Chapter Text
Nie Mingjue felt a headache forming, Jiang Fengmian had been relentless since he had found out Wei Ying had been formally adopted by the Nie sect.
No matter how much the older Sect leader pushed and tried to subtly use his age against him, he did not let himself be swayed.
Wei Ying’s presence had been tremendously beneficial since he arrived. With only over two years of officially being a Nie, he had brought laughter back into the Unclean Realm. Huaisang had taken interest learning about talismans and even slowly started being curious about cultivating his golden core.
The elders had been joyful that one of the first major decisions he had taken as Sect Leader had been proving successful. When he had announced his intentions to adopt Wei Ying into the Nie line instead of being a first disciple, he had recieved pushback, mostly out of caution. After the elders heard his reasonings and were able to talk with Huaisang and A-Ying, something he hadn't been allowed to be present for, they had given their tentative approval.
It had been a tumultuous first few months from rotting food wafting from under Wei Ying’s bed, overeating to the point of falling ill.
They had to make sure he always wore several layers and that the clothes fit properly because Wei Ying rarely spoke up. It had taken two days to notice the shoes he was wearing were a bit too big on him.
Wei Ying had been skin and bones when he first arrived.
They also had to make sure the dogs and Wei Ying were never near each other. Every disciple dutifully made sure of that after Wei Ying had screamed so loud and cried until he had held him.
Zonghui had instantly ushered the dogs away.
The healer had told him that Wei Ying was still young enough for the effects of living on the street to be reversed but he needed time.
No matter how hard Wei Ying wanted to push himself, he was always reminded that progress was progress no matter how insignificant Wei Ying found it to be.
“Sect leader Nie, I believe it would be beneficial for Wei Ying to come home with me and flourish in Lotus Pier. His father was of my clan, surely his parents would want that for him”
That’s exactly what he didn’t need, to be sent to a place where he’d always be judged by a baseless rumor. He has high doubts that any mother would want her young child to have to deal with Madam Yu's infamous rage.
He would not be sent to Lotus Pier to live a fearful life.
Nie Mingjue hid his annoyance “There is enough rumors about what the madam of Lotus Pier thinks of Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren son. He lives a happy life here. I thank you for giving us more information about Wei Ying’s family, I know he appreciates that” before Jiang Fengmian could interrupt he continued on “You’re welcome to visit in the future and when Wei Ying is older and he wishes to visit Lotus Pier, he may” he held the older man’s gaze.
Time felt like it dragged on until finally Scet leader Jiang sighed “Sect Leader Nie is very knowledgeable, your father would be proud”
He felt his jaw tighten, letting the anger wash away “He would. Anything else you wish to discuss, Sect Leader Jiang?”
“Da-ge!!” He stopped in his tracks and turned to the two boys running towards him. Barely avoiding colliding into him.
Huaisang held onto Wei Ying’s hand as he asked “Is Xichen-Xiong coming to visit anytime soon?”
He nodded “possibly in the coming months. With Wangji” Nie Mingjue had secretly been very nervous of their next visit. He had been corresponding with Xichen for many months and finally he’d be coming to visit again. Since he had become Sect leader and Xichen’s responsibilities started to grew as well, it left very few moments to spend together. They had only seen each other at conferences and even then the moments were incredibly fleeting. Xichen hadn't even formally meet Wei Ying yet.
This trip had been told to both elders of the clans that it was to build clan relations.
Grandmaster Lan allowed Wangji to visit for the same reason, forming a potential ally with Huaisang. He thought the old man treated Wanji too coldly, he was still a child and should be running around, not memorizing three thousand rules.
He knew Xichen tried his best and was worried for his younger brother, maybe visiting would help him. If anyone could get Wangji out of his shell, it would be Wei Ying.
Wei Ying’s nose crinkled “Wangji?”
“You’ll like him!”
“Huaisang” he warned, it was no secret that the both of them rarely talked or stayed in the same room together, no matter how much Xichen tried.
