Chapter Text
One afternoon, Wei Wuxian was once again seated within the Library Pavilion.
Across from him sat Lan Wangji.
The two of them were, as always, engrossed in their newly devised “deduction game.”
At that moment, a young disciple hurried in from the entrance.
"Wei-Gongzi, there is a guest waiting for you at the Yashi."
Yashi was GusuLan's official building to receive guests. Wei Wuxian was surprised to receive any at all. He asked, "Guest? Who is it?"
The disciple hesitated slightly. “It appears to be Sect Leader Jiang.”
Wei Wuxian blinked. “Jiang Cheng? Why would he be...oh!”
Understanding struck him at once. Why, of course, Jiang Cheng would be here! He had been unconscious in the Cloud Recesses for an entire month, and now he...
Only then did he belatedly remember that he was here waiting to be married off.
Wei Wuxian, "..."
How should he put it? Speaking of which, for two people to get married, there seemed to be a family discussion, indeed. For Wei Wuxian, since he came from YunmengJiang and had no elders to speak for him, it might really be Jiang Cheng who'd be responsible for such matters.
During these days, he really seemed to have no awareness of being a soon-to-be-married man. Was it because he had never been married before? Or rather, never thought of being married off to another family.
“Alright,” he said at last. “I’ll go meet him. Thank you for informing me.”
Wei Wuxian stood up, brushed the creases of his robes for a while, and walked out, following the disciple to the Yashi.
When he arrived at the Yashi, Jiang Cheng was already seated inside. The standard tea and refreshments to entertain guests had been set before him. There was no smile on his face. A deep scowl was forming on his brows even. Overall, his expression was dark and unpleasant.
The moment he saw Wei Wuxian enter, a flicker of relief passed through his eyes.
However, after he took a second look, he noticed the pristine white robes Wei Wuxian was currently wearing, and his gaze turned into mockery instead.
“Heh. It’s only been a month, and you’ve dressed yourself no differently from a GusuLan cultivator.” He sneered. “So you can wear something other than black. Then why is it I’ve never seen you properly wear YunmengJiang robes?”
Wei Wuxian's steps faltered slightly upon hearing this.
A sect’s robes were not merely clothing—they were identity. Unlike GusuLan’s refined, scholarly attire, YunmengJiang’s uniform bore the bold, unrestrained air of the Jianghu. It would then look extremely incongruent when it wasn't paired with a sword.
Besides, people might also wonder, 'You didn't forget to wear your uniform, but forgot to bring your sword? Hmmmmmmmmm~'.
There's nothing he could say about it in this case. Wei Wuxian continued to stride into the room nonetheless. He sat down and replied nonchalantly,
"It can't be helped, there are only these robes here. I have no other robes to change. It's better than being naked. If I were to do that, won't I cause you to lose more face?"
Jiang Cheng sneered. "Don't you think I haven't lost enough face these days? Now that you're alive and well, it should be enough fuss to make. Go back and don't cause any more trouble."
During this past month, Jiang Cheng had repeatedly come to Gusu to demand Wei Wuxian’s return. Each time, GusuLan had refused, citing his coma as a reason he could not be moved. Jiang Cheng had not believed them.
To him, it sounded like an excuse—one too convenient. He was afraid that GusuLan would end up killing Wei Wuxian in silence to remove the stain. A few years later, they would then announce with grief that, unfortunately, the Sect Leader's beloved Cultivation Partner had passed away due to illness.
To be honest, even Lan Xichen was helpless in that situation. He understood that such suspicions were only natural. Wei Wuxian’s sudden coma had come far too abruptly—too coincidentally. To outsiders, it did indeed appear as though GusuLan was attempting to quietly bury their disgrace.
Yet he truly had no explanation. He did not know why Wei Wuxian had fallen into unconsciousness. Beneath his composed exterior, he had been panicking and distraught with dread.
Even if Lan Xichen had a hunch that his coma might be related to Wei Wuxian having no Golden Core, of course, he couldn't announce it to others, including Jiang Cheng.
It was Wei Wuxian's private affair. Having Lan Xichen and Elder Jing discover it during treatment was inevitable, and telling Lan Qiren afterward was to allow his Uncle to be more lenient toward Wei Wuxian's Cultivation Path. But beyond that, he could not reveal a single word without consent.
