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After his fever broke and was allowed to leave his room, Wei Wuxian did not expect punishment to come his way. 

"You endangered A-Cheng's life with what you pulled off! Bastard! Good for nothing!" And one whip made him fall, body landing on the floor of the Sword's Hall. 

"Yu-furen-"

"You let A-Cheng swim in that dirty water for what?!" Another whip.

"Saving the rest?" Another whip.

"Why must you not do what is expected from you?!" Another whip.

"You are to protect him, look after him with your life!" And a three-strike combo landed on his back that Wei Wuxian can feel his fever coming back.

"Useless!" And another one then followed by several more combos. No one was coming into the Sword's Hall. Jiang Fengmian was heading to Lanling with Jiang Wanyin. Jiang Yanli was in Meishan to visit their grandmother. The disciples and servants were probably hiding, afraid and he cannot blame them.

He bit his tongue until it bled, his hands were gripped that his knuckles turned white. This was the first time that he lost count of the number of whips he received. He shut his eyes close as he grit his teeth. 

He stayed because he was thankful that they took him in. He was named as the Head Disciple of the sect but his status in the family would depend on the mood, of where the wind blows that day. They said that he was their brother, that he’ll be adopted but they were never his jiejie and didi -- they were shijie and shidi. Jiang Fengmian allowed him to call him shushu, much to his furen's wrath.

He always gets punished for things he did and did not do. Jiang Yanli and Jiang Wanyin would be there, watching, and then that's it. After it, he'll playfully whine and Jiang Yanli would step forward, feed him the soup she made as if it will take away the pain, like it would resolve his problems yet still, he'll eat it. She is the nicest to him after all.

Jiang Wanyin was most often eaten by jealousy, he truly got his mother's temperament. There were times he felt like they were brothers and then it would fade, he's just a son of a servant (a Head Disciple as noted in the registry but it seemed like no one will acknowledge his late father that way in this family) and he would stay that way. He never really wanted validation with his membership in the family.

He truly just wanted respect from them. Respect as an abiding resident in their home, respect as a disciple, respect as a person.

Jiang Fengmian, for all his position and worth to Yunmeng, he lacked the courage to go against his wife. Wei Wuxian does not even know how they ended up being both the leaders which gives Yu Ziyuan the chance to repeatedly use the line "are you trying to undermine me?!" And it would result in endless arguments. Not once has he protected him from the punishment and wrath of his wife. His biased treatment would always end up in a large argument, endless punishments, Jiang Wanyin's barks out of jealousy, and Jiang Yanli's look of pity.

For a moment, he felt it, resentment coiling in his gut.

He felt so done.

At eighteen, Wei Wuxian realized, he's done.

"Wha- what does Yu-furen want me to do?" The question came out of his lips, something he did not expect as he tried to get up. 

Yu Ziyuan scoffed.

"I want you gone from our lives! Away! Somewhere I cannot see you!" 

Wei Wuxian swallowed the pain as he moved.

"You are a disaster! A-"

"From this day forth," he managed to say as he stood up. He does not wish to hear her continuous insult.

"I, Wei Wuxian is renouncing my title as the Head Disciple of Yunmeng-Jiang."

A louder scoff came out of Yu Ziyuan as she met his eyes.

"Good," she then called Yinzhu.

"We'll have to make it official," she said. Yinzhu handed him a paper. It was an official letter of his defection from the sect. A bitter smile came out of his lips.

"Yu-furen is prepared."

The woman scowled. Wei Wuxian bit his thumb and stamped his blood on the paper.

"Leave."

He swallowed hard.

"I would."

"Never show yourself in front of us ever again! Not to my children, not to Jiang Fengmian!"

"Duly noted, Yu-furen."

He pulled the clarity bell on his sash and threw it to the floor. If this was the last time that he would face her, he'd want to end it this way. She was obviously baffled by what he did but he did not care. He gave her one last acceptable bow despite the pain on his back and then he turned around but not without giving her a glare. 

"Wei Wuxian!"

Despite the pain in his back, he was fast enough to turn and catch the whip, it burned his hand but he did not care.

"I am no longer your disciple, Yu-furen." It was filled with venom and then he let go of the whip which retracted to her finger. 

Wei Wuxian turned around once more and when he opened the door, Jinzhu was at the door with his belongings hastily wrapped on a cloth. He scoffed.

"I took everything from your closet that has no significance to Yunmeng-Jiang," she said in her usual monotonous way. He just nodded and got it from her. He still said thank you because he was taught his manners.

He walked out, passed by the courtyard where disciples were watching. He did not spare them a glance. He walked with his back straight no matter how painful it was.

He reached the gate. He did not look back.

Wen Qionglin was walking aimlessly with his loyal disciples when he saw someone familiar, staggering as he walked. He was in a black outer robe, hugging what seemed to be his things, his hair was in a loose leather tie.

"Wei-gongzi?" The man looked up and Wen Qionglin gasped upon seeing how pale he was. He did not think twice in approaching him.

"Who-"

"Wei-gongzi, what-" Wen Qionglin's eyes widened in shock when Wei Wuxian fell in his arms. His eyes widened, even more, when he moved his arm from his back and his white robes with red flames were now bloodied. He saw blood seeping on the black robes and he realized it was loosely put on him like a cloak. He signaled one of his disciples to assist him and when he removed the black robe, even his disciple gasped upon seeing his back.

"Help me carry him."

"Gongzi-"

"He's a friend."

"Okay, where should we go, gongzi?"

He tried to think of a destination. With one in mind, he unsheathed his sword. He would need assistance in carrying another body so his disciple was there.

"Everyone, follow us." And they flew off.

Wei Wuxian felt like he was ran through by countless carriages with how sore he felt but he forced himself to open his eyes as he heard music that seemed to come from a flute. He tried to remember the last thing he did but his mind was currently blank aside from the soreness he was feeling. He gasped when he tried to move and it seemed to have caught the attention of the player and the music stopped.

“Wei-gongzi.”

He knew that voice. He turned his head and saw a flutter of brown-colored robes and yet he'd never go wrong with that face. It ranked first among the young masters after all and the blue ribbon with silver cloud insignia in the center of his forehead was the total giveaway.

“Zewujun?”

“You’re awake! Finally!” His warm smile made Wei Wuxian stare.

“Is there anything you need? Any pain? I could call-“

It was awkward for him to see the calm and collected Lan Xichen fussing over him.

“Zewujun,” he called and that made Lan Xichen huff, blush creeping on his face. He must be embarrassed by what he just did so Wei Wuxian smiled.

“What happened? Where am I?”

“Do you need water before I tell you?”

“I would appreciate it.”

Lan Xichen smiled and poured him a cup of water. He assisted him to rise from his position and he felt something prick his back which made Lan Xichen apologize and moved him even more carefully. He felt embarrassed as the Gusu-Lan Sect Heir assisted him to drink.

“Good?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Lan Xichen nodded and returned the cup before he sat at the edge of his bed. Wei Wuxian noticed that Liebing was tucked on his side beside Shouyue. His mind started to work and his eyes widened.

“Wait! You’re okay?! You’re safe?! Zewujun! Lan Zhan! He – he-“

“Wei-gongzi,” Lan Xichen smiled and Wei Wuxian bit his lower lip realizing that short panic he did.

“Okay, before I tell you about me, can I ask what is the last thing you remember?” he asked.

He pulled his lips into a thin line as he tried to recall. He walked aimlessly five days after he left Lotus Pier. He was able to eat a few times with the meager amount of money he had in his pouch. He remembered walking, he remembered reaching somewhere near Yiling and then –

“I met someone. He called my name but – but I cannot see his face clearly,” he admitted. His vision was blurry at that time and he knew he was running a fever after nursing all the whip marks on his back, and hunger.

“I see, anything else?”

“Uhm…” he was walking on the streets so he did not hear anything about his-

“I defected, renounced my discipleship in Yunmeng-Jiang,” he finally said, not meeting his eyes. Lan Xichen did not look at him anywhere near judgment. He actually looked at him with empathy and then he smiled.

“So I heard,” he replied.

“You heard?”

“It was announced, I think it was on the same day you left,” he said.

“Oh.” Of course, Yu Ziyuan wouldn’t wait for something she has been waiting for years.

“Wei-gongzi, I need you to be calm and listen to me carefully for what I am about to say,” Lan Xichen said and that somehow made something inside his stomach churn.

“Zewujun…”

“It was Wen-gongzi, Wen Qionglin who found you. Do you remember him?”

His brows furrowed as he tried to recall the name and then his eyes widened in recognition.

“One of the Wen siblings in Cloud Recesses!” he wanted to add the one who helped him with Wen Chao's dog in the dungeon but he chose not to recall the experience.

“Yes. He met you in Yiling and you fainted there,” Lan Xichen’s voice was sad, it was almost like an elder brother worried about his younger brother. Wei Wuxian wondered if this was how Lan Wangji felt having someone like Lan Xichen as his brother.

“Oh.”

“He brought you to Yiling where Wen-guniang, Wen Qing is heading the supervisory office.”

“Wen Qing.”

“Yes. She did everything to save you.”

“Save me?”

“You were in a critical condition. Infection, fever, starvation. It was good that Wen-gongzi found you. If you fainted on the street with no one to help you, I wouldn’t know…” Lan Xichen sighed.

“Oh.” He truly does not know what to say. He does not feel any pain though.

“But I don’t feel anything odd?” He tried to move his shoulders and they were fine. He felt a few sore spots earlier but it faded when he focused his spiritual energy there like he used to do each time he has wounds.

“It has been three months, close to four since the time Wen-gongzi found you.”

“Three months?!” his eyes widened in disbelief and Lan Xichen nodded.

“What – how –“

“After Wen-guniang deemed your condition stable enough to travel, you were transferred here.”

“Here?”

“Dafan.”

“Dafan?”

“Yes, Dafan Mountain,” Lan Xichen replied. Wei Wuxian looked around and noticed that they are in a simple hut, a little shabby for someone like the First Jade but it looked livable. He noticed the other bed across from him.

“You stay there?” he pointed.

“Yes.”

“How?”

Lan Xichen pulled his lips into a thin line as he looked down to his palms.

“What has Wangji told you about Cloud Recesses? You were together in indoctrination?”

“Yes. Lan Zhan – Lan Zhan,” he paused, unsure how to continue.

“That Cloud Recesses library was burned and you ran away with sacred books while Lan-zongzhu was injured,” he replied.

“That is right, I ran away.”

“But it was for your sect, Zewujun!”

Lan Xichen smiled and nodded.

“And the books are safe, yes.”

“Good and so are you, right?”

“I am. Sishu found me at the foot of the mountain. I did not know where I was going but I must have depleted my spiritual energy and fell off my sword. My sword was found a few meters away from me,” he said as he looked at the sword strapped on his side.

“Zewujun…”

“I was injured too. I fought my way out during the attack. Sishu brought me here to heal and then one day, Wen-gongzi and his disciples arrived with you.”

“Zewujun…” he did not know what to say. “Sishu?” He inquired instead.

“Yes, Sishu. He did not want to be called anything but Sishu. People here called him Uncle Four and insisted on being called one.”

“I see… and have you been well, Zewujun?”

“I have been well and was waiting for you to wake up.”

“Oh sor-“

“No apologies. There’s none needed.”

He did not reply and just smiled. Really, how does it feel to have a brother like this?

“You asked me to be calm,” he brought back the topic and Lan Xichen nodded.

“I was hoping to buy more time.”

This made Wei Wuxian chuckle.

“I don’t think there’s more. You – you can tell me, Zewujun.” His life has been filled with bad news, there was no point in stalling.

Lan Xichen took a deep breath and nodded.

“Lotus Pier was attacked.”

He blinked.

That’s the only thing he did.

He felt coldness seep through his vein but he did not feel –

“Continue please.”

“According to Wen-gongzi’s disciples, Wang Lingjiao came to look for you but since you already defected, she asked for Jiang-gongzi instead.”

“Jiang Cheng?”

“It seems like one of the disciples that were in the cave has told the story about how they came out. Jiang-gongzi’s involvement was mentioned.”

Wei Wuxian gulped as he gripped his knuckles and then he scoffed. It sounded pained.

“They’re blaming me aren’t they?”

Lan Xichen pulled his lips into a thin line.

“You did nothing wrong, Wei-gongzi. You saved them.”

“Lan Zhan and I.”

Lan Xichen smiled.

“You did, thank you.”

“Ah,” he scratched his nape. “What happened next?”

“Wang Lingjiao asked for Jiang-gongzi to be punished in the name of Wen Sect’s rule."

“What the – sorry.”

Lan Xichen managed to chuckle.

“She did not do it of course,” Wei Wuxian muttered and Lan Xichen sighed.

“She did not. She whipped Wang Lingjiao instead.”

“Good. That woman is a nuisance.”

“But Wen Zhuliu was there to aid her.”

Wei Wuxian’s jaw dropped. He did not see that coming.

“What – what –“ any cultivator alive fears the man and his hand.

“A fight broke out. Jiang-zongzhu, Yu-furen, and Jiang-gongzi led the disciples. Jiang-guniang was said to have gone to Lanling from Mieshan through the invite of Jin-furen with a request to reinstate the engagement so she was not there.”

Wei Wuxian did not notice how tight he was gripping his knuckles until he felt his skin stung. He let go with a hiss and saw that his palm bled. Lan Xichen saw it and then he sighed and shook his head. He reached out and sent his spiritual energy on the cut.

“Zewujun –“

“Wei-gongzi, you have depleted your spiritual energy. Your golden core was the only reason why you did not succumb to the infections and fever while you were in the streets. It is recuperating as we speak.”

He sighed.

“What happened?” he chose to ask.

“Yunmeng-Jiang was caught off-guard. The wards were destroyed before it could be brought up.”

“I have always said they needed stronger ones,” he muttered under his breath.

“Wei-gongzi…”

He shook his head.

“And then?”

“It was said that Jiang-gongzi was able to pull his parents to retreat but not without…”

“Without?”

“Yu-furen’s core was melted during her fight with Wen Zhuliu. Jiang-zongzhu’s core was partially damaged when he tried to save Jiang-gongzi from the core-melting hand.”

“Oh.”

Wei Wuxian felt weird.

He should feel bad. He should feel sympathy. He should feel like he should be there but- but –

“Do you know where they are now?”

“They went to Meishan according to sources but Meishan-Yu was attacked as well.”

“Oh.”

“I have not heard about them after that but I think they are with the rest of the sects.”

“Rest of the sects?”

“Lotus Pier was burned, Wei-gongzi. It was just a library for Cloud Recesses but Lotus Pier… more than half of it was burned.”

That news made him shut his eyes as he tried to steady his breathing. Lotus Pier… was a place he lived in. It… it never felt like home but it was… it was a place that gave him roof, bed, and food.

“No one was alive aside from them?”

“None that I heard, I am sorry.”

He pulled his lips into a line as he nodded.

“What do you mean by the rest of the sects?”

“There is an alliance happening.”

“Alliance?”

“Yes. There is a war.”

“War.”

“Yes. It is called the Sunshot Campaign. Chifengzun spearheaded it and invited the rest of the sects. Jin-zongzhu is mainly funding it and Wangji…" There's a hint of pride on the first Jade’s face which made Wei Wuxian smile as well.

“Lan Zhan?”

“He has been leading the smaller sects and gathered them to join the campaign.” Wei Wuxian wanted to tease the First Jade. The feeling of pride is forbidden after all but Wei Wuxian felt proud too.

“Ah, Lan Zhan is really…” he smiled, and then he realized something.

“Zewujun!”

“Wei-gongzi?”

“Does he know?! Does he know you’re safe at least? I mean, he was close to tears when… oh.”

Lan Xichen sighed and shook his head.

“I cannot risk it yet. I cannot risk Dafan-Wen’s safety.”

“But Zewujun.”

“No news is good news. Wangji knows that.”

“But Zewujun.”

“You are worried about my brother,” there was a tease in his voice and that instantly made Wei Wuxian blush.

“Zewujun! What are you even – what – I –“

“Wangji must be worried about you too.”

“Zewujun,” did he just sound like a shy maiden there?

“Wei-gongzi, you are the first person my brother considered as a friend.”

“A friend? Everyone knows he is just tolerating me, Zewujun.”

“Everyone? Who's everyone?” Lan Xichen raised his brow.

“Er… well… he hates me! He cannot stand my presence. He calls me boring – he calls me ridiculous. He-“

“He allows you to stand by his side. He allows you to talk his ears out-“ Wei Wuxian made a face but Lan Xichen just chuckled while covering his lips.

“He allowed you to join him during the hunt.”

“I followed him.”

“Wangji could have left you if he did not want your presence.”

“I could – I could –“

“Wangji could have left you, Wei-gongzi. He could have gone on his own. Even in the Xuanwu cave.”

“Oh…”

“Wangji –“ Lan Xichen pursed his lips and thought twice to continue but he decided that he wouldn’t want to see his brother pinned any longer. He doubts his brother even understands how he feels.

“Wangji feels greatly.”

“Zewujun?”

“Have you heard of the phrase, repressed Lans?”

“Zewujun!” he sounded like he was chastising him but Lan Xichen just laughed and this time, he did not cover his lips.

“They said we control our emotions all the time so we are always repressed.”

“Gossip is forbidden.”

“Yet even our clan members know that.”

“Ah, Zewujun.”

“Wangji’s life revolved around Cloud Recesses, his duties, his cultivation, night hunts, and then his studies. Having someone barrel in his life and changing the order like you did-“

“Zewujun!” he knew he was blushing and he does not even know why.

“Wangji wouldn’t know how to deal with it. He talks to me often.”

“You’re the only one he talks to, freely.”

“I am his xiongzhang.”

“Of course, you are,” he chuckled.

“But there are things I cannot truly teach Wangji. There are things he must realize and come to terms with.”

“What are you trying to say, Zewujun?”

“I am saying that my brother does not hate you or tolerate you, Wei-gongzi. You’re someone who has made a great impact in his life and he does not know how to deal with it.”

“Zewujun…”

“So please do not think of that.”

He pulled his lips into a thin line. If it was Lan Xichen who was saying this, someone who does not lie according to his sect principles, who was Wei Wuxian not to listen?

“Okay. Okay, Zewujun.”

Lan Xichen smiled and nodded.

They let silence envelop them.

“What do we do next?”

“What does Wei-gongzi want to do next?”

“I’ll follow you, Zewujun.”

“Technically, Wei-gongzi has no sect. His involvement in the war will solely depend on him.”

“Ah.”

He pursed his lips.

War. Does he want to participate in it?

He recalled the faces of the shidis and shimeis he left behind. Even if he had to receive the brunt of their mistakes and face the punishments, they had made life in Lotus Pier bearable.

And then he looked at Lan Xichen. This man was already healed for some time but he still stayed and even played for him. Then he remembered Lan Wangji, his Lan Zhan. He felt his cheeks warm at that thought. His. Why did he even think of that?

Anyway, Lan Wangji has been gathering sects and would probably front line the war.

Would… would he let him fight without him?

“Are the only ones allowed to join the campaign are with a sect?”

Lan Xichen shook his head.

“Not really. The campaign would need every able one who wants to help. It’s just that, the movements will probably be by sects. I do not know if rogue cultivators are joining the campaign.”

Wei Wuxian pulled his lips into a thin line.

“Does Gusu-Lan accept outer disciples then?”

“Wei-gongzi?” Lan Xichen obviously looked shocked and it made Wei Wuxian laugh.

