by a drunk driver. I would never subject anyone else to that pain.”

“Then how do you explain what happened?” Brent scowled.

“I can't.” Wei Wuxian looked up at Xiao Xingchen who gave him a small nod. “The incident at the party? It was this asshat trying to force my friend, the one who was here earlier, to drink. It was annoying since Lan Zhan doesn't drink, so I took it and drank it for him. That's the last clear memory I have. It's a distinct possibility that the drink was spiked. It's the kind of thing that that buttmunch, Jin Zixun, would do.”

Brent huffed, about to speak but he was interrupted by his partner. “Your friends will confirm what happened?”

“They will. Lan Zhan told me that they tried to stop Jiang Cheng from pulling me away. Also, Huaisang's brother owns a security firm so there are cameras all over his house.”

Green turned to Wen Qing. “You took his blood. Any chance you ordered a tox screen?”

“Of course. There was no physical reason that we could find for Mr. Wei to remain unconscious so it was a strong possibility that drugs were involved.”

Green brightened. “We will need access to the results as soon as they come in.”

“As I told your colleague, get a warrant and you can have them.”

“I'm fine with the police having the results, warrant or not.” Wei Wuxian shrugged, looking again to Xiao Xingchen. “That's okay, isn't it? I mean, it will prove that I'm telling the truth.”

“You will need to give written permission.” Xiao Xingchen told him.

“I can do that.” He turned to Wen Qing. “Is there something I need to sign so they get the results?”

Wen Qing reached for his chart, making a note on it which she then passed to Wei Wuxian to sign.

Officer Brent was frowning. This was not something he had expected. He had expected to be blocked. A small kernel of doubt took root. He gave his partner a concerned look. Green shrugged, never having been as convinced of the story they had been given as Brent.

Brent had been so certain. A fatal accident, one survivor, unconscious in the driving seat. The second survivor confirming the obvious; that the man in the driving seat had, in fact, been driving. If that was a lie, then this situation was a lot more complicated, and more serious, than he had thought. “You were in the driving seat.”

“So I've been told.” Wei Wuxian closed his eyes, shaking his head. “Yet I wasn't driving.”

Xiao Xingchen stepped forward. “Given your haste in arresting my client, I had expected clearer proof of guilt.”

“The investigation has not yet been concluded.” Green told him. “We're waiting on the reports and forensics.”

“I will need copies of any reports, and also a copy of the blood test. Now, since my client has nothing further he can tell you, I think we should let him rest until more evidence has been made available.”

There wasn't really anything else the police could do, because Xiao Xingchen was right. They had rushed to arrest. Brent turned to Wen Qing. “When will Mr. Wei be discharged?”

“Possibly in the morning. It depends on what his blood work shows. It might be necessary to keep him another day.” Wei Wuxian had told Wen Qing not to cause problems for herself, but still, she meant to keep him in hospital and away from the police for as long as possible.

“Once he's released we'll need to take him to the station for booking. He'll remain under guard until that happens.”

“Of course. You will need to deal with the hospital administration to make arrangement.”

Officer Brent nodded as he turned to leave, Green following after him.

Wen Qing sighed. “How are you feeling, Wuxian?”

“Clearer. I thought you said I would definitely be discharged in the morning? Qing-Jie, I don't want you getting into trouble for not following protocol.”

“I won't, don't worry. I'm gong off shift soon, but I'll talk to whoever takes over your care. It's reasonable, given how late it is now, that we keep you for another day and night, or at least until the blood work comes in. Ultimately, it won't be my decision.”

“Dr. Wen, will you be free to speak with me once you finish here?”

“Of course. I'll do whatever needs to be done to help Wuxian. Do you know if Lan Wangji is still here?”

“I believe so. Two others arrived at the same time as I did.”

“Probably my brother and Nie Huaisang. You'll want to talk to them, too, as they were at the party.”

“Yes, I already asked.”

“Okay, can you ask them to wait while I sign out, then we can go somewhere and make a plan of action?”

“What about me?”

Wen Qing smiled at him, smoothing back his hair. “You, Wuxian, need to sleep and get better. Lan Wangji is listed as your next of kin on your paperwork so he'll be contacted when you are ready for discharge.”

“I don't suppose he can come back and see me again?”

“No, not until visiting hours. The only reason he could be here before was because the police wanted to question you.” Almost as soon as she finished speaking the guard returned. Wen Qing straightened up, nodding to the man as she and Xiao Xingchen left Wei Wuxian to sleep.

Xiao Xingchen saw them straight away, sitting anxiously in the waiting room. He walked over with a smile. “Lan Wangji? And is one of you gentlemen Dr. Wen's brother?”

Lan Wangji stood, waving a hand at Wen Ning. “This is Wen Ning, and this,” a wave at Nie Huaisang, “is Nie Huaisang. May I return to stay with Wei Ying now?”

Xiao Xingchen shook his head regretfully. “I'm afraid he will not be permitted visitors again tonight as he needs to rest. The police have finished for now. They will be booking Mr. Wei as soon as he is discharged.”

“Will that be today?” Nie Huaisang asked.

“Possibly. Dr. Wen will push for him to be kept in another day so that he can be more fully recovered when having to deal with the booking process and arraignment. She has asked that we wait for her here as her shift has ended, then we can go and discuss what is to happen next.”

“Our place is the closest.” Wen Ning offered, but then paused. “But it is a bit small, and Popo and A-Yuan will be sleeping, so maybe not there.”

“My place.” Nie Huaisang declared.

Lan Wangji frowned. “Huaisang, the party.”

“Ah, yes, there is still a lot of mess and the cleaners won't be in until morning. Still, Da-Ge's office was kept locked so we can use that, and it would be easier to review security tapes at my house.”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji agreed. “We will go to your house.”

They sat again, waiting for Wen Qing. It didn't take long. She arrived, looking tired but determined. “So, where are we going?”

“My house.” Nie Huaisang told her turning to Xiao Xingchen. “Counsellor, you have a car?”

“I do.”

“Okay then, I'll go with you to show you the way. Wangji, you can take Qing-Jie and Ning-Ge?”

“Mn. Wei Ying will be well alone?” The question was directed to Wen Qing.

She reached out to squeeze his arm. “He's not alone, Wangji. He's being monitored regularly. He needs to sleep. I've spoken with the people who will be looking after him. They're good people, and while not initially sympathetic towards someone they were told was responsible for the deaths of a mother and child, I explained that he was my friend. That I knew him and that I knew he couldn't have done what he was accused of. They trust my judgement, so they're going to do everything they can to help him.”

“Will I be permitted to see him tomorrow?”

“Yes, we all will. Hopefully, by then, we'll have a plan of action. A way forward. Something encouraging to tell him.”

Chapter Text

Yu Ziyuan glared at the phone. She was already frustrated at the incompetence of her husband and son. She had gone over the story with them multiple times, but still they both kept making mistakes. Her husband would mention something that he had no business knowing. How hard was it for him to remember that he had been asleep when the police came to tell them of the accident? That he had not been the scene of the accident? His should be the easiest part. All he had to do was say nothing. Volunteer nothing and if asked a question claim ignorance. That should be no problem for him given his habitual cluelessness. Yet the idiot man kept trying to help. To make unsolicited comments. At one point he shook his head sadly, claiming that he would never forget seeing the poor dead baby. The poor dead baby he could not have seen since he was supposed to be asleep in his bed. If he did anything like that when talking to the police it would raise suspicions. He would need to be restricted to nodding in the background and looking concerned. She had impressed on him, before sending him off to bed, that going forward he was to say nothing. There was no real reason for him to be questioned, so he must keep his mouth shut at all times. Surely even Jiang Fengmian could remember to do nothing?

As for her son, he was a real problem. He would be questioned. He was fine when he was repeating the story she had told him but when he needed to improvise he fell apart. His eyes would widen guiltily and then, worst of all, he would look to her for help. It was infuriating. How was he even her son? If only she could be there to cover any hesitation. To speak for him as she had so often had to do in his schooldays. Be there to interject if he started to babble. But she couldn't be. The best she could do was make sure he had a competent lawyer with him at all times; it was a worry. She scowled. This should have been so simple. Would have been simple had Wei Wuxian had the decency to just die. But no, he was still breathing and making trouble for Yu Ziyuan and her family. Why couldn't that brat just, for once, do his duty and protect her son? What use was he otherwise? Now everything was problematic.

Had he even been arrested? She would need to find out as soon as possible. If he had, then the narrative could be more easily controlled. The police would want to look good to the public. She would have a concerned chat with the chief of police. She had met him several times at fund raisers. He was ambitious, the kind of man who could be encouraged into a hasty press conference. From what she remembered, the man was overly fond of the spotlight. With a case like this, he would want to look strong and competent. Then, once he had gone on record, claiming that the man responsible for the accident had already been arrested, he would be reluctant to backtrack. He would not want to risk losing face by admitting that they had jumped the gun and might have made a mistake.

She needed to know what was happening. She couldn't make any plans until she had more information. Which brought her back to the phone call that she really didn't want to make but which she knew she could not avoid. She loathed the man she was about to call; hated that she needed him. That was the truth of it. She needed his connections. He would baulk at helping her. He wasn't the kind of man to do favours for others. Yu Ziyuan wouldn't give him the option to refuse. She knew things. Had kept evidence of their - less legal – interactions. The under the table deals on which they had collaborated. Evidence that he would have thought irrelevant, believing she would never use it, since it would convict her and Jiang Fengmian as surely as it would convict him. But now she had no choice. She had to take that risk. They were all too far into the lie to escape unscathed if it all fell apart. Not only her son's future but all of their futures, their freedom, depended on how this situation was handled. She dialled. Her only consolation was that she would be waking the nasty pig up which he would hate.

After several rings the call was picked up. The voice that came down the line was angry. “Why the hell are you calling me at this ridiculous hour, Yu Ziyuan?”

Yu Ziyuan sneered. God, she detested this man. “There is a matter of some urgency that I will need your assistance with, Jin Guangshan.”

Wen Qing stared at the chaos that was Nie Huaisang's living room. “What is your brother going to say when he sees this?”

Nie Huaisang shrugged. “Nothing, since he won't see it. He's in Hong Kong for business. Won't be back until tonight.”

