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Second Bite of the Cherry

Summary:

Lan Zhan found Wei Ying after her parents passed away and insisted on taking her back home with him. Lan Qiren didn’t really entertain the idea of adopting Cangse Sanren’s child, but the Lan elders see this as the chance to groom her into the next Madam Lan, the one that they won’t have to lock up and won’t cause their next sect leader’s downfall.

Notes:

I’ve came across this phrase randomly and the one who posted the topic said that he guessed that the phrase’s origin derives directly from the imagery of eating the respective fruits. In the case of a cherry, typically one bite is all that it is going to take to eat it. To get a second bite, would really be a bonus, in effect you would get to eat it twice. So, I think it’s quite interesting and I like cherry :D And this fem!WWX AU is like their bonus life? Maybe? I haven’t written any fanfics since 2014, so I’m quite giddy with this. Hope you guys would like it!

Thanks to my beta reader - Winter_sunset 🤩

Chapter 1: Encounter

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“Xiong-zhang, can she come home with us?” 

 

Lan Huan is caught off guard by his younger brother’s question. His brother rarely spoke and took no interest in making friends with any disciples of the same age, so, when he saw that Lan Zhan was holding a clearly underweight girl’s hand while asking the question, he was stunned and, for a moment, didn’t know how to respond. The girl seems to be around five years old and apparently, homeless, judging from her dirty hair and clothes. 

 

“A-Zhan, we can’t just take people home. What about her family?” Lan Huan speaks softly to his brother, trying to reason with him since he himself, at the age of nine, cannot make this decision. 

 

“They broke the rules” Lan Zhan huffed, looking displeased.

 

“They didn’t break any rules” the girl protested “And what rules?”

 

Just when Lan Huan was about to ask further, their uncle who has just finished his conversation with the locals they came to visit joined the confusing conversation.

 

“They broke the rules?” Lan Qiren asked his younger nephew while looking at the filthy girl, creasing his brows. This girl seems familiar, something about that smile...

 

“They told her they will come back after the night hunt but they didn’t so they lied” Lan Zhan answered innocently.

 

A five-year-old wouldn’t understand the weight of that sentence, he simply thought that her parents didn’t keep their promise, just like when his father promised him that they would meet more often, that he would allow Lan Zhan to visit him more but it never happened.

 

Lan Huan exchanged glances with his uncle and started to get the idea of what happened to the poor girl’s parents and honestly, as kind as he is, he started to wish they could bring her home too.

 

“When did you last see your parents, child?” Lan Qiren asked the girl. She cocked her head to the left and creases her brows and seemed to be thinking hard.

 

“A few days before the first snow” she finally answers and that makes the only adult on the scene pale.

 

Before the first snow, that must be at the very beginning of winter, last year’s winter, since it was colder than the previous years and snow came early but summer has almost ended now, which meant that this girl has been on the street, fending for herself, for at least seven or eight months. There’s a pang in his heart and he feels sorry for her but with his position, he cannot just take some random child in. 

 

Lan Qiren’s head is spinning, trying to find an acceptable answer for Lan Zhan since simply yes or no never worked with him. The answer must always be accompanied by some good supporting reasons.

Then his eyes caught on the hairpin on the girl’s hair. It barely held up and was covered in dirt but he is certain that he has seen it before.

 

“What is your name child?”

 

“Wei Ying” she answers with a huge grin that looks even more familiar than the hairpin and now he’s absolutely sure that this girl is his ex-classmate’s daughter. 

 

Cangse Sanren’s daughter.

 

He didn’t particularly like her for all the pranks she pulled on him back in the days when she was a visiting disciple at the Cloud Recesses but he cannot let his grudge against her hinder him from aiding her child, her now orphaned child.

 

“I think I knew your mother. For now, you can come home with us”.

 

 

*****

 

 

The first thing that Lan Qiren did after he took all three children back to the Cloud Recesses was drawing. Even though he was quite sure about who Wei Ying’s parents were, he still wanted to confirm, so he drew a simple portrait of her parents from his memory. Wei Ying’s grey eyes lit up when she saw that painting.

 

“You know my parents?” She smiles.

 

“We weren’t close, but I knew them” The older man answers.

 “They used to study here, many years ago. Now, let’s get you to a warm bath and a hot meal. You need both of that.”

 

He then called for a servant to take the girl to be cleaned and fed. Now that he was sure about her identity, he was torn about the decision; he could either send a word to Lotus Pier so that Jiang Fengmian could come and collect her since her father was Jiang sect leader's right-hand man. He knows that Yunmeng Jiang sect leader will be willing to take her in, but he also knows that the man’s wife hated Wei Ying’s mother. Or he could adopt her but by doing so, she will be in line for sect heir since Gusu Lan Sect's rules on adoption stated so and that could lead to future complications. Let alone the elders, that would be the biggest problem.

 

“Uncle…” Lan Huan said quietly “So you knew Wei Ying’s parents?”

 

“Yes, A-Huan. Her father is Wei Changze, he grew up with the current Jiang sect leader and was posted as his right-hand man since he stepped in the sect leader position. Her mother is Cangse Sanren, a disciple of Baoshan Sanren” He answered.

 

“Should we send a word to Lotus Pier?” Lan Huan didn't get to finish the sentence because his little brother uncharacteristically cut in.

 

“Will they take her?” his voice a bit startled.

 

“I don’t know A-Zhan, but I assume you want her to stay here?”

 

“Mn”

 

Lan Huan turned to his uncle and pleaded with his eyes. His brother always had trouble making friends and usually kept to himself. Even at this age, he preferred to study quietly in his room than to play with those around his age on free days. He might talk to his older brother the most but it’s just a few sentences each day and if Wei Ying can get him to talk during this short time of their meeting, keeping her around might help with his brother’s social skills.

 

“We can unofficially adopt her, that wouldn’t trouble the elders much. She can be an inner disciple here but she won’t be a Lan nor member of the main clan” Lan Qiren sighed “I need to discuss this with the elders, official adoption would cause more issues with them. Since she’s a girl, if I adopt her and her future husband marries into our sect, he will be put in line for sect heir alongside her and we don’t know if she will make the right choice while choosing her life partner, so we better prevent more problems from occurring while we still can”

 

“I understand” Lan Huan agreed.

 

“You both go clean up and join her for dinner, I will visit the elders for discussion”.

 

“Thank you, uncle.” Lan Huan and Lan Zhan bowed to their uncle before retreating back to their residence at the back of the mountain. Being a member of the main clan has its perks, they have a private residence far from everyone else. Currently, they’re sharing their father's old house and when they are of age, they will have their own house in the same area.

 

“Now A-Zhan, you didn’t tell us how you met her.” Lan Huan smiled affectionately at his brother

 

“Dogs were chasing her. She ran into me.”

 

“So, you helped her with those dogs?”

 

“Mn. She was crying.” Lan Zhan thinned his lips, looking upset.

 

“Good thing she found you then.” Lan Huan fought the urge to pet his little brother’s head since they were yet to reach the privacy of their home and there were sect rules against showing too much emotion and being too affectionate in the open.

 

“Uncle will let Wei Ying stay?” Soft golden eyes lit up with hope.

 

“Most likely. He is visiting the elders to discuss. If he was against her staying in the Cloud Recesses, he wouldn’t do that” 

 

“Mn.”

 

 

 

*****

 

 

 

“I don’t think this is a good idea” Lan Qingshan, one of the oldest elders, objected to Lan Qiren’s idea of the unofficial adoption. “This girl has more connection to Yunmeng Jiang, we should inform them instead of taking her in”

 

“But Yu-furen dislikes the girl’s mother greatly. I’m not sure whether they’ll be willing to take her in” Another elder argued. “And if they do, how well would they treat her? Would she cause conflict in their family?”

 

“That’s a point we shall not overlook. As our sect rules state, we shall show mercy to all beings” Lan Qiren took the chance to add in the weight of the matter.

 

“Indeed. I think that unofficial adoption of this girl can benefit us in the future” Lan Rushi smiles. He and Lan Qingshan are of the same age, they knew each other since they were junior disciples and now, only two of them from their generation are left. Their opinions have the same weight and their voices are considered the strongest in the council of Elders.

 

“How so?” Lan Qingshan asked.

 

“The situation with the current Madam Lan is unfortunate. This girl, Wei Ying, has no family left and even if her parents weren’t from a prominent sect, they weren’t some lowly servants either. Wei Changze’s position in Yunmeng Jiang sect was rather high and as for her mother, being Baoshan Sanren’s disciple, her status might even be higher than being an inner disciple of a prominent sect.”

 

“And you propose that…”

 

“Exactly, we take this girl in and teach her, make sure she grows up properly under our sect rules. Thus, we can have the next Madam Lan that we don’t have to lock up and we can also avoid political marriages and keep some distance from other sects.” Lan Rushi smiled while other elders just nodded, seemingly entertained by the proposed idea.

 

Even if Lan Qiren doesn’t like the idea of grooming the girl up to be one of his nephew’s future wife, he has to play along for now if he wishes for the girl to stay.

 

“Then we take her in as an inner disciple but place her in the main clan residence for now” Lan Qingshan finally said. “Make sure they will grow up close but not too close that they both would think of her as a sister.”

 

And that marked the first day Wei Ying spend in her new home, oblivious to the plans the elders have for her.

Notes:

Writing is harder than I remember and my broken nails doesn’t help lol I broke two nails while changing my bedsheet a few days ago and now it feels funny, like my fingers are shorter than it used to be and it feels sooooo weird when I type. *facepalm*

I think both LXC and LWJ wouldn’t use their courtesy name yet at this age, so I just use their birth name here and I’m still confused with female’s courtesy name concept. Shall I just go with WY or use WWX when they’re older, like 12 or 15 or sth. In this AU, I don’t make LQR goes all soft yet since he still holds grudges about the event with his beard but he will come around and I might extend Madam Lan’s life for a bit since I want LWJ childhood to be more lively. Please tell me what you think, or if you see any mistake please let me know. My English is not so good these days TT________TT

Chapter 2: Questions

Notes:

In this chapter LXC is 16 yrs old while LWJ and WWX are 12 yrs old and they start using their courtesy name at the age of 12.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Lan Qiren decided not to speak with his nephews on what the elders have planned for Wei Ying until Lan Huan reached the age of twelve , received his own house and courtesy name as Lan Xichen. 

 

After Wei Ying had been unofficially adopted into the sect, she was brought up under the same roof as both twin jades of Lan. Even if the Gusu Lan Sect had strict rules on male and female interaction, the elders are willing to let Wei Ying live with the twin jades until they become of age and receive their own house since she might be betrothed to one of them. They don’t really mind which one since their sect usually had very few heirs from the main clan, just enough to continue the bloodline. Tracing back to the last seven generations, none of the main clan members had more than two children. On the other hand, Lan Qiren thought that the elders just wanted to uphold their morals by giving Wei Ying choices. Thus, they can claim that they didn’t force her into the marriage, she made the decision by herself.

From the age of nine, Wei Ying started taking classes with other female junior disciples but never resided in the dorm. She wears the main clan’s forehead ribbon but still keeps her family name as Wei. This caused confusion and suspicion among the disciples but as the rules prevented them from talking behind one’s back, whatever ideas they had, the word didn’t travel far.

 

“But she isn’t a Lan?” Whispered a female inner disciple. It wasn’t meant for anyone except her friends to hear but with their level of cultivation Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen had no problem hearing the whole conversation clearly.

 

“Her last name states it clearly. It’s not even a question.” Another voice replied.

 

“Then why does she live in the main clan residence?”

  

“How am I supposed to know.” The voices finally became inaudible once those who projected it walked further away.

 

Lan Xichen sighed while putting down his cup of tea. Lan Qiren closed his eyes for a moment and then lightly shook his head.

 

“Those girls just came from our relative clans and are yet to adjust to the rules here” The sect's heir smiled. He knew his uncle wanted to punish those junior disciples for breaking the rules of not talking behind one’s back, but Lan Qiren has no authority over female disciples, it belonged to Master Lan Zhaohui.

 

“That just added to the reason why they should be punished, so they would learn the rules and abide by them” Lan Qiren rubbed his temple. “Wei Ying is doing better than I thought. Lan Zhaohui told me that apart from some occasional suggestions of unconventional ideas, she excelled in all her exams”.

 

“Just like Wangji” Lan Xichen added.

 

“The elders hope that you would marry her since they’re satisfied with her progress in both cultivation and politics. They think she would make a fine Madam Lan.”

 

“I see her as my sister” The younger one paused. “Sister in law, more like.”

 

“Do you think Wangji would want to marry her?” Though his younger nephew is rather fond and possessive of the girl they took in a few years ago, at the age of twelve, it’s still too early for them to really know about the notions of love and relationships.

 

“He really likes A-Ying. I think it could develop into something deeper. A-Ying also loves spending time with Wangji. I don’t think it would be a problem.”

 

Lan Xichen is quite sure of this. His little brother might already be in love with the girl, but he won’t realize that, at least not for a few years. Even if they won’t love each other romantically, being life-long confidants is definitely possible for them.

 

It has been almost seven years since Wei Ying first stepped into the Cloud Recesses. At first, Lan Qiren took the matter into his hand to educate all three children by himself until they could join the junior disciples’ classes. Lan Xichen needed extra classes on sect politics to prepare himself for his future role, some of which Wei Ying needed to attend as well, while Lan Zhan spent that time practising his guqin. He was intrigued by the Chord Assassination Technique and tried to gather as much information as possible from the old scrolls he found in the private chamber of Library Pavilion, which was exclusive to members of the main clan.

 

When Wei Ying joined the junior disciple class at the age of nine, all was well. The girls from near and distant relative clans were more excited about living in the beautiful and spacious Cloud Recesses than to care for what their older self would think of as juicy gossip, but after a few months, some of them started to notice that Wei Ying didn’t live in the same dorm as they do and her forehead ribbon had the cloud pattern, which was only meant for main clan members. Some wondered quietly and never asked while some older ones just directly asked her about it.

 

At that time, Wei Ying only knew that she was unofficially adopted by Lan Qiren because he knew her deceased parents and that was the answer she gave to the female disciples. It worked well enough for a few years until some of them started to notice that she seemed to be extremely close to the unapproachable second young master of the sect. Honestly, Wei Ying really didn’t understand why they were so shocked when they saw Lan Zhan talked to her because, for her, Lan Zhan had always been the same person as the kind boy who rescued her from stray dogs all those years ago.

 

Ever since he took her home, Lan Zhan spent a lot of time with her and even more after his mother passed away. She remembered sitting outside of the Gentian house with him all day long so many times, squeezing his hand to reassure him that she was there with him and will remain so. 

Unlike her, Lan Zhan never became close to any junior disciple in his class. Wei Ying had become quite close to Lan Yue and Lan Shufang. Both of them were nice quiet girls from a small relative clan, whose connection to the main clan needed to be tracked back for almost ten generations. However, Wei Ying knew that between the three of them, her other two friends were much more closer to each other than to her because they were cousins and were raised together since they were toddlers. She was fine with that because she also considered Lan Zhan to be her closest friend, but she never told them. What they don’t know can’t hurt them. She knew Lan Yue could be quite sensitive sometimes. Her life was quite simple until a few weeks ago when it was not anymore.

 

 

***

 

 

Male and female disciples were amalgamated for their first-night hunt inspection. There were only a few disciples of the same age and two classes combined still needed no more than five senior disciples to supervise and one teacher who would intervene if the situation got out of hand.  

“Do you know the second young master will also join this night hunt?” One of the girls in her class whispered excitedly. Wei Ying secretly chuckled, Lan Zhan had become one of the popular topics among her classmates. They loved to gossip about him after Lan Jia saw him with Lan Qiren while running errands for their teacher.

  

“Oh, Lan Wangji? Does he really look that much alike to the handsome sect's heir?” Another girl asked.

  

“Almost a splitting image! Maybe even more handsome but he seems more divine and less human, with his cold aura and such.” Lan Jia answered, her mind seems to wander off to the dreamland already.

 

“Shh! They are already at the gate.” Their senior disciple shushed. She was only three years older, but they didn't have much choice. Compared to male disciples, female disciples lacked in number and in recent years, there were no female disciples coming in at all.

  

Wei Ying looked over and saw eight male junior disciples waiting at the gate with their seniors. Lan Zhan stood a bit further from everyone else, looking quite aloof. He spent the whole morning in the Library Pavilion, and she woke up late, so she didn’t see him at all today.

  

“Okay, off we go. Stick together, listen to your seniors and don’t wander off!” The teacher said and nodded, rather satisfied when all of them answered ‘Yes, teacher’ in unison.        

  

The girls flocked together and started talking in hush voices, probably about how the boys looked since the Gusu Lan Sect was known to have good-looking cultivators. Wei Ying shook her head. That’s a topic she takes no interest in, so she walked a bit slower, hanging just slightly behind the group and before she noticed, Lan Zhan was walking at the same pace beside her.

  

“How was your study?” Wei Ying asked she knew he was determined to perfect his music cultivation and spent a lot of time on it these days.

  

“Good. I found more scrolls.”

  

“On the Chord Assassination Technique?”

  

“Mn. Written by Lan Yi herself.” His eyes glinted with excitement that only those closest to him could detect. If her friends could hear her thoughts right now, they would be so confused and would argue that his face lacked any emotion.

  

“That’s awesome! You need to show me some techniques once you have mastered it!”

  

“Of course.”  

  

At this point, some of their classmates were looking at them incredulously. This was practically the first joined class for junior disciples of their age and with the strict sect rules, male and female disciples lived in different, separated areas quite far away from each other. They were not supposed to know anyone of the opposite sex apart from their immediate family members.  

  

But as much as they look, none of them inquires anything. Maybe it’s because Lan Zhan’s cold aura that kept them away. Wei Ying has always wondered why Lan Zhan didn’t like the idea of making friends and mingling with people but on the other hand, his classmates walked on eggshells around him too. If they were too eager to befriend him, it might look like they’re trying to bootlick the member of the main clan, the next heir once Lan Xichen takes his position as the next sect leader. Moreover, Lan Zhan seems to be hard to please as well and none of them wants to anger someone of his status.

  

The night hunt went without any mishaps, just a few walking corpses that the senior disciples easily took down . The teacher didn’t need to help at all. The journey back to the Cloud Recesses was uneventful until they reached the yard where the path to disciples’ dorm was located. Wei Ying bid goodnight to her friends and just tugged Lan Zhan’s sleeve, dragging him as usual. She wanted to lay down already. Lan Zhan paid no heed to what most Lans would think of as an impolite gesture and just followed her.  

  

As the two went off on the path leading to main clan residence, the rest of the junior disciples watched them depart with doubtful eyes.

  

“Wei Ying lives in the main clan residence?” Lan Jia blurted out once the male disciples went on the path to the male dormitories and were out of hearing range.

  

“I think so?” Lan Yue mumbled when her classmates turned to her expectantly, since she was the one closest to Wei Ying. “Well, I don’t know, okay. I never asked.”

  

“And she seems so close to Lan Wangji.”

  

“Well, Master Lan Qiren kinda adopted her, maybe they grew up together?” Lan Shufang suggested and some of the girls nodded in agreement.

  

“Just ask her tomorrow. Let’s go back to our dorm, it’s almost curfew time.”

      

“Lan Zhan.” Wei Ying was laying down, stretching her arms out next to Lan Zhan, who was checking up his homework one last time before going to bed.

  

“Mn.” Lan Zhan answered the call absentmindedly, still focused on his scroll.

  

“One of the girls in my class saw you with uncle the other day and since then you have become a hot topic of discussion during the break time” Wei Ying giggled.

  

This surely got the second young master’s attention. He recalled the other day’s events in his head and found nothing uncommon. While he was discussing with uncle, a female disciple came in to deliver a note and left immediately after. The whole process took less than a minute. He was beginning to wonder how he became the subject matter for idle gossip.

  

Seeing a slight confusion in his eyes, Wei Ying laughed even louder. Lan Zhan frowned and put down the scroll, moved his hand over her mouth.  

  

“Don’t be loud, it’s almost curfew.” He lightly scolded but removed his hand once she stopped laughing.

  

“Apparently, Lan Jia thinks that you are really handsome.” Her voice dripped with teasing and affection. “Even more than Xichen-ge”

  

“Ridiculous” With that Wei Ying let out a light laugh, which sounded like music to Lan Zhan’s ears. He sighed and pulled her off the floor. He walked Wei Ying to her room before going on to his. They were sharing the same house at present , but he will soon receive his own house, in just a few months time. To be honest, he wasn’t quite looking forward to that.

  

    

***

 

Next morning, Wei Ying was welcomed to class by trains of questions from her classmates on her adoption, upbringing, relationship with the main clan among other things. At first, she just laughed at their curiosity and answered truthfully. But it didn’t seem to satisfy them. She had no idea what to do because she was nothing but honest with all her answers. Apart from Lan Yue and Lan Shufang, Wei Ying could feel that the rest of her classmates were treating her a bit differently. And that day Wei Ying learnt what jealousy was like and how much damage it could do between girls, especially when half of her classmates just turned into the green-eyed monsters.

Notes:

I decided to skip a few years of their childhood because when I draft what I would like to put in a chapter and it just some drabbles that won’t affect my main plot at all *facepalm* I hope you guys like it, I’m up for discussion and if you see any major/unacceptable grammar error please let me know >///<

Chapter 3: Conceited

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

This is so annoying. 

 

Wei Ying thought. Compared to the odd looks and behaviour of her classmates a few years back when they found out that she was a bit more privileged than they thought, this is way more serious.

 

 At that time, her classmates had acted strangely around her. They didn’t know how to position her, should they treat her like a main clan member? Should they be more careful around her? Even if the Gusu Lan Sect had rules on equal treatment of people and such, disciples from smaller clans still acted a bit overly polite and careful with the elders and important members of the sect. However, the jealousy of adolescent girls was short-lived. Once they realised that the privilege of living in the main clan’s residence and having special classes with Lan Xichen came at the price of her parents’ lives, they became more sensible. But when compared with the situation right now, that incident was nothing.

 

At the age of fourteen, outer disciples started to share some classes with the inner disciples. Most of them were quiet and diligent since it’s harder for them to earn ranks in the sect as they’re not a Lan by blood, and therefore, cannot learn some classified clan techniques. Also, most of them started cultivating at an older age, which reduced the chances of them cultivating to their actual highest possible level. While most of them just focused on their own improvement, there was this one disciple named Su She, who never concealed his emotions and let everything display on his face. 

 

In the first few combined classes of male disciples, Su She tried extremely hard to impress Master Lan Qiren but he just embarrassed himself. Most of the time, he got the wrong answers or performed the sword technique incorrectly and every time that happened, Lan Qiren would call out his prized head disciple, Lan Wangji, to provide the correct answer or demonstrate the correct swordsmanship. For the inner disciples, this was a normal occurrence, since the second jade was always known to be erudite and hardworking. All his classmates knew that while they enjoyed and relaxed in their spare time, he studied in the Library Pavilion or went out for some small night hunt to help people in need.  This event repeated itself a few times and that’s all it took.

 

As much as she tried, Wei Ying really couldn’t understand why this Su She was focused so much on hating her Lan Zhan rather than improving himself. She had been by Lan Zhan’s side for almost a decade, she saw his painstaking efforts and determination and for her, that’s how a respected cultivator should be like. 

 

Wei Ying’s grey eyes scanned around the area and sighed when she spotted Su She talking, in what he thought was a discreet manner, with his group of friends while the whole group was trying to look subtly at Lan Zhan

 

Isn’t he tired of this nonsense? Wei Ying groaned internally.

 

Male and female disciples had another joint class today. They’re supposed to prepare for a harder and more dangerous night hunt, which required a bigger group of disciples with one or two senior inner disciples leading about five to eight outer junior. No one was surprised or even blinked their eyes when the teacher appointed Lan Wangji to lead the group. His spiritual power and sword technique had surpassed everyone in his class, it even surpassed those older than him and on top of that, he could perform the basics of the Chord     Assassination Technique already. Moreover, he would be assigned as the head disciple as soon as he turns fifteen. As of now, he’s the one who assigned and oversaw the punishment of the junior disciples as preparation for his future role.

 

Wei Ying was also the best in her class, but she still thought that she was nowhere near Lan Zhan’s level. He helped her practice and corrected her posture in swordsmanship for a better result, but they never duelled as it was against the rules. Thus she didn’t really know how big the gap between them was. Lan Zhan encouraged her to spend more time meditating in the Cold Spring since it had helped him greatly, but it was way too cold for her to even focus, so she barely went there alone. 

 

Even if it was a bit inappropriate, Lan Zhan’s words not hers, on those few days per month when the Cold Spring for male disciples was exclusive for the main clan members, Lan Zhan would take her there and help her cultivate, sending spiritual energy to warm her up so she could focus better. Thus, her visits to the Cold Spring became more frequent, actually, the latest visit was only a few days ago.

 

 

***

 

 

“Wangji” She heard Xichen-ge’s voice from behind and turned her head to see whether it’s him only to be stopped by Lan Zhan.

 

“Focus,” He said while putting a hand on her cheek to gently nudge her head back to its previous position and sending a burst of spiritual energy into her body to warm her up. Growing up in the Cloud Recesses, she should be familiar with the cold weather but no, she still shivered every time she needed to get in the Cold Spring.

 

“Oh, A-Ying is also here, I didn’t see you at first.” He sounded like he was smiling but her eyes were closed and she was facing another direction, so she didn’t really know.

 

“Of course! Lan Zhan is twice my size Xichen-ge. You definitely can’t see me!” She laughed, no one could see her if she hid behind Lan Zhan! He’s at least a head taller than her now and with way broader shoulders.

 

“Well, that makes sense.” He paused for a bit. “I feel like I need to say that even if uncle stopped using the Cold Spring a few years ago, it’s still not quite secluded and we all need to maintain propriety as per the rules.”

 

“Xiong-zhang” Lan Zhan sounded a bit frustrated, but she was confused by the statement and when she stole a glance backwards, she saw that Lan Zhan’s ears had turned red. She was now even more confused.

 

“So, I shouldn’t be using this Cold Spring even on the day it’s exclusive for us?” She voiced her confusion and heard Xichen-ge laughed lightly, he must be in a good mood today.

 

“That’s more for my little brother but as for your question, it’s okay for you to use this one on the specific days.”

 

 

***

 

 

“What the h--” Someone shouted and pulled Wei Ying out from her thoughts. Her eyes widened at the sight before her, that stupid Su She has accidentally activated a fire talisman and the fire had caught onto his friend’s sleeve.

 

This talisman was one of her new inventions that she had presented to all the teachers and elders a few months ago. It took them weeks to examine and foolproof it before they agreed to add it to the essential packs for night hunt since it was useful and easy to ignite. Almost nothing could go wrong with it unless one is extremely stupid like this delusional git proved himself to be.

 

Wei Ying flicked her wrist and sent another talisman to stop the fire. This one was still developing but against weak fire talisman, it should have no problem in cancelling out the effects, and it did. Su She yelled when he saw a string of shimmering red light flowing in his direction. It hit his hand and another one hit his friend’s sleeve.

 

“What did you do to me?” He demanded.

 

“Saved your hand and your friend’s outer robe, no need to thank me.” Wei Ying sighed. Not only he hated Lan Zhan, this guy disliked her too just because she did better than him in all previous combined classes. The fact that she was a girl and apparently, Lan Zhan’s closest friend just added fuel to the fire.

 

“I wouldn’t thank you anyway, it all happened because of your stupid invention!”

 

“It’s more because of your stupidity. No one else has any problem with the talisman.” Lan Yue argued, clearly displeased.

 

“What would a woman know!” Su She spat and that’s when Wei Ying patient ended.

 

“If you have any problem with it then write a petition for Master Lan Qiren and you can discuss with all the teachers and elders about how my stupid invention, which all of them have approved caused trouble for you.” She can hear herself and this didn’t sound like her at all, more like Lan Zhan when he’s annoyed.

 

“This thing activates as soon as spiritual power touches it, how can that be safe?” One of his outer disciple friends asked.

 

“One must always be in control of their own spiritual power, that’s the most basic thing to learn.” Lan Yue rolled her eyes but before Su She can make a more stupid statement, Lan Zhan took it upon himself to end this whole mess.

 

“Lack of practice resulted in an avoidable accident. Inappropriate language. Shouting and looking down on others.” Lan Zhan stated each of Su She’s wrongdoings. His voice lacked any emotion. “Report yourself at the Library Pavilion to copy the rules after class.”

 

That surely shut him up. The teacher said nothing about the event since no one really get hurt and Lan Wangji is authorized for such punishment. The rest of the class went smoothly, and everyone was dismissed quickly after.

 

Wei Ying went to the kitchen and asked for her dinner to be delivered to her house. She lived alone now, but Lan Zhan’s house isn’t far though. She can hang around at his place for a short while before the curfew and then retreat to her own house, or even after curfew because those on patrol never really check that far into the main clan residence anyway, but Lan Zhan would sleep exactly at the 9 o’clock curfew if there’s no urgent matter that required him to stay up. 