“I’m not lying! I think A-Ying and Wangji will make great friends!”
Nie Mingjue merely took a deep breath and walked away.
“Da-ge!”
Nie Mingjue found himself in his own quarters. The darkness bleed into the room, faint candles letting him see beyond his own hands.
The pile of correspondence slowly decreased. His father had taught him what being a Sect leader entailed but he had been taken too soon. All those years were he could’ve learned beside his A-die would never happen.
He felt a course of anger travel through his body as he thought of his fathers killer. How he wish he could go and cut his head off, regardless of politics and clan rules.
but his Didi’s needed him, he couldn’t risk his family, his sect. His father would never forgive him. Especially A-niang knowing how much she wanted Huaisang to live a happy, carefree life.
He owed that to them and he would keep his word.
Tiny patters brought his attention to the door, it took him only moments to realize who it was “A-Ying”
A head popped into the room “oh! Da-ge you’re awake”
“And you should be asleep, come in. What do you need?” He watched as Wei Ying crossed the room and sat in front of him.
He waited until Wei Ying felt comfortable to speak, his hands wringing his robes as his eyes scattered around the room.
“Does it bother you that I didn’t take the Nie name?”
Nie Mingjue furrowed his eyebrows, voice hardening “Did someone say something?”
“No! Of course not!” Wei ying frantically waved his hands in front of him “I was - just curious”
Mingjue still felt himself doubtful, surely Sect Leader Jiang wouldn’t say something like that to a child. He felt he needed to have another word with his disciples, as a precaution.
Wei Ying’s eyes warily looked at his. He motioned for him to come closer, waiting until the boy scooted right beside him.
He placed a hand over Wei Ying’s shoulder “A-Ying, you are a Nie but you are also a Wei. A name does not take away who you are in this family, you are a Nie.” He let the words settle for a moment before he continued.
“Your parents deserve your honor as their son as well. They raised you, protected you and kept you safe as long as they could. One thing does not negate the other.”
Wei Ying rubbed his eyes.
Nie Mingjue pulled Wei Ying onto his lap “It’s alright to cry A-Ying and it’s alright to miss your parents too”
One thing he noticed was that when Huaisang cried, he’d wail until everyone in the Unclean Realm could hear him but when Wei Ying cried it was barely audible.
He gently rubbed his back until his breathing went back to normal.
“Xichen told me grandmaster Lan knew of your mother, I will send a letter asking if he can come visit and speak about her”
Wei Ying pulled back and looked up at him “Really?? you would do that? For me”
He nodded.
“But you don’t like grandmaster Lan” Wei Ying scrunched his nose.
Nie Mingjue chuckled, ruffling his hair as Wei Ying yelped “who told you that? Regardless of my feelings towards him. He knows about your mother and that’s enough to invite him”
Wei ying looked down at his hands “thank you”
Huaisang peaked over his covers as A-ying tiptoed towards the door. He waited until he was alone before he moved towards his desk.
He looked around just in case and began to move his books until he reached the last one. The letter how taught him how to hide the envelopes, he had tried very hard to wait the year but he was very curious.
He still remembers hiding under his desk while A-Ying slept and reading the first one. His future self introduced himself to him and even scolded him for not following instructions, he had felt a tiny bit embarrassed.
His future self told him that he was going to tell him about an extraordinary love story. He wanted to read ahead but the letter continued with a scolding of not getting ahead of himself.
He had huffed in annoyance but continued on. When he realized that it was his A-ying and Wangji, his eyes had almost popped out of his head.
Wangji ? Who never wanted to play with him? That Wanji? He couldn’t really see him doing all that for A-Ying but Xichen-Xiong is warm so maybe his Didi is too.
He knew his Da-ge liked Xichen-Xiong very much. He had overheard Zonghui telling him that his eyes told a lot and his brother had gotten embarrassed. He paid attention to his Da-ge’s eyes more after that.