Thus, when YunmengJiang repeatedly came to demand Wei Wuxian's return, GusuLan could only be tough, unable to be budged, and likewise refused to give Wei Wuxian away.
And so, over the past month, the atmosphere between the two sects had grown increasingly strained.
Now that Jiang Cheng finally saw Wei Wuxian standing before him—alive and unharmed—his gaze immediately swept over him from head to toe, as though verifying that not a single flesh was missing.
"Did they finally imprison you these past few weeks, just like how Lan Wangji has always wanted to do by dragging you here? What kind of punishment have they exacted on you?"
Wei Wuxian was surprised at first, but then he laughed. "Lock me up? I was unconscious for a month. I only woke recently. Didn’t they tell you?"
"They did. But what can I expect? Are you sure that ‘coma’ didn't come from something they fed you?"
Hearing the insinuation, Wei Wuxian scrunched up his nose in distaste. "The only medicine that’s ever harmed me came from LanlingJin."
Jiang Cheng scoffed. "Doesn't Lan Qiren hate people like you the most? And Lan Wangji, as his proudest disciple, must also hate you as well. Can they even tolerate you loitering around in the Cloud Recesses?"
Wei Wuxian waved a hand carelessly. "Old man, cough, Lan-Xiansheng...he," He paused, searching for words to describe their peculiar cohabitation dynamic. "——We, actually, I haven't met him since I woke. But considering his character, he must have been suffocated so much, knowing that his pride Cabbage got stolen by a Pig, hahaha! That's why he'd rather not see me. Out of sight, out of mind."
He chuckled to himself.
"As for Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian grinned happily this time. "Who said Lan Zhan hates me? Obviously, he likes me very much! I told you that years ago, now we're practically best friends! These days, we've just been spending time chatting with each other in the Library Pavilion."
Jiang Cheng raised a brow. "The Library Pavilion? Don't tell me you're being punished again?"
Wei Wuxian immediately denied, "Of course not! I’m helping them reorganize it."
Jiang Cheng, "They actually asked you to organize their treasured Library Pavilion? Why?"
"Why? Of course, that's because Zewu-Jun..." Wei Wuxian stopped mid-sentence.
Why, indeed.
Wei Wuxian understood that Lan Xichen had deliberately arranged this. To make him feel more familiar with the Cloud Recesses. To allow him to participate in organizing the Library Pavilion—GusuLan’s treasured collection—was no small matter. It was, in truth, a silent acknowledgment.
To regard him as one of their own people.
After all… before long, he would be bound to them by marriage.
Speaking about marriage,
Wei Wuxian glanced at Jiang Cheng with hesitation. He was wondering whether Lan Xichen had informed Jiang Cheng about their decision to marry yet.
The person he was staring at glared back at him. "What else do you have to say? It's good that GusuLan didn't do anything to you. Now, since there's nothing to settle here, let's go back. You brought nothing here, so you can follow me and go back right away."
"Jiang Cheng, you..." Wei Wuxian spoke cautiously, “Haven’t you heard anything from Zewu-Jun?”
Jiang Cheng sneered. “Oh? What should I have heard? Why don’t you explain it yourself?”
Hearing this, Wei Wuxian immediately understood that Lan Xichen must have already informed Jiang Cheng.
He sighed. "That's it. What he told you, I did agree with him."
"Wei Wuxian!" Jiang Cheng suddenly slammed his palm against the table in anger.
But Wei Wuxian just looked at him, frowning. "What's wrong with you? If you want to talk, then talk. Why do you have to hit something? That table is innocent."
"Haha!" Jiang Cheng let out a harsh laugh. "Wei Wuxian, you still ask me what's wrong with me? It should be me who has to ask you, have you lost your mind?! You can't possibly think that you, a man, will marry Lan Xichen, another man, do you?"
He frowned with an unmasked revulsion on his face.
"You are not a Cut-sleeve, even if Lan Xichen is one, why do you have to follow his example?"
Wei Wuxian immediately retorted, "What's wrong with marrying a man? What's wrong with being a Cut-sleeve?"
Hearing his response, Jiang Cheng was even more enraged. "What's wrong?" he repeated, his expression darkening.