She continued to stare, taking in the stained carpet, empty bottles, mangled cushions and cigarette butts. “Huaisang, there's a shoe hanging from the light fittings, and what even is that smell? There's no way you can clean this up by tonight.”

“I won't be leaning it up at all. The cleaning crew will. I have them coming in first thing in the morning. By the time Da-Ge is home this place will be spotless and lemon fresh. Come on, kitchen first for tea and snacks, then we can go to the office and get started.”

“You sound sure that that will be cleaner.” Wen Qing picked up a sock with two fingers and a grimace of distaste.

Nie Huaisang huffed. “All personal spaces were kept locked. I'm not an idiot.” He turned and led the way.

As promised, the study was untouched and comfortable as they settled down to talk. Nie Huaisang started them off, nodding to Xiao Xingchen. “Okay, before we start, I know this might not seem relevant to the case, but it's important you understand the way the Jiangs operate. How they have always treated Wuxian and how he has always reacted to that treatment. It was abuse, pure and simple. Manipulation, guilt tripping, the works. Basically, Wuxian has been brain-washed for years into believing that he owes the Jiangs for breathing. He's been their scapegoat since he was taken to live with them. This isn't the first time he's been blamed for something Jiang Cheng has done, just the most serious. And before, he's let it happen. Taken the blame and let himself be punished for Jiang Cheng's actions. It's at the heart of why they thought they could get away with this.”

Xiao Xingchen dipped his head. “If you consider it important, then please, continue.”

“I do think it needs to be addressed, so first,” he pointing at Lan Wangji. “I want to know how it is that you have Wuxian's power of attorney?”

“I would like to know that too.” Wen Qing added. “You said that Jiang Fengmian had lied to him?”

“That is so.” Lan Wangji agreed. “You know how Wei Ying's parents died?”

“A drunk driver.” Wen Ning said, because yes, they all knew how Wei Wuxian had been orphaned.

“Are you aware of what became of the drunk driver?”

Wen Ning blinked, turning to his sister. She looked back blankly.

Nie Huaisang tapped his lip with his fan. “I know there was never a trial, so I think I always assumed the other driver died too. Is that wrong?”

“Mn. The other driver survived, badly injured. He fell into a coma and was declared brain dead. From what I understand, the only reason he remained on life support was due to his mother's insistence. For four years, the situation persisted. Then the mother died. At that point, the man's father made the decision to let him go. With his wife and only child gone, the father turned his attention to the people his son had killed.”

“Better late than never.” Nie Huaisang sneered.

“Huaisang, no, he was grieving.” Wen Ning said.

“You're too kind hearted Ning-Di. I'm sorry to interrupt, please go on, Wangji.”

“Whatever his reasons, he chose to take responsibility for his son's actions, especially in regards to Wei Ying. It would seem that the young man who caused the accident came from a wealthy family. Extremely wealthy. And now there was no-one left to inherit. So, this man put all of his wealth into a trust fund in Wei Ying's name. Then he ended his own life.”

“Wait, a trust fund? Wuxian has a trust fund?” Nie Huaisang was stunned. He always prided himself on knowing all the gossip but he knew none of this. Then something else occurred to him. “Four years, oh my god, Wuxian was in foster care for four years before Jiang Fengmian tracked him down and took him in.”

“This was the lie you were talking about?” Wen Qing was also putting things together. “That Wuxian was never lost in the system? That Jiang Fengmian always knew where Wuxian was but only took him in when there was something in it for him?”

“That is one of the lies, yes. The biggest one from which all others flowed, but it was not his only offence.”,

“Oh god.” Wen Qing closed her eyes, shaking her head in disgust. “What else did that man do?”

“Jiang Fengmian had himself declared as Wei Ying's legal guardian. That gained him access to the trust fund. Fortunately, he was not permitted full control, only the ability to claim for all of Wei Ying's living expenses. Including his school fees.”

“But Wuxian had a scholarship.” Wen Ning looked at the others. “That's right, isn't it? I can remember Jin Zixun being mean and calling him a charity case because he was there on a scholarship.”

Lan Wangji nodded. “That is so. Wei Ying was admitted on his own merits. Jiang Cheng was not.”

“You're saying that Jiang Fengmian used Wuxian's trust fund to pay his own son's school fees?” The more he heard, the angrier Nie Huaisang became. “And all the time that demented harpy was calling Wuxian a leech, accusing him of draining the Jiang's finances, all that time, it was them stealing from him? All that talk of what he owed them, nothing but lies. Wangji, how did this come out? How did Wuxian find out about it, and why was nothing done about it?”

“Wei Ying was approached by the lawyer running the trust when he turned eighteen. He showed me the letter, laughing. He believed it to be a scam. He meant to ignore it completely. I looked into the firm named on the letterhead. They were reputable, so I made the appointment and insisted that Wei Ying attend. I accompanied him. The lawyer we met with was relieved. He said plainly that he had serious concerns over Jiang Fengmian's behaviour.”

“Then why didn't he do something?” Nie Huaisang demanded.

“Jiang Fengmian had paperwork proving his guardianship. His withdrawals from the trust could be explained. For instance, the one hundred thousand dollars for a Tesla given to Wei Ying on his sixteenth birthday.”

Wen Ning looked confused. “But Wuxian doesn't have a Tesla.”

“He does not. However, Jiang Yanli did have a lavish wedding only six months after Wei Ying's sixteenth birthday.” Lan Wangji said. “Then there are the piano lessons, riding lessons, additional tutoring in all of his classes and the yearly European holidays Wei Ying also did not receive. And yet Jiang Fengmian claimed for all of those things and more.”

“He was embezzling from the trust.” Nie Huaisang said flatly. “Surely something can be done now that it's known?”

“The lawyer was more than happy to begin proceedings. Particularly since Jiang Fengmian had been attempting to move funds to alternate accounts for several months leading up to Wei Ying's birthday. Business accounts that he claimed were for Wei Ying's benefit. I am sure that Jiang Fengmian was aware that Wei Ying would be informed of the trust once he reached adulthood and that then he, Jiang Fengmian, would lose his access to all funds.”

“He wanted to cash out before it was too late?” Wen Ning asked.

“Almost certainly. I agreed with the lawyer. That Jiang Fengmian should be held accountable for his actions. Wei Ying was reluctant to do so. As Nie Huaisang pointed out, Wei Ying has been manipulated for years. It is not easy to break free of that.”

Wen Qing nodded. “Very hard without significant help. You said that Wuxian was getting therapy?”

“Mn. I urged him to do so. It has helped him, but still, he finds it difficult to accept that his entire childhood was a lie.”

Nie Huaisang was frowning. “But surely Jiang Fengmian knows that he knows? He must do since he can't get at the trust anymore.”

Lan Wangji nodded. “I went with Wei Ying to confront Jiang Fengmian. It was...not pleasant.”

Nie Huaisang huffed. “I'm sure it wasn't. What excuses that that slimy worm make?”

“He claimed that everything he did was for the good of the family.”

“His own family.” Wen Qing sneered. “The family Wuxian was never allowed to be fully a part of.”

“The implication he made was that Wei Ying should be content that his money was used to assist the people who had taken him in and raised him. He also suggested that since there was still much left in the trust, Wei Ying should not only forget any wrongdoing, but that he should also continue to assist the family business.”

“He wanted more money?” Wen Ning gaped.

“He saw no problem with the request.” Lan Wangji explained. “He even seemed shocked when Wei Ying refused.”

Nie Huaisang's eyes widened. “Wuxian changed his major. He was going to study business, but then he switched to engineering and computer science.”

“Mn. Previously, he had been made to believe that the Jiangs were paying for his college and that in return he would be expected to work for them once he graduated. Once he knew the truth, he chose to follow his own interests.”

“What I don't get is why he's still living with the Jiangs.” Nie Huaisang frowned.

“I have wanted him to move out for some time. He said that he was mostly living in dorms. That continuing to list the Jiang residence as his official address until graduation was only a formality. That to do otherwise would cause unnecessary pain to those who did not deserve it. It seems that Jiang Fengmian kept the facts of the trust to himself. Neither Yu Ziyuan, Jiang Cheng nor Jiang Yanli are aware of it. Wei Ying still cares for his siblings and did not wish to cause them distress.”

“A shame Jiang Cheng didn't show him the same consideration.” Wen Qing huffed. “This whole thing stinks.” She turned to Xiao Xingchen. “Counsellor, now you understand Wuxian's background with the Jiangs you can better understand how this has happened.”

“I do. Now we need to find a way forward so that justice can be done. I'm even more determined, after hearing how badly this young man has been treated, that he will not continue to suffer due to the manipulations of those who should have protected him."

“Qing-Jie, did you take any pictures of Wuxian's injuries?” Nie Huaisang asked.

“I did.” Wen Qing opened her phone and handed it over to be downloaded. “There weren't that many. I assume they'll also be logged into evidence when Wuxian goes to the police station to be booked?”

“They will.” Xiao Xingchen agreed. “But the more evidence we have the better.”

“Absolutely.” Nie Huaisang pointed at the large monitor on the wall. “I'll project them up there. And yes, we should make sure we keep copies of everything.”

They all looked at the pictures that came up. Wen Qing stood to point out the details. “See here, contusions on the right side of his forehead, likely from hitting the window. Also some cuts, possibly from shattering glass.”

“On the right side?” Nie Huaisang got excited. “Like, if he was sleeping in the passenger seat?”

“Exactly that.” Wen Qing agreed as they moved on to the next picture. Dark bruises marred Wei Wuxian's right shoulder, neck and abdomen. “And again, this bruising is consistent with what would be expected of a restrained passenger, not a driver.”

“This is good. Helpful.” Xiao Xingchen said. “But it can still be disputed. The police have a tendency to manipulate evidence to fit their interpretation of events.”

“Which is why we need to make it impossible for them to spin the story.” Nie Huaisang shrugged. “And I'm sorry, but that is not going to be completely legal.”

“I can't be a part of that.” Xiao Xingchen shook his head sadly. “I will not stop you from doing what you feel best, but I'm an officer of the court so I can't know about it. You also need to understand that anything obtained illegally can't be used in court.”

