Chapter Text
It should have been a normal day. Jin Guangyao had been coming to the Unclean Realm to play Cleansing for Nie Mingjue for many months now. It had been surprisingly easy to convince Lan Xichen to allow him to do this. Jin Guangyao had expected more opposition as Cleansing was a sacred technique of the Lan and should not be shared with outsiders.
Instead, Lan Xichen had been delighted at his offer to take over the treatment of Nie Mingjue and instantly agreed to teach him the piece. Lan Xichen himself was so often tied up with the rebuilding of Cloud Recesses that he couldn't visit as often as he would like so this seemed like the perfect solution to him.
Lan Xichen had made things so easy for him. It was Lan Xichen who had convinced Nie Mingjue that this was the best course of action to quiet his disordered qi. That Cleansing had the power to suppress hostile energy and clear the mind.
Nie Mingjue's mind is not clear, although that is probably because Jin Guangyao is not actually playing Cleansing. He has changed it. Corrupted it with a passage from a song he found in the Collection Of Turmoil. This song does not calm. On the contrary, this song's intention is to disturb and agitate. But it is taking a very long time to work it's evil magic. That was deliberate of course. Killing Nie Mingjue with just seven notes would be fun but much too obvious. It had to seem completely natural when Nie Mingjue went into a fatal qi deviation.
Jin Guangyao sometimes wished he could speed up the timeline, especially on days like this one when Nie Mingjue was particularly dismissive of him. Wished that he could put all his spiritual energy into one final push that would force a final showdown between them. But that was impossible. Better to savour the knowledge of how this would end.
All Jin Guangyao would need was one last moment before Nie Mingjue lost his mind completely. One moment to tell Nie Mingjue what Jin Guangyao had done to him. Just a single moment so that Nie Mingjue would die knowing that it was Jin Guangyao who had brought him to this inglorious end.
It made him smile just thinking of that moment. It made him careless. He pushed just a little too much spiritual energy into his playing; just a very little bit more than usual. Not enough to cause obvious damage but enough to make Nie Mingjue clutch at his chest and cough up a little blood. Enough to hurt.
***
Lan Xichen couldn't keep the smile from his lips. His idea was perfect. He was so sure it would work to everyone's benefit, helping two of the people for whom he cared the most – Nie Mingjue and Lan Wangji.
Three years had passed since the dreadful day Wangji was so terribly punished. Lan Xichen had tried to insist that seclusion only would be enough, but Shufu and the Elders had been adamant. Hanguang-Jun must be an example to any disciple who fell to evil. Lan Wangji had taken a wrong path and had defied their authority so he must be severely punished. It would be bad, but he would recover and when he did he would come back to them. He would know that they had done what needed to be done to save him from immorality and he would be grateful.
Wangji was not grateful. He was angry and bitter. The first thing he had done when he left seclusion was to fly to the place Wei Wuxian had died to look for any remnant of him. There was nothing there of course, not even bones. Since his return he had barely spoken to Shufu. In fact, the only Lan he willingly spent time with was little Lan Yuan, the child he had brought to Cloud Recesses and claimed as his own. It was that child who had been the catalyst for Lan Xichen's current journey to the Unclean Realm.
There had been an incident. Apparently, Lan Yuan and Lan Bao, the son of a distant cousin, had been caught talking too loudly and running by an Elder. He had chosen to punish them himself and was dragging them to the punishment pavilion where he intended to beat them. Wangji had stopped him. While it was not usual for an elder to act in that way, it was still his right to do so and as Wangji was no longer in charge of discipline he should not have interfered.
The children had misbehaved and deserved punishment. Wangji did not care. He refused to allow his child, or any child, to be punished simply for acting like a child. Lan Xichen had tried to reason with him but Wangji had refused to listen. Instead, he had taken each boy by the hand and led them off to who knows where. Probably to play with his illicit bunnies.
Lan Xichen had soothed the Elder's ruffled feathers and promised to deal with the situation. The problem he now had was how to fix things. The Lan Sect counted on the compliance of its disciples. If Wangji refused to allow the punishment of others, or to be punished himself, what could be done?
That was when Lan Xichen had his big idea. Clearly, Wangji needed time away from Cloud Recesses. Time to acclimate to living back in the world. At the same time, Nie Mingjue needed regular playing of Cleansing. While Jin Guangyao had made the offer to play for him, it was an imposition on his time that he could ill afford. It only made sense that Wangji, who did have the time and was the most accomplished at the guqin, should take over this duty.