 

While chewing on her bland food, she thinks back to when her friends were acting weird around her. That was childish jealousy, nothing serious and they’re still friends. Girls at that age tend to fret over small stuff and ask questions that might hurt others a bit, but they didn’t intend to hurt her back then, just curious and awkward. However, this Su She is another story. He is malicious toward Lan Zhan and anyone who has anything to do with him, which actually, is limited just to her. Not like Lan Zhan has any other friends. That idiot Su She wants uncle’s approval and compliments from what she has heard. She has never seen him around Xichen-ge but no one in their right mind would want to pick a fight with the sect's heir. Still, Lan Zhan is next in line and he has no problem picking an indirect fight when he has a chance.

 

Wei Ying brushed the thought about that useless man out of her mind and went about her usual routine. Inner and outer disciples only have some specific classes together. She won’t be seeing them for another month at least but her poor Lan Zhan would have to put up with them for some more time. 

 

Anyway, with the guest disciples visiting in a few months time, Lan Zhan will be attending that class instead and will finally be free of these stupid boys.

 

Notes:

I wrote about 200 words of this chapter and then I started watching The Umbrella Academy season 2 and that took all of my free times over the week… hehehe…sorry. I wish I could transform whatever I have in my head into words and sentences faster than this. I almost add a slow-burn tag but I still think I can speed it up a bit in the next few chapter since this one is made like 1% progress to the story, more like a bridge for next few chapter. eiei. Hope you enjoy this! :D

Chapter 4: First

Notes:

Just in case; in this chapter WWX and LWJ are still 14 yrs old :D

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

 

“Do you have that special class today?” Lan Shufang asked when their regular classes ended for the day.

 

“No, Xichen-ge will be accompanying uncle to Qinghe so they need to prepare for their trip to the Unclean realm. Class is cancelled” Wei Ying sighed happily. It’s not that she hated studying sect politics, lectures with Xichen-ge were kind of nice. He took his role as the elder brother quite seriously and helped her a lot throughout their classes. She didn’t understand why the elders thought that she needed those classes though, Lan Zhan never had to attend but judging by his people and communication skills, him being quiet is maybe political enough.  

 

“Then come have dinner with us. Liu Chunhua said she has something to show us.” Wei Ying nodded. Lan Zhan had told her this morning that he wouldn’t have dinner with her today because he had to supervise a group of junior disciples on their punishment.

 

Liu Chunhua was one of the outer disciples, who just joined a few days ago. She had arrived later than others because her leg was injured quite badly during summer when she went on a night hunt with her parents.

 

“I will bring these scrolls back to my room first and I will see you guys at the dining area.” Wei Ying gathered her study material and notified Lan Yue and Lan Shufang before she left.

 

Wei Ying sometimes had dinner with the girls. It was quite nice to spend time with her classmates even though she was not into poetries or romance novels that the girls sneaked in, which often was their chat topic. Since Lan Zhan had started to supervise the disciples’ punishment, she sometimes found herself having dinner alone. In the past three weeks, she only had dinner with him twice. Sometimes, he even left before their usually shared breakfast. If she wasn't imagining things, then it was either that the junior disciples were rowdier than ever, or he was avoiding her. She shook her head to that idea, why would her best friend avoid her?

 

*** 

 

“Wangji” His uncle’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. He still couldn’t comprehend what they had just told him.

 

“Did you know about this before?” He asked his brother with a voice shakier than his usual emotionless tone.

 

“Uncle told me when I received my courtesy name, but I thought twelve was too early to discuss this matter, so I asked uncle to wait a bit longer before telling you.” His brother answered. “We will not force this upon you, the elders didn’t specify that it must be you.” 

 

“Then it will be you.” Lan Wangji deadpanned. The feeling of Wei Ying being someone else's didn't quite settle well within his gut

 

“I was always expected to marry someone proper who will one day take the Madam Lan title. A-Ying is indeed proper.” The first jade really thought so, he doesn’t believe that he will find the one he truly loves, and he didn’t want anything like their parents. “The question is that do you want to spend the rest of your life with her?”

 

“I always thought that we would be together, like this.” His answer was honest. He never entertained the idea of Wei Ying moving out, getting married to someone from another sect and not staying by his side but he also never really thought about marrying her. Actually, he never considered any marriage prospects at all.

 

“When you grow up and reach a certain age, you can’t just live with her like this.” Lan Qiren huffed. He thought he saw a spark between these younger two he raised; his elder nephew agreed but they’re too close to each other to realize but even now isn’t too late.

 

“You still have a few years, think about it.”

 

Lan Wangji really thought about it and he started to feel weird. He couldn’t describe what he felt so, unknowingly, a few weeks after that conversation, he started avoiding Wei Ying for no reason.

 

 

*** 

 

 

“Come in! Quick!” Liu Chunhua ushered her friends in the bedroom she shared with Luo Ju, another outer disciple. The room is comfortable for two people or even four but with ten girls squeezed in, it’s quite hard to find a spot to sit, let alone share a book.

 

“What?!” Lan Jia’s panicked exclamation was cut off by Luo Ju’s hand. She seemed to know about this beforehand, so she was prepared.

 

“Where did you get this?” Lan Yue asked, her eyes opened way wider than usual.

 

“From my brother. I was stuck in my house for over a month and I got bored, so I went through all the stuffs in the house.” Liu Chunhua smiled sneakily. “Found this hidden deep inside his bookshelf.”

 

“What is that?” Wei Ying asked. She had come in last and stood closer to the door, so she didn’t get to look at it yet.

 

Chungong.” The girl who was holding that book answered in a hushed tone and shoved it into her hand. Wei Ying choked at that.

 

“What?!” She managed a short scream and her mouth then, too, got covered by Luo Ju’s hand. Wei Ying shoved the book to Luo Ju as if it burned her and her newer classmate laughed at that. 

 

“Come on!” Liu Chunhua protested. “It's not like the boys won’t be looking at these things. They’re worse than us.”

 

“But this is against the rules, it’s bad enough that some of the boys sneaked it in but this must be the first time a female disciple did this.” 

 

“Then don’t get caught, no one would know!”

 

Wei Ying went hysterical for a moment but when she calmed down, she admitted that she was quite curious as well.

 

“Now you wanna look at it?” Lan Yue teased, knowing her too well.

 

“Shut up.” Wei Ying breathed out. Her cheeks were still tinted red, but Wei Ying squeezed herself in behind her friends to get a glimpse of the book.

 

The outer disciples were more mischievous and, according to their words, less prude since most of them didn’t have to live by the Gusu Lan Sect’s rules since birth like the inner disciples. At their age, doing some silly harmless acts together to bond and have fun was normal. Just like they said, as long as they didn’t get caught, no one has to know.

 

“Just admit it. I think we are all curious about this and if we plan to get married then it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.” Luo Ju said and honestly, Wei Ying has to admit that even she was a bit curious about it.

 

“We are just fourteen, even if we plan to get married, isn’t it too early to start preparing?” Lan Yue laughed.

 

“So, you wanna see what’s inside or not?” Liu Chunhua huffed, grabbing the book.

 

“At this point, do you still need to ask? Open it!” 

 

The girls all went red while checking out the content inside the Chungong book and laughed together at some odd postures portrayed by the fine drawing. Most of them were fanning their blushed face after they finished with the book. Liu Chunhua went to her bookshelf fishing some more books out of it.

 

“You still have more?” Wei Ying was shocked.

 

“Sadly, no. I only found that one, but I do have some romance novels if you’re interested.” She handed a thin book with a pink cover to Wei Ying. “My mom told me that even novels are prohibited in Cloud Recesses because it consists of nonsense make-belief that won’t help with your education. Honestly, I’m really concerned with how you live your life here in the Cloud Recesses.”

 

“You should ask Wei Ying. She has been here the longest.” Lan Yue pointed out. “We all first came here when we were nine, but she has been here since she was like five years old.”

 

“She is quite lively though for someone who spent almost all her life here, under those rules. At least, she isn’t a living stone like Lan Wangji.” Luo Ju sighed. “He’s really handsome but his personality doesn’t fit his face.”

 

“I think his personality really fits his appearance though. Divine. Surreal. Pick a word but I think he’s not quite mundane.” Another outer disciple argued. At first, they all swooned over the second jade’s pretty face and perfect posture but after their first joined class, they all but sighed how his good look would go to waste because of his don’t-mess-with-me attitude.

 

“His personality isn’t bad.” Wei Ying argued. “He is actually really kind.”

 

“Kind? I cannot see that,” Lan Yue flatly refused. “But then again, you’re basically his only friend.”

 

“Wait. You won’t tell him about this, right? We will surely be punished if you tell him.”

 

“No and he’s just not good with words, that’s all.” Wei Ying shrugged; the others still weren't convinced.

 

“Well, whatever you say. Let’s go back to our rooms. It’s almost curfew now and the last thing we need is any teacher coming to this room to check.” Liu Chunhua hid the book and shooed everyone out. “Go to bed and have some naughty dreams tonight!”

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

“Lan Zhan.” Wei Ying tugged his sleeve when he was about to leave after dinner. This was one of those days where he subtly tried to evade her, but she refused to take any more of it.

 

“Mn.”

 

“Why are you avoiding me?”

 

“I don’t…” His voice was stuck in his throat.

 

“Lying is forbidden?” Wei Ying raised her eyebrows.

 

“I don’t know.” Lan Zhan finally gave in and sighed. He couldn’t avoid her forever and he doesn’t want to as well, but he is so confused right now.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“Xiong-zhang and uncle told me something.” He paused for a bit, he didn’t know how to put everything into words for a moment.

 

“I guess that concerned me since you spent most of your time trying to evade me during the past few weeks.” 

 

“Mn.” They both went silent for a while before Lan Zhan reached out for her hand and held it tight.

“Xiong-zhang told me that the elders have planned on your betrothal.”

 

“What?” Wei Ying freaked out. “I thought I will just be here, with you. Like this.”

 

“That’s what I thought but uncle said we can’t just be… like this.”

 

“Why so? And to whom do they want me to be wed off to?” She sounded terrified.

 

“Me.” He glanced at her just to see her reaction. If she hated the idea of marrying him, he would be dejected but wouldn't force her, but she didn’t seem so.

 

“Oh.” That’s all she managed to say.

 

“Or Xiong-zhang.” He added.

 

“Xichen-ge? Why?” Now she sounded anxious.

 

“They want you to stay in the sect and those classes you attend with Xiong-zhang are to prepare you for future Madam Lan’s duty.” He tried to sound as emotionless as possible because Wei Ying always detected his emotions so effortlessly.

 

“I never realized that…” Her voice trailed off and they sat in silence for a while.

 

“What do you think about marrying me?” Lan Zhan had gathered all his courage to ask that question. Up until that conversation with his uncle and brother, he had never thought about marriage but when he spent time studying on many prospects of the topic, he found that he actually quite liked the idea of marrying Wei Ying. But his heart began to sink when she didn’t say anything for what feels like an hour to him.

 

“If you feel uncomfortable with this idea, I can…” His voice was cut off by her lips. To say that he was surprised was an understatement. He couldn't think of anything but the feeling of her soft lips against his. It was just a peck, an innocent kiss but his heart was beating like crazy.

 

“What… Why…” He stuttered like never before. His ears felt so warm, they must have turned all red.

 

“My heart is beating so fast.” Wei Ying sounded like she was in a trance. She put his hand above her heart, and he could feel the rhythm of her heartbeat, which was quite matching to his own. 

 

“Mine too.” He said softly, his golden eyes reflected mixed feelings of amazement and affection. 

 

“Does this mean I feel something for you?”

 

“Why do you think so?”

 

“In romance novels, when one person has feelings for another, they would want to hug, and kiss and their heart would beat fast. They would want to be together.” She cocked her head, still in her own world. “I do not oppose the idea of marrying you. It feels right to be with you for the rest of my life, but I just don’t understand the concept of love and all.”

 

“I do want to hug and kiss you.” Lan Zhan said after thinking for a few moments.

 

And he acted up to it, pulling her into a tight hug and placing his lips on her, pressing deeper than their first kiss. He nibbled her lower lips, begging for her lips to part and they do, slightly. His hand moved up to support her neck and the back of her head, tilting her head up for him to gain more access. 

 

Wei Ying was startled at first but soon she melted into the kiss. Her arms felt awkward, hanging by her side but when Lan Zhan pressed his body closer to hers, she just hugged his waist tight as if to hold on to her dear life because her knees felt like jelly now. If he let go of her, she would surely fall on the ground.

 

The kiss went on for what seemed like an eternity before both of them were panting, seemingly out of breath. Wei Ying hid her face on Lan Zhan’s shoulder, her face flushed and her lips slightly swollen.

 

“Does this mean you’re okay with the elder's plan? To marry me?” His voice was hoarse. 

 

“How about you court me first? I want to explore all of this with you.” Wei Ying proposed, lifting her face up so that their eyes meet.

 

“Okay.” He bends down to capture her lips again. His heart was full of emotions he didn’t know had existed before, but it felt nice.

 

Wei Ying smiled into his lips. When she had decided to confront him, she hadn’t expected any of this. She didn’t expect to have her first kiss, first not-so-innocent hug and the start of their courtship. And for the first time in her life, she started to think about marriage, settling down and forever with her precious someone.

 

 

Notes:

A big fat thank you to my beta reader Winter_sunset! You really are a godsent :D I decided not to make this one a slow-burn because I want them to be in the relationship before guest disciples coming in lol …so impatient me. I hope you like this one, let me know what you think >w<

 

*Chungong = Chinese ancient porn art book

Chapter 5: Disclose

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Actually, I have always liked the red colour, but I don't think I am allowed to wear anything apart from the Lan Sect’s uniform.” Wei Ying said as they passed by a local boutique in Langya. They had come for a small night hunt in the area and ended up spending the next couple of days wandering around. This was their first night hunt after Lan Zhan had come out of his short seclusion not long ago. He had now surpassed everyone in his class and uncle decided that there was no need for him to attend the regular classes with the disciples anymore. He was now free to pursue his own method of higher cultivation.

 

After their conversation that day, Lan Zhan had told his uncle and brother that he was courting her and intended to marry her. The two were pleased to hear that but they also reassured Lan Zhan and Wei Ying that they must not feel forced by the elders’ plan. Lan Zhan explained to them that both he and Wei Ying agreed on the idea of being together for the rest of their life, but they were too young and were yet to understand the concept of love, so they had settled on courtship to explore that realm. Uncle had seemed to be quite satisfied. The Lans were infamous for being passionate romantics and judging from the historical records of tragic love stories within the sect, it came as no surprise that he felt a sense of relief for what seemed to be a rather normal and healthy relationship between the two children he had raised. Green plums and a bamboo horse sounded much better than what Qinghe-jun had been through.

 

Since the past few months, Lan Zhan had been presenting her with courtship gifts of all sorts. The Gusu Lan’s Sect rules prevented him from giving her anything too extravagant, but Wei Ying wasn’t someone one who liked flashy ornaments anyway, so a simple-designed hairpin was the gift she liked the most. In actuality, the overtly simplistic hairpin was a very expensive hairpin carved from the highest quality white jade. She wore it every day, ignorant of its value or else she would have kept it under lock and key and not wear it to class or anywhere.

 

Apart from that, Lan Zhan had asked for permission to take her on what should have been his solo night hunts. He took it upon himself to aid wherever the chaos was, regardless of how small the matter was. It was unconventional and against the Lans’ conservative ways but the elders were exceptionally pleased that they had started courting and discussing marriage plans, so they allowed Lan Zhan to take her wherever he wanted to. Wei Ying couldn’t deny that she loved their private trips since normally, they didn’t leave Cloud Recesses at all.

 

“Does Wei Ying wish to buy it?” Lan Zhan asked, his eyes fixed on a beautiful red dress with a black robe.

 

“That would look odd with the forehead ribbon, don’t you think?”

 

“Wei Ying looks good in everything.” He paused a bit. “And you can do everything you wish to when there are only two of us.”

 

She smiled sweetly at him before dragging him into the boutique. As he expected, Wei Ying looked good in that dress robe and obviously, the forehead ribbon didn’t quite fit with that. Lan Zhan thinned his lips before reaching out to take her forehead ribbon off and tied it on his wrist.

 

“You were so careful not to touch it before.” She teased.

 

 

 

 

“Didn’t we agree that I will be the only one allowed to touch your forehead ribbon?” He bid back with a hint of tease in his voice.

 

“I can’t remember last time I was without the forehead ribbon, well, apart from bath time and bedtime.” Wei Ying touched her forehead where the ribbon usually was. “I feel a bit naked without it but it’s also a refreshing feeling.”

 

“I don’t like that others will see you without it, but I also want you to be able to do everything that you desire to when we aren’t at home and can sway a bit from the rules.” Lan Zhan stated his opinion with honesty.

 

“Thank you.” She reached out to grab his hand. “That’s really sweet of you.”

 

“No need for gratitude between us.” His ears turned a slight shade of red. “I just want you to be happy.”

 

“I wouldn’t even know what happiness meant if it weren't for you Lan Zhan.” She meant it. If Lan Zhan hadn’t insisted on taking her back home with him ten years ago, she would have been a homeless child living on the streets, fighting with strays for every scrap of food and wouldn't know happiness at all.

 

 

***

 

 

“I will announce your betrothal soon.” Lan Qiren said after they are done with dinner. This was one of the rare occasions when all four of them had dined together. When the younger ones didn’t reply, Lan Xichen smiled and added more information for them.

 

“After Wangji’s appearance at the latest Discussion Conference at Koi Tower, we have received an impressive amount of requests for his hand.”

 

“Out of the five great sects, only Jiang-zongzhu has a daughter, but she’s already promised to Jin Zixuan.” Lan Qiren took a sip from his cup. “Most of the proposals are from minor sects but the most hideous one is from Jin Guangshan.”

 

“I thought he only had one son.” Wei Ying was confused. Jin Sect's leader only had one son, one betrothed son. Why did he even send a request for Lan Zhan?

 

“He only has one legitimate son, but he has dozens of illegitimate children.” Lan Qiren sounded disgusted even if he tried not to let it show. “He dared to suggest a match between Wangji and one of his illegitimate daughters. He explained that he will legitimize her before proceeding with the union if we agree, which we never will.”

 

“His behaviour is unacceptable, and we shall not allow him to get the emendation he seeks.” asserted Lan Zhan agreeing with his uncle.

 

Jin Guangshan was infamous for his notorious sexual life and the only thing that kept most people from frowning upon him was his status as the leader of one of the major sects. The leader of minor sects would bend over backwards trying to please him at all chances. Even if they rebuked him for his ways and frowned upon the latest woman he just bedded or his new bastards, they could do nothing except talk behind his back.

 

 

 

 

However, it was different for other major sects. The Gusu Lan Sect was known for strict rules and righteous conduct. The Twin Jades of Lan were deemed as the exemplary models for elders of all sects to compare their own disciples with. They were exceptionally well-known among the juniors to the point that everyone naturally recognized their names. A betrothal between one of the Twin Jades and his illegitimate daughter will be an indirect approval of his behaviour. If the most honourable lots like the Lans had no problem with it , then why would others, who were scarcer in morals, have any problems with it.

 

“I didn’t know that you were so popular. Didn’t Xichen-ge rank first in the top gentlemen list?” Wei Ying teased. There was never a moment when she felt insecure about herself or questioned if she was good enough for the second young master of her sect because Lan Zhan never missed a chance to make certain that she knew she was wanted and loved and he would choose her, no matter how many choices he may have.

 

“Don’t tease.” Lan Zhan barely breathed out the word, a bit displeased. He hated the idea that anyone would think there is a girl that is suitable for him. Even if they didn’t know that he had already set his heart on Wei Ying but doesn’t mean that he likes it.

 

“I know, I know. They want to ask for both yours and Xichen-ge’s hand, but their face isn’t thick enough to send a request for both.” She laughed. “Sending a request for the sect heir seems too greedy for their minor sect status, so they had set their eyes on you even before you became of age.”

 

“I see that you actually paid attention to those politics classes.” Lan Qiren curved the corner of his lips up a bit.

 

“I can’t not pay attention uncle, Xichen-ge wouldn’t let that happen.”

 

“Indeed.” Lan Xichen played along but the fact is that his soon to be sister-in-law never did things half-heartedly and she paid attention regardless of his interference.

 

“I wonder what look they would have on their faces when they hear about Lan Zhan’s betrothal with a girl who has almost no background.” Wei Ying giggled.

 

“They can look as ugly as they wish but they cannot look down on the girl I’ve raised.” Lan Qiren was firm on this.

 

Blood lineage aside, Wei Ying was considered a favourable match for all major sects’ heirs. Her cultivation level was almost at par with his nephews, which would place her on the top of the list of strongest female cultivators of her generation. Her manners are impeccable under the same tutelage as the Twin Jades and no one could deny that she was a beauty. With an oval-shaped face, full rosy lips, flawless skin and doe grey eyes, if she was introduced to the society, he was confident that they would receive a large number of requests for her hand as well and that’s exactly the reason why elders insisted on prolonging her involvement in any Discussion Conference until after the announcement.

 

“I don’t care what they think, and you shouldn’t as well.” Lan Zhan reached out to squeeze her hand. Usually, they try not to be affectionate in front of uncle because he was rather conservative and any public display of affection might lead him to qi deviation but when Lan Zhan was determined, all worries were set aside.

 

 

 

 

“I know, I only care for you and what your family thinks about me.”

 

“Only me.” Lan Zhan insisted, ignoring his brother's twinkling eyes. Uncle feigned sipping tea even if the cup was empty.

 

“Only you, of course.”

 

 

***

 

 

“I’m sorry Jiang-gongzi but the gate is closed for today and without the invitation, we cannot allow you in.” The disciple who guarded the entrance of the Cloud Recesses said with an apologetic tone. “You will have to come back tomorrow morning when the gate is open.”

 

“We didn’t intentionally lose the invitation. The sun is about to set soon and Caiyi town isn’t that new. Do you really expect us to go all the way back to town in the dark?” Jiang-gongzi sounded angry.

 

Wei Ying halted halfway through the stairs to the gate of her home when she heard the commotion. Lan Zhan was holding her hand as they climbed up the steps. Their engagement was announced not long ago and if those sect leaders had questions or were discontent about the Second Jade’s future wife, they didn’t voice it out loud. They have been a bit more affectionate in public since the announcement, but it’s still limited to some soft gesture and holding hands occasionally. They don’t wish to send their uncle to the infirmary if the word reached his ear.

 

“Isn’t Lan Deming on guard duty today?” She tilted her head to her betrothed. “Should we hurry to save your former classmate?”

 

“No need to speed up.” Lan Zhan started walking at the same, proper and sedate pace. Wei Ying chuckled but followed his steps.

 

“A-Cheng, calm down. It’s our fault that we lost the invitation anyway.” A soft woman's voice tried to ease the situation.

 

“But A-Jie!”

 

“Lan-er-gongzi, Wei-guniang.” The other junior disciple on guard was quick to greet them with a bow.

 

“What’s going on here?” Wei Ying’s question was answered by Lan Deming who seems like he wanted his shift to be over at that very moment. She turned to the junior disciple and told him to go and inform her uncle or brother about the issue. The junior disciple gladly bolted off as fast as he could without breaking the rule.

 

 

 

 

“Lan-er-gongzi!” The boy who is called A-Cheng by his sister called out. “Can you let us in since it’s getting dark now.”

 

“No invitation, no entry.” Lan Zhan basically recited the rules for the guests.

 

“Lan-er-gongzi. I’m sorry for all the ruckus. We are visiting disciples from Yunmeng Jiang Sect.” The girl clad in a purple uniform stepped forward to stop angry her brother. “My name is Jiang Yanli and this is my brother Jiang Wanyin. We lost our invitation but it’s getting dark now and Caiyi is quite a distance away. I wonder if Lan-er-gongzi could make an exception for us just this once.”

 

“I cannot” With that short answer, Wei Ying decided to cut in before their guests felt any worse.

 

“Jiang-guniang. Jiang-gongzi. This one is Wei Ying.” She bowed to Jiang Sect’s heir and his sister. “We cannot make any exception because we have no authority to do so, however, I’ve sent a disciple to inform Master Lan Qiren. Please be patient and wait a while longer. I’m sorry for any inconvenience.”

 

“Thank you Wei-guniang” Jiang Yanli smiled. “And it’s us that have to apologize.”

 

“I don’t think anyone needs to apologize for such mishap.” Wei Ying shook her head.

 

The Jiang Sect's heir seemed to be less angry now, but he still shot an irritated glare at Lan Wangji, clearly displeased by his curt answers. Lan Qiren soon arrived on the scene and drew a sigil on the gate barrier in order to allow the guest disciples in.

 

“Thank you, Master Lan and we apologize for disturbing you so late.” Both Jiang siblings bowed, and the rest of their disciples followed.

 

“No one wishes to face more difficulty than necessary but sometimes, they are just a bit unfortunate.” Lan Qiren said to their guests before turning to his nephew. “Wangji, come see me after dinner.”

 

Lan Zhan bowed to his uncle without saying anything. Soft golden eyes turned to his fiancée, gesturing her to leave the guests and follow him to their residence. Wei Ying smiled slightly.

 

“Jiang-guniang, during your stay, you will receive a jade token that will act as your pass for this gate. Please take care of it since only a few elders can allow guests to come in without a pass.” With that sentence, she handed over the task of taking care of the guests to the junior disciples and followed Lan Zhan back to the main clan residential area.

 

 

 

Notes:

I found myself speeding up the timeline quite a bit after my decision against making this one a slow-burn xD Hope you guys enjoying this. I still plan for more fluff before the Wen's happens, hopefully can squeeze it all in! Let me know what you think about it >w<

*Green plums and a bamboo horse (青梅竹馬) = childhood sweethearts

Chapter 6: Guest Disciples

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

“Jiang-guniang, please follow me” The junior disciple who was assigned to lead guest disciples from Yunmeng Jiang Sect to their accommodation stopped Jiang Yanli just before she followed her brother into his dorm.

 

“Oh, I thought that guest disciples from each sect would reside together.” She asked in confusion.

 

“Guest disciples from each sect will have their own residences during the stay but residences as well as classes are segregated by gender.” The junior disciple politely informed her. “I can only take you to the common ground just before the wall of the female’s residence and one of them will lead you to your assigned dorm.”

 

“I see, please lead the way then.” Jiang Yanli smiled and then turned to her brother. “A-Cheng, we might not see each other as often as when we were at home. So, please remember not to let your emotions overcome your reason. Okay?”

 

“I will try my best A-Jie.” He pouted slightly. He doesn’t really understand why the Lans had to be so strict on limiting contacts between males and females. Jiang Sect never had any problem and most of their male and female disciples trained together. Moreover, this rule even applied to family members, which doesn’t make any sense.

 

Fortunately, the wall separating the male and female dorms was located not too far from where her brother and all her shidi would live for the coming year. Jiang Yanli felt a bit better, if needed, she could reach her brother within a few minutes at most. The junior disciple bowed to them and left once he saw a female disciple waiting at the wooden door.

 

“Greeting to all disciples from Yunmeng Jiang Sect. This one is Lan Yue. I will accompany you to your residence and also give you a tour of the areas which you will need to access during your stay.” 

 

“Thank you Lan-guniang. My name is Jiang Yanli.” She made a hand gesture toward two girls standing behind her. “And these are my shimei .”

 

“The Jiang Sect has more male disciples, I presume?” Lan Yue asked curiously.

 

“Actually, we have more female disciples but most of them are under my mother’s care and have passed the common age for a visiting year at the Cloud Recesses.” 

 

“I see. We don’t have a lot of female disciples here, so we all will be in the same class. There’re only ten of us.” Lan Yue said. “ To the left is the dining area for all meals and on the right is the mini infirmary, as we like to call it.”

 

“Mini?”

 

“This place is only for small injuries since we only have practising healers here. The main infirmary as well as the Library Pavilion is on the males’ side” She stopped in front of a small house which had a lovely yard in the front. “This is your residence. Mine is just around the corner, so if you need anything you can send someone to ask. All dorms with the cloud pattern on the door are for inner disciples, so you can just ask anyone.”

 

“Thank you very much Lan-guniang.” Jiang Yanli and both her shimei bowed.

 

“Please call me Lan Yue and you’re welcome.” Lan Yue bowed back.

 

“Then please address me by my name too, Lan Yue.”

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

“Jiang-xiong.” Nie Huaisang excitedly greeted the boy who seemed to have a permanent scowl on his face. 

 

Being a sect heir had its pros and cons. People respected him because he’s the heir to a major sect and his brother is a very strong cultivator, arguably the strongest, even, but he also faced criticism as his own cultivation was nowhere near his brother’s. He knew that many people looked down on him and talked behind his back, but he doesn’t quite mind. It was annoying but it didn't really affect him. 

 

What annoyed him is the fact that major sect descendants tended to flock together and those from minor sects wouldn’t dare being too chummy because it would look bad and no one wants to be accused as a bootlicker, even if they are actually bootlicking people from bigger sects.

