#JiangCheng centric

Eventual #Xicheng
Post-canon
No reconciliation
BFF Nie Huaisang

((I remembered something from the novel that WWX did in regards to JC & it honestly just pissed me the fuck off, so this is just a self-indulgent rant turned threadfic))

Jiang Cheng ascended the steps of Cloud Recesses, his body feeling heavy and his mind blank. He felt so numb. A year has passed since Guanyin Temple and Jiang Cheng feels a cold abyss inside him. He isn’t sad, he isn’t lonely, he’s just disgusted. With Jin Guangyao, with Lan

Wangji, with himself, and with Wei Wuxian. He doesn’t want to be here. Truthfully, he would have skipped this year’s conference if it weren’t for the fact that Lan Qiren had written him to attend as Lan Xichen was leaving seclusion.
Your letters helped him, Sect Leader Jiang

Wanyin. You are the only who understood his pain.
So fucking what? It’s not like Jiang Cheng chose to have his former sworn brother betray him three times. Maybe he respected Lan Xichen enough to not let him become rotten on the inside like he had, but his former mentor’s letter

did nothing but leave a bitter taste in his mouth.
As Jiang Cheng approached Lan Xichen, whose smile was not as bright as it used to be but still sincere and conciliatory, the older man felt a sense of worry. Jiang Cheng’s eyes were vapid and his complexion was pallid to say the

least. The First Jade had been eager to see Jiang Wanyin since Guanyin Temple. To thank him for his words and efforts. To treat him to Gusu delicacies as Jiang Cheng had sent Yunmeng delicacies to him (which he later found out were cooked by Jiang Cheng himself) during his

seclusion. But as the distance closed between Jiang Wanyin and him, the man he came to know as Sandu Shengshou was not there.
Wei Wuxian watched Jiang Cheng greet Lan Xichen, completely ignoring him. Part of him expected this from his former sworn brother, but a small part of him

was rather disappointed. Seeing him after telling him to move on was awkward. Immediately following Guanyin Temple, he and Lan Wangji had eloped and spent every day traveling and making love. It was endless bliss. Unfortunately, their fun time was cut short when Lan Wangji was

declared Chief Cultivator, but Wei Wuxian had no issues going on missions with his husband. Not to mention going on night-hunts with the juniors and Wen Ning was also fun. Jin Ling and he had bonded quite well over the past eight months. But he never asked Jin Ling about

Jiang Cheng and Jin Ling never brought him up either. He doesn’t know the exact details, but from what Lan Jingyi had told him, Jiang Cheng and Jin Ling had quite the argument in regards to him spending time around Wen Ning. In the end, Wei Wuxian figured Jin Ling’s silence about

Jiang Cheng was because the young boy now understood the relationship between he and Jiang Cheng was, at best, toxic, and at worse, nonexistent. It didn’t surprise him as Jin Ling was wiser now and more empathetic to people’s relationships and feelings, something he credited both

Jiang Yanli and himself for instilling in the boy.
“Sect Leader Jiang, before the conference begins tomorrow, I was hoping for a private audience with you over tea.” Lan Xichen said.
“That will be fine.” Jiang Cheng said, though he didn’t actually want to. But considering Lan

Xichen was making the effort to reach out to him, Jiang Cheng would accept.
Lan Wangji fixed Jiang Cheng with a disapproving look, as if the very thought of Jiang Cheng interacting with Lan Xichen, in any capacity, was an opprobrium. Jiang Cheng ignored the glare directed at him.

He also ignored the black and red robes in his peripheral. He didn’t want to look at him. It was nauseating.

As the visiting sects got settled in their respective accommodations, Nie Huaisang knocked on Jiang Cheng’s door and walked in.
Jiang Cheng was sitting on the edge of his

bed, staring at the floor, waiting. A Gusu Lan disciple would come fetch him within the hour to meet with Lan Xichen.
“I won’t wear them.” Nie Huaisang said, sitting next to Jiang Cheng.
“What are you talking about?” A lazy scowl greeted him.
“My white robes. I won’t wear them.”