The extraordinary love story was also very sad. A-ying had caught him crying. He had cried until his Da-ge thundered into the room and carried both of them back into his bedroom to sleep.
He was a bit worried on what he would read next. He knew there were things his future self was holding off maybe until he was also older because he thought he’d read about his Da-ge first.
Unfolding the letters, he read ‘Wei Wuxian, founder of Demonic Cultivation, where it began’
Nie Mingjue didn’t leave the training field until his muscles screamed. If anyone thought he pushed his disciples a little bit harder, no one could prove it.
He had been trying to come up with a courtesy name for Wei Ying for weeks. The Nie rarely used courtesy names, he tried to think of what Wei Yings parents would like.
From his few correspondence with old man Qiren. Cangse Sanren was of free spirit and selfless although he thought she tended to act too freely.
Considering she was a disciple of the inmortal Baoshan Sanren, she had to be someone kind, maybe she even had Wei Ying’s laugh.
Jiang Fengmian had described Wei Changze as a silent and patient man.
Nie Mingjue placed a heating talisman on his bath as he headed back towards his desk.
A book laid perfectly in the center. He eyed it momentarily before removing his clothes and returning.
He passed the oils through his hair as he combed each section. His mind was still going in circles.
Finally remembering the foreign book, he headed towards the table. An odd page caught his attention, he opened it ”a poem” as he read, the last sense caught his attention,
jí wú xián yú zhí, wài wù fēi suǒ qiān*
Interesting.
Nie Mingjue arrived to dinner, instantly heading towards his Didi “Huaisang was it your doing?”
Huaisang’s big eyes stared back at him “Da-ge, I don’t know what you’re talking about” he ducked his head down and stuffed his mouth with food.
“Sure”
Wei Ying bolted into the hall, stuffing things into his robes as he skidded to a stop “Hi A-Sang, Da-ge”
“Wei Ying, after dinner I’d like to speak to you. It’s about your courtesy name”
“Really?!” Wei Ying practically vibrated with energy
“Eat first, calmly. Then we’ll speak about it”
Huaisang had spent over ten days planning Wei Ying’s celebration. He knew he had to be quick with everything because he knew his brother would explode with excitement if he had to wait any longer.
He was convinced he’d see him jumping off the walls soon.
Huaisang had made sure to commission the most exquisite robes for him, they had invited every major clan.
Everything had to be perfect.
He had strongly suggested to his da-ge that it was important to show everyone that Wei Ying was their brother even if they had to interact with Wen Ruohan, all thought he doubts the man would ever set foot in Qinghe.
He was pretty sure his da-ge would cut his head off.
They especially had to show Jiang Fengmian and Madam Yu, that caught his da-ge’s attention.
It was also a way to impress Wangji, surely he’d see his A-Ying and instantly fall in love with him.
Older Wanji loved to see A-Ying with his hair down, so he made sure he would do the same hairstyle and incorporate as many braids as he could so no one would even dare to suggest his A-ying wasn’t a Nie.
Huaisang followed his brother until they were both hiding behind a large tree “Do you see it?”
Wei Ying shielded his eyes as he looked up “Yup! I bet i can get it!”
“Just be careful”
“Don’t worry! I’ll definitely get it for you” he said cheerfully.
“Your safety matters more”
Wei Ying faltered for a moment before a big smile appeared on his face “A-sang wants a bird, I’ll get him the bird!”
Huaisang waited anxiously as A-ying climbed the tree. He eyed the height warily. He wanted to get Zonghui to help them, maybe he should tell his Didi to get down.
He wanted to ask him if he was okay but he didn’t want to distract him and it would be worse if he climbed all that for the bird to fly away in fright.
“I’ve got it!”
Huaisang watched as his brother started to slowly climb down, he was about to feel relief until he saw him lose his footing.
