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It was a well-known fact that Wei Wuxian was as light-hearted as you could get. He laughed just as loudly of others' failures as his own, no slide or snarky comment ever got to him, but many thought that those were exaggerations from the Jiang Disciples they encountered during night hunts.

It wasn’t until Cloud Reccess that most of them finally met the cheerful Wei Wuxian, and oh boy, the rumours didn’t do him justice.

They were waiting for a snap when Lan Qiren mentioned his mother, because even if he was an elder, it was really disrespectful to talk like that to a kid who famously lost his family young, but there was nothing, just the traces of a laugh as he was kicked out of the classroom. Honestly, Lan Qiren looked way angrier than him. But, again, he was an elder, so maybe it was the way Wei Wuxian showed his discontent without outright insulting anyone. 

There was also an incident with a disciple of the Yao Clan, and while many weren’t there to see it, everyone who was was eager to spread the word. 

“I just don’t get why everyone is so intrigued by that nobody. He may be the Head Disciple of a Major Clan, but that’s about it!” The companion of said boy was trying to indicate with his eyes that there was someone behind him, but he didn’t stop. “He always talks nonsense and disrupts the class, and some of the teachers enable him by answering those foolish questions! It appears that only Grand Master Qiren can see through such stupidity and reprimand him!”

An arm snaked its way into his shoulders. 

“If you wanted help to understand that ‘nonsense’, you could’ve just asked! I’m not secretive about knowledge.” The Yao boy paled when that voice spoke to him directly in his ears. But when his eyes were searching for a frown or bared teeth, they were met with a genuine smile and understanding eyes. “My shidis and shimes always get frustrated when I start asking about things they don’t understand, but I always make some time to explain it to them.”

And with that little comment, the unofficial study groups led by Wei Wuxian started.

At the beginning, there were only disciples from minor Clans, but slowly, you could see green, purple and even white robes in the bunch, all of them taking notes of the infinite knowledge that Wei Wuxian possessed. 

Yes, he was a troublemaker and an unruly disciple, but no one could negate that he was also something close to a genius. 

Thought…no one mentioned who was the one who reported that boy for breaking the rules of gossiping and talking behind others' backs, but he was seen copying the rules for three days.

What was clearly an insult resulted in the betterment of the disciples, and when other teachers asked Lan Qiren if he was the one tutoring the kids, they were met with a rotund no. So, if none of the Lan Sect was working extra hours, who was?

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Another incident happened during a class, with a Nie disciple this time. They were put in pairs to duel with wooden swords; this would not only help with their reflexes and control, but it also allowed them to interact with other styles. 

Han Muyang was paired against Wei Wuxian, and he was confident in his win. Not only was he of a bigger build, but he was a senior and had way more experience than the fifteen-year-old (by two years, but something is something).

Or that was what he thought, until his back hit the ground three times. 

Wei Wuxian had the body that one would expect of a swimmer, long and lithe, subtle muscles that helped him move with the fluidity of water, so why was he able to deflect his swings like they were made by a five-year-old?! He would expect that from the Lans, whose arm strength was legendary, but why was this Yunmeng boy doing that?!

“Hey, do you need a hand?” The sun was covered by an even brighter smile, and he could feel his eye twitch when he noticed that there was no sweat on Wei Wuxian’s forehead. 

He smacked that offering hand and pulled himself up. 

“I don’t need your help!” He was clutching his fake swords with enough force to hurt, but that didn’t matter. “I’m sick of your pity. You always flaunt yourself as if you were the heir when you are nothing but a street rat that someone took pity on!”

He knew his words were too much, but he wanted that smile erased for at least a moment, because during the match, there was not a single second that he hadn’t seen it.

Yet, there was no anger or bitterness. No, there was something worse; it was like nature itself wanted to paint the most exquisite portrait there ever was, because the sun hit Wei Wuxian’s eyes in a way that made them seem like silver itself, the wind picked up lightly, moving his hair with a gentle caress, and Wei Wuxian tucked a piece behind his ear. 

And the smile, it wasn’t big or extraordinary, but a small one, like it was privy to only him.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to make it seem like that. It's just that I got too excited. I tend to spar with my shidis, and I have to be careful with the younger one, so having the opportunity to let myself go, I got carried away.” In that moment, Han Muyang noticed that he was a bit taller than Wei Wuxian, because those eyes looked at him under their eyelashes, and that smile grew into a teasing one. “You are really strong! I hope we get to spar again!”

Han Muyang felt himself blush, and all the anger that was coursing through his body evaporated to let a fluffy sentiment enter his heart. 

But before he could apologise and ask for a private spar, the wind turned cold, almost freezing. 

“Wei Ying.” That was Lan Wangji’s voice, and he could swear that it sounded even more void of emotions than always. 

“Lan Zhan!” And just like that, Wei Wuxian's attention was stolen. “Do you want to spar with me? I’ve been dying for a rematch with you!”