“…”
Nie Huaisang turned to look at the floor, “You’ve been looking more dead than alive these past few months. I’ve gotten letters from your third-in-command.”
“Well, since it seems you two are oh-so friendly, maybe I should just give him to you then. He’ll be your third-in-

command now.”
“Stop that.” Nie Huaisang said softly, eyes still staring downward. “I can’t bury another person close to me. I’ve already lost my brother. I don’t want to lose my only friend.”
“Sorry, but you should choose better friends.” Jiang Cheng stared back at the floor.

“You think so lowly of yourself…With all that you’ve gone through, all that you’ve accomplished. Many would kill to have even a sliver of your resolve.”
Many minutes passed before Jiang Cheng stared at the wall, voice dropping to just above a whisper.
“I am nothing but a burden

to those around me. I am a plague that only knows how to destroy.” He slowly blinks, “My whole life…is nothing but a lie. My father never loved me, always preferring Wei Wuxian. My mother scorned me, always reminding me of how inferior I was to him. My sister was no better,

always taking his side until her last breath. My sect was destroyed because Wen Chao wanted revenge on Wei Wuxian. I rebuilt my sect on the ashes of hundreds of bodies-men, women, children, and the elderly alike. I was abandoned for the very same people who took everything from

me.”
Jiang Cheng stared at his hands, slowly clenching and unclenching them.
“I was made into a sociopolitical pariah. A laughing stock behind closed doors and the target of disgust for all to see. And when I thought I had finally done right by my family for rebuilding Lotus Pier

and the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, I come to find out it was all because of Wei Wuxian again anyway.”
He placed his hand above where his core was as a single tear slid down Jiang Cheng’s expressionless face.
“I am his greatest consequence…and his biggest whim.”

On the other side of the door stood Lan Xichen, his hand hovering just millimeters from the door, ready to knock. His arm slowly comes down as Lan Xichen remembers his uncle’s words from many years ago when Jiang Cheng had barely become a sect leader.
“Sect Leader Jiang Wanyin

has always been misunderstood. The scowl and glare he wields is simply a means to protect himself.”
“From what?”
“From himself. That boy will love and protect those close to him until his last breath.”
“Isn’t that expected of anyone who cares for others?”
Lan Qiren shook his

head, “The problem with Jiang Wanyin’s love is that he loves too much and his love does not end. No matter how much it will hurt him in the end.”
Lan Xichen closed his eyes & hardened his resolve. Jiang Cheng has given himself time and time again to others, be it his family, Wei

Wuxian, Jin Ling, his sect, and even Lan Xichen. The First Jade reaches to his full height and knocks on the door. As he hears footsteps approach, he swallows any lingering doubts and anxieties.
Just as Jiang Cheng, along with the passage of time, helped Lan Xichen heal from his

traumas, now it was Lan Xichen’s turn to help him. He will prove to Jiang Cheng that his life has its own meaning, it’s own purpose, and that he is capable of being loved.

The door opened and Jiang Cheng’s dull gray eyes greeted him.
“Zewu-Jun? What are you doing here?”
Lan

Xichen smiled at him, “We agreed to have tea together.” He extended his hand towards the younger man, aware Nie Huaisang had quickly & quietly left through the opposite door. Their time would come later. For now, Lan Xichen’s first and only priority was the man in front of him.

“Will you follow me, Sect Leader Jiang?”
Jiang Cheng slowly nodded, “O-Okay.”
Lan Xichen felt a small warmth bloom inside him. Jiang Cheng’s eyes were still dull and hazy, but Lan Xichen vowed to bring the life back into them. Into him.

-END-

Okay, so maybe not -THE END- but don’t think of this as an actual story developing. The idea just came to me.

#JiangCheng centric

Eventual #Xicheng
Post-canon
No reconciliation
BFF Nie Huaisang

((This started off as a rant, and still is, but it became a rant with plot lolol))

Jiang Cheng watches Lan Xichen as he leads him to a low table underneath a magnolia tree. He glances down as his hand is gently enveloped by Lan Xichen’s. He’s never been this close to the First Jade before, but he realizes that although they are only 3 centimeters apart in

height, Lan Xichen has a much broader body than he does. It makes sense when thinking of their individual training. Gusu Lan Sect is known for their arm strength, push-ups and handstands are normal for them. They focus on strength and solidity. Meanwhile Yunmeng Jiang Sect

focuses on speed and mobility. Much of their training consists of learning to be flexible and honing one’s reflexes.
Gusu Lan Sect is graceful like the wind and steady like water.
Yunmeng Jiang Sect is unpredictable like lightning and ferocious like fire.