Lan Xichen would suggest that Lan Wangji come to stay at the Unclean Realm while Nie Mingjue was in need of him. Wangji would agree since he had always respected Nie Mingjue and would want to help him. It was the perfect solution for all of them and he had rushed straight to the Unclean Realm to share his idea. He hadn't even stopped to let them know he was coming. It would be a happy surprise for Nie Mingjue and also for Jin Guangyao who would be relieved at not having to make the trip anymore.
Nie Huaisang met him in the reception hall with a smile and a bow. “Er-ge, welcome. Da-ge didn't tell me you were coming.”
“He does not know. It's a surprise. I have something I want to share with him. An idea on how to help him.”
“Oh, well, San-ge is here now playing for him so I'm keeping out of the way.”
“I'm sure A-Yao wouldn't mind if you wanted to be there.”
“Really? He told me he needed privacy so that there would be no distractions.”
“Oh, well, everyone is different. If Da-ge agrees, then we might not need to trouble A-Yao any further.”
“Well, I have been wondering. Cleansing doesn't seem to work as well as it used to. Da-ge's temper just keeps getting worse.”
“That can't be right. Cleansing is the most powerful music the Lan have. It should be enough to keep him calm between sessions. You said A-Yao was playing now?” At Nie Huaisang's nod Lan Xichen continued. “Take me to him. I'll listen in to see if there are any problems.”
“Okay. There's a servant's passageway just behind the wall of the study. If we stand there we can hear without distracting San-ge. Come, I'll show you where it is.”
***
Lan Xichen's body bowed forward in agony as the music sank into his very bones. Nie Huaisang was frantic. What was happening? “Er-ge! What's wrong? What can I do?”
Lan Xichen was trembling, spitting blood. He leaned a hand against the wall. “Stop him. You have to stop him. Not Cleansing. That's not Cleansing. I don't know...stop him!”
Nie Huaisang panicked. He pushed open the hidden door separating the passage from his brother's study and pulled Lan Xichen through. “Da-ge! Help!”
Nie Mingjue pulled out of his trance-like state in alarm. Lan Xichen lurched forward, drawing Shuoyue and swinging wildly at Jin Guangyao. Nie Huaisang tried to pull him back but Lan Xichen swatted him aside like a fly, all the time shouting desperately at Jin Guangyao. “Stop! That's...what are you playing? Stop!”
Jin Guangyao jumped to his feet, raising the guqin to defend himself. Shuoyue shattered it. He used his arms instead but they were little protection from a spiritual sword. Shuoyue sliced easily through his right arm, severing it cleanly. Jin Guangyao fell to his knees knowing he was dead but the killing blow never came.
The clash of metal against metal rang out as Baxia deflected Shuoyue. Nie Mingjue tried to get control but Lan Xichen was beyond hearing. Blood poured from his mouth, nose, eyes and ears. The sound of his meridians snapping echoed as Nie Huaisang ran to the door and called for the healers.
Lan Xichen screamed as he continued to swing his sword wildly, no longer even really fighting. Nie Mingjue stared in horror as his oldest friend fell to his knees before collapsing in a shuddering heap. How had this happened?
The healers arrived at a run but there was little they could do. The qi deviation had come on too suddenly and progressed too fast for there to be any chance of saving Lan Xichen. The healer closed his eyes and shook his head. He looked at Nie Mingjue with shock. “I am sorry, Zongzhu. He is dead.”
***
Nie Mingjue was sitting quietly, head in hands. An urgent message had been sent to Cloud Recesses. An accident involving Lan Xichen that needed Hanguang-Jun's immediate presence. Impossible to tell them that Xichen was dead in a letter. When Wangji arrived, he would tell him then. He moaned.
Nie Huaisang put a hand to his shoulder. “Da-ge, there was nothing you could have done.”
“But how could it happen, Huaisang? Xichen is...was the most serene and stable person I've ever known. For him to qi deviate? And to attack Jin Guangyao? It makes no sense. Why was he even here?”
“He wanted you to invite Hanguang-Jun here.”
“Why?”
“Partially so he would be on hand to play Cleansing for you but more, I think, to get him away from Cloud Recesses and his uncle.”
“So pointless. Cleansing doesn't even help that much. I was going to tell him next time I saw him that we should stop.”
