Chapter Text
The trees swaying gently, composing a soothing melody.
The last rays of the sun at dusk, painting orange streaks through the waving leaves.
The humid smell of the ground, and the way the cicadas stop singing as soon as they reach the immaculate arch of stone that resembles a door to the Heavens.
Beyond expectation, against the relentless passing of time, and despite all tragedies in between, everything remains identical to the last time Sect Leader Jiang visited the Cloud Recesses, so many years ago.
However, that’s not exactly a good thing. In fact, it only confirms what he already suspected before even leaving Yunmeng...
This place gives him an instant headache.
Feeling the latent pressure increasing somewhere between his eyebrows, he scans his surroundings in a dark mood. Of course, he didn't come here for leisure— he had reasons to leave the privacy of his home and make the sacrifice of traveling all the way to Gusu, albeit reluctantly. As he stares at the arch, the first and most important of said reasons opens his mouth, his tone sarcastic.
“Uncle, is it one of the rules of this place to stand outside, staring at the door like fools? Why aren’t we going inside?” Jin Ling asks, impatiently kicking a pebble down the uneven stone steps. Jiang Cheng exhales through his nose.
“For all you know, which is nothing, it could be. Will you ever develop patience? You haven’t even set foot inside and I can already hear your shifu scolding you.” Without looking at the boy, he adds, “I won’t forgive you if you lose face for neither your sect nor mine in this place, you hear me? Not here.”
“But— Hmph.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Jiang Cheng sees his nephew cross his arms and press his lips, saying nothing more. He realizes his own words aren’t entirely true; in fact, during the past year, Jin Ling has shown some progress in the control of his emotions. His snarky retorts and awful habit of talking back are still there, but he picks his battles more wisely, especially when he isn’t sure if he has the high ground, like now.
His uncle realizes the young man must be truly pondering if the famously strict rules of the GusuLan Sect extended to such ridiculous extremes, and the shadow of a smile tugs at his lips before they go rigid again. He would tease him for being so nervous, if only he wasn't secretly nervous as well.
Chiding himself for feeling such an undignified emotion, he flaps the sleeves of his thick outer robes and signals the disciples behind him to step forward. The two small groups following them— five youngsters dressed in the purple of the YunmengJiang Sect, six draped in the embroidered yellow attire of the LanlingJin Sect— walk at his signal, each holding a jade token that grants them entrance to the grounds of the Lan Clan.
For the first time in quite a long period, the Cloud Recesses is opening its doors again to young cultivators from the main sects to receive the precious education that their seniors also experienced before, the one that’s supposed to help them grow from mere young disciples and into dignified cultivators.
This is GusuLan’s contribution to the strengthening of the cultivation world, a year after the quagmire that left it in shambles, as all clans and sects eagerly strive to prove the sturdiness of their foundations, concealing any slip under a facade of peace. Personally, Sect Leader Jiang Wanyin despises most of these efforts, often reduced to cynical meetings and shallow displays of power, either from small clans trying to take the chance to climb in the ranks, or the big sects hiding their shaky state.
Having rebuilt his own sect from ashes and rubble back in the day, he learned the simple fact that the only thing that is irreplaceable is a strong set of principles, ingrained not in wooden or stone tablets, but in the hearts of the people who cultivate within said sect. Perseverance, loyalty, endurance, and hard work were the only virtues that allowed him, his few surviving disciples, and common people to revive what little was left of everything his parents gave their lives to protect; as such, he scrunches his nose at most summonings, only assisting if needed.
Education, however, is a lasting contribution and he approves it thoroughly. He hopes the strict method of the Lan clan leaves a big impression on his pampered nephew; if any of their discipline and good manners rubbed off on the future leader of the LanlingJin Sect, then it’d be worth it.
That said, there was no need for him to personally escort his nephew all the way up to Gusu for this sole reason, but as Jin Ling received his invitation, another letter invited Sect Leader Jiang to please make use of their hospitality, if possible, to discuss matters of “mutual interest” with Lan Qiren.
Jiang Cheng frowned at this letter. He found it quite pretentious, considering that these mysterious matters are being brought up by the Lan Clan, so it’s logically them who should make the effort to travel to his dominions instead of having him go to the Cloud Recesses as if he isn’t busy. However, considering how strange it was that the one who was also his shifu, the very reserved Lan Qiren summoned him, he didn’t dare be rude or disregard the matter.