 

Nie Huaisang understood this from a young age. His elder brother had only one close friend, Lan Xichen, who also had saved him from his brother’s wrath many times. He wished he too could have a close friend like that but after meeting Lan Wangji a few times, that hope went down the drain.

 

Still, the Jiang Sect's heir and Jin Sect's heir are around the same age, so there might be some hope for him. He had talked to Jin Zixuan a little bit, that boy didn’t seem too bad, maybe a bit too obsessed with his own beauty and just a tad too snobbish to his liking but that's still okay. However, his damned cousin was too disgusting and was a total killjoy.

 

Now his only hope was Jiang Wanyin.

 

 

“Nie-xiong.” Jiang Wanyin returned the greeting. 

 

“It’s a relief for me that you decided to come this year.” Nie Huaisang laughed. “I would surely feel like dying if I only had those Jins for company for the whole year.”

 

“I feel you. That peacock is super annoying, his cousin is even worse.”

 

“Now I’m really glad that you are here.”

 

The two stuck together throughout the whole morning, even when Wen Chao rudely barged in during the ceremony, Nie Huaisang shamelessly hid behind Jiang Wanyin while the latter drew out his sword alongside other disciples when Wen Chao threatened everyone.

 

“This one apologizes to Master Lan Qiren for his behavior.” A woman in Wen Sect's uniform stepped in front of Wen Chao, stopping him from worsening the situation. “My name is Wen Qing and this is my brother Wen Ning. We were sent by our sect leader to attend the class at the Cloud Recesses.”

 

“Apology accepted. We didn’t expect anyone from Wen Sect as your leader had clearly dismissed our invitation.” Lan Qiren kept his calm while Lan Wangji’s hand clutched tightly on his sword, ready to unsheathe it at any moment. “Wangji please assist Wen-guniang to the female residence and inform Lan Zhaohui that she will have another disciple in her class.”

 

Lan Wangji bowed to his uncle, then looked back to see whether the Wen disciple was ready to follow but she seemed to hesitate.

 

“Master Lan, my brother’s health condition isn’t well. This one wonders whether it’s possible for us to reside together.” 

 

“I will see to it but for the time being please follow my head disciple to the female disciples’ area.” 

 

“Thank you, Master Lan.” 

 

With that Wen Qing bowed and followed Lan Wangji out of the classroom. She looked around, trying to memorize the layout of the place because she needed to fulfill the duty which her uncle bestowed upon her.

 

“Wen-guniang, this way.” A cold stoic voice rang when she had wandered off the path.

 

“Apologize second young master Lan. It’s my first time here and the Cloud Recesses is more beautiful than I expected.” Wen Qing almost bit her tongue at the lame excuse, but Lan Wangji didn’t even seem to care, he kept walking with his back straight, perfect posture befitting his reputation. But even though he didn’t show any hint of emotion on his jade-like face, she knew that he was watching her every move.

 

Bringing A-Ning here might cause unnecessary deadweight on her task but she definitely could not leave her brother at the Nightless City. 

 

“Oh, Lan Zhan?” A female voice called almost at the same time that they entered the female disciples’ area. 

 

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji walked closer to that disciple and said something in a hushed tone. She noticed that the girl wore a forehead ribbon with a cloud pattern, but everyone knew that there were no females born in the main clan of Gusu Lan Sect for the past three generations, at least.

 

Could this be the Second Jade of Lan’s mysterious fiancée?

 

“You must be disciple from Wen Sect!” The girl greeted her with a smile. “I didn’t expect that any of you will come but the more the merrier, right?”

 

“Indeed, my name is Wen Qing.” She bowed.

 

“My name is Wei Ying. Come with me, I will take you to our class.” The girl tilted her head to the left, the direction that they will be going, maybe. “See you at dinner Lan Zhan”

 

“Mn.” With that Lan Wangji headed back towards the same direction he came in from. Wen Qing’s gaze followed him briefly before turning back to the girl.

 

This girl is probably his fiancée. 

 

*** 

 

 

“Please pardon my tardiness but I have brought in another visiting disciple.” Wei Ying bowed to the teacher while gesturing to Wen Qing to follow her into the class.

 

“This one is Wen Qing.” Wen Qing bowed.

 

“It’s truly a surprise. I have never welcomed a visiting disciple from Qishan Wen Sect before.” Lan

Zhaohui smiled. “This will be an interesting year.”

 

The first day of class was rather boring since they spent almost every moment of it to recite all sect rules for their guests. They were quite shocked with how strict and detailed those rules were and some of them even complained out loud.

 

“How can you live with all those rules?” A disciple from Jin Sect said in horror. “That’s insane!”

 

“Growing up with all of that makes it a lot easier, I’d say.” Lan Shufang chuckled.

 

“We barely have ten rules at Lotus Pier.” Jiang Yanli added. “Three thousand rules are quite shocking.”

 

“You will get used to it in a few months.” Wei Ying said with ease, it took her only a few months to adapt and abide most of the rules, with Lan Zhan’s help of course or her five-year-old self wouldn’t have been able to manage.

 

“Will we even memorize half of the rules by the end of the year?” Another visiting disciple sighed.

 

There were only a few female guest disciples. While the male guest disciples had enough numbers to have a separate class, adding both the Lan Sect's female disciples and the visiting ones, there still barely filled one classroom. Still, Wei Ying was having trouble trying to remember all their names. For now she could only remember Jiang Yanli, Wen Qing and Luo Qingyang, the talkative girl from Jin Sect.

 

“Receiving punishment for a few times might help you memorize it better.” Lan Yue laughed. “Especially since the one in charge of all disciples’ punishment is Lan Wangji.”

 

“That famous Lan Wangji? The younger of the Twin Jade?” 

 

Now they sound interested.

 

“Yes, I think there is only one Lan Wangji.”

 

“Don’t give them false hope. They may be excited now but after spending five minutes with him, they will realize how terrifying and boring he is.” Liu Chunhua said dryly.

 

“Boring?”

 

“Terrifying?” 

 

They sounded dumbfounded.

 

“No talking behind one’s back.” Wei Ying chided.

 

“Of course, you would protect him.” Lan Yue teased. “Will you be having dinner with us today?”

 

Wei Ying shook her head and gathered her stuff before bidding goodbye to everyone and headed back. The rest of the class still lingered around, chatting their time away while waiting for dinner time.

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

It only took a couple of months for them to see what Liu Chunhua meant by Lan Wangji being scary. They still don’t know about the boring part but none of them wondered about that anymore once they had witnessed Lan Wangji’s wrath.

 

Today was the first of the scheduled joint classes between male and female visiting disciples. Master Lan Qiren was about to take them to one of the oldest parts of the Cloud Recesses to learn about the Gusu Lan Sect’s origin but before all the disciples were assembled for the class, those who were quite early, were greeted with an unexpected event.

 

“What the hell!! Let me go!!” Jin Zixun cried out so loud that he may have been heard by everyone in the Cloud Recesses. 

 

He was being dragged by Lan Wangji along with another Jin Sect disciple. The Lans were known to have an exceptional arm strength but no one expected to see Lan Wangji dragging two cultivators by their neck as if they weighed no more than his Bichen and there were two more Lan senior disciples restraining another two Jin Sect disciples, all of them following Lan Wangji closely.

 

“Silence.” Lan Wangji demanded. His voice was cold, but his eyes were full of rage.

 

“You can’t do this to me! Put me down!” Jin Zixun still hadn’t given up on screaming.

 

And with that Lan Wangji threw him and his fellow disciple on the ground right in front of the ancestral hall. There were twelve senior disciples waiting, four with the discipline rulers in their hands. Those rulers were extremely long and thick with numerous square-shaped characters carved onto them. The rest of the senior disciples charged upto the Jin Sect disciples and held them down.

 

“Wait! What’s going on?” Jin Zixuan asked in confusion.

 

“Your punishment will be after class, at the Library Pavilion.” Lan Wangji informed the Jin Sect’s heir, totally ignoring his question.

 

“Wangji.” Lan Qiren came forward to ask.

 

“Two broken ribs and a cut on her forehead.” The Second Jade sounded distressed. “And more bruises than I can count, uncle.”

 

“Do as you deem fit.” Lan Wangji nodded. He walked to the front of the hall so he could see everyone present. Once he was in position, he ordered them to strike.

 

The Lan Sect’s ancestral hall was filled with swooshing sounds of the rulers, the slapping sounds of the said rulers making contact with clothed flesh and the screaming sounds of the Jin Sect's disciples.

 

Jin Zixun had never felt this embarrassed in his whole life. Every visiting disciple was there, and they all saw him being dragged like a ragdoll, saw him being punished for what he thought was just a small matter. Worst of all, they heard him scream like a weakling that he was.

 

 

 

Notes:

I feel like this chapter almost leads to nowhere lol but it's also a gap I need to fill for the story line :D hope you guys like it! let me know what you think ;)

Chapter 7: Villainy

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

 

The incident of Jin Sect's disciples being severely punished got everyone’s attention. They all talked about it; Lan Wangji’s wrath, Jin Zixun’s screams and the extreme punishment of taking the strikes until the discipline rulers broke. Compared to Lan Sect’s common punishment like copying of rules, this was on another level. But one thing that almost no one talked about was the cause of the punishment.

 

Jin Zixun surely knew what he was being punished for but no one in their right mind would actually go and ask him. The delusional fool along with his minions were suspended from all classes since the punishment. Jin Zixuan seemed to be involved to some extent since he was punished by being made to copy the rules after class on that day under Lan Xichen’s supervision instead of Lan Wangji. After that day, he was busy helping out his cousin and everyone witnessed how whiny his injured cousin could be, no one wanted to bother him either. Lan Wangji was also out of the picture, since no one saw him after that day and even if he came to class like usual, no one dared to ask him anything. If people avoided him for his unfriendly aura before, now they avoided him because they were quite scared of his strength.

 

While the boys still had no clue and didn’t know the right person to ask, most of the girls knew the entire story since the incident happened just by the wall that separated males and females’ area near the Cloud Recesses gate and Lan Yue was on patrol with a certain someone that day.

 

 

*** 

 

 

“Good boy, remember you need to be quiet!” Jin Zixuan petted his spiritual dog. He had left it outside of the Cloud Recesses for over two months and he had missed it dearly. Spiritual dogs were usually very smart, so he decided to sneak it in and ordered it to keep quiet and stay only in his room. It should be fine because for the past two months, the Lan Sect's disciples never really came inside the room to check anyway.

 

“Give him to me Zixuan.” Jin Zixun gave his cousin a signal and reached out to get the dog with some help from his underlings but someone interrupted him before he could get to the dog.

 

“Pets are prohibited is the Cloud Recesses.” A female voice said. All of the Jins were startled, Jin Zixuan almost drop his beloved dog.

 

“Shut up about your stupid rules.” Jin Zixun sneered. “Don’t you know who we are?”

 

“And do you know who I am?” The girl asked. She moved from her previous position to the top of the wall right next to Jin Zixun. They can see her more clearly under the moonlight, she must have been a senior disciple on patrol that day.

 

“Why do I need to know you? It isn’t like you’re someone important.” 

 

“I could say the same.” Wei Ying smiled while unsheathing her sword.

 

“I don’t like to waste my time with some lowborn but if you insist then I must teach you some lesson.” Jin Zixun drew out his sword and started attacking.

 

Jin Zixuan watched the scene in horror. He just wanted to get his dog, not get into a fight. The Jin Sect’s heir tried to break the fight but with his dog in his arms, he couldn't really do much.

 

“Why are you lot just standing there! Come help me!” Jin Zixun called for help once he realized that this girl couldn't be easily taken down and he might actually lose. One of the Jin disciples sneaked from behind Wei Ying and attempted to knock Suibian out of her hand. He failed but he did distract her enough for Jin Zixun to throw himself at her.

 

“Drag her down!” 

 

With that shout, the other three Jin disciples locked Wei Ying’s arms and legs and managed to drag her down from the wall. Wei Ying’s eyes widened in shock, she didn’t expect the others to jump in all at once and with her arms and legs restrained, she couldn't do much. While she braced herself for impact, she heard Jin Zixun’s dark chuckles when he pulled her further down to cushion his fall and land both knees on her ribcage.

 

“Wei Ying!” Lan Wangji shouted uncharacteristically. He had seen sword glares shoot into the sky, so he rushed to the scene, but it seemed he was a second too late.

 

“Wei Ying.” He pushed Jin Zixun off of her and hold her up, but she made a barely audible sound of wailing. “Can you move?”

 

“It hurtscan’t” Wei Ying moaned in pain. It was hard for her to speak since the impact was on her lungs and when she tried to breathe, it also hurt.

 

“Hey! Are you alright?” Jin Zixuan just managed to climb down from the wall, with his dog still in his arms, and when he saw Lan Wangji, he paled. “Did she get hurt?”

 

The Second Jade looked at their faces with his cold golden eyes before carefully lifting the girl up and walked away. At that moment, Jin Zixuan noticed that the girl’s forehead ribbon had a distinct cloud pattern. 

 

“Why did you do that Zixun?” He sighed, didn’t really expecting an answer.

 

“It was her fault anyway. This damn place has too many rules! Why can’t you get your dog inside?” Jin Zixun said smugly. “You are the Jin Sect’s heir, they should make an exception for you. It’s not like we are any lesser than them.”

 

“And they are also not any lesser than us!” Jin Zixuan’s patience was running thin at the moment. “Don’t think so highly of yourself. That girl wears the main clan’s ribbon. My guess is that she is Lan Wangji’s betrothed. If they punish you, I won’t interfere.”

 

“Wasn't Lan Wangji’s fiancée just some orphan that his uncle adopted?” He snorted. “They must be really stupid to punish me, a Jin’s main clan by blood, for her.”

 

Jin Zixuan felt too tired to even correct his cousin that he actually isn’t considered a part Jin’s main clan by blood. He didn’t know why his cousin, who had the same upbringing as he did due to some unfortunate event that took both his parents’ lives, could be this snobbish. 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

“Wait, Wei Ying is Lan Wangji’s fiancée?” Mian-Mian, or actually Luo Qingyang, but she insisted that they should call her by her nickname since they were all friends, asked.

 

“You kind of missed the point of the story but yes, she is.” Lan Shufang sighed, her hand rubbing her temple.

 

“That’s why he was so mad. To be honest, even if he seems scary, his protectiveness is kinda hot.” Another girl joined in the conversation.

 

“How can he not be mad? Wei Ying got two broken ribs and loads of bruises.” Lan Yue also sounded angry. “Even with her level of spiritual power, it will take weeks to heal. Currently, she can barely move on her own.”

 

“Oh, that’s too bad. Can we visit her?” Jiang Yanli asked.

 

“I don’t think so, she was moved from infirmary back to her own house in the main clan residence and we can’t just go in there.” Lan Yue pouted. “If we want to visit then we need to ask Lan Wangji but seems like he’s with her so…”

 

“Can we ask Master Lan Qiren or maybe Lan Sect’s heir?” Mian-Mian still had her hopes up.

 

“I don’t want to bother them. How about we wait until weekend and try to ask Master Lan Zhaohui nicely, maybe she could help us.” Lan Shufang offered. “After all, we are her friends and we are worried about her.”

 

“I could cook something for her.” Jiang Yanli smiled. “No offense but she's sick so maybe she would appreciate something different from her usual diet.”

 

“You can just say that our food here is bland Jiang-guniang.” Lan Yue laughed. Even Lans by blood didn't bother to defend the comments anyone would have on their food. 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

“Does it still hurt?” Lan Zhan asked while he helped Wei Ying manage her hair.

 

“A little bit. How does it look?” Wei Ying groaned. She couldn't even take a deep breath because it would hurt like hell and she could barely lift her arms to dress herself. That’s why she only wore her dudou and inner robes these days. Lucky for her that it’s still summer or she might really have to choose between freezing to death from wearing too little or wearing more layers and having to endure the weight of the clothes rubbing on her wounds.

 

“Most of the cuts have started to heal but you better not wear the ribbon yet. It would scrub the cut here.” Lan Zhan tied her hair up while trying to avoid touching the cut on her temple.

 

He then put some salve on all her cuts and bruises, even those on her back and stomach. She was only wearing her dudou with a blanket covering her legs. The diamond-shaped fabric hugged her well-endowed frame tightly but barely covered anything. It was quite embarrassing that she had to be stripped almost naked while he tended her wounds, but she didn’t want to stay in the infirmary any longer. Those damned Jin disciples were trying to visit her to get her forgiveness so that they won’t be kicked out of the Cloud Recesses. Like Lan Zhan would let them off that easily. He insisted that uncle call upon the Jin Sect’s leader, have a really long talk, and take those idiots back to Lanling.

 

“The black one?” Lan Zhan picked her inner robe up as if to ask.

 

“Wouldn't it be better to wear dark colors if you plan to take me to the Cold Spring.” Wei Ying smiled. “Or would you prefer I wear white as usual?”

 

Lan Zhan’s ears turned into a lovely shade of red, but he didn’t answer, only huffed a bit while helping her put on the black inner robe and wrapped her up again with a thin outer robe. When he was satisfied that she was covered enough, just in case anyone saw them on the way to the Cold Spring which was unlikely, but she is thankful for his cautiousness, he carefully lifted her up.

 

The walk from her house to the Cold Spring only took a couple of minutes and they encountered no one along the way. Once they were there; Lan Zhan took off his own shoes and outer robe before carefully removing the outer robe that she was wrapped in. He made sure that she stayed as still as possible since even a slight movement could cause distress to her still healing ribs. Wei Ying shivered once they entered the Cold Spring. Even with Lan Zhan’s body heat embracing her, it was still too cold to her liking. He must have noticed that, because she then felt a surge of energy running through her body and helping her heal from within.

 

“What’s that?” She asked. That didn't feel like the usual spiritual energy he gave her when he helped her meditate.

 

“It’s my energy but I directly propelled it into your energy flow.” Lan Zhan sounded a bit hesitant. “It’s more like dual cultivation than usual energy transfer. We’re not supposed to do this yet, but you will heal faster.”

 

“I don’t mind.” Wei Ying sighed, leaning deeper into his embrace, if that’s even possible. “The pain was lessened by, like, a lot when you did this. Please keep doing it.”

 

“Mn.”

 

They stayed silent for a long while. Wei Ying almost drifted off to dreamland but jerked awake when she felt Lan Zhan’s body tense up. Just before she was about to open her mouth to ask, she felt something dragging her off his arm and into the water.

 

“Wei Ying!” Lan Zhan shouted and darted to grab Bichen. When he got a hold of it, he too was dragged under the water.

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

I've played with Canon timeline a bit here and there so the order of events will not follow either books or live-action :D Annndddd in this and next chapter, you will see why Wei Ying need to be injured *wink* as always, let me know what you think >////<

Chapter 8: Felicitations

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

 

“What’s this place?” Wei Ying coughed out water as Lan Zhen held her up to check her injuries.

 

Lan Zhan didn’t answer her. He pulled the front of his mid robe open and placed it over Wei Ying to give her more coverage. She let Lan Zhan handle her as he pleased, her ribs still hurt when she moved. Though it hurt less than before after spending an hour in the Cold Spring.

 

“This might be the cave, where elder Lan Yi ascended to immortality.” Lan Zhan looked around. His eyes stopped at the guqin placed on the raised platform at the far end of the cave “I came across some old records mentioning that, but since no one really saw her coming out of the cave, it's just a conjecture.”

 

Suddenly a ray of blue light shot out from the guqin, directly at the couple. Lan Zhan was stunned but he felt nothing when the light passed through him but Wei Ying on the other hand, screamed from the pain. He looked down at the girl in his arms alarmed. 

 

“Why did it hit only me?” Wei Ying groaned; her hands pressing hard on the area above her stomach, over her biggest wound.

 

Sensing another wave of the energy coming from the guqin, Lan Zhan amassed his spiritual power and sent out his sword to block it. He moved closer to the guqin and noticed a colony of rabbits gathered around the dias, each one of them wearing Lan Sect’s forehead ribbon.

 

“I think this guqin is a seal to protect this place from intruders. It uses Chord Assassination Technique but this one doesn’t mean to kill.” He said. “You are not wearing your forehead ribbon, so it attacked you.”

 

“That guqin is way too smart!” Wei Ying whined. “I’m practically wrapped in your robe and it still managed to attack only me.”

 

Usually, Lan Zhan would look at whiny Wei Ying fondly with a hint of a smile on the corner of his lips but now his beloved was in pain, he couldn't afford to waste another minute. 

 

“Untie my forehead ribbon and tie each end to our wrists” The Second Jade instructed. Wei Ying could barely move and Lan Zhan was holding her up in his arms. The water inside the cave came up to Lan Zhan’s waist so he couldn't put her down without the fear of drowning her and obviously, she still was not well enough to stand on this slippery surface by herself. It took a few minutes and a few groans of pain but finally, she managed to secure the forehead ribbon in place.

 

“This should suffice, if not then I will keep blocking the attacks with Bichen.” He said and proceeded towards the dias. 

 

After making sure that the seal on the guqin indicated that it only attacks non-Lans, he strummed his finger on the chords to perform inquiry. The guqin glowed with spiritual power that wasn’t his and the chords moved on their own accord to provide him with an answer.

 

“It’s her.” His voice showed a mixture of surprise and excitement. “It’s Lan Yi.”

 

“And may I ask who you are, little Lan?” She smiled at her descendant.

 

She knew they shared the same bloodline.

 

“This one is Gusu Lan Sect’s head disciple. Lan Zhan, courtesy name Wangji.” He tried to kowtow but it was quite awkward with Wei Ying in his arms.

 

“This one is Gusu Lan Sect’s disciple, Wei Ying.” She bowed her head as best as she could. “Please pardon my condition. Unfortunately, my injuries make it difficult for me to move .”

 

“Don’t worry. I’m not one of those elders who blindly stick to the rules and ignore the circumstances.” Lan Yi chuckled softly. Of course, if she could sense the blood-bone to her descendants, she surely could sense the girl’s injury and also the magic that binds these two. It was faint but it was there.

 

“We were meditating in the Cold Spring and a strange underwater current brought us here.” Wei Ying informed her.

 

“So, it has begun.” Lan Yi sighed. She opened up her hand and a strange object appeared above her palm. Traces of resentful energy were looming over the object and seeping out of it.

 

“This is a shard of Yin Iron.  Hundreds of years ago, Xue Chonghai created it to absorb resentful energy but he couldn't control it and it corrupted his mind. Back then all five great sects banded together to defeat him and separated the Yin Iron into pieces and hid it.” She looked at it with longing eyes. “They decided not to mention it ever again so no one would attempt to piece it back together. I came upon this knowledge when I became the sect's leader. I was curious and overconfident, I thought I would be able to make use of it or totally destroy it.”

 

She closed her eyes with a pained expression on her face.

 

“But as you can see, I overestimated myself. I couldn't make any use of it nor destroy it. And to repent for my folly, I’m stuck spending all of my spiritual energy to contain it. I’ve spent many years trying to cleanse it, but the best I could do was to send most of the resentful energy back to its origin.” She shook her head. “Baoshan had warned me and I should have listened.”

 

“Baoshan? Do you mean Baoshan Sanren?” Wei Ying caught that name quickly.

 

“Yes, back then she had ascended to immortality already.” 

 

“Rumor has it that she is still alive but has cut off all ties with the mortal world.” Wei Ying said. That’s about all she knew about her late mother’s master. “My mother was her disciple.”

 

“Then you must have learned many useful talismans from her.” Lan Yi smiled. “She was quite clever and creative.”

 

“My mother passed when I was barely five. I grew up here, in the Cloud Recesses.” Wei Ying denied. “But I remember learning some small tricks from her. I was too young to remember much anyway.”

 

“But I trust that our Lan Sect’s teachings are adequate?”

 

“Of course, uncle is praised to be the best teacher among all great sects while Lan Zhan and Xichen-ge are also highly praised as perfect disciples.” Wei Ying beamed.

 

“Wei Ying.” Lan Zhan berated her quietly. He sounded a bit shy and embarrassed.

 

“That’s a fact Lan Zhan. No lies, no overconfidence nor any over-praise.” Wei Ying recited the rules. “Those aren’t even my words.”

 

Lan Yi laughed quietly looking at the two youngsters. She had been in here for too long, too lonely but that’s the price she had to pay for her foolishness of the past. It was refreshing to meet someone who shared her heritage, someone she could call family despite not knowing them. 

 

“Aren’t you two quite lovely?” Lan Yi looked at them fondly. “Young love.”

 

Both Wei Ying and Lan Zhan were stunned for a few seconds. They didn’t introduce each other as one’s betrothed. There was no record mentioning that Lan Yi could read people’s minds and they didn’t think that their behaviour was inappropriate.

 

Oh, behaviour

 

Surely, a young man carrying a young woman who was barely clothed and even covering her with his own robe would look too intimate by any means. But it’s not like he could let her down or take his robe off her since that would be even more inappropriate.

 

Heat crept up to their faces and with both of them slightly flushed, it’s even more awkward, for them. But Lan Yi would say that it was quite entertaining for her. The last time she had any human interaction was a few hundred years ago.

 

“As your elder, I bless upon your union.” 

 

With that sentence, Lan Zhan forehead ribbon glowed and both of them felt warmth seeping through their body. It was not the usual healing spiritual power, it was something ancient.

 

“My time has come, children. With you here, I will use the last of my spiritual power for a final cleansing. It should be enough to totally remove resentful energy from this shard. Even if it is to be taken by someone with a crooked will, they won’t make any use of it but you could use it to track the other pieces and destroy them.” Lan Yi gave them one last smile as she began to fade, right before their eyes. “I’m sorry I have to pass on this responsibility to you and it brings me immense joy to see promising young cultivators like you two carry on our name.”

 

“Wangji is honoured to continue this task and promises to act righteously.” Lan Zhan lowered his head into a semi-bow.

 

“Wei Ying promises to continue this task and I will make sure not to let the wicked make use of it.” Wei Ying reached out her hand to catch the Yin Iron, which was dragged down by gravity as soon as Lan Yi’s spiritual power disappeared.

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

“Where have you been?” Lan Xichen asked, his tone laced with concern and mild anger.

 

“We were in the Cold Spring.” Lan Zhan said.

 

“You weren’t! I checked multiple times since that was the place you told me you would be at.” The Sect’s heir closed his eyes as he rubbed his temple. “You disappeared for almost two days.”

 

“What?” Wei Ying was shocked. “That’s not possible, we were there for only a few hours.”

 

“It wasn’t just a few hours to us Wei Ying and…”  Lan Xichen was shocked.

 

His anger faded away as he got a good look at the scene before his eyes. He dragged both of them into the Jingshi and closed the door. His surrogate sister was drenched, head to toe, half-hidden under his brother's equally soaked robe. Even if the two are engaged, they were yet to be wedded and even if they’re married, this gesture was still too intimate for anywhere outside the privacy of their own home. The more shocking issue was that his brother’s forehead ribbon was dangerously misplaced. Instead of being fastened where it should be, it tied the two together.

 

“We don’t really practice this old ritual anymore but it’s still not appropriate to tie your forehead ribbon like that.” He sighed. “You better remove it fast and get dressed properly, if uncle sees the two of you like this, he might get qi deviation.” 

 

“Cannot untie.” Lan Zhan looked down. Not many of their sect knew of the meaning of this act since it was too archaic and barely practised for the past few generations but as a member of the main clan and a studious one at that, he knew.

 

“Wangji.” Lan Xichen’s voice was barely above a whisper.

 

“We accidentally went into the cave and we met Lan Yi.” Two pairs of golden eyes of different shades met. “She blessed us.”

 

“Urgh.” 

 

That was the first time Wei Ying had ever heard Xichen-ge groan like that.

 

 

*** 

 

Lan Qiren entered into the Jingshi with a horrid expression. His older nephew informed him of what had happened, but he still hoped that his younger nephew would have more sense than doing something like that at his age. He felt anger bubble up in his chest and his head felt light, but he would hear from them foremost before making any assumption. 

 

The sight that welcomed him didn’t make him feel any better. Lan Zhan and Wei Ying couldn't take a bath and redress themselves with dry clothes when they were tied together so both of them were wrapped in a thick towel to be as dry as possible in this state. Lan Zhan still held Wei Ying in his arms, settled her on his lap since she had tied the ribbon on both of their right wrists. They couldn't even sit normally next to each other because of that. The elder frowned at the scene before him, even if the two are already betrothed, they are too young to be that intimate.

 

“I expected better from you, Wangji.” He said with a stern voice. “Even if it was unexpected and out of your control but it wouldn’t have come to this if both of you had your forehead ribbon.”

 

“Wangji will take punishment as uncle seems fit.” Lan Zhan bowed his head. “I suggested that Wei Ying shouldn’t wear hers. It’s my sole responsibility.”

 

“Uncle, it was me who was missing the ribbon, not Lan Zhan. Please punish me.” Wei Ying protested but her uncle just waved her off and approached closer to inspect their currently shared forehead ribbon.

 

“This is irreversible.” Lan Qiren sighed after he inspected the still lightly glowing ribbon on their wrists. “The ritual was completed and it was Lan Yi, even though it's just the remains of her spiritual power. It would take really long for it to fade.”