“Only if the teacher allows it.” Wei Wuxian smiled fully, quickly going towards the instructor, and Han Muyang could only watch that long ponytail sway with a new appreciation. But his dreams crashed when he heard the next sentence. “Disciple Han must report himself to the library for breaking the rules.”

Golden eyes were piercing into his soul, and before he could ask what rules, Lan Wangji was already walking away.

So, yeah, Wei Wuxian was not only a genius who loved to help others when in need, but he was also a wild beauty. 

The second part was only murmured between the disciples, ashamed to admit it freely, but it was impossible to negate the fact. 

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And while nasty little comments still permeated the air from time to time, there were other types of incidents that almost sent the disciples into another plane. 

The first one happened in the river, where the Jiang disciples were playing during one of their free days. Ouyang, Jin, Nie, Yao and others were invited, and having nothing better to do, most accepted.

Now, they were high-fiving their past selves, because it would have been a sin to lose an opportunity like that.

Wei Wuxian was playing with some of his shidis, splashing them and throwing them towards the deepest parts. But that’s not what they were excited about, not at all. Most of them came into Gusu Lan with the purpose of creating a network between heirs and disciples, and since the female disciples were separated, marriage alliances were out of the question, but seeing the inner red robes of Wei Wuxian dripping with water, showing them curves and muscles that they hadn’t noticed thanks to the cut of his robes, a lot of them were taking that option as a valid consideration. 

Ouyang Haoran, a distant relative of the main family, approached the enticing figure with intention, knowing that only those who risked it could win the grand prize. 

“Wei Wuxian!” The other one looked at him with water dripping from his neck into the already wet robes, and he could feel his knees going weak, but he persevered. “I found this, I think you will like this!”

In his hand was a small red agate, still raw, to sell the illusion that he had just found it. Ouyang Haoran had purchased it from a salesman on Caiyi a few days ago, and he had managed to pay a reasonable price since it wasn’t polished. The river trip came almost like a blessing to him; not only would he give the rock to Wei Wuxian in a smooth way, but he could also polish it with him. He could see it, his hands and Wei Wuxian united under a soft trickle of water to clean the rock, revealing its vibrant colours. 

Wei Wuxian approached him with obvious interest, and he smirked at the disciples who were glaring at him. All of them had been waiting for an excuse to talk to Wei Wuxian in a casual way, but now they were beaten. 

Ouyang Haoran was brought back when callous hands touched his, and he blushed at the unexpected contact, especially when Wei Wuxian leaned his face to see better what he had; he could feel his breath cooling his damp hand, and if he moved it a bit, those pink lips could casually brush it. 

But, before he could do it, a third voice interrupted the moment. 

“Shameless!” Lan Wangji was gripping Bichen with enough force to colour his knuckles white, and he was looking directly towards them, but Ouyang Haoran didn’t know if it was directed at Wei Wuxian or at him. 

“Lan Zhan!” And just like that, the spell had been broken, and the beauty cladded in red left him behind, directing all his attention to the other one. “It’s too hot in here, you should join us!”

“Ridiculous!” Wei Wuxian just laughed, and even with Jiang Wanying scolding him for bothering Lan Wangji, the others’ attention was now focused on someone else, and Ouyang Haoran was left with an unpolished rock, repeating the rule of no lying over and over again at the library the very next day.

Really, who was the one who kept snitching?!

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The second incident was on what appeared to be a normal day.

In between their classes, they usually had a small break to breathe and think about what they had just learned, but on that day, their break coincided with the juniors of the Lan Sect, who were walking towards their next class.

All the guest disciples snickered at the faces of the little ones; even at that age, the Lans were so proper and serious! All of them had a steady pace, with their little arms on their backs and straight posture. 

A disciple from a small clan pointed discreetly to the child walking at the end of the line and whispered to the one at his right. 

“I think that one is new. He walks like a normal human and not a statue.” And he was right, the little Lan was walking in a bit of a hurry while trying to balance himself with his arms behind his back. 

Being five years old was difficult; he hadn’t grown at the same rate as his classmates, so his little legs struggled to keep the leisurely pace and, at the same time, maintain his position in line, all the while looking straight ahead to be as regal as possible. 

But with his eyes so focused on the back of his classmate, he didn’t see the rock, tripping on it and falling face-first, since his arms were occupied. 

He wanted to melt with the ground and disappear. Not only had he broken the pace, but surely his robes were stained! Big tears tried to escape his eyes, but excessive emotions were against the rules. 

The little Lan felt two hands helping him stand up, and he was prepared to confront the scowl of his master, but instead, he was blinded by a sweet smile. 

“That was a nasty fall, little young master. Are you okay?”

In actuality, his nose and lips hurt, but they were small auchies, so the tears were too excessive.

“No, I’m okay.” He tried to school his expression to remain calm, but the lump in his throat made it difficult to talk. 

“Really? Little young master is very strong and brave!” The nice gege smiled at him again, but before he could reprimand him for breaking the rules of excessive noise, the gege whispered to him. “It’s okay if it hurts, lying is forbidden, and it would break this gege’s heart if you lied to him.”