And that’s all there is to it, of course. It’s not like he has any other agenda visiting a place that holds many dangers for him, like the rumored presence of a certain man he hasn’t seen in months— one he isn’t sure he can even look in the eye.
With an irritated sigh and so much force that he startles the youngsters walking behind him, Jiang Cheng stomps through the gates thanks to the jade token tucked into his inner robes and, with his usual gloomy expression, walks up the steps under the last lights of the day until reaching the main courtyard, where three disciples in spotless white robes greet them with a perfect bow.
“Sect Leader Jiang, it is our honor to greet you,” says the one in the middle, whose face is vaguely familiar. Jiang Cheng stares at the cloud pattern in his robes and headband. A clan member, and a young one at that. He returns the greeting with a silent nod, a bit surprised that the Lan’s inner circle has such a relative among them, considering their circumstances.
“There’s another Sect Leader in the group, how come I’m being ignored, Sizhui?” Jin Ling says, crossing his arms in a cocky attitude. Jiang Cheng’s nostrils flare but before he can react, the elegant disciple bows towards him with a sincere smile.
The one to his right says with a grin, “Young Master Jin is in such high spirits, as always. Such a pleasure to meet him again.”
“Shut it, Jingyi. Etiquette is so not your thing.”
At this exchange, Jiang Cheng limits his anger to a frown. Not wishing to humiliate his nephew in front of his peers, without looking at him, he only says, “A-Ling. Mind where you are.”
Jin Ling blushes when the boy who spoke to him shows a faint cunning smile that immediately disappears under Jiang Cheng’s cold gaze. His nephew may be an insufferable rascal, but he won’t allow him to be mocked in his presence.
However, the third boy clears his throat and the one named Jingyi hurries to say, "We, uh. We were sent to escort the disciples to their new living quarters upon their arrival. Please, follow us.”
“Haha. I thought the Lan disciples never stutter?” Jin Ling sneers in revenge, walking ahead. Arrogantly turning his head towards Jiang Cheng, as if to show he doesn’t care, he says, “Goodbye, Uncle. Take good care of Fairy for me.”
“Shut up. Don’t cause trouble, or else.”
Two of the Lan boys bow and also say their goodbyes to Jiang Cheng, leaving with all the youngsters who pay their respects to him too before rushing behind their guides, forming a loud group. He can hear Jin Ling’s voice asking “Who else is coming? Zizhen wrote he’d come too,” before he disappears around the corner and, somehow, his heart finds unexpected peace.
The fact that Jin Ling managed to form connections with some of his peers despite his rotten personality is a relief. He remembers how, not many years ago, his nephew would roam the halls of Carp Tower all alone, sometimes even beaten up, yet stubbornly refusing to point fingers at who did that to him. And Jiang Cheng couldn’t do much for him, except trying to toughen him up. He never knew how to console the little boy, unable to emulate the warmth Jiang Yanli could have showered him with.
That’s why watching him happily go into an unknown place with people his age is quite reassuring, even though the picture of the group walking the paths and chatting animatedly brings a sudden pressure to his chest. The roaming ghosts of youngsters with their robes shining under a different sun than the weak one of this twilight, a bright morning with dew still dripping from the leaves and wooden pillars, laughing and bickering for nothing, arms swinging around in playful punches...
He’s startled out of his thoughts by the soft voice of the Lan disciple who stayed, the one Jin Ling called Sizhui.
“Sect Leader Jiang, I apologize on behalf of my shifu. He instructed me to escort you to your quarters and make sure your stay is comfortable since he won’t be back until after curfew. He humbly requests that you meet with him tomorrow morning.”
At this, Jiang Cheng frowns deeply.
“I didn’t intend to stay, and as you can see, I didn’t bring any assistants. I have other matters to attend to on the way back to Yunmeng, how come your shifu summons me and then can’t receive me?”
Sizhui seems a bit panicked. His ears turn pink, but in a truly valiant show of dignity, his voice doesn’t shake at all as he explains carefully.
“My sincerest apologies. Shifu was called on an emergency to help perform a healing ritual in the neighboring town; we got short notice and couldn’t notify you on time. He instructed me to make sure Sect Leader Jiang is granted anything he may need that we can provide. Once again, our sincerest apologies.”
“Since when is the elder shifu forced to take on such small requests? Where the hell are his two nephews, then?” Jiang Cheng wants to ask, but seeing how the graceful youngster looks ashamed enough, he doesn’t have the heart to bark at him about the questionable handling of tasks inside the Lan Clan. Besides, he’s sure if he asks too much he’ll risk hearing things he doesn’t want to hear.