“I know. I'm hoping it won't go that far. That by the time we're done the authorities will have to drop the charges and investigate this properly. Some of what we get will be legit. People were live streaming the party, taking pictures and making videos. Ning-Di scanned the security footage earlier and we can take a closer look at that for anything that can help, right Ning-Di?”

“Yes. Time was limited so I was concentrating on following Wuxian's actions only. It shows him taking the drink from Jin Zixun and then acting differently. It's not proof, but it is confirmation, once we get the tox screen, of how the drugs got in his system. That he didn't take them willingly.”

“That I can use.” Xiao Xingchen was thoughtful. “You mean to put pressure on the police? How do you plan on doing that?”

“We post online. Counter any claims they try to make. Can you get hold of any CCTV of them in the car?”

“Possibly, but I don't know how useful that will be. CCTV footage is blurred at best. With them both being young, Chinese men, it might not be definitive as to who was driving. Was either of them wearing anything distinctive?”

Nie Huaisang scowled. “Wuxian used to be more flamboyant, but Jiang Cheng always whined that he was trying to draw attention to himself so he started toning himself down. Not to mention, Jiang Cheng copies Wuxian's style. If Wuxian buys something, guaranteed that within days, Jiang Cheng has bought the same thing.”

“Yet he remains inferior to Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji sniffed.

“The knock-off copy of the brilliant original?” Nie Huaisang laughed. “So true.”

Xiao Xingchen made a note on his iPad. “I'll get what I can anyway. There might be something. Can we back up to what you said about posting online?”

“What do you want to know?”

“Just a warning. You have to be careful. You don't want to sound like a conspiracy nut. You could be accused of spreading fake news, misinformation. That won't help the case. You need a credible source for verifying your information. The police have that. We don't.”

“That's where you're wrong, Counsellor. We do have someone the public will trust.” He gave a sly glance to Wen Ning. “I think this is the perfect time for the Ghost General to stage a comeback.”

“The Ghost General?” Xiao Xingchen exclaimed in surprise. “Isn't that the anonymous hacker who brought down Wen Ruohan? Do you know him? Will he help?”

Nie Huaisang grinned. “It is. I do. He will.”

Xiao Xingchen made another note. “That will certainly be useful since everything he leaked at that time proved accurate. Okay, there's not much more I can do until we get the forensic reports. We can meet again when they arrive or when Wei Wuxian is discharged and taken for booking. If there's nothing else?”

“Nothing you can be a part of.”

“Then I'll get on with what I can. I'll keep in touch. I'll see myself out.”

Wen Qing sighed. “Huaisang, the Ghost General?”

“If Wen Ning has any objections, then he need not...”

“I don't!” Wen Ning burst out. “Oh, sorry for interrupting, Wangji, but I really don't. Have any objections, I mean. I want to do everything I can to help Wuxian.”

Wen Qing patted his head. “I know you do, A-Ning, but you took so many chances when you exposed that information about Uncle. It still terrifies me thinking of what he would have done if he he ever realised it was you.”

“But he didn't. I knew he wouldn't. He never noticed anything I did. None of them did. And I had to do something, Jiejie. He was hurting people. You know it was him who had A-Yuan's parents killed just because he decided that they had failed him somehow, and there were so many others who suffered because of the things he did. I couldn't just sit around and do nothing.”

“Like me?”

“No, Jiejie. You did what you could. You tried to convince him to change his behaviour.”

“But I never went to the police. The truth is, I was scared of him. Of what he would do. I didn't dare. You were so much braver than me.”

“No, it was different. I know you weren't scared for yourself. I know he threatened me, Popo, even A-Yuan. I wouldn't have defied him to his face. The Ghost General was like an alter ego. The one who could do the things I didn't dare to do.”

“And now we can take advantage of the following the Ghost General built up at that time.” Nie Huaisang insisted. “I promise, Qing-Jie, no-one will ever know it's Ning-Di.”

Wen Qing sighed. “I know this is the best way to go, just, be careful, A-Ning. I don't trust Yu Ziyuan or what she might do to keep her lies secret.”

“I hid from Uncle Ruohan for over a year when I was living in the same house as him. I'll be safe.”

“Ning-Di's superpower is being underestimated.” Nie Huaisang laughed, then ducked his head at the look Wen Qing gave him.

Wen Qing flicked Nie Huaisang's nose. “I assume you're also expecting my brother to conduct these illegal actions?”

“Yes? Nothing terrible, just a bit of hacking.”

Wen Ning nodded enthusiastically. “Jiang Cheng's phone records.”

“For now. It's possible something else will come up that requires Ning-Di's unique talents.”

“Fine. But tomorrow. We should all get some rest, especially if we want to visit Wuxian tomorrow. Wangji, can you give me and A-Ning a lift home?”

“Mn.”

“You can stay here if you want. I mean, Wuxian, Ning-Di and Wangji were going to stay after the party anyway so the rooms are already made up. Then we can all go to the hospital together tomorrow.”

"About that. Visiting hours start at nine, but I'm on shift again tomorrow night so I really need to get some sleep. I was going to head over there early afternoon. Wangji, I assume you'll be staying with hm the whole day?"

"Mn."

Nie Huaisang tapped his lip thoughtfully. "We should get started on going over any images we have. I can also make some calls. I know you want to see Wuxian, Ning-Di, but I could use your help with that."

"I do want to see Wuxian, but it's more important for us to get evidence to clear his name. He'll be safe if Wangji is with him. Can we go in with Jiejie in the afternoon?"

"As long as we set things in motion, I don't see why not." Nie Huaisang turned to Wen Qing. "So you'll stay? You too, Wangji? I know it's stupid, but I kind of want us to all be together for now."

Wen Ning turned hopeful puppy eyes on his sister. She sighed. “Fine, we'll stay, but only if you both actually sleep. No sitting around plotting all night.”

Nie Huaisang jumped up, clapping his hands. “Excellent. Wangji, Ning-Di, your usual rooms. Qing-Jie, you can use the room set up for Wuxian. I'll find you something to sleep in and get you a new toothbrush. Then we can re-group tomorrow.”

It was still dark when the Jins arrived at the Jiang Mansion. Jin Lihua hugged her dearest friend, Yu Ziyuan, as soon as she opened the door to them. Yu Ziyuan hugged back, then reached for her daughter. Jiang Yanli was crying silently, her baby son clutched tight in her arms. “Mom, this is terrible. How could A-Xian do something so dreadful? I don't understand any of this.”

Yu Ziyuan patted her daughter's shoulder with a sigh. “I know. And even worse, he's trying to implicate A-Cheng.”

“Oh no. How is A-Cheng coping? He's so sensitive.”

“I'm sure he'll be better now you're here, A-Li. Come in, all of you.” Yu Ziyuan ushered them into the living room. “A-Cheng and Fengmian were trying to get some sleep, as hard as that is. I woke them up when I knew you were on the way. I'm sure they'll be down in a minute.”

Only five minutes later Jiang Cheng was walking in, rubbing his eyes tiredly. “Mom, is...” He stopped talking when he saw his sister. “Jie, you're here.”

She hurried to him. “Oh, A-Cheng, I'm so sorry this has happened to you. Of course I came as soon as Mom called.” She held out her sleeping child. “Here, why don't you hold your nephew? A-Ling always likes spending time with his Uncle Cheng.”

Jiang Cheng flinched back, the image of the dead baby filling his mind. Jiang Yanli blinked in shock at his reaction. He tried to smile at her, pushing away the harrowing memories. “Sorry, I'm still a bit sore from the impact of the airbag. I'll hold him later. Can we just talk for awhile?”

Jiang Yanli smiled kindly. “Of course. You must be traumatised. Let's sit.” She led her brother over to the couch, sitting next to him and talking comfortingly. Jin Zixuan stood stiffly at her side.

Yu Ziyuan watched speculatively from across the room. Perhaps she should suggest to her daughter that she visit Wei Wuxian in hospital? He would never turn her away, and Jiang Yanli could impress upon Wei Wuxian how much pain he was causing his family by drawing this out. She could work on him, convince him that it would be so much easier for all of them if he confessed and let this end quickly.

Jin Lihua sighed. “Guangshan has told me everything, Ziyuan. This is a mess.”

Yu Ziyuan glanced quickly at Jin Guangshan, taking in his tiny head shake. So, he had lied. Told his wife the story they were presenting. Just as well. Yu Ziyuan loved her friend, but she could be oddly attached to the truth, even when it was clear that the truth would be disastrous. “It is. Didn't I always say that brat would bring us to ruin?”

“But surely you and Fengmian can't be blamed for this? It's as well, now, that you never formally adopted the boy. It's true that he's denying liability?”

“So it would seem. We weren't allowed in to see him, so I don't really know what is happening. Guangshan, were you able to find out anything?”

Jin Guangshan turned to his illegitimate son, the one he had only recently acknowledged as family. “Well, Guangyao?”

“An arrest was made, so I was told, although Wei Wuxian can't be formally charged until he's discharged from the hospital.”

Jin Lihua scowled at the young man she hated. She knew her husband considered the boy useful. She had no idea why, or why that meant she had to put up with her husband's bastard living in her home. She could completely understand, now, why her friend had objected so strongly to Jiang Fengmian taking in Wei Wuxian. And now they could all see the results of that sentimentality. She sniffed, patting Yu Ziyuan's arm. “Why don't I go and make us all some tea?”

Yu Ziyuan nodded. “Thank-you, Lihua. That would be lovely.” She watched as her friend walked away, the smile dropping as she turned to Jin Guangyao. “You've set things in motion?”

He nodded. “I have, Madam Yu. I contacted an established influencer and content creator; Wang Lingjiao. Her first, deeply concerned, podcast will come out first thing tomorrow morning. Soon to be followed by public outrage and demands for justice. More than enough to pressure the police into an immediate response. I anticipate a press conference, with the claims of an arrest, by mid-morning at the latest.”

Yu Ziyuan's smile was not kind. “Perfect. We will destroy Wei Wuxian in the eyes of the public. Absolute belief in his guilt until even he will doubt his innocence. By the time I'm done, he will be begging to be allowed to confess.”