With a trembling lip, the little Lan couldn’t contain his tears anymore, so he hugged the nice gege’s neck and buried his wet face in it. 

“It hurts! My…my nose hurts!”

“Oww, shh, shh, shh. I know it hurts.” He was raised into the arms of the nice gege, who patted the back of his head gently. “Let’s take little young master to the infirmary and check his nose.” 

The little Lan felt a kiss on the top of his head, and even bigger tears came out. 

“I…I…I want…I want my mom!”

All the disciples saw the little crying child in Wei Wuxian’s arms, and how gentle he was with him, and a collective thought came to all of them. 

He would be a great mom. 

That same disciple who had pointed at the little one murmured to no one in particular. 

“Can a man get pregnant?”

“I sure hope they can.” Replied the one at his left, and a lot of them agreed with their heads, imagining a blinding smile and little hands receiving them every day.

But, all they could see at the moment was the teacher guiding Wei Wuxian towards the infirmary with the little child still in his arms. 

And, for three days, all of their eyes became too familiar with the repetition of rules about modesty, indecency, and lewd comments. 

When they catch that snitch, they will make him pay for that!

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So yeah, all of them knew that no matter what they said or did, Wei Wuxian would never get too angry or lose that smile of his. But they didn’t realise that those were the thoughts of a naive child. 

“Zixuan-Xiong, ¿who do you think is the best girl?” Another disciple pushed him lightly with his elbow.

“Don’t ask Zixuan-Xiong about that; he already has a fiancée, so his answer is obvious.” That disciple was about to continue the conversation with the others, but some never learned to read between the lines.

“Oh, really? Of what Sect is she? She must be extremely talented!” The oblivious disciple continued asking Jin Zixuan, who clicked his tongue in annoyance. 

“Forget about it.”

“What do you mean to forget about it?” Almost everyone froze at the tone that no one had ever heard, or even imagined coming out of those pink lips. 

Jin Zixuan has heard some of his clanmates make jokes and comments about Wei Wuxian and their desire for the man, but he simply couldn’t see it. For all his life, he saw Wei Wuxian as an unruly, loud and annoying kid who pestered him every time his mother sent him to Lotus Pier. 

He was already in a bad mood with the weather and his obligation to spend time with a girl he didn’t like, but Wei Wuxian was the worst of all! His pranks, nasty words, and his blind love for the Jiang Family were oh so…infuriating!

“What part of forget it you don’t get?”

“It’s the forgetting part that I don’t get. What can a peacock like you find lacking in my Shijie?!”

Everyone in the hall froze, and that disciple now realised his error. Jiang Yanli was the fianceé of Jin Zixuan…and the Shijie of Wei Wuxian.

What they thought impossible was happening in front of their eyes at a speed no one thought possible. Not only did that smile disappear completely, but those eyes that carried nothing but mischief and happiness were filled with hot, simmering rage. 

So, it wasn’t that Wei Wuxian was incapable of getting angry…it’s just that he didn’t care what anyone thought of him. You could say whatever you wanted against him, but if you touched any of the people he cared for, well, you might as well have signed a death certificate for yourself. 

All of them decided to centre on the beauty and intelligence of Wei Wuxian when waxing poetry, but the raw strength that the boy carried silently was now on the top of everyone's head. 

Good luck, Jin Zixuan, you are gonna need it. We will light incense in your memory.

The Heir of the Jin clenched his teeth at the nickname. He knew that, as well as everyone else, Wei Wuxian only saw him as what he was and would never try to be the same boy everyone had been talking about in the past weeks. And he was salty about that, because he kept hearing marvellous stories about fun games and selfless help, a smile given to everyone with no question, but he never got any of that. Not a tutor, a gossip partner, a confidant…a friend. Nothing, and only because he was engaged to his sister?!

Without thinking, he yelled all his grievances, but as always…his words came out skewed. 

“If she is so perfect, then ask her father! You’ll see what that is like! I don’t think Sect Leader Jiang would negate you!”

Jin Zixuan wanted to bash his head! He intended to say that if Wei Wuxian thought that it was so easy to be engaged to someone he didn’t like, then he should try and let Sect Leader Jiang choose for him. But seeing the reaction of everyone else, he knew that his words could be lent to something else. 

“What did you just say?” It was louder than a whisper, but it felt as menacing as one could get. Wei Wuxian was gripping his sword, but his silver eyes were piercing into his. 

Jin Zixuan knew that he had said something wrong, and he was about to apologise, in his own unique way, but a strong pat on his shoulder stopped him. 

Jin Zixun was smiling at him with the same greasiness as always, and he knew that his next words were going to make the flames worse. 

“Zixun…” But nothing was stopping him now.

“Zixuan, come on! We all know that Sect Leader Jiang would never allow that! Imagine engaging his bastard with his simpleton daughter, what kind of kids would that produce?!”

