The oppressive silence in the room lingered.
It skipped to the next day. The cultivators were floating through the town on boats. Wei Wuxian had a small pile of loquats he was snacking on, while everyone admired the stalls set up around town.
"Wangji," Lan Xichen asked, "What are you thinking about?"
"The Waterborne Abyss," His little brother answered. Then, after a pause, continued, "What Wei Wuxian said was not unreasonable. The cultivators' spirits were snatched and a Waterborne Abyss appeared. The connection between them, do you have an idea about it?"
"Wangji," He hesitated, "I'm not so sure about this. My only wish is that my assumption is wrong, but if it is not...I'm afraid that we can't change it either."
Lan Xichen grimaced. He should have been more proactive. He should have been the one to find and carry the burden of the Yin Iron.
He shook himself slightly. He didn't want to admit it, but he was shaken by Jiang Wanyin's words. His feelings for Wen Qing were obvious. He wasn't like Jin Zixuan or Wangji. He didn't hide his feelings behind irritation. He didn't try to act cold and aloof. He didn't ignore his heart. He immediately got her a comb within weeks of knowing her.
It was admirable, really. They weren't separated by misunderstandings, just circumstances.
If Jiang Wanyin returned to the Unclean Realm with Wen Qing and announced her as the next Madame Jiang, the cultivation world would not have accepted it. At best, they would have demanded he take a second wife to temper her influences, thus dishonoring her. At worst, someone would have killed her to remove her entirely.
It was impossible before he reclaimed Lotus Pier, but even if he had a home to hide her in...it would have become her prison. Just as Cloud Recesses would have become Wei Wuxian's if Wangji had persuaded him to go.
He didn't want that fate for anyone, no matter what they'd done.
Wei Wuxian seemed to notice the serious conversation going on in the boat in front of him. He looked at his loquats consideringly, then shouted, "Lan Zhan have some loquats!" He launched one at the other's back.
Lan Wangji caught it without looking, "No." Then tossed it back without looking.
Wei Wuxian caught it with a small pout, "You're so boring." Then he perked up, "Jiang Cheng, catch it." And threw it at his brother.
"If you want loquats," Lan Xichen offered, "I can buy you a basket of them."
"No," Lan Wangji denied him too.
Nie Mingjue could tell his best friend was lost in thought, but he still forced a laugh at his version of teasing. He planned on pretending Jiang Wanyin said nothing.
After all, if anyone should hate Wens, it was the young Sect Leader who had everything taken from him. The Sandu Shengshou cut down the enemy without mercy. He took his vengeance in spades.
If he had room in his heart to love one...what did that say about him?
Nie Mingjue hated Wens since his father died. He killed Wen Xu to make Wen Ruohan feel some of his pain. He led the Sunshot Campaign. He ensured the Wen Sect would never rise to power. He never lost the Unclean Realm. He never lost his Sect. He still couldn't bring himself to fully sympathize with Wen Qing's situation.
There was virtue in mercy. The righteous did not seek vengeance past justice. He thought it was justice to condemn Wen Qing, but obviously Jiang Wanyin agreed with Wei Wuxian on this matter. If the Jiang Sect's position was stronger...
Jin Guangyao kept sending him inquiring glances, but of course he didn't know what was weighing on Xichen's mind.
Jiang Wanyin would have married Wen Qing to protect her if she'd let him.
It was too similar to what happened with Madam Lan. There was very little Xichen hadn't told Jin Guangyao. The circumstances of his parent's marriage was one of those.
While both were looking forward, they didn't notice Wei Wuxian pick up jars of Emperor's Smile from a nearby vendor.
The memory skipped to Nie Huaisang walking through Cloud Recesses. It was obviously after curfew, and his gaze darted around as he tried to remain unseen. He ran through the last courtyard to reach a set of doors. He carefully beat out a rhythm on the door.
Within seconds, Wei Wuxian opened it, whispering, "What took you so long?"
"I grabbed some peanuts," Nie Huaisang whispered back.
Wei Wuxian stuck his head out to check for any Lan disciples, then pulled Nie Huaisang into the room. They used their spare robes to block the windows, and lit the lamps within the space. Then they sat down at a table together to share the drinks.
Oblivious to the tension running between the major Sect's leaders, the minor Sects whispered.
Was this why the Yiling Patriarch turned on them? Sect Leader Jiang was good and responsible. He couldn't abandon his Sect when he was the only one left to build it. He could ask his brother, and head disciple, to protect her in his stead until such a time came where they could get married.
It wasn't because she was innocent.
Or perhaps she wasn't their enemy because she loved Jiang Wanyin. Sandu Shengshou didn't hold back against the Wens, but they heard nothing of Wen Qing's actions during the war. Did he hide her away somewhere? Did she truly do nothing worthy of condemnation?
What was truth? What was bias? Was bias not evidence of truth or did it prove nothing? How well did anyone know their loved ones?
It took no time at all for them to be drunk.
"Eh, Wei-xiong," Nie Huaisang commented, "The liquor is really good." He laughed.