“Da-ge he said...he said San-ge wasn't playing Cleansing.”
“Yes he was. Wasn't he? If it wasn't Cleansing what was it?”
“Er-ge didn't say, but it was that music that caused the deviation. He was fine before but as soon as he heard it he started to convulse. That's why he attacked San...Jin Guangyao. To stop him.”
Nie Mingjue stared at his brother. What kind of music could send a man into qi deviation? Jin Guangyao had done this deliberately? Or no, he hadn't had he? Lan Xichen wasn't supposed to be here. It was him. He was the target of this. He was the one Jin Guangyao tried to kill. “Jin Guangyao tried to kill me, Huaisang.”
Nie Huaisang was grim. “Yes.”
“Gods. Where is he now?”
“In the infirmary, under guard. As soon as he's stable I've ordered that he should be taken to the dungeons.”
“We need to question him. If this was just him or...”
“Or if it was at Jin Guangshan's urging.”
“Huaisang...”
“I know. We need to speak to the Lan. To Hanguang-Jun before we make any decisions. Jin Guangyao might have planned to kill you, but he did kill Zewu-Jun. Whatever we choose to do must involve them.”
“Agreed. Jin Guangyao will lie. He will never admit that he played anything but Cleansing and with Xichen dead I don't know how we can prove that he didn't.”
“I wrote it down.”
“What? Today?”
“No. before. I was worried about you, Da-ge. I wanted to help so I would hide in the passageway and listen. I transcribed the music so I could learn it later and then I could be the one to play it for you. I was going to surprise you and Er-ge.”
“Why didn't you just ask?”
“I couldn't be sure Er-ge would agree. He shouldn't even have taught Jin Guangyao. He might have been willing to teach me too, but I wasn't prepared to take the chance that he would say no. I thought if I could learn on my own, and show that I could do it, then it would be easier to get permission after the fact.”
Nie Mingjue sighed. “I don't suppose it matters much now that he's...Gods, Huaisang, what do I tell Wangji? How do I explain this?”
“Whatever you say it's going to break his heart so just say it. Tell him plainly what we know and let him decide what he wants to do about it. Be there to help him if he needs it but don't try to influence him unless he asks for your opinion.”
“You're right, of course. I still don't entirely believe it myself. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and it was all a terrible nightmare. I can't believe he's really gone. Huaisang, how do I do this?”
“You just have to keep going, Da-ge. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.”
There was a knock on the door. Nie Huaisang opened it and spoke quietly with the servant outside. He came back to his brother and once again gripped his shoulder. “They're here. Hanguang-Jun. Da-ge, Lan Xiansheng has come with him.”
***
Lan Qiren strode forward as soon as Nie Mingjue and Nie Huaisang entered. “Where is Xichen? Why have we been kept waiting in this room if Xichen is injured? We should have been taken to him immediately.”
Nie Mingjue bowed to him. “Lan Xiansheng. My apologies. I came as soon as I was informed of your arrival.” He turned to Lan Wangji and bowed, just that bit lower than he had to Lan Qiren. It was the bow of one sect leader to another. Lan Wangji drew in a breath. “Chifeng-Zun, will you tell us what has occurred.”
“Wangji, we should...” Lan Qiren began but Lan Wangji stopped him with a raised hand.
“Shufu, wait.” He indicated that Nie Mingjue should continue.
“Xichen arrived here unexpectedly. He overheard Jin Guangyao playing what should have been Cleansing for me. It was not. Whatever he played caused Xichen to qi deviate. I am sorry. He did not survive.”
Lan Wangji silently stared into Nie Mingjue's eyes as Lan Qiren shook his head in denial.
“No, this cannot be. Xichen is not...how?...Cleansing is healing music, it could not hurt him. This cannot be.”
"What Jin Guanyao played was not Cleansing. He corrupted it."
"Not possible. This is not possible. Xichen can not be...he can not be."
Nie Mingjue was solemn. “I am sorry, Lan Xiansheng. I wish it were not so, but it is.”
Lan Wangji closed his eyes, breathing deeply. “He is dead?”
Nie Mingjue nodded. “He is.”
“Do you know what music Jin Guangyao played?”
“I do not, but Huaisang had previously transcribed it. He can show it to you.”
Lan Wangji turned to Nie Huaisang. “He played today the same as he usually played?”
