Chapter Text
Rarely did he think he would be glad for a festival. Wei Wuxian had persuaded many of the juniors to go down - just for the day he had been told, and with many of the seniors to act as safe eyes over the troublemaker. He couldn’t even say that people were giving him too easy a time, with many going hating the Yiling Patriarch even more than he himself did. Wangji might still refuse punishment for Wei Wuxian, but perhaps that wouldn’t be a problem going forward. This plan had kept the elders taking matters into their own hands any time Wangji left - and he had no wish to see what Wangji might do if his nephew came back to find Wei Wuxian harmed or dead. Gusu Lan would lose Wangji for good.
The book he was referring to felt heavy in his hand, for the lives it had affected. One of the forbidden books that everyone thought burnt. An elder had hidden it - many of their ancient books had been hidden with the elders, under floors or in sleeves - and this one had been found once they were sorted. A book he hadn’t seen since his brother had used this exact ritual to…his sister in law’s ruin. Luckily, he had read it and knew the flaws, and had already dealt with what his brother had forgotten: willingness.
He put his tea cup down, nodding his acquiesce to the fact Wei Wuxian made rather good tea. It would be easy to assume the man was evil and talentless to his bones, it would make everything simpler. But Wei Wuxian may be unorthodox (the kindest thing he could say) and truly chaos incarnate with an unfailing disdain for rules, authority and the right ways of doing things, but he was far from talentless. His talismans, some of the battle music he played, and even the wordplay he used (mostly against either himself, or sect leaders who he had to admit did deserve to be tripped with their own words). He finished it, the best compliment he could force himself.
“I asked you here for a question, Wei Wuxian.” he looked up from his cup, to the man trying to sit still and failing miserably. His words at least made the man's posture straighten into something approaching proper. A mere nod, and he was almost amused by the focused gaze. Too late, far too late, but a good sign perhaps. “As Wangji has made it clear you are going to be permanently in his life, and staying here, then I want to find out, what are your plans? Will you continue to break rules, make Wangji clear up your messes? You are no fool; Wangji has bled and sacrificed for you. What will you give up for him? Your rule breaking ways? Your wanderlust? What if he was attacked, would you give up your core, your life for him?”
Perhaps he was being obvious, and likely being too blunt. Luckily he was known for it, and he had said far worse things - Xichen himself had remarked that. If Wei Wuxian gave a flippant answer, then clearly he had his answer. But no immediate answer came and he stared at Wei Wuxian. The man was going from flushed to deathly pale, his mouth opening and closing a few times. He had silenced the man, who still stared at him, eyes almost falling out his head. It took almost a minute before Wei Wuxian appeared to be able to speak. “I…” a deep swallow and Wei Wuxian closed his eyes, before focusing a serious look to match his own. “Anything. My heart, body and soul belongs to him, whatever he asked, whatever he needed I would give to him, without hesitation.” he merely indicated for the young man to refill his tea, a very slight smile on his lips. This was exactly what he needed.
That had been a month previously, and many quiet night hunts had been arranged to get what was required for this ancient ritual. Xichen didn’t know, nor did Wangji. At least many of the Elders had helped, else this would not have been possible. All of them, he knew, were eagerly awaiting the result with an unbecoming glee, almost breaking the rules. Not that he couldn’t understand. Like the whipping, this might just cost him dearly with the only just recovering bond of his nephew, but that would be worth that outcome. And perhaps, it might also help the relationship? As cold as he acted, he missed his youngest nephew's trust and respect. But he was distracting himself from the array. Dangerous. Personal feelings about Wei Wuxian aside, Wangji would be devastated to lose the heretic again.
He finished just in time, hearing Wei Wuxian returning as he slipped away. It sounded like he was with Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui. Despicable man, it almost made him turn around, to hear him corrupting children. That he had saved their life (by their own reports) was clearly just his tricks affecting the two of them. But he wouldn’t say anything this time. After all, he wasn’t supposed to be here (he was willfully ignoring the many other reports confirming Wei Wuxian had protected them). Wangji was still away, dealing with some sects having invited him to sort out their childish squabbles - not that he would ever say that aloud. It was why they had chosen now. There was no chance Wangji wouldn’t notice, with his high spiritual power. Wei Wuxian cultivating the dark path and apparently barely having or using a core was all that made this work.
Passing by an elder on the way back he gave a small nod they would understand, and put the spiritual energy needed for the array to work. But he had a good feeling; something felt settled inside him. Within a week, Wei Wuxian would be the perfect spouse his nephew wanted and deserved, stripped of anything that hurt Wangji. It would take longer, he was sure, for the general public to accept, but Gusu Lan would support the newly happy couple - after all, Wagnji had always struggled with Wei Wuxian’s exuberance and pranking nature. Wangji was raised wanting and expecting a spouse to be smart, polite, skilled and abiding by the rules of Cloud Recesses. Such a hellion was unexpected but this would work. Intelligence and physical attraction (as he hated to admit there was) would be preserved, he was sure. Yes. This would all work out nicely.