Jin Guangshan scowled. He wasn't happy with any of this. Not that he cared what happened to Wei Wuxian. It was himself he felt pity for. He had been treated shamefully. How dared Yu Ziyuan blackmail him. Him! Jin Guangshan! It was unconscionable. There was nothing he could do, backed into a corner as he was. She could cost him too much if she went public with what she knew. What she could prove, damn her. No, there was only one way out. He would have to do as she wished. Get this boy convicted and out of their hair as fast and expediently as possible.

Chapter Text

By the time the cleaners arrived early the next morning Lan Wangji was clearing away his breakfast dishes. He gave them a polite nod as he went back to his room to meditate until it was time for him to go to the hospital.

By ten to nine he was in reception, asking for the room that Wei Wuxian had been transferred to.

By nine, he was waiting outside the door to be allowed in.

The guard, reading a magazine in a chair in the corner, gave him a suspicious look but then went back to what he was doing.

Wei Wuxian was still asleep.

Lan Wangji sat by is bed, taking his hand and waited for him to wake. This was a trying time, but Lan Wangji was determined that Wei Wuxian would not have to spend a single waking moment of it alone.

Jiang Yanli was the first to wake in the Jiang household. She brought her baby downstairs with her, setting him up in his high chair so she could talk to him while she prepared breakfast. He babbled back at her happily, unaware of the trouble surrounding his family.

By the time the rest of the family came down, a full breakfast had been laid out for them. Madam Jin went to hug her daughter-in-law warmly. “Thank-you, dear, this looks wonderful. Just what we need after such a dreadful night.”

“Yes, very welcome, A-Li.” Jiang Fengmian said as he took his place, stirring his congee.

Jiang Yanli smiled a little tearfully, going to give her brother a hug and urging him to sit. “I made your favourite, A-Cheng, Soybean milk and deep-fried dough sticks.”

Jiang Cheng leaned into her for a moment. “Thank-you, Jie. I'm glad you're here.”

“Where else would I be when my Didi needs me? Is there anything else you want? It's no problem to make it for you.”

“Yanli, this is fine, sit down and stop fussing.” Yu Ziyuan said with an exasperated huff. “We have things to discuss.”

Jin Zixuan scowled as he saw his wife falter and look down, tears again threatening to fall. He wanted to shout at his mother-in-law for being so thoughtless but he knew that would upset his wife more, so he said nothing. Instead, he took her hand and sat her down next to Jiang Cheng, taking the seat on her other side.

Jin Guangyao stood back, scrolling through his phone. He shook his head sadly. “Oh dear, I'm afraid that details of the accident have been made public.” Which, of course, was as he had intended. “Madam Yu, may I switch on the television?”

She waved her hand at it but didn't put down her dumpling.

As the image filled the screen, Jiang Cheng frowned. “Don't I know her?”

“Wang Lingjiao.” Jin Guangyao nodded. “A former acquaintance of Wen Chao who has made a name for herself as someone who exposes corruption online. Has quite the following, so I've heard. I don't know how she knows so much so soon.” She knew what Jin Guangyao had told her. Her podcast intended as the beginning of the campaign to vilify Wei Wuxian. “We should listen to what she has to say.” He knew exactly what she would say as he had written it. “I do hope that it isn't too damaging.” It was highly damaging; to Wei Wuxian.

Nie Huaisang grumbled as he was shaken awake. He batted a hand at the person disturbing his sleep. “No, go 'way. Sleep.”

“Huaisang, come on. The cleaners have already finished and gone.” Wen Ning shook him again. “We need to review the security footage and make plans.”

Nie Huaisang sat up and sighed, rubbing his eyes. “Fine, I'm up. What time is it? Where is your sister?”

“Half past eight. Jiejie's still asleep. I want to give her as long as possible since she's working tonight.”

Nie Huaisang moaned. “So early." He flopped down onto his back. "But yes, I know, we have work to do. We should get the phone hack done before Jiang Cheng deletes anything.”

“Would he know how to do that?”

“No, but I suspect Madam Yu will call in help. Most likely Jin Guangshan.”

“I wouldn't have thought  that Jin Guangshan is the type to help anyone.”

“Not willingly, but I don't trust Yu Ziyuan not to have ways to coerce him into getting involved.”

“Well, even then, how much help would he be?”

“By himself, none at all. But with him comes Jin Guangyao, and he is smart. He knows how to spread rumours and he knows how to turn a narrative to his advantage. He's dangerous.”

“Okay. So phone hack first. Do you have the right software available here?”

“Yes. In the office. We can access almost all the company resources from there. Why don't you head down and start breakfast while I get dressed?”

“Okay, but no going back to sleep, Huaisang.”

Nie Huaisang was still yawning as he made his way into the kitchen, smiling happily at the plate of steamed buns sitting on the counter. “Lovely, good job, Ning-Di.” He instantly switched on the television, scrolling though his phone.

“Are you putting on the news? Will they mention the accident?”

“They might, but no, I was looking at blogs to see if any of them have picked up the story yet.” He cursed under his breath as he found what he was dreading, casting it onto the screen.

Wen Ning frowned. “Is that?”

“Wang Lingjiao. Wen Chao's side piece. She turned state's evidence against him and the rest of the Wen organisation when it all fell apart. After that, she made out as if she had been against them all along, and only staying around to help bring them down. Even hinted that she was the one to pass information to the Ghost General.”

“She wasn't. She was as bad as the rest of them.”

“You know that, and I know that. Her fans, though, ate up her bullshit. She lied her way into internet fame and now she's looking for a new cause to jump on.”

“How would she even know about this?”

“Jin Guangyao. This has him written all over it. This is going to be bad, Ning-Di.” He turned the sound up.

Wang Lingjiao's sickly sweet voice came over the speakers, feigning concern. '“Dear friends, I have the most terrible news. Once again, someone from my community has committed an act so vile it hurts me to speak of it. But I must. The truth has to come out, as painful as it is.”

Xiao Xingchen picked up the phone, seeing the notification from Nie Huaisang. It's starting. Just that, and a web link. He opened the link, becoming increasingly concerned as the woman's voice recounted details she should not have known. Made accusations against Wei Wuxian that Xiao Xingchen was now sure were false. Accusations that, nevertheless, sounded convincing. He recognised the woman. Wang Lingjiao. She had become quite well known since the fall of the Wens. She would be heard. Would be believed by many. This was not good.

He had been hoping that they could gather their evidence and present it to the police. That this could be cleared up quickly and quietly. After this, that would be impossible. The kind of fire this would light would force the police to act prematurely. Wei Wuxian had already been arrested with only the word of the only other survivor instead of waiting for the physical evidence.

He winced as Wang Lingjiao became shrill with outrage, holding up a picture of the accident. How did she get it? He hadn't even been able to get access yet and it was his client who was accused of the crime. There was a leak somewhere. After what he had heard the night before he had little doubt that the Jiangs were somehow involved. They would need to get out some damage control as soon as possible. He picked up his phone, sending off a message to Nie Huaisang.

Song Zichen was called into his captain's office as soon as he walked into the station. His boss, Captain Stone, pointed grimly at the large screen on the wall. Song Zichen nodded at his partner and to Officers Brent and Green, then concentrated on what they were watching. Wang Lingjiao. He remembered her. She had been associated with the Wens. The younger son's girlfriend, he thought. She had almost certainly been involved in many of the Wen family crimes but had taken a plea deal to stay out of prison, turning on her lover without shame. Since then, Wang Lingjiao had placed herself as a crusader for justice. A champion for the disenfranchised. Even claimed to be involved with the Ghost General, who was genuinely a righteous activist.

Now here she was, proclaiming Wei Wuxian's guilt. Telling the world that the police were doing nothing. That the killer of an innocent mother and child would be allowed to roam free if pressure wasn't brought to bear on the establishment. It was unprincipled. It was character assassination. It was trial by media. And Song Zichen was very much afraid that it would work.

The phones started ringing before Wang Lingjiao had even signed off.

Captain Stone sighed, rubbing his forehead. “This is going to cause chaos. Make sure all of you file your reports promptly. We can't make any mistakes here.”

Yu Ziyuan gave Jin Guangyao a satisfied nod. That had been perfect. Every word meant to inflame. To stir up public opinion against Wei Wuxian. There would be outrage. Calls for justice. The police would give in. How could they not? They would want a quick conviction. Yu Ziyuan meant to see to it that they got one and that Wei Wuxian would be the one to pay.

Jin Guangyao put away his phone with satisfaction. That had been better than he expected. Wang Lingjiao was a nasty woman, but she could be convincing. Sad eyes and horrified disgust. Word would spread after this, other vloggers jumping on the band wagon. A good start, but still only a start. The real work would begin when the evidence started coming in. Evidence that would exonerate Wei Wuxian and convict Jiang Cheng. Evidence that would have to be suppressed.

Across the table, Jiang Yanli was sniffling, holding tight to her husband's hand. “Oh, that poor baby. Only a month older than our little A-Ling. How could A-Xian do such a terrible thing? And then to not admit what he's done? He's making it so much harder for the family. How could he?”

“Quite right, A-Li.” Yu Ziyuan agreed. “It's a cowardly act, to try to wriggle out of trouble like this. If you mean to visit him then perhaps you should make it clear to him that it would be better for everyone, kinder for the family of the dead, if he took responsibility. If he made an end to this.”

Jiang Yanli blinked away her tears. “Yes, I'm sure that's it. He's scared to face up to what he's done. If he knows that we will still love him, regardless, then perhaps he would own the truth. I'll go, this morning. I know he'll listen to me. He always does.”

At her side, Jiang Cheng was quiet, staring down at his plate. He knew that this needed to happen, but hearing that vile woman exclaiming on the horror of the accident had shocked him. Calling Wei Wuxian a monster. Calling him the scum of the earth. Calling for him to be put away for the rest of his life. Knowing through it all that it wasn't Wei Wuxian she was talking about, but rather him. That is was he, Jiang Cheng, who had done all those terrible things. Why? Why had he insisted that Wei Wuxian come away with him? He knew, he knew that Wei Wuxian had meant to stay over after the party, but still, he had pulled him away. Nie Huaisang had told him. Had said that Wei Wuxian was unwell, that he should be put to bed and allowed to sleep, But Jiang Cheng hadn't listened.