They are quite different to one another. Neither better or worse, but on opposite ends of a spectrum.

Jiang Cheng does not know why Lan Xichen is holding his hand instead of just leading him to the magnolia tree. Part of Jiang Cheng hates the unnecessary skin contact, but he

also finds himself not caring. He just wants to get this over with. He’s tired. He’s tired of everything and everyone.
When they finally settle, Lan Xichen poured the tea and offered Jiang Cheng some sweets, “I went to Caiyi Town. These are some of our most popular sweets.”

Jiang Cheng gingerly took a bite. He didn’t have a sweet tooth, so he wasn’t super thrilled about it, but it tasted nice.
“Do you like it?”
Jiang Cheng froze, which Lan Xichen noticed immediately.
“Sect Leader Jiang?”
“Yes. It tastes nice. Thank you.”
“Is everything alright?”

“Yes. It’s just…I don’t remember the last time someone asked me whether I liked something or not.”
“Surely you were asked your preferences as a child?” Lan Xichen asked softly, a small smile on his face.
“No. I wasn’t…not about mine anyway.” Jiang Cheng said blankly, as he took

a sip of his tea.
It took a few seconds for Lan Xichen to fully understand the meaning of his words. He had always heard rumors of the tumultuous marriage between Jiang Fengmian and Madame Yu. He also heard about the favoritism Jiang Fengmian placed on Wei Wuxian despite Jiang

Cheng being his actual son and heir. Was Jiang Cheng never asked such mundane things? He easily knew Wei Wuxian’s likes and dislikes since the two came to study as adolescents. Lan Xichen watched Jiang Cheng drink his tea and eat the snacks before him. He moved so lifelessly,

like a puppet being controlled by its master. But what hurt Lan Xichen most was how accepting Jiang Cheng was of it all.
“Sect Leader Jiang, as you know, sect conferences take an entire week. However, due to special request as I am just coming back into the world, the sect

conference this year will only be for three days. I understand as a fellow sect leader that our schedules are quite full as it is, but if possible, I wanted to ask if you could stay for the remainder of the week.”
Jiang Cheng was confused, but he didn’t want to be rude.

Lan Xichen was still fresh out of seclusion, so maybe he wanted Jiang Cheng’s help with getting back into the swing of things.
In truth, he really didn’t want to. Spending more time than necessary in Cloud Recesses (more time near him) was not something he was looking forward to.

He looked into Lan Xichen’s eyes as the older man patiently waited for his answer. Jiang Cheng doesn’t actually know what Lan Xichen went through in seclusion. Of all the letters Jiang Cheng wrote him, Lan Xichen never actually wrote back and any update on his actual wellbeing

was given to Jiang Cheng by Lan Qiren. Jiang Cheng was tired, but he knew Lan Xichen was still a bit delicate. At the end of his letters, Jiang Cheng promised Lan Xichen each and every time that he would support him.
“I know what happens when you go through hardship by yourself.

Especially with something like this. We were never close and still aren’t, but I promise you, I will not let you go through this alone.”
Jiang Cheng sighed softly, “Okay.”

The conference flew by rather quickly. Jiang Cheng kept quite throughout the whole ordeal, ignoring the

fact that both Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian were present behind Lan Xichen and that Jin Ling was seated next Lan Xichen on Wei Wuxian’s side, often engaging in small chatter with him. Many people expected Jin Ling to spend his first few years as sect leader by Jiang Cheng’s side,

but it seemed that wasn’t the case. Jiang Cheng knew, even if he silently begged and pleaded for the past fourteen years for the exact opposite, that Jin Ling would eventually, like everyone else in his life, leave him. The boy was no longer a boy, but a man. He was the Sect

Leader of Lanling Jin Sect now. Nie Huaisang sat next to him instead, which he didn’t mind, even through the snide comments other sect leaders were whispering to each other about.
Lan Xichen cleared his throat, grabbing Jiang Cheng’s attention. He smiled at gave a small wave to

the younger sect leader, perplexing him. Not knowing what to do, Jiang Cheng simply waved back. Lan Xichen chuckled softly and gave a more fervent, yet still tiny, wave back, just enough to go mostly unnoticed, though Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian, Nie Huaisang, and Jin Ling had.

