Lan QiRen stared at his nephew in horrified shock. Lan Wanji had always been practical, rule following. The prefect disciple and a boon to the Gusu Lan Sect as a whole and he would have never imagined such a request coming from him. The elder Lan's surprise didn't come from the fact that his nephew had asked for permission to court a male- as a cultivator having heirs in such a pairing wasn't an issue. The problem was who. Lan Wangji wanted to wed the son of Cangse Saren- the she-devil herself. Lan QiRen reached up to check his beard automatically at the thought of the vibrant woman.
Wei Wuxian hadn't been the problem child Lan QiRen had expected him to be- had heard him to be- so far, but there were moments that Lan QiRen could see only his mother shining through. How a pairing between Wangji and that boy would work Lan Qiren didn't know. Eventually Wei Wuxian would tire of this act he was putting on and drive Lan QiRen's nephew insane. Lan Wangji didn't appreciate his silence though, and it showed through his normally emotionless mask.
"Will do with or without permission. Easier with." Wangji stated, his spine stiffening as he prepared for a fight as the silence streatched on. Lan QiRen sighed, trying to put his unease at this pairing aside. He knew that Wangji was being serious, though the mystery of how these two met and became attached would haunt him forever.
"I did not say that I would not allow you this Lan Wangji. If you are sure I will write to Jiang Fengmian and broach the subject. I cannot guarantee that he will agree to arranging such a thing without talking to Wei Wuxian and making sure that this is what he wishes as well though. This will take time." Lan Qiren tried to sooth. His nephew just grunted, and narrowed his eyes.
"Madame Yu is not welcome in talks. Wei Wuxian fears her." Lan Wangji muttered, warning in his tone. Lan QiRen's eyes narrowed at that unorthodox demand. It would be highly uncommon to bar the adoptive mother of a potential match from having input in them, but the comment of the young man fearing her painted a dark picture. Especially if Lan Wangji felt the need to make said demand. Abuse was always an unfortunate thing to discover, but he hadn't thought that Jiang Fengmian would allow such a thing to happen to his sworn and blooded brother's son. He had been the talk of many sects when he had searched out the boy after his parent's death after all. Lan QiRen had to be sure that he was understanding this, so he had to ask as much as he feared the answer.
"Has Childe Wei said why he fears Madame Yu?" He asked, probing where he most likely had no right to. But if the young man that his nephew wanted to wed- if Saren's son, was being abused in the Jiang Sect than he would act. While Jiang Fengmian was Uncle to Wei Wuxian because of the teen's father, Lan QiRen was connected to him through his mother- however much that woman loved to annoy him into acting out of the norm for a Lan as a pass time. Lan Wangji nodded shortly.
"There is a misunderstanding between Sect Leader Jiang and Madame Yu. She vents her frustrations on Wuxian." He explained shortly, and Lan QiRen felt his hand clench. The Violet Spider was not a gentle person in general. To say that she had taken her frustrations out on a child under her care was as good as admitting that she beat said child.
"I see. That will be addressed. It is long past time for Sect Leader Jiang to clear up this misunderstanding." he assured his nephew- suddenly seeing Wei Wuxian's actions here in Gusu in a different light. Of course the teen would not want to act out in a way that would see him sent home to Yunmeng in disgrace. His welcome by Madame Yu would not have be pleasant.
"Thank you." Lan Wangji said, before getting up from his seat and bowing. Lan QiRen returned the gesture, his mind filled with more than it had been when his nephew had requested to speak to him. Lan Wangji left the room, and his uncle sighed before turning to his desk. He had a letter to write, and a courting to arrange apparently.
Jiang Cheng knew that something was different about his brother. Wei Wuxian hadn't once caused any sort of mischief here in Gusu, and while he should be glad that Wei Wuxian wasn't embarassing the Jiang Sect he could only be worried. Wei Wuxian never stopped his actics, even when Jiang Cheng's mother would whip him with her Zidan. He just smiled and continued acting like a fool even though the little ass was a genius. These days Wei Wuxian was quiet more often than not, and he was still and that was more than enough to make Jiang Cheng watch him closer.
Following Wei Wuxian around didn't shed any light onto his new, and disturbing behavior and Jiang Cheng was getting to the end of his rope. What if there was something seriously wrong with Wei Wuxian? His brother wouldn't ask for help if there was. Wei Wuxian didn't always think that his problems were worth other people knowing about, so he kept bad things to himself until they exploded in his face more often than the teen would like to think about. Jiang Cheng was ashamed to admit that was because of his mother and her words.