“ZIXUN!”

There was something cold against Jin Zixun's neck, and not knowing what it was, he looked down, only to be met with a sword.

“What the…!”

“Take your fucking words back and apologise.” With the silence that permeated the place, Wei Wuxian didn’t have to raise his voice to be heard by everyone. 

“WEI WUXIAN! What’s the meaning of this?!” Lan Qiren approached them with his face completely red. 

“Shouting is prohibited in Cloud Reccess.” Those silver eyes didn’t stray from their prey, so Wei Wuxian couldn’t see the baffled expression on Lan Qiren. “And this one is only being a filial son and disciple of the Jiang.”

“Wei Wuxian, put the sword down!” Jiang Wanying had never seen him that angry, and it was starting to unnerve him. 

“I’m sorry Jiang Cheng, but I can’t until he apologises for dragging Shijie’s virtue, Sect Leader Jiang's honour and my mother's name.”

“I never talked about your fucking mother!” The sword pressed a bit harder.

“Just because your Sect Leader sleeps and rapes every woman he comes into contact with, doesn’t mean that every other does the same!”

Jin Zixuan blushed profusely after hearing so crassly the attitudes of his father, and while he knew them right, he couldn’t keep quiet. 

“Wei Wuxian, be careful how you talk about my father.”

“And you be careful what you say about my mother.” For the first time since he knew him, Jin Zixuan was the victim of a truly angry Wei Wuxian, and he noticed how all the times in the past paled in comparison to the fury swimming in those eyes. “Or is it just because my mother was a rogue cultivator that she deserves to be called a whore? Even though she was a disciple of the Immortal Baoshan Sanren?”

Even Lan Qiren was struck by that; while he never called Cangse Sanren such names, he certainly didn’t correct those who did.

“Wei Ying.” Like a ray of light, Lan Wangji approached the boy, but against Jin Zixun’s expectations, the Lan didn’t do anything to lower that sword. “Why are you claiming that Jin Zixun accused Sect Leader Jiang of being a rapist?”

“Wangji!”

“When there's a dispute, both individuals must be listened to by a neutral party so they can solve any grievances, rule 1090.” Lan Wangji looked at his uncles with the normalcy of every day, as if he wasn’t stepping up for Wei Wuxian in front of all the disciples.

There was a small pause before Wei Wuxian answered the question. 

“My parents love each other fiercely, they would never be unfaithful, so for me to be Sect Leader Jiang’s bastard, he would’ve had to do something to my mother that she didn’t want. Besides, Sect Leader Jiang respects Madam Yu.” Unlike others, was left unsaid.

When people repeated those rumours, no one had ever stopped to think about the implications. It was well known that Cangse Sanren had fallen madly in love with Wei Changze, and he also couldn’t keep the longing out of his eyes when she entered the room. She rejected a plethora of heirs and disciples to be with the man she truly loved, so, maybe, those rumours weren’t made with Jiang Fengmian in mind, but a way those men could soothe their broken egos. 

It was easier to be on a pedestal if the woman you pursued was a whore. Her rejection was now a blessing, not an insult. 

“Hmmm.” Lan Wangji looked at Jin Zixun, completely unfazed by the sword. “Does Jin-Gongzi have any proof of what he alleges?”

“Bullshit! I never said anything like that! It’s that son of a servant that’s twisting my words!”

“My father left Yunmeng Jiang when he married my mother, so he wasn’t a servant.”

Jin Zixun felt his face heat even more. Never in his life had someone contradicted his words or threatened him! What kind of disrespect was this?!

“Grand Master Lan, is this the respect we must expect in Gusu Lan?!”

Before Lan Qiren could speak, and he had many things to say, Wei Wuxian intercepted.

“Answer Lan-Er-Gongzi’s question, or is this the education we must expect from Lanling Jin?”

“Wei Wuxian, lower your sword.” Lan Qiren was firm, but he was also exhausted by the exchange of words. It was obvious that neither of the boys would back down, so he had to take an extra step. “These accusations are not to be taken lightly, so we will have to involve Sect Leader Jiang and Sect Leader Jin. Both of you will report to the Disciple Hall and think of what was said today until both Sect Leaders arrive.”

Wei Wuxian smiled at that, sheathing his sword. 

“Very well, I’ll take myself out.” Wei Wuxian bowed towards Lan Qiren. “I apologise for the ruckus.”

And without looking at anyone else, Wei Wuxian walked out still smiling, being followed by Lan Wangji. 

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“What the fuck were you thinking?!” Jiang Wanyin wanted to rip his hair out of desperation. “You made everything worse! Not only did you offend Jin Zixuan and Jin Zixun, but you insulted the whole Lanling Jin Sect! I don’t know if it’s that little cult that follows you now or what, but you must have forgotten your place to think that you had any right to say any of this! And even saying that about Sect Leader Jin, I mean…!”