The next morning he took breakfast in peace, a lightness in his heart, even if the shadow of his sister in law and Cangse Sanren seemed to be hovering just out of sight. He was using what had broken one, to remove the traits from the other (if Wei Wuxian was just like Wei Changze he would have been perfect), and he felt their spirits knew that. Not that resentful spirits could even get inside the Cloud Recesses after those wards he had arranged to have, ones shockingly Wei Wuxian had helped with - there must be a trap, but Wei Wuxian truly hadn’t used demonic cultivation within the Cloud Recesses. Even the Ghost General didnt come on the land - even if Sizhui seemed to find endless reasons to go out and see the man who he refused to class as part of Sizhui’s family. Sizhui was a Lan. nothing more and less - his ancestors surely would prefer that to the boy being killed by some foolish cultivator.
It wasn’t until nearly lunch before the first flickers started to be heard. Gossip might be forbidden but facts spread - unfortunate but necessary (the disciples had to learn to write better night hunt reports, and surely discussions between themselves was helpful? And how else would the servants and so do their job?). As long as there wasn't any speculation he could accept it. A knock, before a senior disciple stepped inside his office. "Xiansheng, Lan Sizhui has requested a healer for the Yiling Laozu." Likely not a request, but at least the healers were obedient enough to the clan to have sent the disciple. He opened his mouth to reply, the words stolen before he could speak them.
An energy wave had rushed through the air, straight through his chest. Barely three heartbeats later it was back, hitting from behind, leaving behind a strange hollowness, an exhaustion in his core not dissimilar to after a long inquiry or cleansing session. "Xiansheng?" The senior disciple had leaned against the door for a moment - an appalling lack of posture but the punishment for that could wait. "Did you feel that too?" Well perhaps punishment could be forgiven this once, if he'd felt the same.
"I am fine, check on the others." he waved a hand and the disciple vanished, at least remembering not to run. Yes, clearly a momentary lapse.
The disciples were gathering, looking to the elders who were grave and clearly confused too. "Xiansheng, it appears something is happening around the Jingshi. There's a barrier of spiritual energy." He took a long breath in. Perhaps it had gone further than he had envisioned? What could need so much energy? Could perhaps Wangji have always wished Wei Wuxian was a woman? It would certainly be easier. And could lead to grandchildren - of his blood this time. This was better than he imagined.
"There is nothing to be worried about. This is part of an array the elders and I set up. It will make sure the Yiling Laozu is purified from ever using resentful energy, from harming anyone here again." The disciples had silenced from the first word he spoke, eyes widening. Though to his surprise only the older disciples showed any sign of pleasure at his words. Were the children so naive as to not have worried? Though, even in the older group he could see Sizhui, an uncharacteristically dark look in the boy's eyes. If he didn't know better, he would say he was being glared at. Well his grand-nephew would understand when he was older, the lack of comment now clearly showed he respected the rules and actions at least.
That his eldest nephew summoned him from his seclusion was unexpected. Could he have felt the spiritual wave? They could have dinner together - his afternoon spent settling the juniors and some seniors (he had corrupted so many!) who were coming to him and other elders with their concern over the heathen's health. Had they not noticed the wave was spiritual energy, not resentful energy? It couldn't actually hurt anyone. Well with their battle songs perhaps that was in question. And their spiritual songs to vanquish evil and resentful energy could cause hurt as almost a side effect. The Yiling Patriarch could class as evil. Nevertheless, this would be a trivial, passing pain.
He and Xichen had taken tea, his nephew pouring for him, and he had taken the chance to check the man over. Xichen was thin, and painfully pale. The undyed robes made him swallow; this was what his brother had looked like. No, Xichen would not waste away and die in seclusion. A few years maybe, to establish where Xichen had gone wrong (he had tried to look through himself but no rules he could find fit. Maybe ‘do not befriend evil’ but none of them could have known Jin Guangyao was evil; he was so polite and gentle). Clearly his lack of finding the rule was due to the time constraints. Xichen would be able to answer if he asked.
"Shufu. I heard you and the elders had set up an array around We…the Jingshi." Xichen's voice was paper thin, and dusty. Clearly he had been keeping to the isolation of seclusion.
"We have. No fear, Wangji will not be hurt by it."
"It wasn't Wangji I was worried about. He isn't even in the Cloud Recesses is he?" How did Xichen know that? Did the disciples need a reminder what seclusion meant? Perhaps Wangji had told Xichen, making use of being above punishment. That hellion had corrupted Wangji so much.
"He is not. He is assisting the Ouyang and Yao sects with some issues they are having with the Liu sect."
"I see." Xichen refilled his cup.
"What is the array meant to do, if it's been done in secret and around my brother's house but won't hurt him?" Something prickled down his spine. Xichen was speaking to him like he was a stranger.
"Xichen." His tone was sharp. How dare this child be so unfilial? Was this evidence perhaps the rot had gotten into more than he thought?
"I may not particularly like Wei Wuxian, but you know if something happens to Wei Wuxian Wangji will be hurt. So, what will the array do?" Xichen remained even toned, his tired eyes sharp.
"Since Wangji wishes no harm to Wei Wuxian, the hellion will come to no harm, and I expect Wangji will be irritated for a short while but he will be happier in the end." He had no reason not to tell Xichen, perhaps it bring some quiet back to his eldest nephew's soul.
"I have seen reports of such an array, and who it was last used. Either you have remarkable faith in Wei Wuxian, or you don't mind breaking him for the clan, and claiming its for Wangji." Xichen said lightly.
