Chapter Text
Lan Wangji does not have a quick temper.
In fact he is a patient man with a calm attitude, though he lost a lot of his cold demeanour through the years of living far away from his former sect. Some of it really was just his temper and specifics of upbringing, but the rest, according to Wen Qing, came from the necessity to follow the rules. There are no rules in their home, at least not for adults. They made some especially for children, like 'going into Wei-gege's study is forbidden', just for their safety. Wei Ying loves leaving unfinished talismans and projects around, so it is best for children to avoid the little house. The adults in their community live according to laws. There is also trust between them like they are one big family, which they really are, reminds Lan Wangji himself, but the laws are necessary and they give Lan Wangji the sense of burden being lifted from his shoulders.
So they make laws, but the things are basic, like prohibition of robbery, murder or rape. A normal human society doesn't need more to function successfully and not for the first time Lan Wangji thinks about how excessive their clan rules were. He is glad to be free now, though he misses Cloud Recesses sometimes. The place and some people and all the memories he made there, but definitely not the rules or the cuisine. He still abstains from meat, but his meals have more flavour now, he even enjoys some spices, though not in the amount Wei Ying prefers in his food. He also doesn't drink, he tried once and they discovered that he has no tolerance. Like absolutely none. Wei Ying laughed for almost half a shichen while telling what he did while inebriated. Well, Lan Wangji was glad that at least his state gave Wei Ying a reason to laugh.
Not that their lives were devoid of laughter in these past years, actually, Lan Wangji thinks he was the happiest here, in the middle of nowhere. He enjoys his life now and he has learnt to express that, to say honestly and openly if something annoys him, to smile when something pleases him. Wei Ying has taught him to take pleasure from life and Lan Wangji can't imagine walking another path now.
That being said, Lan Wangji, despite discovering the liberating feeling of expressing his emotions without thousands of rules to regulate his behaviour, is still a quiet and calm man. But not when it comes to someone possibly harming his family. So when Sizhui rushes to him with the message from Wen Qing about Wei Ying being foolish and letting the very same people they have stayed away from for nine years go up the mountain to meet him, he rushes to the main hall like a man possessed. He should have known. They made a promise a long time ago that they would make every important decision together, so whatever is happening must be really serious because Wei Ying would never break their promise otherwise. Lan Wangji wants to believe he wouldn't. But that is not the most important part.
He stops at the door to catch his breath and hears familiar voice of his brother:
"So we came to ask the immortal master for help. We have not suffered such devastation since the Sunshot Campaign, nor seen such a great amount of resentment since Yiling Laozu's death".
"What are you implying, Zewu-jun?" comes another familiar voice, cold and furious.
"Mianmian…"
"Please, refrain from calling me with such familiarity, Jin-zongzhu," Luo Qingyang intones impassively. That is the skill learnt, not something that comes easily to her, but she is using this distancing against the one that used to be her childhood friend.
"As if Zewu-jun has to imply," scoffs another one of visitors and Lan Wangji is displeased to find out that Jiang Wanyin is here too. "Any of us could tell clearly and loudly that Wei Wuxian was losing control over his demonic cultivation towards the end. And he freed those Wen prisoners and killed the guards on Qiongqi path knowing well about the consequences. He chose his own path".
Lan Wangji is ready to push the door open and rush into the room when rich laughter reaches his ears. He relaxes slightly, more certain than some moments ago that Wei Ying is alright even with their past reappearing in their lives so suddenly. They had nine years of peace only occasionally interrupted by some young hothead seeking for an immortal or troubles coming too close to their home for them to ignore. They dealt with all night hunts in the region and travelled beyond their unestablished borders when needed, but they never came in direct contact with the cultivation world. Not after everything that happened all those years ago.
There was one close call, but they could not in clear conscience leave a qi-deviating Nie Mingjue to die in the woods just a quarter of shichen east of the mountain. So they brought him here and for three months Wen Qing took care of him while he was recuperating. Wei Ying was able to determine that it was Nie sabre cultivation that caused the deviation and then together they discovered that Qinghe Nie, the hypocrites, utilised resentful energy in their practices. And they were one of those who spoke the loudest against Wei Ying's cultivation. Not that it matters now, Wei Ying has a strong golden core, even brighter and more powerful than the one he gave up for Jiang Wanyin.