The truth was, he had been jealous. Jealous that Wei Wuxian was invited to stay while he hadn't been. Jealous that Wei Wuxian was wanted while he was only tolerated. That Wei Wuxian had friends. He wanted to take Wei Wuxian away from them and keep him for himself. He wanted to come first with him, as he had when they were children. But at some point, all of that had changed. Wei Wuxian had pulled away. Jiang Cheng had lost him and he didn't know why, only that he hated the abandonment he felt.

Now, sitting in his home, surrounded by his family, Jiang Cheng had never felt so alone.

Nie Huaisang threw down his spoon in disgust. “God, I hate that woman.”

Wen Ning nodded, worried. “She's repulsive, but she's convincing. Did you see all those hearts coming up? People will believe her.”

“I know. I'm reading the comments.”

“What are they saying?”

“About what you'd expect. The poor family, Wei Wuxian should be locked up for the rest of his life. Wei Wuxian should have died. Wei Wuxian is a callous monster. All mixed in with the inevitable racism. God. People are gullible fools. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?”

“That was before. Now it's innocent until proven guilty except online. All it takes is accusations and rumour and a reputation is gone. This could destroy his life, even if they decide not to prosecute. Huaisang, we can't let this happen to Wuxian. He's good. He doesn't deserve any of it. ”

“I know. It's tempting to put something out right away. But we can't because we're not like Wang Lingjiao. She doesn't care about facts. She can say what she wants, when she wants because the truth doesn't matter to her. When we, or rather when the Ghost General, releases information it has to be backed up with evidence. It has to be indisputable. That takes time. For now, all we can do is try to discredit Wang Lingjiao. Cast doubt on her version of what happened.”

“How?”

Nie Huaisang picked up his phone, tapping out a message. “I'm commenting on her post.” He hit send then showed Wen Ning.

HeadShaker: As if I'm gonna believe anything from the mouth of Wen Chao's side chick. NGL, saw this ho hanging all over that slimy Wen so many times then she's all superior 'poor me. I didn't know the man I was smashing was pond scum. I'm the victim.' Bitch, please. You ain't all that.”

They both watched as the answers to Nie Huaisang's comment popped up.

NewsJunkyJoe : Judgey much?

NotOnMyWatch : Another hater. Some sad incel who can't deal with a bad boss girl bitch.

MyOpinionRules : IKR? Living in his Mom's basement just hating on strong independent women.

Nie Huaisang huffed, looking around at the modern kitchen of his family mansion in which they now sat. “This is her audience. The kind who blame everyone else for their own sad lives. The only way they can feel good about themselves is if they're bringing someone else down. Oh, wait, there it is. That's what we need. Questions.” He pointed at a comment.

HeadlineHunter: Wait, what? I thought she was working with the Ghost General?

Headshaker: Ghost General worked alone. This bitch latched on to steal his props.

HeadlineHunter: Really? Not what she said.

HeadShaker: Would you admit to f***ing Wen Chao for fun?”

HeadlineHunter : Nah man, he was shit. So this is lies?

HeadShaker : Bogus. The truth is coming. Wait for it.

MyOpinionRules : You're the bogus one, HeadShaker. Some no mark trying to look big. Ignore him, people. Jiaojiao is the best. I been listening to her from the start. She knows what she knows. Believe her.

NotOnMyWatch : So true. Anyone who disses my girl is my enemy.

HeadShaker : Oh no. I'm so scared.

NotOnMyWatch : You should be. Haters like you get what's coming to them.

RighteousRantsGirl : But maybe HeadShaker has a point? This all happened last night. How could she possibly know so much so fast?

HeadShaker : Right?

TrustNoOne : Unless someone is feeding her information. I wouldn't trust the establishment not to be pushing out fake news just to distract us from what's really going on.

Nie Huaisang laughed at the last one. You could always trust the conspiracy theorists to show up at any hint of intrigue. His phone pinged with a notification. “Xiao Xingchen.” He told Wen Ning. “I sent him the link. He's concerned. Suggests that we get in touch with the Ghost General as soon as we can to start getting our side out. He's worried the backlash from this will push the police into something that will be hard to undo.”

“But they've already arrested Wuxian.”

“I think he's worried about the police putting out a damning statement before we can hand over our evidence. He's right. It's all going to kick off now and the authorities will want to do something to look good.”

“So what do we do?”

“Only what we have. I'll keep an eye on the comments section, try to stir things up, cast doubts. That's all we can do for now. At least they've started questioning her narrative. That should help when we're ready to post. Which we should get started on until your sister is up and we can go visit Wuxian. Whatever we do, we can't forget his place in this.”

“Yes. He needs to know we're all with him. That none of us believe he's guilty and that we're working to clear his name.”

Jiang Yanli was cleaning up the breakfast things, Jin Zixuan helping her while Madam Jin took care of Jin Ling. Yu Ziyuan, Jiang Fengmian, Jiang Cheng, Jin Guangshan and Jin Guangyao had moved to the study. It was time for the next phase of the plan.

Yu Ziyuan picked up the phone, dialling the number Jin Guangyao passed her. The voice on the other end told her she had reached the office of the police commissioner. Affecting concern, Yu Ziyuan began. “This is the mother of Cheng Jiang. Last night he was the passenger in the car that took the life of the young mother and her child. I understand that Commissioner Stevens is a busy man, but if I could have only a moment of his time it would be much appreciated.”

“Please hold, Ma'am. I'll see if he is available.”

Yu Ziyuan waited, tapping her fingernail against the table impatiently as she was put on hold, scowling at the annoying music that came down the line. She didn't have to wait long before a new voice spoke.

“This is Bennet Stevens. Am I speaking to Mrs. Jiang?”

Yu Ziyuan scowled again. She hated to be called Mrs. Jiang. Still, she needed to be accommodating to this man. “It is, but I prefer to go by Madam Yu. Tradition, you understand.”

“Of course. I assume you are calling regarding the incident last night? I'm sorry, but I really can't discuss the details of the investigation.”

“Of course not, Commissioner, I wouldn't ask you to. I don't know if you have heard the podcast this morning by Wang Lingjiao?”

He sighed. “It has been brought to my attention, yes. There has been...significant interest in the case since. It's concerning.”

Yu Ziyuan sneered. Concerned for his own reputation probably. “I'm sure it is. My concern is that my innocent son will be pulled into this mess. His only crime was to be in the wrong place at the wrong time yet now his name has been dragged into the public forum.”

“I'm sorry to hear that, Madam Yu, but I don't know what I can do about it.”

“I'm looking for some reassurance that the case will be brought to a conclusion promptly. That it will be made clear who is responsible before things get out of hand.”

“Wei Wuxian has already been arrested. He can't be arraigned until he's discharged from the hospital, but I assure you, we want this situation resolved as much as you do.”

Promising. Yu Ziyuan smiled, sure she could push this in the direction she wanted. “I see. I was hoping you would want to get in front of the inevitable media pressure a situation like this engenders. Make a statement to reassure the public that you are taking this seriously.”

There was silence for a moment, then Commissioner Stevens voice returned, sounding thoughtful. “You make a good point, Madam Yu. Perhaps a press conference would be advantageous at this time.”

“An excellent idea, Commissioner. Even better than a statement. I'm sure you would have the support of the Chinese community. I can't be the only one to fear a backlash against us the longer this goes on. Several of the comments on that podcast are worrying in nature.”

Another short silence. “That is a worry. I hadn't realised, but I suppose tensions are high in when it involves the deaths of innocents. I give you my word that my office will do everything we can to calm things down. Yes, I do think a press conference is called for, for the common good.”

“Thank-you for your assurances, Commissioner. It has certainly given me some peace of mind, as I'm sure it will to the family of the dead mother and baby, knowing that you are dealing with this as a priority.”

“Of course. The family of the dead absolutely deserve closure.”

“Quite so. Thank-you for your time, Commissioner. I won't detain you any longer.” Yu Ziyuan hung up the phone triumphantly. “Well, that's that.”

Jin Guangyao smiled. “Masterful, Madam Yu. This is exactly what we needed.” It was. It would make it much easier to convince the authorities to misplace any evidence that contradicted a version of events they had already committed to. Yes, this was going exactly as planned.

At just after ten the commissioner strode into the station, a harried aide following behind. Without pause he pushed his way into Captain Stone's office, crossing his arms and frowning as the man stood. “Do you have any idea how many calls my office has received about this Wei case?”

“I can guess. We've been getting the same, but there's not much we can do. We're still waiting on forensics, Sir.”

“Not good enough. I've scheduled a press conference for noon today. We need to get ahead of this. The public need to know that the deaths of a young mother and her child are a priority for us.”

“Sir, I really think it would be better to wait until we have more concrete evidence. At...”

“Nonsense. We have all we need.”

Captain Stone rubbed his forehead, sighing as he came around the table, opening the door to call out, Brent, Green, Johns, Song, my office.” He stood back as the four men filed in. “Commissioner, these are the officers working on the case. I think it would be wise to consult with them before taking any further steps.”

“I have made my decision, Captain Stone. Officers, as I just told your captain, we will be holding a press conference at noon to announce that we have already arrested the man responsible for the fatal crash last night.”

The four looked at each other. It was Green who spoke first. “Sir, there are some irregularities in the case.”

Commissioner Stevens frowned. “Was Wei not found in the drivers seat?”

“He was Sir, but...”

“And his companion confirmed that he was driving while intoxicated?”

“He did, but...”

“Then I see no problem with going ahead.”

Officer Brent had been quiet. That had been his thoughts from the start. Wei Wuxian had been found, unconscious, in the driving seat, ergo he was driving. But then he had not behaved as a guilty man would. He had been open. Insisted that he wanted the truth to come out. What if his initial impression had been wrong? What of Wei Wuxian was innocent? What if Wei Wuxian had been set up? That would mean that the true perpetrator could escape justice if they acted too hastily. That would not do. “I agree with my partner. There was a suggestion that Wei might have been drugged at this party. The tox screen would prove it, one way or the other.”

Commissioner Stevens sneered. “So he's a junkie as well as a drunk? Hardly makes this better.”

“Drugged, Sir.” Brent insisted. “Against his will. We should investigate that possibility.”

“Something was off with the Jiangs when we went to inform them of the accident.” Song Zichen added. “They knew that Wei Wuxian was present before we told them. And their car had been recently used. The engine was still warm. We should get warrants for the footage from their security cameras. Their neighbours, too.”