“And was I lying?” Jiang Wanyin was taken aback. Wei Wuxian had never talked to him like that, especially when he was ranting. “I don’t know why everyone lets Sect Leader Jin do what he does with no consequences; one day his act will bite all of us in the ass.”

“WEI WUXIAN!” 

“Shouting is forbidden in Cloud Reccess.” Lan Wangji came out of nowhere, holding a tray with some food. 

“Lan-Er-Gongzi.” Jiang Cheng could feel the vein in his forehead pop out. 

Since the Water Abbys, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were acting strangely. Before, one could see Wei Wuxian pursuing Lan Wangji, making a fool of himself for a glance of the famously cold Second Jade, but since that day, both of them tended to walk at the same pace, talking in a low voice to each other. 

Some even whispered that they were almost cuddling in the Library, but that tended to be dismissed as jealous whispers from the ones who had developed a crush on Wei Wuxian.

But now, seeing how Lan Wangji gave some chilli oil to Wei Wuxian, Jiang Wanying was starting to believe some of the rumours. 

“Jiang-Gongzi must retire to his room before he breaks another rule.”

Knowing that he couldn’t say more, Jiang Cheng gave another look at Wei Wuxian, but the other was too distracted making eyes at Lan Wangji. 

Wait, Lan Wangji was always there when those disciples were punished…

But that would have to wait, because what was about to happen was more important than any gossip about stupid brothers, with his father barely directing a glance at him while entering the hall that would see Wei Wuxian’s fate after what he did.

Jiang Wanyin frowned with a mix of preoccupation and anger. He silently hoped that whatever they decided, he could still see Wei Wuxian after, but a stronger voice kept repeating that if it was him who was inside, his father wouldn’t have looked so worried. 

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Lan Qiren really hoped that the reunion would be a quick thing, expelling Wei Wuxian for raising his sword and punishing Jin Zixun for his words, no other distractions or headaches for him for the rest of the year. 

But things were not as easy. 

Since his nephew entered the hall escorting that troublemaker and, instead of retiring to his own studies, took a seat beside himself, something told him that things were about to be more complicated than he imagined.

Jiang Fengmian kept glancing at Wei Wuxian, but the child kept his eyes on Lan Wangji, smiling at him.

“Thanking Sect Leader Jiang and Sect Leader Jin for coming to Cloud Reccess on such short notice.” Started Lan Qiren. “As my letter stated, there was an altercation between Head Disciple Wei Wuxian and Disciple Jin Zixun.”

“Lan Qiren〜.” Jin Guangshan fanned himself with calm, already knowing the outcome of the reunion. “I believe that calling such aggression of Wei Wuxian against Zixun an altercation is an injustice towards my nephew.”

“I’m sorry for A-Xian’s actions, but I can assure Sect Leader Jin that he didn’t intend to cause any real injury.”

“Oh, I fully intended to cause injuries if Lan Zhan hadn’t intervened.”

“A-Xian!” Jiang Fengmian was appalled. While Wei Wuxian always said what he thought, he had never said something that could hurt the reputation of the Jiang Sect intentionally. 

“I’m sorry, Sect Leader Jiang, but we are in Cloud Reccess, and lying is forbidden. Lan Zhan made sure that I learned all the rules by heart.” Jiang Fengmian had only seen Lan Wangji in some of the Sect Conferences, and his icy exterior wasn’t a rumour; it was like nothing could face him, but at that moment, he could swear he saw a hint of red behind his hair. 

“Then, if Wei Wuxian admits his fault in these, I hope for full compensation for the damages he caused to my nephew.” Jiang Guangshan was delighted by how easy it all came to be; he didn’t even need to say anything!

Satisfied, he reached for his tea and started drinking. 

“Oh, if that’s the case, then can Sect Leader Jiang and I also ask for full compensation?”

It was pure luck that Jin Guangshan had already swallowed his drink, because the voice of Wei Wuxian caught him off guard. 

“Wei Wuxian, as a disciple, you must learn your place and let your Sect Leader handle this.” Lan Qiren was a little bit appalled by Jiang Fengmian's lack of control in the situation. How can the man let a disciple behave like that in front of him? 

“But, Grand Master Lan, I have the suspicion that neither Sect Leader Jiang nor Sect Leader Jin are fully aware of what happened, since my actions are the only ones being discussed at the moment.”

“Nonsense, I asked Jiang Wanyin and Jin Zixun to relay the information.”

“Oh, is that so?” Wei Wuxian pouted while tapping at his nose. “Sect Leader, did Jiang Cheng tell you about the insinuations that Jin-Gongzi made?”

“Shut your mouth, Wei!” Jin Zixun started to fume again.

“Do not interrupt.” Yet, Lan Wangji kept his calm exterior.

“Do you mean to tell me that you attacked my nephew by a mere insinuation?!” Jin Guangshan was even more delightful. Truly, there's a reason why kids shouldn’t talk during these proceedings, and Jiang Fengmian was about to know why. “Jiang Fengmian, while I take our friendship very seriously, these types of behaviours truly make me wonder if you do the same for me.”