"Of course," Wei Wuxian poured himself another cup, "Here in Gusu, we drink the Emperor's Smile. Fragrant and mellow, refreshing but not aggressive, smooth and powerful." He shook his head and downed the cup.
"Just drink the liquor," Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, "You make it sound like it's a person."
"Jiang-xiong, I disagree," Nie Huaisang said, "I think Wei-xiong is making an excellent point." He considered his next cup, "As a wise man said, 'fine beauty is just like a great wine'."
"Cheers," Wei Wuxian tapped his cup to the other's.
Nie Huaisang fanned himself, hoping this silly scene of them drinking could ease some of the tensions. His brother hadn't scolded him, but neither was he glowering at Jiang Cheng for fraternizing with Wens. He was frankly surprised Jin Guangshan didn't say anything, but Jin Zixuan did comment, and his tone was far from critical.
Interesting. Jin Zixuan didn't speak out against his father, but his father didn't speak out against him either.
So long as no major Sect spoke about the affair, no minor Sect would.
They were safe, but they desperately needed a distraction before anyone came up with some crazy theories.
Jiang Cheng leaned on the table, "If that is true, you shall find your partners by following the fragrance of liquor."
Wei Wuxian grinned, "I will be fine as long as I have wine."
Jiang Cheng choked on his drink, "I don't know how the GusuLan can put up with you."
"Hey," His brother warned, "I am adorable. It's just you. No one can match your standards."
"Ah, Wei-xiong," Nie Huaisang leaned closer, his voice teasing, "What standards?"
Wei Wuxian's grin widened as Jiang Cheng pointed at him, "Wei Wuxian, I dare you!"
"Beauty," Wei Wuxian blurted out, "Natural beauty."
Wen Qing certainly had both of those.
Jin Guangshan wasn't blind. He strummed his fingers over his table. Was the rift between Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin possibly about a woman? The Yiling Patriarch was known for his discerning taste in the fairer sex.
He could find someone more appealing than Wen Qing, though she was a rare beauty. After so long in the Burial Mounds, surely he would be tiring of her, eager to move on to something new.
And if Wen Qing went back to Jiang Wanyin...well, he wouldn't have to worry about the Jiang Sect gaining any significant power.
Jiang Cheng rose angrily, "Wei Wuxian!"
Wei Wuxian darted behind Nie Huaisang, "Virtuous and caring," He pulled the other boy up to use as a shield, "And comes from a good family." They chased each other around the table, "She should not be too chatty and should have a gentle voice," Nie Huaisang willingly did interference, "But not too capable."
Wen Qing healed her enemies. She took care of her little brother. The good family was debatable, as she didn't seem to consider Wen Ruohan or his ilk family. She didn't talk much, and when she did it was a split between gentle and severe. As a doctor, she wasn't capable in the same ways as other cultivators. She was skilled in a way that wouldn't compete with him.
They were all running now, "There is more." He evaded Jiang Cheng, "She should not burn through money."
Considering their continued survival in the Burial Mounds, she must be frugal indeed.
"Are all your standards just the opposite of Wei Wuxian?" Her husband wondered, aiming for lightness but still sounded awkward.
Jiang Yanli managed a laugh, "Ah, but one of his standards is that they get along with A-Xian as well."
"Which isn't that hard," Nie Huaisang smiled, "You should be happy that wasn't one of Madam Jiang's standards, Jin Zixuan."
Her laugh at that was softer and more genuine. It hurt to watch A-Cheng be so tense, but he just needed to make it to an obvious sign of Wen Qing's betrayal. Perhaps that was when she sheltered them after their home was burned, but she had a feeling it came sooner. Otherwise why would A-Xian chance their safety with her?
"You talk too much!" Jiang Cheng shouted.
"Hey," Nie Huaisang blocked him again, "It is okay."
"Wei Wuxian!" Jiang Cheng lunged, forcing the two of them back on the bed.
They didn't notice Lan Wangji walking in. The Lan Sect Heir turned to find Wei Wuxian on his back, getting strangled by Jiang Cheng while Nie Huaisang ineffectually tried to separate them, "Jiang Cheng, get up."
Jiang Cheng hated everyone but his sister and his nephew.
He knew they wouldn't take his feelings for Wen Qing well. He only needed to last until she was thrown in prison, but of course Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang threw in the memories of their teasing and how he would never meet a woman who matched his standards.
He never expected to and then he met Wen Qing. He felt an instant connection to her. She was a kindred spirit and if anyone dared to speak poorly of that, they would feel Zidian's wrath for weeks.
They finally noticed him, and scrambled to sit up. Nie Huaisang even opened his fan and fluttered it nervously.
A few laughed at their feigned nonchalance at getting caught by the head of discipline.
The esteemed young masters got drunk and acted foolish just like any other person.
Lan Wangji was not impressed, "What are you doing?"
Wei Wuxian clapped his hands together and shared a look with his friends. Then he rose, "What a nice coincidence." He laced his hands together behind his back, "Since you are here, why not join us for a drink? Let's have a chat."