He snorted. "If he breaks it will just confirm he was never worthy of Wangji." Not that the hellion actually was, whatever happened, but the principle stood.
Xichen put his cup down and folded his hands. He knew this look, but never directed at himself. "You know Wei Wuxian would be the first to agree and defend you on that. He takes the mistreatment we, the cultivation world, dishes out as if it's his due. Even if in truth, while he was at fault for part of it, much of it was not within his control or more simply the fault of others."
"Xichen!" He looked at his nephew aghast. How could Xichen defend that menace!
"Shufu, you were not at the temple, where I was told secrets that I shouldn't have heard that mostly exonerated Wei Wuxian. Secrets he preferred to die than reveal. While I can still dislike him for what happened to Wangji - something Wei Wuxian and I agree on - I understand it was not so black and white as we may assume. Everyone made mistakes. However, we punished him for his and ours, and took his achievements and celebrated our great victory, and great ignorance. He defended from us but never started a fight. We always were the aggressors. You do remember Sizhui was at the burial mounds we burnt down with his elderly family? That when we stormed the burial mounds he was the only one younger than you. Now it seems our clan is punishing him again. This time for being human. Is that fair or righteous?"
Xichen didn't even baulk at his frown. "Clearly seclusion is clouding your judgement. He might have saved the old who were being mistreated, but the abomination he raised in his Ghost General, the deaths of his sister and brother in law, of those at nightless city? Do they mean nothing? And his demonic cultivation. There can not be any sort of defence of that. Never." He ignored the voice whispering he was shouting - Wei Wuxian always forced him into raising his voice. The hellion had since the days of his schooling - he should have done more, beaten the darkness out of the boy before it infected his nephews. Thirty three lashes should have been on wei Wuxian's back, not Wangji's
"Demonic cultivation?" Xichen gave a bitter laugh. "His ghost path - a separation I agree with since he mostly uses what's ambient, he had never killed to make puppets nor raised monsters, which was something both Jin Guangshan and Wen Rouhan, and cohorts did without us commenting for decades - was the thing he chose least of all." Xichen took a deep breath, hand raised. He barely controlled himself but respected the request for a moment. "His core was removed and he was thrown in the Burial mounds as a teenager. Right after his clan fell and he was blamed for it - blamed for fighting the Xuanyu, for saving Wangji as well as our disciples, and the other sect heirs and disciples. Right after zidian scored countless marks into his back, after those supposed to be family wished him dead and charged him with their lives."
He barely heard the end of that, a low buzzing in his ears. "Impossible." He couldn't feel the anger or scorn Wei Wuxian always brought out in him.
"Jiang-zongzhu and A…Jin Guangyao confirmed it in the temple. Those Wens he saved helped them, he was repaying the life debt he and Jiang-zongzhu owed. And he died keeping the secrets that would destroy his family. And as for his sister and Nightless City - how many of the dead had sword marks? His sister was stabbed. While he most of all would wish to make any amends he can for the deaths at his feet, those were at his feet as much as mothers or Mingjues!" Xichen was breathing hard, his voice uncharacteristically loud and harsh. "Wangji will return soon. I hope he has a husband to return to. Clearly I have been in seclusion too long if my flawed judgement is fairer than those outside. If you will excuse me, Shufu."
Summarily dismissed, he still had no clue how he had left or gotten back to his house. If even part of what Xichen had nearly screamed was true, then….
"I dare to ask what is black? What is white?" His nephew's unrepentant gaze, broken with grief but no regret for defending the dying demonic cultivator, had kept his eye.
The man after the whipping was no less unrepentant, broken and mourning, and angry at the clan who judged him and he judged back.
He had been so sure he was right and justified. If Wangji had been defending someone not made insane by power, was he defending someone maligned and traumatised, his sanity eroded by the resentful energy with no golden core to protect him, no way back to righteous cultivation and no way to admit that without harming his family more….?
Impossible. He hoped.
He had forgotten the Jiang sect Motto.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He had arrived back in the middle of the next day, eyes wild and spiritual energy spiking. Seeing XiongZhang in formal robes had done nothing to calm his racing heart. The letter from his own son had said an array set by the elders had trapped Wei Ying. "XiongZhang." He greeted. If XiongZhang was out of seclusion did it mean….his heart felt like it was already starting to break.
"Wangji." XiongZhang sounded so exhausted. "As far as any of us are aware he is fine. I don't believe the goal was harm…" he nodded, but the words were far too few and weak to calm him. "None of us can go in yet, and…well…breaking the array wouldn't be wise. It was the one used on our mother." Ice flooded his veins at those words. "Wei Wuxian is strong and he swore never to hurt you."
"But should he accept the place I promised he'd be safe in hurting him?" He shot back. XiongZhang took a breath in.
"No, but I hope you still stay, to help me make it that way. I…spoke to Shufu and i think in my distemper and dismay I may have said more than I meant to. Abou5 Wei Wuxian …about the things only spoke aloud in the temple or conjecture so obvious that we missed at the time." XiongZhang bowed, clearly awaiting judgement.
"Why?" He had to ask, though he was unsurprised. XiongZhang always did say more than was needed.