Banging his fist on the table, Commissioner Stevens shouted, “enough. I won't have innocent people falsely accused just because you have a feeling. I've met the Jiangs on several occasions. They're prominent in the community. Good people." What he didn't add, out loud, was that Wei Wuxian was a friendless orphan. If even his foster parents weren't willing to offer him support then he would be alone. No-one to complain if Wei felt that he had been treated unfairly. He would be have no-one, only an inexperienced, overworked public defender behind him. “You, you're Song's partner. You were there when the Jiangs were notified.” He pointed at Officer Johns. “Do you have any suspicions?”

Johns shrugged apologetically to Song Zichen. “Not really. We woke them up, so they were disorientated. Worried about their son and anxious to go the the hospital and check on him.”

“As I thought. Worried parents, nothing more. This is a straightforward case of a thoughtless young man getting behind the wheel of a car when his faculties were impaired by alcohol and perhaps even narcotics. I won't have it turned into some huge conspiracy.” Commissioner Stevens was relieved. It could be problematic if a powerful family in the Chinese community had their good name dragged through the mud. No, better for all of them for some powerless nonentity to be guilty. Not to mention, his office was already setting up the press conference. He would lose face if he cancelled it now. This was an election year. He couldn't risk looking incompetent. Besides, he had to consider the family of the mother and her baby. He nodded decisively. “People died. They deserve justice and I'm going to see that they get it. The press conference will go ahead.”

He stormed out. Behind him, he left four men who also wanted justice for the dead. But would it be justice if the wrong man was publicly accused?

Nie Huaisang stared down at his phone with a soft curse. “This was what I was afraid of.”

Wen Ning looked up from the computer. “What's happened?”

“The police commissioner has announced a press conference, noon today, to address public concerns regarding the deaths of a mother and child in a road accident. This is bad, Ning-Di. They are going to point the finger firmly at Wuxian. It's going to make this much harder to force them to listen to anything we find.”

“Huaisang, maybe we should release something now? Kind of a, watch this space for the truth, thing?”

“Maybe. I don't know. The Ghost General never did that before. The Ghost General never gave opinions, only solid proof that backed up his claims. How is the hack coming on?”

“Good. He's clicked on that link you sent him, so the spyware is installed. I was just downloading his call logs now.”

Nie Huaisang moved to sit next to him. “There, see? That's it. A call to Mom forty minutes before he called the emergency services. Just as we suspected, Jiang Cheng called Mommy Dearest to come help him. Screenshot this, Ning-Di. Xiao Xingchen may not be able to use it, but the Ghost General can.” He went back to his own screen. A moment later he gave an excited gasp, backing up and peering at it more closely.

“Huaisang, you've found something?”

“I think so. Look, here. Jin Zixun and his cronies.”

“They look like they're up to something.” Wen Ning leaned in closer. “Is that when they spiked the drink?”

“Yes, and look, one of them is filming the whole thing. Su She, I think he's called.”

“Why would they do that? I mean, drugging someone is a crime, right?”

“Because they're idiots. What's worse, they're entitled idiots. I'm sure they never thought they'd ever get into any real trouble even if they got caught. Jin Zixun probably wanted a record of his hilarious joke. Something to embarrass Wangji with, maybe even taunt him with threats to leak it. Except it all went wrong when Wuxian took the drink instead. We need to get access to that video. This is it, Ning-Di. The proof we need that Wuxian was drugged. Then, once we get the tox screen results, we can prove that there was no way he was driving.”

Nie Huaisang sat back, closing his eyes in relief. He had tried to seem confident, but still, he worried. Now there was hope. A way forward to end this travesty.

Chapter Text

By the time Nie Huaisang called a halt so they could watch the press conference, Wang Lingjiao's post had gone viral. Nie Huaisang had been periodically commenting and frowning at the other comments. When he wasn't stirring up dissent online, he was scanning the security footage. He noted down and messaged as many people as he could see with their own phones out and recording at his party. All had been happy to send what they had, horrified to hear what had happened. Now it was time to see how much damage the police would do to Wei Wuxian's reputation.

Wen Ning clenched his fists anxiously. “Maybe it won't be too bad?”

Nie Huaisang shook his head sadly. “No. There's no time yet for any of the forensics to be in, so this is purely a reaction to public outrage. I've met Commissioner Stevens. He's pure politician. All he cares about is looking good on camera. He's going to be, oh so devastated at the loss to the family, and reassure them and everyone else that the man responsible has been arrested and will be punished. Basically, he's going to throw Wuxian under the bus.”

They both turned to the screen as Commissioner Stevens stepped forward, raising his hand for quiet, and began to talk.

Yu Ziyuan leaned back in satisfaction. Commissioner Stevens had performed admirably. Pointed the finger firmly at Wei Wuxian. Just as she needed. At her side, Jiang Cheng dropped his head into his hands. “Mom, the things he said...”

“About Wei Wuxian.” Yu Ziyuan interrupted. “He said those things about Wei Wuxian.”

“Except it wasn't him. It was me. Mom...”

“Never say that again, A-Cheng! Not to anyone. Don't even think it. Wei Wuxian is responsible for the accident. You must carry on with your life and forget that any of this happened.”

“How, Mom? How do I forget that baby? Every time I look at A-Ling and Jie all I can see is that mother and her baby, bleeding and dead. How do I pretend I'm not the one who should be getting all the hate? Mom, maybe we did the wrong thing. Maybe...”

Yu Ziyuan rounded on her son. “Do you want to spend years in prison? Do you want to destroy any chance of a future? Do you want to bring down our entire family? Because that's what will happen if you fall apart now. We've gone too far with this to go back. It won't just be you who pays the price, it will be your father and me, too. So tell me, A-Cheng, is that what you really want?”

Jiang Cheng closed his eyes and shook his head. The guilt was tearing at him, but he knew he didn't have the courage to admit the truth. He was afraid. Afraid of the consequences.

Yu Ziyuan nodded in satisfaction. “Good. I don't want to hear anymore of this nonsense. Bad enough that Wei Wuxian is fighting the inevitable. I blame that Lan boy for stirring him up. How he was allowed in when we were denied is a farce.”

Jin Guangyao frowned. “Wait, what do you mean? What Lan?”

“The younger one. Lan Wangji.” Yu Ziyuan scowled. “He and Wei Wuxian are friends, apparently.”

“And he was there last night?” Jin Guangyao was becoming concerned. “They let him in to see Wei Wuxian?”

“Yes. He showed them his phone then took him through.” Yu Ziyuan began to get angry all over again at the unfairness of that.

There was only one reason Jin Guangyao could think of for Lan Wangji to be given immediate access to Wei Wuxian. If he was right, then it was concerning for their plans. Plans that relied on Wei Wuxian being alone and unprotected. “Is there any chance Lan Wangji holds Wei Wuxian's power of attorney?”

Jiang Fengmian flinched, stepping back. Jin Guangyao took in his guilty face but it was Yu Ziyuan who scoffed at his suggestion. “Ridiculous! We raised Wei Wuxian. We are his family. Why would he need to rely on some stranger?”

“I can see no other reason for Lan Wangji to be allowed access when you were not. Wei Wuxian still lives here?”

With a dismissive shrug, Yu Ziyuan nodded. “He hasn't been around much, but this is the address on all his official paperwork. Besides, we paid for his college and he will be working for us now that he's graduated. Or he would have been but I suppose now, he will be going to prison. A shame to have wasted so much time and money on him.”

Again, Jiang Fengmian looked guilty. Jin Guangyao was sure there was something he wasn't telling them. Something that could disrupt Jin Guangyao's scheming. He needed to know what he had to work with, this wasn't the time to keep secrets. He turned to address Jiang Fengmian directly. “Sir, is there anything you need to add? Maybe something of which your wife is unaware?”

Jiang Fengmian cleared his throat. He probably should tell them about the trust fund, but if he did, his wife would be impossible. Besides, it was irrelevant to this situation. He shrugged. “Only that A-Xian has been reluctant to join the company. He has all these ideas for a start up of his own. Some tech thing. All nonsense. Those things never work out. I'm sure he would have come around eventually.”

“What?” Yu Ziyuan was outraged. “How dare he, after all we've done for him. Why didn't you tell me about this, Fengmian?”

He shrugged again. “I didn't think it was important.”

Jin Guangyao was getting a headache. These people. He was sure there was more to it but Jin Guangshan was getting impatient so he couldn't push it now. He would have to do some digging on his own. “Whatever his motivation, it does seem that Lan Wangji has been given some kind of authority to act for Wei Wuxian and, if you're right, then he is using his influence to push Wei Wuxian into fight the accusations. We need to separate them.” He was thoughtful for a minute. From what he knew of Lan Wangji, it would not be easy to convince him to give up on a friend. But there might be someone who held sway over him. With a smile, he pulled out his phone and made a call.

The voice on the other end was welcoming. “A-Yao, good to hear from you. It's been too long”

“It has, you know I always enjoy speaking with you. Sadly, I'm afraid it's not just a social call this time. I have been made aware of a situation that could impact harmfully on your brother. I know how much you care for him, Xichen. If you have some time, then maybe we could meet to discuss how to help him?”

Song Zichen frowned at the dark screen. The press conference had been as bad as he had anticipated. Clear condemnation of a man against whom they had almost no absolute proof. What scared him was that the evidence would no longer matter. After, first Wang Lingjiao's post and now what had been said by Commissioner Stevens, the public wouldn't wait for the truth. They would judge on rumour alone. To Song Zichen, this was the opposite of justice. The opposite of his reasons for joining the police force. He couldn't, in good conscience, stand by and do nothing.

He studied his colleagues. Johns would do nothing. Green, though, had seemed as unsettled by the situation as he himself was. He went to him, leaning in to whisper, “Green, this is not right.”

Green shrugged. “I know, but what can we do?”

“I'm going to the Captain. Try again to push for warrants to access security footage from the Jiangs and their neighbours. Will you come with me?”

Green looked uncomfortable. “Song, I have a wife, young children. I can't risk my job.”

“What if one of your children was the one hurt? Wouldn't you want the guilty party found and punished?”