This is more the matter of people in the cultivation world being lying and self-serving, self-righteous scum. Lan Wangji respected Nie Mingjue once, but he has a completely different opinion now. Yet, he still couldn't leave the man for dead, not when they had the means to save him. And in the end Nie Mingjue left the mountain with a blindfold around his eyes keeping him from finding out who treated his numerous health issues.
A loud ripping sound comes from the room and Luo Qingyang cries out in indignation. Lan Wangji doesn't think, he rushes inside, opening the door with a bang. His eyes take the picture before him with haste, his heart beating rapidly in his chest.
Jiang Wanyin is standing close to the far wall, clutching a curtain they sometimes use when receiving strangers in their hall because Lan Wangji is not keen on someone recognising them even years after their faked deaths. A few steps behind Jiang Wanyin brother, Jin Zixuan and Nie Huaisang stay alert, all in different states of shock. Between fuming Jiang Wanyin and Wei Ying stands Luo Qingyang with her blade unsheathed and pointed at the potential attacker. Only Wei Ying looks relaxed and calm, though Lan Wangji knows he is ready to defend himself at any moment. Especially considering that he has their baby in his arms.
Lan Wangji strides into the hall, conscious of all eyes turning to him as he enters.
"Wangji," his brother whispers in that broken tone of his that shows that he is hurt greatly. Lan Wangji ignores him and moves to stand with his husband. Immediately he is greeted with cheerful babbling.
"Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba!"
"Ah, see how she is, Lan Zhan? Forgets about me as soon as her baba is in her line of sight," Wei Ying complains with a smile.
"Hello, baobao," Lan Wangji greets in return, patting Shufen's fluffy curls, and gives Wei Ying a smile. He is not happy with Wei Ying's actions but they will talk about it later. Then he turns to look at their visitors and his face smoothes into one of his most blank expressions. "Jiang-zongzhu, Jin-zongzhu, Lan-zongzhu, Nie-gongzi".
He sees how brother's expression shutters at his words, his chosen form of address. Lan Wangji wants to shake his head. He is not doing this to make his brother suffer, it is just really uncomfortable to use a familial address when they haven't been family for years. And no, Lan Wangji does not think he is being cruel, he has not betrayed Xichen's trust back when he was still living in Cloud Recesses. It was not him who had chosen to believe a sworn brother over a blood-related one, to ignore Lan Wangji's words of caution when it came to Lanling Jin.
So Xichen has no right to act all hurt when it was him who betrayed Lan Wangji's trust. And Lan Wangji understands that he can't dictate what people can feel and how they should act, but he will not be pushed to regret his choices. Not when Wen Qing acts more like an older sibling then Xichen ever did after that fateful incident on Qiongqi path. Not when various aunts and uncles from Dafan care for him more than his own uncle did. They wanted him to be a perfect Lan disciple, an embodiment of their faulty rules they proclaimed righteous, but when he really did what he considered to be righteous, what should be considered righteous, they punished him and called him unfit to make his own judgement because it was clouded by feelings. When in reality their opinions were based on false conclusions, old grudges and blind beliefs in wrong people and their words.
Now Lan Wangji has family and friends and a whole new community that is based on mutual respect and shared ideals, held together by the new growing generation and governed by laws. There are less ways to misinterpret them because instead of being vague like 'be righteous' they say 'rape is punished by death penalty'. It's a harsh example, many crimes have heavy penalties here, but it makes their home safe. And Lan Wangji feels free. He knows what law demands from him and he follows it and still has so many options, can make so many decisions without guessing if someone thought that he broke some rule like it was in Gusu.
Lan Wangji is happy.
If Xichen is not alright with his happiness it is not Lan Wangji's problem. He might try not to hold onto old grudges if only to be better than his uncle, but he will not take the first step, he will not allow Xichen to act as if his choice nine years ago was made solely because of his love for Wei Ying, not because of his clan's and family's wrongdoings.