“A-Ying!” He moved to catch him but Nie zonghui reached him before he fell to the ground “Third young master, you need to be more careful” he carefully placed Wei Ying on the ground
“Thank you Zonghui!” Wei Ying smiled at him “We caught a bird!”
“I can see that” Nie zonghui patted both of their heads before he looked back toward the training grounds “Mingjue wanted me to tell the both of you to get ready for the celebration, so don’t go exploring far away” he gave them a smile.
“We won’t!”
“You’re too worried about this ” Huaisang rolled his eyes as he adjusted A-Yings new robes. Moving back to admire how good the robes turned out. Dark green robe with golden accents and a light grey under-robe.
Wei Ying smiled “of course I am!” He watched as A-ying continue to fiddle with his hair “I can’t believe Da-ge actually picked one”
“Why not?” Huaisang frowned slightly
Wei Ying waved a hand around “aiya, just forget about it”
“You’re family, our brother. Of course he’d pick your courtesy name”
The other boy only nodded as he ducked his face.
Huaisang decided to give his brother mercy and change the topic “Xichen-Xiong will be arriving first”
“Wangji is coming too, don’t forget” he said.
He didn’t bother to comment on that. If he could make that extraordinary love story less sad, he would. As much as the Wanji now was cold and didn’t really like to catch birds with him.
Huaisang also saw him smile once, just a tiny bit when Xichen spoke of their mother. He had only seen it by accident when he was sneaking around the Cloud Recesses when Da-ge and he went to visit.
After they had heard of Madam Lan’s passing, Wangji was even more cold towards everyone. He couldn’t blame him though, when his A-Niang passed he didn’t even want to see his A-Die. So maybe Wanji and him weren’t so different.
“A-Ying, leave your hair alone. It’s fine”
At the Gate of the Unclean Realm
Xichen felt his heart flutter. Mingjue was waiting for them at the entrance. He stood so regal, his dark green robes making his features jump out. A soft smiling teasing his face. He kept his composure as he bowed before him, his brother following “Sect Leader Nie”
“Xichen” he returned the bow “Wangji, how was the trip?”
Unclean Realm
Xichen watched as two younger boys ran toward them. In the corner of his eye he could see his Didi's curious gaze.
Nie Mingjue sighed “He’s very excited about the celebration”
“I thought it wasn’t a Nie custom”
“It isn’t”
Xichen smiled, feeling warmth spread over his chest “that’s very admirable of you”
“It’s the right thing to do” Mingjue said it easily. Maybe it was that easy, to Mingjue thinks weren't complicated. Xichen envied that about him
A boy only a bit taller than Huaisang stopped before them “Hello! This one is Wei Ying, courtesy name, Wei Wuxian” he said excitedly.
“Hello, Wei Wuxian. Mingjue has told me great things about you. It's nice to finally meet you” Lan Xichen smiled kindly at him. "I am Lan Huan, courtesy name Lan Xichen"
Wuxian rubbed his nose and adverted his gaze, a slight blush on his cheeks. "Thank you, Young Master Lan. You're too kind"
"Don't let him fool you, Xichen" Mingjue chuckled.
Wuxian stuck his tongue out.
Before he could introduce his brother Wei Wuxian moved to stand in front of him “Hi! wow you’re pretty, who are you” he smiled
He watched as the tip's of his brothers ears turned pink. Xichen softly prompted “Wangji”
His Didi bowed “Lan Zhan, courtesy name Lan Wangji”
“Oh! nice to meet you!” He bowed perfectly.
“Xichen, stop worrying. Wangji is going to be fine. Huaisang will behave himself and Wuxian knows when to stop. They will only be alone for a few hours and Huaisang has threaten Wuxian if he even tries to dirty his new robes”
“I know, it’s just” Xichen sighed as he finally stopped trying to look for the boys “Wangji hasn’t been near others since - I don’t want him to be overwhelmed”
“He won’t and if he does, we are right here. They’re safe here” Mingjue reassured him, softly grasping his shoulder.