It seemed the First Jade was rather playful. Jiang Cheng didn’t understand what he was getting at, but gave a very, very small timid smile in return and a slight nod of his head.
As the final day wrapped up and many sects were leaving rather than spending the night and departing

in the morning, Jiang Cheng was able to slip away. As Gusu Lan Sect was hosting, Lan Xichen and his small entourage (Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian, Lan Sizhui, and Lan Jingyi) had to stay behind to bid farewell to their guests.
Jiang Cheng was walking back to his room when he heard

faint footsteps trailing after him. He wasn’t stupid. He’s known those same footsteps for many years now. He stopped and turned around to face Jin Ling. The two hadn’t spoken in months, not since their argument about the Ghost General Wen Ning. Since then, Jiang Cheng has heard

about the young sect leader bonding quite well with him, going as far as to defend him from some naysayers, along with his growing bond with Wei Wuxian.
“Are you and Sect Leader Lan friends?” Jin Ling asked awkwardly, unsure how to approach his uncle. He had made the decision to

stop talking to him, not responding to Jiang Cheng’s letters, even when those themselves stopped coming.
“No.”
“I know we haven’t spoken in a long time,” Jin Ling said softly, “but I just needed some space. Wen Ning is a good friend and so is Wei Wuxian. I understand you had

issues with them both, but that was in the past. You need to move on.” Jiang Cheng’s eyes widened at his nephew’s words. He felt his heart plummet into his stomach.
“You can’t keep treating me like a child. I’m a sect leader now. I have responsibilities and I should have the

right to choose who I can and can’t have in my life. Both Wei Wuxian and Wen Ning are good people. You’re letting your hate cloud your judgment and wasn’t it you to taught me to always approach a situation with a clear head?”

“Jin Ling,” Jiang Cheng’s tone was serious, “watch your words. You don’t know what you’re talking—”
“And how would you know that?” Jin Ling half-yelled. “Do you think I’m blind?! You always wanted me to make friends yet the moment I do, you’re against it? You told me I inherited

my mother’s kindness yet when it’s directed at someone you dislike, suddenly I’m a child who doesn’t know any better?!”
Jin Ling was breathing heavily with his fists clenched. His eyes were filled with pain as he looked at Jiang Cheng in pity, “Wei Wuxian was right. I’m glad I

inherited something from her, otherwise I would have turned out just like you: filled w/ nothing but hate.”
Jin Ling shook his head in disappointment as he turned around & left. As he turned past the corner, Jiang Cheng felt his knees buckle and his body fell into a pair of arms.

He looked up to see Nie Huaisang.
“Let’s get you to your room.”
He held Jiang Cheng up as he escorted him back to his guest chambers.

-END-

OK, so still maybe not -THE END- but again, this is not an actual thing. It’s just ideas & if continued, I’ll be skipping here & there as I please

#JiangCheng centric

Eventual #Xicheng
Post-canon
No reconciliation
BFF Nie Huaisang

(This is still a rant, but w/ more plot lolol)

Jiang Cheng stepped out into the dewy morning sun of Cloud Recesses. He couldn’t sleep last night. All he could do was sob into Nie Huaisang’s shoulder before he went silent, tears still streaming down his face. Jiang Cheng does know how much more he can take of this. The answer,

Nie Huaisang tells him, is none. Before he can turn a full corner, Lan Xichen greets him, only to quickly realize something is wrong. Jiang Cheng’s eyes are red and puffy and tear tracks line his face. He quickly makes his way to him before transferring qi through his hand.