“I can't be sure. He never allowed me in the room. He said he needed privacy to be effective. I listened through the wall sometimes.”
“Eavesdropping is forbidden.” Lan Qiren was staring blankly ahead. He didn't even seem to realise that he had spoken.
Lan Wangji reached for him, leading him to a chair and helping him sit. “Nie Huaisang, Please continue.”
Nie Huaisang was still staring at Lan Qiren with growing horror. “What? Oh, yes. I listened sometimes and I transcribed what I heard so that I could learn it myself. I wanted to help Da-ge.”
“How did you know that it was not Cleansing that you heard?”
"I didn't. I thought it was Cleansing until today. I told Er-ge that Cleansing hadn't been having a positive effect on Da-ge lately and he was confused. He said he wanted to hear for himself so I took him into the servant passageway behind Da-ge's study. We listened for awhile but then he just began shaking and there was blood, he kept saying to stop him and that Jin Guangyao wasn't playing Cleansing.
"I was scared. I got him into the room and he...he was shaking and then he attacked Jin Guangyao. Da-ge stopped Er-ge from killing him, and I called for the healers but there was nothing they could do. It was over so fast. Only minutes and he was gone. Hanguang-Jun, I don't understand. Jin Guangyao has been playing this to Da-ge for months and while it wasn't helping him, it wasn't killing him either. His temper would sometimes be a little worse after a session but nothing like what happened with Er-ge.”
“Xiongzhang is...was, a Lan. We are attuned from our earliest years to be more sensitive to music than others. What might cause minor discomfort to Chifeng-Zun would be agony to him. Where is Jin Guangyao now?”
“In our infirmary.” Nie Mingjue told him. “Xichen severed his arm in the attack.”
“He is guarded?”
“He is.”
“Then may I see my brother.”
“Of course.” Nie Mingjue looked over to where Lan Qiren sat, staring blankly at nothing. “Your uncle?”
“Mn. He should see a healer, but you say Jin Guangyao is in the infirmary?”
“Huaisang, take Lan Xiansheng to the healer and see to it that Jin Guangyao is moved to the dungeons immediately.”
“Nie Huaisang gently eased Lan Qiren from his chair and took him out.
“I have had Xichen's...Xichen, put in the room he usually stays in when he visits. I will take you to him. Hanguang-Jun, Wangji, I am so sorry that this has happened. If I could change it...”
“But you cannot. I do not blame you. This is Jin Guangshan's doing.”
“Wangji...”
“You know he is behind this, Chifeng-Zun.”
“I do, but we have no proof as yet. He will blame Jin Guangyao completely and claim innocence.”
“Then we will find proof. I will act alone if I must but I would prefer to do so with your support.”
“Of course you have it. We will talk later. Decide what must be done. Now come, I will take you to your brother.”
**
Lan Wangji stared down at his brother's tranquil face. Impossible to believe that only hours earlier he had gone into a fatal qi deviation. He reached out to take his brother's hand. Cold. He was cold and dead. His brother was gone. With a sob, he fell to his knees, resting his head against their clasped hands. Nie Mingjue stood behind him as he grieved. Lan Wangji didn't know how long he stayed there. Minutes or hours, it didn't matter. His brother was dead and it was up to him, now to deal with the fallout.
He stood, turning to Nie Mingjue. “I will speak with Jin Guangyao.”
“Are you sure? He'll lie.”
“Even so.”
“Come then.”
Nie Huaisang was waiting outside the bed chamber, a music score in his hand. Lan Wangji reached for it. “This is what he played?”
“It is. I transcribed it as faithfully as I was able to.” He watched as Lan Wangji studied the music, then asked, “do you recognise it?”
“I do not. It looks to be from the forbidden section. Jin Guangyao should not have been able to gain access to it.”
Nie Huaisang shrugged, “He was a spy in Wen Ruohan's court. I'm sorry Hanguang-Jun but after that I doubt the Cloud Recess defences were much of a challenge.”
“Apparently not. Xiongzhang gave him a token of entry and free access to Cloud Recesses. He trusted Jin Guangyao absolutely.”
“He did.” More than me and even more than you, Nie Mingjue thought but was too kind to say. “Huaisang, I am taking Wangji to see Jin Guangyao. He wants to speak with him. You had him taken to the dungeons?”
“I did, but in the northern part of the city. No-one can know he is there.”
Nie Mingjue frowned at him. “Why?”