“I cannot imagine following your rules, Zewujun. I wouldn’t lie. But I want to join and fight beside – fight –“ his eyes widened when that slipped. Lan Xichen raised his brow and waited and Wei Wuxian already knew he’s going to tease and he never knew that the First Jade knew how to tease! 

“Ah, Zewujun. Do you think Lan-zongzhu will accept me-“

“He will if you are able to fight,” they both turned to see Wen Qing enter with Wen Qionglin.

“Wen-guniang, Wen-gongzi.”

“Wen Qing! Wen Ning!” he sounded so familiar but he waved.

“Wei-gongzi, I am glad you are finally awake!”

“Wen Ning! Thank you so much for saving me! Again! I did not see you, recognize you. It was blurry and-“

“And I would be surprised if you could even hear him at that time with your state when he brought you in,” Wen Qing moved forward and Lan Xichen stood to give way.

Wen Qing grabbed his wrist and examined him.

“Good,” she muttered.

“How bad?”

Wen Qing raised her brow.

“You could have died, Wei Wuxian but anyway you’ll live and not paralyzed so that’s a thing. I put you into a healing sleep so your core and body can focus on one thing. You probably feel sore.”

“I do.”

“You were in your stomach for two months and then we turned you when the scars finally healed.”

“Scars.”

“Yes. A lot of them.”

Wei Wuxian pursed his lips and nodded.

“Your back… your arms… Wei Wuxian.”

“Ah, it’s in the past.”

“But-“

“I am not part of that sect anymore, Wen Qing.”

“That sect.”

“Yes. That sect.”

Wen Qing took a deep breath.

“Fine. Here’s what you need to do to get back on track. At least two months.”

“Two months?”

“Meditation every morning. Zewujun’s music helped you a lot too so if Zewujun could continue to play,” she looked at him.

“Of course. Anytime.”

“Thank you.”

Lan Xichen just smiled.

“Then you can practice sword forms, simple ones to not shock your body then if it gets better, spar if you want. You will need to adjust first. Then I’ll be the judge.”

Wei Wuxian pouted but he nodded.

“I thought you’re in Yiling?”

“My family is here.”

“Right. Are they safe here?”

“The war has just started and there’s little interest here… and well,” Wen Qing glanced at Lan Xichen.

“Sishu and your family saved me. It is the simplest thing I could do,” Lan Xichen replied.

“Simplest thing?”

“Zewujun built strong wards around the village,” Wen Qionglin replied. Wei Wuxian looked at him and he cannot help but smile when he saw the charm he gave Wen Qing for Wen Qionglin was now hanging on his sash.

“I see, I see. I can probably add more layers though I trust Zewujun’s capability of course.”

“It is always better to be safe, Wei-gongzi. Our wards were penetrated when they used the jade token of our disciples stationed outside…” there was a heavy atmosphere around them. Wen Qing and Wen Qionglin were still wearing their white robes with red flames after all.

“And well, you have broken in on your first night.”

“Aiyah! Zewujun!”

“So do those things for two months and we’ll see," Wen Qing interrupted them because her time was precious.

“Okay-okay. I promise, I’ll listen,” he raised his fingers to swear.

“You should. I did not work on you, for you to undo everything I worked hard for.”

“Ah Wen Qing, how can I thank you enough?”

“Heal. That’s what you need to do.”

“I promise.”

“Good.”

Wei Wuxian made a promise and so he would fulfill it. He ate simple congee under Wen Qing’s supervision. It surely has herbs and medicine in it but he chose not to complain. Wen Qing was scary after all.

He was introduced to the people in the village and he easily blended in. There were kids too. A-Mei, A-Zhe, and A-Jiao to name a few. Too adorable and would often ask him to play when he was not practicing. Popo was such a sweet grandmother figure who always made sure that he and Lan Xichen were fed. Sishu was a father figure who made him drink his fruit wine in secret. “I’m a healer too, Wei-gongzi but one cup won’t hurt.”

Meditating was something really hard for him but with Lan Xichen’s help, he was able to do it. He could feel it, his spiritual energy was weaker, his golden core too. He must have abused it a lot just so he could live. If he wanted to fight alongside Lan Wangji then he would have to heal. The thought alone made him smile as he recalled their spar and the time they fought Wen Chao's owl.

Doing sword forms was awkward for him. He only knee Yunmeng-Jiang's sword style after all.

“Would Wei-gongzi want to learn a few of Gusu-Lan?”

It was not right of course, but Lan Xichen teased him about joining as their outer disciple and so he learned. When Wen Qionglin was there, he also demonstrated a few of the Wen Sect styles.

“I do not handle my sword well.”

“You’re an archer.” Wei Wuxian pointed out and Wen Qionglin easily blushed.

“But I had to learn to develop my core and of course, learn how to fly.”

They also helped out with the chores. They were also exposed to healing arts. They were taught simple first aid and when the uncles and aunts were free, Wei Wuxian had a hundred and one questions though it made Lan Xichen look at him with concern in his eyes.

“If the sprain is not attended and used for a lot more times. It healed with the help of the golden core, are there any effects?”

“If the wound wasn’t patched up correctly but it was still bandaged. Will infection happen?”

“How many days can a high fever be alarming?”

“Is eating food with oil and spices immediately after inedia bad?”

A few members of Dafan-Wens were called to the Nightless City to be part of the medical unit. Their goodbye looked like they were sure that they would never come back and it broke Wei Wuxian and Lan Xichen too.

Wen Qionglin's loyal disciples were looking after the people in Dafan so no one could easily access the village.

Wei Wuxian felt honored to be able to spar with Lan Xichen. He truly respected his skills like Nie Mingjue. His moves were graceful but the power and arm strength always leave Wei Wuxian panting with his sword on the ground but he was learning a lot.

“You’re getting better.”

“This is hard. I miss Suibian.”

“Hanguangjun-“ Wen Qionglin smiled as he looked at the two. He has been bringing in the news about the war. He has offered Lan Xichen to send a message to his sect but Lan Xichen refused. It was too dangerous especially with Nightless City asking for Dafan’s aid for their medical unit. More attention to Dafan could put the entire village into harm.

Wen Qionglin has told them about how Lan Wangji has earned his title as the light bearer and Wei Wuxian has blushed and swooned unconsciously. Lan Xichen looked proud.

“He has infiltrated the Indoctrination Bureau with Jin-gongzi. They have retrieved the swords, Suibian included.”

“It must be with him, Wei-gongzi.”

“Ah, Zewujun.”

“Jiangs wouldn’t have the rights for it anymore. Wangji is the next closest person who can get it… or Huaisang.”

“Ah, Nie-xiong could, that’s right,” he nodded. Nie Huaisang has been a very good friend, a best friend of his.

The Jiangs joined the campaign a month after it started. Jiang Wanyin led a group of disciples and Jiang Fengmian was there to assist. Yu Ziyuan came and was staying in the camp. They said that she was supervising (terrorizing) the training of their disciples.

Wei Wuxian was also surprised when he learned that people thought that he died… technically it was Wen Qing’s idea to show a dead body with a mangled face to Wen Chao who was running amok to look for him. The disciple died in a hunt and was still brought to Wen Qing. It shared the same body size and height as Wei Wuxian. They had to brand the body and wear the robes Wei Wuxian wore and even tied a red ribbon on his hair. Wen Chao was not one to bother about details and so he had the body burned but took the red ribbon as his prize.

“I told him that your body was found in Yiling, at the foot of Burial Mounds. He was too satisfied to even care to check thoroughly.”

He felt bad for people who must be mourning for him. He has done some good things so… some would remember him, right?

“This will break my brother. He’ll mourn,” Lan Xichen said once and Wei Wuxian felt bad too.

“A-Sang too. He looks highly of you.”

“Then I’ll make it up to them when we return.”

“Yes.”

“And you do know that people assumed you died too, right?”

Lan Xichen huffed and then nodded.

“Then we’ll have to make it up to a lot of people then.”

Another thing they have been doing was learning songs. Lan Xichen was skilled and one night, he finally opened the sacred books to see any pieces he could learn. Wei Wuxian let him while he meditated and then Lan Xichen asked for his help. He did not see that coming yet he told him he knows how to play a dizi.

“You’ll do well in Lan Sect then,” Lan Xichen playfully said. Wei Wuxian was surprised that the First Jade was in for banters as well. He enjoyed it actually.

“Watch me impress Lan-zongzhu,” he replied with equal mischief.

Lan Xichen did not teach him how to play secret pieces but Lan Xichen taught him common musical cultivation songs. He had another method to meditate if he wanted to try musical cultivation and since he has always been a curious kid who wanted to learn things, he worked hard to learn under Lan Xichen’s tutelage using the bamboo flute he was able to carve.

“We’ll get you a proper flute in Gusu.”

Time passed like that with Wen Qionglin telling them news and Wen Qing dropping by some time. It has been three months since he woke up, six, almost seven months since he was found, and Wen Qing finally said he was good to go.

“How about you?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“What about me?”

“If things go wrong… you know we’re on the campaign’s side. What will happen to you? To Dafan-Wens?”

Wen Qing pursed her lips.

“We can vouch for you and your branch. You have taken good care of us, healed us.”

“The word of the First Jade is enough to vouch for you of course.”

“Wei-gongzi – A-Xian,” Lan Xichen wasstill conscious of this but Wei Wuxian insisted, and apparently, his brother was not the only stubborn person he would ever know. Wei Wuxian came second.

“But we need something stronger than that, Zewujun.”

“What do you suggest?” Wen Qing asked.

Wei Wuxian pursed his lips as he twirled the bamboo dizi on his hand.

“Wen Rouhan still trusts you, right?”

Wen Qing’s brows furrowed and then he nodded.

“I still go to the Nightless City for his treatment.”

“His only healer.”

“Yes.”

“Then how about be the campaign’s spy?”

“What?!”

“Wouldn’t that be dangerous?” Wen Qionglin’s voice shook a little but Wei Wuxian pursed his lips.

“I know… but –“

“I get it,” Wen Qing suddenly said. “I have been considering it all this time.”

“Wen-guniang?”

“Qing-jie?”

“Jiejie?”

Wen Qing sighed as she massaged her temple. And yes, apparently, she also gained a younger brother since Wei Wuxian just randomly dropped this address and she did not correct him so he never stopped using ‘Qing-jie’ now.

“I keep you here which puts my branch into a dangerous position. You built strong wards that they wouldn’t easily penetrate… but I wouldn’t know what else I can hold against you once you leave.”

“Surely, you don’t doubt us, right?” Wei Wuxian pouted but Wen Qing rolled her eyes.

“Politics.”

“I know, I get it. I just wanted to know.”

“I don’t, okay? But I want something stronger… something that won’t flip the situation on us.”

“And being a spy came to your mind?” Lan Xichen confirmed and Wen Qing nodded.

“And now that Wei Wuxian thought about it too, it nailed my decision.”

“Jiejie.”

“Don’t worry, A-Ning, it’ll be fine.”

“I know.”

Wen Qing smiled as she touched her brother’s arm. Wei Wuxian glanced at Lan Xichen who had a melancholic expression on his face. It has been close to nine months since he last saw his brother. Somehow, it also reminded Wei Wuxian of Jiang Yanli… whose engagement was reinstated for Yunmeng-Jiang to still have an alliance despite their state. He felt bad for being the reason for that engagement to be broken, but he does not regret defending Jiang Yanli over Jin Zixuan's words.

“How are you going to do it then?” Lan Xichen asked.

“I need a way to communicate to you, that’s the first thing.”

“I can make a map!” Wen Qionglin suddenly said.

“Map?”

“I have… well, they assigned my group to do the roving around Qishan, especially areas outside Nightless City. I have memorized it,” he shyly admitted. Three proud smiles were sent to him.

“Then I can come up with a communication talisman. I have been trying to work on it and we’ll see how it’ll do.”

“We have a communication talisman in Qishan-Wen.”

“You’ll need a more subtle one, Qing-jie.”

“I’ll still teach you how then we’ll learn what you have so I can use both.”

“Okay-okay. Three days, no two-“

“With sleep at night, A-Xian.”

“But of course, Xichen-ge! I got you to pester me on that.”

“Ah, so my sleeping schedule pesters you now?”

“No?! You would never. I take that back!”

“Augh. Just make sure it is safe, Wei Wuxian.”

“I promise. Thank you, Qing-jie.”

“Yes, thank you, Wen-guniang.”

Wen Qing pulled her lips into a thin line and nodded.

“I am a Wen but I am a healer. I do not wish to participate in a war as far as I could, I do not mean harm… but we are here now. I want you to succeed. I want my uncle, my cousins, and the elders to be removed from their place. What they have been doing… it is not right, it was never right."

“We’ll be here for you and your branch, Qing-jie, A-Ning.”

“Thank you.”

True to his words, three days later with Lan Xichen’s help, he was able to come up with a communication talisman. Both ends need to know how to use it or the message wouldn’t be understood. Wen Qionglin has also finished his map and Wei Wuxian complimented it.

They finalized their plans and how to have Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian leave without getting caught. Wen Qionglin provided a sword for Wei Wuxian to use until he gets Suibian again.

The night before they were scheduled to leave, Wei Wuxian and Lan Xichen decided to spend some time outside their hut, enjoying Dafan Mountain’s peace and the night sky.

“Are you scared, Zewujun?”

“Who wouldn’t be, A-Xian?”

“Ah, the great Zewujun has fears too.”

“I have a lot.”

“Me too.”

“The Jiangs…”

Wei Wuxian pursed his lips.

“They’ll surely blame me. Yu-furen especially.”

“It was not your fault. What did Gusu-Lan do against Wen Sect for them to come?”

“Right. I’ll repeatedly say that to myself.”

“If you don’t listen to me, think about Wen-guniang’s needles then.”

This made Wei Wuxian laugh. Even Wen Qing has instilled this in him.

“It was not your fault. Never was. You are just an easy victim to blame, Wei Wuxian. Wen Chao always gets people to listen and follow him with their heads bowed low so he hated everyone in the indoctrination. You are his easiest target since you have the weakest backup to your name. Don’t let them win. Don’t let their words win against you.”

“Is it wrong that I don’t hold lingering affection for them? Like… When I exited the gates, I did not look back. I did not… I did not feel anything,” he sighed. “At least, I saw Jiang-guniang as my sister, shijie as Jiang Cheng – Jiang-gongzi as my shidi. I am thankful to Jiang-shu – Jiang-zongzhu for taking me in but there are more days where I hoped that he did not do it, that I did not go with him at that time.”

“A-Xian.”

“Ah, Xichen-ge,” he chuckled. There were times he dropped the honorifics and called him familiarly. This always made Lan Xichen smile.

“You are entitled to your own emotions, your own feelings, A-Xian. What you went through is not easy, no one deserves that treatment. Gusu-Lan, for all our adherence to the rules, we never reached the point where –“ Lan Xichen pursed his lips and Wei Wuxian just smiled.

“I’d take your discipline paddle anytime compared to -- Ah, the cold spring was surely cold but it helped,” he replied. “But I’d prefer not to have any current pulling me into some cave where the spirit of an ancestor lives.”

Lan Xichen laughed hearing this. This might be the last time he could freely laugh before he returned to the ever graceful Zewujun.

“It must have truly surprised you. Listening to your account had me imagine it.”

“Oh, Zewujun! It was bad, okay?! It was colder there than your spring and then the white qin was attacking nonstop! They weren’t even attacking the rabbits, they only attacked me!”

“Ah, the rabbits.”

“You saw them? I took them out and left them there. I wanted to bring some but I figured that Lan Zhan could use some friends.”

This made Lan Xichen smile. He did not know how the rabbits emerged at the back hills but he saw his brother visit them several times before his quest for the Yin Iron.

Then his smile dropped when he recalled what Wei Wuxian just said.

“You took them out?”

“Yeah. I had to do it in groups since there were a lot of them.”

“You said the rabbits have ribbons?”

“Yes they do, but they didn’t have it when I returned. I think it vanished with Ancestor Lan Yi’s spirit.”

Lan Xichen’s brows furrowed. Why does he feel like he missed something?

“You just entered?”

“Yeah, on the same side where Lan Zhan and I exited.”

“Wei-gongzi.”

“Eh? Zewujun?”

Lan Xichen shook his head.

“Sorry, that slipped.”

“What’s wrong?” Wei Wuxian frowned.

“You said you used the same side where Wangji and you exited?”

“Yes.” He was confused now and Lan Xichen looked like he was in deep thoughts.

“You were alone?”

“Yes.”

“And yet you entered and exited? Without a problem? With the qin not attacking you anymore?”

"Yes. Should it have attacked even if Ancestor Lan Yi is not there anymore? Is there… something wrong, Zewujun?”

“Is there something you missed to tell me?”

“Eh? Missed?” Wei Wuxian tried to recall as well. He requested a ‘memory enhancer’ medicine from Sishu as he tried to memorize the herbs, medicines, and how to prepare them when they were teaching since “I’ll never know when I’ll need to use them.” He actually enjoyed the effect now. His lack of sleep in Lotus Pier had made his memory poor most of the time.

“The first time you went there, you said the qin was attacking you except for Wangji and the rabbits with ribbons?”

“Yes.”

“How did the attack stop?”

Wei Wuxian’s lips pursed.

“Did we not tell you?”

“Not that I remember. You said that Wangji used Bichen but you also used it to fly to the center aisle.”

“Yes. I asked for Lan Zhan’s ribbon since I noticed that the rabbits were using it so they were not attacked. Lan Zhan flew beside me and wrapped our wrists with his ribbon and then the attack stopped. Then Lan Zhan played and Ancestor Lan Yi came out so we bowed.” Wei Wuxian watched different emotions pass through Lan Xichen’s face.

“With the ribbon still there?” 

Wei Wuxian nodded.

“What is going on? Did I miss something, Zewujun? I am worried now.” Wei Wuxian shifted on his feet.

It took a few moments before Lan Xichen regained his composure and Wei Wuxian could notice a blush on his face.

“I’m sorry about that.”

“Zewujun… what…”

“I think… there is already a reason for you to join the Lan Sect and aid us in the war even without being our outer disciple,” there was mirth there and Wei Wuxian’s brows continued to furrow.

“Zewujun?”

“I just… need to talk to Wangji and Shufu about something very important and then I’ll tell you.”

Wei Wuxian frowned as he looked at him. For the months that he has spent with the First Jade, he thought that he had learned to read him already but this time, he cannot understand anything.

“Eh?”

And Lan Xichen was smiling… a smile that made Wei Wuxian feel that something was going to happen and he was not sure if he would like it.

“And A-Xian.”

“Xichen-ge?”

“Not once will I, Wangji, or any of Gusu-Lan will allow any of the Jiangs to touch or harm you in any way.”

“What?”

“Trust me.”

“I do… but you’re weird. Stop smiling!”

Yet Lan Xichen was still smiling and it was creeping him out.

The next day, they were both equipped and ready to leave. They bid goodbye and promised to return once everything was over. The kids started crying but with a promise of playing and a tour in ‘Xichen-gege’s home,’ once this was over, they were placated. They thanked them for everything. They double-checked the wards and Wei Wuxian added another one to be sure.

Wen Qionglin was with them. They were both wearing the black disciples’ robes they borrowed from Wen Qionglin’s disciples, Lan Xichen’s ribbon was hidden in his sleeve with Liebing while Shouyue was wrapped with black leather-like those of Wen Qionglin’s disciples.

“Stay safe, A-Ning.”

“You too, Wei-gongzi, Zewujun.”

“See you and then we'll hunt pheasants, I'll teach you, promise!”