"Here at Cloud Recesses, alcohol is forbidden," Lan Wangji recited.
Wei Wuxian sighed, "Lan Zhan, don't be so rigid. We successfully exorcised a Waterborne Abyss today. We made an accomplishment." He reached out to tug slightly on his sleeve, "Let's celebrate." Lan Wangji's eyes darted to the point of contact, so he let go.
"You three, go to the punishment chamber to be disciplined," Lan Wangji ordered.
"Where?" Wei Wuxian shot a look at the other two.
"What chamber?" Nie Huaisang asked, his voice slurred more.
Jiang Cheng swayed, "What?"
They both pretended to fall unconscious.
More laughed at the pure ridiculousness of this.
"Why is this important?" Jin Zixun demanded.
"You're the one who offered Hanguang-Jun alcohol," Jin Zixuan pointed out, "Perhaps Wei Wuxian is showing why that's a bad idea."
"Lan Wangji drank?" Nie Mingjue asked sharply.
"Wei Wuxian's bad influence knows no bounds," Lan Qiren crossed his arms.
"Is there a reason there's a rule against drinking?" Jin Guangyao asked, hoping to draw Lan Xichen back into the moment.
His older sworn brother hummed, "I'm not quite sure what came first, the rule against drinking or our reaction to liquor."
Nie Huaisang laughed, "I'm eager to see what kind of drunk you are."
"So am I," Lan Wangji replied.
"You don't remember this?" Lan Xichen blinked.
"Not past the first drink."
"Lan Zhan, you see they are too drunk to walk," Wei Wuxian said, "What if you sit down with me? Let's have a drink and talk."
Lan Wangji just turned away.
"Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian called after him as the two boys on the bed started to get up.
"If you refuse to come with me, I will ask for help and force you to," Lan Wangji threatened, as Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang pushed past him pretending like they were about to throw up.
"Cowards!"
"Wouldn't you retreat if it was Hanguang-Jun?"
"Wei Wuxian truly knows no fear."
While he was distracted, Wei Wuxian placed a talisman on his back, forcing him to freeze.
Wei Wuxian waved a hand in front of his face, "Lan Zhan?" Getting no reaction, he snapped his fingers, "Lan Zhan?" Another snap, "Lan Zhan?" He waved, and getting no reaction, turned and shut the doors. He sat down, "Lan Zhan, come here," He ordered, "Sit and drink the wine."
Lan Wangji did so.
"What talisman is that?" Jin Guangshan wondered.
Even before Wei Wuxian discovered demonic cultivation, he created a talisman powerful enough to control the likes of Hanguang-Jun?
"Wei-xiong had a lot of experimental talismans," Nie Huaisang answered, "I don't know if he made more of that one, or if he even named it." He fluttered his fan, "Seeing what we've seen now, I'd guess he was trying to see how a puppet would be made with our cultivation method."
"What did it feel like?" Jin Guangshan followed up, staring at Hanguang-Jun.
"Floating," The Second Jade answered, "If I concentrated, I could have broken it, but we were equal in cultivation."
A pity it wasn't of use to anyone in his Sect then. The weak weren't worth the effort. Demonic cultivation strengthened its puppets. This only made regular people biddable, and those who served him were eager enough to follow his orders.
Wei Wuxian got excited, "See, I am not fooling you. Doesn't it taste great?" There was still no reaction, so he waved his hand in front of his face again, "Lan Zhan?" He sighed in disappointment, "Lan Zhan, you have thick skin. You won't even blush."
Suddenly, Lan Wangji fell forward, his head hitting the table.
"What the fuck?" Jiang Wanyin swore.
Hanguang-Jun was that much of a lightweight?
No wonder the Lan Sect was so strict with alcohol if it left them so affected.
Wei Wuxian looked on in horror, "Lan Zhan?" He prodded him, but he was truly unconscious and just moved to the side. He gently slapped his face, "Lan Zhan? Can you please go back to your room?" He shook him harder, "Please do not sleep here."
With some effort, Wei Wuxian managed to move the unconscious Lan Wangji onto the bed. He sat down on the ground next to him, examining the jar, "I bet no one imagined that someone high and mighty like you would one day follow my lead." He continued drinking, "Lan-er, call me Wei-gege."
Lan Wangji, who appeared somewhat conscious now, obeyed, "Wei-gege."
This was enough to stop everyone from thinking of Sect Leader Jiang and Wen Qing.
Hanguang-Jun was a lightweight. He was still stone-faced, but there was a distinct disorder to his actions.
Wei Wuxian laughed delightedly, then noticed something. He reached a hand out, and Lan Wangji flinched away, "What's wrong?"
"Finally, some reactions," He leaned on the bed, "Your forehead ribbon is tilted."
It took a few seconds for his words to register, but when they did Lan Wangji sat up, "Tilted?" He immediately tried to fix it as though he could see it by looking up.
Adorable. Lan Xichen fought back a grin.
Lan Qiren fought back the urge to go to the Burial Mounds and throttle Wei Wuxian.