 

“Does it mean that we will be tied up like this for an unknown period of time? And it’s likely to be quite a long time?” Wei Ying asked in confusion.

 

“Not necessarily.” Lan Xichen thinned his lips. “Uncle, I believe it would be better for us to leave them alone and let Wangji do the explanation.”

 

“Xiong-zhang.” Lan Zhan panicked at his brother’s words while his betrothed looked at him expectantly.

 

“That would be the best option.” A part of him felt that it was befitting for Wangji to be the one to explain since he caused the entire debacle. The elder’s expression was hard to decipher; he seemed angry, frustrated, mildly shocked and a bit sheepish, which was really odd for him. “You two should take a few days off of your duties. Or a week perhaps.”

 

They both sat in silence while their brother and uncle took their leave. Wei Ying was now extremely unsettled and the atmosphere in the Jingshi was quite heavy. Lan Zhan also seemed frustrated and uncomfortable. 

 

“Lan Zhan?” She called him quietly, but he refused to meet her eyes and not only his ears, but his cheeks also started to blush.

 

“The ritual is for marriage.” His voice came out as a whisper. “It was a traditional ceremony that the main clan used to practice for the first few generations of our family.”

 

“Marriage?” She was baffled and lifted up her right hand. “This?”

 

“Mn.” He nodded. “When the elders bless the couple, it seals their union. We won’t be able to take it off until the ritual is completed.”

 

“How? We could be tied together for days or for weeks.” She chewed her lower lips and Lan Zhan felt the urge to bite her lips. “But Lan Yi ascended. Ascended. It could take months for her spiritual power to fade?”

 

“That was not the part of the ritual.”

 

“And what is?” She asked and then the realization hit her, hard. “Oh.”

 

“Consummation.” The word was almost inaudible, but their faces were almost touching, there was no way that she didn’t hear that, and her face turned bright red.

 

“Fifteen isn’t an appropriate age to be married but we can’t be tied up like this for weeks. There are like fifty guest disciples here. They will notice.” Now she was panicked. It’s not like she never thought about the idea of sex. She kind of expected it since she agreed to this betrothal, but she didn't expect that to actually happen until they reached the proper age to get married, which won’t be anytime soon. 

 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t expect this to happen, at least not like this.” His golden eyes meet her grey ones. She smiled and stroked his cheek softly.

 

“You did this to protect me. Don’t be sorry. Who would have known that it was Lan Yi in that cave?”

 

“I should have.”

 

“Silly. You can’t know everything Lan Zhan.” Wei Ying shook her head. “Talking about that, do you know how to…” 

 

Damn. Do I need to ask that? Wei Ying cursed, and felt like banging her head on the wall out of embarrassment.

 

“Consummate, you mean.” Seems like his face was thicker than mine.

 

“Yeah. That.”

 

To her surprise, he nodded, and her eyes almost popped out. Lan Zhan seemed to overcome whatever shyness he felt the moment before and was able to keep his face straight again. He cleared his throat a bit before started explaining.

 

“It was a part of dual cultivation. I read all the scrolls on that in the Library Pavilion after we were betrothed.” 

 

“So well-prepared. What about Chungong?” She pushed a bit further. Lan Zhan didn’t respond to that question, but he smiled, a bit wickedly.

 

“Hmm. If you don’t tell me then I guess, there’s only one way to find out.”

 

She leaned into him to brush her lips against his in a teasing way and back off before he could capture her lips fully. Lan Zhan’s eyes turned a shade darker and when his beloved moved closer to kiss the corner of his mouth, he felt a burst of tenderness in his chest. Wei Ying tried to back away again when Lan Zhan’s lips chased hers for a deeper kiss. She let out a soft giggle which was muffled by his lips. One of his hands cupped the back of her head to keep her still for the kiss while his other hand began to rip all the fabric off their bodies.

 

“Impatient already?” Wei Ying asked. Her Lan Zhan was forever patient and had remarkable control over himself. They had shared many hugs and had kissed before. When they went out for night hunts together, they had even shared a bed. And when a passionately in love couple shares a bed, things were bound to go further than appropriate. They have explored each other’s body a little but never too far because Lan Zhan didn’t want to taint her before their wedding. He forced his urges down, not the other way around. 

 

Wei Ying.” This was the closest thing to begging she ever heard from him.

 

“We’re married, as you said.” She whispers by his ear, biting his earlobe in the process. “You don’t have to hold back anymore.”

 

His last string of control snapped by her consent. He stood up with his barely clothed wife in his arms and took her to his bed-chamber, where they spent the next few days without any interruption.

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Well 🌝🌝🌝 I have nothing to say for this chapter. Enjoy! :D

Chapter 9: Elation

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

 

Grey eyes blinked lazily; toned arms stretched out to shake off the soreness. Wei Ying moaned lightly when she felt a pair of arms pull her into a close embrace, she turned her head to give Lan Zhan a peck on the lips. They have spent two days alone in the sereneness of Lan Zhan’s house and it was so blissful.

 

“Good morning.” 

 

“Mn.” He answered with a kiss on her head. Wei Ying smiled and moved slowly with his support to sit.

 

“Hey, my ribs don’t hurt anymore. This is nice.” She ran her hands over her abdomen and applied some pressure on areas that hurt so badly just a few days before. “We should have done this a long time ago if it works this good.”

 

“We shouldn’t.” Lan Zhan sighed. Dual cultivation helped them improve greatly but it was still not proper for them to do this even now, not to mention long ago as she said but he can’t deny that it was really good and it made him feel good.

 

“I guess I can still take a few days or a week off because I shouldn’t be healing this fast.” She giggled.  “Or not since it’s you so I don’t think anyone would suspect this.”

 

“The elders might, and we should keep this from them.”

 

“Sure that bunch of old guys will have qi deprivation if they knew.”

 

“If you are not hurt anymore, I will go see uncle to receive my punishment.”

 

“Okay.” Wei Ying sighed. “But I still think that it’s not fair at all.”

 

“It is just.” Lan Zhan insisted.

 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

“Lan-er-gongzi.” Jiang Yanli called for him when she saw him walking past the Library Pavilion, which she came out of.

 

“Jiang-guniang.” He answered.

 

“How is Wei Ying? We, I mean the girls and I, were worried about her and were wondering if we could visit her?” 

 

“You can. Let me know the date and time.” He liked it when people cared for Wei Ying, his beloved deserves all that.

 

“Thank you Lan-er-gongzi. And would it be okay if I cooked her some soup? I always cook that for my brother when he’s sick.” If he was surprised by her question, he didn’t show at all.

 

“If you wish to.” He nodded and then added. “I would appreciate that.”

 

“Thank you very much.” Jiang Yanli bowed again and started to walk in the direction of the female disciples’ area. When she reached the living area, she informed the girls that they were allowed to visit Wei Ying, approved by Lan Wangji himself.

 

“If you met him around the Library Pavilion then I guess Wei Ying already got better or he wouldn't leave her side. When should we visit?” Lan Shufang asked.

 

“Classes are dismissed for the next three days, how about then?” Lan Yue suggested and other murmured in agreement.

 

“Could you postpone it for one more day? I need three days to make a new salve for her bruises.” Wen Qing, who barely mingled with anyone, asked to everyone’s surprise.

 

“You have medical knowledge?” Lan Yue sounded interested.

 

“Yes, my branch is actually a healer clan. For generations, we mainly act as personal healers to the main clan members.” She answered with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, but no one paid much attention to that.

 

“That’s nice. No wonder, you also treated your younger brother by yourself then?”

 

“Yes, he was a sickly child.” Wen Qing stopped at that. With Lan Qiren’s permission, instead of the visiting disciples’ residences, she and Wen Ning stayed in the common guest area which was generally used when various sects gathered for Discussion Conference in the Cloud Recesses. That gave her a major benefit in fulfilling her task but even with that advantage, she still found no trace of what she was looking for.

 

“With a caring sister like you, I’m sure he will get better soon.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

 

“Wangji” He bowed to his uncle. His back still ached from the hundred and fifty strikes that he received. “You do know that this matter should be kept secret, known only in our immediate family, until you both reach proper age to hold a wedding ceremony.”

 

“Wangji understands.” Lan Qiren sighed, looking at the boy before him. He couldn't fully blame his nephew for protecting and taking care of his fiancée, now wife. The elders knew and even encouraged them to get intimate. They don’t want either of them to lose interest in each other and cause a possible love tragedy. And now it has come to this. Married at the age of fifteen is unconservative and surely will be frowned upon. Fifteen is too young even for political matches. “And there must not be any children until your public wedding.”

 

“Yes, uncle.” Lan Wangji felt the heat creep up his neck and ears. He knew that they must be careful, that’s why he focused on channelling his qi through Wei Ying’s body and blocked some of her systems every time they got intimate to make the act more of a dual cultivation practice than the reproduction ones. By forcing the spiritual energy to flow through a woman’s body, it blocks the usual flow of her constitution, lowering the birth rate or sometimes even preventing it. This isn't widely known information, but it is why most cultivators do not have lots of children, regardless of their long life. 

 

“I won’t say that I’m not disappointed but this is not something you planned for.” The older man sighed. He was furious when he first learned of the incident but after leaving them alone, he pondered over the details, and he found no reason to actually punish his younger nephew. But Lan Wangji, being strict and righteous all his life, would ask for punishment that he saw fit.

 

“The punishment is just.” The younger one insisted, still.

 

“Is she better now?” Lan Qiren asked, even if he had expected the answer.

 

“Wei Ying is almost fully healed.”

 

“Take another week off, even with her level of spiritual power, she cannot heal that fast on her own.”

 

“Yes, uncle.” Lan Wangji bowed and went back to his residence. His uncle’s heavy gaze followed him as he left.

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

Wei Ying was beginning to get bored from being stuck in the Jingshi alone for the past few days. Lan Zhan had already resumed his duties in the guest disciples class and could only drop by to check up on her during lunch. Her saving grace was the fact that her friends and classmates will be visiting her today. Lan Zhan said that they had asked him for permission to visit her in the main clan’s residence, which was usually off-limits for them and that’s why she’s back at her own house, waiting for them on her bed and trying not to look too healthy or happy for the condition she’s supposed to be in.

 

The girls came to visit her carrying a big basket along with them. When they opened it, they all were greeted with a very delicious smell.

 

“It’s Yanli-Jie’s signature dish.” Lan Yue smiled. 

 

The daughter of the Jiang Sect's leader was the oldest of all female disciples and everyone loved her so they naturally called her Jiejie, which she allowed with a big smile on her face. 

 

“She let us have some while she was cooking this for you.” Lan Shufang sounded a bit dreamy. So the soup must be really good.

 

“Thank you Yanli-Jiejie.” Wei Ying beamed. Knowing the girl for almost three months, Jiang Yanli could be her favourite person right now. Well, she could not like her more than Lan Zhan, of course, but it was a close call to Xichen-ge. The older girl was sweet and caring toward everyone, like it was just her nature to be kind. Wei Ying saw the same kindness and compassion in Xichen-ge, so this might be it’s older sibling's thing that she could never understand.

 

“It’s lotus root and pork ribs soup. A-Cheng really likes it, I hope you would as well.” Jiang Yanli smiled while handling her the bowl of soup. Wei Ying took a sip and gasped.

 

“This is so good! I could be sick for a few more weeks if this is what I will get every day.” She laughed.

 

“Silly, I can cook this for you even if you’re not sick and I prefer you to be healthy.” The older girl lightly reprimand.

 

“Wei-guniang.” Wen Qing who was quiet all this time fished a small glass bottle from her sleeve. “I’ve made some salve for your bruises. It also works to lighten up the scars.”

 

“Thank you Wen-guniang. That’s really kind of you.” This really caught Wei Ying by surprise. Wen Qing wasn’t particularly close to anyone in the class and everyone kept some distance from her, partly because of her being a Wen and also because she spent most of her time out of the class to take care of her sickly brother and didn’t mingle much with them.

 

“That’s the least I can do, medicine is essentially the only thing I’m quite good at.” Some of the girls voiced their disagreement since the girl from Wen Sect was clearly quite good in most of the classes but Wen Qing only smiled softly.

 

They chatted the entire evening until Lan Wangji came in with dinner and the girls bid their goodbye. Wei Ying insisted that the Second Jade should accompany them back to the gate since the pathway could be quite confusing and her house was located in the far back of the whole area.

 

The group walked while chatting animatedly, with Lan Wangji quietly observing them. As they reached the gate, he turned to Jiang Yanli.

 

“Jiang-guniang. I was wondering if you could give me the recipe for your soup. Wei Ying liked it a lot.” He asked politely.

 

“Of course, Lan-er-gongzi.” Jiang Yanli was quite surprised. He always seemed cold and displayed no emotions, but she could feel that he cared deeply for his betrothed. “If you wish I could teach you how to cook it.”

 

“Thank you.” He slightly bowed. The girls said their thanks and went through the gate separating the main clan’s residence and the common area. Wen Qing lingered behind, her eyes roaming around for a last glance deep in the area that she had visited for the first time. Lan Wangji met her eyes with his usual unmoving cold gaze. Wen Qing smiled and bowed to him again before she left.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

“Wen Qing seems to be up to something.” Wei Ying tilted her head in questioning gesture. “She wandered off to areas she shouldn’t have, and she seemed too interested in areas of the Cloud Recesses that are off-limits for her.”

 

“She usually spends time with her brother. None of us are that close to her to be honest.” 

 

“Yin Iron?” Lan Zhan suggested.

 

“Could be. Doesn't really seem like a coincidence that the Wen Sect sent disciples here and then the Yin Iron shard drew us in that cave. As Lan Yi said that we can use the shard to track other shards, maybe they already got a shard or more.” Wei Ying creased her brows. If it were Lan Yi who brought them into that cave, they wouldn't have been attacked by the guqin. Before she cleansed that shard one last time, it could have enough resentful energy to pull them in or even notify the owner of other shards.

 

“This salve?” He took the bottle from her bedside table. 

 

“She gave it to me, for the bruises. I can’t detect any poison by the smell but might be better to thoroughly check it.”

 

“I’ll ask the head healer.” Lan Zhan put the bottle in his sleeve before setting their dinner on the table. “Come here.”

 

Wei Ying sat herself down on his lap comfortably. Ever since they got married, they have become more affectionate and intimate, especially in the privacy of their own home. Most of the visiting disciples knew already that they were betrothed but Wei Ying missed all male and female joint classes, so they haven’t seen anyone’s reaction to that. They could be like the girls that just giggled and teased, or they could be like Jin Zixun that looked down on her since they only knew that the Second Jade is betrothed to Lan Qiren’s ward, who was his deceased friend’s daughter and had no powerful family to back her up.

 

“Uncle had postponed that historical tour to next week, right?” She meant the class where uncle will take them to Gusu Lan Sect’s historical hall to teach them about Lan An’s story. 

 

“Mn. Would you join?”

 

“Yes, I want to see those brats’ faces after they were punished.”

 

“Uncle banned them from all classes until the Jin Sect's leader comes here to solve the mess.”

 

“Too bad.” Wei Ying sighed, acting like she was deeply disappointed. Lan Zhan shook his head but said nothing and they continued with their routine quietly.

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

I hope this chapter has answered the few questions you have from the previous chapter 😊😊 I think there must be some reason for cultivators not have lots of children and I think for WWX to keep drinking tea or medicine to prevent pregnancy will also be suspicious (and LQR will spit blood for sure 😂😂) I tried to make everything here as logical as possible, in my sense at least lol. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 10: Forget it

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

 

 

The sky was beautiful with birds chirping around. The visiting disciples flocked together, eager to have a class outside of the classroom. Some of them talked about the infamous incident that took place on the day this class was previously scheduled on and wondered whether anything would happen today, and if so, this class must be jinxed for sure.

 

Wei Ying looked around to the unfamiliar faces of visiting male disciples. She just got a good look at Yanli-Jiejie’s little brother, the moody one, and noticed that they didn’t really resemble each other that much. The Jin Sect’s heir eyed her worryingly, he seemed like he wanted to approach her but was hesitating, while his clansmen looked at her weirdly. 

 

“Wei-guniang.” Jin Zixuan finally approached her with Mian-Mian trailing not far behind.

 

“Jin-gongzi.” She nodded in acknowledgement.

 

“I apologize on my cousin’s behalf and I apologize that I couldn’t stop them.” He said with a hint of shame on his face.

 

“I will only accept your apology for not being able to stop them, but I don’t think you should be the one apologizing for their wrongdoings.” Wei Ying smiled. She couldn’t imagine having anyone else apologize for her and she will never have to apologize for Lan Zhan or Xichen-ge’s wrongdoing because both of them will never allow such things. It was just so wrong.

 

“Thank you Wei-guniang.” 

 

“See, I told you.” Mian-Mian elbowed him lightly. “She’s quite easy-going, the one that will never forgive you is Lan Wangji.”

 

“Uh…um…I” Jin Zixuan sounded awkward. 

 

“Don’t try to apologize to him on your cousin’s behalf.” Wei Ying laughed. “He will just ignore it because you had nothing to do with it and you only broke three rules; staying out after curfew, going out of the Cloud Recesses after curfew and bringing your pet in.”

 

“I did copy your sect’s rules three times for that.” The Jin Sect’s heir murmured.

 

“He thinks that your punishment was suitable while their punishments were also just.”

 

“Will they be expelled?” Mian-Mian asked.

 

“Most likely. They might be banned from ever entering the Cloud Recesses again.” Wei Ying tapped her chin. Attempting murder on any of the main clan members usually resulted in sets of discipline whips but one of the culprits was second in line for another major sect, so, it might not be possible to bestow that punishment on him. Jin Guangshan would not take it lightly if his disciples were to receive discipline whips from Lan Sect without his consent. She sighed with distaste.

 

Politics. 

 

“Father won’t like it.” Jin Zixuan grimaced. 

 

“My family also doesn’t like it, Jin-gongzi.” The smile didn’t quite reach her eyes this time. “I know you care for your cousin; my fiancé, my brother and my uncle also care for me the same way.”

 

“Zixun lost his parents when he was very young. My father tried to make it up to him and might have spoiled him too much.” That excuse came with a dry laugh, even he himself felt that it was too lame.

 

“That’s not an acceptable excuse.” A cold voice cut through their conversation like a knife. Wei Ying reached out to grab Lan Zhan’s arm, trying to calm his bubbling anger.

 

“My parents died when I was barely five, Jin-gongzi. Still, I never try to kill anyone.”

 

“It’s not…” The boy still tried to protest hopelessly. It was a wonder that he was still trying to condone his cousin’s behaviour but seeing the frustrated look on his face. It looked like he was doing it out of force of habit, and not because he thought Jin Zixun wasn’t at fault.

 

“Wei Ying.” Jiang Yanli called. She was accompanied by her brother, who was sending death glare to Jin Zixuan.

 

“Yanli-Jiejie.” Wei Ying chirped, trying to ease the tension.

 

“Lan-er-gongzi. Jin-gongzi.” The Jiang siblings greeted. Mian-Mian got away from the scene real fast. Jiang Wanyin disliked her since she was quite close to Jin Zixuan and thought that there was something going on between them even when the peacock was betrothed to his sister.

 

“Jiang-guniang. Jiang-gongzi.” Both returned the greeting with a courtesy bow.

 

“It’s good to see you in class again Wei Ying.” 

 

“I’m starting to get bored too. Lying in bed for weeks wasn’t fun at all.” 

 

“It’s good to see you fully recovered, Wei-guniang.” Jiang Wanyin said. He knew that his sister was fond of the girl, enough to cook her special soup when she went to visit her. She even taught Lan Wangji how to make that soup when he asked.  He glanced at the pair’s linked arms and had a feeling of tightness in his chest. 

 

That peacock never treated his sister well. Didn't visit her when she was sick and not in a million years, he will cook anything for her even when she’s bedridden.

 

“Thank you Jiang-gongzi.” Wei Ying bowed slightly. “Don’t you think it’s weird that I call your sister Jiejie but I’m all formal with you.”

 

“That’s right.” Jiang Yanli laughed. “If you consider me your sister then you can take him for a brother too.”

 

“A-Jie.” Jiang Wanyin groaned but they all knew that he would never say no to his beloved sister.

 

“Just call me by my name then. Since we are about the same age, calling you didi would be a bit odd.”

 

“You can call my name too. A-Jie likes you so much anyway.” The Jiang Sect’s heir gave in. He didn’t really mind whatever she would call him because his sister liked her a lot. Yes, he was very soft for his sister.

 

Wei Ying nodded in agreement. The only one who seemed dissatisfied with this arrangement was actually Lan Wangji. He didn’t like his wife getting close to any other male, regardless of reason, but he knew that Wei Ying was as fond of Jiang Yanli as the elder girl was of her. Naturally, she would be closer to people around Jiang Yanli as well. 

 

The Second Jade knew that when it came to his beloved, he was rather possessive and didn't like to share her with anyone, but he would try his best not to suffocate her. He won’t repeat his father mistake. He would never force her into anything. Even if it was against his nature to beg but he was willing to beg rather than to force her.

 

Another person who wanted to escape from the scene was Jin Zixuan. Unlike Lan Wangji, he didn't really like his betrothed and he disliked her brother even more. That boy threatened him every time they met, demanding him to treat his sister right, but he didn’t even ask for this engagement.

 

“If there’s nothing else. Please let me excuse myself, the class is starting soon.” Jin Zixuan took his chance to flee when he saw that Lan Qiren was walking toward the area, signalling that class will soon begin.

 

“He seems like he doesn’t want to be near you. Why did mom ever agree to this match?” Jiang Cheng snorted.

 

“Because our mothers are best friends and they agreed upon it even before any of us were born.” Jiang Yanli smiled with a hint of sadness in her eyes. She liked him since the first time they met a few years back, but he didn’t like her at all.

 

“You need someone who is worthy of you, not someone so full of himself like that peacock.”

 

“Peacock?” Wei Ying asked.

 

“He is obsessed with his looks and he is so overdressed.”

 

“A-Cheng.”

 

“Oh, I can’t state my opinion on that since I will be breaking the rules if I do so.” She smiled meekly; Lan Zhan eying her with knowing looks in his eyes. He knew her too well.

 

Actually, Wei Ying kind of agreed with him. Jin Zixuan was quite overdressed when compared to other sect heirs in his generation. He usually dressed in flowy glowing uniform with gold embroidery patterns that were so shiny like the thread was made from real gold. But Lans never dress in anything extravagant, just their pristine white or light blue uniform while Nies and Jiangs dressed in a darker colour with fewer layers, seeming to be ready for battle at all times and Wens, well, better leave them out of this.

 

“If you agree with me, you will break the rules? How?” Jiang Sect heir asked in confusion.

 

“No talking behind one’s back.” Lan Zhan answered that one for her.

 

“I was surprised about your nickname for him and that’s borderline, I almost broke the rules at that, but I would like to defend myself, insisting that it’s a reflex. Totally unintentional.” She was tugging at Lan Zhan’s sleeve, but he still said nothing, so she sent him her best puppy eyes.

 

“Mn.”

 

The Jiang siblings looked at the scene in awe. They didn’t expect Lans to be openly affectionate in public, even if Wei Ying isn’t a Lan by blood, she was raised with the Twin Jades and by Lan Qiren himself. That’s as Lan as one can be. The couple’s behavior wasn’t too intimate or publicly unacceptable but still, it was too cute, too sweet to be expected from Lan Wangji. Jiang Yanli exchanged looks with her brother and looked down sadly. She once had hoped that she and her betrothed could be like this but now, she didn’t know what to expect anymore.

 

 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

 

Today’s lesson focused on the story of Lan An, the founder of Lan Sect. In the oldest part of the Cloud Recesses a long wall with a hollowed-out window with intricate designs was situated. All of the designs were different, but all of it was about the life of each ancestor of the Gusu Lan Sect. The oldest and most famous four windows told the life of Lan An, who was born in a temple and grew up listening to the chanting of sutras, and thus became a famous monk at a very young age. At the age of twenty, he resumed the worldly life, took Lan as a surname and met his fated one during his path of cultivation, here in Gusu. After his partner passed away, he returned to the temple and ended his life there. 

 

Lan An’s story was quite romantic and the visiting disciples were stunned by that. By the current Lans’ conducts and reputation, it didn’t come as a surprise that their sect was established by a monk. Many would argue that the Lans descendants are still living and acting like monks but leaving the life as a monk to find his destined one and then retiring from the cultivation world and returning to the temple once she died, that was so romantic and faithful.

 

The disciples started to chat among themselves and the topic they discussed involved “cultivation partners” and what they had in mind about the cultivation partners of their dreams, evaluating the well-known girls in the different sects. 

 

“Zixuan-xiong, who do you think is the best amongst the females?” Someone asked and Jiang Cheng looked at him with annoyance. At least half of the cultivation world knew about the boy’s engagement to his sister, but this idiot still dared to ask something like this. This person was asking for a death sentence.

 

Wei Ying looked at Jiang Yanli with mixed feelings of worry and sadness. While her betrothal was semi-arranged, neither Lan Zhan nor Xichen-ge would ignore their fiancée like how Jin Zixuan did, be it her or not, she knew that both of them were polite and responsible enough to treat the girl with respect.

 

“You shouldn’t ask him that.” Another disciple laughed.

 

“Then who should I ask?” That person must be so dense as to not to feel Jiang sect heir’s death glare from behind and he happened to stand not far from where she and Lan Zhan stood, so, being the idiot that he was, he turned their way. “Lan-er-gongzi, what about you?”

 

“You shouldn’t ask him as well! They’re both betrothed, of course, their answer would be their fiancée.”

 

“Oh, right. I’m sorry Wei-guniang. But Zixuan-xiong, who is your fiancée then? She must be really pretty! All prominent sects’ main clan members usually get the prettiest girls.” He smiled apologetically at her while Lan Zhan said nothing and she just looked at him with pitiful eyes.

 

You should be apologizing to the guy behind you, if he doesn't strangle you first. Wei Ying wanted to cover her face with her hands and scream at him to shut up right now.

 

Jiang Cheng was fuming when he saw Jin Zixuan pursed his lips with a displeased expression. The Jin Sect’s heir just raised his brow and said. “Forget it.”

 

“What do you mean by ‘forget it’?” Jiang Cheng demanded.

 

“I don’t want to talk about this.” 

 

“You should at least be respectful to your betrothed.”

 

Everyone understood by now, who Jin Zixuan’s fiancée was. The one who started this conversation went visibly pale. While everyone knew that, compared to her famous mother, Jiang Yanli was average in every way; looks, cultivation, and reputation. Worse, they also knew that her brother was really protective of her.

 

“How could the Jins agree to such a match? She’s too plain for him.” Wei Ying heard some boys whispering among themselves.

 

“Lan Wangji’s betrothed might not be a daughter of any sect’s leader but at least she’s pretty.”

 

“I prefer the pretty one with nice figure than the plain-looking one with good family background.”

 

Lan Zhan tensed at that; his hand clutched on Bichen so tight that his knuckles turned white. Wei Ying felt a bitter taste in her mouth. These people, who had nothing to do with any of their betrothals, were just casually commenting about their looks and body with no shame at all.

 

Disgusting.

 

Before she could warn them to stop talking, the Jin Sect’s heir just had to make the situation worse. He creased his brows, which made the vermilion mark on his forehead stands out even more, if that’s possible.

 

“I didn’t ask for it.”

 

With that, hell broke loose before everyone’s eyes as Jiang Cheng launched himself at Jin Zixuan, tackled him to the ground and started to punch him on the face.

 

Notes:

This scene is longer than I expected but it’s so fun to write 😂😂 And I've got some comments from previous chapter and then realised that I didn't think into the detail of dual cultivation too much and how it prevents any babies from being conceived. Well, let say that, everything goes as usual and the couple's qi just prevent the conceiving. That's all folk >///<

Chapter 11: Justify

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

 

 

 

Jiang Fengmian sighed as he approached the gates of the Cloud Recesses. Lan Qiren had sent a letter asking for his presence to discuss an urgent matter regarding his son, which surprised him. Even though he was hot-headed, his daughter usually handled him well enough not to cause any real damage.

 

“Jiang-xiong.” A familiar voice called him from behind.

 

“Jin-zongzhu.” He greeted the man formally. Their families were somewhat close because of their wives but he never felt like befriending this man with lack of morals and shame.

 

“I didn’t expect to see you here.” Jin Guangshan laughed. It took him over a month to arrive since he had made a few stops along the way and had rested at the Mo village for a few weeks.

 

“Me neither.” 

 

“Are you also summoned by Lan Qiren to discuss a so-called urgent matter?” 

 

“Yes. I hope it’s not a life or death matter.”

 

“It could turn out to be just the boys’ mischief. You know, Lan Qiren is so uptight, as he was back then.” The Jin Sect’s leader laughed again.

 

They were all around the same age and had once spent a year at the Cloud Recesses as visiting disciples. Back then, they had spent more time with Qinghe-Jun since they were all heirs of major sects and Lan Qiren was just too uptight for their liking.

 

“I don’t think he would ask for us to come all the way here if it was just some small matter.”