And the two were off the moment they were a safe distance from Dafan.

“We stick to the plan?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“Stick to the plan, yes,” Lan Xichen nodded.

They flew past trees and camps but no one really noticed them. They did not practice around Dafan Mountain for nothing.

Nie Mingjue was running and he shouldn’t be yet he was. He was running and from the corner of his eyes, he saw Lan Wangji coming out from the training grounds, eyes misty as he looked at him.

“Let’s go,” Nie Mingjue said. Lan Wangji is a Lan, he should not run but he was doing it now.

The message they received was simple.

Two cultivators were approaching their camp on Heijan, both wearing Qishan-Wen black robes but the sword glare of one of them was bluish-white. One of the Lan clan members on the lookout that “It almost looked like Zewujun’s sword glare.” It was said in almost a careless way yet it still made Lan Wangji run because he’ll take any news about his xiongzhang.

“Da-ge!” Nie Huaisang was running behind them because his younger brother insisted on joining him here.

“Huaisang it is not safe-“

“But it could be-“

“Still-“

“I’m still coming!”

They reached the wards of their camp in Heijan and they waited, anticipation coiling in their gut. Soon enough, a few Nie cultivators emerged from the trees and have their sabers out and pointed on two men in Qishan-Wens’ disciple cloaks with silver masks on their faces. With his cultivators there, Nie Mingjue does not need to reach for Baxia or for Lan Wangji to reach for Bichen though it was obvious that they both covered Huaisang behind them.

There was no killing intent either.

“Stop,” Nie Mingjue instructed. The two stopped and the Nie cultivators moved forward too.

“Chifengzun, they said that they came bearing news.”

“Wen messengers? In Heijan?” Nie Mingjue raised a brow. Where was Lan Xichen that they said then? Or who was that with powerful, bluish-white sword glare?

“Yes, Chifengzun. We came with some news. Three actually but we only brought two,” the voice – Nie Huaisang dropped his fan and a strangled sound came out of Lan Wangji’s throat.

“Who-“

The two had suspiciously huge boxes in their arms. They both made the cover face the little crowd and put it on the floor. The movement made the cover open and the content of each box rolled out.

Huiasang’s loud gasp was heard but Nie Mingjue could not help but gape.

When the two cultivators moved, the Nie cultivators moved as well but the two were quick and had the cloaks they were wearing as well as the silver masks immediately removed.

“Is this enough for us to join the campaign, Mingjue-xiong?”

Right there, standing in front of them were smiling Wei Wuxian and Lan Xichen and just a few feet away from them were the heads of Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu filled with talismans.

Things happened fast. One moment, Nie Huaisang was still behind him but next thing he knew, he was out of the wards and was in Wei Wuxian’s embrace that it even caused the man to stumble backward but his laughter – it sounded so real and Nie Huaisang’s wail of “Wei-xiong!” was too loud that people inside the camp could even hear it.

One moment, Lan Wangji was still standing beside him but the next thing he knew, the Second Jade had taken huge strides and was now engulfed in the embrace of his older brother. Lans do not show physical affection but who would chastise them for breaking such useless rules when they have not met each other for nearly a year? Without any news? Without knowing if the other is alive, safe? A soft sob was even heard.

Nie Mingjue stood rooted on the spot.

Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian made their report.

They were saved by the same group of people that they wouldn’t want to name yet. Lan Xichen was saved after falling from his sword, Wei Wuxian was saved after losing consciousness on the road.

“If things go haywire and we’ll need to help them, we ask for your support.”

They did not pry.

They said that it took months for them to recover. Wei Wuxian explained that his death had to be faked so Wen Chao would stop looking for him. “It is not my fault that he was too stupid to check that body further.” Wei Wuxian also said that he burned his red ribbon that Wen Chao was flaunting as a prize. It made Lan Wangji shut his eyes while taking a deep breath. 

“Why did you lose consciousness on the road, Wei-xiong?” Huaisang hasn’t left his best friend’s side yet.

“Ah well,” he scratched his nape as he glanced at Lan Xichen. The First Jade smiled and nodded.

“You know how one cannot defect without a fight?”

Silence enveloped the room.

“O… okay. Okay. But you’re fine now?”

“I am.”

“Good. Good,” but Nie Huaisang was still gripping his fan.

“And Xichen?” Nie Mingjue turned to him.

“I stayed behind to wait for Wei-gongzi to recover. It was… a heinous process but he got well,” the tone of his voice said it all but Wei Wuxian just chuckled.

“I was knocked out most of it so I didn’t know.”

Lan Wangji’s eyes were glued to him but he has yet to say a word.

“Fortunately,” he finally muttered and locked eyes with Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian could feel his cheeks burn as he recalled what Lan Xichen said and so he reminded himself...

'Lan Zhan does not hate or just tolerates me. Everyone is wrong.'

Then they told them that when Wei Wuxian received a go signal to leave, they made a plan. They went to Lotus Pier. Lan Xichen played one of Gusu-Lan’s secret pieces and it rendered all the disciples asleep and would not wake unless triggered by another Gusu piece.

Wei Wuxian fought those cultivators whose cultivation was higher and wasn’t easily affected. Wang Lingjiao tried to send a signal flare, Wei Wuxian’s knife was faster than she was, she died with a knife pierced on her heart.

Wen Chao wailed for Wen Zhuliu. Lan Xichen fought him off with Wei Wuxian’s assistance. They already practiced it a lot of times. They cannot let Wen Rouhan's dangerous general stay alive. 

Severe both hands first - this was the plan.

Shouyue has never been thirsty for blood but at that time, it was singing with Lan Xichen’s grit. Wen Zhuliu was paralyzed by Wei Wuxian’s talisman after finally getting an opportunity to put it on him. Lan Xichen moved fast. Right hand first, left hand next, then the head came off when he tried to still launch an attack in his state. Lan Xichen did not regret it.

Wei Wuxian faced Wen Chao. He did not need any more words aside from what he said in the cave.

“For failing to follow your Quintessence and for disrespecting your great- great- great founder. For bullying the weak, I now sentence you your long-awaited death!”

And using Wen Zhuliu’s sword that he picked up, he cut Wen Chao’s head while he was screaming and wailing his heart out.

They tied all the passed-out disciples inside the Sword’s Hall and locked it with Wei Wuxian’s talisman. No one could open it except for Wei Wuxian and no one could untie them except for either Wei Wuxian or Lan Xichen’s spiritual energy. Wei Wuxian's eyes lingered on some areas of Lotus Pier that were burned, he remembered memories he had there as he grew up and he hated… he hated how most of those memories were accompanied by pain, hidden tears, and pity.

When they left, he did not look back.

They had to rest for a day to recover Lan Xichen’s energy as he used a lot with the song he played. It required a lot that even someone as powerful as Zewujun needed to recuperate though of course, they had medicines from Dafan-Wens to aid them.

“That was dangerous!” Nie Huaisang pouted.

“Aiyah, Nie-xiong. Don’t you have trust in us?”

“Of course I do! But – but what if-“

“We’re here now, A-Sang,” Lan Xichen offered him a smile and he just sighed in defeat.

“Right! Wait! You’re both fine, right? Do I need to call the healers?” He stood up but Wei Wuxian laughed and pushed him to sit.

“But food would surely be appreciated,” Wei Wuxian said and Lan Xichen also chuckled.

“Ah, we both had you report without asking. My apologies,” Nie Mingjue said but Lan Xichen just shook his head.

“Wei-gongzi and I have been away for months and we know how hard it must be for everyone in the campaign. We figured that to make up for the lost time, why not bring something we surely need and could boost morale,” Lan Xichen replied. The boxes with the heads of Wen Zhuliu and Wen Chao together with their swords were kept since Huaisang almost vomited seeing it as if Wen Xu’s severed head wasn’t displayed in the Unclean Realm.

“I can prepare a room for the two of you and maybe bath too. Then you two could change because I swear, those robes –“ Nie Huaisang pointed at them and Wei Wuxian just laughed.

“I understand- understand. I don’t have…” Wei Wuxian pursed his lips. Lan Xichen still has his Gusu-Lan robes while his belongings were thrown with the dead body because Wen Qing had to make a perfect picture of his death. He felt shy bringing any of the robes the Wens let him borrow and he even washed them himself before returning them.

“Of course, I can get you one or more, Wei-xiong! What do you take me for?!” Nie Huaisang acted hurt but it only made Wei Wuxian laugh.

“This is why I missed you, Nie-xiong!”

“I still do not forgive you for making me grieve for months. I burned paper money for you!” he accusingly pointed his fan at him.

“Aiyah! Seems like it will take time then.”

“Work hard for it!”

“I will, Nie-er-gongzi,” he replied while laughing.

Nie Huaisang was a lost kid when they visited Lotus Pier for a discussion conference. Wei Wuxian found him crying under a tree saying he was lost and did not know where to go. Wei Wuxian laughed and asked him to play with him and so they did. They ran around, he taught him how to pick Lotus Pods and ate them. Little Nie Huaisang showed him his paintings and Wei Wuxian shyly showed him a few papers with his drawing that received awe from the younger Nie. They also enjoyed reading poetry.

Since then, Nie Huaisang insisted on coming to Lotus Pier if the discussion conference was held there and at the same time, Wei Wuxian would work hard for a good result so he could request Jiang Fengmian to bring him to Unclean Realm. The friendship between them made a good trade between Qinghe-Nie and Yunmeng-Jiang so, despite Madam Yu’s anger, she had no choice. Jiang Wanyin would often scowl and get mad for being left out so they would include him too but he and Nie Huaisang had a few disagreements (arguments) especially when the other chastised the younger Nie for not training with his saber.

They were then excused by Nie Mingjue to bathe and be back when dinner was ready.

Lan Wangji led his brother out but Lan Xichen kept on glancing at him.

“Do you have anything to say to Wei-gongzi?” Lan Xichen asked calmly as he noticed how his brother kept on stealing glances at Wei Wuxian.

“Mn,” Wangji replied and stopped to turn to Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang who were talking as they left the room.

“Oh, yes Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian inquired. He immediately noticed the tint of pink on Lan Wangji’s ears and he cannot help but recall what Lan Xichen said. On times that they didn’t have anything to do or think of, which was usually at night before Lan Xichen’s sleeping schedule remind them that it was nine, they would talk about their most common denominator – Lan Zhan courtesy name Lan Wangji. It was not talking behind his back, Wei Wuxian insisted and Lan Xichen agreed.

Lan Wangji did not say anything and just opened his palm and slowly, Suibian materialized. It made Wei Wuxian gasp.

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian covered his mouth as his eyes glistened with tears. Lan Wangji handed it to him.

“Kept it… for Wei Ying when he returns,” the last part was almost a whisper but the three obviously heard it.

“When… When I return?”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji did not offer any more explanation but the three did not need to ask. 

Lan Wangji did not want to believe that Wei Wuxian died and so he looked for him as he looked for his brother, Suibian safely tucked in his sleeves.

Wei Wuxian received it with trembling hands and he unconsciously hugged it.

“Oh… oh, I missed you!” His tears fell as he unsheathed it and felt his spiritual energy singing with it.

“Thank you, Lan Zhan! Thank you!” He wanted to hug him but he chose not to. Lan Xichen said that Lan Wangji became skittish and shied away from touch after their mother’s death. They did not dwell on the topic of Madam Lan though but Wei Wuxian understood.

“Mn.”

They went in separate directions as Lans had their quarters on the left side while Nie Huaisang brought Wei Wuxian to his room at the right-wing.

Lan Xichen wanted to talk to his brother in private but it seems like it will have to wait. He needed to send a message to Gusu where their uncle, Sect Leader Lan Qiren was currently holding the front and of course, he would need to face their disciples who must be shaken. The promise of a bath was also very inviting and of course, he cannot wait to remove the Qishan-Wen robes and properly wear his forehead ribbon again.

They gathered in the dining hall to eat dinner and Wei Wuxian never knew he missed meat as much as he did now. The Dafan-Wens rarely served meat unless they could hunt them. As guests, Wei Wuxian and Lan Xichen ate whatever was served. They were heartily prepared by Wen-Popo after all.

Lan Xichen was now on his Gusu-Lan robes, blue and silver with his sect heir headpiece.

“I… I always carried it around in case – in case I find xiongzhang.”

He spent half an hour having his brother in his embrace like they were kids again, like when they finally told A-Zhan that no matter how long he waited, the door would never open because mother was not inside anymore. A-Zhan cried and clutched his robes. Xichen – A-Huan hugged him tightly and promised that he would never leave him. A-Zhan repeatedly asked then:

“Huan-ge won’t leave?”

“No, A-Zhan. Huan-ge will never leave, I promise.”

His little brother must have thought that he broke the promise, or he must have held onto that promise that is why he kept on looking for him. Wangji did not say anything though he shed a few tears in that embrace too.

Wei Wuxian on the other hand is wearing the ‘simplest’ robes that Nie Huaisang has.

“I refuse you to wear black and red, it reminds me of things.”

Wei Wuxian did not ask, he knew why. Nie Huaisang has seen him getting whipped after all. For everyone, the Ancestral Hall was a place they did not wish to go to when Yu Ziyuan was giving punishments but Nie Huaisang sneaked in and through the window, he saw how Wei Wuxian was punished for ‘slacking off’ while everyone was busy with the conference. Truth is, Wei Wuxian was just resting for a few minutes after running errands nonstop – errands that someone like the head disciple shouldn’t be doing anyway. 

The red ribbon also made Nie Huaisang shiver, saying he would associate it with Wen Chao's stupidity.

“No purples. Nope.”

Of course, they both knew why, so Wei Wuxian just laughed.

In the end, he gave him a dark blue one with one-inch yellow lapels and sleeves but Wei Wuxian tucked it with white arm guards that was the only color available for Nie Huaisang. It was subtly designed with plum blossoms on its shoulders, chest, and the ends of the skirts using white thread. Wei Wuxian had to stare at himself for some time while Nie Huaisang was doing his hair before he approved his own look. Instead of using a ribbon, he braided strands of his hair and wrapped it around the half ponytail he raised and secured it with hairpins. Nie Huaisang was proud of his work.

Lan Wangji staring at Wei Wuxian when they entered was a total bonus.

They were eating silently in respect to Gusu-Lan’s practice and Wei Wuxian was too hungry to speak when they heard the commotion outside. Everyone was quick to grab their swords and Wei Wuxian pulled Nie Huaisang to his back.

“What-“

“Chifengzun-“

“WHERE IS HE?!”

Wei Wuxian stiffened when he heard that voice. The familiar crackling of Zidian followed even if he knew that the owner of the voice can no longer wield it according to the news that reached him.

Nie Zonghui who arrived first was pushed to the side when two figures entered, both in purple.

“Yu-furen, Jiang-gongzi,” Nie Mingjue addressed them and then his eyes looked at Wei Wuxian. He could see how his brother was trying to exchange their position to make him stand in front of his friend but of course, Wei Wuxian was stubbornly holding him down.

“Chifengzun, the butterfly message has, of course, reached us and we flew as fast as we could,” Yu Ziyuan said, voice full of venom, eyes glaring daggers.

It has only been half a day since Nie Mingjue sent butterfly messages to the camps about how Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian were back and with them were the heads and swords of Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu. He also included how they warded Lotus Pier so the Wens wouldn’t be able to take it back.

For these two to reach Heijan from Langya where the Jiangs were staying with the Jins…

“How dare you show yourself here?!” Yu Ziyuan may be coreless but she could easily intimidate everyone, her aura still demanded respect and fear. She does not wield any spiritual tools but Meishan-Yu was known for having concealed weapons to defend themselves with no need of spiritual energy.

Wei Wuxian stood straight, head held high as he looked at her.

“I am here because I could, Yu-furen,” he nodded his head to acknowledge them. “Jiang-gongzi,” he also addressed Jiang Wanyin who stood frozen beside his mother, eyes glued on Wei Wuxian.

“It was all your fault! YOU SON OF A-“

Yu Ziyuan already took a step to launch herself to Wei Wuxian when an unknown force pushed her back, making her fall back to Jiang Wanyin’s arms.

Lan Xichen has his knuckles gripped after he used the simple trick of using the water on his cup, a small finger trick, and a little spiritual energy to push her back.

“YU-FUREN!” Nie Mingjue’s voice echoed around the dining hall. It was just the four of them eating late dinner but it had surely caught the attention of people.

“WEI WUXIAN!” This time, it was Jiang Wanyin who snapped after seeing what happened to his mother. “HOW DARE YOU?!” Zidian crackled and just as he unleashed it and Wei Wuxian has pushed Nie Huaisang to Nie Mingjue’s side, he raised his hand with Suibian to block it but it never came.

Zidian retracted and everyone saw the blue sword glare that stopped it from coming. Bichen was already unsheathed.

Jiang Wanyin scowled deeper and Yu Ziyuan’s face was filled with anger.

“WHAT IS GOING HERE?!” Yu Ziyuan glared at everyone in the room. Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen have not reached out for their tools yet but it was obvious that they could do it in a blink of an eye. Nie Huaisang was glaring at them.

“Perhaps, Yu-furen and Jiang-gongzi could explain their presence tonight,” Nie Mingjue said, voice loud. They could hear people gathering outside. This was surely creating a scene.

“We heard that this urchin arrived and so we came to make him pay!”

“Make him pay?” Lan Xichen inquired though he was already seething inside. His eyes were also glancing at Wangji, no one could truly guess his next move with Bichen if the Jiangs continue this.

“Because of you!” She tried to move again but this time, Wei Wuxian’s hand was already on the hilt of Suibian.

“Ah, so you are really showing your true colors.”

“True colors?” Wei Wuxian repeated.

“We took you in, educated you, dressed you, and this?! This is what we get from you?! The downfall of our sect?! If it wasn’t because of you-“

“Yu-furen-“

“And now you want to use your weapon against me?! YOU UNGRATEFUL CHILD!”

And Wei Wuxian scoffed, eyes narrowing at the woman whom he once held high respects to… because it was required.

“I am forever thankful for what Yunmeng-Jiang has done and gave me. If you talk about me, belittle me, call me names… I cannot say anything? I cannot fight back? If you punish me unjustly and just hurt me for no reason, should I just accept it? Isn’t that unfair, Yu-furen? You get to do anything to me but when I want to protect myself like what I am trying to do now, I am being accused of showing my true colors, being ungrateful?”

His words had so much emotions in them, they were said with emphasis too.

“You – you –“ Yu Ziyuan was too furious to form a sentence. She was shaking, she was angry and if she had a golden core, they would surely feel her killing intent. If looks could kill, she could have murdered Wei Wuxian on the spot.

“Wei Wuxian! What are you doing?! Have you gone mad?!” Jiang Wanyin woke Zidian once more. “If it wasn’t because of you trying to be a hero! If you could have just held back! Wen Chao wouldn’t – he wouldn’t – THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!” he tried to unleash Zidian once more but it seemed like he has used up too much spiritual energy that it just retracted before he could raise it. The mother and son momentarily looked embarrassed but immediately recovered by glaring at Wei Wuxian.

“If Wei-gongzi did not stand against Wen Chao inside the cave, everyone could have died,” Nie Huaisang finally spoke.

“What do you know? You fainted and were sent home!” Jiang Wanyin snapped at him and Baxia immediately rattled.

“Jiang-gongzi, I am warning you,” Nie Mingjue said in gritted teeth.

“I have heard the full account of what happened –“

“From this bastard?! Of course, he’ll sugarcoat-“

“Jiang Wanyin!” Wei Wuxian raised his voice when he noticed him moving forward.