“Jin Guangshan.” It was Lan Wangji who answered.
Nie Huaisang pointed to him. “Exactly. Da-ge, what do you think Jin Guangshan will do when he finds out that not only did Jin Guangyao not succeed in killing you but also that he ended the life of one of his allies?”
“He'll deny all knowledge of what occurred.” Nie Mingjue was confused. Had they not already discussed this? Obviously Jin Guangshan would not confess.
“And then?” At Nie Mingjue's continued confusion Nie Huaisang continued. “He won't allow himself to be implicated and the only one who can do that is Jin Guangyao. He will never allow him to live. And we can't allow that. Jin Guangyao is the only witness to his father's crimes. We need him alive and available for further questioning. So, he needs to be dead. We will say that when Er-ge qi deviated he attacked Jin Guangyao, which he did, but that due to the injuries sustained in the altercation, Jin Guangyao later died.”
“Mn.” Lan Wangji nodded.
Nie Mingjue could see the sense in his brother's suggestion. He looked at Lan Wangji. “Wangji, it would be a lie. Are you okay with that?”
“No. But I agree that it is necessary.”
“You will lie?” Nie Mingjue pressed.
“I will say that I do not wish to speak of it.”
“Huh.” Nie Mingjue gave Lan Wangji a considering look. “Xichen always said you had no head for politics. It seems he was wrong.”
“I have little choice now.”
“True. I am sorry for that. Huaisang, will you come to question Jin Guangyao with us?”
“There is much I would like to ask of him, even if I can't fully trust his answers. I will come with you.”
Nie Mingjue nodded to him then led the way to where Jin Guangyao had been confined.
***
Jin Guangyao was huddled in the back of the cell, staring pitifully at the door. He pulled himself to his feet as they entered, rushing forward as he saw Lan Wangji. “Er-ge, you are well. I am relieved. I am not angry with you, I know you did not mean to hurt me, but please, you must release me. Whatever you believe I have done it was a misunderstanding.”
Lan Wangji moved further into the torchlight. “I am not my brother.”
Jin Guangyao took a step back, then turned sad eyes to Lan Wangji. “Apologies. I thought...you look so alike but of course you are not Er-ge. Is he still upset with me? I do not know what you have been told, Hanguang-Jun, but...”
“I have been told that you played a corrupted version of Cleansing for Nie Mingjue intending to harm him but that instead it caused my brother to go into qi deviation when he heard it.”
Jin Guangyao looked shocked. “Hanguang-Jun, I did not. I did play Cleansing for Da-ge, that much is true. If I played it wrongly then it was a terrible mistake. I did my best and only meant to help.”
“My brother told me that you have perfect recall. You would not have made such a mistake. In addition, when Xiongzhang was present, you played correctly. Only when you believed yourself unheard did you alter the melody.”
“No. No, I don't know what could have happened today. Maybe I played a wrong note in a moment of carelessness, but it was not intentional. Please, where is Er-ge? I'm sure he will understand.”
“One wrong note would not cause qi deviation. At most, it would negate any positive benefits of the piece. You are lying.” Lan Wangji held up the sheet music Nie Huaisang had given him. “This is not Cleansing. You have transposed a passage from a foreign song into it. Where did you get this other song?”
Jin Guangyao stared at the paper as if it would attack him. “What is that? Where did you get it?”
Nie Huaisang stepped forward. “I gave it to him. I listened from the passageway as you played and transcribed the music. I wished to learn it myself.”
“You...no, Huaisang, you must have made a mistake. You know how careless you can be,” Jin Guangyao said gently.
“I made no mistake.” Nie Huaisang told him. “I know it. You know it and Er-ge knew it. He said as much before the qi deviation progressed too far. He said plainly that what you played was not Cleansing. You can not lie your way out of what you have done.”
“A mistake. This is a mistake. Please, bring Er-ge here. He will understand.”
“My brother is dead. You killed him.”
Jin Guangyao started, turning back to Lan Wangji with confusion as if he couldn't understand what he had said. “Dead? No, that can't be. It should not...how can he be dead?”
“He is dead because you killed him.” Lan Wangji was implacable. “In your attempt to destabilise Nie Mingjue you killed my brother.”
“Stop saying that!” Jin Guangyao became frantic. “I didn't do that! I didn't!”