Now he could cancel that stupid engagement and search for someone better for his son, ahh, life was good when stupid kids let their emotions win…

“Sect Leader, I truly believe that Sect Leader Jin doesn’t know what happened, so I hope you can forgive his dismissal of what Jin-Gongzi said.” Wei Wuxian was apologising on…his behalf? “If Sect Leader Jin truly thinks so highly of you, then an allegation of Sect Leader Jiang being a rapist and an adulterer wouldn’t be brushed aside with such carelessness.”

…what? What is this kid talking about?

Jin Guangshan turned so quickly to look at Jin Zixun that Lan Qiren was surprised that all his hair ornaments didn’t go flying everywhere. So the kid hadn’t said anything other than what Wei Wuxian did…

“A-Xian, what are you talking about?” For the first time, Jiang Fengmian looked truly scandalised; not only was the language crass and out of nowhere for the boy, but the accusations being made against his name were more than ‘mere speculations.’

“Bullshit! I already told you…” Out of nowhere, Jin Zixun’s mouth closed forcefully, trapping whatever he was about to say. 

“Wangji!” Lan Qiren felt the top of his cheeks colour a bit, ashamed by his nephew's actions.

“Don’t make loud noises, don’t use profanities to hurt others, don’t lie, don’t make assumptions based on incomplete information, don’t use your position to intimidate others.” There were no accusations or strong-worded statements, just a recount of all the faults both of the Jins made.

Jin Guangshan knew when to back down, and even if he could comment on Lan Wangji’s actions being unruly or ‘out of character for such a refined gentleman’, his position as the second heir of Gusu Lan outranked Zixun’s own station in his Sect, so making a fuss to him wouldn’t be so well received, no unlike Wei Wuxian (even though being a Head Disciple is higher than being a mere disciple).

“Jiang Fengmian, I truly don’t know what your ward is talking about, but I don’t believe for a second that Zixun would say something like that!”

“I also don’t think that those words were used, but, A-Xian, why would you say that?” Jiang Fengmian was trying to piece together what he had heard from his son and what the letter said for clues on how those accusations were made. 

“Well, Jin-Gongzi told Jin Zixuan that you would never marry Shijie to me because I was your bastard and you were concerned by the children we could have had, and while I see Shijie as my sister and would never want to marry her, I know for a fact that we do not share any blood.”

“And where in that sentence did Zixun imply something so vile about your Sect Leader?!”

“Sect Leader Jin, is plastered everywhere!” Wei Wuxian was looking at him like he was offended by the question, with all the theatrics needed to sell his little act. “By calling me Sect Leader Jiang’s bastard, he implied that not only did he cheat on Madam Yu, but that he did something awful to my mother to conceive me. Don’t you agree, Jiang-Shushu?”

Jiang Fengmian hadn’t realised that, until that moment, Wei Wuxian hadn’t called him anything more than Sect Leader, so the backlash of the title made him even more confused, and like always, his default answer when not knowing what was happening was to agree.

“Yes, A-Xian is right.”

“See, Sect Leader Jin! How could I be a filial child to my parents and to my Sect if I let such things fly?”

Jin Guangshan was about to strangle his own kin out of pure rage. How stupid was Jin Zixun to say something like and not have a reason for it?! Now, no matter what he said, this would be kept between all of them, while the version of Wei Wuxian was being whispered by all of the disciples who were present. He could try to paint another narrative, but with a gossip like that, people would always believe what they heard first, no matter if it was true or not.

“I still think that threatening my nephew with a sword was excessive.” He tried to steer the conversation once more, but Jin Guangshan failed to realise that the one in front of him wasn’t the negotiator. 

“Sect Leader Jin might think so, but I truly don’t believe that there was another way of making my point clear. No matter what I do, everyone seems too comfortable spreading these kinds of rumours about my parents and Sect Leader Jiang…” Wei Wuxian exhaled, like he was tired of repeating himself to a stubborn kid, but immediately became elated and turned his attention to Lan Qiren. “Oh, Master Lan, everyone always praises you for resolving any dispute, so, if this one may be bold, can you help us resolve this matter?”

Lan Qiren didn’t know what kind of games Wei Wuxian was playing, but he had to admit that he was a bit impressed by how he had handled the situation with little to no intervention from Jiang Fengmian. 

Actually, Lan Qiren was a bit pissed off that Jiang Fengmian hadn’t said anything in reality! The man always let everyone talk above him and never contradicted anyone for the sake of keeping the peace, but in a few days, Wei Wuxian had managed to change the narrative of his parentage and shine a light on some of the nastier aspects of Lanling Jin (he was also kinda impressed that Jin Guangshan hadn’t made a fuss about that, but he wasn’t going to make these reunion any longer). 

So, instead of dismissing the request like he might have done before, he took into consideration all the aspects that he had on the table.