"Fine. Lead the way," he grumbles.
Sighing irritatedly, he lets Sizhui guide him through the corridors and halls he once knew towards the inner sanctum, in the opposite direction to where the guest cultivators and students stay in more humble quarters.
Walking through these corridors, he notices that his first impression of the place isn’t quite accurate. Not everything is the same as before; some buildings he remembers have disappeared, replaced by new courtyards or stone monuments, some pathways seem to be closed, or leading to nowhere, and the forest around the complex still shows signs of the fire that devoured a good part of the mountain back when the Wen clan attacked the Cloud Recesses fifteen years ago.
Jiang Cheng clenches his fist. More than a decade later, the shadow they cast over so many lives still lingers, just like the flame of hatred in his heart. Still, the burning somehow subsides when his eyes land on a familiar image to his right. An old magnolia tree, with its branches softly dancing in the wind, spreads its sweet aroma as petals fall gracefully to the ground, some landing on the waxed wood of the corridor that leads to the library pavilion.
It was the farthest point they could go as students, and as they leave it behind, Jiang Cheng comes to a disturbing realization. Now that he’s here as Sect Leader, he’ll be staying in the best rooms the Lan clan can offer, meaning he’ll be close to the inner circle and their personal quarters. Meaning, if rumors are true—and he’s convinced they are—, there’s a high chance he’ll spot… that particular man he’d rather avoid.
Just when his scrunched eyebrows are about to touch each other, Sizhui stops and kindly leads him into a simple yet elegant room that’s been fully prepared for his stay.
“We’re here. Sect Leader Jiang, please let me know if I can be of any help. There’s about one hour left before our curfew starts. Up until then, please feel free to call for me or any of the assistant disciples,” he says, bowing again. Jiang Cheng holds his eyes from rolling.
“Thank you,” he grumbles, entering the room and turning his back on the young man, who closes the door as he leaves. Once he’s gone, Jiang Cheng scratches his head with fury and lands violently over the cushion in front of the beautiful mahogany table, packed with paper, ink, incense, and other basic stuff.
“Goddammit,” he curses, hitting the table with his closed fist.
This sucks. He didn’t come prepared to stay longer than a couple of hours— in fact, he expected to leave just before the ridiculous curfew. If the kids didn’t slow him down on the way, they wouldn’t have arrived at dusk... although that wouldn’t have made much difference if Lan Qiren was suddenly busy solving stuff his clan Leader, or maybe the meddlesome Second Young Master, should be taking care of instead.
Well, it is a known fact that Sect Leader Lan entered seclusion a year ago and he hasn’t been spotted ever since, but what about Lan Wangji? Hanguang-Jun, always appearing wherever the chaos is? If he is at the Cloud Recesses as his informants let him know, he couldn’t be ignoring his duties just because he’s too distracted with his… his…
“Goddammit!” Jiang Cheng growls again, looking around to see if there’s anything he can do to distract himself from thinking about Hanguang-Jun’s rumored new married life with the one he once considered his brother.
He knows they are more than mere rumors. He had the misfortune of witnessing their shameless antics at his own home, and then at the Guanyin temple with his own two eyes.
For more than an hour, Jiang Wanyin tries to distract himself from this particular line of thought but fails miserably. He didn’t bring any of his piling work with him, hoping to settle matters early and leave during the first hours of the night before curfew and, most importantly, before they had the chance to offer him the awful food of GusuLan. Besides, he had also planned to ambush a rumored demonic cultivator on his way back to Yunmeng, and now that would also have to wait another night. His complaint about not bringing assistants was fake; he always planned on taking the guy by himself anyway, as he'd always do when it was about deviants like that.
With all those things in his mind, Jiang Cheng soon gives up on meditating and just walks around the room. There's not enough space for him to exercise comfortably. On nights like this, only physical exertion or a walk outside could calm him down...
Coming to a sudden halt, he stares at the closed door and ponders. What is stopping him from taking a walk outside?
As a student, he always wondered what was like going out at night in this silent complex, the way his shameless shixiong always did. He never dared to follow him, always worried about keeping a good image, not shaming his family, to be well-behaved. Always seeking approval to no avail— approval that no one in this world can give him anymore.
A sudden itch overcomes his better judgment and fills him with weird, rebellious thoughts. Heart pounding, he chides himself for it, but something in his chest refuses to settle.