Nie Huaisang took over the questioning. “You did. I told Er-Ge that Cleansing had lost it's effectiveness with Da-ge and he wanted to hear for himself. I took him into the passageway to listen to you play. It was your playing – it was you who caused his death. It was you, Jin Guangyao. But it wasn't your fault alone. Tell me, Jin Guangyao, whose idea was it to kill my brother?”
“There was no plot against Da-ge. You must believe me.”
“I do not. Tell us now, and perhaps there is a way out for you.”
Jin Guangyao fell to his knees, looking beseechingly at his accusers. “No, it wasn't me.” He looked from face to face but found no comfort. “Hanguang-Jun, Huaisang, Da-ge, please. You have to believe me. This was a mistake.”
“The only mistake was that the wrong man died.” Nie Mingjue said. “You wanted to kill me, Jin Guangyao. Do not dare to appeal for clemency. We will go now. I suggest you take some time to decide whether you really want to take sole responsibility for what you have done or if you are ready to tell the truth.”
Jin Guangyao looked away, silent as the three left him alone to consider his options.
***
Jin Guangshan was not happy. He was Chief Cultivator now, but it had not brought him the satisfaction he had anticipated. He was not given unconditional respect. In fact, he suspected that he was still being criticised for his lack of involvement in the Sunshot Campaign, while Nie Mingjue was regarded as a hero. Well, let them see how wrong they were to revere such a man when he qi deviated and attacked them all.
He smiled to himself. What a spectacle that would be. He had told Guangyao exactly how he wanted it to end. A public humiliation ending in the total demolition of the great Chifeng-Zun's reputation. How gratifying that would be. But it was taking so long. Months of playing and all there was to show for it was the occasional flash of temper and even then only in the privacy of the Unclean Realm.
He would talk to Guangyao as soon as he got back. Speed things up. Guangyao would have no choice but to agree. The pathetic boy was so desperate for Jin Guangshan's love that he would do anything asked of him. All it took was the hint of disfavour and he would instantly capitulate. Jin Guangshan snickered, thinking of the most recent manipulation against Guangyao. He had brought another of his bastards to Koi Tower.
Mo Xuanyu was useless for anything but a to act as a threat to Guangyao should he fail in his duty. Useless Mo Xuanyu might be, but at least his mother was respectable, unlike the whore that birthed Guangyao. Not even marriage to the Qin girl could alter the circumstances of Guangyao's birth. Still, he was useful.
Jin Guangshan had only to tell him of his every whim and Guangyao would find a way to bring it about. He smiled again as he thought of his toys kept in the secret rooms below Koi Tower. Perhaps he would go now to look at them. That always made him feel good. Jin Guangshan made his way silently through the halls, slipping almost unnoticed into the secret passages that riddled Koi Tower. So intent on his goal was he that he never noticed the small shadow that followed him.
He came into a large hall, deep underground. Xue Yang flitted about, doing gods only knew what. Jin Guangshan didn't like him. He was unsettling. Guangyao insisted, however, that he was necessary. He was the only one they could find who even came close to Wei Wuxian's level of brilliance. The only one who had a chance of recreating the Stygian Tiger Amulet.
He even had his own piece of Yin Iron to contribute. That had surprised Jin Guangshan. Like everyone else, he had assumed that this last piece of Yin Iron had been in Wei Wuxian's possession. That he had used it to make the Amulet. What a fortunate circumstance that they had all been wrong since now Jin Guangshan had access to not only the Amulet fragments but also the last remaining shard of Yin Metal.
He gave Xue Yang a sour look as the little lunatic stopped his manic darting about and stood in front of him grinning. “Jin Zongzhu, what a surprise.”
“Do you have the Amulet finished yet?” Jin Guangshan sneered.
“Not yet. Soon, I think. I have used my Yin Iron to fill in the gaps but it's unpredictable.”
“Then what use are you to me if you can't make it work? I should have let Nie Mingjue kill you. I still could if you don't make progress soon.”
“Don't worry, don't worry, you'll get your weapon, Zongzhu.”
“Humph.” Jin Guangshan moved over to study his first prize. The Ghost General was unresponsive, staring ahead with his dead eyes. “It doesn't look like much. Why is it no longer sentient?”
“Because if he has access to his cognition then he would not be yours. Which would you prefer, Zongzhu? A deadly weapon or a pleasant dinner companion?”