 

“Well, I guess we are about to find out.”

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

“Uncle! Don’t listen to his bullshit!” Jin Zixun screeched when he was brought in the room along with his three minions. Jin Guangshan looked at him confusedly at first and then his expression morphed into a displeased one since his nephew and disciples were dragged in by two Lan disciples and were made to kneel.

 

“Lan Qiren, what’s the meaning of this?” The Jin Sect’s leader demanded. He felt anger rising in his chest. Jiang Fengmian was also in the room and by doing this, it was almost like Lan Qiren wanted to humiliate Jin Sect. He glanced at the Jiang Sect’s leader.

 

Or this involved Jiang Wanyin .

 

“Your disciples here attempted to kill a member of Gusu Lan Sect’s main clan.”

 

“What?” Both sect leaders were shocked. Jin Zixun’s cultivation level wasn’t high and he was nowhere near either of the Twin Jade of Lan. To think that he would still try to harm one of them. It was just unbelievable.

 

“She’s just a nobody!” The kneeling fool screamed again. “You dared to do this to me. Uncle, you can’t just let them!”

 

“She?” Jin Guangshan raised his brow.

 

“Wangji’s betrothed caught your nephew breaking the rules during her patrol. Instead of following her to take punishment, he and other three of your disciples dragged her down the wall and intentionally crashed her to the ground.” Lan Qiren said coldly. His eyes glimmered as he stole a glance at Jiang Fengmian. He knew that Jiang Sect’s leader had spent months on the road trying to find Wei Ying after he heard the news of the passing away of his dear friends. He felt a pang of guilt hit his chest; not only he had turned blind to the man’s suffering during his empty search for Wei Ying, but now, he also aimed to use the man’s yearning and guilt for her to pressure Jin Guangshan.

 

“Oh, I’ve heard about Lan Wangji’s betrothal, it seems like my proposal was sent out a bit too late.” His smile was crooked, still displeased with the rejection, which destroyed his chances to mend his image to the cultivation world. “May I ask who his mysterious fiancée is? If I remember correctly, she was never presented at any gathering.”

 

“A-Ying is quite like Wangji. Both of them don’t fancy any type of gatherings.” Lan Qiren smoothed down his goatee. “But you will meet her today, along with the healer who treated her injury.”

 

“This seems like a private matter, I should wait outside until it’s done.” Jiang Fengmain shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He didn’t like to witness incidents like these.

 

“Please stay Jiang-zongzhu.” Lan Qiren sighed. “This somehow, indirectly, concerns you.”

 

Before he could ask how this concerned him, Lan Wangji entered the room with a pretty girl around his age and a middle-aged woman, probably his fiancée and the healer that Lan Qiren has mentioned.

 

Jiang Fengmian did a double-take on the girl, her features seemed familiar, but the most striking were her eyes. It was like he had seen her before but he’s sure he has never met the girl. Then it hit him, this girl looks like his late friends. Her grey eyes were the same as Wei Changze’s and her face resembled Cangse Sanren so much. 

 

This is how it concerned him.

 

He looks at Lan Qiren in disbelief. The girl he spent months and years trying to find but was never able to had been living in the Cloud Recesses all along and even before he could talk to her, she was set to be married off to the younger of the Twin Jade. 

 

“Jiang-zongzhu. Jin-zongzhu.” The newcomers bowed, bringing him out of his train of thoughts.

 

“A-Ying. Please share your side of the story.” Lan Qiren gestured to her to come up front.

 

“Yes uncle. I was patrolling near the main gate that day and caught a few Jin disciples climbing up the wall, trying to sneak a spiritual dog in.” Jin Guangshan rubbed his temple at the mention of the dog, knowing that his only legitimate son must also be present in the scene.

 

“This person,” She glanced at Jin Zixun, who’s still fuming on the ground. “Refused to stop and started to attack me. When he realized that he couldn't win, he ordered these three to tackle me, all at the same time and drag me down from the wall.”

 

Jiang Fengmian’s face was full of horror. Wei Ying was rather petite and seemed fragile for a cultivator but even if her build was stronger, being tackled by four men and dragged down the wall was still dangerous.

 

“Not only that, just before we landed on the ground, he intentionally pulled me down so that his knees would land on my ribs.” She smiled but her eyes shone with disgust. “And he laughed as I hit the ground.”

 

“Jin Zixuan was also at the scene but he didn’t take part in any of this, he just held his dog, told them to stop and asked if I was injured when Lan Zhan arrived to take me to infirmary.” Wei Ying continued after a few moments of silence.

 

“Head healer, if you please.” Lan Qiren turned to the middle aged lady.

 

“Yes, Master Lan. Wei-guniang was carried in by Er-gongzi as she was unable to move on her own. Her condition was so severe that she could barely speak or even breathe.” Wei Ying heard a gasp from both sect leaders. “She had two broken ribs, a dozen cuts on her head, face and body as well as lots of bruises.”

 

“Thank you for your clarification, you can resume your duty.” With that she bowed and left. Lan Qiren turned to Jin Guangshan. “Jin-zongzhu. Wei Ying’s cultivation level is almost on par to both my nephews. To heavily injure her like that, you can’t say that it was unintentional.”

 

“Bullshit. How can you trust her word?” Jin Zixun still refused. 

 

“Lan Yue was also on patrol that day. She witnessed everything but she was too far to prevent the fall in time.” Lan Wangji said. His voice dripping with menace. “I witnessed the part where these four disciples dragged her down, but I wasn’t fast enough either to stop them.”

 

“You were in the Library Pavilion before that and even if you left immediately after seeing the first sword glare, you still needed to be able to teleport to get to the gate in time.” Wei Ying said dryly. It’s natural for Lan Zhan to blame himself when he failed to protect her but as a matter of fact, it was just unfortunate that he was too far away.

 

“One of the most basic rules in the Cloud Recesses is to tell no lies, Jin Zixun.” Lan Qiren had almost run out of his patience. “And I’ve raised these two by myself while Master Lan Zhaohui can say the same for Lan Yue.”

 

“Isn’t she just an orphan you took in? A nobody and you dared to humiliate me, a main clan member of the Jin sect for her.” Jin Zixun was enraged. He never admitted to any of his wrongdoing and his uncle never punished him for that. His mother was his uncle's only sister, who died while giving birth to him and, according to his uncle, her dying wish was for him to be well-taken care of.

 

“Her father was my righthand man and my best friend, Jin Zixun.” Jiang Fengmain clenched his fists. “Her mother was also my friend and a renounced rouge cultivator, disciple of Baoshan Sanren. Calling her a nobody would be too much, considering that your father’s position in your sect was much lower than Wei Changze before he married your mother.”

 

Wei Ying was stunned. She looked at Lan Zhan and he reached out to squeeze her hand. She knew that her father was under the Jiang Sect but they have never reached out to her so she thought that all the ties were cut when her father decided to go rogue for her mother, which is understandable. When a high-ranked sect member defected from the sect, usually the sect will not accept them back at any condition. For Jiang-zongzhu to speak up for her like this, defending her like how her family usually does, it was truly shocking.

 

“Actually, you should have taken his last name, not Jin.” That was the last hit to his gut and seemed like it cracked his pride as well.

 

“You!” Jin Zixun tried to stand up but was forced down by the two Lan disciples that were holding him.

 

“Stop!” Jin Guangshan seemed to have enough of it. He didn’t want anyone to discuss his nephew’s heritage, but this fool boy was too proud for his own good. “All of you will go back with me. Go pack your things.”

 

“But uncle!”

 

“Enough!” The boy went silent. He seemed to be shocked by his uncle’s loud voice. Actually, this is the first time he was yelled at by his uncle. Lan Qiren nodded at his disciples, signaling them to bring these four expelled students out but Lan Wangji didn’t allow that.

 

“Not yet.” 

 

“Wangji.”

 

“Does Lan-er-gongzi have anything to say to them?” Jin Guangshan could barely remain polite at this rate. He felt enraged and humiliated.

 

“Their punishment wasn’t enough. By our rules, as the one with murderous intentions, your nephew must receive a set of discipline whips.” Everyone’s eyes almost popped out at his words. “I only gave them punishment for severely injuring a fellow disciple but they’re yet to receive the punishment for attempting to kill the next Madam Lan.”

 

“Wangji, this is…” Lan Qiren’s voice was cut off by Jin Guangshan’s yelling.

 

“What did you say?!” Lan Wangji refused to repeat himself since he had stated everything so clearly and he was sure that they all heard him.

 

“How dare you?” His voice sounded almost like a growl.

 

“He just stated the obvious. Don’t all major sects have similar punishment in this case?” Wei Ying smiled sweetly. “Why would my betrothed, the second in line of our sect, need any courage to punish the guilty one.”

 

“You!”

 

“The one I just learned was born from a lower rank member of your sect and your half-sister. I was fooled by him when he yelled that he is a Jin Sect’s main clan member.”  Wei Ying took a quick glance at her uncle, but Lan Zhan squeezed her hand, supporting her. “While he’s actually not even a Jin.”

 

Jin Guangshan and Jin Zixun both went red from anger while Lan Qiren started to rub his temple. He had tried to avoid this but deep down he also knew that Wangji wouldn’t let this go easily.

 

Jiang Fengmian studied the man’s face with slight amusement in his eyes. Back in those days, there were rumors that Jin Guangshan impregnated his own half-sister, but the girl was then married off to a mid-ranked member of the Jin Sect and died during childbirth while her husband just vanished into thin air. No one had seen him, and no one asked for him. He wasn’t lying when he said that Jin Zixun’s rank by birth is actually lower than Wei Ying’s. If he didn’t take their wives close friendship into account, he might even push further to emphasize on the mystery of the boy’s birth. But Wei Ying did. She reminded him so much of her late mother.

 

He took another look at the only girl in the room, who was holding the Second Jade hand tightly. She stole glances at him when she thought he didn’t look her way. He felt anger burning in his chest. Lan Qiren sure knew about his search for the girl. When he gave up after a couple of years, partly due to his wife’s pressure, he mourned for the whole family; Wei Ying included. He hadn’t expected to see her, alive and well, here in the Cloud Recesses but he couldn’t deny that he preferred her to be here than to be dead as he originally thought.

 

“Our marriage is set in stone. She is now a member of Gusu Lan Sect’s main clan by all means.” Lan Wangji pressed on; he can see that his uncle is almost giving in now.

 

“Lan-er-gongzi is right. We do have the same rules at Lotus Pier and if any of my disciple try to murder A-Xuan, they will receive the same punishment as well.” Jiang Fengmian sipped his tea.

 

“Fine.” Jin Guangshan said through his gritted teeth. He looked at Jiang Fengmian suspiciously. While he had made sure no one would question Zixun’s background, he somehow felt that the man must know. His wife knew and she could have shared the information with her best friend, who told the man sitting on his opposite side.

 

“I will supervise the punishment.” Lan Wangji bowed and instructed the senior disciples to follow his lead. Wei Ying was hesitant to follow. She didn’t prefer seeing people getting hurt but she also didn’t want to be in the same room with the furious Jin Sect’s leader.

 

“I will take my leave.” Wei Ying bowed. “Uncle. Jiang-zongzhu. Jin-zongzhu.”

 

Lan Zhan took them to the ancestral hall. Lucky for them that classes weren’t finished for the day yet, so, they had no audience this time. Jin Zixun received a set of three discipline whips while the rest received one whip each. They all screamed in agony when the whip touched their bare back. Jin Zixun looked at the couple before him with deep hatred but neither of them seemed to care.

 

After the punishment was over, all four of them were dragged out of the hall and were escorted to their own residences to gather their belongings and they were to be sent to an inn in Caiyi immediately, even if their sect’s leader wasn’t finished with his business here. No healer from Lan Sect treated their wounds since they were now banned from entering the Cloud Recesses for the rest of their lives.

 

Notes:

If you dislike Jin Zixun as much as I do, I hope you like this chapter 🌝🌝 I enjoy humiliate him quite a lot hehehe. Also, it's a bit late but hope you considered this as WWX's special Birthday update 😂😂

Chapter 12: Confront

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

 

Jiang Fengmian turned to Lan Qiren when the younger ones left the room. Jin Guangshan looked like he wanted to leave the room as well, but he still had other matters to discuss.

 

“As for the main reason that I’ve asked for your presence here, Jiang-zongzhu.” Lan Qiren cleared his throat. “Jiang Wanyin got into a fist fight with Jin Zixuan during class. Both of them got some bruises but no serious injury.”

 

“That’s odd. Zixuan isn’t the type to get into fist fight.” Jin Guangshan side-eyed the other sect leader in the room.

 

“I’ve questioned all disciples presented on scene and their answers were quite the same. Jiang Wanyin attacked first, after Jin Zixuan made, what he deemed, an insulting comment regarding Jiang Yanli.” He continued as if he didn’t hear anything from the Jin Sect’s leader. “She was also present.”

 

“I will make sure to speak to him that it’s unacceptable to be condescending to his betrothed under any circumstances.” Jin Guangshan assured but Jiang Fengmian didn’t seem convinced. While both of their wives were happy with this engagement, the rest of the parties involved weren’t. Jiang Yanli might like her fiancé, but he had made it clear that he doesn’t like her and both of the betrothed’s fathers wanted their children with someone they think would suit them better.

 

For Jin Guangshan, he wants someone prettier that would compliment his son’s beauty and was more pleasing to his eyes, moreover, he didn’t really like his wife’s best friend and he wanted nothing to do with her family but he didn’t have the gut to go against his wife. He also knew that his son was opposed to the idea of having Jiang Yanli as his future wife.

 

As for Jiang Fengmian, he didn’t care much for the political match and he only wished for his daughter to be married to someone who truly cared for her. He only agreed to this match because his wife insisted.

 

“Actually, I have been pondering on this for quite sometimes.” The Jiang Sect’s leader started. “Our wives were the one who insisted on having this engagement, in the first place, and looking at it now, as neither of the children are keen, it’s best if we don’t force it.”

 

“Jiang-xiong.” The younger man sounded reluctant. His wife wouldn’t like this, but he wasn’t the one who brought it up. “They are just children; they don’t know anything. It’s better if we don’t pay them any attention on this matter.”

 

“They are set to be wedded in just a couple of years. I think we should give them some attention now.” He smiled. “It’s their life, we can’t carry out the marriage in place of them. Let them decide for themselves.”

 

After a few moments, they both agreed to break off the engagement. Jin Guangshan quickly excused himself and went out to speak with his son who was kneeling in the secluded garden nearby. However, Jiang Fengmian didn’t move one bit from his seat, but his calm smiles were gone, and he turned to Lan Qiren.

 

“She has been here? This whole time?” Jiang sect leader asked. His hand gripped his teacup so hard that it almost broke.

 

“Since she was five.” Lan Qiren answered. “Wangji found her and insisted on taking her home when he knew that her parents weren’t returning to her as they promised.”

 

“Did you know?” His voice hoarse. “I spent months on the road looking for her. I thought she was dead, but you didn’t even send a word to Lotus Pier.”

 

“When I heard that you were looking for Wei Ying, she had been living here for almost four years already.” The younger man sighed. “Wangji is really fond of her and he became quite attached to her after his mother passed away. I didn’t know whether you would try to take her to Lotus Pier or not, had I sent any word. I apologize that I was being selfish and turned a blind eye to your suffering in order to let my nephew have his best friend with him.”

 

“Best friends? He said that their marriage is set in stone. Just because your nephew likes her, you decided to keep her here so that he can have her?” The man in dark purple robes said through his gritted teeth.

 

That accusation was too much.

 

“Jiang Fengmian!” Lan Qiren’s voice was stern and dripped with anger. “You don’t know them at all. Don’t you blame me or my nephew for things that we didn’t do. This betrothal wasn’t forced, they decided that by themselves and even agreed upon their own courtship before informing me. She had a good childhood here. Could you guarantee the same since your wife loathed the girl’s mother?.”

 

“You! I would never expect this from you Lans.” The man was still too emotional to be reasoned with. “Did you brother know anything about this?”

 

“He knew of their betrothal. Honestly, he hasn't meddled with any sect matters for so many years now.” Lan Qiren sighed. He knew it was wrong of them to not have informed the Jiang Sect, but the elders refused to take any initiative on this issue and truthfully, he also grew fond of the girl enough to be a little selfish and kept her here.

 

“I guess I will have to ask Wei Ying.”

 

“Please, do so. Ask about her life, her friends, and her betrothal.” He suggested. “You should have seen how they interact towards each other. This isn’t a political match.”

 

“Let me see for myself then.”

 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

 

“Father.” Jiang Cheng looked guilty, still kneeling. He hadn’t expected that this fight would lead to such a big event. Not only his sister would be sad because her engagement was broken off, but his mother will also be furious. “I’m sorry.”

 

“No need for that, we all know that the boy never appreciated A-Li. I see no point of keeping this engagement anyway.” Jiang Fengmian shook his head. 

 

“But mother…”

 

“I will deal with that.”

 

Jiang Yanli was quiet and said nothing throughout the whole conversation. She felt a pang of disappointment in her heart, but she also knew that her father’s words were true. Jin Zixuan never cared for her, not when they were younger and definitely not now. When other disciples made rude comments about her and Wei Ying regarding their looks and family status, she noticed that while Lan Wangji may have been silent, but he had gripped his sword tight, ready to attack at any moment while Jin Zixuan just brushed it off as nothing. Had her brother not cut in the conversation, who knows what more could he say.

 

“A-Jie. I’m sorry.” 

 

“Don’t be A-Cheng.” She smiled softly. “I know he doesn’t like me, maybe it’s better this way.”

 

 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

 

“Wei Ying.” Jiang Fengmian approached the girl who was lingering around the gate when he just parted ways with his daughter, sending her off to the female disciples’ area, while his son still served his punishment with Jin Zixuan.

 

“Jiang-zongzhu.” Wei Ying bowed with impeccable manners, befitting of a Lan.

 

“You should call me Shushu . Your father was my best friend.” He chuckled. 

 

“Jiang-shushu.” She said the word with a smile. “I knew that my father used to be under Yunmeng Jiang Sect but sadly, I’ve never been to Lotus Pier.”

 

“You actually have, once.” The older man gestured to her to sit down at one of the small pavilions for guests which were located near the gardens. “Your parents brought you there for Jiang Cheng’s first birthday celebration.”

 

“I was too young to remember anything back then.” She laughed. “But I will surely visit in the future, Yanli-Jiejie has invited me. She said it’s particularly beautiful in summer, with the blooming lotus and all.”

 

“It is.” He sighed, starting to get into the topic. “If you don’t mind me asking. How was your childhood here? In the Cloud Recesses.”

 

“It was quiet but lovely.” Her grey eyes shone with happiness when reminiscing the past in her head. “I spent most time with Lan Zhan; studying, practicing, and traveling. Most people think that he’s cold and scary but actually, he is really kind.”

 

“Oh, and Xichen-ge is really kind too. He helped me a lot with my studies, especially music cultivation since he plays xiao while I play dizi. Lan Zhan’s instrument is guqin so he can’t help me with this.” She added before he can ask another question.

 

“I guess you were happy?”

 

“I was. I am.” Wei Ying smiled. “But I still can’t get used to the cold though, winter here is cruel.”

 

“When I heard that your parents passed away, I looked for you for a long time, but I never found you.” Jiang Fengmian looked her in the eyes. “I thought you were dead.”

 

“Oh, I’m sorry Jiang-shushu. You must have felt horrible.” She bit her lower lip nervously.

 

“It’s alright, now that I know you’re alive and well, but I wonder, if I had known that you were living in the Cloud Recesses six years ago. Would you have gone to Lotus Pier with me had I asked you?”

 

“I’m really sorry Jiang-shushu. Even if you had asked me then, I think I would have refused. When I was nine years old, I had my whole life here; my best friends, my brother, teachers and uncle. I don’t think I would have wanted to leave them and start it all over.” She seemed apologetic. “And I wouldn’t want to leave him”

 

“So, it’s a love match then?”

 

“Well, you could say that.” Wei Ying avoided his eyes, her cheeks a bit flushed. “We never really considered any type of relationship back then but when we did, we just realized that we want to be together for the rest of our life.”

 

“That’s good. I’m happy for you.”

 

“Thank you Jiang-shushu.” She smiled brightly. 

 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

Lan Qiren walked with both sect leaders and their heirs to the gate to send them off. Jiang Fengmian seemed happier than he was during their last conversation. He assumed that the older man got whatever answers he needed from Wei Ying and was satisfied, at least.

 

But just before they all bid their last goodbye. The Lan Sect’s heir was rushing to the gate in an urgent manner.

 

“Uncle.” Lan Xichen bowed with a serious look on his face. “Jiang-zongzhu. Jin-zongzhu”

 

“Xichen, did everything go well?” Lan Qiren asked. His older nephew went out with a few senior disciples to investigate an incident in Caiyi. There were reports of missing people and drowning incidents in the same area.

 

“No uncle. It wasn't a water ghoul as we thought. I came back to fetch more disciples and maybe I will take Wangji and Wei Ying as well.” He replied.

 

“Lan-da-gongzi.” Jiang Fengmian called. “We are quite experienced with water-related ghouls, maybe we can help on the issue.”

 

“Please let us accompany you.” Jiang Wanyin joined in.

 

“Well, if this is something you can identify then the more the merrier, maybe some of us might have encountered it before.” Jin Guangshan felt like his hands were bound. If the Jiangs offered to help and he still said nothing, it’ll be too rude. Lan Qiren nodded.

 

“Then send someone to get Wangji and A-Ying. We will depart soon.”

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Here comes JFM!!! I figured JFM and WWX might not be as close as in canon but by both of their nature, they should get quite comfortable around each other quite easily :D or that's just me lol Hope you like this chapter!!

Chapter 13: Waterborne Abyss

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

 

When they arrived on the outskirts of Caiyi Town, a few senior disciples of Lan Sect were already present there. The group seemed excessive for just a small night hunt. Not only both Twin Jades and their uncle were present, but the leaders of two prominent sects were also there. 

 

“Report.” Lan Qiren demanded.

 

“Master Lan, that creature is definitely not a common water ghoul. We don’t know what it is, none of us have encountered it before.” Su She was quick to step forward and report. “Good thing is that there were no new missing people reported since last night.”

 

Wei Ying secretly rolled her eyes. It seemed to be impossible to instill proper conduct into this Su She. He wasn’t the oldest or highest rank in the group and he definitely wasn’t the one Xichen-ge trusted to lead the group while he went back to the Cloud Recesses to get help. This boy was just too eager to please those in higher ranks, believing that it would make them notice him and in turn, help him rise in rank. When uncle nodded at him, she saw him practically beam. His smile made her cringe, it was too fake.

 

“I have arranged for the boats, let us go to the center of the lake.” Lan Xichen led them to the nearest dock which had a few boats awaiting. They divided into smaller groups and boarded the boats quietly.

 

Wei Ying took the same boat as Lan Zhan and Xichen-ge shared with the group of senior disciples that he led. Uncle and Jiang-shushu took the same boat while Jin Guangshan trailed behind with his disciples.

 

“Uncle!” Not long after they departed from the shore, Wei Ying shouted and swung her paddle to splash water at them. Both men reflectively jump up and flew over to her and Lan Zhan boat. Lan Wangji flicked his wrist and sent his spiritual energy through the paddle to flip the boat over.

 

“Wei Ying.” Lan Qiren asked with a confused voice while Jiang Fengmian stared at the black creatures that stuck to the bottom of the boat he was previously on.

 

“How did you know?” Jiang sect leader asked in awe.

 

“That’s easy. You boat sunk really low into the water, abnormally low of any boat with only two people on board.” 

 

“You’re quite experienced.” Her new uncle praised. “Very good.”

 

“Thank you Jiang-shushu.” Wei Ying flashed a beautiful smile and Lan Wangji felt a bit jealous. It was good that the Jiang sect leader didn’t try to take her to Lotus Pier as he feared. Wei Ying had told him about her conversation with her father’s former friend. He couldn’t imagine how he could get through his childhood if Jiang Fengmian knew of her whereabouts and had taken her back to his home six years ago.

 

“Uncle. Xiong-zhang. We need to get to the shore.” Lan Wangji creased his brows.

 

“What is it Wangji?” Lan Xichen asked.

 

“The current is dragging us to the center of the lake. I’ve stopped paddling for a while, but our boat is going even faster than before.” Wei Ying answered but her eyes focused on the dark shadow under the water circling their boats. 

 

Lan Wangji sent his sword down in the water and it came back up with a piece of cloth. The other also unshealthed their swords, ready to battle. One shadow creeped near the boat that Lan senior disciples boarded and Su She sent his sword into the water at that figure in the same manner that the Second Jade did, but his sword never came back up.

 

“Why…” Su She still tried to send out his spiritual energy to gather his sword.

 

“If you’re not sure what it is under the water, you shouldn’t have sent your sword down.” An older disciple reprimanded.

 

“But Er-gongzi…” His voice faded. He just realized how stupid he sounded, to compare himself with the Second Jade. Lan Wangji could send his sword to nowhere and call it back with no problem because his cultivation was really advanced but Su She’s cultivation level was far lower, and he couldn’t afford to do the same.

 

“Do not overestimate one’s self.” Another disciple sighed and it seemed to add more hatred in Su She’s heart, as he eyed Lan Wangji with resentment. Before anyone could say anything, the dark shadows started to attack their boats and Lan Qiren ordered for everyone to mount on their swords. Su She paled, still trying to call for his own sword and refused to mount his friend’s.

 

“Enough. You need to go now, or you’ll drown.” Wei Ying pulled him up from the drowning boat, but the boy resisted, trying to shrug her off and knocking her off her sword as a result. Lan Wangji’s eyes flashed with annoyance and anger, he grabbed Su She by his collar and threw him to another senior disciple as he dived down to get his wife.

 

Wei Ying didn’t expect to fall into the lake. With her eyes open wide, she choked as she plummeted into the murky water. She was surrounded by dark shadows as soon as she touched the water. It grabbed her and dragged her deeper to the bed of the lake. She tried to fight it off, her arms automatically moved to fight but she didn’t have her Suibian in hand right now. The dark shadows tried to get into her body, a dark thread forming around her neck trying to strangle her. She gulped a mouthful of black water before a pair of strong arms embraced her and pulled her out of the lake. Lan Wangji got Suibian’s sheath and called on the sword, which answered to his spiritual power with some reluctance. It recognized traces of Wei Ying’s energy through his. He looked at Wei Ying with worried eyes, as he laid her down on his lap once he reached the shore. She coughed out black water and fell unconscious.

 

“Wei Ying.” He called her as he sent his own energy into her system, trying to help her cope up with the influx of resentful energy. He stopped once her breathing became stable.

 

“Is she alright?” Jiang Fengmian was quick to approach. He looked at Su She with anger and disappointment.Everyone could see how useless that boy was.

 

“Wangji, is A-Ying okay?” Lan Xichen asked worriedly.

 

“Wei Ying choked on quite a lot of water. Need to get her to a healer.” Lan Wangji turned to his uncle and handed his wife over. “We need to take care of the waterborne abyss first.”

 

“Waterborne abyss?” Jin Guangshan sounded surprised.

 

“But in Caiyi?” Lan Qiren turned serious, his arms carefully supported the unconscious girl.

 

“You got a close look when you went down to save her.” Lan Xichen drew out his Liebing. 

 

“Mn.”

 

“Let’s go, Wangji.” The Twin Jades mounted their swords and flew to where the dark shadows were located. Lan Wangji set his guqin ready and both of them started to play Cleansing to suppress the hostile energy. It didn’t take long before the resentful energy was totally cleansed, and the water current returned to its normal range. Lan Wangji got a hold of Wei Ying again as soon as he was done with the creature.

 

Jin Guangshan eyed the famous Lan brothers with jealousy. Their reputation wasn’t exaggerated and that made him dislike them even more. At this age, their cultivation might have surpassed his cultivation already. He wasn’t born with talent and he surely wasn’t diligent. His son might have more dedication to cultivation at the age of sixteen than he had his whole life. Jiang Fengmian also looked at the Twin Jades with a complicated look in his eyes. Balances between major sects could shift when one sect had much too powerful members, but he still counted on the Lans’morals for that not to happen.

 

“It’s highly uncommon for waterborne abyss to be formed in this area.” Lan Xichen pondered. “We have patrolled the area frequently and taken care of any resentful energy which could turn into something more powerful.”

 

“This seems to be driven away from somewhere else.” Jiang Fengmian said. Instinctively, all the adults looked up at the sun at the same time.

 

Lan Qiren sighed with a heavy heart. The Wens had been acting strange for the past few years. Apart from attending some big Discussion Conferences every year, they almost cut all ties with other sects. 

 

“Well, I think we shouldn’t assume things too soon.” Jin Guangshan tried to lighten up the tension but all could sense the insincerity in his tone. He also suspected the Wens but with his sneaky nature, he wouldn’t say anything and just wait quietly to join the prevailing party at the end.

 

“One shall not assume anything without evident.” Lan Wangji said with his usual emotionless voice. Jin Guangshan looked like he just swallowed spoiled food.