"I can't believe I missed this," Nie Huaisang whispered.
"Let me help," Wei Wuxian reached out again.
His hand was slapped away, "Go away."
Wei Wuxian settled back down on the floor, taking another drink as he watched the other continue to try and fix it, "It's still not right," He commented, reaching for a third time.
Lan Wangji he slapped the hand away a third time.
"What?" Wei Wuxian asked, "I am just trying to help you adjust it. Why are you so nervous?"
"The forehead ribbon is sacred," Lan Wangji told him, "No one can touch it except for family and significant others."
Wei Wuxian snorted, moving up onto the bed, "Significant others?"
"What are you laughing at?" Lan Wangji demanded.
He was definitely more irritable as well, or perhaps clearer in expressing his irritation.
It wasn't as terrible as it could be. Lan Wangji watched himself with increasing embarrassment. If his verbal filter was gone, who knew what he ended up saying? Considering how their conversation in the Cold Springs went, he must have said something to change Wei Ying's view of him.
After this, Wei Ying was no less annoying, but there was less...provocation in his actions. He seemed more determined to be his friend than simply drawing a reaction from him.
"I am laughing at the Lan Sect," Wei Wuxian answered, "You have so many rules that are so rigid and pretentious. Women would not marry you. You are going to be alone forever." He took another drink.
Lan Wangji looked away, "That's fine."
"Of course it is," Su She commented.
It was no secret how alone Hanguang-Jun was. He didn't show an interest in courting anyone. He didn't have friends. The only company he kept was that of his brother and uncle. He didn't even spend time with his own disciples, preferring secluded meditation and training than anything in a group.
None of them could understand how one would prefer to be alone in such a manner.
Then again, from what they'd seen, he wasn't quite alone. He had Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian peered at him for the odd answer, "Hey, is every member of your clan that vapid?" He wondered, "Your father is as vapid as you. Your mother must be so bored." He chuckled to himself at the teasing.
"I don't have a mother," Lan Wangji revealed.
Jin Guangyao heard Xichen's sharp intake of breath. He realized they'd never talked about Madame Lan. He knew she was dead, had been dead for a long time, but nothing else. The Lan were an insular group, not prone to rumor or gossip, but it was ridiculous to know nothing about the wife of a Sect Leader.
Then again, the former Sect Leader was in seclusion for all of Xichen's life. Absent fathers were one of the first topics of conversation between them.
Perhaps the matters were connected. If they were covering up some great scandal…
No, he wouldn't force Xichen to speak of it in public.
"That's impossible," Wei Wuxian argued immediately, "You can't be born out of thin air-" He cut himself off as he realized what the other meant by his words. He sobered, taking in the mournful demeanor of his companion. He let out a breath, "My parents died when I was four. You may think I would remember things then."
He sighed and shook his head, "But I don't. The only thing I remember is being chased by wild dogs. I don't remember what my parents looked like." He let out another sad laugh, "But I recall a scene. I was riding on a donkey with my mother by my side. My father was right in front of us. It might be that my mother cracked a joke and my father laughed."
"That's all?" Lan Qiren couldn't help but ask.
"He spent two years on the streets," Jiang Yanli answered, "It was traumatic enough for him to forget all of before."
"Surely Jiang Fengmian told him more," Otherwise his next actions would look terrible.
"A-Xian heard many stories of his father, as he was a servant of the Jiang Sect," The new mother bowed her head, "Nobody at Lotus Pier knew her except Father, and he never spoke of her because my Mother all but forbid it."
Everyone heard how Jiang Fengmian favored Wei Wuxian over his own son.
They also heard how Yu Ziyuan treated Wei Wuxian like a bastard, often lashing out as though his very existence was a slight to her honor. Lan Qiren could have easily guessed Jiang Fengmian, always one to avoid conflict, would choose to never speak of Cangse Sanren to avoid angering her further.
His next actions were terrible. Ignorance was no excuse for such cruelty. It was for the best that his nephews didn't know about their mother. He didn't need them to become anything like her. But Wei Wuxian? Who was already so much like her naturally?
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Wei Wuxian was a shameless troublemaker, but he didn't deserve such cruelty from one who was supposed to instruct him.
"Rumors do more harm than good," He pronounced, resigning himself to giving Wei Wuxian a chance.
"If it is any comfort, Teacher Lan," Jiang Wanyin added, "I believe Xiao Xingchen was able to help him remember more."
It wasn't a comfort. What were the chances another student of Baoshan Sanren would descend from her mountain and meet the son of another student? Xiao Xingchen wasn't much older than Wei Wuxian. What would he even know of Cangse Sanren?
Wei Wuxian sighed again, "Lan Zhan, here's to you." He toasted, "No. Here's to us. May we never forget what is worth remembering or remember what is best forgotten." He tried to offer the jar to the other, "Bottoms up." Then drank when he didn't respond.
This was what changed his mind about him?