Jin Guangshan curled his lip and turned away. “At present he is neither. You are a disappointment to me, Xue Yang. I expected more from a former member of Wen Ruohan's court. You had better produce something impressive soon if you expect my continued protection.”
With that, he left, heading deeper into the tunnels. He stopped outside the end door, taking out a key and opening it. It was dark and damp inside. The only occupant sat huddled in the far corner. He looked up as Jin Guangshan entered but made no attempt to stand. “I am honoured with a visit, Jin Zongzhu. What did you want? I have already told you that I will do nothing to help you with the Amulet or any other plans you may have. You may as well just kill me.”
Jin Guangshan studied the man. Initially, all he had wanted was the Stygian Tiger Amulet. He had placed men all around Nightless City during that final confrontation ready at a moment's notice to come forward and claim the Amulet, but then Wei Wuxian had shattered it. What a waste! But they had been fortunate. His men were able to retrieve most of the pieces, and luckiest of all was the acquisition of the prize in front of him.
He had kept a small troop at the base of the mountain. What a lucky chance that was. They had seen something fall from the cliff and realised that it was the Yiling Patriarch himself. Thrown or pushed, it was of little significance. All that mattered was that his men were able to halt his descent and collect him, unseen. Wei Wuxian was his now. Jin Guangshan scowled. Perhaps he should have listened to Guangyao and kept some of the Wens alive. Or at least that Wen witch. But his son was dead and someone had to pay.
Wei Wuxian and the Ghost general were too valuable to waste, but the others meant nothing. Or so he had thought. Guangyao had suggested keeping at least some alive to act as an incentive for Wei Wuxian's co-operation. Jin Guangshan had disagreed, sure he could convince Wei Wuxian to work for him with the promise of an easier life. Wei Wuxian had refused, no matter what was done to him.
Jin Guangshan had threatened to end the Ghost General. Wei Wuxian had scoffed, knowing full well that after all the trouble Jin Guangshan had gone to to obtain him, he would not risk his loss. Wei Wuxian was right of course. Leaving Jin Guangshan with nothing to threaten him with. It was galling to find that possession was not enough to get his own way.
“Why do you continue to defy me, Wei Wuxian? I could make your life easier. Comfortable, even. I don't ask much. Just explain your notes to Xue Yang. You wouldn't even have to do the work yourself. Let him take all the risks.”
“You think I would help you after all you have done, Jin Guangshan?”
“I have done nothing. I spared you after you murdered my son.”
“You blame me for that, but are you so sure I am responsible for his death?”
“This again? Your claims are nonsense.”
“Are they? I know I did not curse your nephew. I did blame myself for Jin Zixuan's death but I have had a very long time to cast my mind back and remember all that occurred. There was a second flute, Jin Guangshan. At the time, I thought I must have misheard, or imagined it. But I am sure, now. The music continued even when I stopped playing.
"It was that person, that flute player who took control of Wen Ning and that person who was responsible for all those he killed that day, including Jin Zixuan. And again at Nightless City. I thought I had lost control, but I heard the flute again. Find that flute player and you will find the killer of your son.”
Jin Guangshan scoffed. Of course he knew Wei Wuxian was not responsible for what occurred at Nightless City. He had arranged it himself, after all. But he refused to believe that Wei Wuxian was not the cause of his son's death. That was not him, so who else could it have been? “Lies. You cannot escape your guilt, Wei Wuxian. You killed my son and you killed his wife – your own Shijie.”
“And how did she get there, Jin Guangshan? Tell me that? How did my Shijie, whose cultivation was so low she was never able to fly the sword, get to Nightless City from Koi Tower? How was she, a new widow, allowed to leave alone and run onto the field of battle unprotected?”
So, he had worked that out. That had been his idea even though, again, Guangyao had protested. But Jin Guangshan was convinced that Jiang Yanli's death would be the push they needed to capture the Yilling patriarch and claim the Stygian Tiger Amulet. And besides, it would get that troublesome girl out of his hair. She had given him an heir, so what further use did he have for her? It hadn't worked as he expected though, pushing Wei Wuxian to destroy the Amulet. That was unfortunate, as was his refusal to help fix it.
He would not be able to resist forever. Sooner or later, he would see that to capitulate to Jin Guangshan's desires was his only chance at a better life. For now he would leave him to his thoughts. Once Guangyao got back he would consult with him on the best way to go forward.