“What? You think you did the right thing for saving them? For saving Lan Wangji and Jin Zixuan?! We lost our home, Wei Wuxian! The shidis, the shimeis, they all died!”

“And if you think that killing Wen Chao and taking back Lotus Pier will make us bow down to you-“

“You lost your home, Jiang Wanyin. It was never mine,” Wei Wuxian corrected, resentment curling inside his heart but he tried his best to level his head.

“I do not regret saving Lan Zhan or that Peacock. I saved you too, remember?” Jiang Wanyin turned red.

“You-“

“I cared for the shidis and shimeis I once had. For the servants, the gardeners, the healers that once accepted me as their own. I cared for them so I also wanted to avenge them. I do not need you to bow to me, I will never ask for it,” he clicked his tongue.

“I killed Wen Chao and his lackeys to complete what I wanted to do inside the cave. Perhaps, it was also for the people of Lotus Pier that accepted me, or maybe… it was to fully pay my debt for living there for years,” he looked at mother and son in the eyes. “But it was never for you so do not worry.”

“WEI WUXIAN!”

No one noticed him move but one moment, Lan Wangji was still beside his brother but the next thing they knew, he was in front of Jiang Wanyin, Bichen blocking Sandu.

He did not say anything but he leveled his glare with Jiang Wanyin’s glare.

“Lan Wangji! Do not interfere! None of you should interfere! This is Yunmeng-Jiang's --“

“Ah, apologies for interrupting you, Jiang-gongzi,” Lan Xichen spoke. “But as far as everyone knows, an official announcement was made, Wei-gongzi is no longer part of Yunmeng-Jiang. The ties were cut, he defected,” his eyes narrowed at Yu Ziyuan and then to Zidian that was on Jiang Wanyin’s wrist. He could still remember Wei Wuxian’s bandaged hand and he could imagine how Wei Wuxian caught the lightning whip.

“Then the more that we need to deal with him. He left and everything happened because of him! This is something that you shouldn’t interfere with, Lan Xichen,” Yu Ziyuan replied and Lan Xichen had to stop himself from clicking his tongue, it was not proper after all.

“But whatever matter you have with Wei-gongzi concerns us too, especially that he does not have any family members to stand for him anymore,” he replied, voice calm and eloquent.

“And why is that?” Yu Ziyuan raised her brow, not wanting to believe that someone would want to stand for this useless-

“Ah, we haven’t announced it yet but it seems like it must be said here,” he even sounded sorry that even the Nie brothers were confused.

“Xichen?”

“Wei-gongzi is betrothed to my brother, Wangji. The engagement happened in front of our ancestor, Lan Yi, and so it is a blessed betrothal.”

A pin drop of silence was heard and Lan Xichen did not even blink. He said it confidently. Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened, his jaw dropped. Jiang Wanyin turned to Lan Wangji who was still glaring at him, he did not look a bit affected by what his brother said. Jiang Wanyin pushed him back and ended the cross sword.

“What the fuck?! What did you say?!” he turned to the First Jade.

“My brother is betrothed with Wei-gongzi. Anything that concerns him concerns Gusu-Lan as well. Since the blessed engagement happened, Wei-gongzi has been part of us. We wanted a better way to announce it but it seems like it had to be said now,” he looked at his brother. “I’m sorry Wangji.” Lan Xichen does not just let Nie Huaisang talk while he listened to the dramas he read and allowed him do all his theatrics without picking a thing or two.

“Mn.” Was the only response from Wangji but the tip of his ears were already starting to turn red. Lan Xichen wanted to talk to him about this first but he had to do this. He could see the surprise on Wei Wuxian’s face but he was thankful that he does not speak. Lan Xichen did not spare the Nies a glance and instead, he leveled his look to Jiang Wanyin and Yu Ziyuan.

“So, can we actually talk about this calmly instead of using swords and other spiritual tools? Instead of shouting and using frivolous and disrespectful words? Can we talk like the respected cultivators that we are?”

Lan Xichen would have to punish himself later. His uncle wouldn’t approve of his choice of words or the way he handled the situation, but he does not care. Lan Xichen was still hungry and he was having a good time for finally coming back after almost a year of hiding. No one, especially these two Jiangs, could ruin it.

His eyes met Wei Wuxian. Later. He wanted to say but Wei Wuxian just blinked. Ah, this only works with Wangji after all.

“We are not done here, Wei Wuxian.”

Wei Wuxian’s mind was in chaos. One moment he was eating dinner peacefully, next moment the Jiangs arrived and tried attacking him both with words and actions but he barely did anything as he got four people defending him (and Wei Wuxian felt weird. No one defends him against Yu Ziyuan, no one!) And then the next thing he knew, HE WAS BETROTHED?! TO LAN WANGJI OF ALL PEOPLE?!

And now, the entire Heijan camp knew and of course, soon enough, it would spread like fire.

Wei Wuxian’s mind was in chaos.

“Wei Ying.”

He flinched when he heard the voice and then he turned around immediately. Lan Wangji was standing there in his full glory, looking… repentant? Wei Wuxian frowned.

“Lan Zhan! What’s wrong?” he wanted to reach out but he stood rooted instead.

The dinner ended like that. The Jiangs left the camp, no one knsa if they went back to Langya though Jiang Wanyin surely needed to recuperate his energy. Lan Xichen pulled out Lan Wangji for a much-needed conversation. Nie Huaisang offered his company but Wei Wuxian wanted to be alone so he agreed and accompanied his brother instead. Nie Mingjue was obviously angry and Wei Wuxian was impressed with how he held back especially when Jiang Wanyin talked that way to Nie Huaisang.

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji repeated.

“Lan Zhan,” finally, he moved a step forward. Lan Wangji looked down.

“What’s wrong?”

“I am sorry.”

“Sorry? For what?” his brows furrowed. Lan Wangji slowly looked up to meet his eyes, they were misty and Wei Wuxian did not like it.

“Lan Zhan, tell me. What is it?”

“I did not intend for Wei Ying to know.”

“You did not what?”

“The… the engagement. The meaning behind what I did… I did not…”

“Ah,” Wei Wuxian bit his lower lip.

“Now that I think about it, I copied your rules a lot of times that my fingers could have fallen off yet I did not even think of that,” he chuckled, it came out dry. He pouted.

“Lan Zhan.”

“Xiongzhang talked to me.”

“Oh?”

“He told me that you told him the details I purposely missed.”

“Ah… that,” he scratched his nape. “I didn’t know. I’m sorry Lan Zhan… I –“

“No. Wei Ying should not be sorry. It was… it was my fault.”

“Was it a mistake?”

Lan Wangji’s brows furrowed slightly. He was confused and Wei Wuxian liked how he understood that expression.

“You said it was your fault but you did not call it your mistake. Semantics.”

“Wei Ying.”

“Was it a mistake?”

“No. It was not.”

“You did it on purpose.”

“It was not my intention.”

“To be engaged with me in front of your ancestor?”

“To be engaged with you without knowing that my ancestor was there to witness.”

“And the rabbits.”

“And the rabbits.” 

Wei Wuxian laughed.

“So you just wanted to get engaged with me but without anyone seeing it?”

“Wei Ying.” He sounded defeated and cute that Wei Wuxian wanted to coo. Lan Wangji was frustrated with himself and he felt bad for making him feel that way.

“Why did you do it, Lan Zhan?”

Lan Wangji swallowed hard and then looked down. Wei Wuxian could clearly see how red his ears were and he could imagine how hot it must feel. His own cheeks were not doing any better either.

“Like Wei Ying,” it was almost a whisper. If Wei Wuxian was a lesser man, he wouldn’t have heard it but no, Wei Wuxian was not a lesser man so he heard it loud and clear but of course, he was not a nuisance for nothing.

“What? What did you say?”

Lan Wangji swallowed hard. He was obviously defeated.

“Like Wei Ying. Has always liked… love Wei Ying,” the last part was almost a whisper again but Wei Wuxian gaped.

“You love me, Lan Zhan? Since when?” He does not even know why he was asking that but if it was even possible, Lan Wangji’s ears turned a darker shade of red.

“I don’t know,” he admitted.

“Oh.”

“Like Wei Ying since…”

“Since?”

“Rooftop.”

“Roofto—THAT ROOFTOP?!” His face must be too comical right now and Lan Wangji could only look down again.

“Mn.”

“Wha- but – you hated-“

“Never hated, Wei Ying.” Wei Wuxian slapped his forehead at that.

“Ah, right-right. Xichen-ge said that.”

“Xiongzhang said… what?”

“Huh? Ah, he said you don’t hate or just tolerate me when I insisted that you do.”

He saw him grit his teeth and it was truly adorable, he wanted to coo.

“So you liked me since then but you never said anything? You even acted indifferent, Lan Zhan! If you don’t tell me, I’ll never know!”

“Wangji feels greatly.”

“Zewujun?”

“Have you heard of the phrase, repressed Lans?”

“Zewujun!” he sounded like he was chastising him but Lan Xichen just laughed and this time, he did not cover his lips.

“They said we control our emotions all the time so we are always repressed.”

“Gossip is forbidden.”

“Yet even our clan members know that.”

“Ah, Zewujun.”

“Wangji’s life revolved around Cloud Recesses, his duties, his cultivation, night hunts, and then his studies. Having someone barrel in his life and changing the order like you did-“

“Zewujun!” he knows he is blushing and he does not even know why.

“Wangji wouldn’t know how to deal with it. He talks to me often.”

“You’re the only one he talks to, freely.”

“I am his xiongzhang.”

“Of course, you are,” he chuckled.

“But there are things I cannot truly teach Wangji. There are things he must realize and come to terms with.”

“What are you trying to say, Zewujun?”

“I am saying that my brother does not hate you or tolerate you, Wei-gongzi. You’re someone who has made a great impact in his life and he does not know how to deal with it.”

“Zewujun…”

“So please do not think of that.”

He pulled his lips into a thin line. If it is Lan Xichen who is saying this, someone who does not lie according to his sect principles, who is Wei Wuxian not to listen?

“Okay. Okay, Zewujun.”

The memory crossed his mind and he did not need Lan Wangji to answer but he spoke anyway.

“I… it was – it was new. I – I did not know how, I did not know how to deal with it or – or even know what was it.”

“So you acted that way?”

“I am sorry.”

“Oh, stop apologizing, Lan Zhan!” He unconsciously reached out to hold his wrist. They both froze on the spot but before he could retract his hand, he found the courage to hold on.

“I can do this now, right? We’re betrothed after all,” he playfully said but Lan Wangji looked like he was going to cry.

“Why? You don’t like me anymore?” he pouted but Lan Wangji immediately shook his head.

“Does Wei Ying want to honor the betrothal even if he did not know?”

“Do you want me to honor it, Lan Zhan?”

“Wei Ying decides on his own. I cannot-“

“You did not ask me yet.”

“Ask you?”

“Yeah. Ask me.”

Lan Wangji’s lips pursed, it was almost a pout and so Wei Wuxian would call it a pout.

“Will –“ he swallowed and has Wei Wuxian said it was adorable and he wanted to coo?

“Will Wei Ying marry me?"

Wei Wuxian did not say anything as he blinked. He pulled his lips into a thin line and Lan Wangji looked down, resigned. Wei Wuxian immediately dropped the act and held both of his wrists.

“I did not know when it started too,” he said carefully as if he was talking to a little shidi or shimei who needed to understand what he was trying to say.

“You were just – you were just amazing you know?” he chuckled. “We fought, we talked, well, I talked and you listen or maybe you don’t. You supervised my punishments and even if I never liked copying your rules, I looked forward to those times, you know? Aside from it being the easiest punishment I have received in my life, I liked it there. Spending time with you, admiring that serious Lan who practices his calligraphy or is reading with his back straight.”

Lan Wangji’s blush has now reached his cheeks. Has Wei Wuxian said he wanted to poke that? Well now he did and his fingers were itching to do it but he got a confession to make.

“I did not know when it started, Lan Zhan but I never had someone I wanted to spend my time with doing anything or doing nothing… well, except Nie Huaisang and he is my best friend so that’s a different category,” he chuckled.

“I liked riling you up until you call me boring! Ridiculous! Shameless!” he even copied the way he said it and the pout on Lan Wangji’s face became more prominent that Wei Wuxian almost wanted to ki-

“So really, I did not know when it started.”

“Wei Ying.”

“I did not know when it started… when I suddenly wanted to spend time with you and only you. When I suddenly imagined what is it like waking up at five in the morning just to see your morning face? What is it like sleeping at nine in the evening to see you before you close your eyes to sleep? What is it like spending or sneaking time with you in the middle of the day while you do your sect duties? How about going on night hunts with you for the rest of my life?” he chuckled though he felt Lan Wangji stiffened.

“Really, it’s funny,” he stared into his eyes. “And now if you ask me if I want to marry you after I enumerated all those things I wanted in my life…” he scrunched his nose.

“I guess… yes is the only answer, isn’t it?”

“Wei Ying,” it sounded so hopeful that Wei Wuxian just wanted to pull him in his embrace and maybe melt into his but they have to take this a step at a time. After all, they already went ahead with the betrothal.

Braving himself even more, he reached out to cup his jaw, his thumb softly caressing Lan Wangji’s cheek and his heart melted when he felt him lean to his touch.

“This whole blessed betrothal thing just made me realize things faster you know,” he beamed.

“Wei Ying,” Wangji held his hand that was on his cheek.

“Yes Lan Zhan, I would very much love to marry you.”

A hug. A kiss. An exchange of I love yous. Maybe more. No one really saw and no one really heard it aside from them so no one could claim it happened… except for the two of them but guess what? It was their own story to tell.

The betrothal of Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian became a talk of the camps on top of how Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian came back, about how they killed the Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu and took back Lotus Pier.

Of course, the story that came out went on various degrees of facts and exaggeration.

“Wei Wuxian, even after severing ties with the Yunmeng-Jiang sect still took revenge for them! How filial!”

"He took back Lotus Pier! He and Zewujun! Just the two of them!"

“Did you hear? Yu-furen whipped him hard on the day he defected from them!”

“Aiyah! Did you know that he fainted from all those injuries and infections that is why we did not hear from him for months to the point that he was assumed dead?”

“Oh! Have you heard?! Yu Ziyuand and Jiang Wanyin stormed into Heijan and shouted at Wei Wuxian! They blamed him for what happened to Lotus Pier!”

“Was it not his fault though?”

“The Wens would come if they wanted to come! It was not his fault that he saved those young masters and disciples!”

“Right-right! Those people should be thankful to him and Hanguangjun. Without them, they couldn’t have left the cave safely!”

“Well, didn’t Jiang Wanyin find the exit?”

“And whose idea was it to look for the exit and assign him since he’s from Yunmeng-Jiang?”

“They are calling him ungrateful! How dare they? After their treatment towards him?!”

“Treatment?! Tell me more!”

“Aiyah! You’re so late! He was the son of Wei Changze, the head disciple of Yunmeng-Jiang before he defected and married Cangse Sanren.”

“The disciple of Baoshan Sanren?”

“Exactly! They treated him indifferently after Jiang Fengmian brought him in. I heard he lived in the streets for years.”

“Oh, poor boy.”

“I know! And Yu Ziyuan did not allow him to forget his place. A servant, never an equal to his children.”

“But… isn’t Wei Wuxian better than Jiang Wanyin? He ranked fourth, Jiang Wanyin was fifth.”

“Exactly! And don’t get me started about Jiang Yanli!”

“Right-right! Wei Wuxian was loyal to them, treated them like his true siblings but look at what happened.”

“Well, it is only right for him to leave the Jiangs. They’re down to nothing anyway. The reinstatement of Jiang Yanli’s engagement to Jin Zixuan is their only saving grace.”

“That’s karma if you ask me.”

“Exactly!”

When the news reached Lan Qiren, the Twin Jades flew to Gusu to talk. Lan Wangji returned with a jade comb as his gift to Wei Wuxian. Nie Huaisang was snickering while he watched the exchange. In front of Nie Mingjue, Lan Xichen, and Nie Huaisang as their witnesses, Lan Wangji tied his ribbon to Wei Wuxian’s wrist to signify their betrothal and he wore a new one on his forehead. Wei Wuxian was beaming the whole time.

After establishing a group, Nie Mingjue assigned Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji to lead a camp in Jiangling to push back the Wens to Qishan. The two worked flawlessly with each other and they have the smaller sects listen to their shared leadership too. 

At first, Wei Wuxian declined, wanting Lan Wangji to lead because he has seen how two leaders worked before. Of course, he doubted that he and Lan Wangji would end up that way but it was better to be safe than sorry. Lan Wangji did not agree with this. 

"You are my betrothed and my equal. We lead the group together or we do not."

And so he gave in.

Dongliang – a person able to bear a heavy responsibility. People use this to describe Wei Wuxian and he would just smile at them. He has been bearing heavy responsibilities since he was young. He does not know how to deal with how people were taking notice of it now.

Guangyuanjun – the light source. If Lan Wangji -- Hanguangjun was the light bearer, then Wei Wuxian was the source of that light. Common people started saying this when they witnessed how the two were. It has been used repeatedly since then.

They were together wherever they go, a match made in heaven, a blessed pair. Lan Wangji would swing his sword and strum his qin to whatever danger that came to Wei Wuxian’s way while he eliminated every enemy that came their way. The blue and the red sword glare would make every Wen camp shake with fear, their ends have come and they could not escape.

Wei Wuxian did not expect such a title to be bestowed on him. A lot of people have never stopped reminding him of who he sas, what his status was, and that he does not deserve other titles aside from a young master… especially the Jiangs. Yet now that he was out of their grasps, Wei Wuxian experienced things he never knew he would. He would sometimes wonder if what could have happened if he left the Jiangs a lot earlier than he did.

The Jins were holding their camp in Langya with the Jiangs as they could not stand on their own just yet. With a sect leader unable to fight due to a half-damaged core, a lady without a core, only Jiang Wanyin was leading the fight for the Jiangs alongside Jin Zixuan.

The Lans, headed by Lan Qiren was holding the Gusu front. The elders were relentless, years of knowledge have been burned and so they would not allow those Wens to continue. They thought they lost their Sect Heir, they thought they sent their Second Jade to the Lion’s den with his leg broken. They showed their wrath in the most Gusu-Lan way.

The Nies, headed by Nie Mingjue – Chifengzun headed Heijan. He was the commander-in-chief of the war. He sent Nie Huaisang to hold the Unclean Realm. “I know you do not want to hide and this is not hiding. You will hold the Unclean Realm until we return. Take all refugees and injured you can take. Look after our home.” And Nie Huaisang bore that heavy responsibility with his shoulders squared.

The Jiangling front was a camp established in the middle of the war but they have easily pushed back and eradicated the camps built in Yunmeng, Yiling, Baling, and Tanzhou territories. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were leading the camp with ease yet with full grit. The Wens do not stand a chance.

Lan Xichen has gathered a group of his clan members and taught them the secret piece he played for the Wens in Lotus Pier. Nie Huaisang has also built a prison camp in Qinghe for all those Wen armies they captured. It was funded by both Qinghe-Nie and Gusu-Lan since Gusu-Lan has no place to keep them. Lanling-Jin still funded the entire campaign though.

That was their strategy, as much as they could avoid a fight, they’ll move at night when camps were idled and play the musical piece. It could not be used in the middle of the battle, the risk of affecting their own disciples despite the control that Gusu-Lan has in playing was there. They could not have passed out warriors against the Wens.