"I wished him to…realise what I realised. Not just about what we all were complicit in. But what I realised in seclusion. There is a cycle of hurting others and keeping secrets. A cycle we all need to break."
He sighed deeply, looking towards the jingshi. "I agree." If they had all been honest and open from the start, from the heady days of teenhood, so many things would be different and perhaps better. "Wei Ying is the one harmed, he is the one who should decide if there's a punishment." He added.
"He wouldn't, Wangji. He expects to be punished, he won't punish others." Sadly that was true, and explained why they were perfect for each other. "Discuss it with him once he's free of that, and for the elders involved. Until then, will you be by the Jingshi?" XiongZhang knew him well so he merely nodded.
The barrier was strong, spiritual energy swirling agitatedly. Not good, but he didn’t know if it was safe to try any music on it? Perhaps not, but their song wasn't a spiritual song, not in the traditional way. Wei Ying needed to know he wasn't alone, not any more. If he vowed to himself not to physically leave his love alone? No one else needed to hear. Additionally, his vow extended as he got to the second repetition of their song, if this broke dear Wei Ying…well, either he would leave forever or blood would spill. He had lost his beloved once, and it had nearly destroyed him. And he had no child that required his dedicated care. Sizhui now might even help him? Or escape with Wen Qionglin? That might be for the best. The younger disciples should be spared, but how to not turn them to vengeance? His own death would only allow them to say what they wished about him and blame Wei Ying. There was a simple answer. Everyone here should pray Wei Ying survived.
"A-Die?" He heard the soft voice and nodded in greeting
"Sizhui." He chanced a glance at his son (he hardly needed full focus for this outpouring of his soul). Sizhui looked wrecked, face almost bloodless, with red rimmed, burning eyes.
"Jingyi is distracting anyone who might look for me, I had to be here." Understandable. Perhaps he should overlook the next few small rule breaks the boy did? It was perhaps unfair, but Lan Jingyi was righteous, just loud while he did it. Just like Wei Ying. Perhaps that was why he'd had a soft spot for the young man?
"Sit." He nodded beside him, continuing to play. Sizhui had lost his clinginess - to his regret, because there had been no legs to cling to. His fault, for accepting the whipping. So he treasured the moment Sizhui…A-Yuan asked for attention. He would never deny the young man again.
"Will Baba be okay?" Sizhui asked softly, eyes on the barrier as if bad news would be accepted easier by not facing it. A habit of their clan, clearly. Always averting eyes, especially if the truth was in any way inconvenient or hard to face.
"I believe so. The array…it is an ancient Gusu Lan one, it will…" He took a breath in, and paused to find the right words.
"Ancient as in like the Book of Turmoil?" Sizhui guessed after a minute of silence.
"Yes. But arrays, not music.” he couldn’t put it off, not with the steady gaze from the son of his heart. “It…remakes the one inside to how another wishes them to be, in this case I believe it will be what I wish of Wei Ying, my deepest desires remaking him into perfect for me." At least it was what his uncle wanted for Wei Ying. With how…intense many of his deepest desires were, he wasn’t sure what would happen. "It has high risks, remaking is not kind, painless or easy on the mind." And it was his own desires that were hurting Wei Ying. His own weakness for not accepting Wei Ying as the man was
Sizhui's eyes flashed. "They did this? To what? Change Baba to be less than he is?" Fire burnt in those young eyes.
"What I wish of Wei Ying is not to be lesser. Though my regrets might have an impact. I always…wished I had never let Wei Ying down, and that he wasn’t marked and lost by it. But Wei Ying I love as Wei Ying. He will be similar. Less would change than for anyone else but perhaps you." Words were still sticking in his throat. Did he believe them? He had to. "He will be fine, that is my dearest wish. And Wei Ying is strong," is used to this, he didn't say. But that was true. The Jiang's, the Burial mounds, the war, the siege. Wei Ying always came back stronger, even if missing parts of himself. "I will be here until this stops, do you want to stay too?" He asked softly and Sizhui nodded quickly.
"You wouldn't be able to send me away." He smiled softly at the brave thunder in his son's voice.
Their vigil lasted two full days, but they didn’t have to watch alone. Lan Jingyi had joined them barely a few hours after they had settled down. Ouyang Zizhen joined them before the end of the day. Both were passionately defensive when the elders tried to clear them all away. Their support helped Sizhui, as did a missive from Jin Rulan demanding to be summoned when Wei Ying appeared. Not if, but whe. No surprises, Jin Rulan had a sect to run, a sect which was so rotten even the gold couldn't hide it. If he left, it might cost his life. And Wei Ying would be sad about it. Or else have to get involved, and then people would curse him again. Nie-zongzhu had sent a healer - how he knew was a curiosity he didn't feel like looking at now - who had not tried to get him to leave, unlike his own sect's healers. They had been sent after the first night, with soft then firm words about his depleted spiritual levels (when he wasn’t using his spiritual energy for anything beyond inedia) and that he needed to rest to handle the stress. He had ignored them completely. Nie-daifu had merely scolded him for his injured finger tips and used her own spiritual energy to heal them before leaving to apparently speak to a skilled healer just outside the sect (he got the sense was Wen Qionglin). She seemed merely here to see the young man. He approved. XiongZhang had visited often, with food, drink and supplies to allow them to stay.