Lan Wangji wished he remembered this. Maybe then they could have spoken more about their families. If there was anyone he could bring himself to speak of his mother too, it was Wei Ying. Then they could have understood each other better.
He would have known what he meant when he asked him to go back to Gusu.
Lan Qiren returned from his travels the next morning, and met with Lan Xichen for tea. The young Sect Leader served it, then spoke, "Grandmaster, you must be exhausted from all the traveling. How did the cultivation conference go?"
"We met with Nie-zongzhu," Lan Qiren answered, "As expected, the same demonic event has been happening in Qinghe. The same red cracks appeared on cultivator's necks."
Lan Xichen lowered his tea, "Have they found any clues?"
"Nie-zongzhu is looking into it." Lan Qiren took a sip, "Is everything okay in Cloud Recesses?"
"Lately, the Wens have been quiet," Lan Xichen answered, "However, a demonic event was witnessed on Biling Lake."
"Tell me more about it."
"I was just about to tell you," Lan Xichen looked forward, "A few days ago, some students and I went to perform an exorcism on water ghosts at Biling Lake, yet we found that the spirits in the lake had been demonized and turned into a Waterborne Abyss. This has never happened before. Wei-gongzi suspected that it might have something to do with the snatched spirits."
"Wei-gongzi?" Lan Qiren repeated, "Wei Wuxian."
"He is the head disciple of Jiang-zongzhu."
There was never denying his skill, only his character.
But what was so wrong with being carefree and unrestrained in a Sect that valued freedom and forthrightness? What was so bad about a few harmless pranks? A night of celebratory drinking?
Doubts grew about the Yiling Patriarch. Yes, he was a demonic cultivator, but had they not once celebrated his cultivation? Was he not their ally in the Sunshot Campaign? So far, they saw the goodness of Wen Qing and the innocence of Wen Ning. They saw how those two were also victims of Wen Ruohan's cruelty.
If they were mistreated by the Jin, then maybe they deserved whatever Wei Wuxian brought them.
Before he could continue his defense, the memory switched to Wei Wuxian waking up to a disciple banging on his door. He rushed to his feet, but found too much evidence to hide scattered around the room. Behind him, Lan Wangji rolled off the bed and onto the floor, sprawling indignantly. Wei Wuxian fought back a laugh and failed.
Many laughed as well.
How could this become the Yiling Patriarch unless they were wrong about the Yiling Patriarch?
It cut back to Lan Qiren, "Is he…?" He trailed off, "The son of…"
"Right," Lan Xichen nodded, "He is the son of Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren."
Lan Qiren huffed, "No wonder he has such mischievous ideas. Just like his mother."
Jiang Yanli perked up, "I always meant to ask you how well you knew Cangse Sanren, Teacher Lan."
The elder grimaced, "We were...acquainted."
"Perhaps you could tell me more about her," She smiled.
It would be something nice for A-Xian after a year in exile. She wouldn't push him to return to Lotus Pier immediately. He didn't need the scrutiny or the responsibilities. Instead, she hoped he would go in search of Baoshan Sanren's mountain. He could visit whenever he wanted, and help whoever he encountered. He could be free.
A-Xian could find himself instead of being who he thought they needed him to be.
"Of course," Lan Qiren inclined his head.
Lan Xichen smiled, and hid it in his tea. A disciple interrupted, "Excuse me," He came in and greeted the two.
"What is the problem?" Lan Xichen asked as he set down his tea.
"Wei Wuxian sneaked in some liquor," The disciple reported, "Got drunk with a couple of students and got caught." Lan Xichen smiled again, while Lan Qiren looked angry, "And Lan-er-gongzi was with them."
Lan Xichen's amusement was instantly wiped away, "Wangji was with him?"
Lan Qiren hit the table, "How dare they!"
Nie Mingjue snorted at Xichen's reaction. It served him right for pushing Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji together.
Meanwhile, he was surprised at how bold Huaisang was when he wasn't around. Sneaking around after curfew? Smuggling in snacks, which he knew they didn't offer in Cloud Recesses? Getting drunk? Engaging in play fighting with Jiang Wanyin and Wei Wuxian?
He thought his little brother respected Xichen and feared Lan Wangji too much to act out to the point of being punished.
Maybe there was more to him than a cowardly weakling. Maybe Wei Wuxian didn't trick him onto the quest for Yin Iron.
It skipped forward to the punishment. Lan Xichen glanced at his uncle, who was staring forward determinedly. Lan Wangji walked in first and knelt before him, "I am at fault. Shufu, Zewu-Jun, I shall be punished."
Wei Wuxian, followed by Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang, also knelt, "Grandmaster, Zewu-Jun," Wei Wuxian pleaded, "It is true that we disobeyed the rules and got drunk, but Lan Zhan, he is not-"
"Nonsense!" Lan Qiren snapped, "Wei Wuxian! Your confinement as punishment has not even ended, yet here you are, causing trouble again." Wei Wuxian bit his lip to refrain from speaking, "How far do you want to take this? Are you trying to ruin Cloud Recesses? Do not think that just because your mother is Cangse…"
Wei Wuxian gasped and looked up, "Grandmaster. Did you know my mother?"