At the same time, Lan Xichen would bring inputs from Qishan, something that confused all of them.

“I cannot disclose the name of my spy but this person could be trusted. I vouch my life for this person’s credibility.” It was a heavy statement and no one doubted the First Jade.

Wei Wuxian also showed Qishan-Wen’s map in one of the war councils.

“You do not know when you will need a friend’s help. Having friends wherever you go could help during trying times,” he told them. Gaining the title as the light source, Wei Wuxian truly stands as one.

Their biggest threats were the ambushes that Qishan-Wen generals were desperately trying to pull off. Wen Rouhan has been utilizing the Yin Irons in his care too. It looked like he was using the deaths of his sons and trusted lackey as his fuel to send more puppets, most of them were hard to kill even.

And then Wei Wuxian came up with two different talismans to assist them. One was a bomb talisman that could instantly kill all those puppets, mutated or not within the radius. The next one was spirit luring talisman. It called whatever spiritual or resentful energy in those puppets and with the help of the bomb talisman, they get killed instantly. The rest of the army could be dealt with the warriors after all.

Chifengzun instantly approved the use of those talismans after seeing the result firsthand. Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian made a strategic formation with the spirit luring talismans and powered it with their own spiritual energy. The puppets that Wen Rouhan sent for a supposed ambush or attack were lured before they could even reach them. With the warriors on standby, the bomb talisman ready for activation, and Lan Wangji’s qin ready to strum anytime Wei Wuxian’s signal was up, the Wen strategy in the territory they cover did not stand a chance.

As the months pass, despite the difficulty and countless deaths, they were still winning and were pushing forward to Qishan.

Then one day, Jin Guangshan arrived with a lot of vital information from Wen Rouhan’s court including military movements. As a respected Sect Leader, everyone listened to him.

They were even advised to attack on a specific day and in a specific area. They were given a strategy, vital information.

Lan Xichen was unsure. Nie Mingjue’s brows were furrowed. Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian just exchanged glances. Jiang Fengmian and Jiang Wanyin were quiet. Jin Zixuan stood by his father’s side.

“Where did you get that information, Jin-zongzhu?” Nie Mingjue asked.

“It is not just Lan Xichen and Wei Ying who have their spy inside,” Jin Guangshan scoffed.

Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian exchanged a subtle glance.

“We will send scouts to survey the area first. We-“

“Why do you trust Lan Xichen’s spy and then doubt mine?! Aren’t you undermining me, Nie-zongzhu?” Jin Guangshan raised his brow.

“I am not trying to undermine you, Jin-zongzhu. What I am trying to say is that we need to scout the area before sending our troops. We cannot risk-“

“I know my spy and this plan will work. You do not have to scout! I am sending Jin Zixuan and Jiang Wanyin to lead a group to infiltrate the camps there!”

And the plan failed. They were heavily ambushed due to a half-cooked plan. Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian had to fly off and aid them with their ranks.

“Jiang Wanyin! Stop!” Wei Wuxian kept on pulling him but he was thrashing, still wanting to fight a losing battle.

“This is useless! Conserve your energy!”

“Shixiong!” someone called Wei Wuxian and he turned to see a Jiang disciple he once called his fifth-shidi, needing help. Wei Wuxian was surprised but his heart felt happy that he was alive, that someone was still there from those he thought died in Lotus Pier.

Wei Wuxian turned to a Lan disciple beside him. He quickly pressed Jiang Wanyin’s acupoints that rendered him unconscious.

“Take him out of here!” he instructed the Lan disciple who immediately nodded and threw Jiang Wanyin’s body on his shoulder. Wei Wuxian quickly aided the rest.

“Thank you-“

“Run! Pull the rest and run. We’re pulling off this mission!” he pushed fifth-shidi who swallowed hard and nodded. He started running.

Wei Wuxian gritted his teeth and threw different talismans to fight off. These puppets were even more aggressive than the last ones they fought with.

“Take Jin Zixuan away from here!” he pulled one Jin disciple who was about to run off. The Jin disciple’s eyes widened and realized that the sect heir is still across the field. He nodded and ran off.

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian called his betrothed who was busy fighting off using his qin. Lan Wangji gave him a nod. Wei Wuxian scanned the area and saw the Jin disciples pulling Jin Zixuan out as well.

Wei Wuxian jumped up a boulder and stood across from his betrothed. They threw in four bomb talismans in the air and flew off before sending their spiritual energy to activate them. They were at a good distance when the bombs erupted. No one was left alive.

Inside the war council, Jin Guangshan was thrashing, shouting profanities.

“COUNTLESS OF MY MEN DIED IN THAT FRAY! HOW DARE YOU?!”

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji stood straight, head held high.

“It was the final call,” Wei Wuxian replied.

“And who are you to make a final call?”

“The responder of the signal that was sent.”

“WEI YING!”

“With all due respect, Jin-zongzhu,” Wei Wuxian leveled with his glare. “It was either that or we let those puppets and the Wen army advance to the territories we have already taken back.”

“And what about the lives of my men? Of the Yunmeng-Jiang disciples who were there?”

“Their lives have been put into danger the moment the mission was carried out without proper coordination,” it was the longest sentence Lan Wangji has ever said to Jin Guangshan.

“And you expect me to accept that? We followed our plan deliberately. It was full proof. Who would have expected for-“

“That is why we needed scouts, Jin-zongzhu,” Nie Mingjue cut him off.

“And those men died with honor as with the rest of the warriors who fought in the campaign. If Hanguangjun and Guangyuanjun did not put a stop to that ambush, there could have been more deaths on the camps we were trying our best to protect,” Nie Mingjue spoke with his voice loud and clear.

“This serves as a lesson, doesn’t it?” Wei Wuxian spoke.

“We lead our groups the way we want it to be but we have this council to know each other’s movements and avoid something like this –“ Wei Wuxian glanced at Jin Zixuan and Jiang Wanyin who still has a few bruises on their faces. “To happen.”

“Why are you speaking like that? Who do you think you are, Wei Wuxian?!” Jiang Wanyin spat and Zidian crackled.

“I am a member of the council as much as you are, Jiang Wanyin. I get to speak as much as you and every person in this room do.” He does not know where the confidence comes from each time he responded to any of the Jiangs this way (Jiang Wanyin mostly) but the thought of being free from them, of having the Nie and the Lan brothers’ support, Wei Wuxian felt confident and he liked it.

“I guess it is high time to re-evaluate your spy, Jin-zongzhu,” Nie Mingjue’s voice was hard as steel as he met the sect leader’s eyes.

Jin Guangshan huffed, snapped his fan open, and left the room.

Lan Xichen shut his eyes close and took a deep breath to center himself.

The final days of war came yet the deaths are still heavily felt.

“I have discovered Jin-zongzhu’s mole. I am keeping my eyes on him. Follow the initial plan, A-Ning and I are ready.”

Yet Nie Mingjue’s group was captured in Yingchuan. It was a heavy blow but Lan Xichen was quick to pick up the leadership, they will push through with their plan.

Jin Guangshan had heavy doubts, he wanted to pull out the Jins but Jiang Fengmian or one could say, Yu Ziyuan insisted.

“You either fight to death or you hide and be a coward. Don’t tell me Jin-zongzhu has no balls to finish what the campaign has started?”

The Nightless City was heavy with darkness as the campaign moved forward, killing and fighting the Wen soldiers. Lan Wangji’s white robes fluttered across the battlefield, Wei Wuxian’s red ribbon fluttered with every turn he does, Suibian slashing through his opponents. Lan Xichen’s blue and silver robes shone with Shouyue’s bluish-white glare. Jiang Wanyin’s purple sword glare and Zidian were thundering in every place he lands. Jin Zixuan’s Suihua was singing outside the gates of the Nightless City as they killed off the remaining armies.

The moment they opened the doors of the fire palace, they found Wen Rouhan dead, a steel arrow pierced through his heart, and Wen Qing’s three needles found on his neck. Wen Qing has a disciple in Qishan-Wen robes kneeling in front of her and when Wei Wuxian turned, Wen Qionglin who had his bow strapped on his back is currently checking Nie Mingjue’s form.

“It is done,” Wen Qing said with the calmest expression on her face as she looked at them. She was the most relieved that the campaign succeeded.

“It is done.” Wei Wuxian repeated, panting yet a huge smile plastered on his face as he leaned his body a little to Lan Wangji who easily adjusted his position to make him comfortable.

“The sun has been shot. Finally.” Lan Xichen muttered as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

The steel arrow was poisoned, Wen Qing’s needles were poisoned. Wen Rouhan died without a fight and it was better that way. Meng Yao turned out to be Jin Guangshan’s spy who aided them with vital information from Wen Rouhan’s court. Wen Qing vouched for his assistance saying his distraction to Wen Rouhan, although uncoordinated with her, has helped her set her plan into action and gave Wen Qionglin a perfect aim.

A lot of sect leaders refused to acknowledge the assistance of the Wens while Jin Guangshan grabbed the opportunity to raise Meng Yao – now Jin Guangyao’s contribution in the war.

Then again, Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian were not Zewujun and Guangyuanjun for nothing. They had the support of Hanguangjun and of course, Chifengzun (though begrudgingly. He disliked that they were Wens yet he could not acknowledge their huge contribution to the war).

Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian vouched for Wen Qing, Wen Qionglin, and their branch. They were the ones who saved them, nurtured them to health so they could return and join the campaign. The Lans stood their ground, they would support Wen Qing’s branch. They know how to repay a life’s debt. To add to the list, Nie Huaisang spoke for the Wen siblings, saying they took good care of him and sent him back to Qinghe after he fainted. They nursed him to health in the bureau’s infirmary and sent him to Unclean Realm when he was well enough.

In the end, Wen Qing said it herself. She was not planning to re-establish the Qishan-Wen Sect under her or her brother’s reign. The sun has been shot and it should not be overturned again. Wen Qing removed her Qishan-Wen cloak in front of the greedy sect leaders to complete her statement. All they ask was amnesty and be allowed to live their lives in Dafan while they continue Healing Arts.

Wei Wuxian returned to Dafan to check on them. There were a few who tried to penetrate their wards but failed. He introduced Lan Wangji to everyone and they instantly liked his light bearer. Lan Wangji received a lot of simple trinkets too and the kids were drawn to his aura although cold but it gave comfort.

“A-Ying,” Wen Popo smiled.

“Popo.”

“Wen-guniang told me about your status.”

“My status?”

“Yes.”

Wei Wuxian glanced at Wen Qing who was seated beside him. Wen Qionglin was there too, smiling.

“What about it?”

“We cannot offer much. We are but a simple group of healers after all,” Wen Popo said with a chuckle but Wei Wuxian’s brows furrowed, not getting where the conversation was going. He hoped for his betrothed to be there to help him interpret this but he was pulled by Sishu to see their farm with the kids in tow. It seemed like they perfectly planned this so he could remain with them.

“But I kept on recalling your parents’ names,” Wen Popo met his eyes. “And I knew why their names were too familiar, not just to me but to some people in Dafan as well.”

Slowly, Wen Popo stooped down and Wen Qionglin assisted her. She took something under the table and when she raised it, she put a one-foot tall rectangular box in front of him. It looked old, that’s the first thing he noticed.

“Popo? Qing-jie?” he confusedly asked but Wen Qing just signaled him to take it.

“Open it, A-Ying,” Wen Popo’s voice was calm and soft. He nodded and took the box. When he opened it, there was a jar inside and some things that he also took out.

“What –“ he swallowed hard. Inside the box were some cloths with bloodstains in it and then he found an extremely familiar bell inside.

“This…” his eyeballs were shaking as he turned his attention to the jar. He opened it and there was a scroll inside. He took it out and read the writings inside. The paper was old but it is obviously of high quality as well as the ink used.

Wei Ying

10 – 31- XX

“What – how –“ his lips trembled as he looked at the three Wens in front of him.

“It was Wen Popo who told me the story,” Wen Qing finally said. Wei Wuxian had the bell clutched in his hand while his other hand was protecting the jar.

“My a-niang and a-die were the ones who assisted your parents when your mother gave birth. They were traveling in Dafan when your mother went into labor. My a-niang found them and brought them here,” Wen Qing said.

“I was barely three or four at that time. I remember a few but I remember holding a baby when they sat me in bed. That’s when I asked my a-niang that I want a baby brother too,” Wen Qing was smiling, it was soft and calm as she glanced at Wen Qionglin, her baby brother, and then back to Wei Wuxian who sobbed.

“I – I…”

“That is Cangse Sanren’s placenta jar. Those cloths are the ones used during birth,” Wen Popo picked up the story. "They left when you were three months old and healthy enough to travel, your mother having fully recovered as well,” she smiled. “Your father must have left that bell here. It has been years –“

“Twenty-one.”

“Ah, two decades then… since that happened. My memory is quite failing me nowadays,” she chuckled.

“But we often keep the things that patients forget in case they come back to take them. You have already left when I finally recalled where the things that Wen-guniang’s parents kept. I found this,” Wen Popo pointed at the box.

“I… I –“ he did not know what to say as he suddenly hugged the jar.

“I – I never had anything left from my parents aside from the memory of a donkey while traveling.” He hiccupped.

“Oh, A-Ying. You can keep those, it is yours,” Wen Popo replied.

“Thank you. Thank you.”

“Which brings us to the matter that Wen Popo raised.” Expect Wen Qing to always go back to the order of business. Wei Wuxian nodded as he tried to wipe away his tears to show that he was listening.

“You are technically born in Dafan, Wei Wuxian. Which means, we have the right to keep you under us if you want to.”

Wei Wuxian blinked.

“Keep me what?”

“Make you a member of Dafan-Wen.”

“Qing-jie?!” he gaped but it made Wen Popo laugh while Wen Qing rolled her eyes. Wen Qionglin just chuckled.

“We may not provide the best dowry to Gusu-Lan but we can assure allegiance,” Wen Qing’s words are still processing in Wei Wuxian’s head.

“Wei Wuxian, there is no way we are imposing or forcing you. We just thought that-“

“Are you sure? I mean… are you –“ he bit his lower lip, unsure of what to say. After leaving Yunmeng-Jiang, he thought he’ll just turn rogue and then he jokingly told Lan Xichen that he’ll want to be the outer disciple of Gusu-Lan (so he could fight side by side with Lan Wangji) and then he learned that they are betrothed (which is even better). Then now, he thought that he’ll just jump from one place to another until they probably elope and return to Gusu, married, and have Lan Qiren qi deviate. Yet now…

“Do you really think we’ll tell you if we are not? If I have not thoroughly considered it, Wei Wuxian?”

“Qing-jie…”

“We are nothing like your previous sect, Wei Wuxian-“

“Qing-jie, yes!”

“Yes?” Wen Qing confirmed and he nodded repeatedly.

“I – I would love to.” In the months that he and Lan Xichen stayed in Dafan, he has learned to love everyone and treat them like his family. The popos, the shushus, jiejies, and especially the kids.

“Then it’s settled. We’ll have your induction to Dafan-Wen before the banquet organized by the Jins.”

“Do we have to attend?”

“It’s all about the face, Wei Wuxian.”

He huffed and rolled his eyes but Wen Qionglin just laughed.

Wei Wuxian was tearing up when he told Lan Wangji. Lan Wangji even bowed to the Dafan-Wens for welcoming his betrothed to their family.

The entire banquet looked like a power play. Wei Wuxian stayed with Dafan-Wens. They are wearing cream-colored robes with pink plum blossoms as their new insignia. It came from A-Mei who suddenly came in while they were having a meeting with Nie Huaisang who volunteered to make a design for their official robes. It is to thank the Wen siblings for taking good care of him when he fainted during the indoctrination.

When they randomly asked A-Mei if what should be their new emblem, A-Mei gave it ‘some’ thought by putting her finger on her chin, and then she pointed at the plum blossoms on Wei Wuxian’s robes. “These flowers are pretty like Xian-gege!”

Nie Huaisang squealed and snapped his fingers. Plum blossoms symbolize perseverance, hope as well as beauty, purity, and transitoriness in life. It truly signifies Dafan-Wens… it signifies Wei Wuxian.

Eyes were on Dafan-Wens when they entered the Fire Palace where the banquet is being held. The same place that witnessed the death of Wen Rouhan, the same place where the Yin Iron Shards were destroyed by powerful Lan musical pieces headed by Lan Qiren himself. Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji on each of his sides with their qin, a beautiful and powerful melody was heard and destroyed the pieces to dust.

“According to ancient texts, previous leaders tried to come up with a powerful yet forbidden song to aid Ancestor Lan Yi in destroying her shard. When Xichen returned, I gathered the elders to go through all the texts and pieces to finally destroy the century-old cursed shards.”

The Jiangs were specifically looking at Wei Wuxian who was standing behind Wen Qing. They are still considered the weakest and have yet to set foot to Lotus Pier ever since it was taken back. Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian went there to open the doors and allow people inside the wards to take out the Wens they captured. Jiang Wanyin arrived and for his peace of mind, Wei Wuxian left. Lan Xichen explained how things would work but in the end, Jiang Wanyin refused the wards they gave and so Lan Xichen removed it and let Jiang Wanyin build their own wards to protect Lotus Pier.

During the banquet, the announcement of the wedding of Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli was made. It was to happen the following month and invites were given. There were murmurs that it must have been consummated already, that is why they were in a hurry for the wedding but with one look for Yu Ziyuan, they shut up.

Wei Wuxian cannot help but look at Jiang Yanli. Her usual glow is not prominent, she even looks a little pale but her kindness still radiates. That is one thing that Wei Wuxian would not forget about her, her kindness. Even if she did not do anything or maybe she couldn’t do anything… she has been one of the persons who welcomed him to Lotus Pier. She fed him her soup though she stood at the side and did not say anything when her mother would punish, berate and insult him to her heart’s content – it still and will always come down to this. She would look at him with an expression he could not decipher when Jiang Fengmian would compliment him and leave her brother seething in anger and jealousy. She will pull him away and perhaps feed him her recipes while Wei Wuxian stays behind to run errands once more.

Of course, Lan Qiren also officially announced the betrothal of Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian. It was received with a lot of congratulations, even bigger reactions than the wedding announcement. The two had truly established their names in the war. The light source and the light bearer.

Yu Ziyuan tried to make side comments but Jiang Fengmian stopped her and instead, offered a congratulatory toast to the couple. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji accepted it.

Wen Qing made a pledge to consolidate the lands and riches of Qishan-Wen to all the victims of Wen Rouhan’s tyranny. She will only hold back Dafan Mountain as well as the money designated for their branch that was held back for years due to Wen Rouhan’s threats.

“I request due process to all the Wens captured. The woman, elder, weak, children, and those who did not join the war for them to be given amnesty. I could provide a place for them to start anew in Dafan if needed,” Wen Qing said. “For those who participated in the war, I trust Chifengzun and Zewujun for a just ruling for them to pay for their crimes,” she bowed to the two. Jin Guangshan bristled but he did not say anything.

Meng Yao, now Jin Guangyao, picked up the atmosphere by calling servants to serve more food and drinks in the banquet.

Wei Wuxian spent his time helping Wen Qing work on all the paper works. It is not his best area but he learned things in Yunmeng-Jiang and he’s applying it here (again, he is thankful to Yunmeng-Jiang for this). It was hard, Qishan-Wen is a lot more complicated than he thought. Of course, he wanted to invent, to night hunt, to play around but he did not want Wen Qing to face this alone. She gets help from her branch family but Wei Wuxian knew that more hands and minds could do more work.