Well, whatever had caused this would have to stop. Since he couldn't find out the root of the issue he was going to have to take other steps. Jiang Yanli wasn't much help, since genders were separated here in Gusu. She couldn't corner Wei Wuxian and make him talk before whatever was wrong exploded on him because of that and sadly that was about Jiang Cheng's only way to help normally. He was too prone to fighting Wei Wuxian to do something like that himself, and that would make things worse unfortunately. He didn't want to make things worse.
That meant reaching out to father and letting him know of this situation before it escalated. Jiang Fengmian had proven that he cared for Wei Wuxian, even to the point that Jiang Cheng sometimes doubted that he himself meant as much to the other man. As an almost adult Jiang Cheng could understand why his father tried so hard though. Especially now that he had taken a look at his mother's treatment of his brother and realized it wasn't right.
Contacting father would bring him here. And depending on the seriousness of this situation that may mean Wei Wuxian going home. Which wasn't ideal considering everything, but if it was needed then Jiang Cheng and his sister would probably follow in an attempt to make sure that their mother didn't make this worse. Wei Wuxian recovering from whatever had him acting like this was worth that much. Sighing he put his brush to paper and started writing, hoping that all of this would be over soon and he would be scolding his brother for his antics once more.
Wei Ying was almost scared by how much things were already changing in this timeline. He was still friendly with his fellow disciples, but by not causing disturbances at every turn he had somehow become respectable in the eyes of Gusu. He hadn't been kicked out either, of course. And now Master Lan Qiren was watching him with a speculative and soft look. Lan QiRen had always disliked him because of his similarities to his mother. But ever since Lan Zhan had approached his uncle about courting Wei Ying that had changed. Just what had Lan Zhan said to the older man to make his act this way? His husband had assured him that Lan QiRen had approved his request, but something still felt off with the way he was acting.
If this much could change with just one action, what chance did they stand at finding a way to save those that they had lost? Would Wei Ying have to see his family torn apart and killed again? Would he choose to sacrifice his golden core to save his brother from a life as a Mediocre? Thinking about not being able to do any good with this second chance was depressing. Very depressing, and he knew that he was worrying Lan Zhan, but he couldn't help it. Wei Ying had lived that nightmare, and had carried the guilt of his failures for far to long not to think these things.
Too bad Wei Ying hadn't noticed that other people had keyed into his behavior. While he knew that Uncle Jiang Fengmian would most likely write to him in response to the courtship offer that Lan QiRen had extended, he was completely blindsided when his Uncle showed up in Gusu and asked to speak with him. Lan Zhan hadn't been allowed to accompany Wei Ying, so he was facing his Uncle alone. For the first time since he had seen the other man laying dead with his hand still clasping Madame Yu's. Wei Ying felt sick to his stomach and it must have shown.
"Wei Wuxian, you do not look well. With both your brother and Acting Sect Leader Lan writing to me I felt that I must come and see you. Jiang Cheng is worried about your recent behavior, and with Lan QiRen asking if we would allow Lan Wangji to court you I became concerned as well." Uncle Jiang Fengmian murmured, coming closer to Wei Ying. The teen was too shocked by his words to flinch when a hand was laid on his arm in a comforting manner.
"I have been on my best behavior! Not one bit of mischief or punishment. Why would Jiang Cheng be worried about that eh? We are supposed to be making a good impression on the Gusu-Lan Sect after all." He defended himself, before his eyes narrowed on his uncle accusingly. "Why would Lan Zhan asking to court me be a thing of concern? Lan Zhan likes Wei Ying. Wei Ying likes Lan Zhan. Courtship is a good thing." He sulked, feeling as if the match was being disapproved of when he knew if would last. Uncle Jiang Fengmian didn't look amused by his response.
"Wei Wuxian, you are a free and joyful spirit that isn't meant to be contained by anyone. I expected that the Cloud Recesses would be stifling to you and I would not be upset if you were to cause some mischief while you are here. The fact that you have changed and become withdrawn does concern both your brother and myself. Especially with the courtship request. I do not think you will be happy married into the Lan clan. Not with their history of secluding those who do not confirm to their rules and lifestyle once they marry them." He scolded, concern clear in his voice. Wei Ying's eyes widened at the clear disapproval over his potential husband. This would not do, he would not let anyone keep him from marrying Lan Zhan!