Jiang Cheng lets him.
“I was on my way to invite you for breakfast. Let us get you something to eat.” He said softly, worry evident in his eyes. Jiang Cheng simply nodded & allowed Lan Xichen to guide him, holding Jiang Cheng’s hand in his. They are once again under the magnolia

tree. This time however, they sat next to one another as Lan Xichen began to feed Jiang Cheng. He took a few bites and sips of tea before looking at Lan Xichen with a tear-streaked face.
“Why..? Why are you doing this?” He asked.
“Eat first. Gain your strength.” Lan Xichen told

him softly, wiping his cheeks with his thumb. Jiang Cheng nodded at him with those lifeless gray eyes. Lan Xichen does not know what happened yesterday, but the way Jiang Cheng looks so absolutely broken in front of him makes the constricting feeling in his chest nearly

overwhelming. After they finished breakfast, Lan Xichen took out Leibing to play a relaxing tune and Jiang Cheng soon found himself falling asleep, resting his head on the older man’s shoulder. Lan Xichen played a softer melody to not disturb him.
It wasn’t until hours later when

Lan Xichen gently shook Jiang Cheng awake. He didn’t know why, but a sleepy, blinking Jiang Cheng was very…he wasn’t sure, though he did notice his sudden want to hug the man. Their relationship was nowhere near such things to do so though, so he refrained.

“Have I been asleep this whole time?”
“You needed your rest. However, it is time for lunch and it is important to eat three meals a day.”
“I’m not a child, I know that.” Jiang Cheng tried to glare, though with his physical and mental exhaustion, it came out more of a sad pout.

Lan Xichen helped him stand, once again holding his hand. Before they could get moving, a Lan disciple approached them and bowed.
“Forgive me for intruding, Zewu-Jun, Sect Leader Jiang. Sect Leader Jin will be departing now. He wishes to say his goodbyes.”
Lan Xichen felt Jiang

Cheng stiffen in his hold. “Very well. Please escort Sect Leader Jiang to Hanshi.”
“To Hanshi?” The disciple asked, though once he saw how broken Jiang Cheng looked, he straightened up and nodded, “Yes, Zewu-Jun. I shall.”
“I will be there momentarily, Sect Leader Jiang. I will

also have food brought to you. Please make sure to eat it. We mustn’t waste food.” The First Jade smiled and winked at him, making Jiang Cheng the letter he had sent when he heard Lan Xichen hadn’t been eating much in his seclusion.

“With all due respect, do you think food just

falls from of the sky, Sect Leader Lan? No, it does not. It is what gives us energy and strength. Do not make Grandmaster Lan Qiren worry any more about you skipping meals. I have sent some food to you, common delicacies from Yunmeng. Do not let them go to waste.”

Jiang Cheng looked down and nodded, earning a comforting squeeze from Lan Xichen.
“I will be right back.”
The disciple bowed to Jiang Cheng, “Please follow me, Sect Leader Jiang.”
As the two walked towards Hanshi, the disciple couldn’t help but glance back at Jiang Cheng

following him. He was staring at the ground the entire time. The disciple does not know what business Sandu Shengshou would have with Zewu-Jun, especially in Hanshi, but considering the he looks rather downtrodden, he figures he had asked Lan Xichen to play Leibing for him.

Ah, Zewu-Jun is so nice and gracious.

Lan Xichen approaches Jin Ling, who had been joking around with his friends & WWX. LWJ was standing behind his beloved, content with the scene before him. He noticed his brother approaching & bowed; Lan Sizhui & Lan Jingyi followed suit.

“Zewu-Jun, you’re here.” Jin Ling said.
“Good morning everyone. Hello, Sect Leader Jin.” Lan Xichen bowed.
“Zewu-Jun, before I leave, I wanted to speak with you about something.” Jin Ling motioned for his senior to follow him a good distance away, knowing Lans have adept hearing.

“Jin Ling, why so secretive? You don’t want your uncle to hear?” Wei Wuxian teased, pointing at himself with his thumb. Lan Xichen’s eyes widened minutely at how close the two suddenly were. He knew they had been spending more time together, but he did not think Wei Wuxian now

considered himself as Jin Ling’s uncle. Jin Ling simply rolled his eyes and laughed.
“Yeah. Sure.” He quipped back. Lan Xichen felt a sense of discomfort at this.
“Anyway, Zewu-Jun, I wanted to speak to you about what happened at the conference yesterday.”

“Was there something we discussed that you did not like?”
“No, the actual conference itself was fine. I’m speaking about your little interaction with Sect Leader Jiang. I was not aware you two were so close. Wei Wuxian and Hanguang-Jun were also surprised.”
“Sect Leader Jiang and

I have been corresponding for some time now. He is the main reason I was able to leave seclusion. Truthfully, I did not think I would be leaving so soon if at all.”
“Really? He was the reason why?” LXC did not like how Jin Ling was in such disbelief about his uncle helping him.