The first sign of change was a strange fluctuation of the barrier, a retreat as if it was being dragged into the house as willingly as Wei Ying was out of bed in the morning. He noticed Jingyi sent off a covert butterfly - did Jin Rulan deserve to be around Wei Ying? No but Wei Ying loved his prickly nephew. And at least the young man was trying to make up for his misdeeds. Unlike others. He stepped forward at each pace the barrier revealed, ahead of his 'ducklings'. The time this had taken gave him hope that he wouldn't face a corpse or broken shell inside. After all, his beloved mother had emerged after a shichen, broken inside.
Finally he could get inside the Jingshi, rushing to the figure laying on their bed. The first thing he checked was Wei Ying’s wrist, relieved when a pulse beat under his finger tips. And…his breath caught in his chest, a familiar thrum of spiritual energy meeting him, strong and heady with its presence. Impossible, but beautifully sweet, and finally he could look at his love, gaze blurring as tears filled his eyes. The man laying on the bed was his Wei Ying, not Mo Xuanyu (as much as they both offered prayers to the boy who had sacrificed everything to bring Wei Ying back, he was not Wei Ying, and there was a spark missing). The robes though…red layered under Black, and frighteningly familiar. They were currently in a chest, ready to be presented to Wei Ying when He could convince his beloved to accept them. He knew it was soft embroidery in subtle patterns of clouds and mountains. The face was of his beloved first body, full and peaceful, as his core had never gone, as if they had lived together since they had met.
"What?" Lan Jingyi said, with the usual elegance.
"How he looked before he died, but whole." He had assumed Jin Rulan had told them of the revelations in the temple. By the wide eyes he was right.
"Xian-gege!" Sizhui rushed to hug the figure, sobbing.
"As I dreamed, never broken by the world or by others…" He whispered, hands running through Wei Yings dark locks. A ribbon held it back in the look the Yiling Laozu had worn. He liked that look, mature and dangerous. Wild and free unlike himself. And not the young replacement body and its ponytail.
"He's so handsome! And strong!" Ouyang Zizhen spoke, amazement colouring his voice. Appropriate. And Wei Ying appeared to agree, starting to stir.
His fears resurfaced, had the body repaired at the cost of Wei Ying's mind? He barely breathed as the silver eyes slowly opened "Too early!" The whine went straight to his heart. The haze in those silver eyes was familiar; he recognised it from the few times Wei Ying slept without nightmares. "Kiss?" The sweet husky voice asked. How could he deny his beloved that?
Groans greeted the press of his lips, and he almost smiled. The juniors were still unused to this. Wei Ying opened his eyes wider. "Ducklings?!" Wei Ying made to sit up, but between his hand and Sizhui's hugging he was pinned to the bed. It made him smile - to Wei Ying's blush. It was beautiful.
"You've been sleeping for two days!" Jingyi complained, as Wei Ying petted Sizhui's hair.
"It's okay A-Yuan, you're stuck with me. And jealous Jingyi?" The soothing and teasing soothed his worries - Wei Ying was still Wei Ying.
"I'll go and get Zewu-Jun." Ouyang Zizhen spoke, eyes glimmering - excitement or tears, he wasn't too sure.
"Ehhh, he'll come soon, I want all my children to stay with me. What if your parents come to steal you back?" Groans matched Wei Yings laughter after the shameless words.
"He will, he wishes to know what punishments should be given out. He…told Shufu what was revealed in the temple." Everyone in the room froze at his words.
"Good thing Jin Ling isn't here. He'd be raging." Ouyang Zizhen hissed.
"He will be soon." Jingyi spoke grimly.
"Ah, that will be fun to see, but you need to direct his anger. He's a sect leader, he can't just punch everyone who annoys him. Most of us would be bruised." Wei Ying spoke carefully. "A-Yuan, can you sit up a bit." Wei Ying helped adjust where Sizhui sobbed against him. "You don't have to stop, you've got a lot to cry for. And as much as I admire your restraint, Lan Zhan, it festers inside creating scars." He nodded his head; he couldn't argue that.
"You seem so calm." Jingyi complained.
"I've expected something like an attack for a while. And I don't appear too…"
Wei Ying had looked down at the blankets and robes, voice dying in a strangled yelp. Oh his Wei Ying was the same - focused on the children. Had he only noticed the changes? An impossibility Wei Ying was in the centre of again? But he could at least focus on the good news.
"Core." He added, placing fingers on Wei Ying's wrist.
"No…" Wei Ying's eyes filled with water.
"As if the world never broke you. As if I never let you down." His voice was hoarse. "Can spar together again." That earnt a laugh from his beloved.
"You always dreamt of rooftops. And libraries." And now it was his turn to blush, ears going pink. "Might take you some effort to pin me~"
"We're still here!" Jingyi yelped.
Sizhui laughed wetly before anyone (Wei Ying) could retort. "You haven't changed!"
"Wei Wuxian, It’s good to see you awake.” The voice from the doorway was welcomed - Wei Ying looking around them in his sharp eyed confusion - already starting to figure things out. No surprise, Wei Ying had been the smartest of their generation. Nie-zongzhu didn't count, he was more cunning.