“That's not fair! Yes, of course I want a proper investigation, but...I don't know, maybe wait? Once we have forensics, then we can push things further?”

“By then Wei will have been booked. Formally charged and arraigned. Publicly blamed.”

“Hasn't that already happened? A few days isn't going to make any difference now.”

“Green...”

“I'm sorry, but I just can't take the risk.” Green walked away, shaking his head sadly.

He was on his own, then. Not the first time he'd been in that position. Nevertheless, he would follow his own path. He walked confidently to his captain's door, knocked and went in.

Officer Brent watched Song Zichen go to talk with their captain. He knew what he was hoping for. Knew Song Zichen had doubts about Wei Wuxian's guilt. That he was unhappy about the speed at which things were moving. Brent, who was usually so certain of what needed to be done, didn't know what to make of this case. He had been so angry at what had happened, was still angry. An innocent young woman and her child dead, and for what? Because some selfish asshole thought the rules didn't apply to him? What worried him was that Wei Wuxian might not be that asshole.

He understood why Song hadn't asked for his help, only approaching Green. He wasn't upset about it. He knew what most of the squad thought about him. Unbending and judgemental. They were right. He did have strong views. But what most didn't get was that justice mattered to him. He had never knowingly gone after anyone he wasn't sure was guilty. And right now, he wasn't sure. He knew what he had to do. He followed Song Zichen into the captain's office.

“Sir, where are we on getting warrants for security footage around the Jiang mansion?”

“Song, that's not going to happen. You must see...” Captain Stone raised his eyebrows in surprise as Officer Brent came in. “Pete?”

“Sir, I know why Song has come to see you. He isn't happy with the way this investigation is being conducted.” Brent drew himself up. “I would have to agree with him.”

Both of the other men stared at him in surprise. Song Zichen frowned. “You were sure that Wei was guilty.”

Brent nodded. “I was. But...look, I've been doing this job a long time. I've learnt to trust my gut, and right now my gut is telling me something stinks here.”

“Pete...”

“No, Sir, it's not right. I know I was the one who wanted to arrest Wei. He was found in the driver's seat and that should have been the end of it. But when we questioned Jiang he sounded rehearsed. Instead of answering questions he kept repeating the same story as if it were a script. At the time I put it down to shock. I wanted to believe him because then we could get closure for the family. I was sure of Wei's guilt, it seemed clear cut, but then when I talked to him? I don't know. I didn't get the sense of a man trying to lie his way out of trouble. It was reasonable, what he said. He was cooperative. And his friends also sounded sure that he was incapable of driving at all. I keep thinking about it. What if I was wrong? What if it is a set up?”

“So what are you saying?” Captain Stone was becoming increasingly disturbed. He might have expected this from Song Zichen, but Pete Brent was known as a hard ass. For him to actually express unease at the way this case was progressing was troubling.

“I'm saying there needs to be a more thorough investigation. A woman and baby died, Sir. The right man should pay for that, not some random scapegoat.”

Song Zichen had been staring at Brent, surprised at his stance. “That's it exactly. Sir, this needs to be done properly. Guilt established without doubt. I'm not saying Wei is innocent. Only that he might be. I want to check into a few things. I'm willing to do it in my free time if that's the only way, but I can't get warrants without your okay.”

Captain Stone sighed. “I just don't know how much we'll be allowed to do. I agree that the press conference was overhasty, but it's done now. The commissioner is not going to want to go back on what he's already so confidently stated. We should wait for forensics. I promise, if there's anything there that backs up Wei's story it won't be ignored.”

“Sir...”

“Enough, Song. That's the best I can do.” He waved them away.

Song Zichen sighed, shaking his head as they left the office. “Brent, thanks for the back up. I didn't expect...”

“For me to be reasonable?”

Song Zichen gave him a sheepish shrug. “Sorry, and thank-you.”

“No need. I don't blame you. I was hungry for a conviction.” Brent was thoughtful. “Xiao.”

“Excuse me?”

“Counsellor Xiao. Wei's public defender. He annoyed me last night but I've had time to think since then and realise he was just doing his job. I looked him up this morning. He's young, inexperienced, but his boss speaks well of him. Says he works tirelessly for his clients. We might be hampered by procedure, but maybe there's something he can do? Worth thinking about. He didn't like me, don't really blame him. I wasn't polite. Perhaps you could talk to him? I appreciate that it's a risk.”

“No, it's a good idea. He deserves to know that not all of us are convinced that his client is guilty. Keep this to yourself, would you? Commissioner Stevens is not the most forgiving of anyone who doesn't toe the line.”

“True. Be careful, and know that I'll back anything you do.”

Song Zichen nodded his thanks, then went to make a call.

Wen Ning sat quietly for a long moment, then threw his pen across the room. “He made it sound so certain. That the police have no doubt at all that Wuxian is guilty.”

“More convenient for him that way.” He looked up as Wen Qing walked in, smiling slightly at the way she was dressed. He had left a pair of his joggers and a hoodie for her and, as small as he was, they still swamped her. “Qing-Jie, did you sleep okay?”

“I did, and thanks for the clothes.”

Nie Huaisang grinned. “No problem. You look cute as me.” He laughed at the venomous look she gave him. “Do you need to go home and change before we go to the hospital?”

“I'll be changing into scrubs when I start work anyway, so this is fine until then. What have I missed?”

“So much.” Nie Huaisang pulled up Wang Lingjiao's post on his phone, handing it to Wen Qing as Wen Ning started bustling about to make his sister some food. “Watch this first, then the press conference.”

“There's already been a press conference? Without even waiting for the tox screen?”

“Watch that.” Nie Huaisang nodded to his phone. “ Then you'll see why they rushed to do damage control.”

Wen Qing started the podcast, then immediately stopped it again, staring at the phone with disgust. “Wang Lingjiao? I hoped I'd never have to hear her shrill voice again. God, I hate that woman. She was always at the house, draping herself over our cousin and ordering A-Ning around as if her were her servant.”

Nie Huaisang frowned. “She was at the house? But wasn't Wen Chao married?”

“Yes, but his wife hated him.” Wen Qing shrugged. “Smart woman. She was fine with anything that kept him away from her so she was fine with his affairs.”

“Not that smart if she chose to marry Wen Chao.” Nie Huaisang sneered.

“She was brought over from China to marry him. The deal was Uncle Ruohan would sponsor the rest of her family coming here. But then, once she was here and vulnerable, there was an unfortunate fire in her family home that killed her parents and both sets of grandparents. After that, she didn't have many options, so she went ahead with the marriage.”

Nie Huaisang frowned. “What was the point of that? I mean, I get why no-one who ever met Wen Chao would willingly marry him, but to kill off an entire family just to get him a wife? It seems excessive.”

“Her father was an associate of Uncle Ruohan's. I suspect that he was involved in Uncle's less savoury activities. It's possible he was blackmailing him. The marriage deal was a part of that. I don't know what went wrong. Maybe the man overplayed his hand?”

“And the daughter? Did she know what was going on?”

“I don't know. Maybe? Honestly, she wasn't my favourite person but she didn't deserve to be trapped in a marriage with my cousin.”

“No-one deserved being tied to that slimy prick.”

“True. Yet this gold-digging ho,” Wen Qing waved the phone, “actually chose to spend time with him. Shows you what kind of woman she is. Do I really have to listen to her whining?”

“Sorry, but yes. We know she's trash, but she has influence online.”

Wen Qing sighed, starting the video.

Wen Qing angrily shovelled noodles into her mouth as if they had personally offended her. After a few bites, she dropped her chopsticks and punched the table. “I can't believe that hag! How dare she condemn anyone after the things she's done? How did she even get all that information?”

Wen Ning patted her hand, urging her to go on eating. “Huaisang thinks from Jin Guangyao.”

She huffed. “Quite likely. They would have known each other from before.” She turned to Nie Huaisang. “You know that Jin Guangyao worked for my uncle?”

“I heard something about it, but not what he did for him. I do know from Da-Ge that Jin Guangyao managed to avoid getting caught up in the investigation but I suspect that was because he's sneaky and not because he wasn't involved. Da-Ge doesn't trust him.” Which, for Nie Huaisang, was the ultimate condemnation.

“Oh, Jin Guangyao, or Meng Yao as he still was then, was involved. I have no doubt about that, right A-Ning?”

“I always thought so but I could never find any physical evidence against him. It's why I never included his name in my posts. I suspected, but couldn't prove anything. Huaisang is right about that, too. He's smart. If he really is helping the Jiangs then we need to be on our guard.”

Nie Huaisang frowned thoughtfully. “It was after all that mess that Jin Guangshan decided to bring Jin Guangyao into his family. Is it possible that Jin Guangyao was a liaison between Wen Ruohan and Jin Guangshan? That Jin Guangshan was involved in what your uncle was doing?”

Wen Qing shrugged. “Jin Guangshan is trash so I wouldn't be surprised if he was.”

Wen Ning's eyes widened. “Huaisang, you said Yu Ziyuan would have to have something on Jin Guangshan to get him to help her? Could it be about this?”

“I don't know, and honestly, I'm not sure I care. Right now, Wuxian is the priority. Maybe, if you want, the Ghost General can look into the Jins once he's cleared?”

“Huaisang's right, A-Ning. One crisis at a time. Now, I'm done eating so if you two are ready, we can go to the hospital.”

Wen Qing pointed them to Wei Wuxian's room then went to get an update on his condition. Nie Huaisang pulled Wen Ning to a halt before they opened the door. “Ning-Di, try to keep things light. No need to mention Wang Lingjiao's post or the press conference until Wuxian is out of hospital. It's not like there's anything he can do but worry.”

Wen Ning nodded. “I know. We just need to be sure he knows that we trust him and know that he's innocent. That we're working to find evidence that will clear him.”

They pushed open the door, smiling and waving. Wei Wuxian grinned back. “Ning-Di, Huaisang, hi. Lan Zhan said you were here last night, too?”

“We were, but they wouldn't let us see you.” Nie Huaisang turned a reproachful look on the police guard. The man ignored him. Nie Huaisang sniffed and patted Wei Wuxian's leg. “Wuxian, how are you doing?”