Lan Qiren wouldn't look at him.
Wei Wuxian tried again, "Grandmaster-"
"Shut up," Lan Qiren interrupted again.
"How cruel," Jin Guangyao frowned.
"I assumed he knew his parents," Lan Qiren spoke slowly, "If he is indeed innocent, I will seek to rectify the matter."
Still, the hurt look in Wei Wuxian's eyes as he fell silent stirred something in his heart. At least he knew his mother. He spent most of his life with her. He would never forget her beauty and wit. He could look in the mirror and pinpoint what he inherited from her, and what he took from his father.
Why was Wei Wuxian so good when everyone treated him terribly? If Lan Qiren hurt him, and then he became the most powerful cultivator alive, he would have sought revenge. He would have killed anyone who called him a bastard or dismissed him as a servant.
That he'd done nothing since going into the Burial Mounds only proved how annoyingly good he was.
"Wangji," Lan Xichen spoke, "Wei-gongzi is not a member of the Lan Sect, but you are, and you're fully aware of the rules."
"I recognize the mistake that has been made," Lan Wangji replied.
"Zewu-Jun," Wei Wuxian exclaimed, "Zewu-Jun! It was all on me. I made him drink the liquor. It was against his will."
"I recognize the mistake and shall be punished," Lan Wangji contradicted.
Wei Wuxian turned to him, "What is wrong with you? Why are you asking for punishment?"
"You should have told him you could have broken his control," Jiang Cheng snapped.
Wei Wuxian didn't need more things to unnecessarily blame himself for.
"I know."
"Wei Ying," Lan Qiren looked over their heads, "As the head of the group, you shall be hit by the bastinado 300 times." His eyes widened as his friends gaped behind him, "The same punishment goes to Lan Zhan. The rest shall be hit 50 times. Let this be a warning."
"Three hundred times?" Wei Wuxian stammered out, "Those bastinados are monstrous! Am I going to survive this?"
"Do it," Lan Qiren ordered.
Nie Huaisang collapsed on the first strike. Wei Wuxian fell forward, but saw Lan Wangji taking the strikes without flinching. He forced himself back upright and stared forward, determined to take the same punishment in the same way.
People muttered around the room. The physical pain was obviously nothing to Wei Wuxian, nor was the humiliation of a public punishment.
But the unintentional cruelty from the Lan head family was impossible to ignore.
Lan Xichen allowed Wei Wuxian to be punished harsher than the other two, even though it looked like all three were equal and willing participants. Yes, Wei Wuxian brought the alcohol in, but the excessive noise which drew Hanguang-Jun's attention was instigated by Nie Huaisang, and the play fighting by Jiang Wanyin.
Lan Qiren dangled information about an orphan boy's parents in front of him and refused to share it. He didn't know the boy didn't know the same, but unintentional cruelty didn't make it less cruel. Few could ignore how desperate then disparaged Wei Wuxian looked right before his punishment.
Lan Wangji didn't explain why he was accepting the same punishment, leaving Wei Wuxian to believe it was all his fault. He tried to get him out of it, to save who he perceived as innocent from an unjust punishment.
It skipped to the Jiang siblings walking with Wei Wuxian between them. Jiang Yanli said softly, "A-Cheng, you are close to A-Xian and have always disciplined him. Why did you fool around with him last night?"
"A-Jie," Jiang Cheng rubbed his back, "Can we not talk about it anymore? The fact that I got fifty hits, please keep it a secret from our parents."
"The three hundred hits for me should also be kept secret," Wei Wuxian added.
"You caused everything!" Jiang Cheng stated.
"But no one forced you to drink the Emperor's Smile," Wei Wuxian argued.
"That's enough," Jiang Yanli interjected, "Do you two want to continue to fight?"
Wei Wuxian groaned in pain, "Shijie, it hurts everywhere."
"Let it be a lesson for you," Jiang Yanli replied, but softened, "Just endure it. Wait until the class ends, I will make you danggui soup."
"Shijie," He trudged on, "I should have more protein to promote rapid healing."
"Danggui soup with lamb should do the trick." Jiang Cheng smiled.
"You two," She scolded half-heartedly.
Punishment didn't deter him.
Madame Jin sighed. Perhaps he was too accustomed to punishment for a bastinado to have much effect.
She glanced at her daughter-in-law and grandson. She always wondered what she saw in the ill-behaved son of a servant, but it was so clear now that for all the trouble he brought, he brought equal happiness.
Then they spotted Lan Xichen walking towards them. They greeted them as well as they were able.
"Zewu-Jun, did I break the rules again?" Wei Wuxian asked hesitantly.
"You guys indeed went overboard last night," Lan Xichen said, "Shufu may be a bit harsh, and so is the punishment. The bastinado is quite heavy. It will probably take weeks for the wounds on your back to heal."
"Ah," Wei Wuxian's eyes widened, his brother looking at him in concern, "Weeks? That's a long time."