Why not? It’s not like he intends to poke his nose into the Lan's treasure room or even the library. It's more like a challenge— who would dare to scold the Sandu Shengshou for taking a stroll in the gardens they forced him to stay in? Not a disciple, for certain, unless they all had the same thick face Lan Wangyi had back in the day when he was in charge of watching over the guest disciples, which is very unlikely. Despite the Lan clan’s strict upbringing, Jiang Cheng has serious doubts that they can produce another creature like that man: stone-cold on the outside, yet shameless enough to bring back his male lover to the heart of his sect— one that deeply despises everything Wei Wuxian, as a person, represents.
His door is opened somewhat aggressively. Taking a deep breath, he tilts his head up, arrogant, and looks left and right, in case someone is in the corridor guarding it. To his surprise, the whole wing is in silence, only the distant sounds of the critters in the forest giving some life to the solemn ambient. He sighs, irritated.
Definitely a headache. A splitting one.
This peace is unnerving to Jiang Cheng, accustomed to the noise and constant movement of Lotus Pier. During the day, the maids and disciples roam around the halls and courtyards talking without care, only the guards watching over the scenery in unbreakable concentration, instructed by their leader this way. Still, they are offered food or a warm drink by their peers when it’s cold, so, laughter and conversation fill the corridors every day, and every night.
He prefers it that way. Otherwise, the place would still be filled with wailing echoes like the first days after he took the reigns. Echoes that bring memories. Memories that bring nightmares.
He steps outside the room and walks aimlessly under the bright moon. After a couple of minutes of complete silence, Jiang Cheng’s mouth turns into a crooked smile.
So, is this really where he is staying? He, out of all people in the world, chooses to stay in this place? Maybe there is justice in the mortal realm, after all.
Glancing at the illuminated rooms that can be seen not too far away, he thinks that, although he absolutely doesn’t want to, if he were to casually bump into Wei Wuxian now, he’d feel less awkward. There’s something thrilling about the idea of finding him like a fish out of the water in such a constricted place. Funny, even. Although he absolutely doesn’t want to see his face again, even a year since the last time they saw each other.
The smirk disappears when he starts recalling that awful day, but before he can dwell too much on it, Jiang Cheng realizes he may have walked too far, suddenly sensing someone nearby. Nimble, he hides in the shadows of the corner he was about to round and stares at the figure standing in front of a room on the opposite side of the garden he just entered. His eyes take in the sight and then open wide.
It's not the first time he has seen Zewu-Jun, of course, but it's the first time he has seen him since the Guanyin temple incident. Nailed to the floor, Jiang Cheng wonders if that’s what makes the image so oddly striking.
Lan Xichen is gazing at the starry sky above. Hands behind his back, his posture has the natural elegance of all Lan disciples, effortless in appearance, a product of years of hard and unforgiving discipline in reality. Even from their current distance, Jiang Cheng notices that distinguished air in his tall figure, lightly dressed in white, and in the contours of his jade-like face, faintly illuminated by the moon and framed by silky strands of black hair.
GusuLan's Twin Jades are widely known for their ability to rob everyone of their breath just by stepping into a room, but it's the first time Jiang Cheng feels he’s been exposed to that effect. What was it? His own uneasiness, knowing he’s bending the rules of this place? The silent atmosphere? Or the fact he hasn't seen Lan Xichen for a year, since the most embarrassing episode of his life?
Suddenly, Lan Xichen sighs and his shoulders drop. Unlocking his arms from his back, he supports one hand on the wooden fence and lowers his eyes as if he couldn't stand the soft silver light cast over his face anymore. Then Jiang Cheng realizes. There is a difference, indeed.
Before, the eldest Lan would always show a kind smile and serene eyes no matter the time and place, graceful yet unbending, resembling a fresh bamboo forest. Right now, however, and even from afar, Jiang Cheng can feel in his expression, in his whole posture, that the year of seclusion hasn't been to nurture his cultivation. His whole body language screams pain. Or, rather... something similar to defeat.
He can definitely guess why. He was there the day Lan Xichen’s life took an awful turn, after all. Just like the other was there to witness when he cried his heart out in front of the most prominent figures of the cultivation world...
Unconsciously, Jiang Cheng gives a step back, and the old wooden floor creaks under his weight, making Lan Xichen turn his head in his direction. Sect Leader Jiang curses under his breath.