"Fine. What's wrong with marrying a man you said? Do you even understand your position? You won’t be the one taking a spouse—you'll be the one married off! Even after knowing this, are you still going to obediently become his pitiful little wife? Wei Wuxian, tell me, do you have any shame left at all!?”
Wei Wuxian laughed lightly. "Isn't it a bit too late to talk about shame? After what happened at Jinlintai, I thought there was nothing left for me to feel embarrassed about."
Jiang Cheng opened his mouth, ready to retort—but no words came. Indeed, as Wei Wuxian said, after what he had been exposed to in Jinlintai, was there any more shameful thing he should feel disgraced about?
For a moment, Jiang Cheng fell silent.
But suddenly, he let out a strange, low laugh.
He said, "You're so determined to marry him, why, do you think Lan Xichen proposes to marry because he likes you? Do you think he does it willingly?"
His eyes narrowed in mockery.
"Have you never thought of this?" He went on, "he only took advantage of you that night at Jinlintai. After all, where else can he find someone with a decent appearance to relieve himself, yet without much consequence? Unluckily for him, others caught him in the act. And now-," His lips curled.
"—Look at you now, being cajoled into cleaning up the mess for him. Tell me, what has he persuaded you with? He must have been coaxing you desperately to help him preserve his own reputation, hasn't he?"
Wei Wuxian felt his body stiffen for a while, hearing what Jiang Cheng had said.
He opened his mouth to refute, but ended up shutting it instead.
Of course, he understood.
He knew it was impossible for Lan Xichen to marry him out of affection. They just slept for one night. One night was one night—no matter how intense, it could not give rise to such feelings.
Especially for someone like Lan Xichen, who was extremely strict with his requirements.
Even if Lan Xichen said things like he couldn't forget that passionate night easily, that was to be expected. After all, Lan Xichen himself was not the kind of person who treated intimate relationships as casually as changing clothes or eating a different dish. It's inevitable that he wouldn't forget it for a while.
Even then, strictly speaking, that's just physical desire.
Wei Wuxian averted his gaze to the side and replied, sounding as if he were nonchalant. "Of course I know that. But so what? It's not like I am in a better situation than him. Since we both need this to resolve our reputations, why not?"
Jiang Cheng laughed at him. "Just you? Thinking about your reputation? Why haven't I ever seen you care about your reputation before? What kind of concoctions has GusuLan fed you? Why? Have you finally cared about etiquette and conduct? How many years had my Father taught you, and how many days have you lived in GusuLan? Why only now do you realize it?"
Hearing Jiang Cheng bring up the deceased Jiang Fengmian, Wei Wuxian glared at him.
"Jiang Cheng!" he sternly rebuked, "Pay attention to your words. Do you want others to think your father failed to teach us properly? He allowed us freedom so that we could act with fairness and clarity—to face matters with an open mind, not be bound by rigid rules."
After Wei Wuxian said this, Jiang Cheng became quiet.
A moment later, he gave a quiet, humorless laugh.
"Of course," he said lowly. "Of course you will say that. Compared to me, you're always the one who knows YunmengJiang's principle the best, aren't you?"
Wei Wuxian sighed, a trace of helplessness surfacing. "What are you talking about? You're the Sect Leader, whatever YunmengJiang is, it will be up to you."
"So you do remember that I am the Sect Leader!"
Jiang Cheng then said, "Go back."
Wei Wuxian, "You're still on about this-,"
Jiang Cheng's expression became gloomy. "I will count to three. If you still recognize yourself as a member of my YunmengJiang and acknowledge me as your Sect Leader, then get up and come with me. Otherwise, if you still don't get up by yourself, I will tie you with Zidian and drag you to Lotus Pier!"
Wei Wuxian, "..."
Jiang Cheng wouldn't really tie me with Zidian in a zhongzi, would he!?
Jiang Cheng, "1..."
Wei Wuxian heaved out a deep sigh.
Jiang Cheng, "2..."
Wei Wuxian stood up, brushing his robes.
"Go back. Let's go back then. Isn't it just going back? Why do you have to be so anxious about it?"
He walked out of the Yashi, glancing at Jiang Cheng, who had already risen from his seat and was following behind, and smiled teasingly. "I didn't expect you to miss me so much. You can just say it directly. Why do you have to shout and beat to say it?"