"Let me point you to a place to go to heal a bit faster so you won't be behind in your studies," Lan Xichen smiled.
Jiang Yanli bowed, "Thank you for the support, Zewu-Jun."
"Zewu-Jun," Wei Wuxian stopped him before he could lead the way, "My mother…"
"Oh, Wei-gongzi," He looked back, "Back in the day, Cangse Sanren was classmates with Shufu. Shufu's behavior was strictly mannered and your mother…" He smiled, "How should I say this? She was just like you." Jiang Cheng fought back a laugh, "I hope you do not hold a grudge against Shufu. It is true that he was being extra harsh on you."
He slightly smiled again, "It was just…" He turned and took a few steps away, "Well, let's just say it was difficult for him to keep his beard looking good back then."
"So you told Zewu-Jun about Cangse Sanren, but not her own son?" Jin Guangyao felt his distaste for Lan Qiren grow.
The esteemed elder didn't answer.
The scene cut away to Wen Qing reporting to Wen Ruohan. She informed him of the incident at Biling Lake. She closed her eyes after the note finished burning. When she opened them, she realized, "The Yin Iron is in the water."
It seemed so obvious once she pointed it out.
It went back to Wei Wuxian, who was cheerfully making his way down the steps. Between the bamboo shoots, he spotted Lan Wangji bathing in a cold spring.
Nie Mingjue couldn't help it. He laughed, "Xichen, you are so lucky we became friends easily."
It was hilarious when he manipulated the hunting party so Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji shared a room. This was a level of devious he never thought Xichen could stoop to. This was Huaisang level shenanigans. He sent Wei Wuxian to his brother while he was bathing in the Cold Springs. He didn't even warn said brother of the incoming visitor.
"What if he was naked?" His little brother asked through his laughter.
"I trusted Wei Wuxian to not be quiet," Xichen said with a straight face, but he could see the amusement radiating off him. It was almost as obvious as the fury radiating from his uncle.
"You really threw them together," Jiang Wanyin commented bitterly.
"I had hoped Wei Wuxian would be a good influence," His best friend's eyes narrowed slightly.
The Jiang Sect Leader scoffed, "I'm sure we'll see who dragged who down."
Wei Wuxian started running down the steps, "Lan Zhan!" He sped up, calling out again, "Lan Zhan!"
Lan Wangji started putting his clothes back on as he rounded the final corner, "Lan Zhan," He panted, leaning on the nearest bamboo shoot, "How come you never told me about a place like this?" He crossed his arms, "Why didn't you share it with me? That's not how a good friend should act."
"How did you get in?" Lan Wangji demanded.
He shrugged, "Zewu-Jun let me in."
"Must we watch this?" Jin Zixuan asked, kindly ignoring the tension between his brother-in-law and his half-brother's sworn brother.
Yes, Lan Wangji put his clothes back on, but he was the one with shame. Wei Wuxian definitely would not care about getting naked in front of others.
"We must," Nie Huaisang grinned, "After all, this is when they disappeared."
"Nothing inappropriate happened," Lan Wangji repeated.
"Of course," The small man's fan fluttered dismissively, "Of course."
His tone suggested he didn't believe him. Which everyone in the crowd picked up on and began whispering about. He shot a warning look at him. The Nie Sect wasn't a place for politics, so maybe he didn't realize how much power his words held. But if he didn't shut up he was going to ruin Hanguang-Jun's reputation, which would make everything harder.
Wei Wuxian laughed, then kicked off his shoes and pulled off his socks. He stepped in slowly, "This is cold," He laughed, then made his way further in, "It's really cold." He shuffled closer to Lan Wangji, "Bone-chilling." He rubbed at his arms, "It's freezing."
"Stop fumbling," Lan Wangji scolded.
"I know," He replied, "But the spring is freezing cold. If I do not move around, my blood will freeze, so will my extremities." He shivered, then moved closer again, "Lan Zhan."
Lan Wangji stepped away.
He frowned, "Lan Zhan. Hey, you...alright. You are somewhat rigid, pedantic, depressing, and a little bit boring and I did not think too highly of you at the beginning. But I changed my mind after our fights ended in a draw." He tapped his chest, "You are one of the people I approve of and I want to be friends with you."
"That won't be necessary," Lan Wangji didn't look at him.
He sighed in annoyance, "You are no fun. Let me share something with you." His hands went to his belt, "A lot of benefits come with being my friend." He started to undo it.
People choked again on their drinks and air.
"Did the Yiling Patriarch just proposition Hanguang-Jun?"
"It certainly sounds like he is."
"Is the Yiling Patriarch a cutsleeve?"
Nie Huaisang laughed loudly, "Wei-xiong just appreciates beauty in any form."
"Hanguang-Jun is beautiful."
"He must be used to such propositions."
"Yes, yes, that is why he didn't respond."
This drew Lan Wangji's attention, "What are you doing?"
"Getting undressed to start properly healing," Wei Wuxian explained with a cheery little laugh, fumbling with his belt. Lan Wangji started walking away, and he called after him, "Please do not leave me here. I will stop undressing."