Besides, Lan Wangji is surely busy rebuilding their library and a few pavilions that Wen Xu’s men used when they tried to reside in Cloud Recesses before Lan Wangji took it back.

“After this, do you truly want to establish Dafan-Wen as a minor sect?” Wei Wuxian asked over the pile of papers in front of them. Wen Qionglin has come back several times to give them a new brew of tea, snacks, and sometimes offer his help.

“You know my answer to that. If we don’t become a sect, they could easily bully us.”

“But not if we have a strong backing.”

“What do you suggest?” Wen Qing massaged her temple and looked at him.

“How about becoming a branch of another sect?”

“And allow others to look down or threaten us again?”

“Not if the sect is nailed with their righteousness and made with 3000 plus rules.”

Wen Qing raised a brow, her lips twitched as she went into deep thoughts. Wei Wuxian played with the brush he was holding as he waited for her to consider what he just said.

“You’re saying we’ll apply to become a branch of Gusu-Lan?”

“Not apply, include in the dowry.”

“Wei Wuxian?”

“It will give a better impact. Dafan-Wen becoming Gusu-Lan’s branch that specializes in healing arts. The branch where Wei Wuxian, Lan-er-gongzi’s husband belongs,” he even raised his hand as he explained. “Wouldn’t that be great? No one will bully us, no one will threaten us even. Gusu-Lan’s contribution in the war is far greater than those bullies anyway.”

They did not need to mention it, they already know whom he meant.

“Wei Wuxian, I don’t want to use your wedding to our advanta-“

“I’m part of Dafan-Wen, am I not?” he teased as he pointed at the plum blossom embroidery on his robes.

“Wei Wuxian…”

He pouted, “This will work, Qing-jie. We can even send Xichen-ge a message now.”

He raised a blank talisman paper and started scribbling and moments later, the talisman vanished through the air. Wen Qing puffed some air and Wei Wuxian just laughed.

The wedding of Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan was extravagant. It is obvious that the Jins spent a lot for everything to look grand. It was a three-day celebration and on the third day, Wei Wuxian managed to meet the bride.

“Jiang – ah, Jin-shao-furen,” he bowed and Yanli bowed in return. They are in a pavilion that overlooks a Lotus pond and Wei Wuxian could guess it was just built there.

“Wei-gongzi,” Yanli’s voice shook and Wei Wuxian just looked at her. “A-Xian,” it sounded soft and Wei Wuxian smiled at her.

“Anything will do,” he replied. Yanli took a deep breath and nodded.

“You look well.”

“As you are, shao-furen.”

“I was surprised.”

Wei Wuxian tilted his head.

“I never got to return to Lotus Pier before the attack. From Meishan, I was sent to Lanling and then I learned of the defection.”

“Ah.”

“I tried looking for you.”

“Shao-furen.”

“I was not the best sister.”

“Shao-furen,” Wei Wuxian pulled his lips into a thin line.

“But you were the best brother one could ever have, A-Xian,” her tears fell and she wiped them away. Wei Wuxian just looked at her. He holds no hatred for her and he could see that she is starting a new life as a married woman and he truly, truly wishes her the best.

“You flatter me, shao-furen. Thank you.”

“It’s the truth. It is something I personally realized late.”

“They said that we sometimes regret things that we lost.”

This line made Yanli sob as she covered her face. Wei Wuxian tried not to panic as he could see the handmaidens and servants move when they saw what happened.

“Shao-furen-“

“I am fine. Sorry for that,” Yanli wiped away her tears and signaled to her handmaidens that everything is fine.

“I am sorry.”

“Shao-furen.”

“It is too late but still, I am sorry for everything,” she made sure to meet his eyes.

“You did not deserve that. You did not deserve any of the sufferings you went through in our family. You – you truly deserve better and I am sorry that I cannot – I did not do much. I did not even try. I -- I was too focused on how A-Cheng's heart was broken each time you got the attention and allowed my mother to continue what she was doing and yet -- and yet you were still very nice to me and A-Cheng,” she held a sob by wiping her lower lip. Her selfishness overpowered the kindness she thought was abundant in her. She lost this man in front of her because of it. A brother she thought she had.

"It is in the past. We even survived a war. We should move forward now, Jin-shao-furen," Wei Wuxian replied, which just made Yanli look down and nod. It is indeed in the past yet her regrets will always be there.

“I hope that only good things will come to you, A-Xian.”

“As well as to you, shijie.”

The address made Yanli cry again but she tried to hold back her sobs. Wei Wuxian took a deep breath and took out a pouch from his sleeves.

“This may help you in your situation. As you know, I now belong to a healer branch,” he said as he placed the pouch in front of her. Yanli carefully opened it and the sob she had been trying to hold back finally came out.

“Oh, A-Xian. Thank you,” she held the pouch as if it was the most precious thing and Wei Wuxian just smiled. It is quite obvious that Jiang Yanli is going through morning sickness because of her pregnancy. The ginger candies were made by one of the jiejies in Dafan when he asked for them. He decided to give it as a personal gift to Yanli.

“Take good care of your health and your baby.”

“I will.”

They let silence envelop them when Yanli remembered something.

“Oh, and I already have a courtesy name when the baby comes out.”

“Courtesy name?”

“Yes,” Yanli smiled as her hand carefully caressed her abdomen under her layers of robes.

“Then it must be a beautiful name for the future leader of the Jins.”

“Rulan.”

Wei Wuxian’s mouth hangs open as he loses the words he was about to say. He did not see that coming.

“Rulan,” he muttered.

“Yes. Rulan,” Yanli smiled.

It brought back the memories of the days when things – when things were normal and they were attending lectures in Cloud Recesses. When they toured and reached the nursery of Cloud Recesses and met some of the kids in cute, white little robes.

“If shijie has a child in the future, it must look like her and not that Peacock.”

“A-Xian.”

“It’s true, a-jie. My nephew should look like you!”

“Oh? Then what should I name my child?”

“I get to give the courtesy name!”

“Then I’ll give the birth name. Peacock already got the surname after all.”

“Okay-okay. Then A-Xian, what would the courtesy name be?”

“Well… the next generation of the Jins is Ru… Lan. Jin Rulan!”

“Jin Rulan. Nice.”

“Not good enough! Why should an offspring of Jiang Clan and Jin Clan be called ‘Rulan’?”

“It’s not that bad, okay? Lan means orchid, gentry among the flowers. Isn’t it great?!”

“Your husband accepted it?”

“A-Xuan likes it.”

“Ah.”

“It’s a good name. Gentry among the flowers. My little prince.”

Wei Wuxian felt tears pricking inside his eyes as he smiled and nodded.

“I wish you all the best, Jin-shao-furen.”

Yanli pulled her lips into a thin smile before it became a full smile.

“You as well, Wei-gongzi.”

The wedding of Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian became the talk of the town. Nie Huaisang wanted it to be grander but of course, they had to adhere to modesty as stated in the Lan clan’s principles. Wei Wuxian had met the rest of the Gusu-Lan elders and they were truly… truly intimidating and he could have frozen there if he wasn’t used to Yu Ziyuan’s intimidating ways. Lan Wangji stood beside him the whole time and he has already proven his worth despite how much of an unruly student he was.

“Wei Ying.”

“Lan Zhan!” He instantly smiled as he reached out and Wangji did not think twice in holding his hand as they walked along the paths of Cloud Recesses. They have a chaperone following them but he is quite content turning blind eyes when the two pull off things like this.

“Are you going to show me the Jingshi now huh, er-gege?” Wei Wuxian teased and Lan Wangji’s ears instantly turned pink. He discovered using this type of teasing when they were in Jiangling, tired and battered after a mission. Wei Wuxian went flat beside Lan Wangji in his tent. It was not ideal, not allowed. There were countless of Gusu-Lan disciples outside but Wei Wuxian did not care. He lay half sprawled on top of Lan Wangji with his head on his chest.

“Er-gege let me stay like this tonight.” And he felt Lan Wangji’s heart beating faster, faster than normal. When he looked up and tried to open his eyes, he saw Lan Wangji’s head turned to the side so he wouldn't be able to look at him, his ears turning red.

“Aiyah, is er-gege shy?” and then he just received a groan. If he wasn’t dead tired, he could have continued but he still ended up falling asleep. He has no idea if Lan Wangji did since when he woke the next day, Lan Wangji was already awake.

“Bringing Wei Ying somewhere,” Lan Wangji replied and the curiosity in Wei Wuxian skyrocketed.

“Lan Zhan! Where?” he ‘whispered’ though it was loud enough for their chaperone to hear. Lan Wangji just smiled and led the way, their hands still intertwined.

They stopped in front of a pavilion and Wei Wuxian stared before he looked at him.

“Lan Zhan?”

“Mn.”

When Lan Wangji opened the door, Wei Wuxian gaped. It was Gusu-Lan’s instrument room and there were countless expensive instruments inside. Everything looked new too.

“Come,” Wangji led him to one corner and his eyes twinkled when he saw what was there.

“Wanted Wei Ying to choose his own instrument.”

“My own – what?”

“Xiongzhang said you played dizi with him when you were in Dafan.”

“Ah, Lan Zhan.”

“Wanted this as my betrothal gift but I wanted Wei Ying to choose which one,” Lan Wangji replied as he pointed at the lined up dizi in front of them in different colors.

“Lan Zhan…” he muttered as he continued to look between his betrothed and the dizis.

“Er…” He can see that Lan Wangji is determined to have him carry a dizi when they exit that room.

His eyes scanned the fine and exquisite-looking dizis in front of them and then his eyes landed on the third one from the left.

“That one,” Wei Wuxian pointed and Wangji took it out with a spark of his spiritual energy. He handed it to him and Wei Wuxian received it with both hands.

“Wei Ying can try it,” Lan Wangji said and Wei Wuxian nodded. Carefully, he put the dizi on his lips. He tried to think of what he should play and suddenly, a melody entered his mind and he started playing.

Lan Wangji stiffened as he looked at him. Wei Wuxian even had his eyes closed as he played.

Then he stopped and opened his eyes.

“Eh? Lan Zhan? What’s wrong?”

Lan Wangji blinked.

“That song…”

“Ah… I don’t know. Did Xichen-ge teach me this? Is it from Gusu? I know how to play by the ears but…” he unconsciously twirled the black-colored dizi.

“It is from Gusu,” Wangji replied.

“Oh? What is the title then? I want to know the complete piece,” Wei Wuxian pouted and Wangji stared at him, confusion evident on his face.

“Does… Wei Ying not know?”

“Eh? No? Should I?”

Lan Wangji took a deep breath and then he puffed some air. Wei Wuxian frowned.

“Why do I feel like I missed something really important here?” he pouted.

Lan Wangji pulled his lips into a thin line before he took something out of his sleeves and dangled it in front of Wei Wuxian.

“For your dizi,” he said, changing the topic. Wei Wuxian’s brow raised at him but when he focused on the tassel in front of him, he couldn’t help but squeal.

“Lan Zhan! Put it here! Put it here!” he exclaimed excitedly as he raised the dizi between them. Lan Wangji obediently put the red and blue tassel with a white jade charm in rabbit form.

“This is so cute, Lan Zhan!” he raised the dizi to examine the tassel. Lan Wangji has a satisfied smile on his face.

“So,” Wei Wuxian looked at him, his head tilted to the side.

“What did I miss?”

There is a quirk on Wangji’s eyebrow but he did not say anything.

“Lan Zhan! You said it’s from Gusu so you should know right? Does Xichen-ge know? Should I ask him then?”

“Xiongzhang… does not know,” the red on his ear deepened and Wei Wuxian’s brows furrowed.

“Xichen-ge does not know?”

“Mn.”

“Hm…” he tapped the dizi to his jaw as he started walking around. Lan Wangji just followed his figure with his eyes.

“What is the title then?”

“Does Wei Ying not know?”

“Lan Zhan!” he sounded like a petulant child as he stomped his feet and approached him.

“Er-gege,” he circled his arms around Lan Wangji’s waist to hug him. He showed his powerful pout and big eyes to him.

“Er-gege, tell me. I feel like it is something very important but I cannot remember despite all the memory enhancers I drink,” he pouted once more.

Lan Wangji’s self-control is being tested as he holds Wei Wuxian’s waist to keep him in place (and hug him back). He took a deep breath.

“Wangxian.”

“Eh?”

“The title.”

“Huh? Wang—WHAT? Lan Zhan?!” Wei Wuxian let him go as he stood straight, too stunned with the revelation, face too warm to even think that he is not blushing now. Lan Wangji is not any better, his head is facing the right, ears in a deep shade of red.

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed when he finally recovered and jumped into his embrace. Lan Wangji was fast (and will always be fast) enough to catch him and stood his ground before they could crash anything inside the room.

“Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! You’re – you’re the best! Did you make it?” Wei Wuxian’s legs are already wrapped around his torso and Lan Wangji is definitely reciting rules about self-control in his head. Their chaperone is just outside after all. He asked him to stay outside as he’ll give Wei Wuxian privacy to choose his instrument.

“Mn.”

“For me?”

“Mn. For Wei Ying.”

“Lan Zhan!” Then he realized something.

“Wait, how come I do not know?”

“Sang it for Wei Ying,” it was in a small voice that Wei Wuxian almost cooed.

“Sang it for me? When?! I will never forget if you sang it for me, Lan Zhan!”

There was a small pout on Lan Wangji’s lips and Wei Wuxian kissed it. The Second Jade’s face turned red this time.

“Inside the cave. Dusk Creek Mountain.”

Wei Wuxian blinked and then he finally recalled it.

“Oh – oh. When I was sick?”

“Mn.”

“Wait. Speaking of,” he pouted.

“The sword?”

“Sword?”

“The one I took out of the Xuanwu. The one that had so much noise. You heard it too, right?”

Wangji nodded.

“Left it inside the cave, threw it on the water.”

“Aiyah! Lan Zhan, why?”

“Wei Ying was sick, trembling until I was able to take that away from you,” Lan Wangji replied.

“Oh.”

“Does Wei Ying need it?”

Wei Wuxian pursed his lips but he shook his head.

“I just thought that I could study it but since it’s gone, it’s fine,” he beamed as he circled his arms tighter around Lan Wangji’s neck. He watched how his Adam’s apple bobbed when he swallowed hard. He chuckled and nuzzled his nose to his.

“Wangxian. I like it.”

“Only for Wei Ying.”

“Of course, only for your Wei Ying,” he giggled and kissed him, directly pushing his tongue inside and sucking the breath out of his light bearer. He rarely gets the upper hand after all. Lan Wangji was not able to stop himself from giving his ass a little squeeze as he adjusted his position in his arms. It made Wei Wuxian squeak and it was followed by a knock from their chaperone outside that made them pull away, lips a bit swollen and both are panting.

“Hanguangjun? Guangyuanjun? Is there anything wrong?”

The couple did not realize they were holding their breath when their eyes met.

“Aiyaaah! Lan Zhan! This is the best gift I could ever receive! The finest one!”

Lan Wangji’s brows furrowed when Wei Wuxian signaled him to reply, still not asking him to put him down and Lan Wangji does not seem to have any plans to do so.

“Mn…. Only for Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian snickered at how awkward that sounded but they saw the shadow of their chaperone turned around and must have taken a few steps down the stairs again.

Wei Wuxian giggled as he met his betrothed’s eyes and kissed him once more. Lan Wangji closed his eyes and let himself get lost in kissing his beloved with his hands in the proper place. They cannot risk their chaperone checking on them again…. though he would like to hear the squeak in the future…. Inside the Jingshi probably.

When Wei Wuxian was still with Yunmeng-Jiang, he never expected himself to get married. They have repeatedly reminded him of how his father defected and eloped with his mother as if they were instilling to him not to follow his father’s footsteps. He expected himself to be with the Jiang clan for the rest of his life – be their head disciple, their errand boy, their brother if they need one, the one who gets punished when disciples get unruly because unfortunately, that is part of being the head disciple (they said), Jiang Fengmian’s ward and perhaps, Yu Ziyuan’s dummy for her whip practice.

When Wei Wuxian was still with Yunmeng-Jiang, he never expected he'd wear red from head to toe with a thin veil covering his face because Wen Qing insisted on it, mainly to tease him. He never expected to have the cultivation world be on their feet as he makes his procession towards the center where Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen are standing with the memorial tablets of Qinghengjun and Madam Lan, where Wen Qing and Wen Qionglin are standing with Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren’s memorial tablet that Wen Qing asked to be made for him. He remembers crying when he first saw it.

Jiang Fengmian claimed Wei Changze as his sworn brother, stated as the head disciple in the registry but he never had a memorial tablet in the Disciple’s Ancestral Hall where even those who defected and their partner’s memorial tablets were found. Wei Wuxian did not dwell on it. He had that one tree in Lotus Pier where he stacked stones and engraved the names of his parents. It was enough.

When Wei Wuxian was still with Yunmeng-Jiang, he never thought that one day, he’ll do this procession beside the person he loves the most. Lan Wangji looked unbelievably handsome in his wedding robes with his forehead ribbon in red. He has stolen a lot of glances from Wei Wuxian and he feels like is close to melting at this point.

When they reached the center, Wei Wuxian forgot everyone who came to his wedding day as if it was just him and his beloved.

Lan Wangji bound their wrist together with his ribbon-like how he did on their betrothal blessed by Lan Yi, like how he did in front of Nie Mingjue, Lan Xichen, and Nie Huaisang when they made it official.

Finally, they made their first bow to the heavens and the ancestors.

The second bow to their parents.

Lastly, a bow to each other where Wei Wuxian had to hold a sob. He never expected this but it is really happening.

Wei Wuxian poured the tea for Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen. Lan Xichen received it with the sweetest and kindest smile on his face. This man has truly become his brother. Lan Qiren’s face is stoic as ever but the fondness in his eyes is there. Wei Wuxian cannot erase what he did when he was still a student, he also honestly told them that he cannot follow all the rules but he will try his best to be the best partner Lan Wangji can have and Wei Wuxian knows that for Lan Qiren, that is enough.

He watches Lan Wangji pour the tea to Wen Qing and Wen Qionglin and Wei Wuxian has not stopped smiling. The two became the siblings of his heart. His Qing-jie and A-Ning.

He finally made Wen Qionglin call him ‘Xian-ge’ because xiongzhang only belongs to Lan Wangji’s tongue. It just flows out beautifully. Wen Qionglin is very sweet and adorable that Wei Wuxian sometimes wishes he got to know him when he was younger. He could have done something to stop him from getting shy towards people (though he has improved so much now, probably with Nie Huaisang’s influence and Wei Wuxian doesn’t want to dwell on that yet).

Wen Qing is a scary older sister. She feeds him medicine instead of lotus pork rib soup and yet Wei Wuxian knows that he’ll choose it over the memories he had with the soup. She threatens him with her needles when he does not listen to her health advice, “I told you, do not undo what I worked hard for. Sleep, it is late!” and Wei Wuxian would sleep because Qing-jie said that he needs eight hours of sleep and not sleep when the world is starting to wake. She makes sure he is fed well, that he is healthy, that he is happy. Wei Wuxian makes sure that she is the same. She does not sugar coat her words but she is always sincere, always there.

Wei Wuxian looked around at their guests, the esteemed cultivators who used to listen to gossip and rumors about him. Jiang Fengmian’s bastard, the bane of Yu Ziyuan’s existence, unruly brat, etcetera, etcetera. Yet during the war, they called for his name, they listened to his counsel and now, they give him the same respect he gives them.