Jiang Cheng cursed, "Get lost!"
Wei Wuxian shrugged his shoulders, feigning helplessness. "What the hell is wrong with you? Before, you told me to go back, and now you're telling me to get lost. So which one should I go to?"
What Jiang Cheng said was true. Wei Wuxian indeed had no personal belongings in the Cloud Recesses. His only private things were ChenQing and Yin Tiger Tally. After he woke up from a coma, both weapons had always been on his body every day.
Once they stepped out of the Yashi, they could simply depart and return straight to Yunmeng.
And that was exactly what Wei Wuxian intended to do.
He thought he would send Lan Xichen a letter afterward. For now, let's take care of this grumpy Sect Leader Jiang first. If Jiang Cheng truly lost his temper and they ended up fighting within GusuLan, it would hardly be appropriate.
What made it even more embarrassing was that the cause would turn out to be a marriage that was already nearly settled.
However, when they arrived near the front gates of the Cloud Recesses, they saw Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji already standing there, as if they had been waiting for them.
Lan Wangji remained as quiet as ever. His expression was composed and unreadable. On the other hand, Lan Xichen's expression was still full of smiles.
Earlier, when Wei Wuxian had gone to the Yashi, Lan Wangji had already set aside his work in the Library Pavilion. After tidying up, he went to find Lan Xichen to inquire about the situation. While the two brothers were still speaking, a disciple hurried over in alarm, reporting that Sect Leader Jiang and Wei-Gongzi seemed to be arguing fiercely in the Yashi.
After giving it some thought, Lan Xichen concluded that, given Wei Wuxian's character, he would likely choose to return first to resolve things in Lotus Pier.
Taking advantage of this situation, Lan Xichen felt it was also an appropriate time to make a formal visit to Yunmeng Jiang before the marriage. Otherwise, what would others say if Wei Wuxian got married without any formal visit to his Sect? Even if the ceremony itself would not be grand—merely a simple bow to Heaven and Earth, followed by the recording of names in the genealogy—it was still a matter of proper form.
As for who should accompany Lan Xichen...
It's impossible to bring Lan Qiren.
Bringing other Elders was also inappropriate, since position-wise, they're lower in rank compared to Lan Xichen himself in the Sect Hierarchy.
Therefore, he chose to bring Lan Wangji with him.
In terms of rank, Lan Wangji stood second only to Lan Qiren in his absence.
In terms of reputation, Hanguang-Jun’s name carried even greater weight than that of many clan elders.
So his presence would be a suitable company for a formal visit.
As if he had not noticed Jiang Cheng’s darkened expression upon seeing them, Lan Xichen greeted them calmly,
"Sect Leader Jiang." He inclined his head slightly and then shifted his gaze to Wei Wuxian, smiling warmly at him. "Does Wei-Gongzi intend to return to Lotus Pier for a while?"
Jiang Cheng interjected, "Sect Leader Lan, it's not for a while, Wei Wuxian, he-,"
Wei Wuxian quickly cut him off, "My Shijie heard that I've woken up. She's been worrying about me, and I think I should go back to see her so that she won't be distressed."
Lan Xichen smiled knowingly. "I see."
He turned his head and gestured lightly toward Lan Wangji, who was standing beside him. "In that case, Sect Leader Jiang, it should not be inconvenient for GusuLan Sect to have a formal visit to YunmengJiang Sect, I presume?"
Jiang Cheng very much wanted to say, 'Extremely inconvenient! Whoever wants to invite you, GusuLan, to my Sect!'
However, he could only reply stiffly, "I'm afraid the timing is not suitable. There are still new buildings in Lotus Pier under construction."
Lan Xichen nodded. "Is that so? That can not be helped, then." He paused, but then added politely, "In that case, Wangji and I can stay at an inn outside during our visit to Yunmeng."
Jiang Cheng, "..."
Wei Wuxian's body was visibly shaking from stifling a laugh.
Lan Xichen didn't wait for Jiang Cheng's response. With a smooth motion, he drew Shuoyue from its sheath. Stepping lightly onto the blade, he extended a hand toward Wei Wuxian.
"Wei-Gongzi," The corners of his eyes bent in a smile.