 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

 

Wei Ying woke up not long after the healer tended to her. Lan Wangji carried her back on his sword, leaving the group behind. The healer said that there was nothing wrong with her and whatever she had swallowed while choking had already been cleared out but Lan Wangji was still worried, he could sense something odd within her energy flow. A tiny trace of hostile energy circling her golden core, trying to force its way in. He tried to clear that out but didn’t succeed. Each time he sent his energy in, it only forced that resentful energy to seek a deeper hideout within her core, like a parasite.

 

He needed to find a way to totally clear it off her system.

 

“Lan Zhan?” A slim finger rubbed the area between his brows. He hadn’t let her feet touch the ground since he had taken her out of the infirmary.

 

“Mn.”

 

“I’m okay.” She confirmed, trying to ease his worries. 

 

“Not quite, it’s trying to get into your core.”

 

“Then we go to the Library Pavilion, and find a way to get it out.” Wei Ying smiled, it’s not that she wasn’t worried about her condition, but she didn’t like to see him in despair, and she believed that if they work together, there’s nothing they couldn’t achieve. 

 

“Mn.” He kissed her hair and embraced her tighter.

 

“Where are we going? I thought we’re going to your house.” Lan Zhan didn’t answer but he pressed another kiss on her head instead.

 

“Rabbits!” Wei Ying squeaked when Lan Zhan sat down and positioned her on his lap. “You took them out of the cave?”

 

“Lan Yi was gone. They won’t survive in the cold.”

 

“You’re so considerate.” She kissed the corner of his lips and reached her hands out to get the fluffy animal. She then said “They aren’t pets, they live in nature and we just visit them from time to time.”

 

“Exactly”

 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

 

“What?” Madam Jin was startled. She was meeting with her best friend in a small town near Meishan. This town, under her friend’s family’s supervision, was their common meeting place ever since they were young.

 

“He found that girl.” Yu Ziyuan repeated. Her voice was bitter. “I thought she was dead, like her parents. I hoped she was dead.”

 

“She knows nothing of the past, but it can’t be helped that you dislike her.” Han Yuyan sighed. She knew that most of her husband’s bastards were innocent. Her husband and all his bitches were to blame, but she can’t help herself, she hates them anyways too.

 

“Say it to yourself.” 

 

“This girl doesn’t share his blood, Ziyuan.” Madam Yu took another sip of her liquor, she knew that. “Jiang Fengmian might not love you but at least, he respects you as his wife.”

 

“I’m sorry Yuyan. It’s just that he didn’t stop talking about how this Wei Ying resembles her mother.” She murmured. While she suffered from her loveless marriage and hated her husband for mourning the death of his best friend and the woman he used to love, along with their child, Yuyan had to endure a lot more.

 

“Don’t be, you had warned me.” She smiled bitterly. “But I made sure that A-Xuan won’t grow up to be the same monster as his father.”

 

“The engagement was cancelled anyhow.” Yu Ziyuan said through her gritted teeth. “My husband seems to think that he knows better. My son is also a fool.”

 

“It’s my son’s fault. You can’t blame your son for protecting his sister.”

 

“That’s one of the few good traits in him.” She shook her head. “How is that moron? I’ve heard that he had caused quite a scene in the Cloud Recesses.” 

 

“That boy never learned his place. He’s even cockier than A-Xuan even though he is nothing but a disgrace.” Madam Jin knew that her husband took his own half-sister as a mistress while she was pregnant. That vile girl was desperate to keep her status within the sect after the former Jin Sect’s leader passed away, refusing to be married off to a smaller sect for political purposes. Jin Guangshan was immoral enough to take her offer. He fucks everything that walks on two legs, or maybe four legs, she never caught him in action with anything else but human though.

 

“I wonder why your husband even let him use Jin name.”

 

“I think he might have loved her, even for a little.” Her face went dark with resentment. “Now that fool is trying to find a way to heal the scars from discipline whips. Lan Wangji was too righteous, he didn’t even consider politics.”

 

“That’s another reason for my hatred for that girl.” Yu Ziyuan said as she opened another jar of liquor. “Both her and her mother, got to be with the one who really loved them. Fengmian told me that Lan Qiren tried to stop his nephew from enforcing the punishment, for sects’ politics. That man is no fool, but Lan Wangji refused to back down, insisting that he will marry her and she is considered a member of Gusu Lan’s main clan already.”

 

“Good that he isn’t the sect heir or the Lans would be even more aloof than they already are.” Han Yuyan laughed slightly. “I haven’t told you yet, but my idiot husband sent proposals for both Twin Jades, to match with his bastards.”

 

“He dared?” She gasped. That was beyond rude, if anyone tried to match her son with a bastard, she would flip.

 

“He thought that they would fall for those pretty faces, even attached portraits with the proposal.” Her light eyes shone with mockery for a second. “Lan Wangji replied with a short refusal, saying that he had been courting his childhood friend for quite some time and they were to be betrothed soon, even implied that he won’t let his personal life turn into some type of baptism for a shameful person. Even after that, his face is still so thick that he dared to send another proposal for Lan Xichen.”

 

They both burst into laughter. Jin Guangshan was truly out of his mind when he sent those proposals, even his righthand man was baffled at the boldness and stupidity of his leader. Madam Jin was also stunned when she knew about the matter. She had met Lan Xichen a few times and the Lan Sect’s heir seemed to be the type to sacrifice himself for political means, if necessary, but Lan Wangji was another story.

 

She had only met Lan Wangji once at the Discussion Conference in her own home, where he first made his appearance to the society and he gave her chills. That boy looked a lot like his brother. If not for his stoic facial expression and his perfectly polite but cold and distant manners, most people would have trouble telling him apart from his older brother. However, despite all that, he was highly praised for his in-depth knowledge throughout the conference; he correctly answered all challenging questions in detail, leaving no room for further arguments. She never had imagined someone so young to be that talented and intimidating. Lan Wangji would never accept a proposal like that, even for the sake of politics.

 

“I didn’t think that either of them would accept it anyway. Their elders would surely prevent it.” Han Yuyan poured more liquor into her cup. “You should have seen those girls’ faces when my husband took them back to Koi Tower. They thought they would get to be the young madam of Lan Sect. Those fools.”

 

“Only fools would hold on to such a pipe dream.” Yu Ziyuan couldn’t agree more.

 

“The look on their faces when they were sent away as gifts to some small sect was even more precious. They didn’t believe that their father would use them like that.”

 

“That scum just uses everyone he can.”

 

“Indeed”

 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

 

“So, this is the fully cleansed shard of Yin Iron?” Lan Qingshan inspected the piece of metal in his hand. All traces of resentful energy were gone, due to Lan Yi’s cleansing. 

 

“Wangji said that when he first saw it, there was still some traces of resentful energy, enough to pull them into that cave.” Lan Qiren informed. “Then Lan Yi cleansed it with the last of her spiritual energy before she disappeared.”

 

Lan Rushi was deep in his own thought. With the waterborne abyss incident and then this, they had no one to suspect but the Wens. That cave had been sealed for hundreds of years. Only a few elders, the sect leader and the sect heir knew of that cave and even less than that knew of the Yin Iron. Even Lan Wangji only knew of the vague story of Lan Yi and the cave, not the exact location nor the whole story regarding one of their famous former leaders and the Yin Iron. 

 

“While this matter is urgent, but we can’t respond to it now, they will suspect us.” Another elder pointed out. Indeed, if they act too soon, whoever has other shards would likely know immediately that the cleansed shard is the one under Lan Sect.

 

“Maybe this is why Wen Sect sent their disciples here this year.” There was a frown between Lan Qingshan’s brows. “They especially asked for separated residence, claiming that Wen Qionglin’s health required extra care but they just wanted more freedom, away from everyone’s watchful eyes.”

 

“Wei Ying also informed me that Wen Qing didn’t really spend time out of classes with other female disciples.” Lan Qiren stroked his beard. “When Wen Qing visited Wei Ying in her house, she provided a salve for her wounds. Our head healer has checked the content; it was safe and of high quality. She had no bad intention on that part and her medical skills are solid.”

 

“She might not have had any bad intentions, but she couldn’t go against Wen Ruohan’s orders and we aren’t sure of his intention anymore.” Lan Rushi sighed. “That waterborne abyss was clearly driven out from the Wen’s territory.”

 

“There’s no such things as coincidence. We must be careful.” Lan Qingshan exchanged looks with other elders. “We’re lucky that the piece we have is already cleansed. How is Wei Ying’s condition?”

 

“Wangji tried to get rid of the resentful energy but some of it still clung to her core.” Lan Qiren was also worried about that issue, Su Minshan was an arrogant fool who always overestimated himself.

 

“Make sure that the boy receives his punishment; years under our sect’s teaching yet he hasn’t learned the basis of manners and cultivation.” 

 

“I will see to it.” Lan Qiren nodded. “I think we should wait until the visiting disciples depart before sending Wangji off on the search. Let him take care of small issues along the way too, so other sects won’t be suspicious.”

 

“If the Wens really attended the classes in hopes to search for Yin Iron shard, when they sense that its power is gone, they might depart before the year ends.”

 

“Then we will start the search as soon as the Wens are gone.” Lan Rushi concluded. “Wangji can take his betrothed on the quest too if he wishes.” 

 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

Sooner than the Lan elders had expected, Wen Ruohan sent a letter asking for his disciples’ early departure from the Cloud Recesses. Wen Qing had tried to find the traces of the Yin Iron when she first came to the Cloud Recesses. She could sense it somewhere, the traces were barely there but it existed and somehow, one day, it was totally gone. She informed her uncle and not long after, he ordered her to return to Qishan.

 

The girls had a small gathering on Wen Qing's last day as a goodbye party for her. Even though she didn’t spend that much time with them but considered the lack of overall female disciples, they were still somehow close enough for some to shed tears when she told them she would be leaving early.

 

“It’s too bad that you can’t stay until the end.” Luo Ju sighed. “Just another 3 months!”

 

“I know but my Sect leader has given his order.” Wen Qing smiled. It’s bad for her too. Apart from her mission to find the Yin Iron shard, she liked the rest of it here. She got to spend time with her brother without having to watch her back at all times and surprisingly, she enjoyed other girls’ presences too. 

 

“Would you be at the next Discussion Conference?” Lan Yue asked, and Wen Qing shook her head.

 

“I never join those events.”

 

“In less than 2 years, we will be able to go on unsupervised night hunt, maybe we can meet up then.” Liu Chunhua suggested. 

 

“Maybe.” That was neither yes nor no, but Wen Qing really couldn’t promise anything.

 

“Don’t act too sad you all. It’s not like we will never see her again.” Jiang Yanli hushed.

 

“Yanli-Jiejie is right.” Wei Ying smiled. “I might see you again sooner than the rest since I usually go on night hunt with Lan Zhan, maybe I could stop by.”

 

“Write to me then.” Wen Qing wanted to tell them to stay away from Qishan but she can’t. Even if she called these people her friends, her loyalty lied with her sect and family.

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

“Where shall be our first stop?” Wei Ying asked, looking at the map that Lan Zhan put on his table. 

 

“Moling, there was a report on a few fierce corpses attacks.” The Second Jade long finger drew a line on the map. “Then we continue to Yiling. From the old records, another shard might be hidden there.”

 

“That’s nice, maybe we can stop by Lotus Pier on our way back!” Wei Ying chirped. “By then, all visiting disciples must have returned to their home and I could meet Yanli-Jiejie and also pay Jiang-shushu a visit.”

 

Lan Zhan nodded, made no opposition on that matter. He didn’t really like the Jiang Sect’s leader since the man implied that if Wei Ying wasn't already bound by their betrothal, he might try to take custody of her. He was glad that he met her years before Jiang Fengmian even started searching. 

 

“It should be around midsummer and lotus will bloom.” She sighed happily. “They say that summer is the best time to visit Yunmeng. It’d be nice if we can.”

 

“Mn.”

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

This is by far the longest chapter! At first, I wanted to break it around 1700-1800 words but then I felt that it's a bit too short and I might have like 40-50 chapters before reaching sunshot campaign soooo here we are!

Han Yuyan (韩语嫣) is the name I picked for Madam Jin, quite ironic one since it means a woman who has beautfil smiles, which maybe she was before becoming Madam Jin ;’(

I know that Waterborne Abyss wasn’t defeated in canon but I just want to torture JGS here, make him feel even more useless lol

P.S. I injured my finger a bit and the wound dressing is hugeeee...now it's really hard for me to type *facepalm* I can't even use MacBook trackpad... it's so awkward TT___________TT sooo next chapter might be behind my usual posting schedule *sobs*

Chapter 14: Won’t Forgive

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

 

 

A group of girls on the street looked at her oddly and started whispering among themselves. Growing up in the Cloud Recesses, Wei Ying wasn’t used to being gossiped about but after almost a year with the visiting disciples, gossiping wasn’t new or shocking anymore. Lan Zhan had insisted on doing her hair this morning. This is the first time they went on a long trip together and as soon as they left Moling, which was located around the border of Gusu Lan Sect’s territory, her husband asked whether he could do her hair in a complicated style that only married women wore. She internally questioned his hair styling skills but let him do as he pleased anyway. The result was beyond her expectation. Lan Zhan is truly talented and excelled in everything he intended to do, and that’s why Wei Ying now walked around the night market looking for food with her hair tied up as loose curls decorated with a beautiful Buyao** made of white jade that Lan Zhan recently gifted her. It matched well with both her usual white uniform and the black and red robes she loved to wear during trips.

 

“She looks so young.” One of the older girls said. “Younger than eighteen for sure.”

 

“Maybe she’s really married?” The younger girl suggested.

 

“At that age? I don’t think so.”

 

“Maybe she’s some rich man’s mistress? Look at that Buyao.” The whole group turned her way, forgetting to be subtle. Wei Ying was starting to get annoyed.

 

“Those robes aren’t cheap either.” Another one murmured rather loudly.

 

“Isn’t that a sword? Is she a cultivator?” 

 

“Yes.” Wei Ying smiled while approaching them.

 

“What?” They startled.

 

Is she a cultivator? ” She said in a cheerful voice. “Answer is yes.”

 

These five girls went visibly pale, they were sure that they hadn’t spoken too loudly, but that was before they noticed that this girl was carrying a sword and was a cultivator, which meant that she surely heard all that they said.

 

“And as for your other questions; I’m younger than eighteen, already married and well, my husband could be considered rich but I’m his wife, not mistress.” Wei Ying smiled sweetly, batting her eyelashes at them.

 

The youngest looking one seemed guilty; she opened and closed her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but the words never came out. In contrast, the older ones seemed angry, their shame had already turned into something else.

 

“Thank you for your input but I can’t remember inviting you to join our conversation.” The girl spoke with what she thought was her best policing voice. She was thin and really tall, towering over Wei Ying. Her clothes were made from fine fabric, it seemed like she was some rich man’s daughter.

 

“You said all sorts of nasty things about me and you expected me to just ignore and let you make whatever assumptions you want?” At first, she didn’t care about whatever they said, until they assumed that she must be some rich man’s mistress. She started to wonder, what people thought of her when they see her walking down the street?

 

“Being married at your age is frowned upon and more often than not, these types of girls are nothing more than a leech that aim to suck money off a rich man.” Her voice was drenched with venom. 

 

“I’m not one of those you’ve encountered.” Wei Ying sighed. “I don’t know what you have experienced before, but you can’t judge all people based on that alone.”

 

“Oh, isn’t that just weird?”

 

“Lin-Jie.” The youngest one tried to calm her down. They all knew her from childhood and knew how much she had suffered under her father’s mistresses, but it was not right to take that out on a total stranger.

 

“One day, you might be unlucky enough to cross someone who won’t forgive you so easily but you’re lucky that it’s just me today.” Wei Ying sighed. She wished Lan Zhan would return soon, he went to talk to a rogue cultivator, asking about any strange incident to take care of in this small town. He insisted on going alone since they had no information on this rogue, apart from him being alone.

 

“Now I have started to think that you might be my father’s new plaything. Talking back to me like this.”

 

Wei Ying shook her head and decided to leave it at that. This is the first time she ever visited this town and might as well be the last, so she didn’t care to talk any further.

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

Wei Ying slid down in the wooden bathtub, adjusting herself into a comfortable position as Lan Zhan’s long slender fingers rubbed the soap onto her hair, washing them thoroughly. He had developed the habit of taking care of her more intimately since they got married, she can’t say that she doesn’t like it. At first, she was quite embarrassed to bare herself in front of him when they’re not in bed; during their lovemaking, her mind was usually in a haze and she didn’t really feel his eyes trailing on her body as they do when he bathes or dresses her but Lan Zhan being forever calm and keeping his face straight as usual really helped a lot. It wasn’t long before she become comfortable in their nakedness. 

 

“What did you find out today?” She asked. “Is there anything that need our attention here?”

 

“No. Just a few fierce corpses, that the rogue cultivator already had it taken care of.” He answered as he massaged her neck, making her moan lightly and sink further down in lukewarm water.

 

“I think we better not meddle with whatever incidents occurred in Lanling Jin Sect’s territory.” She grabbed his fingers and turned to face him. “As much as I want to help, we’re walking on eggshells with them. Jin-zongzhu hates both of us and might try to get back at us.”

 

“Mn.” He hummed, ran his fingertips along her collarbone, and leaned in, about to capture her lips when they heard a knock on the door. Wei Ying laughed and placed a quick kiss on his lips. 

 

Lan Zhan dried off his hands with the towel hanging nearby and walked around the partition that separated the bathing area to open the door just enough to see the innkeeper’s panicked face.

 

“Gongzi, sorry for interrupting your rest but there was an incident at the Lin Manor.” The innkeeper spoke in shaky voice. “They said there were ghosts and blood everywhere.”

 

“Wait at the entrance, we will meet you shortly.”

 

“Thank you Gongzi.”

 

When she was sure that the door was closed, she quickly stepped out of the tub then dried and dressed herself. Lan Zhan helped her dry her hair, put it in a simple maiden hairstyle, and tied up her forehead ribbon before they headed out. Her hair was slightly damp but that will make do.

 

“This way please.” The innkeeper asked them to follow a servant from the Lin Manor to the scene since he can’t leave his post. The servant was a pale-looking man, who wore a light green outfit with strains of blood on his sleeves. 

 

They rushed after that servant and before they could even step into the residence, they heard a series of screams coming from the yard. The banquet hall was a mess, puddles of blood were on the floor and a swirl of dark clouds surrounded a middle-aged man who was crawling on the floor in the middle of the yard. A group of girls were squeezed together in one corner, hugging each other while crying and screaming all at the same time. 

 

“The cultivators are here!” Someone shouted.

 

“Gongzi! Please help us!” A middle-aged woman, who dressed elegantly in expensive looking robes cried. She held a small boy tightly in her arms.

 

Everyone turned to them with hopeful eyes. Wei Ying felt a bit awkward at that, while Lan Zhan was as calm as ever. She unsheathed Suibian and held it in a ready position, while Lan Zhan took out Wangji and stilled the scene with a single chord. He ran his fingers to perform inquiry and just after he finished his first question, the dark clouds went completely still as his guqin’s chord played by itself.

 

“Li Meihua.” Lan Wangji said in his usual stoic voice and a few people gasped loudly.

 

“What?” While the crawling man was still shivering and whimpering on the floor, one of the girls in the corner shrieked. Wei Ying turned toward the direction of the voice and noticed that it was that girl from the market, and her robes were painted with blood.

 

“Anyone knows any Li Meihua?” Wei Ying interpreted Lan Zhan’s language.

 

“Wasn’t that Master Lin’s mistress?”

 

“The one that recently died?” 

 

“Su Kexin” Lan Wangji then said another name.

 

“That’s also Master Lin’s late mistress!” 

 

Then the chord of Wangji just played by itself unstoppably, mentioning name after name. Wei Ying watched in horror while Lan Zhan just focused on stabilizing his guqin with his spiritual power.

 

“Well, I assume that is Master Lin?” Wei Ying flicked her thumb to her back, toward the sobbing man. “Just how many mistresses he had and how many of them are already dead?”

 

“What’s it has to do with this?” The rude girl screamed. “Oh, it’s you! Is this your revenge?”

 

“Lin-guniang.” An older woman tried to calm her down. There were no other cultivators in the area so they shouldn’t displease the ones who are willing to help, especially when things were already messy and bloody.

 

“Me? Why would I create the mess that I need to clean after?” Wei Ying sighed with annoyance. “The rogue cultivator has already left and even if this little town is in Lanling Jin Sect’s territory, it will take them days to get here, so, it’ll be us that has to take care of the issue.”

 

Lan Zhan’s golden eyes fixed on hers and she sighed again. Wei Ying gave him a small nod, confirming his suspicion. She told him of the earlier incident at the market; she wasn’t mad, but she was annoyed. She asked him whether she looks like someone’s mistress and Lan Zhan wasn’t quite pleased. 

 

“If you prefer Lanling Jin Sect to take care of this matter, then Gusu Lan Sect will not interfere any further.” Lan Zhan said with his usual impeccable manners, but his message caused quite a riot. Many voices spoke at once; some begging for them to help and some reprimand Lady Lin for being thoughtless but all went quiet when they noticed his cold gaze.

 

“Lan Zhan.” Wei Ying called him, gesturing to the pool of blood on the floor that started to flow together and created an even bigger pool around Master Lin. They both looked around to check on all the people present and noticed that even if some of them had bloodstains on their clothes, no one showed any signs of injury.

 

“Everyone who has bloodstains on their robes, please gather over there.” Wei Ying pointed toward a rather empty corner of the yard. “The rest please gathered on the opposite side.”

 

They all followed order without complaints and the dark cloud and pool of blood also shifted slightly by the new arrangement. They dragged Master Lin toward the groups of people who had blood on their clothes. Almost all of them seemed to be Lin Manor’s servants and a few young women with expensive robes and accessories.

 

Lan Wangji played a few more inquiry notes on his guqin and his face darkened when he received the answer. Wei Ying chewed her lower lips nervously; she understood some of the notes since she had been by his side for so many years. She heard him practice and learned some of them through him.

 

“Just how many of Master Lin’s mistresses had died from miscarriage?” Wei Ying said in wonder, more like talking to herself, but it seems to offend some people.

 

“I never know that cultivators like to meddle with commoner’s personal life.” Lady Lin spat but if looked closely, her expression was half angry and half scared.

 

“The resentful energy came from fierce ghosts that haunted this manor.” Lan Wangji stated flatly. “All of them died from loss of blood from a miscarriage, increasing in number, together they formed this dark cloud.”

 

“As my Lan-er-gongzi said, they just want justice and they will move on from living world.” Wei Ying smiled. “So, any of you have anything to say? A confession or an apology, perhaps?”

 

“Ridiculous!” With that shout, the swirl of dark cloud gathers denser and shot across the yard to the source of the sound, causing the pool of bloods to splatter. Wei Ying swing her Suibian, sent out a sword glare to block its way. That did stop the resentful energy but didn’t stop the splash of the bloods, some part of her robes was splattered with blood and it even got to her recently washed hair.

 

Wei Ying picked up a tress of her hair, rubbed her finger onto it and sighed when her fingertips turned deep red. Lan Zhan removed her hair from her hand and wiped her fingertip with his own.

 

“I will have to wash my hair again.” She pouted; a bit displeased.

 

“Mn, will wash Wei Ying’s hair again.” 

 

“Aw. Lan Zhan! Bathe me too!”

 

“Mn.”

 

“You’re the best!” Before Wei Ying get to tease her husband any further, the dark cloud that went still a moment ago has started to move again.

 

“Stop your chitchat and help them first!” A middle-aged woman which she assumed to be Madam Lin shouted. The boy in her arms didn’t seem to care.

 

“I already asked, whether anyone has to make a confession of their crime or an apology for the fallen victims to say.” Wei Ying sighed. “That’s all they really want.”

 

“Just get rid of it! That thing attacked us, and you want us to apologize!” Lady Lin screamed.

 

“First, release the spirit from suffering, comprehend their deepest desires and fulfill them.” Lan Zhan recited the basics that all cultivators must learn. 

 

“In this case, their desire is justice. I think that’s not too hard to fulfill.” Grey eyes scanned the whole area. “They actually told us the whole story through inquiry, I tried to save you some face but if no one is willing to say anything…”

 

“I will!” A young woman cried. She dressed in beautiful pink robes, no trace of bloodstains on them. She wore hairpin made from gold. “I’m Tang Lian, one of Master Lin’s mistresses. My cousin was also his mistress. Our grandmother sold us to Master Lin a few years ago. My Biaojie died from miscarriage just last month.”

 

“Shut up!” Lady Lin screamed again, while her father still crawled on the floor, shivering and cut off from the world.

 

“It started when the Young Master was born. Before him, Master Lin only has daughters.” Tang Lian continued. “Lin-furen never cared much about the mistress that Master kept but Lin-guniang started to get rid of some of us who displeased her. There were a few that tried to drug the Young Master, hoping to get rid of the heir of the house and hoped that they would bear a son for Master instead.”

 

Madam Lin went visibly pale, she didn’t know that her husband’s mistresses had tried to hurt her son. She’s lost whatever feelings she used to have for her husband and cared no more. All her attention were on her children alone but seems like it wasn’t enough. She didn’t even know that her daughter has been dealing with the issue.

 

“Why didn’t you tell me.” Madam Lin sobbed. Lady Lin dropped to her knees and started to cry.

 

“That’s not all.” Lan Wangji pushed.

 

“Father used to love me the most. I’m his first born.” Lady Lin said. Her eyes went blank with a hint of madness. “When my little brother was born, all the affection father had for me transferred to him but that’s alright, he’s my little brother.” She smiled crazily. “But now I’m grown up, too big for him to dote on. He has a new favorite daughter, he dotes on the newborn just like he once doted on me. How can I accept that? Being replaced by a whore’s child?”

 

“That’s why you made vile assumptions about my wife.” Lan Wangji eyes turned cold. He had no sympathy for her, regardless of her poor fate caused by her father. He, too, was a victim of his parents’ doing but he never took it out on anyone.

 

“Doesn’t she fit the type? Pretty young girl, attach to a rich guy.” She laughed.

 

“No.” His golden eyes went from cold to burning rage. Wei Ying pulled on his sleeve, asking him not to talk with her anymore. This girl is beyond help.

 

“Didn’t I tell you that one day you might cross someone who won’t forgive you? Seems like you already did.”

 

“I’m not wrong for protecting my brother. Those whores tried to kill him! Why can’t I return their favor?” She laughed louder. “I don’t care anymore! I won’t apologize! None of them ever apologize to my mother or my brother so why should I?”

 

“But my biaojie never did anything!” Tang Lian cried. “She just got pregnant, that’s all. Why did you have to kill her?”

 

Tang Lian never got the answer for her question as the resentful energy turned stronger and attacked Lady Lin and the servants that followed her orders to get rid of the mistresses. Madam Lin screamed and tried to reach for her daughter. Lan Wangji ran his fingers along the guqin chords again, trying to subdue the ghosts but they refused to be suppressed. With no choice left, he changed the chord and got rid of them once and for all.

 

“If you could do that so easily then why didn’t you do it in the first place!” Madam Lin screamed.

 

“First, release the spirit from suffering. Second, suppress it. Third, eliminate it.” Lan Wangji answered. “Even resentful energy deserves their justice.”

 

Lady Lin wasn’t dead, but she won’t be the same; her mental state was corrupted. Master Lin’s mental state was also questionable but that had nothing to do with them. Their job here is done and whatever crimes happened in Lin Manor would fall under the jurisdiction of the local authority or Lanling Jin Sect, if needed.

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

This might be my last update for 2020 *sobs* my finger is fully healed but my final assignment deadline is near and I will start writing my thesis in mid-Jan 2021 but I will try to at least update once a month or more if I could manage! My lovely beta is also during exams season *cry*

There will be a few more filling chapters before we get back to the canon-events and dramas and wars. I'm not ready for that yet so I keep on filling in fluffs but I will have to try! Hope you guys like this chapter!

 

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**Buyao (The Step Shake) is a hair ornament with pendants or fringes and like its name, it will shake prettily as you walk

 

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Extra
 

“So, Lin-Jie will never recover?” The youngest girl asked.
 
“That’s what they said, the ghosts broke her mind.” Another one said.

“Poor her.”

“Not really, she killed so many people. I never thought she could be that cruel.” The girl in light blue robes said with a horrid expression on her face.

“I also didn’t imagine that she could do all that and do you remember that cultivator? The pretty girl we met in the market?”

“I remember! The one with expensive robes and buyao.”

“I saw her husband and he’s just around her age. He openly said that she’s his wife.” The one who said this was at the banquet that day, watching from afar.

“He’s from Gusu Lan Sect and he’s really handsome.”

“Honestly, she didn’t look like a mistress at all. More like a young lady from rich family.”

“Lin-Jie just hates pretty girl who married young, they remind her of all her father’s mistress.”

“She’s also a victim but still, she can choose to punish them by law.”

“She already got what she deserves.”

Chapter 15: Unexpected

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

 

Did he kidnap you?” An old woman grabbed her arm and as soon as they entered an inn. Wei Ying was bewildered and only managed to smile rather dumbly. Lan Zhan stretched out his hand, trying to get the old ladys hand off his wife.