Wei Wuxian sighed. “I still don't remember anything, but I feel more alert than last night.” He gripped Lan Wangji's hand, shaking it slightly. “And now that you're here, Lan Zhan can finally go and get something to eat.”

“Wei Ying.”

“No, seriously Lan Zhan, you haven't moved from my side since I woke up. While I appreciate the attention, you can't neglect your own health. Go get some food.”

“Oh, no need. I brought buns.” Wen Ning waved the two bags he carried. He put one down on the table by the bed. “Pork for you Wuxian.” The other he gave to Lan Wangji. “And mushrooms for Wangji.”

Lan Wangji nodded gratefully, passing one from the first bag to Wei Wuxian and taking one from the bag Wen Ning handed him for himself.

Wei Wuxian took a huge bite, moaning blissfully. “So good, Ning-Di. Much better than that pureed whatever that the hospital gave me. Is Qing-Jie coming later?”

“She went to find her colleagues to get updates on you.” Nie Huaisang told him as the door opened. “And look, here she is.”

“Qing-Jie.” Wei Wuxian gave her a wave. “I was quite shaken last night so I never thanked you for taking such good care of me. Please know that I will always be grateful for it, and even more for calling Lan Zhan. I don't know what I would have done without him here.”

“I'm just glad I was on duty when you were brought in.”

“Did you find out anything, Qing-Jie? Is the tox screen back yet?” Nie Huaisang asked.

“Preliminary screening tested positive for benzodiazepines, which would indicate the probability of it being Rohypnol you were given. The sample's been sent for a more sensitive confirmation test. This is good, Wuxian. GBH would have only stayed in your bloodstream for eight hours max, but Rohypnol lasts longer, so we have a reason to keep you in until tomorrow for observation.”

“How much longer will it be detectable?” Nie Huaisang asked.

“Up to forty eight hours.”

“So it will still be in his bloodstream when he gets booked?”

Wen Qing nodded. “He'll likely be discharged tomorrow morning, so if they take him in immediately and do their own tests then almost certainly.”

“It's done.” Lan Wangji announced. “A police lab tech came this morning to take samples. Wei Ying willingly gave consent.”

“Really?” Wen Qing was surprised. She hadn't been told that. “Did the hospital staff supervise?”

“Mn. Doctor Tomson.”

“I know him. Professional. He won't have allowed anything dubious to be done to a patient. This is good, Wuxian. The police might be able to discount our samples, claim improper chain of custody. They can't do that if they took their own.”

Wen Ning was excited. “So that's it? The proof that Wuxian was spiked?”

“As long as the more extensive testing bears out the first screen, then yes. It will also give us a better idea of the dosage. Rohypnol takes effect within about thirty minutes of ingestion and lasts for up to twelve hours, causing nausea, sleepiness, low blood pressure, loss of muscle control, difficulty seeing and speaking and also amnesia.

“Exactly what was happening with Wuxian. Qing-Jie, can we get testimony from medical professionals that there was no way Wuxian could have been in control of a car in that condition?”

“Yes, yes we can. But hopefully, once the police see these results as well as analyse their own, it won't ever get to court.”

Lan Wangji gripped Wei Wuxian's hand again, squeezing it in relief.

Jin Guangyao waited in the reception hall at the governor's office where Lan Xichen worked as an aide. He smiled when he saw his friend come towards him, reaching out a hand. “Xichen, thank-you for your time.”

Lan Xichen brushed his hand aside and pulled him into a quick hug. “Nonsense. After what you told me on the phone, I'm the one who should be thanking you. Come, we can talk privately in my office.”

Once Jin Guangyao was seated, Lan Xichen poured them both some coffee then came to sit opposite him. “Now, what do you know of Wangji's involvement in Wei Wuxian's mess?”

“As you know, Xichen, my brother is married to Jiang Yanli. She received a call last night from her mother, telling her what had occurred. Of course, we all went to offer whatever support we could.”

“Of course, you've always been so giving, A-Yao. How are they holding up?”

“Much as you'd expect. Horrified at what a young man raised in their home has done and worried at the possibility of their own son being implicated.”

“A difficult situation. I know Wangji has become close to Wei Wuxian, but I know my brother. He would never condone driving under the influence. I can't believe that he would risk his own reputation to support someone who would do so.”

Jin Guangyao smiled, thinking that if Lan Xichen thought that, then he didn't know his brother as well as he thought. He wisely kept that observation to himself. “I'm sure you're right, that he has been somehow misled. I can only tell you what I discovered this morning. Last night, after the Jiangs assured themselves of their son's well-being, they naturally asked to speak with Wei Wuxian. They had intended on helping him through the legal implications of what he had done. They were denied. Madam Yu protested that, since they had raised We Wuxian, they were the closest he had to family. All to no avail. Then, to their surprise, Wangji arrived. Not only that, but he was allowed entry after showing the hospital administrator some document on his phone. The only conclusion I can come to is that, for some reason, your brother holds Wei Wuxian's power of attorney. I hoped you might know more on that?”

Lan Xichen frowned. “I don't. Wangji has never said anything. I can't imagine why that would be something either of them would need. It's all very worrying.”

“I can imagine. If Wangji insists on standing by Wei Wuxian then it could cause him to be caught in the inevitable backlash. Not to mention your position here.”

“I'm not concerned about myself, only my brother.”

“Of course. Still, for your own brother to go against the official stance will be problematic for you.”

Lan Xichen tapped his lip thoughtfully. “Maybe I should call Wangji, see exactly what he intends?”

Jin Guangyao smiled. “I think that would be wise, Xichen.”

“So, that's where we are for now.” Nie Huaisang finished. He had been switching between English and Mandarin anytime he had anything he didn't want the police to know. The first time he did it, the guard gave him a suspicious look but now, as he was finishing with his recap, the man was back to ignoring them. “Jiang Cheng called his mother from the scene of the accident. There was enough time between that call and the one to emergency services for the Jiangs to get there, set the scene, and get back home.”

Wei Wuxian stared at his hands. He didn't know how to feel about that. He knew Yu Ziyuan hated him, but for her to frame him for a fatal accident? “She would though, wouldn't she? Madam Yu? She'd do anything to protect Cheng and her family image. God, I can't believe...no, that's the worst of it. I can believe it. Cheng isn't so callous, though. He'll be scared to face what he's done but the guilt is going to eat him up.”

“Good.”

“Lan Zhan, no.”

“Wei Ying, he dragged you away with him when you were clearly unwell. He was unfit to drive and yet he didn't care for your safety, or the safety of anyone he met on the road. Now we see the results. He must be made to bear the consequences of his actions.”

“I agree with Wangji.” Nie Huaisang said. “I'm sorry Wuxian, proving your innocence means proving Jiang Cheng's guilt. His parents, too. There's no other way. Our case rests on you being incapacitated. If you couldn't get yourself into the driver's seat, then someone had to have put you there. We already have some proof that you were spiked, and there's a way we can get more. One of Jin Zixun's cronies filmed what he was doing. Su She. Once we get hold of that rat's phone number we can hack his account and get the video evidence we need.”

“I can get his number.” They all turned to stare at Lan Wangji.

“You're friends with Su She?” Nie Huaisang blinked. That was certainly not something he would have expected.

Lan Wangji sneered. “I am not.”

“Then?” Wen Ning asked.

“Su She interns for Lan Industries. His details will be on file. I can get them.”

Nie Huaisang squinted at him. “But is that, digging into the private details of an employee, legit, Wangji?”

“No. I don't care.”

“Lan Zhan, I don't want you doing anything against your principles.”

“Bringing retribution to bear for a self-serving opportunist such as Su She does not contravene my principles.”

“Okay then.” Nie Huaisang clapped his hands gleefully. “Wangji will get Su She's number and Ning-Di will hack his account and get the footage from that night. This is...”

He was interrupted by the ringing of a phone. They all checked their own. It was Lan Wangji's. He looked down with a frown. “My brother. I must answer. I will not be long.” He started to step out, but Nie Huaisang called him back.

“Be careful what you say, Wangji. I get that he's your brother and you want to trust him. Only remember that he's close to Jin Guangyao, and we believe that Jin Guangyao is helping the Jiangs.”

Lan Wangji nodded and left the room.

“Xichen-Ge, this is not a good time to talk.”

“Wangji, please, just listen. It's been brought to my attention that you're supporting Wei Wuxian in spite of what he's done.”

“Wei Ying has done nothing wrong.”

“I don't know what he's told you, but...”

“He did not need to tell me anything.” Lan Wangji wanted to tell his brother that Wei Wuxian had been drugged. That it was impossible that he was responsible for the accident. But Nie Huaisang was right. Someone had prompted his brother to call. “Brought to your attention how?”

“What?”

“You said that it had been brought to your attention. How?”

“Well, of course I knew about the accident. We've been monitoring the situation since Wang Lingjiao's post. The governor was made aware of, and approved, Commissioner Stevens press conference.”

“You haven't answered my question.”

“Wangji...”

“Xichen-Ge, who made you aware of my involvement?”

“You must understand that A-Yao is concerned for you. He was only...”

“Jin Guangyao. Is he there with you now?”

“He is, but...”

“And what is it he wants you to do?”

“Wangji...”

“He wants you to convince me to abandon Wei Ying?”

“Abandon is a strong word. You have to think of your reputation, Wangji.”

“I have to do as my conscience demands.”

“Wangji, be reasonable. If you won't think of yourself, think of our family.”

Lan Wangji felt like crying. When had his brother become this calculating? “Of you, you mean. Of your position. Your political career.”

“That's not fair. This situation is blowing up. If you're on the wrong side of things it could impact the company.”

“I don't work for the family company. I never have and have no plans to ever do so. If even my relationship to you all becomes a problem then Shufu is free to distance himself from me.”

“Wangji...”

“I will not discuss this any further. And I will not betray Wei Ying.” He hung up, rubbing his eyes.

“Lan Wangji?”

Lan Wangji looked up at the young woman who stood in front of him. His chest tightened. This was not good. He inclined his head. “Jiang Yanli. Have you come to support or condemn?”

Jiang Yanli's eyes widened. “I have come to help A-Xian see reason. I don't know what you've said to him so that he behaves so cruelly to his family, but it stops now. I'm his sister, he will listen to me.” She raised her head and pushed her way into Wei Wuxian's room.