“Who is there?” asks Sect Leader Lan. His voice doesn’t sound alarmed at all. It’s more like he’s kindly notifying the intruder that he’s been spotted and there’s no need to hide anymore.
Judging his options, Jiang Cheng quickly decides that it may be less humiliating to show himself willingly, so he steps into the light with his nose pointing up, trying to save some face with an extra dose of pride. When he sees him, Lan Xichen blinks surprised, and then smiles.
“Sect Leader Jiang, it’s good to see you,” he says, saluting him with all the respect protocol demands. Jiang Cheng returns the greeting.
“Sect Leader Lan,” he answers, defiant.
His only consolation is that at least he’s wearing his full outfit, whereas Lan Xichen is only wearing a white inner robe and a thin cape, showing even his collarbones.
Truly unsightly for a GusuLan Sect member. Oddly disturbing to himself.
“It has been a while. I trust you have been in good health?” Lan Xichen ask, affably.
That should be my line, thinks Jiang Cheng, looking at his pale face as he answers, “I have, thank you. I came at your uncle’s request.”
“Ah, yes, I was informed. I intended to properly greet Sandu Shengshou tomorrow,” Lan Xichen says.
His tone sounds apologetic. He even looks away, although it doesn’t seem to be for a sudden burst of self-awareness about his circumstances. In fact, it’s Jiang Cheng who seems more perturbed by his appearance.
There's a moment of uncomfortable silence until Jiang Cheng clears his throat and says, "Right. Apologies for coming here at this hour. I… got lost.”
Not true, of course, but better than nothing— feeling himself blush, he points his nose even higher in self-defense. Lan Xichen, however, smiles politely.
“I admit it is quite a surprise to have a visitor wandering around the halls at this hour.”
"Is it?"
"Indeed." Lan Xichen puts his hands behind his back again. Those soft eyes seem to see through him, as he adds, “I take no offense on it. However, I would advise Sect Leader Jiang against following that path and approaching the Jingshi."
“Hah? And why's that?" Jiang Cheng says, clenching his fists and realizing he was supposed to ask “Why would I even?!” instead.
It’s too late. Not giving him time even to regret his words, Lan Xichen smiles wider, and answers in a matter-of-fact tone, "It is never advisable to go near the chambers of newlyweds at night."
Sect Leader Jiang believes his face will fall off at any given moment, in a mix of rage and shame that shouldn't even belong to him. The impudence… the nerve! Where is the Lan Clan’s famous modesty?! His chest swells as if there is a raging volcano inside it; however, his fury is suddenly subdued when the most surprising thing happens.
Lan Xichen's kind smile transforms into chuckling, and then… a short burst of laughter.
Normally, a man laughing at him would make him awake Zidian at once; another clan leader laughing at him would be worth at least unsheathing Sandu AND Zidian together. However, for some reason, Zewu-Jun laughing softly into the night, with his red-rimmed eyes and pale face looking even whiter under the moonlight, has the strangest soothing effect. It seems impossible, even for Jiang Cheng and his unbearable bad mood, to get mad at him. Moreso, he notices his mouth is slightly open, so he closes it tight, scrunching his eyebrows instead.
Lan XiChen sighs, and now his smile is appropriately shy as if he just noticed his awful courtesy slip.
"My apologies, I didn't mean ill," he declares. After a pause, he adds, "I only felt relieved.”
“Relieved?”
Jiang Cheng stares at him, and it’s finally Sect Leader Lan’s time to blush. He puts a fist over his mouth and clears his throat, lowering his long lashes.
“Please forgive me. I just realized Sandu Shengshou is still a very honest man, even after all this time and so many events. In a way, knowing there are still people loyal to themselves outside is... a relief, indeed."
His voice is soft and steady, but his eyes are dark again, lost in some distant place, and Jiang Cheng makes a connection. It looks like he’s not the only one having trouble leaving the past behind, dwelling on his mistakes and decisions, on the people they trusted, and all those ugly truths that surged through so much deceit and lies.
He’s not particularly empathetic. He usually doesn’t care much about people’s regrets and pains but about their future instead, while people from other sects aren't even in his sight. Yet, this night, he feels a strange affinity to the man standing alone under the moon laughing at him with the saddest eyes. Maybe because he knows enough to understand what he means with his words; maybe because he was also seen by him against his will during one of his lowest moments… Be it one thing or another, his mouth moves on its own.