"Wangji," Xichen repeats again and Lan Wangji is honestly tired to hear his name. "You are alive".
"I am," he replies. It's ridiculous, confirming the most obvious observation, but he takes pity on Xichen. This development must be really shocking. "And you came to our home to ask for our help and started accusing my husband".
Jiang Wanyin snorts.
"No one actually accused Wei Wuxian, but since he is alive it is possible that he is behind all those attacks on great sects".
Lan Wangji gives him a cold glare that Jiang Wanyin answers with his own, full of hatred and disgust.
"Leave," Lan Wangji orders.
"Wangji, please…"
"No. If you want help learn some humility. If you want to be heard, learn to listen first. And if you want to be righteous learn to believe your own eyes and ears and not some rumours that other people whisper into your ear," he looks at representatives of every sect in turn, surveying and picking their reactions. Then his gaze returns to Jiang Wanyin and his voice hardens. "Now leave".
He doubts that this is over. Jiang Wanyin is rash and unreasonable, Xichen is desperate and stubborn, Jin Zixuan is indecisive and easily led by those he respects and Nie Huaisang has always liked good drama. Whatever Wei Ying thought he could achieve by inviting them here Lan Wangji is almost certain will lead to more troubles. But he trusts Wei Ying and he knows that Wei Ying would never risk any harm coming to Shufen. If he thought that one of these four actually can attack them he would have never taken their baby to the meeting. Still, he clutches Yueguang tight in his hand, a habit from days long gone, and keeps an eye on every visitor just in case something happens.
The gesture doesn't go unnoticed by Wei Ying and he gives Lan Wangji a reassuring pat on his shoulder. Shufen babbles happily and Lan Wangji can't help but smile at her.
Xichen gasps. Whether it is because he has not seen Lan Wangji smiling after their mother died or because he noticed that Shufen actually has Lan Wangji's eyes. Everyone has to comment on it at least once, Lan Wangji doesn't know why. It is not Xichen, though, who makes a remark this time, but Nie Huaisang.
"She is very beautiful. Has your eyes, Wangji-xiong, but her lips and eyebrows are exactly like Wei-xiong's".
"Thank you, Nie-xiong. We do hope this little one takes the best traits of her parents," Wei Ying answers with a laugh. Shufen repeats after him and laughs happily too, bright and unrestrained like all children her age should be.
Heavy silence descends on the hall again. Nie Huaisang's words must have hit their targets because from their visitors' expressions Lan Wangji can tell that they try to process implications in Wei Ying's words. Jiang Wanyin is the easiest to read and his bewildered face is absolutely priceless even if Lan Wangji can notice disgust lingering in his eyes. Xichen's face is a frozen polite mask but his eyes shine with disbelief. Then Jin Zixuan mutters in panic:
"A niece. Oh heavens. We have a niece. And I have nothing to give her as a first-meeting gift".
Lan Wangji huffs quietly. At least this was the first thing Jin Zixuan thought about, though it is so like him to think about gifts right away. Wei Ying's eyes sparkle with mirth and Lan Wangji knows that his zhiji is entertained by this reaction. And he also is disappointed that it is Jin Zixuan who called Shufen his niece, not Jiang Wanyin or Xichen. No matter that their relationship turned sour at the end, Wei Ying had cared for Jiang Wanyin to the end. That much was expected as Wei Ying sacrificed his very core for his shidi, the one that was family for him. To be honest, Lan Wangji has never liked Jiang Wanyin, those three months of relative truce between them was caused only by Wei Ying's disappearance. At that time Jiang Wanyin still called Wei Ying his brother.
But Jin Zixuan is the husband of Wei Ying's beloved shijie, the only person he has really missed during their years away from the cultivation world. If Jin Zixuan still sees them as family then there is a chance that Wei Ying's shijie will forgive them for disappearing and faking their deaths. And in the middle of her son's celebration, no less. Lan Wangji is certain they ruined the day for her and he did regret it, if nothing else. Jiang Yanli didn't deserve such a conclusion of her son's important day. But it was that or dying for real, maybe even shedding someone else's blood on the day that should have been auspicious for Jin Rulan. And it was one of Jin Zixuan's relatives that tried to murder Wei Ying in cold blood and almost ended up killing Lan Wangji in process.