He fixed his belt, "Lan Zhan, have you ever been to Yunmeng? There are lots of fun things to do there. There's great food. How about this?" He waved his sword about, "If you ever visit the Lotus Pier, I will pick lotus for you, the seedpod along with the water chestnuts."
"Never," Lan Wangji replied.
"Alright," Wei Wuxian placed his hands on his hips, "Let me tell you a big secret." He made his way closer, "There are a lot of cuties in Yunmeng, pretty ladies." He laughed.
"See, ladies! He must not be a cutsleeve."
"How could you doubt he is a womanizer?"
They laughed at themselves for their quick assumptions. The rumors couldn't be so wrong as to completely misinterpret the sexuality of the most talked about man in the cultivation world, could it? Wei Wuxian just acted like he was flirting to get a reaction out of the other. He needed to throw the heaviest stones to put a crack in that mask.
Lan Xichen was relieved no one could tell Wangji was embarrassed, not insulted.
If Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes any harder they would fall out.
Wei Wuxian then turned, noticing a strange bubbling in the water, and growing serious, "Lan Zhan. Do you feel something strange happening?"
He turned, but only managed a startled, "Lan Zhan!" Before he was pulled underwater.
Lan Wangji turned, but only had time to grab his sword before he was also pulled down.
"That's what happened?" Jin Zixuan wondered.
"Good thing they weren't naked," Nie Huaisang commented lightly.
"But what could sneak up on them?"
They both tumbled into a cave soaking wet. Wei Wuxian coughed and leaned on the wall, while Lan Wangji looked around. Wei Wuxian panted, "Lan Zhan, what is this place? Why is there a swirling tunnel beneath the Cold Spring?" They wandered further into the cave, "What is this place? It's so weird. The water is extremely cold but it's not frozen."
The tunnel widened into an actual cavern. A white guqin laid on a white table on an altar. Lan Wangji moved towards it, Wei Wuxian close behind, "Lan Zhan, wait up!"
As soon as Wei Wuxian placed a foot on one of the steps, a wave of spiritual energy was released from the guqin. It passed through Lan Wangji without touching him, but Wei Wuxian was thrown back. He floundered and got up, "What is this thing?" He demanded.
"The Cold Spring Cave," Lan Xichen answered, "Only accessible to Lan Sect members."
"So how did Wei Wuxian survive?" Jin Guangyao inquired.
He blinked, "I'm...not sure."
It was one thing to break through wards. It was another to trick an ancient enchantment into believing one was part of their lineage. It meant no place was safe from his tricks, no matter how impenetrable they were thought to be.
It meant he was more dangerous than they already thought.
Lan Wangji thought about it, then answered, "Chord Assassination Technique."
"The Chord Assassination Technique?" He echoed, "Isn't that a peculiar trick of your clan?" Another wave of energy fired at him, and he fell flat to avoid it, "What's happening?" He floundered, "Why are they all coming for me?"
" The engraving on this guqin is the Lan Sect's seal, " Lan Wangji noted in his head, "It will not attack me, probably because it senses that I am a member of the Lan Sect." Another attack, but this time Lan Wangji blocked it with his sword and dispersed it.
Breaths of relief were exhaled around the room.
Of course Hanguang-Jun would be powerful enough to protect him from such attacks. They should have guessed he was the reason the two of them survived.
Wei Wuxian slowly relaxed, and noticed a small warren of bunnies hopping around. Lan Wangji noticed them as well, "How come these rabbits are wearing the Lan forehead ribbon?"
" I heard that every member of the Lan Sect wears a forehead ribbon starting from their childhood. The forehead ribbon recognizes the owner and has a special power, " Wei Wuxian thought, " How come the rabbits wear the forehead ribbon as well? " He pondered, "Power…forehead ribbon," He gasped, "Lan Zhan, your ribbon. Hand over your ribbon."
Lan Wangji glanced at him, but hesitated.
Was Wei Wuxian's memory so short?
Only family members and significant others could touch their sacred forehead ribbons. Wei Wuxian wasn't even Hanguang-Jun's friend yet.
Wei Wuxian insisted, "Hurry."
Lan Wangji hurried to his side, removing his forehead ribbon in one smooth motion. He wrapped one end around his wrist, and the other around Wei Wuxian's, then pulled it taunt.
All the Lan Sect cultivators in the room tensed, their eyes darting to a furious Lan Qiren.
Su She couldn't believe what he was seeing.
They'd heard from Hanguang-Jun himself about the sacredness of the forehead ribbon.
Yes, there were special circumstances, but Wei Wuxian already proved he could survive the attack, and Hanguang-Jun showed it could be deflected by his spiritual weapon. There was no need for more action once that was proven. It was far more sensible for Hanguang-Jun to attempt to control the guqin causing harm than to share his ribbon.
Nie Huaisang's fan clattered to the ground as he beamed, "Belated congratulations on your betrothal, Hanguang-Jun!"
"Huaisang!"
All hell broke loose.