"I cannot stand lies. Zewu-Jun may expect many things from me, but deceit will never be one of them. You can be sure of that."
They stare at each other in silence for a few seconds, until Lan Xichen smiles again, this time sincerely.
“I know. And for that, I’m grateful,” he says.
Jiang Cheng nods and crosses his arms, trying to put an end to this uncomfortable exchange. It’s not like they are close. They aren’t even from the same generation, yet here they are, having an awkward late-night conversation.
Feeling his discomfort, Lan Xichen rearranges his cape around his shoulders and says, “I do not mind the company, but perhaps I should have someone guide Sect Leader Jiang back to his room?”
“No. I can go back on my own,” Jiang Cheng grumbles.
“You may get lost again,” Lan Xichen says, his eyes crinkling with the tiniest spark of playfulness on them. Jiang Cheng feels a vein popping in his temple.
“I can trace my own steps, thank you. My cultivation level allows me at least that,” he mumbles, letting pride blow off his cover. For his fortune, his host is too kind to point that out.
“I understand. Well then, I will see Sect Leader Jiang tomorrow. Have a good night,” Lan Xichen says, bowing to him.
“Right… Good night.”
Stiff, Jiang Cheng bows too and quickly withdraws from his position, not before throwing a glare full of contempt toward the rooms that can be seen beyond Lan Xichen’s. He stomps all the way back to his room, without even paying attention to the startled disciple that now is on guard in front of his door. Only once he closes the door behind him and he takes off his boots, he allows himself to let out a deep sigh.
He knew, before even leaving Yunmeng, that this place meant trouble. But he didn’t think it would be this kind of trouble. How could he let himself be caught snooping around by Sect Leader Lan himself? What was he even thinking? He warned Jin Ling to not make a fool out of himself in this place, and look at him! Could this stupid visit get any worse?!
It was supposed to be a rhetorical question, yet he’d get a surprising answer the next morning.
“Excuse me? Do I look like some matchmaker to you?”
Jiang Cheng has trouble keeping his hands from flipping the table in front of him, tea set included. Lan Qiren pulls at his beard with his eyes closed, impassive as if he already expected this reaction from the YunmengJiang Sect Leader.
“Sandu Shengshou, do not misunderstand. That is not what I’m asking from you at all,” says the old master, finally opening his eyes to stare at his guest.
"You just asked me to help your Sect Leader to find a wife among my people. How is that any different?" Jiang Cheng grumbles, veins popping on his clenched hands.
He's livid. He thought he had been summoned for something relevant about their territories, or some big problems with some twisted cultivator menacing to disrupt their peace. Instead, not only was he made to wait an extra night for their meeting, but the whole thing came down to Lan Qiren unexpectedly asking him to take Lan Xichen to Lotus Pier, in hopes that his nephew could find among the honest Yunmeng people a fitting wife.
'Inappropriate’ doesn't even begin to describe it, in Jiang Cheng’s opinion.
"What I am proposing is a deal between our sects, one that can hopefully benefit both of them. Of course, it cannot be discussed with anyone but Sect Leader Jiang in person,” Lan Qiren says.
“Hah, benefit how? You intend to make me marry one of your disciples in exchange?” Jiang Cheng growls, furious.
“If it came down to it, or if so was your wish, we would not oppose,” answers Lan Qiren, and this takes Jiang Cheng aback.
Another one of his sore spots is those stupid rumors about him being blacklisted by some women he doesn’t even remember after he had a few meetings with them. It’s been years since the last time he listened to the advice his people gave him regarding his marital status; done with it, he decided to disregard it until whenever he feels like it. Having the issue be raised by some old master from another sect fills him with indescribable rage.
His frown deepens and his words come out slow and poisonous.
“I thought the Lan Sect was above such mundane matters. I never expected shifu to be so thoughtful of harem gossip... Has GusuLan Sect’s disposition changed so much these years?”
At this, it's Lan Qiren who blushes and looks one taunt away from flipping the table. However, with effort, he takes a deep breath and says, “Many things have changed. There is no point in hiding them from Sect Leader Jiang, as he may be more aware of it than most people. We share some... concerns, after all.”
Jiang Wanyin suddenly sees red. If he’s even suggesting what he thinks he’s suggesting...
However, the old man only continues speaking.