 

Kidnap?” Wei Ying sounded perplexed.

 

That Lan cultivator!” The old woman spat; her voice full of venom.

 

Grandma, he is my husband.” She said in a placating voice, still very confused.

 

Did he force you?” The woman pushed on.

 

What? No!” Wei Ying startled. We were childhood friends before, grandma, why do you assume so?”

 

Those Lan cultivators, act all righteous and holy.” The old woman laughed dryly. No one believes me when I tell them what has happened. They cant believe that the high and holy Lan Sects leader could have done such things! This one looks just like him! How could he be any different?”

 

Now this grandma has their full attention. Not many people knew of Qinghe-Juns incident. They all believe that the man went into seclusion because he was passionate about cultivation and wished to ascend.

 

What did…” Wei Ying didnt get to finish her sentence because a girl rushed in and tried to grab the old woman.

 

Nainai! ” She called loudly. Lets go home.”

 

A-Li! Dont stop me!” At this point, they seem to have everyone's attention at the inn. The innkeeper approached them out of worry.

 

Zhou-furen! Zhou-guniang! Is there any trouble that I could help with?” He was smiling but everyone could see that he was sweating.

 

Zhou?” Lan Zhan murmured. Do you know Zhou Zhiruo?” 

 

She is my daughter that got kidnapped by your sect’s leader! How can I not know?”

 

Waizumu?” Lan Zhans voice sounded unsure, almost meek, which was a rare occurrence. Wei Ying reached out with her free hand towards him, squeezing his arm in a supporting gesture.

 

What?” Madam Zhou sounded agitated and angry.

 

Please, nainai! Lets talk once we are at home.” The girl tried to soothe her angry grandma and release her grip on Wei Yings hand and then turned to speak to them. Please, follow us to our home. I believe we need to talk.”

 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

They all retreated from the center of the town to a spacious manor located in a quiet living area. Madam Zhou s son flew into rage when he saw the white color of Lan Wangji s Lan Sect s uniform, but he was better at controlling his emotions than his mother. He too started the conversation by asking Wei Ying whether she was kidnapped.

 

Why do you guys assume that he kidnapped me?” Wei Ying asked in frustration. We grew up together. I've known him since I was five!”

 

Sorry If I have upset you young lady but we really cant trust any Lan Sect’s cultivator, especially those with Lan’s bloodline.” Master Zhou said.

 

Because of Zhou Zhiruo?” Lan Wangji asked but received no response, he looked down before continuing. She passed away a little over ten years ago.”

 

What?” Those he already mentally refers to as his maternal grandmother and uncle gasped.

 

She died when I was six.” 

 

How?”

 

They never told me. I was only allowed to meet mother once a month and one day, they just told me that shes not there anymore and I wont get to see her again.”

 

Im sorry for accusing you.” Master Zhous head hung low in grief. Let me introduce the part of the family that you have never met before. My name is Zhou Liuwei. This is my mother; Zhou Meifen and my daughter Zhou Luli. I also have two sons but theyre out of town at the moment.”

 

This one is Lan Zhan, courtesy name Wangji and this is my wife, Wei Ying.” They both gave them a greeting bow, which was returned with the same manner. If they were curious about him being married at a young age, they did well in hiding their curiosity.

 

I assume you know well of what happened between your parents.” Master Zhou sighed.

 

They didnt really tell us. No one outside of the main clan family knows anything. They just assumed that Lan Zhans mother was severely sick.” Wei Ying answered that question when she sensed Lan Zhans growing uneasiness.

 

You look nothing like her.” Zhou Meifen said quietly, more like talking to herself. And I assume that your brother also looks like you.” Lan Zhan gave her a nod.

 

Qinghe-Jun came to us, asking to marry my Xiao-Ruo but I refused. She was only fifteen at that time.” She continued her story, eyes looking to somewhere faraway, reminiscing the past. He told us that she had killed one of Lan Sects elders, his own teacher but he was their sect’s leader, marrying him would spare her from severe punishment. I was reluctant, but she refused right away. She did not love him, and she said that she had done no crime, it was a just punishment for his teacher.”

 

We never know why she killed that master. Ive always wondered about that because she seemed so kind.” Wei Ying said when Zhou Meifen paused.

 

Youve met Zhiruo?” 

 

Only twice.” Wei Ying answered. It took a few months before uncle let her join the Twin Jadesmonthly visit and only a few months after that, Zhou Zhiruo passed away. 

 

Mother liked Wei Ying.” Lan Zhan added.

 

She liked little girls, she loved to dress them and do their hair. She was always the favorite Tangjie.” Zhou Liuwei said fondly. If she was still with us, she would have loved to spend time with A-Li.”

 

You took after her in that category then.” Wei Ying teased, and Lan Zhans ears turned a bit red. I always wonder how you can be so good at doing my hair.”

 

Really?” Zhou Meifen was amused.

 

Yes! Look at my hair, he did this for me.” She turned her head to show off the rather complicated hairstyle, neatly tied by an expensive hairpin.

 

Wei Ying.” Lan Zhan berated her softly.

 

Seems like you two have found happiness in each other.” Grandma Zhou reached out to pat Lan Zhans hand, which startled him a bit, but his face showed nothing but his usual calmness.

 

Of course! He is really good to me.” Wei Ying smiled. I cant think of anyone better to spend the rest of my life with.”

 

Im glad that you turned out to be a better man than your father.”

 

I barely know him.” Lan Zhan said, in a much quieter voice than usual.

 

Not only they kept you away from you mother, but also from your father?” Zhou Meifen gasped.

 

“It is his own will. He believes it to be repentance.” He stated flatly.

 

“He’s a coward running away from his responsibility as a father. Whatever he had done, you shouldn’t be the one paying the price.”

 

Lan Zhan said nothing. When he was younger and still sought for his father’s love and care, he used to think of it that way but now, he doesn’t need any of that anymore. Wei Ying also remained silent, as she too thought of it the same way, and had even shared it with her beloved a few times over the past decade that they spent together.

 

She remembered those months after Madam Lan’s passing. Lan Zhan was scared of losing his father too; so he requested to meet Qinghe-Jun more often but most of the time his requests were rejected. Thinking about this, Wei Ying reached out her hand and intertwined her fingers with Lan Zhan’s. He absentmindedly rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand.

 

Zhou Meifen looked at them softly. Even if her own daughter had a tragic married life, her younger grandson is married to someone he loved and they both seemed very happy with each other. Lan Wangji also seems like a fine gentleman with good reputation, even commoners knew of the Twin Jades of Lan. She feels this newfound pride in her grandchildren but also a hint of sadness that their maternal family has taken no part in raising them.

 

Hell, they didn’t even know that the famous Twin Jades were their relatives!

 

“Let’s not talk more about the past. If your sect allows, I wish to get to know my grandchildren.” The old woman sighed. It was no use to think about what could have been.

 

“Even if the elders don’t allow, I wish to get to know you.” Lan Zhan said firmly. His golden eyes shown with determination while his grandmother’s eyes were glistening with tears.

 

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

 

They spent a few days with the Zhou family and then left, travelling on the road leading to Yunmeng. The trip was uneventful and oddly quiet. Even in small towns, there were almost no issue to them to take care of.

 

“It’s odd, don’t you think.” Wei Ying asked. “Even the families that sent letters requesting help don’t need it anymore. They told us that the weird events just stopped on their own and fierce corpses just vanished without help from cultivators.”

 

“Mn. Could be like the Waterborne Abyss.” Lan Zhan thinned his lips. Resentful spirits sometimes amalgamated and turned into something more deadly and cultivators on crooked path could make use of those fierce corpses. This was a concerning issue for sure.

 

“Let’s consult the elders once we are back but for now, we need dinner!” Wei Ying chirped at the last word. They had travelled quite a distance today and she was starving.

 

Lan Zhan answered with a nod before stepping out of their room. They were staying the night in Yunping before heading to Lotus Pier on the following day. Most towns in Jiang’s sect territory were lively and loud. Streets were crowded with people and foods vendors; the scent of spices was getting more prominent as they approached the market.

 

“Markets and foods vendors here are so different from what we have in Gusu. This is so lively.” Wei Ying’s lips forming into an O shape. Her grey eyes scanning through all the options of food presenting before her. But before she could try any of those delectable smelling dishes, a sweet voice caught her attention.

 

“Would this really help with cultivation?” A woman in her early thirties asked, a thin book with light yellow cover in her hand and there is a boy standing beside her.

 

“Of course! This is totally worth its price! Your son will improve greatly!” Lan Zhan creased his brows; each sect has their own way to cultivate and they didn’t commonly share them. Out of the five great sects, only Gusu Lan Sect was willing to take in guest disciples and even with their generosity, they never shared the core secrets of their cultivation method and barely taught musical cultivation to anyone but their own disciples.

 

“Oh really? Let me have a look!” Wei Ying waltzed in between them and took one of the books displayed on the table. She skimmed through the pages and found that the book only mentioned the correct way of meditation and the rest was all bullshit about how to form a golden core.

 

“The only thing that is correct in your book is the basics of meditation.” She said dryly. The merchant was about to yell when he noticed her Gusu Lan Sect’s uniform along with the sword hanging around her waist.

 

“Madam, please don’t buy any of these books, none of the sects would share their cultivation method with a common merchant to make money. Since you are here in Yunping, I would recommend that you send your son to get actual training at Jiang Sect or Ouyang Sect instead of believing these books. It won’t help.” Wei Ying placed the book back to its place and turned to speak with the woman, who seemed to be startled by her sudden appearance.

 

“It’s illegal to sell these.” Lan Wangji told the merchant with his usual stoic voice and a gaze that almost made the man wet himself.

 

“I have a selling license.” The merchant argued in weak voice. Even most cultivators trembled under Lan Wangji’s strong gaze, let alone a weak merchant.

 

“Then I shall take up this matter with Jiang Sect’s leader.”

 

“Damn!” With that he hurried to gather his stuff and fled from the scene. Lan Wangji didn’t follow him, but he would bring up the issue to Jiang Fengmian for sure.

 

“Thank you gongzi and guniang.” The woman in pink frilly robe bowed. “I do not know much about cultivation, therefore, I was easily fooled.”

 

“This book mixed up the actual technique with wrong made-up details, so it would be hard for a non-cultivator to detect the fraud.” Wei Ying smiled softly. “How old is your boy?”

 

“He just turned fourteen a few weeks ago.”

 

“He has passed the appropriate age to form a golden core.” The Second Jade sighed.

“It’s still possible though but it will be harder and will take much more effort.” Wei Ying quickly added when she noticed their face fell at Lan Zhan’s words. “May I ask for your name? I’m Wei Ying, a disciple from Gusu Lan Sect and here is our second young master, Lan Wangji.”

 

“My name is Meng Shi and this is my son, Meng Yao.”

Notes:

Happy New Year everyone!!! I'm still struggling with my final assignment, which is super behind schedule *sobs* Wish you guy a happy and healthy year! *wink*

**My choice for Lan Zhan’s mother name; 周芷若 Zhou Zhi Ruo (This name for girls is composed of two Chinese herbal plants: zhi (angelica) and ruo (pollia). The ancient Chinese likened beauties to herbal plants, plus the name has a pleasant sound)

**Nainai is faternal grandma and Waizumu is maternal grandma, a bit more formal/polite I think, I'm not so sure actually hehehe

Chapter 16: Choices

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

 

“Gong-zi, guniang, you might not know but they’re from the brothel at the end of the street. Please don’t let them taint you.” A passerby that was a little more brave than the others spoke up. There was a group of young girls flocking behind her.

 

“Even if your Lan Sect is known to be righteous, talking to a prostitute out in the open like this still wouldn’t look good on both of you.” Another girl spoke up and lifted up her sleeve to hide her cynical smile. Meng Shi’s face turned dark while her son clenched his fists and looked down.

 

“Thank you for your concern but I’m with my betrothed here and as you said, we are out in the open, therefore, if anyone says anything other than the fact that we rescued them from being conned by a fraudulent merchant, then we would need to trouble Jiang Sect’s leader to look into the issue since Yunping is under his territory.” Wei Ying smiled sweetly, too sweetly, and combined with Lan Wangji’s signature icy glare, those girls backed off.

 

“I’m sorry that I’ve troubled you but they’re right, I’m a prostitute and could taint your reputation.” Meng Shi inclined her head.

 

“Is that why you want your son to cultivate? So that people won’t look down on him?”

 

“It's because his father is a famous cultivator and he will come to pick him up one day.” Meng Shi smiled fondly at her son, and at that, Lan Wangji and Wei Ying took another look at the thin boy’s face and went still; the boy looks a lot like Jin Zixuan and the only somewhat famous cultivator that would actually go into brothel was no wonder, Jin Guangshan.

 

“Meng Shi, if he really wished for your son to cultivate, he would have picked him up years ago.” Wei Ying tried not to offend her. “At least, before he passed the best age to form a core.”

 

“He will definitely want our son, who wouldn’t want a son?” Meng Shi sounded like she was trying to convince herself. Wei Ying could see that her son wasn’t convinced by his mother’s word at all but played along just to please her. “Your father will definitely come for you, who wouldn’t want a son to continue his bloodline.”

 

“My apologies if my words hurt you but for your son’s best interest, you shouldn’t put too much faith in him to take your son back with him or anything.” She could feel that Meng Shi tensed up with anger and desperation but if she held on to pipe dream like this, the one who would have to pay the price will be her son.

 

“What do you know? A girl of your status, living a comfortable life under a big sect’s protection, being protected by your man. I wouldn’t ask if you knew what it’s like for me, but do you even know how it’s like to be a commoner?” Meng Shi asked, there’s a hint of madness in her eyes, but there’s also desperation. Deep down she knows that the man would neither come back for her nor their son, but he is her only hope.

 

“I wasn’t born with status.” Wei Ying laughed dryly. “But I never waste my time, hoping for something that might never happen. If you wish for him to cultivate, I could help introduce him to some sects.”

 

“A prostitute relies heavily on her appearance and skills to please men and I won’t get any younger. Is it wrong for me to hope that someone would buy me out of the brothel?” Meng Shi finally said.

 

“It isn’t wrong for you to hope for a better life, you could find a man who is willing to buy your freedom and marry you, with or without a child.”

 

“And then wouldn’t I have to live a mediocre life? Or live poorly for the rest of my life?” Her voice turned into a high pitch. Lan Wangji’s golden eyes show a hint of displease. Meng Yao pulled his mother’s hand; they couldn’t afford to get into dispute with people from Gusu Lan Sect.

 

“Your bet is too high, Meng Shi.” Wei Ying sighed. “You bet with your own son, you put everything in, hoping that he will come back but what if he doesn’t?”

 

“He must come back!” She’s half sobbing, half screaming . Meng Yao flinched.

 

“I don’t want you to waste your life away, and your son is still young. He could have a better life, if you don’t feed him with your empty hopes and dreams.”

 

“Shut up!” Meng Shi shouted.

 

“Restrain yourself.” Lan Wangji’s voice was cold and firm. Both mother and son shivered.

 

“You two are wrong! He will definitely come for our son. He will become a greater cultivator than both of you.” 

 

Lan Wangji sighed. His hand went out to grab Wei Ying’s, signalling her to stop trying to help them. He knew that she pitied them and knowing the type of man Jin Guangshan was, she probably wouldn’t want anyone to waste their lives on him, but they could only do so much for people who refused a helping hand.

 

“If you really wish to cultivate, I could help introduce you to some sects around this area. Jiang Sect, even, think about it.” Wei Ying looked directly at Meng Yao, hoping that he would have a better sense than his mother. The boy’s eyes shone oddly as the couple left the scene.

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

Lan Wangji watched as his wife tried different famous dishes from the area with horror, each of them was full of chilies and had vibrant shades of red. Their sect’s diet was strictly vegetarian with exceptions for injured people or underweight children, who needed more nutrition. Wei Ying rarely  ate meat but since they started traveling, she had opted to try everything that wasn’t available in Gusu. As always, he didn’t have had the heart to stop her from whatever she wants to do. 

 

“These are so good but my mouth is burning!” Wei Ying sticks her tongue out a bit as if it would help lessen the burn. Her husband looked at her softly before putting some honey in her teacup and brought it to her lips. Wei Ying took a few sips; the sweet warm tea did help but it wasn’t enough.

 

“Can I have more honey?” He doesn’t answer but stretches out his arm to get the honey jar and get a spoonful for himself. Before Wei Ying could protest, he pulls her into his lap and seals her lips with his own. With her mouth half-opened, his tongue found its way in easily and rubbed the sticky honey all over her tongue making the kiss sweeter and stickier than usual. 

 

His pristine hands undid her sash and pulled her robes loose. Tomorrow they would enter Lotus Pier and surely, the Jiangs would set their bedroom separately, since, to the whole cultivation world, they  were betrothed and yet to be married and sharing a bed chamber would be unconventional. Actually, the fact that they are travelling together unchaperoned for months should already be frowned upon, if not for the Lans’ reputation for being prim and proper. 

 

Lan Wangji nibbled down the length of his wife’s neck, down to her shoulder. His hands worked to remove her robes completely. Tonight was the last night that he could devour his wife freely before both of them will be subjected to  Yunmeng Jiang Sect’s watchful eyes. 

 

“You’re so eager today.” Wei Ying meowed. 

 

“It would be weeks before I could bed you again.” He answered in a very low voice. Almost like a growl.

 

“Do you think they will assign us a chaperone?” Her voice was trembling, so was her body.

 

“Madam Yu might, given that her husband knew your father well, it’s not quite an overstepping.” 

 

“Then you better take me many times tonight as you can only watch for weeks to come.”

 

Lan Wangji growled for real this time and brought his giggling wife to bed before taking her as many times as he wished to until she begged him with a redden face and swollen lips to let her rest.

 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

Lotus Pier was indeed beautiful. Wei Ying secretly expected a lot when she heard all the stories from her Yanli-Jiejie but the scene before her eyes was beyond her expectation. Blooming lotuses in various colours covering the surface of the lakes were the first thing they saw, along with a number of small boats floating around. The street was bustling with liveliness.

 

Lotus Pier was extremely loud as compared to the Cloud Recesses. Lan Wangji internally flinched, feeling that all the noise was banging through his eardrums. Dressed in Gusu Lan sect’s uniform drew them enough attention already and adding with their exquisite beauty, people around them started to stare and some even openly complimented their looks. While they were being awkward and didn’t know how to respond to all the attention, Jiang Yanli came to the rescue.

 

“Don’t flock around them like that! You guys are making my guests uncomfortable.” Lady Jiang strode in and took Wei Ying’s hands. “Sorry about that, they are usually like this when seeing beautiful people.”

Wei Ying laughed while Lan Wangji remain stoic with only a small hint of confusion in his eyes that only his immediate family members could detect. They followed Jiang Yanli to the hall in a private area reserved only for Jiang family and their guests. 

 

Madam Yu wasn’t quite pleased that her husband and daughter insisted on treating their guests from Gusu Lan sect as family, the same way they would treat their cousins from Meishan Yu sect but even her son spoke for them, saying that the servant’s daughter was really nice to her A-Li and with the second young master of Gusu Lan sect accompany that little bitch, she couldn’t be openly show her displeasure with the girl and offend the Lan Sect over a small matter like this. Thinking about this, the expression on Yu Ziyuan’s face turned sour. It was bad enough that her husband and son talked about  the Gusu Lan sect’s culture to only be together with the one they truly love throughout many generations and about how this Wei Ying could probably be the prettiest female cultivator in her son’s age group, she will have to endure the sight of all that for the weeks to come.

 

It took quite a lot of self-restrain for Yu Ziyuan to keep the polite smile on her face. This Wei girl looked a lot like her mother with some small but prominent features from her father; all the good things that Jiang Fengmian once told her. Bright grey eyes that were so honest, so loyal and that oval-shaped face with rosy lips that spread into a charming smile. The lady of the Lotus Pier clenched her fists tight and hid her hands under the hem of her sleeves, keeping her posture straight when the two young guests bowed to her and her husband.

 

“Jiang-shushu. Yu-furen.” Wei Ying greeted. Lan Wangji’s quiet ‘Jiang-zongzhu’ was overridden by his fiancée’s brighter and significantly louder greeting.

 

“Welcome to Lotus Pier, Wei Ying, Lan-er-gongzi.” Jiang Fengmian smiled warmly. “A-Li has prepared lunch for us today. It’s almost noon now, I suppose you might be hungry.”

 

“Hope you miss my soup A-Ying.” Jiang Yanli said. 

 

“I miss your cooking a lot Yanli-Jiejie! You’re always so kind.” Wei Ying chirped and moved from her husband’s side to cling on to her surrogate sister.

 

“I’ve prepared other vegetarian dishes for Lan-er-gongzi as well.”

 

“Thank you Jiang-guniang.” La Wangji inclined his head with his usual perfect manner. 

 

Yu Ziyuan followed the group in silence, watching the girl’s interaction with her daughter. She was quite displeased at how close they were and how that servant’s daughter acted like she was an equal to her daughter but sadly, being unofficially adopted by Lan Qiren and set to marry Lan Wangji, not only made Wei Ying’s status an equal to any major sects’ leader daughter but also made that girl status even higher than her Yanli, whose engagement was called off not long ago. Even if Lan Wangji was the second son and might never inherit the sect’s leader title but the First Jade of Lan, just like his uncle, showed no intention of getting married now and he might never will. Thus, the status of young Madam Lan will be bestowed upon that girl as soon as she gets married.

 

“What do you think?” Jiang Fengmian asked. He had watched his wife’s movements since the two guests entered their private quarter. He trusted her enough to at least be polite for politics’ sake.

 

“I can see why you can’t stop talking about that girl.” Madam Yu sneered. “She looks almost a replica of that woman you longed for.”

 

“San-niang. They’re gone for over ten years now; can’t we just move on?” The sect’s leader sighed. 

 

He liked Cangse Sanren but he knew well who he must get married to, so, he never tried anything, never told her of his feelings. It was just a feeling that once bloomed in his heart when he was young and perished before it could develop into anything more because he knew his duty well. When he first got married with Yu Ziyuan, he tried to love her, but he couldn’t, so he tried to be her trustful friend instead, but she didn’t give him any chances. She saw the way he looked at Cangse Sanren once during the Discussion Conference and she had already judged him from that day on.

 

“You asked me to move on, but can you do that? You spent months seeking that child out and spent years to mourn for them. Now that she’s here, with that face so similar to your beloved, can you  move on and not think about her?” Madam Yu said through gritted teeth.

 

“It’s hard to move on when you constantly remind me of my youthful longings. I knew back then that we will get married, so even if I liked her, it was just that. I respected you enough not to try anything. Then why must you punish me for years?” Jiang Fengmian sighed again, starting to develop a headache. “Whatever you felt toward her parents, I hope you don’t let it show. Lan Wangji said he will surely marry Wei Ying and you can gain alliance with Gusu Lan sect through her since she likes A-Li so much. This could help Jiang Cheng once he inherits this title from me. Don’t ruin it for them.”

 

“What do you take me for? An idiot? I don’t need you to lecture me on sect’s politics.” She spat. 

 

“I don’t know, San-niang. We could have had a platonic married life, but you ruined any chances we had. How can I trust you with matters like this?” With that last sentence, he enterd the dining chamber and left his seething wife by the door. 

 

 

Notes:

I've submitted all my assignments and have a few days off before my thesis starts sooooo here we are! hope you enjoy this chapter! I don't have anymore in my stock rn even my beta reader asked me where's the next chapter! *sobs* I'm trying to continue but all the assignments killed my mood 😭😭

Chapter 17: Lotus Pier

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Yu Ziyuan adjusted her mood, put on a polite smile, smoothed down her robes before entering the dining hall. A few servants in the Jiang sect’s purple uniform started to bring the food in, arranging the vegetarian dishes in front of the Second Jade as their young mistress had instructed. Some of the girl servants stole glances toward Lan Wangji, the man who was ranked as the second most desirable young master. He was indeed living up to his reputation. His handsome face was truly exquisite and his betrothed was also a beauty, probably the most beautiful young mistress they had ever met. They knew that their own young mistress wasn’t ranked in the top level of female cultivators but she had a good personality and was really kind. They might be biased but they thought that their young mistress was also a beautiful young lass, shining from within. 

 

The meal continued in silence with some small chat from the hosts. They asked less questions when they noticed that, like a usual Lan, Lan Wangji didn’t speak during the meal and Wei Ying needed to utterly stop eating in order to answer their questions, as per Lan’s etiquette. So, as  good hosts, they decided to let them eat in peace and save the conversation for tea after the meal. A gush of wind blew through the hall, and Lan Wangji automatically reached out to adjust his wife’s forehead ribbon when it slipped out of place. Wei Ying flashed him her usual dashing smile and quickly turned away when she noticed her new so-called aunt’s burning gaze on them. Maybe the Jiangs was more serious about intimacy and affectionate between a betrothed but yet to be married couple. Wei Ying smiled meekly when her eyes met with Madam Yu’s. She felt as if the older lady’s gaze was piercing  through her soul, trying to search for something. 

 

“How was your trip A-Ying?” Jiang Fengmian had noticed his wife’s actions and tried to lighten up the atmosphere. “It has been a long journey, I’ve heard that the two of you departed from Gusu weeks ago.”

 

“It was rather fruitful. We took care of small issues in small towns along the way, it was refreshing.” Wei Ying smiled. 

 

“Mn.” Lan Wangji nodded. “There were many people in need that were unintentionally neglected by the sects. We shall help when we can.”

 

“I hope we can do more trips like this in the future.”

 

“If Wei Ying wishes to.” As usual, Lan Wangji would do anything to ensure his wife’s happiness. Yu Ziyuan’s face got darker with his words but no one but her daughter noticed that.

 

“Lan Zhan! Don’t just go along with everything I say!” Wei Ying protested. “We should do what you want too!”

 

“Mn.” Wei Ying chuckled when she heard her husband’s usual stoic response. Even if she insisted that he should voice out his opinion more, he still held her happiness above everything but as a good wife, she needed to be attentive and tended to his needs too.

 

“Lan-er-gongzi seems to pamper you a lot. What a luck.” Madam Yu smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes and honestly, it was quite wicked.

 

“Not pampering, Wei Ying is my equal, I respect her opinions.” Lan Wangji said in his quiet voice.

 

“That’s a way of pampering? No?” Wei Ying teased. “But I’m indeed really lucky to have you.”

 

“Mn. We both are.” His golden eyes turned soft. They always express edtheir love and gratitude towards each other, they cherish each other at all times since they both knew the pain of losing their loved ones at a young age and they decided to make the most of every moment they have together.

 

Before any of them could say anything else, their teasing was cut by the clinking sound of the teacup that Madam Yu put too much strength in while placing it down. Jiang Fergmian side-eyed his wife with a bit of displeasure. She just told him that she wasn’t an idiot and will not do anything to harm their relationship with Gusu Lan Sect but with those burning gaze toward Wei Ying, her not so subtle snide comment he isn’t so sure. Now, her table manners were slipping too. Jiang Fengmian sighed.

 

With this temper, how could he trust her during their stay?

 

While the Second Jade’s expression was unreadable, Wei Ying tried to change the mood with her laughter, Jiang Yanli played along and made small jokes here and there. The atmosphere became lighter but as the more sensitive one in the family, Lady Jiang still felt the tension between her parents.

 

“Father. Mother. I shall take Wei Ying and Lan-er-gongzi to their quarters first. I will take them to the lake in the evening.” Jiang Yanli excused herself and their guests to prevent them from encountering any embarrassing fight between her parents. Her brother also got the signal at this point and hurriedly stood up and urged their guests to change into lighter clothes and prepare to get a bit wet.

 

“You better change into thinner robes, even if you don’t plan to take a dip in the lake, lots of children will surely go swimming and they might unintentionally splash you.” The Jiang Sect’s heir lightly tapped Lan Wangji’s elbow, prompting him to leave the room. The Second Jade didn’t quite get the signal and was uncomfortable that his personal space was invaded, but since his wife stood up, he did too.

 

“Jiang-shushu. Yu-furen. Thank you for welcoming us and taking time out of your busy schedule to have lunch with us.” The two guests from Lan Sect bowed, and the two elders answered with a nod and watched them walk off the room with their children.

 

“If you don’t like her that much, then just don’t spend time with her.” Jiang Sect’s leader sighed, defeatedly. He once hoped that his wife would move on from the past so that they could have a peaceful life but that hope was long gone. His wife surely isn’t the forgiving type.

 

“Didn’t you see! Good that she barely attends any Discussion Conferences, if she flaunted her betrothed like that to everyone she met, the whole cultivation world would hate her for it.” Madam Yu snorted. “Succeeding in seducing a young master of major sect is surely a big accomplishment for her but she doesn’t need to throw it in everyone’s faces.”

 

“I knew you disliked her but I never imagined that your opinion of her is that poor.” He signed. “Most of the couples in love are like that. Sect leader Qin and sect leader Ouyang were also like that when they were newly married. In my point of view, being Lans, they are more subtle than those people already.”