"It's impossible," Xichen whispers, but his eyes study Shufen hungrily like he wants a confirmation of what he sees right before him. Wangji snorts.
"There is no such word in Wei Ying's lexicon".
Wei Ying throws his head back and laughs brightly, joy obvious in every line of his face. Lan Wangji loves when he is like this, full of life and radiant with his brilliance.
"Lan Zhan, you are perfect," Wei Ying intones, delighted. Then he becomes serious, his eyes glinting dangerously when they land on their uninvited guests. "But you think too highly of me. Many things are impossible for me. That doesn't mean I will ever give up on trying if it comes to the people I care for".
This is what makes Wei Ying really beautiful, not his looks, not his power, but his generous and loving heart. Not that any of those self-important sects will ever understand, they can't see the real Wei Ying, just the demon of Yiling they all painted in many rumours that are still spread in the cultivation world.
Shufen, enchanted by her father's beauty, reaches with her little hand and pats his cheek. Wei Ying does not break into a wide grin like he would usually do, just smiles a little, showing their daughter that he sees her and loves her. They both promised all those years ago to themselves and each other that they would never in their lives ignore their children or fail to pay them all the attention they needed. So now, in the middle of the most serious and dangerous discussion they've had in years, if you don't count the one with Wen Qing about Wei Yings health five years ago, because Wen Qing can be threatening when she wants to, Wei Ying still looks at Shufen and reacts appropriately whenever she wants his attention.
Jiang Wanyin is obviously displeased by Wei Ying's decision to ignore them all in favour of a small child. He is infantile like that, too insecure about the affections of people close to him. A foolish man, though Lan Wangji has to admit that he was similar once, not making a pause in his judgement to think about Wei Ying's motivations. And, of course, Wei Ying was the same, not bothering to explain himself to his loved ones. Thankfully they talked and they learnt and now they are communicating rather than throwing accusations at each other and waiting to be understood despite their inability to properly express themselves. But Jiang Wanyin has never had the same wake up call Wei Ying and Lan Wangji had.
He still should never doubt Wei Ying's affections when Wei Ying literally gave up his very core for Jiang Wanyin. Granted, Jiang Wanyin still doesn't know about that detail, but Wei Ying told Lan Wangji about his lie for Jiang Wanyin's peace of mind. Baoshan Sanren restoring Jiang Wanyin's golden core as a favour to Wei Ying, her disciple's son, is enough that Jiang Wanyin should be grateful until the end of his life. That was Wei Ying's favour, Jiang Wanyin introduced himself as Wei Ying to have it granted. Not knowing the truth doesn't erase the fact that Jiang Wanyin has a golden core only thanks to Wei Ying and he knows it.
"I suggest," Wei Ying strats when silence is lasting too long, "that you either explain what you came here for or leave us in peace. We have other matters to pay attention to than your nonsense".
"Your rudeness is not appreciated, Wei-gongzi," Xichen answers cooly. He was devastated when Lan Wangji made a comment about being righteous but quickly regained his composure. "All great sects were attacked recently, we suffered great losses".
"Your rudeness is not appreciated too, Lan-zongzhu," Wei Ying retorts, his gaze sweeping over all four of their uninvited guests. "Yet you came into our home and acted like we either owe you something or are responsible for whatever is happening to your sects".
Xichen looks at Wei Ying with open hostility - an expression that Lan Wangji has never seen on the face of his brother. People change, he reminds himself. His supposed death must have influenced Xichen to some extent, though he also recalls how Xichen chose Jin Guangyao over him time and time again. Maybe the brother he knew was only an image created to show the cultivation world a perfect sect leader of Gusu Lan.
Lan Wangji shakes his head. This is his spiteful side talking again. Xichen loved him, that much he knows, Xichen wanted him to be safe from any harm. But he didn't trust Lan Wangji when it mattered the most, he didn't believe in Lan Wangji being righteous despite his feelings and he didn't even think he could hurt Lan Wangji. They, Xichen and uncle, always acted like they knew what was best for him, like he was still a child that can't make his own decisions. Even after he fought a war they kept imposing their decisions on Lan Wangji like he could not think for himself. They dismissed his worries and doubted his words when he told them about the prisoners on Qiongqi path, about the children hunted by Jin cultivators to death.