"Zewu-Jun!" Wei Ying greeted, coolly. "Perhaps you should explain what happened?" He was almost surprised as his brother explained it, at just how Wei Ying had responded. Cool tone and a few sharp words - even the juniors had noticed. Normally Wei Ying was kind to a fault, terrified to put any strain on that familial bond only open here, to these people and viciously fought to protect. It was one of the things they had … could it be? He almost smiled. He couldn't wait to see Jiang-zongzhu's reaction if this was true.
"I see." Wei Ying smiled understandingly. He saw Xiongzhang's eyes widening. Clearly he had realised it was no longer a young Mo Xuanyu's body in front of him. "No need to worry Zewu-Jun, my wicked tricks are less needed and my anger less due to having a core back again. But I think you will be needed out of seclusion, to learn to judge better and rely on your judgement, and fulfil the righteousness you and your sect claim." Wei Ying had such a light sweet tone, but there was steel under. "And you can help arrange our marriage! Nie-zongzhu and Jin-zongzhu will be happy to help I'm sure. It can be an intersect thing? Nothing unies like war or marriage!" XiongZhang was paling a little, clearly seeing the practical punishment inside. Just like his Wei Ying.
"O…of course." XiongZhang sighed. "I had expected you to try to brush this off."
"I guess Lan Zhan got his wish for me to be a little less self sacrificing. Besides, you are not a child who needs coddling, nor does it help you." Even Wei Ying's shrug was more elegant. He could barely wait until it was just the two of them.
"And Shufu?" XiongZhang ruined his hopeful mood with two words. He didn't want to think of the man he had barely forgiven for last time. Or the time before that. Or the whipping.
"Lan Xiansheng and the other elders will have their own fair punishment. They'll see it as vengeance but I don't much care if they can't obey the rules they use against others." The juniors- eyes widened at that. Even he had to blink in shock.
"Well…they certainly won't expect it. I think the general view is…Wangji wants a quiet, polite and gentle partner. While he is…attracted to you the assumption is you are annoying. Such as when you were both teens." That brought the laugh he'd missed, his soul warming from the sound.
"Oh no, I'm far more annoying now! Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! Can I drape myself over you in front of them? I can't wait to see their expressions!" He couldn't help a smile, nodding. He would enjoy that.
"How are they even more shameless?" Jingyi hissed.
"A-die likes it." Sizhui laughed, back in control of himself.
"It's sweet…when we don't see it." Oyuang Zizhen spoke, flushing bright red and peeking through his fingers.
"Quite. Perhaps some time to get more…settled in yourself. Then you can join us for a meal later?" XiongZhang was right, and he let his arm move around Wei Ying shoulders.
"Bye Bye!” Wei Ying called to their retreating backs.
"Wei Ying?" He asked once it was quiet. Wei Ying had just leaned into him.
"I…just don't like this. Well I like having my body back, and my core! I can get to immortality with you. But what if this affects Jiang Cheng? And how will I do…things? I've not used spiritual energy in…a very long time." Wei Ying raised his face, eyes glistening wetly. "What did I do to deserve this? All the people I hurt and killed, and I get my body back? I'm so angry but I should be grateful for this gift." A pause then he heard a whisper "Lan Zhan, what if something goes wrong."
"Will protect you. Will get through any problems together. Wei Ying is good, deserves love and deserves to be happy." The words felt…too few and too simple. He hoped Wei Ying would understand anyway. And with the soft smile he got in return?
It gave him hope.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It wasn't until the next day they were bothered. And what a night it had been now he had his body back! He was still so sensitive, so overwhelmed by pleasure. And their games were only heightened by the golden power running through his medians. His body was strong and lithe could just move so much more than the one he had taken. And none of the wounds from Lotus Pier had come with him.
The push and pull of spiritual energy had kept them going all night (after all Lan Zhan had reminded him they had missed everydays) and soothed his aches so sweetly as the knock roused him from a pleasure-soaked slump. "The elders have called you for a meeting after breakfast. They asked you to present your partner." Not Jingyi or A-Yuan at the door then. The poor buns were probably being lectured. Or punished, and if the latter he'd be sure to make his displeasure known.
"Tell the elders we will be there within the next hour." Urgh, but he supposed it was for the best to sort it out now.
"Lan Zhaannnn." He drawled, as his love settled food on the table.
"Bath then eat, Wei Ying." Of course Lan Zhan had a bath ready. His love was such an overachiever.
"Eat Wei Ying sounds good to me." He grinned at the heated look he got in return. Could he convince Lan zhan to be late?
"Wei Ying will be eating without chilli oil at this rate if he can't get clean before I've finished." Came the soft reply and he squawked.
"Cruel! Merciless husband!" He grinned through, pulling himself up to slip in the steaming water. And with no privacy screen he could even watch Lan Zhan while he soaked. "Feed me?" He tried his best Bunny eyes. And with a huff he got indulged.
"Is the food nicer than normal? It tastes of something besides lost hopes and misery."
"No talking while eating." Lan Zhan scolded, with a warm look in those golden eyes that had been a comfort even as his body had…the memories were fading but he had felt his body change. Well not the worst thing he had felt…by a long shot. "The food is normal. Perhaps Wei Ying now has taste again?" He gave an annoyed noise at that, muffled by another chopstick of vegetables pushed between his lips. That was cheating! But it did remind him.