The Jiangs did not come although Lan Qiren said that an invitation must be sent. They are civilized people after all. It was said that they are still rebuilding yet rumors were heard that Yu Ziyuan threw a fit to the messenger who brought the invitation to Lotus Pier.

Jiang Yanli is not around, she is in the last few weeks of her pregnancy but her husband is there with Jin Guangshan and Madam Jin.

The Nies are of course present, Chifengzun even huffed but handed his brother his handkerchief after Nie Huaisang sobbed while they were doing their bows.

Wei Wuxian got married with his honor and pride intact. He got married with head held high, his shoulders squared and his conscience clear. He never thought that one stamp of his blood on a paper would bring him to where he is now.

When Wei Wuxian was still with Yunmeng-Jiang, he never thought he deserves this kind of happiness, and yet, he is feeling it now and he has never felt free with his resentment and emotions like he does now.

Their wrists were unbound for the tea ceremony and Lan Wangji has wrapped it on Wei Wuxian’s wrist already. Wei Wuxian reached out and Lan Wangji seemed to have expected it, his hand held his hand and to Wei Wuxian’s surprise, he raised his hand and kissed his knuckles, his ears turning red. Wei Wuxian's smile went a thousand times brighter and once more, he – they forgot about the people around them. Even Lan Qiren wouldn’t dare to chastise them.

“Lan Zhan.”

“Love Wei Ying.”

“I love you too.”

He shed a few more tears. Wei Wuxian is married and he wouldn’t want it any other way.

The announcement of Dafan-Wen being a branch of Gusu-Lan was received with different reactions as expected but no one really wants to go against the decision. Gusu-Lan has truly established its name during the war. They have Lan Qiren as the sect leader. They have Zewujun, Hanguangjun and Guangyuanjun. The leader of Dafan-Wen and her brother are the ones who killed Wen Rouhan.

Wei Wuxian is still not free from gossip but this time, it is mostly against the Jiangs and how low they have become. Jiang Fengmian is still living with a damaged core, he was not able to fight in the war although his insights and counsel were heard. Yu Ziyuan’s attitude did not change despite being reduced to a mediocre person. Rumors said that she planned to stay in Meishan to hide but Meishan was attacked and had to rebuild themselves as well. People are just waiting for Jiang Fengmian to abdicate the sect leadership and hand it over to Jiang Wanyin. They expect him to just support and guide him though it has been a year since they started rebuilding and he has not done it yet.

“It is good that Wei Wuxian defected from that sorry excuse of a sect!”

“At this point, should they still be considered as a great sect? They are nothing but ruins no matter how much they try. This is karma, especially with how they treated Wei Wuxian back then!”

“That is true! Look at how Wei Wuxian is living life. A devoted husband, a happy family, a happy sect – everything that the Jiangs do not have!”

“They are just under the shadows of Lanling-Jin because of Jiang Yanli’s marriage. The heir was born so they are safe. For the future of Yunmeng-Jiang, I just do not want to say anything anymore.”

“Come on! Who would still take them seriously if disciples and servants are starting to run away from them? I don’t even know what is going on anymore but passers-by said that Yu Ziyuan’s screaming is often heard, always angry!”

“It is good that Jiang Yanli has married out so she does not have to deal with this.”

“Jiang Wanyin’s attitude is seriously getting worse. He even snaps at people in the market and when people send requests for their aid if they cannot pay enough.”

“Yah! Did you know that Wei Wuxian goes to night hunts and aids those who need it without getting any money from them when he was still in Yunmeng-Jiang?”

“Of course! He helped me with the pest spirits on our farm. He just asked for food and a good talk!”

“Truly a sweet boy. Jiang Wanyin’s jealousy had a basis after all.”

“No wonder Jiang Fengmian was biased! Now that he is left with his son, it seems like he does not trust him enough to hand him over their sect.”

“At this point, Yu Ziyuan is pitiful too. How low the Violet Spider has become. No core, useless sect, bad reputation… her pride is the only thing that keeps her alive!”

“Wei Wuxian does not deserve every beating he received from her nor the treatment of the rest of the family. That man is truly sweet, a light source indeed.”

“There is no wonder Yunmeng-Jiang Sect is just filled with darkness. They lost their light source after all.”

Wei Wuxian attended the one-hundred days celebration of Jin Ling, courtesy name Jin Rulan with the rest of the Lan Sect. Lan Xichen prepared the gift on behalf of the sect and asked for his help. They ended up giving a bracelet that could protect Jin Ling from low and mid-level spirits as well as strong killing intent. In another lifetime, Wei Wuxian would have considered this baby as his nephew but now, he just wishes for him to be safe and well-loved.

“He is cute, right, Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian whispered when they returned to their seats after saying their greetings and presenting their gifts to the baby.

“Mn.”

“Does Lan Zhan want a baby too? Should we work harder tonight?” It was a whisper in a very suggestive voice that made Lan Wangji’s ears turn instantly red. The sudden cough from Lan Xichen made Wei Wuxian sure that he heard it. It is good that Lan Qiren is currently engaged in a conversation with Wen Qing.

“Wei Ying,” it was almost a growl and that made Wei Wuxian giddy.

“Do you want that Lan Zhan? Little Zhanzhan running around the Jingshi? Hmm?” he moved closer as he whispered that right to his husband’s ear. The way Lan Wangji is gripping Bichen will make you think that he is currently angry at someone. No one would truly guess what he is going through with how his husband is riling him up in the middle of a 100-day celebration of the Jin Sect Heir.

“Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian giggled as he sat straight, knowing well how his husband’s entire body was starting to feel hot, his face flushed. He could already imagine his punishment on the bed later. Gusu-Lan has a set of robes for the spouse and Wei Wuxian wholeheartedly accepted it… especially when Lan Wangji gave him an unaltered stare when he tried them out. They are five layers -- yes, they have protective arrays -- yes, it takes time to wear them – yes… but his husband is an expert in removing them in record time.

He still wears his black and red ensemble when he goes on dangerous night hunts, not wanting to ruin his spouse's robes though he was already taught how to keep them clean. He would also wear Dafan-Wen’s robes and he could see Wen Qing subtly smiling when she saw him with those cream robes with plum blossom embroidery on the shoulders for identification. His husband has his own set of Dafan-Wen robes too and Wei Wuxian enjoyed the sight of it.

If Wei Wuxian felt like he was at the receiving end of murderous glares, he chose to flip his hair in that direction and faced Nie Huaisang who was beside him, and started talking about the random books he sent him. Were they spring books? Only Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian would know.

The owner of the furious glare broke a cup which made a servant flinch but immediately changed it into a new one. That hair flip was truly provoking. If only it was not supposedly a day for a happy celebration for her grandson.

The sect has scheduled a discussion conference the day after Jin Ling’s 100 days celebration. Everyone is in high spirits because of the celebration the previous day. Jin Guangshan has once again raised the topic of Chief Cultivator but everyone is still not ready for that thing especially after what happened to Wen Rouhan. Though it is also obvious that people are trying to be in the good graces of Gusu-Lan with their hopes to have Lan Qiren as the Chief Cultivator. The Old Lan is obviously showing hostility towards the position.

Another topic that was raised is the sightings of fierce corpses in some areas around Qishan. Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian provided a report after they came across them several times.

“There are three pieces of Yin Iron that were destroyed which means another one is still on the loose!”

The topic of Xue Yang was once again raised and the sects are starting to discuss how they should put his whereabouts as top of their priority.

“As most of the sects are still rebuilding until now, Lanling-Jin volunteers to head the manhunt for Xue Yang, the Yin Iron, and present him in front of the cultivation world for his crimes!” Jin Guangshan said. It received a lot of agreement from its trusted sect leaders.

“But didn’t Hanguangjun and Guangyuanjun capture him before and brought him to the Unclean Realm where he was able to escape because of the Wens’ attack? If someone could and should do it, it should be the two of them!” It came from He Su, the sect leader of Tingshan-He. A sect close to Gusu and was aided by Lan Wangji during the early days of the war.

This received more agreement than the previous claim of Jin Guangshan. Wei Wuxian exchanged looks with his husband who just kept his face stoic as ever. He had to try and stop himself from smiling. Their night hunt – the quest for the Yin Iron shards will always be memorable for the both of them.

Jin Guangshan’s face was unreadable as he looked at Jin Guangyao, signaling him to do something. He has been pushing him to make alliances with the other sects especially to rebuild bridges with Qinghe-Nie but until now, Jin Guangyao’s efforts are in vain.

He would often meet Wen Qing in the Unclean Realm and he has been trying his best to not be in the same room with her. After all, he was a mole in the Nightless City like her. 

Wen Qing is there for Nie Mingjue’s qi treatment. It took Nie Huaisang’s tears and whines before Nie Mingjue finally agreed. The war did not do his qi anything good but with Wen Qing’s intervention, he is surely looking better.

Jin Guangyao’s mind is working extra-mile as he tried to think of what to say when Lan Qiren suggested that since everyone sees Xue Yang as a dangerous person to the cultivation world, then everyone should try to prioritize the manhunt for him as well as carefully deal with the fierce corpses that are coming out. Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian would do their best as well. In the end, this was agreed by everyone and Jin Guangshan is already spitting profanities from where he sits. Jin Guangyao could only bow his head as he gritted his teeth.

Jiang Fengmian started talking about trades in the rivers surrounding Yunmeng and the topics of the discussion changed.

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji often go out for a night hunt when they do not have sect duties. Today, they just finished off three mountain demons and the destruction of their nest which saved three villages from their nightmares. The name of Guangyuanjun and Hanguangjun is widely complimented once more.

As they flew, Wei Wuxian noticed something which made him slow down. He would usually ask his husband for a race so it made Lan Wangji slow down as well.

“Wei Ying?”

“Lan Zhan, what’s that?”

“Qiongqi Path,” Wangji replied after studying the planes and boulders under them.

“Can you feel it?” His question was met by his husband’s eyes and then Lan Wangji nodded. It made Wei Wuxian frown.

“Isn’t this a road less likely to be traveled? Someone built a camp there?” Wei Wuxian pointed down.

“Not a camp.”

“Huh?”

“Wei Ying, we should descend.”

“Huh? Lan Zhan?”

But they did. They hid behind a heavy boulder and Wei Wuxian’s brows furrowed.

“Is this what I think it is?” Wei Wuxian whispered as he gripped Suibian tighter.

“Are these war prisoners? Aren’t all war prisoners removed from prison after their trial?”

Lan Wangji nodded.

The prisoners went under trial. The generals and other high-ranking officers were sentenced to death. The others were sentenced to do labor with their swords confiscated and cores sealed and will be under the strict supervision of the sects where the territory they were assigned. Most of the labors were done to the sect's rebuilding, they would need every help to rebuild broken homes that the Wens caused after all.

The women, children, elders, and those who did not participate in the war but bore the name Wen were given a chance to either change their names or move to Dafan. Wen Qing has assisted everyone in building villages around the mountain and provided them help until they can stand on their own. Being Gusu-Lan’s branch also helped since Gusu sent assistance as well (and the bride price Gusu-Lan gave for Wei Wuxian was too abundant that even new villages could benefit from it).

“Then why –“ Wei Wuxian gritted his teeth.

“Jins,” Wangji muttered when he saw the uniforms of the guards in the prison cell.

“I’ll jump there if I could but I am with you so… plans?”

“Lockdown. Investigate. Send signal.”

“Got it!”

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath before he steeled himself and started walking, Lan Wangji followed behind. He drew several characters and sigils in the air and an invisible barrier surrounded the camp. Lan Wangji did a few hand movements and sent them to surround the initial barrier as well.

“Let’s go,” Wei Wuxian led the way.

Just the presence of the two esteemed cultivators made the guards in Jin sect uniforms scamper away but realized that they could not come out.

“H—ha- Hanguangjun, Guangyuanjun,” the officer greeted. The two gave him a nod.

“We were just passing by in the area and we noticed this… camp?” Wei Wuxian made a quirk on his brows as he looked around. It is obviously a prison and he could see how distressed everyone is inside the cells.

“Ah… well…”

“We never heard of the Jins having a prison in the middle of Qiongqi,” Wei Wuxian continued.

“Ah… Guangyuanjun… this –“

“I will ask you one question and you will tell me everything or else,” Wei Wuxian’s hand moved to the hilt of his sword. Suibian has been famous for its speed – speed in the air and speed in its attack during the war. The officer’s hard gulp shows that he knows that as well. He turned to Lan Wangji and even if his expression stayed the same, the officer’s eyes glued to Bichen that glowed a little before it stopped.

“A- an-anything, Guangyuanjun.”

“What is this place?”

The question was simple but anyone would know that the two are expecting further information. The officer heard the guards shouting that there is a barrier and his eyes widened as he looked back at the famous couple in the cultivator world – the couple that stands with justice and protects the weak. They are the example of those who live without regret.

“I wouldn’t want to repeat my question, officer.”

And so the officer spilled everything that he knew. He gathered the other guards and they told them their accounts. They could hear the cries of the prisoners as they spoke. Wei Wuxian had to hold Lan Wangji’s wrist to stop himself from letting his emotions take over.

The moment they ended, Wei Wuxian used the Lan silencing spell he learned to all of them. Gusu-Lan’s signal glare owned by the Second Young Master of Lan was seen brightly in the sky.

“I think we'll need Qing-jie here.”

And so the Dafan-Wen signal flare for medical emergencies was seen up in the sky as well.

The pair looked around while the guards and officers were kneeling and bounded in the center of the camp. Wei Wuxian did not remove the silencing spell and Lan Wangji is ready to redo the spell if it's done.

“Someone! Help! She is in pain! She might be giving birth!” someone from the third cell shouted and Wei Wuxian ran towards it. They have destroyed all the locks and the others have already gone out and reunited with friends and family inside that camp.

“What-“ Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened upon seeing the woman writhing in pain, bleeding.

“N- no. Not you – no. White – no!”

Wei Wuxian’s brows furrowed when the woman tried to push herself to the cell just to stay away from him.

“What-“ he looked at the other women inside the cell and were also looking at him warily. When his husband approached he immediately stopped him.

“No! Don’t come in!” Lan Wangji froze at the door in confusion but when he watched his husband taking off his Gusu-Lan robes and wearing his extra Dafan-Wen robes, he understood and stayed outside.

“I do not know what happened but please, I am here to help,” Wei Wuxian tried to move forward. The woman is crying in pain and Wei Wuxian is worried, praying that Wen Qing will arrive fast. She is fast in flying her sword after all.

“Fa... fath -er – Lan – he – he –“ the woman cried and Wei Wuxian felt coldness seep through his body.

“I see. I do not know who it was but I am not him and I am here to help. You are in pain, will you allow me?” Wei Wuxian knows he is wasting time and Wen Qing will get mad if she’s here but he cannot get close if he forces her.

The woman is obviously trying to open her eyes to look at him. It seems like she recognized him as she whispered his title and then she nodded. Wei Wuxian immediately approached her and checked her wrist.

“No…” Wei Wuxian touched her abdomen.

“How many months?” she asked the rest.

“If we counted it right, she still has six weeks before the baby should come,” one of them replied.

“She’s in labor,” Wei Wuxian announced because there is no better way to say it. He learned a little about labor after one of the Dafan-Wen gave birth to a healthy baby boy, A-Yin. Wen Qing taught him a few things but told him that he shouldn’t do anything unless it's an emergency and this is an emergency.

“Okay listen, help is coming and I trust that she knows what to do but for now, we need to do something or else it’ll be too late for her and the baby.” And Wei Wuxian started giving instructions and the women inside the cell started moving. His husband is there, observing.

“Can my husband come in? I will need his help,” Wei Wuxian asked.

“Hanguangjun?”

“Yes. Hanguangjun.”

The woman smiled and nodded.

“I – I never – ah! I never thought I’ll – I’ll see you two – in the final day of my life-“

“No! Don’t say that! You’ll live and see your baby!” Wei Wuxian’s fingers shook as he said that. He signaled his husband to come and Lan Wangji carefully entered, Bichen to the side.

“Xiongzhang sent a butterfly message. He is coming with Chifengzun, almost there since they came from a night hunt too.”

“Good – good. Lan Zhan, I'll need your help here until Qing-jie arrives.”

“Anything that Wei Ying needs.”

Wei Wuxian smiled. They carried the lady to lay down on the thin sleeping mats that Wei Wuxian stacked up to make it more comfortable and used his robes to cover the lady as he removed her trousers as taught by Wen Qing. Upon checking, his jaw dropped.

“No!”

And he started barking orders to the women with Lan Wangji trying to keep up with everything that she was saying. He asked the people outside if there was a midwife but there was none. They were mostly males too. The women inside the cell had no idea what to do either so he’ll have to trust his skills. He instructed everyone not to crowd the cell to give them room to breathe. He asked his husband to send the woman some energy even if she is not a cultivator, it’ll help alleviate the pain.

“You have started crowning and we cannot do anything but continue what you have started. Please trust us,” Wei Wuxian said as he rolled up his sleeves when he finished preparing everything. He also took out his medical kit and prepared the things he’ll need.

“I pushed. It hurts- “ the woman muttered. “Trust you – Guang- Guangyuanjun, Hanguangjun. Waited for you to come –“ the woman was muttering things and Wei Wuxian had to bite his lower lip to control himself.

“Sorry -- I'm sorry that we arrived late.”

The woman shook her head, even those near them shook their heads.

“You’re here now, that matters the most,” one of them said. Wei Wuxian had to take a deep breath to stop more tears from falling. He had to focus on this task especially without any medicines available. If he doesn't do this now, there is a possibility for the baby or the mother or for both of them to die.

Up to the last minute, Wei Wuxian is praying for Wen Qing to arrive and push him away to take over but the woman is in so much pain now, his husband’s energy can only do much. He put up the handkerchief he folded to cover half of his face and then he took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He learned from Wen Qing, the greatest healer of Qishan – he can do this.

When Wei Wuxian started, the woman was screaming between the cloths he folded for her to bite. When he instructed her to push, she did with all her might.

“It’s moving! Good, you’re doing great!”

Blood. There was so much blood that Wei Wuxian almost thought it was war again. They heard a commotion outside and Nie Mingjue’s voice but he and Lan Wangji were too focused on their task. The woman was already gripping Lan Wangji’s arms but he was not reacting despite his dislike of physical contact. He allows her to do anything as he sends him soothing energy that he knows could help anyone even without a core.

Wei Wuxian froze when it ended. The baby was in his arms but it was not crying.

'What did Qing-jie say when the baby is not crying?! What –what?! Wei Wuxian focus!'

He raised the baby and sent him his energy.

“Lan Zhan, quick!” and Lan Wangji sent his energy too. The baby was a little blue, unmoving but suddenly – suddenly, a loud baby’s cry was heard. Wei Wuxian sobbed. He cut the cord, tied it out, and observed.

“I need – I need –“

His eyes widened when Lan Wangji suddenly stripped off his outer robes and handed them to him. Wei Wuxian carefully wrapped the baby with his husband’s warmth. The placenta was also out.

“It’s a baby boy,” he announced as he moved.

“Your baby,” he said but the woman was just blinking weakly at him. She smiled.

“Will – will Han – han- hanguangjun and Guang – guang—“ she winced. “Guangyuanjun grant – grant this woman’s dying wish?”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened.

“What – no – dying –no-“

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji is obviously shaken but he is trying to brave himself. They do not even bother with the people around them. His eyes went from his husband to the newborn baby in his arms, and then to the woman lying between them.

“What is your wish?” Lan Wangji asked, the end of his voice trembled but it was clear and sincere. The woman smiled.