“While I agree that unsheathing your sword was extreme, especially when unauthorised fights are forbidden in Cloud Reccess, I may comprehend the reasoning behind the act itself.” He caressed his beard while looking at both Sect Leaders, then at Jin Zixun and lastly at Wei Wuxian, whose eyes, he now realises, were a startling combination of Cangse Sanren’s fox shape and Wei Changze’s silver colour. “I suggest that Wei Wuxian should write an apology letter towards Jin Zixuan and Jin Zixun, as well as the rule he broke during that incident, and Jin Zixun must also comply with the same punishment, but he must direct his letters towards Wei Wuxian and Sect Leader Jiang. Furthermore, I think that he should also burn some incense in Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze’s resting place for repetence.”

While it was a risk to let Wei Wuxian continue wreaking havoc in Cloud Reccess (look how his Wangji was acting, he had no proof, but he could sense that it was because of that kid!), it was a risk that Lan Qiren would have to take. The boy showed him that he had some semblance of education that he could hone; he would not allow his perfect record of correcting young cultivators to be tainted by that boy!

“Ah, sorry, Master Lan” Wei Wuxian started to play with the red ribbon in his hair, avoiding making eye contact with him. “But that last part might be a bit complicated.” 

“And why would it be complicated?” It’s not like Jin Zixun would be prohibited on Lotus Pier.

“Well, I’m really ashamed to admit this, but… I don’t have my parents' memorial tablets.” The last part was barely a whisper, but the hearing of a cultivator would be able to pick that and more. 

“A-Xian!” Is that really all he knows to say?!

“Jiang Fengmian!” Lan Qiren was honestly at a loss for words by that confession; all of this started by the rumour of Jiang Fengmian and Cangse Sanren being involved in some way, but, apparently, the man hadn’t even commissioned a memorial tablet for her or for Wei Changze, who was his best friend! “Wei Wuxian, have you done any of your filial obligations?”

Lan Qiren could see an even brighter blush in Wei Wuxian’s face.

“I…I have done some of them in the privacy of my room, but I lost almost everything from my parents’ possessions after I was kicked out of the inn we were staying at before…” 

Maybe it was because he tended to ignore the talks of common people or the gossip of Sect and Clan leaders, but Lan Qiren had forgotten that Wei Wuxian was a street child before Jiang Fengmian found him and took him in. 

Realising that the discussion was venturing into more private matters, Lan Qiren looked at Jin Guangshan, who was hiding a smile behind his fan, and decided to put an end to his obvious snooping. 

“Sect Leader Jin, you may agree that this matter is private to the Jiang Sect, so I must ask you to please retire and go back to your assigned rooms. Wangji will guide you and assign a disciple to supervise Jin Zixun’s punishment.”

“Very well, I’ll speak with my son before going back to my Sect. I hope that everything is resolved with the guidance of Grand Master Lan, Jiang Fengiam.” 

When the three were out of the hall, Lan Qiren poured himself another cup of tea, knowing that he would need it to calm himself. 

“Sect Leader Jiang, I know that I’m in no position to dictate what you do in your home, so I’ll refrain from making any kind of suggestion, but I must ask why there is no place where your Head Disciple can mourn his family. To the best of my knowledge, Wei Chagnze was part of the Jiang Sect for the majority os his life, and he wasn’t exiled by treason or any other crime, so why would he not be placed in the Ancestral Hall of the Jiang Disciples alongside his partner?”

Each Sect and Clan had a special place where their disciples were put to rest when they had no other family that would mourn them, so there was no excuse. And, even if Wei Changze decided to abandon his Sect to follow his lover, the mere presence of Wei Wuxian in the Jiang Sect granted him a place in the Hall once more. 

“Changze abdicated from his post, so he couldn’t be put to rest in there.” 

Lan Qiren took a long sip. It was as if Jiang Fengmian had forgotten who he was talking to, reciting rules as if he didn’t already know them. 

When it came to funeral rituals, little to nothing varied among the Sects, all of them following the same mourning period and the same way of treating the bodies or remains. Because of the nature of their work, there were cases where there was nothing they could bury or cremate, but he hadn’t heard a case like what Jiang Fengmian is trying to defend. 

Very well, maybe Wei Changze wasn’t allowed into the Ancestral Hall, but he was still Jiang Fengmian’s friend; couldn’t the man make a private altar for them?

Lan Qiren directed his sight this time to Wei Wuxian, and all the fire the boy had before was utterly extinguished; he looked defeated, but also like he was expecting that answer. It looked unnatural for the boy; for someone who he had heard followed the motto of the Jiang to new horizons, it appeared that he had finally found his impossible. 

“Sect Leader Jiang, if Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren aren’t allowed in the Ancestral Hall, why can’t Wei Wuxian have his parents’ memorial tablets?”

If he was being honest, Jiang Fengmain looked really mad for a second, but it was probably because he was ashamed of the talk itself. 

“A-Xian, go and pack your things while Grand Master Lan and I end the conversation.”