“In the current state of affairs, we can only worry about our own sects. We have tried to recover from the blows we have been dealt these past decades, and I can say our disciples are working hard to keep our traditions intact. However, no matter how much work we put on it, there will always be things out of our control. We already allowed the Wen clan to rise above us and destroy centuries of growth for the cultivation world once. I don’t think I’ll live long enough to witness such a disaster a second time, but I hope to live enough to prevent my clan from falling before it again.”
“And what do you mean by that?” Jiang Cheng asks.
“I mean that the main sects are now at an impasse. With LanlingJin Sect’s head seat empty, QingheNie in the hands of Nie Huaisang, and our own Sect Leader in seclusion, it is you, Sect Leader Jiang, the only one I dare to share my concerns with.”
Jiang Cheng only stares and Lan Qiren coughs again.
“I believe in a few years when Young Master Jin takes the head seat of the Jin Sect, he will need support. His relatives and even outsiders may hold twisted interests in his position. You know that better than anyone. It is under your protection that he thrives, and I hope our teachings contribute to his growth too.”
“So, is this about my nephew now? You said so yourself. He has me, and the YunmengJiang Sect behind him, and that is enough,” Jiang Cheng says arrogantly. He’s sure Lan Qiren is holding himself from frowning.
“Yes. Because you are family. But if your family was bigger, so would be his support,” the old master says. He seems uncomfortable, definitely out of his element. Still, he doesn’t waver. “That is the extent of this offer. In these times, when no one can be trusted, we trust you, Sect Leader Jiang. Only because we trust you I suggest this. GusuLan doesn’t need to thread lies behind anyone’s back. Yet, we need to protect ourselves from those who do.”
“So, that’s it. An alliance to protect ourselves from traitors,” Jiang Cheng says. Although it’s nothing new, it’s hard for him to be rational about it when his two weaknesses —his pride and his nephew— have been exposed. Not to mention, the other 'bond' between their sects, which at least both seem to despise. Diplomacy is hard and frustrating for Jiang Cheng, and that's why most of his business gets solved by Zidian, directly.
Lan Qiren suddenly lets out a deep sigh.
“I suppose you could put it that way. But there is more to it than that. Even if it doesn’t work, I humbly request that you take Xichen to Yunmeng with you.”
"Does he even want to go there?" Jiang Cheng asks, spreading his hands with an ironical smirk. "He isn’t even here. I don’t understand why are we discussing this without his presence. He’s the sect leader, not you.”
“Yes, but—”
“Uncle, please. I believe Sect Leader Jiang is right.”
Both men turn to the door where Lan Xichen stands, now dressed in his usual attire, Shouyue and Liebing hanging from his waist, pristine and deadly in equal parts. His hands are tucked into his long sleeves, and when Jiang Cheng looks at him, he puts them in front of him to greet him respectfully. However, when he raises his eyes, there’s something unnerving in the intensity of his soft almond eyes as he stares at his uncle.
“Xichen, how long have you been there? What is this behavior, listening behind doors?” Lan Qiren scolds him, but Sect Leader Lan steps into the room and sits straight in front of him.
“Is this punishment for my recent mistakes?”
Just great, thinks Jiang Cheng. Not only Lan Xichen doesn’t agree with his uncle, but he'll have to sit there watching them fight over it. What a fucking waste of time...
A hand hits the table.
“It is not. You’ve never given me reasons to punish you. You should know I just want what’s best for you,” says an enraged Lan Qiren.
“If this is not punishment, then why is Uncle trying to drive me away from home?" Lan Xichen asks. "You told me you wanted to discuss the... alliance with Sect Leader Jiang. But troubling him with such an outrageous request without summoning me? It’s unsightly.”
At least one of them keeps some sense in his head, Jiang Cheng thinks, increasingly angrier. Lan Qiren stares into the distance, without looking at the other two men in the room, tilting his head up. He looks offended by his nephew’s words, hurt even. In a cold voice, he says, “I am certainly not punishing you, but you ought to know: Xichen, your seclusion has had no positive impact on your cultivation. At your age, and in your position, that is unacceptable. You attend to your duties as Sect Leader, yet as you say, you make mistakes too. Those are uncharacteristic of you, therefore, they cannot be overlooked.”
He finally looks at Lan Xichen, severely. “Staying here is doing you no favors. Since I wished to discuss the matter we already agreed on with Sect Leader Jiang, I thought it would be adequate to ask him about this possibility too. I believe the influence of another Sect Leader would do you good. As such, he is the only one I could turn to. If my intentions have been misinterpreted, my apologies.”