Wei Wuxian stared at the slender and fair hand in front of him in a trance, inevitably thinking about his previous conversations with Jiang Cheng.
In the end, he just smiled slightly, holding the given hand, and leapt nimbly to Shuoyue as well.
Lan Wangji was about to say something,
Jiang Cheng, too, wanted to say something,
But Lan Xichen had already gestured at them and said, "Sect Leader Jiang, Wangji, let us make haste. If we depart now, we should arrive at Lotus Pier before nightfall."
That said, he manipulated Shuoyue into flying ahead, leaving the two behind.
Lan Wangji didn't waste another second before he dashed forward following his older brother.
Jiang Cheng, "..."
Go die all of you!
They really think I'm just a background board, don't they?
They finally arrived in Yunmeng just some time before sunset.
Since it was already late, Lan Xichen simply dropped Wei Wuxian off at Lotus Pier, saying that he would pay a formal visit the following morning
Wei Wuxian, however, felt it was inappropriate to leave them unattended. It was already so uncomfortable that they could not be properly received within Lotus Pier. Thus, he offered to accompany them to find a suitable inn.
Naturally, Lan Xichen couldn't be more than glad to accept.
"Jiang Cheng, you go back first. I'll return later tonight." Wei Wuxian had to inform Jiang Cheng beforehand.
"Do whatever you want. Can I even stop you at this point?" Jiang Cheng snorted and stepped through the gates of Lotus Pier without looking behind.
"You! Honestly..." Wei Wuxian sighed. "We will talk later! We really need to talk properly later!" He shouted after him.
There was no reply from Jiang Cheng, but Wei Wuxian knew he had heard it.
So he turned around and went back to where Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji were waiting in the street.
When Wei Wuxian walked back to the main street of Yunmeng, he saw two extremely eye-catching men standing on the sidewalk.
The attention of the surrounding pedestrians had already gathered around them, as if the very ground they occupied had become the eye of a whirlpool, drawing every gaze inward.
Wei Wuxian couldn't help but slander, 'I have lived in Yunmeng for years, why haven't I gotten this kind of treatment?'
But considering how different the styles of the Gusu and Yunmeng people were, it's no wonder. The former refined and reserved, the latter bold and unrestrained. Here in Yunmeng, people would naturally be amazed to see someone so outstanding in appearance and so elegantly dressed. It's not just one person, but two people standing together; hence, they naturally became a spectacle.
Wei Wuxian deliberately slowed his pace, taking his time to admire the view.
Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji were truly like 2 pieces of high-quality jade. One was extraordinarily warm, spreading an aura of purity and serenity around. The other was exceptionally brilliant, giving off vibes of both unyieldingness and aloofness.
As Wei Wuxian walked closer, the two gentlemen both turned their gaze in his direction. Their eyes, one was dark, and the other was lighter and more glassy-like. Both appeared lustrous under the sunset. It's truly the manifestation of Nephrite jade and Jadeite.
Wei Wuxian abruptly let out a chuckle. The more he giggled, the more cracked up he was. By the time he reached them, he was already bent over slightly, shoulders shaking from laughter.
Lan Xichen looked at him with wonder. "Wei-Gongzi? Is something the matter?"
Lan Wangji glanced at him from the side. Different from Lan Xichen's visible surprise, he looked as though he'd been used to it. He had a suspicion that Wei Wuxian must have been harboring a ridiculous thought again in his mind.
"Nothing, nothing happened!" Wei Wuxian waved his hand, wiping at nonexistent tears as he forced himself to stop laughing.
He was indeed thinking of a ridiculous idea.
Seeing how impeccable the two Jades were, it's no wonder that they're both the pride and joy of Lan Qiren. And yet, thinking that these very pride and joy—one was about to marry Wei Wuxian, and the other acquiesced to be Wei Wuxian's best buddy— the old man's emotion must have been so indescribable right now!
Still grinning, Wei Wuxian ushered them forward. “Let’s go, let’s go! First, we’ll find an inn for you two.”
Wei Wuxian walked in the front while Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji were following slightly behind.
Seeing that the sky gradually darkened, Lan Xichen suggested, "It is nearly time for dinner. Wei-Gongzi, why not introduce us to Yunmeng’s local delicacies?"