Wei Wuxian and Lan Qiren were both surprised by what Jiang Fengmian said; not only was he basically dismissing the main point of focus of the conversation, but no one had said anything about expelling Wei Wuxian, so why was he packing his things?

“Sect Leader? I…I don’t understand. I haven’t finished my studies, and I still have to complete my punishment. And, and, I promised the others to help them with the upcoming exams! ” Wei Wuxian tried to smile, but it came out lopsided. So it was him, the mysterious tutor. “Jiang-Shushu, you know how I am, I can’t abandon my little shidis…!”

“You can do your punishment from Lotus Pier, and the shidis can write to you if they have questions.” The tone was final, not even looking at the obviously distressed teenager. “San-Niang will supervise you.”

Lan Qiren had never seen Wei Wuxian look so terrified. He had punished the boy time and time again, and it was always met with a smile; even in the face of a bigger opponent, he looked excited. There was something about Madam Yu that made him look like that, but there was something beneath that, something that looked like betrayal and resolution.

 “If that’s what the Sect Leader wishes…” Wei Wuxian stood up and took his Clarity Bell out of his sash. “Then, at this moment, with Grand Master Lan as a witness, I abdicate from my position as Head Disciple and disciple of the Jiang Sect.”

“Wei Wuxian!” Jiang Fengmian also stood, but with the abrupt movement, he knocked the table in front of him. “What’s the meaning of this?!”

“I’m sorry, Sect Leader Jiang, but my stay on Cloud Reccess and this whole talk with Grand Master Lan has opened my eyes to certain events in Lotus Pier that not only are unjust towards my person, but also towards my parents, and as his only son, it’s my filial duty to honour their memory above all. I’ve neglected that duty long enough.”

Wei Wuxian gave a final bow and strided out of the Hall, ignoring Jiang Fengmian’s calls and Lan Qiren's astonishment. 

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Cloud Reccess had descended into a small chaos for four reasons. The disciples who were spying outside, trying to catch anything juicy, came out with something even better than what they had ever expected, so any secrecy that Jiang Fengmian had hoped for was gone even before he came out of that Hall. 

And, with Wei Wuxian's new status as a rogue cultivator, all his unofficial pretendents finally spoke their desires out loud. All of them knew that their position or Sect/Clan would make a political union difficult, especially when they were asking for a talented and strong cultivator, but now they had no obstacles to court Wei Wuxian. Or, well, they thought that they had a free way, but a group of Jiang Disciples that were loyal to the boy ordered a series of duels. If those disciples and heirs thought themselves worthy of their not official shixiong, then they must be strong and smart enough to defeat them!

At the same time, this caused fractures between the Jiangs, because Jiang Wanying had ordered every disciple from his Sect to cease any communication with the traitor immediately, and while some complied with no problem, there were a lot who were more reticent to follow his orders. 

But that was for later, because the most important thing was to find Wei Wuxian. A lot of them had watched him walk towards the forest, but most assumed that he was only breathing a bit before returning; a full day had passed, and no one had seen him. 

Well, that was a lie. Someone was currently spreading rich camellia oil on his curly hair, making sure that each strand was taken care of properly. 

“Ahhh, Lan Zhan, how could you leave your poor husband alone in such a stressful reunion? I had to do so much talking, and I hadn’t your pretty face as motivation!”

“Mm, Wei Ying did good. Would be suspicious if I didn’t leave.” Long fingers scrunched the hair from bottom to top, relaxing the black, lustrous waves.

“I knoooowww.” Pink lips pouted. “I still want a thousand kisses as a recompense.”

It didn’t take long for those pouty lips to be occupied by another pair. 

Wei Wuxian encircled Lan Wansji’s neck, letting himself be kissed breathless. 

Neither had known when or what had happened, but after getting in contact with the Waterborne Abbys, memories from an old life came crushing into them. The war, the Burial Mounds, Dafan Wen, the punishment, his first death, summoning, the confrontation in the Guanyin Temple and their lives after that. 

Wei Wuxian had thought that they would live in Cloud Reccess after some time travelling the world, but Lan Wangji had surprised him with a little cabin, nowhere near the drama of the Cultivation World, where they could live freely. 

They had only told Wen Ning, A-Yuan, Jin Ling, Lan Jingyi and Ouyan Zizhen of their whereabouts, and the children visited them frequently, searching for their little oasis of peace. 

Years of peace and unconditional love, between fresh fish, potatoes and the occasional night hunt. All of that came back with their souls, information ready at the reach of their fingers for a new life where they could live with fewer regrets and those who they had lost in the journey. 

“Lan Zhan.” He murmured between kisses. “Do you think we are the only ones?”

Lan Wangji thought about it, but the image of his Wei Ying alive and in his body was enough of a distraction for him. 

“Don’t care.”

Wei Wuxian laughed and pulled the Lan headband with the dexterity of someone who had done it a hundred times before. 

They still had many things to do to prevent the war, or at least make it quick, as well as save all the innocent lives they could, but for the moment, they were alone and happy in each other's arms, and that was the important part.