***
As Jin Guangshan locked the door behind him and left, the small shadow detached itself from the wall and approached the door. He was too short to see through the grate so pulled over a nearby bucket to stand on. He looked through at the prisoner, wondering what was so important about him that he had to be kept so far from everyone else. Well, only one way to find out. “Hello? Who are you? Why are you being kept here?”
Wei Wuxian started at the unfamiliar voice. He had spoken to no-one except Jin Guangshan, Jin Guangyao or Xue Yang since he had been here. This was none of them. He stood, moving closer to the door. “Tell me who you are first?”
“Mo Xuanyu. Jin Guangshan is my father. He brought me here and I thought it would be better but I hate it. Everyone lies, all the time. Who are you?”
“You are Jin Guangshan's son? How can I trust you won't report back to him anything I say?”
“I'm not supposed to be here. I followed him. I don't want him to know I know about you. Besides, what could you say that I could report back about?”
“Good point. I'm Wei Wuxian.”
“The Yiling Patriarch? Aren't you dead?”
“Clearly not. I should have been and if your father had any sense then he would kill me.”
“I'm glad he didn't. I'm glad you're alive.”
Wei Wuxian was surprised by that. “Why?”
“My brother wanted me to look at your notes, to see if I could make sense of them. You're very disorganised.”
“So I've been told. Aren't you a little young to be studying demonic cultivation?”
“I'm nearly fourteen. I'm no good at sword cultivation. My core is too weak and I don't particularly like it. Talismans though, and arrays, they're fascinating. I'm good at them too, so A-Yao thought I could transcribe some of your work as your notes are such a mess and he just doesn't have the time to go through everything himself. I found your private journals. I know I shouldn't have read them, but I thought you were dead.”
“You read my private thoughts?”
“Yes. I'm sorry. I didn't know what they were at first, but once I got started I couldn't stop. There was so much that I could relate to. I often wished that I could have known you, and now here you are.”
“Here I am. What do you intend to do with that knowledge?”
“I don't know. Should I tell Jiang Zongzhu? Maybe he could rescue you.”
“You would do that? Go against your father?”
“I don't like him. He's not a good man. I thought A-Yao was better because he was kind, but I've seen him do things...I don't want to be like them. I want to be like you.”
“I'm not a good man either, Mo Xuanyu. I have also done terrible things.”
“Maybe, but you always tried to do the right thing. I could tell. You're a hero. I don't care what other people say. I want to help you.”
“I...that's...look, Mo Xuanyu, I won't deny that I could use your help, but not if it puts you in danger.”
“See? I knew you were good. You're imprisoned here and still you worry for me. But you don't have to. No-one ever sees me. They never notice what I do. I can help, please let me.”
“Okay, okay. You're a good boy, Mo Xuanyu. Not Jiang Cheng, though. I can't be sure...he was angry with me. He blames me for so much. Maybe he's better now but it's a risk.”
“You're probably right. I've heard he tracks down anyone even suspected of demonic cultivation just in case they are you come back to life and then he tortures and kills them. I don't think he's better. But there must be someone you trust?”
“Lan Zhan. Hanguang-Jun. I trust him.”
“Oh, yes, I heard he was out of seclusion now.”
“He was in seclusion? Why?”
“I'm not sure exactly. I heard A-Yao talking with Zewu-Jun once and it seemed that Hanguang-Jun was severely punished for something just after you died. Then he was in seclusion as much to heal as for any other reason. It was for three years and he just got out a few months ago.”
“Punished for what? What could Lan Zhan possibly have done to deserve a punishment that would take three years to heal from?”
“I'm not sure but from the way they were talking I think it had something to do with you.”
“Me? He did try to save me, but surely they wouldn't punish him severely for that.”
“I don't know. It was before I came here. I can try to get him a message. He doesn't come to Koi Tower but Zewu-Jun visits regularly and A-Yao goes to Cloud Recesses all the time. I might be able to convince him to take me. Say I need to use the Lan library to work on some of your theories.”
“Okay. But as I said, only if it's safe. Enough people have been hurt because of me including, if you're right, Lan Zhan. I don't want you hurt too.”
“I'll be careful. I have to go now, but I'll come back when I can. And I'll find a way to help you, I promise.”
“Okay. Thank-you, Mo Xuanyu. Goodbye.”
Wei Wuxian went back to his spot after Mo Xuanyu left. Three years. He had been in this prison for three years but after today, things might change. He had an ally now. He had hope.
***