“Is that really so hard to believe?” He asked softly.
Jin Ling shook his head with a sigh, “Don’t misunderstand me, Zewu-Jun. I just think it’s bit hypocritical that he was able to get you to move on when he himself chooses to stay stuck in the past. Even when I brought it up to

him yesterday, he remained stubborn. He refuses to accept that I’m close with Wei Wuxian and Wen Ning now. I wish he would be more understanding. That way, everyone would get along.”
Lan Xichen stared at him with wide eyes as everything suddenly began to make sense.

“Sect Leader Jin Ling,” Jin Ling looked up at his senior only to softly gasp, “the one who does not understand is you.”
Jin Ling remained frozen in his spot as Lan Xichen looked at him with such disappointment, it felt nearly tangible. He sighed and shook his head before turning

away from him.
“Sect Leader Jiang has watched over you since you were in Lady Yanli’s womb. He taught you everything you know-from your mannerisms, to even how you speak and walk, and how you lead Lanling Jin Sect. Yet, in order to impress a few people, you quickly forgot the

man who raised you and loved you more than anything, despite the tragedies in his own personal life.” Jin Ling’s eyes widened, “For you to speak of him in such a manner, I am only glad he is not here to hear you say this.”
“Z-Zewu-Jun, I—”
Lan Xichen glanced at him over his

shoulder with a sad look, “I bid you a safe journey back home, Sect Leader Jin.” Jin Ling was left standing alone as he watched Lan Xichen’s retreating back.
The other four watched the interaction from afar, unaware of what was being said, but knowing well enough the conversation

had been serious as Jin Ling walked back with a crestfallen look on his face.
“Jin Ling, what’s wrong?” Wei Wuxian asked.
“Did Zewu-Jun scold you?” Lan Jingyi asked.
“I…don’t know.”
“What did he say?”
“You two spoke about Jiang Wanyin.” Lan Wangji deduced.

“Hm? Did Zewu-Jun say something about Jiang Wanyin?” Jin Ling’s eyes lit up in realization at how both of them called his uncle’s name so casually.
“I didn’t think Zewu-Jun would actually defend him.” He continued, which made something in Jin Ling’s stomach turn.

“Now that you mention it, Zewu-Jun did seem rather friendly with Jiang Cheng during the conference too. I wonder why. Lan Zhan, do you?” Lan Wangji shook his head.
“I have to go.” Jin Ling said, walking quickly to the front of his entourage.

“Don’t forget to come visit for the festival in two months!” Wei Wuxian waved happily. Jin Ling didn’t respond, mounting Suihua and making his way back home.

Lan Xichen entered Hanshi to see Jiang Cheng sitting on the floor, resting his head on Lan Xichen’s bed. His shoulders

were trembling and as Lan Xichen came closer, he saw the man crying. Lan Xichen placed a hand on his shoulder, startling Jiang Cheng. He turned to look up at him, eyes dull with bags under his eyes and tears never ending. Lan Xichen sat next to Jiang Cheng hugged him tightly,

with one arm wrapped around his waist. Jiang Cheng, never one to receive physical touch, didn’t know what to do. But he unconsciously leaned more into the First Jade’s embrace, resting against him completely. Lan Xichen never noticed it before, but despite Jiang Cheng being

muscular and near his own height, he was still rather small, especially his waist.
Wait…what? Why was he thinking about his waist?
Lan Xichen pushed needless thoughts to the back of his head, rubbing Jiang Cheng’s back to comfort him. Jiang Cheng felt a shaky breath escape his

lips and he looked up into Lan Xichen’s eyes. Warmth bloomed in his chest, his heart beat quickened, and he felt heat pool in his gut.

Oh…that explained it then.

Lan Xichen was in love.