“I know, I know” Xichen smiled up at Mingjue “I do remember you mentioning in your letters that there was a tea that reminds you of me, care to share?”
He took great enjoyment in seeing Mingjue trying to come up with a response while his face flushed red.
Huaisang peaked around the corner as he watched them. A-Ying and Wangji needed to end the day being friends. He had seen how Xichen-Xiong smiled when A-ying called Wangji pretty.
The letter had been right, Wangji’s ears did turn a slight pink.
They had only a few hours before the ceremony were A-Ying and Wangji would have to part and sit in their respective section. They wouldn’t have many opportunities to talk after.
Then he’d have to wait until their visit and today was the perfect opportunity.
Wangji would see A-Ying at his happiest.
He had suggested painting, an easy activity that would keep them busy for a few hours, plus A-Ying had a great talent for the arts, surely that would impress Wangji as well.
He had brought up enough topics that showed how wonderful A-Ying is. He knew future Wangji had admired A-Yings strength, kindness and selflessness. His Didi was the best! If future Wangji knew it then this Wanji will too.
He told him about how A-Ying had come up with the idea to set up a house for other street kids, safe place where they could eat, sleep and learn things. A-Ying had tried to place the praise of da-ge and he had merely talked about his own experience living on the streets but he wasn't going to let that happen. He reiterated to Wangji that A-Ying had contribuited a lot to the planning and going to talk to the kids.
Wangji had given a soft praise that made his Didi blushed once more.
He had eventually excused himself to get his favorite brush.
“Wangji”
Silence
“Lan Wangji” Wei Wuxian pouted
More silence
“Lan Zhan!!”
Wanji finally raised his gaze, paintbrush suspended in the air.
“I’m sorry Lan zhan but you weren’t answering and I really wanted to show you my drawing! plus you can also call me Wei Ying if you’d like” he carefully moved Wanji’s and placed his in front of him instead.
If Huaisang hadn’t been paying close attention to Wangji’s expressions he might have missed the hint of surprise and something else he didn’t know flash before his eyes.
“Do you like it? I even drew a pretty flower on you”
Wangji nodded.
Wei Wuxian smiled and went back to painting.
They had been summoned.
Huaisang felt he had done good, Wangji was still mostly silent but he listened to A-ying’s rambling and would nod along.
At first he thought he wasn’t paying attention until he had given his thoughts on an invention A-ying wanted to try out.
Zonghui waited at the door for them.
“Wei Ying”
Wuxian turned around stopping before the door “Lan Zhan?”
“Thank you”
Wangji was rewarded with a blinding smiling.
Huaisang tried not to be smug, he did good.
A-Ying and himself arrived right before the major clans walked in.
He took great enjoyment seeing the poorly concealed anger on Madam Yu’s face. Her hand tightening around Jiang Fengmian forearm. Her children followed, they both stood before them and bowed. Each of them introducing themselves.
He could tell A-Ying felt uncomfortable with the scornful look she was giving him.
His Da-ge straighten himself “Any problems Madam Yu?”
“Nothing, Sect Leader Nie” she smiled tightly.
They left a chest with the Jiang emblem.
The other sects continued to bring their own tokens of celebration. Wei Wuxian thanked every sect the same no matter how big or small their gifts were. His happiness seemed almost contagious as the sect leaders would return to their section with a smile.
Hushed whispers of how kind the Third Young Master was, how noble and courteous.
It wasn’t until Sect leader Jin arrived that things felt uncomfortable.
Sect leader Jin barely gave his da-ge a respectable bow, something everyone noticed. Zonghui inmediately frowned.
“Sect Leader Nie, I see you took an interest in adopting street kids. So admirable” he barely looked at his A-ying, who only shrunk in his seat. He quickly glanced at Wangji, who seemed to tense in anger.
Even Lan Qiren looked thunderous.