"I need to look at that array, it's rather a powerful one." He managed to say before another mouthful of food stopped him. Lan Zhan was too cheeky.
"I'm sure XiongZhang will arrange that before he destroys it, if you behave." Mollified, he obediently finished eating.
That wasn't to say his anger had calmed. The reminder of Zewu-Jun had only turned it towards the meeting again. Saying what he had thought was…he didn't know if it was a choice so much as he didn't see the reason not to. It was tempting to say the array was to blame, but part of him questioned it. Creating a core was one thing, but changing someone's personality was quite different. Perhaps it was the lack of the whispers of the dead, and the resentful energy in his meridians. He'd have to see if he could use them again? Or sense them again. He didn't want to lose that, really. Though, as he focused (letting Lan Zhan dry and start combing his hair) he could feel the connection to Wen Ning. Perhaps this could help him too? Something to think about.
"These?" He asked, roused from his thoughts when Lan Zhan started dressing him. "Lan Zhan!" He was sure those were the man's robes. What a possessive husband.
"They made you mine." That he couldn't argue with; he was still so pissed at being so violated by their spell, but if they believed it then they couldn't argue he was perfectly matched to Lan Zhan. Or more accurately, perfectly what Lan Zhan wanted. But he doubted the elders would care. After all, if people accepted simple facts then he would have never probably died. Wen Qing and Wen Ning would have never died with Granny and Uncle Four and the rest.
"Wei Ying? Do you dislike it?" Lan Zhan rubbed his cheek and oh, there was tears. He debated brushing it off, lying or deflecting but when he looked at those concerned golden eyes he just couldn't.
"I…they killed my family, in the burial mounds and even now it's been proved I was innocent of a lot of the things they said, they did this. I never asked them, I never even thought of it. They waited until you were gone and now…" He didn't think he regretted it. He didn't know, the whole thing felt sticky and heavy in his heart.
"You can be angry, Wei Ying, you can be hurt." Lan Zhan made the face that meant 'please give me a moment, I'm searching for the right words'. "Not being hurt after doesn't forgive actions. Could have lost you. Not forgiving for that." That made him smile.
"I know. I just…I shouldn't feel grateful they did this, but I do. But I also feel…" dirty and used, but with being linked to Lan Zhan he couldn't be, could he?
Lan Zhan quietly helped him dress in the six layers, fussing with how the fabric laid.
"You said to XiongZhang, that it's okay to focus on the friendship he had with Jin Guangyao, while acknowledging that the man did many many things wrong. You can be happy to have your core and body back, while angry people did this without your consent and to harm or change you."
"Ah my Lan Zhan, so wise." He praised, looking for the pink ears he treasured. "Jiang Cheng wouldn't agree."
"You did him wrong for the right reasons. The elders did right for the wrong reasons. Watchtowers were the same." He sighed.
"Aiya, so stubborn." But the smile on his lips was genuine.
A surprising number of disciples seemed to have found reasons to be around the grounds, especially between the Jingshi and the….wherever Lan Zhan was bringing him to. He couldn't resist bright smiles to them, even if there were so many confused and blank faces. Until they got outside the…huh, main reception hall.
"Wei-qianbei!" Jingyi spoke almost too loudly, clearly for the elegant figure in gold standing in their way. Well Jiang Cheng would find out about this quickly.
"Aiya, shouting is forbidden in the Cloud Recesses." He spoke with a mock serious tone.
"Sure this is him? He looks presentable." Well Jin Ling was particularly waspish this morning. "If this is another joke, and I spent all night flying…"
"Like I'd joke about that! And Sizhui can back me up." Jingyi huffed and folded his arms.
"Hmph. So are you Wei Wuxian?" Came the straight question.
He walked sedately up to Jin Ling. "You could call me Dajiu you know, brat?" He tugged on the tempting ponytail, to a delightful squawk of protest. "This is me after the war, mostly. There's a few improvements." He hugged his dear nephew, surprisingly without having to wrestle the brat into accepting love. "I need you to check Jiang Cheng, I need to know his core is safe and sound and there." He whispered
"Hmph!" Jin Ling detangled himself, eyes wide though.
"See!" Jingyi hissed.
"Wei Ying. Elders." He turned to his beloved and nodded.
"Well I need to freshen up since I've been dragged here." Jin Ling declared and turned to go.
"Hey!" Jingyi bowed then hurried after. They were such cute friends. Even if neither would admit that.
He allowed Lan Zhan to lead him in front of what appeared to be a whole elders council, as well as A-Yuan and Zewu-Jun. He still hadn't quite forgiven Zewu-Jun. It faded a little each time he helped the man sort though being foolish, and manipulated so thoroughly it was almost instinctual to defend the one who had harmed him most. Zewu-jun wasn't evil or stupid. It was worse; Zewu-Jun was just nice - compliment and insult included. Lan Qiren coughed politely for attention, looking slightly pale and drawn. Oh yes. Lan Qiren knew and had also been heavily involved in this whole debacle.
"Wangji," Lan Qiren spoke, eyes never moving from his form. Lan Qiren had always been focused on him, deciding he was a troublemaker and also the image of his parents before a word had been spoken. Was this the old man's nightmares come to life? Well, in his opinion, Lan Qiren had no one else to blame. He certainly hadn't demanded this.