They questioned his integrity because otherwise they had to agree that Wei Ying was moral and just when a so-called righteous sect was full of villains.
That they couldn't possibly allow. To let the general public see that the man they declared a heretic and a degenerate was actually good. They couldn't be caught lying so they wanted to shut up anyone who dared to speak the truth, one way or another.
Lan Wangji smiles bitterly and watches Xichen observing him almost hungrily. He suspects it's because in all his years of life in Cloud Recesses he has never been as expressive as he is here. Because here he is free, he can be himself, not someone people want him to be.
Perhaps, Xichen really missed him, really mourned him, but Lan Wangji doubts that. Near the end it seemed like Xichen didn't care about him, more like about the idea of him, not Lan Wangji himself but the idea of his brother their mother asked him to look after. And he failed, he tried so hard and in the end didn't notice how he was smothering Lan Wangji with his so-called care.
"It's not you we came here for," Jiang Wanyin scowls. "We wanted to speak to Baoshan Sanren. Can she meet with us?"
Wei Ying freezes. At least Jiang Wanyin has the presence of mind to not be demanding, understanding that the immortal might refuse if he is too haughty. Not that it matters, because Jiang Wanyin is rude to Wei Ying and there is no Baoshan Sanren here to help them. But this kind of behaviour speaks louder about the true face of the cultivation world than any words. They are willing to be polite and courteous when it comes to the woman they want to help them, but they are awful to those who they deem unworthy of their civility. How unfortunate for them that he and Wei Ying are the only ones here who could help them.
When Wei Ying finally snaps out of his petrified state and regards Jiang Wanyin with a sharp look.
"You told them?" he asks incredulously. Jiang Wanyin rolls his eyes and answers harshly:
"Of course I did. You might hide here however long you want, but I couldn't keep secrets when someone attacks all the sects and tries to destroy order in the cultivation world".
His poisonous words make Wei Ying let out a strangled little laugh. This is not a good sign, this is too much like Wei Ying in the days of the Sunshot Campaign. Lan Wangji fears for his husband's mental state, especially considering that Wei Ying has only recently healed from all that trauma of living in Lotus Pier, war and years immediately after it. Wen Qing said that emotional stability was paramount for forming and stabilisation of a new golden core and monitored Wei Ying closely in the years after they settled in their new home.
"Mianmian, take Shufen, please," Wei Ying asks in a strained voice.
Luo Qingyang doesn't question him, she never does when Wei Ying is serious and tense like this. She sheathes her sword and takes squirming Shufen readily into her arms, but doesn't leave, just steps away to where Wei Ying was sitting before Jiang Wanyin tore the curtain off. They all know that the presence of children has a grounding effect on Wei Ying when he is in one of his moods.
A long time ago Lan Wangji thought that Wei Ying's change of character was a result of resentful energy corrupting his body, mind and soul. Now he knows better. While resentful energy did influence Wei Ying, most of the changes were caused by trauma. No one could live through as much as Wei Ying without changing, no one could remain as innocent as their fifteen year-old self after years of degradation and belittlement, then the massacre of their whole sect, and then sacrifice of their own core, three months of horror of Burial Mounds and pressure of war. Everyone's distrust didn't help either. Moreso, immediately after the Sunshot Campaign the sects discarded Wei Ying like a weapon that was not necessary any more. One must be a Bodhisattva to endure this much without their temper worsening.
Now Lan Wangji knows all of that so he puts a hand on Wei Ying's shoulder to show his support. Wei Ying gives him a grateful look that Lan Wangji answers with the slightest of smiles of his own. They are in this together just like they decided years ago after Lan Wangji confessed the truth about their marriage and Wei Ying accepted him.
"There is no Baoshan Sanren here," Wei Ying says tersely.