 

“You will always take her side, no matter what.” Yu Ziyuan said through her gritted teeth. 

 

“Why do I have to take a side? If you don’t cause a scene, there will be no issue at all.” 

 

“Cause a scene?” She laughed humourlessly. “I barely did anything and yet, you’re pointing your fingers at me already.”

 

“You’re really generous to yourself and extremely strict with others. San-niang, please consider your position and title. Is it right for you to take your frustrations out on an innocent child?”

 

“Take it out on an innocent child?” Yu Ziyuan’s eyes shone with anger. “You don’t love me, so you don’t favour our children and the way you treat A-Cheng, is that how a father treats his son?”

 

“A-Cheng will one day be Jiang Sect’s leader, I can’t pamper him and you know that as well. He got his temper from you, which I don’t like because it will cause him trouble once he becomes the sect’s leader but not because he took after you.” 

 

With that last sentence, Jiang Fengmian left his wife in the dining hall and resumed his duty, burying himself in the sect's workload as he always does when he couldn’t stand his wife's temperament anymore. Yu Ziyuan hit the table so hard that one of its legs cracked. They have been married for twenty years and not once did he try to ease her temper or even ask why she got angry, he only walked away.

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

“Lan Zhan! Try this!” Wei Ying put fresh lotus seed at his lips, waiting for him to take it in. Her Yanli-Jiejie just taught her how to pick the lotus pods, peel the seed, and remove its core. Lan Wangji opened his mouth, taking the seed in and playfully biting his beloved finger when he was sure that the Jiang siblings didn’t pay them any attention. Wei Ying blushed a bit. She is used to spontaneous display of affection from her husband but he barely did it in presence of others.

 

“Good, isn’t it?” She giggled and pulled her hand back. Lan Wangji just nodded and looked at her fondly. 

 

Jiang Wanyin looked at them with mixed feelings, he never once saw his parents being this loving to each other, that peacock barely spoke to his sister if not forced and that guy’s parents aren’t any better. Seeing them being like this was truly odd. He didn’t know what this odd feeling was but in the short few months that he got to know them, he started to crave for something he never had. He might have looked at them for too long that Wei Ying noticed his gaze. She cocked her head to one side in a questioning gesture. Lan Wangji also shot him a questioning look. Jiang Wanyin secretly sighed and extended his hand to offer the lotus pods he hold.

 

“Want some more?” 

 

While Wei Ying gladly answered with a loud yes, Lan Wangji still worried and looked at him with those sharp golden eyes. The Jiang Sect’s heir passed the lotus pods to them and turned to his sister. 

 

“Here.” Wei Ying put some more lotus seeds to her husband’s lips. “Why did you look at him like that?”

 

“Nothing.” Now it’s still nothing but if Wei Ying get curious and pay more attention to Jiang Wanyin, he’s afraid that the other boy might think that there is something.

 

“Did we act inappropriately? Like too much affection in front of Jiang-shushu and Yu-furen?” Wei Ying still ponders.

 

“No.” He answers curtly. It’s rather obvious that Madam Yu didn’t like their lovey-dovey act but that isn’t something they need to be concerned  about .

 

“Oh, Okay.”

Notes:

I just had a discussion session with my advisor a few days ago and he wanted me to change my thesis topic, well, not totally change but I need to rewrite my proposal and add a lot more stuffs *sobs* hopefully, I could graduate in one try.... I just can't anymore 🤦🏻🤦🏻🤦🏻 why did I think it's a good idea to go back to study after a few years of work 😂😂😂

Anywayyyyy, enough with the rants! Hope you enjoy this chapter, even if it's not much, I need to fill-in the part here and there before continue with canon events... Qishan Discussion Conference with the archery competition is near! I hope I could get there within next few chapters! Wish you have a nice day!

Chapter 18: Be Prepared

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

Two weeks at Lotus Pier passed rather quickly. Wei Ying had a brief encounter with Jiang Cheng’s lovely pets and decided that she still wasn’t fond of dogs, but she wasn’t as scared of them as before. That fear had subsided not long after she started living in the Cloud Recesses. She ended up spending quite a lot of time with her new uncle, despite his workload as the sect’s leader. She had also requested him to watch out for Meng Yao if he decided to appear and seek help, to which Sect leader Jiang reluctantly agreed after getting to know the poor boy’s origin. On the other hand, Madam Yu didn’t speak much with her, actually, the famous Violet Spider barely spared her any glances after that welcome lunch. Jiang-shushu told her that his wife was busy training a new batch of female disciples. It was a bit odd but Madam Yu didn’t appoint them any chaperone. Their bedrooms were located in different wings of the guests’ residence, as expected.

 

“Time flies.” Jiang Yanli sighed. “You will leave tomorrow already.”

 

“I feel like the days are really short here, swimming, picking lotus pods and before I realize, it’s dinner time!” Wei Ying giggled and laid her head on Lan Zhan’s shoulder. The four of them were sitting by one of the Jiang’s personal piers, watching for sunset. “Maybe it’s because we don’t have to study.”

 

“Indeed.” Jiang Cheng quickly agreed. He picked a small rock from the ground and tossed it in the water. “No offense but Lan Qiren made me feel like a single day of class is actually a couple of days in reality, like he put on some weird array in the classroom just to stretch out the time.”

 

“That bad?” Wei Ying asked curiously. She only had private lessons with her adoptive uncle, along with the Twin Jades and she wondered whether it’s any different from the guests’ lectures.

 

“No.” Lan Wangji said firmly but Jiang Cheng snorted.

 

“You two might be used to his teachings so you don’t think that it’s crazy to have such a long-ass class.”

 

“So, classes are not that long here?” Wei Ying asked. “For us, children will only have half-day of classes, no more than five hours and full-day classes for about eight to ten hours once you’re old enough to move into the junior disciples’ dorm.”

 

“And that is when you’re?”

 

“Nine.” Lan Wangji’s answer brought horror to the Jiang siblings’ faces.

 

“Fuck!” Jiang Yanli slapped her brother’s arm as soon as the word left his mouth.

 

“Isn’t that normal?” Wei Ying’s brows knitted together.

 

“At Lotus Pier, normal disciples start full day training at the age of twelve. Before that we just study for a couple of hours per day on mediation, core-forming and swordsmanship.” Jiang Cheng explained. “And here I thought that I had it worse than others since mother forced me to train full day a year early.”

 

“It’s not that bad actually.” Wei Ying laughed. “How to put it? We have less distractions in the Cloud Recesses. If I live here, I might want to do nothing but swim in summer.”

 

“I couldn’t agree more on that.” Jiang Yanli said softly, even if she didn’t get bored easily but she thinks that she would have definitely gotten bored to death in the Cloud Recesses if not for the girls. There was not much to do there.

 

“Don’t be like that! Not all of us can be as focused as you are when you meditate.” Wei Ying lightly slapped her fiancé’s knee. “And less distraction doesn’t mean boring.”

 

Although he never said it out loud but as the person closest to him, Wei Ying knew that the idea of her leaving him to live with her new uncle still lingered in his mind.

Although talking behind one’s back is forbidden in the Cloud Recesses, it couldn’t be helped that other sects’ don’t follow this particular rule. Wei Ying had heard many things that they said about her husband; extremely handsome but intimidating or worse, they just said that he’s boring. She paid no mind to that, Lan Zhan didn’t either but she still wanted to reassure him over again that she believed he is the best person for her.

 

Compared to other young masters with the same birth status, her Lan Zhan had surprisingly low requirements. He never flaunted his sect’s wealth or status and he only needed the basic necessities. The most expensive things he ever bought were actually his courting gifts for her. Since the Jiang sect leader had appeared in her life and asked whether she would like to live with him in Lotus Pier, Lan Zhan had developed what some people might call unreasonable anxiety. Like how he disliked the idea of Wei Ying getting married to any other person, he also loathed the idea of her leaving his side, even for a short period. To Wei Ying, if Lan Zhan cared that much, it isn’t unreasonable at all. So, whenever she noticed the sign, she would reassure him, repeatedly, that she wanted to be by his side, always.

 

Lan Zhan caught her hand and squeezed it softly with the usual hint of sweetness in his eyes. Jiang Cheng side eyed the couple with something he would usually describe as annoyance, but the heaviness in his chest said something else.

 

They left Lotus Pier the next morning with a promise to meet up at the Discussion Conference in Qishan a few months later.

 

 

 

***

 

 

“Why now? Do the Elders already know?” Lan Xichen asked. His brows knitted together.

 

“No but with the Yin Iron and unusual events that occurred recently, the elders decided that it’s better if we push forward Wangji’s wedding.” Lan Qiren absentmindedly rubbed his teacup, it was still warm under his fingertips. “Wen Ruohan is unpredictable, his heir is married to a distant Wen cousin, however, his younger son demoted his official wife, who is from a small sect, and mingled with her personal maid. Rumors has it that Wen Ruohan is highly displeased and might probably arrange a new wife for Wen Chao.”

 

“But we had announced Wangji and A-Ying’s engagement a couple of years ago.” The Lan sect’s heir voiced his opinion, to which the response was a long sigh and head shake from his uncle.

“A-Ying has only attended the Discussion Conference once, yet people praise her beauty a lot. If she caught Wen Ruohan or Wen Chao’s eyes…” His voice trailed off and the sentence was disrupted with another sigh.

 

“A betrothal can be called off but it’s much harder for the Wens to force a divorce.” Lan Xichen pondered.

 

“Indeed. Wen Ruohan had expressed his displeasure for our annual guest lectures a few times in the past years. He might take this chance to suppress us.”

 

“It’d be odd if we were to suddenly send out invitations for the wedding on such a short notice.”

 

“No need, Wangji isn’t the sect’s heir, and his aloof and simple personality is widely known. We can just announce their union during the banquet and claim that it was only a small family affair.”

 

“That would do. We barely hold official weddings anyway.”

 

“Could you please inform Wangji and A-Ying on the matter.”

 

“Yes, uncle. Wei Ying will be out of her short seclusion in two days, if she succeeds with the new protective ward, should we increase our wards as well?” His voice was full of worries. “If the Wens have been displeased with us, they might want to suppress us soon. We better be prepared.”

 

“Mn.”

 

Notes:

I felt like dying for the past two weeks, trying to finish my midway report in time and I did... not the best I could do but it's not too bad... hopefully 😂😂😂 This is more like a filler chapter and I know it's rather short *sobs* I hope I could write more too 🥺🥺🥺

Next chapter will be the archery competition in Qishan already!!! Finally I can keep moving on the canon timeline! Yayyy.. and as always, hope you guys like this chapter 🥺🥺🥺

Chapter 19: Announce

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

Qishan is really hot and humid. Wei Ying started to think that their Palace of the Sun and Flames was named after the weather than the Wens' sun symbol. If anyone looks at her closely, they will see that her forehead ribbon is half-soaked in sweats already. During a polite greeting session, sitting behind her uncle before each sect's participating disciples depart to prepare for the opening ceremony and archery competition was somewhat suffocating. As a young Madam Lan, it's her duty to represent her sect and being all prim and proper, but it couldn't help that all the pressure made her secretly squirm.

 

She only attended the Discussion Conference once, and that time it was a small one, held by the Qin sect, and the Wens didn't participate in. Since Wen Ruohan became the sect's leader. The Wens only attended the Discussion Conferences hosted by other major sects and basically ignored any events hosted by smaller sects. They also rejected all invitation sent to any of their young masters and young mistresses to join the guests' lecture at the Cloud Recesses. Wen Ruohan himself did attend the lecture when he was a teenager. Still, he cut it short, claiming that he had fallen ill due to the cold weather in Gusu and went home after a few months. After that, not even a single member from the Wens' major and minor clans ever attends the lecture again. Until Wen Qing’s arrival a few months ago.

 

Lan Wangji stole a glance at his wife when he felt her uneasiness causing by the eyes of other sect's leaders and their wives. Apart from Jin Guangshan that totally ignored them, and Jiang Fengmian, who was looking at Wei Ying with the same affections he gives his own daughter. The rest of the people look at his wife like they are evaluating her. It disturbs him a lot.

 

After experiencing Madam Yu's not so subtle hatred towards his wife, he has become more sensitive to the way that people look at his Wei Ying. It might have started since the first time she made her appearance into the cultivation world after the announcement of their engagement. Still, it wasn't in his nature to care. Now that he cares, he feels uneasiness creeping up in his chest. His hand secretly reached out and held Wei Ying's trembling right hand to ease her nerves. Both Madam Jin and Madam Yu's gazes were heated enough to burn a hole on anyone's head. He couldn't help but sent his own signature icy glare to the two older women in a subtle, yet challenging manner.

 

"Well, it's almost time. Why don't we let the children prepare themselves for the competition?" Wen Ruohan announced, and all the young masters and senior disciples of each sect rose from their seats, gave the Chief Cultivator a courtesy bow and left the hall. When Wei Ying noticed that some of the young mistresses also rose from their seat and exited the hall, she quickly informed Lan Qiren and followed them out.

 

"I've noticed a new addition to your family, Lan Qiren." Wen Ruohan smiled rather wickedly. "Is that Lan Wangji's betrothed?"

 

"Oh, she's now Lan-Xiaofuren." Lan Qiren placed his teacup down and answered calmly. "They got married recently on the day that my brother briefly came out of his seclusion. My apology. It was a small family affair, and we didn't have enough time to invite anyone."

 

"Qinghe-Jun came out of seclusion?" The Wen sect's leader's brow was arching up.

 

"In a way." Lan Xichen took over the matter since his diplomatic skills clearly outranked his too honest uncle. They planned to subtly announce Wangji and Wei Ying's union around the time the young masters left the hall. As sect heir, he must join the competition too, but he did linger a bit in order to help his uncle cover the story.

 

"Uncle went to visit father to inform on Wangji's wedding plan. We were deciding on the auspicious dates, but father said that today is also a good day for a wedding. If we agree, he will join us for the bowing ceremony in the ancestor hall. Wangji and Wei Ying agreed."

 

"Understandable that none of us was invited, and you Lans are never one to hold a grand ceremony anyway." Wen Ruohan laughed. This sect's heir is smart and compromising.

 

"Wangji and Wei Ying also prefer quiet traditional wedding. They didn't expect that father would be present. Therefore, they were happy to rush things up a little bit." Lan Xichen smiled softly. "I must excuse myself now to prepare for the competition."

 

"Off you go, young man." Wen Ruohan waved his hand in the manner of a kind uncle waving to his dear nephew, but somehow, it made him even scarier. "Good luck with the competition."

 

"Thank you, Wen-zongzhu."

 

 

***

 

 

"Already?" Qinghe-Jun raised his brow in a questioning manner. A scroll in his hand is full of the list of the auspicious dates for wedding written by the famous matchmaker from Caiyi. Even if they don't need any matchmaker for the couple, none of the elders has experiences managing a wedding; therefore, the sect ended up hiring one.

 

"I've discussed it with Xichen and persuaded the elders to rush things up." Lan Qiren sighed. "The Wens seem to be up to something, and Wen Ruohan expressed his displeasure in our sect since he was the sect's heir."

 

"You think he might go as far as taking our sect's second heir in line's betrothed?"

 

"The words about Wen Chao's situation started to spread out just last week. Not even a month before the Discussion Conference. But we all knew that he has demoted his official wife for almost a year now." Lan Qiren rubbed his temple. "Xichen also thinks that this could be a warning, and we shouldn't take any risk. These two are already wedded by our traditional ceremony anyway, and they love each other."

 

"Tomorrow is also on the list," Qinghe-Jun said matter-of-factly. Lan Qiren looked at his brother in disbelief.

 

"If the elders agreed on our sect's traditional wedding ceremony, then just get it done tomorrow. I will be there as well. If anyone asked, you could just say that you rush things up because of me."

 

 

 

***

 

 

"That was really suffocating." Wei Ying murmured, and Lan Zhan just looked at her fondly. "I don't know how you can endure that every time and still be so calm."

 

"You can meditate." He answered in his semi-serious voice. "But with your eyes open."

 

"It's hard for me to meditate when it's quiet and with my eyes closes." Wei Ying laughed. "But I will try your technique when it's really necessary."

 

All participating disciples must dress in red outer robes that the Wens provide. The preparing area is now full of disciples from various sects in the Wens' colour. Apart from the Lans' forehead ribbon and the Jins' vermilion mark, it's hard to distinguish anyone.

 

The Wens is the most conservative and discriminated among all sects. They don't allow female cultivators to participate in any competition they withhold. Only high-ranking female members of each sect are permitted to join the Discussion Conference and the banquet after the event. Therefore, there were only a few female cultivators in the preparing area. Most of them were there to help their shixiong or shidi with the robes.

 

Wei Ying helped Lan Zhan tie the sash of his outer robe under the curious eyes of other sects' disciples. Ever since the engagement announcement of the Second Jade of Lan, the cultivation world was curious about his mysterious fiancée. Those from small and midsize sects wanted to see the face of the girl who ripped them of the chance to gain a close connection with one of the major sects through marriage. The female cultivators in their age group wanted to know who snatch the second rank of the most desirable gentlemen list. However, those who are wiser secretly praised Lan Qiren for the arrangement. Another generation of the Lan's main clan succeeds in avoiding political marriage and maintaining their appropriate distance from other sects.

 

"So, that's his fiancée?"

 

"His wife already. Their sect's heir just confirmed it."

 

"Eh? When?"

 

"Right after most of us left the main pavilion."

 

"Damn!"

 

Wei Ying inwardly sighed. Even if she was mentally prepared for all these, it's still hard to ignore all the whispers and stares. While Lan Wangji didn't mind people looking at his wife in curiosity, he definitely annoyed those who look at her inappropriately. As he about to send out his icy glare, a loud voice has distracted everyone's attention.

 

"Get out of here. I won't allow a useless scum like you to disgrace our sect!" Wen Chao shouted. His red outer robe differs from others. The sun symbol embroidered on it was bigger and more complicated, indicating his status as their young master.

 

Wei Ying looked at the scare-looking young boy who was shivering in front of his sect's second young master, and a glimpse of recognition flashed through her eyes.

 

"Lan Zhan." She whispered, even if she's pretty sure that no one stands close enough to hear their conversation. "I think that's Wen Ning."

 

"Mn." Her husband nodded; he had met the boy a few times while the boy resided in the Cloud Recesses with his sister.

 

"We all know that Wen Chao isn't good at anything, but Wen Ning's archery skill was quite good." Wei Ying bit her lips, deep in her own thoughts. Lan Wangji knew what she was about to do, so he grabbed her wrist and looked into her eyes with concerns.

 

"I will feel bad about myself, knowing that my friend's little brother is being bullied and I didn't do anything to help him."

 

Lan Wangji's golden eyes grew softer. He understands what his love thinks but now that they're in the Wens' territory, he didn't want her to get more attention if it's avoidable. He loosened his grip on her wrist and told her to be as calm as possible.

 

"Second young master Wen." Wei Ying called as she walked closer to the scene. Despite her dislike for the man in front of her, she gave him a quick bow just for the sake of courtesy.

 

"Oh? And here I thought that the frigid Lans have all their female members locked up and hidden away." Wen Chao smirked. "Who might you be?"

 

"This one is Wei Ying. I'm second young master Lan's wife."

 

 

 

Notes:

I'm back!!!! Just submitted my thesis earlier today!!! I felt like dying for the past month.

I know this chapter is really short but I this is all I can write now *sobs* Hope you guys enjoy it!!!

Chapter 20: Qishan

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

Wen Chao’s brow arches up. His dark eyes wander up and down, taking in the image of the girl in front of him.  She is pretty, much prettier than his latest toy. It’s a pity that she is already married. His father might let him get anything he wants, even if they had to take it from other sects but his father is serious about matters like marriage. Wen Ruohan considers marriage as sacred, that’s why he doesn’t get along well with his father. Unlike Wen Xu, who married his first love, a distant relative of theirs, he just picks any pretty girl he likes from some small sects and then disposes of them when she has aged and doesn't excite him anymore.

 

 

Lan-xiaofuren.” Wei Ying internally cringes when Wen Chao addresses her newly gained title but still manages to give him a perfect bow by courtesy.

 

 

“Wen-er-gongzi.”

 

 

“Congratulations to the newly wedded couple.” His voice dripped with sarcasm. “Your wedding seemed oddly rushed considering Lan’s sect nature. Is there any other good news on the way?”

 

 

Lan Wangji’s eyes flash up with rage. This man before him is probably the very last person who could question anyone on the marriage and appropriateness of marital issues. His hand grip tightens on the bow but before he could open his mouth, he hears his wife’s beautiful laughter.

 

 

“Wen-er-gongzi might have left the hall before hearing the story. While we were choosing the auspicious date, my father-in-law agreed to come out of seclusion for a short period to join our bowing ceremony. This was indeed a very good news. Therefore, we had to rush up things before he changed his mind.” Wei Ying sounds so sincerely excited that no one could find any faults in the story.

 

 

It is widely known that Qinghe-Jun has been in seclusion since forever. It is safe to say that no one in their age group has had the chance to meet the Lan's famous sect leader. He didn’t even attend either of his sons’ coming of age or naming ceremony. Hence, it is truly special that he agreed to attend his younger son’s wedding.

 

 

“Oh? So that’s the reason.” Wen Chao laughs dryly. “It’s indeed good news. My father once told me that he hasn’t met Qinghe-Jun since his own wedding and that was decades ago.”

 

 

Fortunately, the signal drum rang at that moment. The situation had turned somewhat weird, and everyone felt like they were drowning in stress. Lan Wangji is still pretty angry with the insult thrown at him and his wife, and had Wei Ying not stepped in, the situation could have turned even uglier. However, Wen Chao is feeling smug that he succeeded in throwing a few insults on the Lans’ face. He is so pleased with himself that he even forgets to order his underlings to kick Wen Ning out of the group before entering the competition field.

 

 

“Don’t care too much about him, Lan Zhan.” Wei Ying whispers while she acts like she is adjusting his forehead ribbon. “His reputation is too dirty, and he just hopes he could taint yours or our sect’s.”

 

 

“Still too inappropriate.” Her husband murmurs with some annoyance in his eyes, which she finds really cute.

 

 

“With your reputation, no one would ever believe that you have bedded me for years.” She laughs.

 

 

“Wei Ying…” He sounds a bit desperate.

 

 

“My dear husband, just ignore his words and beat him in competition. You and Xichen-ge are representing our sect!” Wei Ying squeezes his hands and brings them to her lips for a quick kiss.

 

 

“Good luck!”

 

 

“Mn.”

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

“Everyone already knows that they’re married. Why does she have to flaunt it like that?” Madam Yu snorts when she sees Wei Ying take to her seat after the competition starts.

 

 

All the members of each sect’s main clan and some of their close relatives were watching the competition from the high balcony. Madam Yu is seated next to her best friend. Since all the young masters, who are already of age have joined the competition, the seating arrangement is rather relaxed. The sect’s leaders are seated on the platform at one end of the balcony, while the female and younger members are seated together at another end.

 

 

Wei Ying is sitting not too far from Jiang Yanli, who is sitting with other young mistresses of the main family from other minor sects. She has met some of them when she attended her first Discussion Conference about a year ago. From all the major sects, only Jiang sect’s leader has a daughter and Wei Ying was unofficially adopted into Lan sect. Therefore, it was natural that the young mistresses from smaller sects would try to get on their good sides for their sect’s favor.

 

 

“They are equally shameless.” Madam Yu says through her gritted teeth. “If I didn’t see it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe that the young master from the Lan sect could sink that low.”

 

 

“Shameless? Lan Wangji?” Han Yuyan sounds surprised. “What did they do?”

 

 

“Holding hands in front of others and Yinzhu saw them kiss by the pier when they thought there was no one around.” Madam Yu recalls the event which had caused her to be so angry, but her husband just brushed it off. They were guests in her home, but they had no respect for the host at all.

 

 

“By the pier? Like the main pier?” Madam Jin asks. Not that she didn’t believe her closest friend, but Lan's reputation was real and true. She couldn’t imagine their second young master kissing his then betrothed in public, even when they thought no one was looking.

 

 

“The private pier in the family’s guest quarter.”

 

 

“Oh.” Madam Jin sometimes questions her friend’s temper. Yu Ziyuan wasn’t always angry or vengeful like this but as she ages, her temper gets worse. Her suffocating marriage was to blame as well. Still, kissing in the private quarter wasn’t that bad and commonly not frowned upon. Her own son and nephew had done the same, or even worse, when they thought she was away. She then turns her head subtly to the group of young girls on her left and listens to their casual conversation.

 

 

“Congratulations Wei-jie.” Qin Su greets her with a soft smile. “Too bad we couldn't be there to congratulate you on your wedding day.”

 

 

“Thank you Qin-mei.” Wei Ying returns the smile. “It was a bit rushed, but it was a surprise that my father-in-law was willing to come out of his seclusion for our bowing ceremony. It meant so much to us.”

 

 

“That was indeed a good surprise. My parents told me that Qinghe-Jun has been in seclusion even before they got married and never came out even once.” Another young mistress from a small sect under the Nie sect’s territory says.

 

 

“You are the first one in our age group to get married.” Qin Su chirps.  “What is it like?”

 

 

“Honestly, I don’t feel like things have changed that much.” Wei Ying smiles shyly. “We spent most of the time together for years, the only noticeable change is that I moved into his living quarters.”

 

 

“That’s because you married your childhood best friend.” Jiang Yanli laughs lightly. “When most of us get married, we are likely to be married out of our sect and move far away from home.”

 

 

“My parents just matched me up with a distant relative and his sect isn’t that far from home. I still dread the day I have to move away from home, away from everything that I used to know.” A girl from a small sect under the Jin’s territory says. “It’s really scary, like being thrust into a whole new world. At least, I’m quite familiar with my fiancé and don’t have to worry whether he will be kind or treat me well or not. But some of us aren't that lucky.”

 

“Ture. I can’t imagine being betrothed to someone I barely know.” Qin Su knits her brows. “Especially for us, our marriage is almost always linked to sects’ politics and it’s not like we can just call it quits and go home when things turn bad.”

 

 

“I’m really scared. My mom told me just a few days ago that she already set a match for me, but she refuses to tell me who he is.” Another girl bites her lower lip, looking like she is about to cry.

 

 

“Don’t be too worried for things that are yet to come.” Wei Ying tries to calm her down. “I’m sure that everyone here is their parents’ precious gems. They won’t think lightly on the issue as important as your marriage.”

 

 

“Exactly, we can trust our parents on setting a good match for us.” Jiang Yanli pats the girl’s hands in a comforting gesture, which is rather awkward since many of them knew about the scene Jin Zixuan caused in the Cloud Recesses during his stay.

 

 

Madam Jin also snorts at this statement. There’s no place for her to say anything since she only has a son but if she had a daughter, she would make sure to find a good husband for her. She will surely do a much better job than her own parents  who let her marry a man who had at least a dozen mistresses even before turning twenty.

 

 

With the hatred in her heart, Yu Ziyuan interprets her best friend’s snort in another way. She puts down her cup with enough force that attracts attention from the sects’ leaders. Jiang Fengmian eyes his wife with suspicion, but he still trusts her enough not to make a fool of herself and their sect during a big event.

 

 

“Is there anything wrong, Yu-furen?” Wen Ruohan asked. He brings his cup to his lips and takes a sip.

 

 

“Nothing Wen-zongzhu, I was a bit too immersed in my thoughts and my hand slipped.” Yu Ziyuan smiles.

 

 

“If any of the reception here isn’t to your liking, please, do not hesitate to inform me.” Wen Ruohan smiles. He had caught something from the way she had looked at the group of young girls earlier.

 

 

“I will keep that in mind, Wen-zongzhu.”

 

 

Han Yuyuan quickly waves for the maid to refill their cups and bring in more snacks. With that, the eyes of the sect leaders turn away from them.

 

 

“What’s wrong with you?” She asks. “We better not cause any scene here. The Wens are unpredictable.”

 

 

“I know. It’s just…” Yu Ziyuan lsigh. “That girl had the decency to mock me.”

 

 

“What?”

 

 

“She meant to insult me!” She says through her gritted teeth. “That I cannot set a good match for my daughter. Sorry, Yuyan. Not that Zixuan isn’t good but the scene he caused in the Cloud Recesses was out of line.”

 

 

“I know. I tried my best to make sure he won’t turn out like his father but Jin's blood in him is too thick.”

 

 

“And now, I still can’t arrange an equal match for Yanli.”

 

 

“Good things can’t be rushed, you know that.” Madam Jin pats her friend’s hands.

 

 

“I know but I can’t stand the idea of that bitch’s offspring being the current Lan-xiaofuren and the possibility that my daughter might not gain higher status than hers.”

 

 

“I will prolong Zixuan’s arrangement, in case he comes to his senses one day and realizes what’s good for him.”

 

 

Notes:

Finallyyyyyyy 🎉🎉🎉 took me so long to get this chapter done. Thesis really did kill my creativity (and also my soul 😂😂😂). I wish to humiliate Jin Zixun more but that will have to be in the next chapter 🌝🌝🌝 Hope you like this latest update!