"Perhaps you can introduce your companion?" Zewu-Jun asked, his usual genial smile in place. Hmph, the man was getting cheeky! Good! Lan Zhan too, he could just see the smirk in those golden eyes he drowned so sweetly in.
"Who else but Wei Ying?" He could kiss Lan Zhan, really. "My husband." Okay, swooning sounded good too.
The room was silent for a long moment, eyes on him. He could feel them studying him, trying to pick out the changes, and looking for the things they hoped for. And how tempting it was to trick them…
"The rules say not to lie, and even though it leaves open loopholes, I will adhere to it." He started, voice strong and steady. "I may have been a demonic cultivator, by necessity, never by choice, but even for me it took decimating and desecrating a clan before I tormented someone on a level as you did to me. 'Be righteous' is your motto: is it righteous to attack someone within your grounds who has broken no sensible rule, just to rewrite the world so it fits within your narrow view of it?"
He enjoyed the moment of shock that morphed into outrage. Reddening faces surrounded him. "I, who never started a fight since the war - and the few in this room who were in said war also started fights - merely defended myself or innocents, trusted in the elders of this clan to uphold fairness and compassion to someone who wanted peace. That you returned something truly precious is the only reason I am not intending to make this a public matter and request compensation. After all, I do not want to fight with family, for it doesn't matter who wins." He finished with his best smirk, the chorus of 'mmphs' explaining why he had managed to speak without interruption. His husband was so perfect.
A loud explosion of shouts and demands filled the room after the silencing spell was lifted at a slight look he gave his Lan Zhan. He let it wash over him, waiting for someone who actually had something interesting to say. He wasn't holding his breath.
"Wei Ying is Wei Ying. My husband as you insisted on. He was silenced for years. I have no wish to." Lan Zhan spoke firmly, not quite loud enough to silence everyone but enough to be heard. "Shouting is forbidden. Interrupting is forbidden." He intoned louder.
"Enough!" Lan Qiren finally spoke, irritated clearly, slamming a hand down. Ouch, he must have strong bones. "A public trial would be foolish, the array was hidden for a reason. And yes," He rounded in an elder who had been particularly critical. "I drew it as the book, and repeatedly checked it. If I remember correctly, no one else wanted to do that part."
"The array worked. I am as Lan Zhan wished me to be. I am still me. After all, we share love not lust; he accepts me for me." He said as the elders quietened down. "Isn't that what love should be? As your own history confirmed?
"And what gift is making you so magnanimous as to avoid a trial?" Finally someone spoke something actually sensible.
"That is a family matter. A private matter." He added. "If the clan needs to know I will share. I will leave that up to my husband, brother in law and uncle in law to judge " Or the smart ones could figure it out from the sadly obvious evidence of his future core usage. Ah, well he couldn't hide it. He might even get Suibian back! That was enough to make him put up with this.
"No." Lan Zhan said predictably. He loved his husband so much.
"While it might be pertinent, it certainly isn't something we can demand, especially with the others involved." Zewu-Jun (he should probably call him Lan Xichen after declaring their familial link? Maybe).
Eyes turned to Lan Qiren, and it almost felt as if the very walls were holding their breath. Lan Qiren was stroking that ridiculous beard, but that was a good sign. Lan Qiren tended to ask questions after shouting, especially when it came to him.
"I have a few simple questions before I decide. You didn't use any resentful energy?" Lan Qiren finally said.
"No, it can't be used here. Only spiritual." He almost managed to sound respectful.
"And will you swear a Vow to return to the orthodox pathway?"
"If you class talismans as orthodoxy then yes. But any I want to teach others I will present to yourselves to check first. I guess the Cloud Recesses have cured the damage from the war and before." He added. He could continue fighting, in fact, but even Lan Qiren had…well not repented but come here with an attempt at being conciliatory and fair. The old goat hadn't shared what had all but been confirmed with his own words. He wanted some peace, finally. Too many had died from fighting.
Lan Qiren sighed deeply. "Is it true that before the war you were thrown in the Burial Mounds, by Wen Chao and Wen Zhulio?" That got some mutters and gasping looks.
"Yes. After Lotus Pier and after Wen Qing and Wen Ning saved me and Jiang-zongzhu. It's why I missed the start of the war. And why I knew people could…well survive though by no means thrive there, when I had elderly people I'd just liberated from a torture camp." Lan Xichen winced but didn't interrupt or try to defend himself.
"Then I see no reason to go any further in questioning." The old goat…Lan Qiren stood and bowed (BOWED!) to him. "I have always treated you as a menace and corrupt child. That was my mistake; you are clearly a mature if traumatised man who if not achieved, tried to do the right thing."
He had to grip Lan Zhan's arm, to stop any reactions they would regret to that last bit. Even Lan Xichen looked surprised, and the elders were staring in aghast and…approving glances to Lan Qiren? Though for him that had been as pleasant as a smile from Lan Zhan…or Wen Qing. He did surround himself with people who struggled to show anything positive. Shijie, the juniors (not Jin Ling) and Wen Ning (before the whole fierce corpse thing), and he supposed Lan Xichen were the only exceptions. Well he could work with this and he bowed back deeply. Punishment could wait for another day.
Maybe this time he could have a family.