“Sect Leader Jin, you should watch your mouth. You are in Nie territory and Wei Wuxian is our brother, he is a Nie heir and you will respect him as such”
Madam Jin narrowed her eyes at her husband.
“Of course! I would never insult your heir. You mistook my words”
He watched as his da-ge fist tightened.
Sect leader Jin motioned for a chest to be placed “only the best for a Nie heir”
Wuxian was about to thank him but Huaisang squeezed his hand “You’re a so thoughtful Sect Leader Jin” Huaisang bowed his head “your children - excuse me child must be very happy” he smiled at the man, watching the anger flare up and his attempt at hiding it.
“So kind Secong Young master Nie”
Wuxian waited for Sect Leader Jin to take his seat.
“A-Sang!” Wuxian harshly whispered
“What? I forgot Jin Zixun was his nephew” He shrugged innocently
Huaisang watched as his A-Ying stood proudly, bowing before his da-ge and a few elders, who had a sweet spot for him.
He watched carefully at each reaction as his da-ge gave his speech. He knew people in this room had caused the end of the other Wei Wuxian and also his da-ge.
Even if he was waiting to read the rest of the information, he knew he had to start now.
Every little thing mattered.
“Today’s the day!” Huaisang gave his brother a cheeky smile.
“Huaisang, shut up”
“Da-ge! Don’t pretend you aren’t nervous! I know you’re in love with Xichen-Xiong” He batted his eyelashes.
“Love?” He lightly smacked his Didi upside the head “what do you know about love? You’re a kid, shouldn’t you be paying more attention to your golden core!”
Wuxian chuckled “Don’t worry da-ge, we’ve been both practicing”
Huaisang pouted.
“Is Lan Zhan coming too?” Wuxian asked excitedly
Mingjue nodded.
“Are we just going to wait at the gate all day?”
“Huaisang shut up”
“Lan Zhan! I’m so happy to see you!” Wuxian pratically jumped in the air as he rushed towards Wangji.
Huaisang tried to see if Wangji was smiling but he had to go by Xichen-Xiong’s reaction instead.
Who seemed ecstatic.
Good
“I am also happy to see Wei Ying”
Huaisang coughed, earning a giggle from his A-Ying
“As well as Secong Young Master Nie”
Huaisang pouted “Wangji, how come I’m not A-sang or Huaisang. What’s this Young master business?” The blank stare he got from Wanji almost made him laugh. Who knew Wangji was funny
“Huaisang, it’s good to see you” Xichen reached over and softly pat him on the head “I forgot to congratulate you the last time. Mingjue told me you had organized the decorations and the food, it was wonderful”
Huaisang hid behind his Didi “Thank you Xichen-Xiong”
Wuxian nodded along “He did an amazing job”
Mingjue huffed “no need to say more, his head will get huge” he ignored the squawk from his brother “run along now”
Xichen muffled his laughter with his sleeve.
“Come on, Lan Zhan” Wuxian held onto Lan Zhan’s hand as he tugged him along.
Huaisang following behind him.
Leaving the two of them alone before they continued their idle walk. “Don’t you dare” Xichen warned.
“Do what?” Mingjue faked ignorance
“Say, I told you so”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about” he smiled
Huaisang sat drinking tea as A-Ying and Wangji sparred together. A-Ying had been teaching him what he had learned so far.
There was still some time left before they’d get sabers, so it was all wooden sabers but that didn’t stop them from taking things very seriously.
He had thought he’d be bored watching Wangji teach A-Ying the Lan technique but it wasn’t so bad. His brother would ever so often drag him into the conversation to make sure he was included, A-ying was a good person.
He was happy that this future, he wasn’t just his best friend but his Didi as well.
“A-ying, you go with Wangji. I’m going to take a few minutes. It’s so hot I think I’m going to melt” He fanned himself in an exaggerated manner.
Wuxian let go of Wangji’s hand as he moved closer to his brother, letting his voice take a lower tone “are you sure? Was it something I did? We can do something you like, do you feel left out?”