He turned slightly toward his younger brother. "I heard that you wished to take Wangji before to taste the delicacies in Lanling. Since that opportunity was missed, perhaps we could try Yunmeng’s specialties today instead."
Lan Wangji's movement became stiff for a second.
He threw a complex look at his older brother. Both grateful and complain. On one hand, he was frustrated at being reminded of his lifelong regret in Lanling. On the other hand, he was grateful that his older brother helped him get another chance to make up for his regret here.
Wei Wuxian spun around, eyes bright and smiles widening. "Of course! Then, let's go and find some food to eat first!"
He thought for a moment, then added, “It’s still late spring, so there are no lotus pods yet. But there are plenty of other things worth trying!”
Before long, the three of them had turned onto a lively street. Soon, the scene turned into Wei Wuxian giving the bought confectionery to the Two Jades, asking their opinions,
"Is it delicious?"
Lan Wangji, "It is fine."
Lan Xichen said after finishing a bite of steamed purple potato cake, "Um, the sweetness from the brown sugar is a good complement to the natural sweetness of the sweet potato itself. The cake texture is very soft, and it has just come out of the stove, suitable for a Spring dessert."
Wei Wuxian handed them maltose next. "How about this?"
Lan Wangji frowned slightly. "Strange."
Lan Xichen nodded in agreement after taking a difficult bite of the sticky candy. "It is too sweet for an adult's palate. But perhaps for children, this will be a delightful snack. The texture is rather hard to chew, so it should not be eaten too often either. But the sticky and chewy texture is addictive, so the eating action itself is quite enjoyable, actually."
Wei Wuxian laughed and stuffed them with more strange treats. He looked expectantly at Lan Xichen and asked them once again,
"Then, what do you think of this?"
Lan Wangji paused. "...Passable."
Lan Xichen nibbled on a baked egg slowly, and after savoring it properly, he said, "Hmm, aside from the interesting method to cook the egg, baking them directly over the fire with the shell being wrapped in mud, the taste is also intriguing. It is the first time I have eaten a baked egg. The texture is very different from boiled or even fried eggs. The white part of the egg is quite chewy. It reminds me of agar texture from seaweed, though a bit firmer. The distinct roasted scent from the egg makes it more appetizing."
He turned to look at Wei Wuxian and smiled. "It is indeed a good accompaniment for white rice. Perhaps, for Wei-Gongzi, you will enjoy it even more dipped in spicy condiment, won't you?"
Wei Wuxian's eyes lit up, and he gave Lan Xichen a thumbs-up. "Exactly! How do you know, Zewu-Jun? It'll really be perfect if eaten with spicy sesame seed paste!"
Lan Xichen laughed softly. "I saw other people eating on the side when we were buying at the vendor before. I thought you may also like to eat them this way."
"So that's how it is! " Wei Wuxian realized and began to laugh as well. "I've never told you before, so how could you know about my preference?"
At the side, Lan Wangji pressed his lips together.
Looking down at the half-eaten snack in his hand, his expression turned complicated.
Why hadn't he known that his older brother was a food critic?!
The unbearable thing was that even if his older brother was plainly showing off in front of Wei Ying, he still couldn't even join the competition.
No matter how much he tried to conjure the words, he still wasn't able to convey what was supposed to be described in the food he ate. He used to be precise and direct. Even when correcting the disciples' nighthunting notes and assignments, he had always been straightforward in pointing out the wrong parts and explaining the correct solutions.
Just as he was brooding over his tragic fate, suddenly, a hand with slender and deft fingers took the half-bitten maltose from his grasp.
It was Wei Wuxian.
He chewed the maltose he had taken into his mouth and grinned at him. "Lan Zhan, if you don't like it, don't force yourself. I will eat it for you!"
Lan Wangji's pupils contracted.
His stare was focused on the half-bitten maltose being licked and chewed on the other person's red lip.
In that instant,
All the earlier frustration, every unpleasantness, and gloom from being helplessly overshadowed by his older brother—vanished completely.
And so, on the remainder of their street-side excursion, Lan Xichen feasted on the confectionery, while Lan Wangji feasted on the sight of Wei Wuxian eating his half-eaten snacks.
It was as if he had been kissed so many times in one evening.