-END-

#JiangCheng centric

Eventual #Xicheng
Post-canon
No reconciliation
BFF Nie Huaisang

(Idk what this even is anymore but here we go)

Jiang Cheng’s vision was blurry from his never ending tears. He realized the embarrassing display he is showing and attempted to move away from

the older man, only to be pulled back into Lan Xichen’s warm embrace.
“Don’t worry, Wanyin. You are allowed to feel what you’re feeling. I’m here for you.”
No you’re not.
No one ever is.
A lifetime of being cast aside, of being unloved, and of being betrayed…Jiang Cheng always

hated people who spoke in absolutes. He despised it. They were all just lies.
“I will never lie to you.” Lan Xichen says softly, tightening his hold on him. Jiang Cheng quietly gasped, realizing he had spoken his thoughts out loud.
“I’m sorry you’ve gone through all this

heartache, Wanyin. But I promise you, I will never go back on my word.”
Jiang Cheng’s eyes began to close, slowly blinking a few times to ward off the exhaustion seeping into him. Hours upon hours of crying coupled with lack of sleep had left him drained. Before he knew it, he

had fallen unconscious in Lan Xichen’s arms.
Lan Xichen felt tears well up at how broken Jiang Cheng really was. The poor man had been through so much already, yet life continued to beat him down. He didn’t understand it. He lifted Jiang Cheng up like a princess and laid him on

his bed. He gently removed his guan and undid his hair ribbon, completely taken back by Jiang Cheng’s unending beauty as his long hair spilled onto the bed like ink in water. He took off his boots and his socks and tucked him in.
The First Jade sat on the edge of the bed, gently

stroking his cheek. His condition was worsening with all the emotional stress he was under. Jiang Cheng was pale and he carried heavy bags under his eyes. Lan Xichen grabbed Leibing and began to play a soft melody, meant to calm one’s emotions.
Unfortunately, Jiang Cheng wasn’t

offered any reprieve even in sleep, so Lan Xichen continued to play well into the night, abandoning curfew as it was irrelevant at the moment. Jiang Cheng took precedence and he knew his uncle would not disagree.

Setting down Leibing, Lan Xichen stepped out of Hanshi to watch

the early morning sky. It was 5 AM and in traditional Lan fashion, it was time to start the day. Morning meditation, morning training, and morning lecture. But Lan Xichen would do no none of those things. He made a plan to go the kitchens and bring food for Jiang Cheng & himself.

But when he took his first step, he was surprised to see Lan Wangji approach him.
“Xiongzhang, good morning.” He bowed.
“Good morning, Wangji. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“I was informed that Jiang Wanyin had not gone back to his room last night, yet his sword, Sandu, still

remains.”
“Ah, yes. Sect Leader Jiang is resting in Hanshi. I apologize Wangji, I forgot to inform everyone.”
Lan Wangji made a face at his brother’s words.
“Jiang Wanyin is in Xiongzhang’s room?”
“Wangji, it is impolite to address Sect Leader Jiang in such a manner. You know

this.” Lan Xichen softly chided. Lan Wangji felt something uncomfortable stir within him.
“Are Xiongzhang and Jiang…Sect Leader Jiang Wanyin close?” He remembered his brother’s actions during the conference.
“Not necessarily, but we are bonding.” Lan Wangji noticed there was a

lilt in Lan Xichens voice-it sounded almost hopeful.
“Xiongzhang, Sect Leader Jiang is not a good person. He is—”
“Wangji, what did I just say?” Lan Wangji’s eyes slightly widened at his brother’s tone. Gone was Lan Xichen’s placating smile, replaced w/ a neutral, yet stern, one.

“He is a sect leader. Despite your position as Chief Cultivator, it does not excuse you from addressing those above you with proper respect.”
“Xiongzhang—”
“I’m sorry Wangji, but I do not have time to continue our conversation. I do not know when Wanyin will wake, so I must hurry

to the kitchens to bring him his meal. Please excuse me.”
Lan Xichen stepped around his younger brother and continued on his way, leaving Lan Wangji frozen in place. After a few more moments, Lan Wangji scowled as his eyes stared at Hanshi with growing distaste.
Why was that

wretched man in his brother’s home?
And why was his brother addressing said wretched man by his name?
Lan Wangji turned around, waking straight towards jingshi to relay the information to his husband. While he did not wish to burden his beloved

with Jiang Cheng anymore than he already had in Wei Wuxian’s life, Lan Wangji was always honest with him. And hopefully his husband would find a solution to this problem on his behalf.

-TBC(?)/END(?)-