"When is she expected to be back?" Jiang Wanyin persists. He is fiddling with the ring on his finger and Wei Ying is watching him closely like he expects Jiang Wanyin to lash out with Zidian at any given moment. Since Wei Ying knows him better Lan Wangji decides to keep an eye on him too.
Tension grows even more in the air. Luo Qingyang rocks Shufen in her arms and it would be better if she left but Shufen's presence is possibly the only thing that keeps some people from turning to violence now. Lan Wangji wants this to be over, wants all their visitors gone from their home. When this is finally over he will curl under blankets with Wei Ying and children, and spend the rest of the day with his family in quiet and peace. Or they might play a duet for children, guqin and dizi intertwining in sweet melodies Shufen finds absolutely delightful and Sizhui listens with diligence, often asking about one composition or other to study later.
For now his attention returns to watching their uninvited guests. Jiang Wanyin's patience runs lower as he waits for the answer. Nie Huaisang fans himself and appears as if he doesn't want to be here. Jin Zixuan stands to the side, stiff and solemn, but there is a desperate note in his eyes that says that he is not comfortable with where this whole situation is going. Finally Xichen is carefully closed, but for Lan Wangji it is clear that he is suspicious of Wei Ying, and Lan Wangji doesn't like it.
It is also obvious that Wei Ying doesn't know how to answer. Lan Wangji doesn't understand the reason for keeping a secret of golden core transfer when Jiang Wanyin doesn't care about Wei Ying's feelings and acts rudely like he was brought up by forest animals. But this is not his secret to reveal, so he will stand by Wei Ying and support him no matter what he decides.
He doesn't have to decide, though, because his dilemma is solved by the interference from outside.
"She is not for she has never been here," a cold voice declares and Wen Qing strides into the hall, her steps sure and measured. Wen Ning trails after her, trying to hide his nervousness behind a fierce exterior.
"What do you mean, Wen-guniang?" Xichen asks carefully, his tone polite, but his words are devoid of his usual delicacy.
"What did you not understand in my words, Lan-zongzhu?" she answers with a question of her own. "I will repeat it for you. Baoshan Sanren has never lived here".
Jiang Wanyin is stricken speechless for a moment. But that is not the most important. Lan Wangji is more concerned about Wei Ying's state now.
"Wen Qing," Wei Ying warns quietly.
Yet, Wen Qing's words have already caused damage. Jiang Wanyin is ready to explode, Zidian cracking on his finger. Wen Qing looks him in the eyes, unflinching and stoic like a statue. Wen Ning at her side is ready to come between them at any moment if Jiang Wanyin as much as moves a finger in her direction.
"There is no way to restore a melted golden core," Wen Qing continues. Wei Ying sighs heavily and leans into Lan Wangji's touch. They both know where this is going and his husband is seeking comfort Lan Wangji is happy to provide. "I should know that as Wen Ruohan wanted to be certain that his perfect weapon is really perfect," strong cadence of Wen Qing's voice echoes through the hall. She is not the one for dramatics, but she can be intimidating at times. "There is, however," she continues, and Nie Huaisang leans forward as if he wishes to literally catch the words that will come out of her mouth next, "a way to transplant a core".
Silence overtakes the hall, heavy and deafening. Even Lan Wangji, who has already known this, is shaken by the power behind Wen Qing's words. He sees the moment understanding downs on all four sect representatives, most of all on Jiang Wanyin. He chokes out a few unidentifiable syllables, shaking his head furiously, as if this might erase the truth Wen Qing finally told him.
"This can't be…"
Wen Qing huffs, unamused.
"There was no Baoshan Sanren on this mountain that day. Only me, a-Ning and Wei Wuxian," Lan Wangji listens carefully because this is the first time he hears any details. All three participants of that surgery are understandably not very keen on recalling it. "Three times I asked you what your name is and three times you answered me that you are Wei Ying, Wei Wuxian, the son of Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren".
A broken, wretched sob rushes out of Jiang Wanyin's throat and Lan Wangji almost pities him for finding out like this. Almost, because Jiang Wanyin was horrible to Wei Ying, so he deserves to be brought closer to the ground. Instead of saying something he squeezes Wei Ying's shoulder and clutches his sword, ready to protect his husband if the need arises.