Huaisang rolled his eyes, his Didi always worried “Don’t be silly, you did nothing wrong. I honestly just want to cool off, I promise”
“You would tell me right? If you were feeling like we were leaving you out, right?”
Huaisang nodded “Now go, have some fun while I enjoy a nice cool drink” he smiled at his brother. Hopefully reassuring him enough to go.
“Alright but when you’re done come looking for us okay?” Wuxian began to walk backwards as he yelled.
He nodded once more and waved goodbye.
“Huaisang”
He put down his paintbrush as he raised his gaze “oh, hi Xichen-Xiong” he looked behind him “Where’s Da-ge?”
“He had an emergency meeting, nothing to worry about. I decided to come check in on Wangji but -“ Xichen looked across towards the other pavilions. His eyes furrowed in worry.
“Don’t worry, he’s with A-Ying. I wanted to cool off so I stayed behind”
Xichen returned back to look at the table “you’re painting your fan?”
Huaisang nodded “Da-ge got me new paints!” He gestures towards them.
Xichen seemed to smile even more, which Huaisang had thought was imposible.
“Do you think you could make me one?”
Huaisang eyes grew “you want me to paint you one?”
Xichen nodded “Of course. You’re an artist”
He felt himself blush “I’m not-
“You are, you’re very talented Huaisang. I would be honored to have one of your creations”
“Then i’ll make you one of the Cloud Recesses!"
Xichen smile made him feel warm on the inside “Thank you Huaisang”
“They seem to be having fun”
Xichen looked over his shoulder, Mingjue walking to stand beside him. He returned his gaze back towards the grounds, where the boys had decided to do an activity Huaisang had suggested, Wuxian was currently acting out a poetry.
“They are”
“I’m sorry for leaving you”
Xichen shook his head “I know very well the duties a Sect Leader has to perform”
Mingjue frowned but couldn’t negate those words.
“Lan Zhan! Don’t laugh” Wei Wuxian yelled, laughing only a few seconds later.
Mingjue furrowed his eyebrows because he was pretty sure Wangji hadn’t laughed but as he stole a glance at Xichen, he must have “Did old man Qiren almost have a Qi deviation when he heard A-Ying call Wangji, Lan Zhan?”
Xichen chuckled “Almost but I pointed out that Wuxian doesn’t do it with malice and Wangji deserves friends. Wuxian is a kind boy. I think he’s reminded of his mother, I reminded him of the rules”
Mingjue whistled “He had to deal with stubborn Xichen”
Xichen laughed once more “I wasn’t” Mingjue bumped his shoulder and he felt butterflies bloom in his stomach “I was thinking about something"
“Oh?”
“Well something Huaisang said to Wangji had me thinking”
“That can’t be good”
Xichen smiled “I’ve always called you Mingjue”
“Would you like to call me something else?”
With the way Mingjue was staring at him, he didn’t trust his voice so he merely nodded.
Mingjue thought about it for a few moments until a smile appeared on his face as he leaned forward “You can call me A-Jue”
Xichen felt himself blush “I’d like that…A-Jue”
Huaisang had decided to sit out of training, feigning a stomach ache. Wuxian had endless energy to train so he would be busy for many hours.
He made sure not to be disturbed. He placed another envelope before him as he took a few breaths.
He knew each time whatever he’d be told would be bleak and the possibility of reading of his Da-ge’s death made his heart hurt.
When he had read how his A-Ying died he had been inconsolable for days. He tried very hard to pretend but both his brothers knew. His Da-ge thought he had been sad because of A-Die and went to go buy him more paintbrushes and tea blends. A-Ying had even gone to look for more birds for him.
He had a nightmare, that he had failed and that he had lost both of his brothers. That night A-Ying wordlessly got into his bed and hugged him until he stopped crying.
He finally got the courage and opened it, the first sentence read:
Xue Yang, failed demonic cultivator, redeemable/useful