The old man takes his cup of tea and drinks from it with pursed lips. It’s almost comical, the way he looks like a father who was scolded by his daughter for meddling in her affairs, yet he has a way with words that helps Jiang Cheng calm down a bit. Those kinds of visits have been rare these past years, but they are nothing new. Groups of disciples come and go, and since GusuLan is receiving five of his own plus his nephew, there’s no way he could refuse receiving Lan Xichen in Lotus Pier.
The thing is, why do these Lan people have to take such painful turns to say what they really want to say? The old man is a bit red in the face as he sips from his tea, waiting for someone else to talk, and Jiang Cheng feels, again, an unexpected surge of empathy. All this useless chat to explain he’s just worried sick about his nephew and wants him to take some time away instead of rotting in his room…
“Uncle…” Lan Xichen seems to get it too. He sighs, looking a bit ashamed. “If I were to leave, who would carry on with my duties?”
“That has been settled already. Wangji came back early this morning; he is willing to replace you during the time you stay away.”
‘So he wasn’t home last night,’ Jiang Cheng thinks, frowning. He glances at Lan Xichen, wondering if he stopped him from going further because the other guest was alone in his room.
“Why trouble Wangji?” Sect Leader Lan mumbles, shaking his head.
“He can do it, and he already agreed to do so, as long as you approve it. Believe it or not, he agrees with me on this matter. At least he has enough sense left for that,” Lan Qiren grumbles, drinking from his cup again.
During a few tortuous moments, no one speaks. Jiang Cheng bounces a leg impatiently, arms crossed and waiting for someone to ask for his opinion. Lan Xichen finally breaks the silence and looks at him with a serious face.
“Only if he allows it, I’ll gladly accompany Sect Leader Jiang to Yunmeng if I can assist him and his people. Otherwise, I refuse to become a burden on him.”
Jiang Cheng opens his mouth, ready to complain as much as he believes he deserves, but suddenly closes it. He looks at Lan Xichen, proudly sitting there; his sickly complexion is the same, but his posture couldn’t be more different from last night. Dignified yet radiating a certain warmth, he patiently waits for an answer, as Lan Qiren rubs his temples with his eyes closed. A righteous gentleman in soft, spotless light blue clothes, waiting with all courtesy to be judged.
Sect Leader Jiang is a person who never asks for help. At most, he requires assistance from his own disciples from time to time, but even so, he usually prefers to deal with important matters on his own. So, of course, allowing another Sect Leader to get in his way or meddle in his affairs for recreational purposes should be out of the question, absolutely outrageous.
And yet…
“There is one thing you could help me with.”
He hears these words leaving his mouth and can barely believe them himself. Both Lans look at him in astonishment. Jiang Cheng clenches a fist into his crossed arms. A way to defend himself from their questioning looks, and his own questioning thoughts.
“I’m following the lead of a case, a demonic cultivator who had the nerve to show himself in our territory. This man has left a trail of dead people behind him, all women. I intend to ambush him in Yichang. I believe he intends to reach Yiling, as most scums of his class do.” He closes his eyes. “If… Sect Leader Lan is willing to help deliver justice in such a trivial matter, he’s welcome to accompany me. And he can stay in Lotus Pier as my guest afterward if he wishes.”
There’s a short silence in the room, during which Jiang Cheng has the disgrace of coming back to his right senses, and a bubbling rage born from shame starts rising up from his stomach, crawling up to his throat. What the hell has gotten into him? But before he can retract his words, Lan Xichen smiles and speaks with a clear voice.
“It would be an honor to accompany you, Sect Leader Jiang.”
That smile, again, makes his wrath dissipate like the persistent scent of the magnolia petals scattering in the wind outside the Lan's library. Jiang Cheng’s eyebrows twitch, confused by this weird association.
Without looking at Lan Xichen, he nods and raises his eyebrows towards Lan Qiren who sighs, looking exhausted, and nods too.
“Then it is settled. Thank you very much for your kindness. Regarding that other matter…”
“We’ll see. He’s going to Lotus Pier, isn’t he? That should be enough for now." Jiang Cheng stands up and says, “Then, I’ll take my leave as soon as Sect Leader Lan is ready to depart.”
It's just that he doesn't like owing people anything. It's fair that as they take care of A-Ling, he does his best to cooperate with his fellow Sect Leader. It feels like the right thing to do.
Still, it seems like not only does this place give him headaches... he’s even willing to taking one back home with him.