“Please – please do not show him to me.” It surprised almost everyone.

“I – I cannot – cannot be the mother for him,” she smiled.

“But-“

“Can – can Hanguangjun and Guangyuanjun… raise the baby like their own?” She laughed but it sounded pained. “I bet – I bet that people are going to be envious of what I am doing-“

“Please-“

“Please… please raise him – raise him like a proper – proper,” she looked at Lan Wangji. “Lan,” a sob escaped her lips. “Where he will grow righteous like the men who raised him.”

She is having a labored breath but the two have not responded yet, too stunned over what they heard.

“L- Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan I need to patch her up. Ge-get the baby –get the baby-“ he handed the whimpering baby to his husband’s arms without even noticing how Lan Wangji froze and he started to try doing what he remembered Wen Qing taught.

“Please –please stay with us-“

But the woman is shaking her head.

“My time – it has come –“

“No! Please-“

“Wei Wuxian!” Wei Wuxian almost cried when he heard the voice.

“Qing-jie! Please! Save her please! Please!” he begged and Wen Qing was already on her knees as he moved to the side. Wen Qing’s movements are fast and Wei Wuxian kneeled beside the woman. His eyes darted on his husband who is holding the baby like he is the most precious thing in this world. Wei Wuxian sobbed. He was about to speak when the woman grabbed his wrist.

“Please,” she said, almost breathless. Her eyes were drooping and then she looked at Lan Wangji as well.

Wei Wuxian bit his lower lip and cried. Lan Wangji’s eyes are tearful too.

“Okay. I – I promise. I promise. We will take good care of the baby and – and raise him as our own,” Wei Wuxian had to pull the handkerchief that was covering his face so he could breathe. He felt suffocated.

“I promise,” Lan Wangji’s words were simple but they held heavyweight.

“Thank you,” the woman smiled but Wei Wuxian grabbed her hand when she let his wrist go.

“Name. Give me the name,” he said, his voice suddenly hardening. The woman looked confused.

“Not – not the baby’s name,” Wei Wuxian added. The woman blinked when she understood what he meant. She signaled him to come closer and so he did. The woman said a name, it was barely a whisper but Wei Wuxian heard it loud and clear, his knuckles gripped.

When he moved away, the woman was smiling as she looked at Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.

“The baby is lucky,” she said. “He – he is going to have – have – the – have the best,” she took several short breaths and Wei Wuxian wished she could stop her from talking while Wen Qing was trying her best. “Have – the best parents – an—anyone… anyone can ever have.”

It was peaceful. It was too peaceful when she took a very deep and final breath and her eyes closed.

Wei Wuxian bawled his heart out as Lan Wangji pulled the baby closer to his arms, eyes closing as his tears fell.

Wen Qing closed her eyes shut. It was simply too late.

After asking questions from everyone and checking everything, Wen Qing told Wei Wuxian he did everything correctly but it was simply too late.

“She was already bleeding hard when you arrived. It was – it was a miracle that she was able to finish the entire process when she was crowning for over an hour… crowning and bleeding even before you arrived. If you did not arrive, she and the baby could not have survived. There simply was too much complication there,” Wen Qing tried to explain. “You did your best and the baby was revived with what you and Wangji did. You did great, Wei Wuxian.”

Wei Wuxian just melted in her arms as he cried. He was still bloodied even if he had cleaned himself but the remnants of the blood are still there. The baby was cleaned thoroughly by Wen Qing and was fed by one of the female Lan cultivators who came with Lan Xichen. Wei Wuxian has held the baby once after he was cleaned but his arms are too unstable after everything that happened that Wen Qing took the baby and handed him back to Lan Wangji.

Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue conducted the investigation. Wen Qing brought apprentices and they checked everyone’s wounds and health. The guards and officers were made sure to stay away from the prisoners.

A conference was called in Unclean Realm. The Jins are to answer for their crimes.

Wei Wuxian stares at the baby at the cot inside the Jingshi. He did not even flinch when his husband wrapped a blanket around his body and secured it with his arm around him.

“Wei Ying.”

“He’s so peaceful, Lan Zhan. Sleeping like that,” Wei Wuxian muttered.

“Mn.”

“He is too young,” his tears fell once more.

“He lost her too young. He – he never felt her aside from those months he was inside her,” he buried his face on his husband’s chest.

“He has us, Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji reminded him and he nodded.

“We’ll be there – there for him as we promised. Be – be the best parents as what Wen Jian wanted,” he whispered her name. They learned her name and a few anecdotes of what happened from the women she was with inside the cell.

“But we’ll get her justice too… right?”

“We will. He has been apprehended and will be under trial first thing tomorrow under Gusu law.”

“He’ll be executed.”

“Outside Cloud Recesses, yes.”

“Good.”

Silence passed and then Wei Wuxian removed his face from his husband’s chest.

“We’re parents now,” he muttered and it seems like it has only dawned on Lan Wangji as well. Parents. It is a term they never expected to come across now. They have agreed that they would adopt someday or in the near future… they never thought that the baby they hoped for would come to them this way.

“Name. We – we need a name, Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji’s eyes landed on the sleeping baby. Wen Qing has thoroughly checked him. He was six weeks early and went through a lot of stress during birth but his lungs are healthy, he is fully developed but they would still need to closely monitor him for his first few months.

“I – oh my, I’m bad at this, Lan Zhan!”

“Chenqing is a beautiful name.”

“But I named my sword Suibian!” he said in a whisper-shout kind of way. It made Lan Wangji smile and he held his hand. He glanced at the baby again and then back to his husband.

“Think! Think! My husband is the best so he’ll come up with one,” he shook his arm. Lan Wangji opened his palm and started to write something. Wei Wuxian’s brows furrowed.

“Can you do it again?”

“Mn.”

Wangji wrote once more.

“Yuan,” Wei Wuxian whispered and Lan Wangji nodded.

“To hope for,” Lan Wangji defined and it made Wei Wuxian close his eyes as he moved to his husband’s lap and hugged him tightly. It may be some time until he’ll get to do it now that they have a baby to focus on.

“A beautiful name for our beautiful baby, Lan Zhan. Lan Yuan,” he said.

“Not Wei?”

“He’s a Lan.”

Lan Wangji nodded, understanding what he meant. The mother said it herself. She wishes for him to grow as a proper Lan and Lan Wangji will try his best with his husband to guide the child in the righteous path.

“Our baby.”

“Mn.”

Lan Wangji buried his face on the crook of his husband’s neck as Wei Wuxian did the same. They did not kiss, they did not do anything that night aside from holding each other until Lan Yuan started crying. It was not a wet nappy, he was hungry and so they called for a wet nurse from the nursery. They refused the baby that is less than 24 hours old to be parted from them.

Lan Yuan slept on Lan Wangji’s arms as Wei Wuxian fell asleep when he was being fed. By some miracle, Wei Wuxian woke first and the scene he saw was too much for his heart that he had to grab a paper and brush to paint the picture-perfect image in front of him.

This – he never thought he’ll ever have this yet here it is.

Lan Xun, the Twin Jades’ distant cousin, was sentenced to death. He participated in buying women under Jin Guangshan’s machinery (through Su Minshan who acted as the middle man. He was once a Lan disciple who was removed after transgression during the war.) He gave Wen Jian empty promises of marrying her that is why he took her out of the prison. He showed him every gentle way a Lan should be and Wen Jian fell – deep. He was attentive, doting, loving – everything a woman could ask for. She thought that her life in prison was finished and she would have a good life with Lan Xun.

Then one day, she discovered she was pregnant. Lan Xun could not accept it. He was asking her to drink medicine, a birth control medicine. How could it happen? (Wen Qing explained that when the woman was fertile when they had sex, then the medicine mostly failed.)

He returned Wen Jian to the prison camp in Qiongqi no matter how much she begged. He did not get his payment back but he cannot accept a child with Wen blood. Wen Jian was returned to the prison camp, pregnant and heartbroken.

Some of the women in the prison camp said that she was lucky she was still treated that way as she told them stories about what happened to her. The others weren’t lucky and their stories were heard.

The conference in Qinghe had Jin Guangshan put into trial with Jin Zixun, his nephew whose name repeatedly came out during the questioning. Su Minshan was also put on trial. Jin Guangyao was pushed to the edge but he repeatedly declined any involvement. Then Jiang Fengmian’s name was dropped, much to everyone’s surprise. He has always been a kind, mild-tempered man. How –

“Jiang-xiong knows everything. The money from the prison camp goes to him and his sect after all!”

Jiang Fengmian cannot speak and Yu Ziyuan was so furious that she broke all the wares on her table. If she had her core, she could have broken the table in half. Jiang Wanyin was too pale and it is good that Jiang Yanli is not there. She was left in Koi Tower with her months-old baby. Jin Zixuan was too stunned to say anything.

And then while the trial was ongoing, Nie Zonghui came running, disrupting the conference.

“Nie-zongzhu! We have visitors that may have a huge contribution to this conference.”

With Nie Mingjue’s approval, Nie Zonghui opened the door wider. Two cultivators entered, one in black and one in white with a white cloth around his eyes. With them is a teenage girl with a bamboo stick and then the cultivator in black pushed the man bound with cords to the center.

With the horsetails hanging on their backs, their swords – no one had to question who they were.

“Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen!”

“We found and captured Xue Yang. Aside from the crimes he committed years ago,” Song Lan paused to remind them of what happened to the Chang Clan. “We found his hideout where he was practicing raising corpses and manipulating them into using swords.”

“Hanguangjun, Guangyuanjun,” Song Lan called and the two stood up. They did not want to come, they wanted to stay with Lan Yuan but their presence was required here as they were the ones who discovered the hidden camp. Lan Yuan is with Nainai, the same elder who looked after Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji when they were babies. Nainai promised that she will look after him until they return. With Lan Wangji’s familiarity, trust, and love towards her, Wei Wuxian gave in.

“Xingchen and I found something in his belongings that you have been looking for years ago,” Song Lan said. The couple exchanged glances and Xiao Xingchen took out a pouch from his sleeves and raised it.

“Yin Iron.” People immediately recognized it. Wei Wuxian moved forward to check. He is impressed by how the two have awarded it. He handed it to his husband who confirmed it.

“He has confessed who directly comes to him and asked him to do everything in the first place,” Xiao Xingchen said.

“Who is it, Xue Yang?” Nie Mingjue asked. Wei Wuxian moved forward to remove the cloth they put on his mouth. He spat and then he smirked.

“Who else but Meng Yao?” he laughed and Nie Mingjue saw red, Baxia rattled on its sheath.

Jin Guangyao paled from where he sat.

“What did you say?”

“That man with a hat. Who else helped me escape in the first place?” he laughed, it sounded sinister and then he scoffed. “You cannot escape this little man. I won’t die alone. We did this together, didn’t we?” he smirked. “You’re now wearing gold as what you wanted before. Mission complete!”

And the entire hall turned into chaos.

Wei Wuxian beams as he finishes dressing Lan Yuan in his little white robes.

“Look at you growing in front of our very eyes, huh? A-Yuan?” he gave his tummy raspberry kisses and Lan Yuan squealed and gurgles echoed around the Jingshi.

“Wei Ying.” Wei Wuxian looked up to see his husband enter, already fully dressed and ready for the day.

“Oh look, baba is here to fetch us!” He carried Lan Yuan in his arms and made him face Lan Wangji. Lan Yuan instantly made grubby hands towards Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian looked betrayed.

“See that?! I change your nappies and spend time with you the whole day but one look at your baba and I am forgotten?” he began his daily theatrics but he still handed Lan Wangji the baby. Lan Wangji did not forget to kiss him before kissing Lan Yuan’s forehead. The baby clung to him immediately.

“You really have that in you, Lan Zhan.”

“Wei Ying?”

“The calmness, the security that each time we hold you, each time we see your presence, we know we’re safe,” he said somberly and that made Lan Wangji circle his arm around him while his other arm held Lan Yuan securely.

“Wei Ying.” He would only call, say his name but Wei Wuxian always hears a lot of words and meaning behind it. He smiled and kissed his jaw.

“Everything is ready?”

“Mn.”

“Then we’ll have to go then. Everyone’s waiting for this tiny young master after all,” he reached out to fix Lan Yuan’s robes. The baby’s eyes followed the little movements of his fingers and then he puffed his cheeks which resulted in a ‘saliva rain’ as Wei Wuxian called it.

“Aiyaah! Lan Yuan! Diedie already bathed and ready!” He dramatically wiped his face while Lan Wangji wiped the drool on Lan Yuan’s face using the towel.

“We should go,” he said and Wei Wuxian nodded. Lan Wangji offered his hand and Wei Wuxian held it.

It has been 100 days since that eventful day. Lan Yuan is having his 100 days celebration and everyone is looking forward to meeting the precious son of the light bearer and his light source. Not a lot of people knew where Lan Yuan came from and they wanted to keep it that way. People know he is a Lan and Wen by birth and no one needs to know further than that.

It has been 100 days since:

Jin Guangshan, Jin Zixun, Jin Guangyao, and Xue Yang were sentenced to death. Capital punishment for all the crimes they did.

Su Minshan, being a middleman was sentenced to life imprisonment in Unclean Realm's dungeon but after his transgression was brought up again as well as how he tried to infiltrate Wen camps to sell information of the campaign, it was raised to capital punishment as well.

The story of the prison camp in Qiongqi Path went like this: Meng Yao – Jin Guangyao wanted acknowledgment from Jin Guangshan. He asked him to do something for him in the war – anything useful that will make Lanling-Jin’s name above all. Meng Yao went to Qishan, went up the ranks and got into Wen Rouhan’s good graces, and became Lanling-Jin's mole.

Since Meng Yao failed a few times and in the end, it was Wen Qing and Wen Qionglin – Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian’s moles who succeeded, Jin Guangshan wanted to refuse. Meng Yao wouldn’t let his efforts go to waste though. He offered Xue Yang and the Yin Iron to Jin Guangshan in exchange for his acknowledgment as his son. Jin Guangshan is an easy person to talk to when it comes to things like this. He instantly became Jin Guangyao, a war hero and his son.

They needed practice subjects and the Lans had laid the dead on the battlefield to rest. Those who were given capital punishments were too useless to be used as practice for Xue Yang who only tried recalling how Wen Rouhan manipulated his puppets. Jin Guangyao taught him what he learned while he was there.

Jin Guangshan wanted to become the Chief Cultivator and have the same power as Wen Rouhan had. His prime movers asked for test and practice projects and so he looped his nephew into looking for people. They captured Wens who decided to change their names and live outside the cultivation world instead of taking refuge in Dafan. They were prisoned. A number of them were brought out to be tested and practiced by Xue Yang and under Jin Guangyao’s supervision. The women were either bedded by Jin Zixun (and Jin Guangshan) or sold to anyone who wanted them – Wen Jian is one of them.

 Jiang Fengmian was desperate and so when he asked for help from Jin Guangshan on top of the help that his son-in-law, Jin Zixuan was giving, Jin Guangshan put the Sect Leader into good use. He asked his help to sell the women and the men into labors or under-the-table jobs. All the money will go to Jiang Fengmian but in exchange, whoever he transacted with will pledge loyalty to Jin Guangshan and Lanling-Jin.

Jiang Fengmian was sentenced to life imprisonment in Unclean Realm’s dungeon. Yunmeng-Jiang sect was eradicated. They were given an option to become Jiang Clan and be a branch of Lanling-Jin under Jin Zixuan’s leadership but Yu Ziyuan refused. She and Jiang Wanyin moved to Meishan and have not shown themselves to the cultivation world until now.

The Jiang disciples were given an option to choose a sect if they wanted to continue being disciples. Most of them went to the Dafan-Wen branch. Healing arts and archery under Wen Qing and Wen Qionglin with a promise of safety and good treatment are a few things that attracted them. Since the Dafan-Wen branch is getting bigger, Wen Qing decided to hire the Jiang servants as well so they would not end up jobless after what happened.

No one really knew how petty Lan Wangji was until an announcement was made. Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Wanyin needed money for the separation pay to all the servants as well as the workers they hired for rebuilding and everything they had was already taken away from them to be given to the victims. Lan Wangji’s offer was something they could not decline.

Lan Wangji bought the entire Lotus Pier and put it under Wei Wuxian’s name. He had Lotus Pier destroyed, even those pavilions that were rebuilt recently. Soon, an orphanage and school will rise where Lotus Pier used to stand. It will be under Gusu-Lan and Dafan-Wen. No child will grow on the streets while fighting dogs so they can eat. No child will be treated indifferently when they are taken in by any family. The orphanage is going to be handled by Wen Popo. The school for the less fortunate is going to be under Wei Wuxian’s care.

No child will be whipped for the mistakes that they did. No child will cry to sleep for being mistreated. In Yunmeng where Lotus Pier for the Jiang Sect used to stand, every child will be treated like a human, with respect and given so much love that they deserve.

Lan Wangji watches his husband with their son greet the people around the Hall. People are cooing at how cute Lan Yuan is. The baby was overwhelmed by the attention and he cried at first but it only took Lan Wangji having him back in his arms for him to stop crying. Wei Wuxian did not miss the chance to do his dramatic skits in front of the guests about Lan Yuan’s bias between them. It earned a good laugh, even from the Lan elders.

Ever since Wei Wuxian arrived, there was never a time that Cloud Recesses was ‘too quiet’ as it used to be but everyone knows that they liked this change.

Wei Wuxian met his eyes and Lan Wangji gave him a smile. He rarely smiles in public but when he does, it is always to that one person who brought light to his life. Wei Wuxian’s smile will always be brighter than the sun and with Lan Yuan squealing in his arms, his xiongzhang standing a few meters away from him, smiling as well, and then their shufu silently drinking his tea – Lan Wangji knows that his life is complete.

“Wei Ying.”

“Aiyah! Stop! That smile! It’s blinding me!”

The corners of his lips just lifted a lot higher and it brought everyone in awe. Wei Wuxian snickered for his success. Sometimes, people should see his husband’s smile too and of course, their baby A-Yuan’s toothless grin is a huge bonus.

Wei Wuxian looked around to see almost all the familiar faces in his life. His Qing-jie is there, obviously observing people’s hygiene while they try reaching out to their son. His A-Ning is there, smiling and talking to Nie Huaisang, his best friend who is obviously under Wen Qing’s watch as well. Nie Mingjue is there, a da-ge he earned in the process. His Xichen-ge is there with Lan Shufu who became his family as well.

When he said that he was done, he was still aimless. He did not know where to go or what to do next. All he knew was that he was done with the Jiangs. He even fainted on the road and yet… yet look at where he is now. Perhaps, all those experiences he had are what brought him to where he is now.

He wished those people who were once involved in his life well. He will not hold resentment for them. They are a chapter that ended in his book. Aside from Jiang Yanli, he never got the chance to talk to any of them and Wei Wuxian doubts they'll even want to talk to him. Maybe one day… After all, who knows what the future has for them.

Now, Wei Wuxian will focus on the present and what is more to come. People call him the light source, but this – everything around him, especially his husband and son, they are his life source.

Lan Wangji reached out this time and Wei Wuxian immediately clasped their hands together while Lan Yuan was busy chewing and putting his saliva on the ends of Lan Wangji’s forehead ribbon. With the soft and subtle smile on Lan Wangji’s face and the bright beam on Wei Wuxian’s face, they show a picture-perfect family to everyone’s eyes. 

They said that Yunmeng-Jiang Sect was filled with darkness as they lost their light source… while Lan Wangji and the lives of half of the people inside this hall were filled with brightness as they finally found their light source.