"Uncle! You misunderstand and cannot hold Lan Zhan's mother against this match. I have been trying to be respectful so there will be no reason to send me home in shame because for once I do not feel like getting to know the sting of Zidan against my skin. Lan Zhan likes Wei Ying for Wei Ying as well I promise. I want to marry him, but he would not just elope with me like I planned. He's the one being a fuddy duddy and insisting on a courtship. I had hoped that the only person who might stand in our way would be Madame Yu since she hates me." Wei Ying protested, fear filling his heart.
Wei Ying didn't want to have to go against his Uncle in this but he would. Even if that meant Jiang Fengmian throwing him out of the Jiang family like his son once had he would marry Lan Zhan. They had wasted so much time in their last lives, and this was their third chance to get it right. To enjoy the fact that the gods had seen fit to introduce them to their soulmates, when others had to go without. Uncle's eyes softened at his protest, and he looked into Wei Ying's eyes.
"There is the spark of life that my son is known for. Your Lan Zhan does right by you in insisting on following the proper steps when it comes to marriage though. You may not have been born into my family but you are my son in spirit and you are the heir of both your birth parents. They were respected in their own rights, and people often mistake your father's loyalty to me for something else or forget that he had his own family history. As for San Niang, she and I have talked and cleared the air so to speak when it comes to certain misconceptions. I have done wrong to her by letting her live under the assumptions that she held, and in turn she acknowledges that she has done wrong by you. I expect that it will be difficult for you to reconcile with her, but she has given her agreement if this pairing is something you wish for. And I have promised to be more attentive to your siblings." Uncle informed Wei Ying, who felt his eyes go wide as the words registered. What had caused this change? Who? Madame Yu and Uncle Jiang Fengmian hadn't reconciled in the last time around, though Wei Ying liked to assume that they had before they passed. They had been holding hands in death after all.
"Oh." Wei Ying murmured, feeling like he needed to sit down. This could be good. With Madame Yu and Uncle on the same page they could protect Lotus Pier better. The family wouldn't be as divided. But what other changes would this bring? If Wen Chao and his mistress demanded that Wei Ying be beat this time, would Madame Yu be able to do such a thing? Wei Ying felt sick to his stomach at the thought of what may happen if she wasn't able to.
"Wei Ying? Do you need something to drink?" Uncle Jiang asked worriedly, shifting to use his birth name in his concern. His voice sounded odd to Wei Ying's ears as his thought spiraled downwards. Wei Ying couldn't be the cause of more things happening to the Jiang family. He had hurt them enough the first life that he had lived. He heard his uncle move about the room, and ask a passing servant for cool water, but his thoughts kept him prisoner. What would life with a Madame Yu that didn't hate him be like?
"Here, drink this Wei Ying. I know that the sudden change must be a shock and I know that it will not be easy, but I promise that when you and your siblings return things will be different. There will not be the same discontent in Lotus Pier that you all have endured any longer." Jiang Fengmian promised, pressing the edge of a cup against Wei Yings mouth and encouraging him to drink. Wei Ying wished the water was wine as he complied. This was all so… troubling. He would need to talk to Lan Zhan soon, since they had gathered a basic plan of what they were going to be doing to try and change the nightmare that they had lived. This might change things.
When Jiang Fengmian left his adoptive son and nephew Wei Wuxian his worry was in no way soothed. Seeing him had highlighted just what Jiang Cheng had been worried about, and the Sect Leader had no idea how to explain this change. If Wei Wuxian had been older, he might have been able to explain the change as the teen maturing- growing up. But Wei Wuxian was just a teen, a child who should be joyful and rambunctious. Instead he was solemn, shaken and wanting to be wed into one of the most rule abiding Sects that there was.
This didn't sit well with Jiang Fengmian as he went to find his other son. Wei Wuxian wanted this courting, so Jiang Cheng would need to watch over his brother both to assure that no improptiety occured and to moniter the sudden lack of enthusiasm for life that was plaguing the older teen. If the courting worsened that lack of enthusiasm Jiang Fengmian would step in and put a stop to it. Wei Wuxian deserved the best in life after all. And as his adoptive father Jiang Fengmian would make sure that he got it. The Cloud Recesses would not have another home secluding his child.