this body yet survives
by Rose Thorne
Disclaimer: I don't own anything associated with The Untamed, and make no money writing fanfiction.
Chapter Thirteen
Wei Ying was restless after several days of rest, particularly as Shufu and Xiongzhang were concerned about further attacks and had asked that he stay in the guest house, the jingshi, and the bunny meadow, always accompanied by Wangji or Jiang Wanyin. The Lan talisman master's work was slower than anyone liked, and today Wei Ying set himself at a desk in the Jiang guest house and worked on the problem himself, his brush flying across the page in messy brilliance as he thought through his own knowledge of talismans, his notes often starting and stopping and jumping to tangential ideas.
Wangji couldn't follow all of it, but the degree of sheer knowledge spilling onto the pages was staggering. He could copy books or transcribe memorized material, but Wei Ying's genius was beyond his capacity.
"A-Xian always works like this," Jiang Yanli assured him when he asked. "It's how his mind works, and he sees things others don't when he lets it work."
After several days and a request from the talisman master, Shufu and Xiongzhang relented on Wei Ying helping find a way to track the qi of the culprit, and Wangji volunteered the use of the jingshi—in part over concern as to how Wei Ying would be perceived. To the casual eye, his notes seemed almost like the writings of a madman, though he certainly wasn't, and Wangji wanted to be certain he would be treated appropriately. He was only passingly familiar with Lan Tayi, and though the man had been cleared based on the evidence so far, he found it difficult to trust his own clan after the actions against Wei Ying, and he hated that.
Despite his trepidation, Wei Ying was treated with courtesy and respect, his notes handled with a sort of excited reverence of a scholar who had found a worthy peer with whom to discuss theory. Wangji could follow a portion of these discussions, but much of it was far beyond his understanding of talismans, and Jiang Wanyin, who had taken it upon himself to stay close to his brother as though to guard him, had to excuse himself with a headache after only an hour of one.
He was honestly relieved Lan Tayi followed the rule 'Do not speak while eating,' because it ensured Wei Ying would not work through meals, as he was wont to do without intervention.
The elder Lan scholar thanked Jiang Yanli for the delicious meal, something that pleased her and her brothers, who always felt she was worthy of praise—not untrue, Wangji had decided over the time she had spent in the Cloud Recesses.
Wangji would have been content to watch Wei Ying work, his joy in creation and scholarship so clear and beautiful, but as it happened they discovered a solution only a shichen after lunch, testing it on various talismans activated by the five of them. The impact of the talisman was the culprit's hands turning temporarily black as a symbol of his cruelty, a suggestion of Lan Tayi, and it would fade in several days, or with the use of the counter-talisman.
Together, Wangji walked with Wei Ying, the Jiang siblings, and Lan Tayi in the crisp early winter air, Wei Ying bundled into the fur-lined cloak he had given as a courting gift, their breath crystalizing in the air as they walked across the leaf-strewn grounds of the Cloud Recesses to seek Xiongzhang and Shufu. Both were working on answering correspondence and assigning disciples to investigate various requests for assistance in Gusu, but they set it aside to focus on the more immediate issue.
After a brief demonstration of the talisman in the mingshi, devoid of all but their small group to maintain secrecy, they converged around a low table in the hanshi, privacy talismans affixed to the walls, to discuss how they would proceed, Wei Ying between Wangji and Jiang Yanli. Wangji had expected he would sit between his siblings, but he understood Wei Ying was seeking comfort, and was gratified to be considered such.
"Xichen and I decided we should have a gathering of those in the clan who have not been ruled out, and the culprit will be uncovered from among them," Shufu explained.
"And it would mean Wei-gongzi need not attend if he would prefer," Xiongzhang added, his voice gentle but not patronizing.
Wei Ying's expression was unreadable for a moment, his eyes distant and mind elsewhere before he seemed to come to a resolution.
"I need to be there. I want to."
Jiang Yanli and Jiang Wanyin looked concerned, and she asked if he was certain.
"I can't keep hiding. I'm tired of being…"
He broke off, searching for the right word.
"I'm tired of being afraid," Wei Ying finished eventually, his tone making it clear that it still wasn't the right word.
Wangji understood it was more than just fear; Wei Ying had lost so much to the incident and its aftermath, and he was tired of losing it. He wanted to regain the confidence he'd had, the confidence borne of his genius and high cultivation. If he didn't attend, it would be hiding, and despite the circumstances being understandable it was a sign of weakness he couldn't afford.
Wei Ying was anything but weak—he was one of the strongest people Wangji knew.
"I will stand with you," Wangji said.
The smile he received was heartbreakingly small and lacked its normal brilliance. Wei Ying was resolute, but that didn't mean he wasn't frightened still. Wangji wanted to draw him close, reassure him, but all he could offer was his presence.
"We'll be there, too," Jiang Wanyin added. "You're our brother, and an attack against you is an attack against us."
"Chengcheng…"
Wei Ying looked momentarily overcome by the vehemence in his brother's voice, the fierce protectiveness, and Jiang Yanli fussed over him and refreshed his cup of tea.
"I would like to know what punishment will occur," Jiang Yanli said when she was satisfied Wei Ying was okay, her sweet voice betraying an undercurrent of anger.
Shufu and Xiongzhang looked startled by the question, though it was a fair one Wangji wanted to know the answer to as well.
"Well, of course, they will not be permitted to remain in the sect," Xiongzhang said. "The culprit will be exiled from Gusu."
Meaning they would have no further access to Wei Ying, which was part of the point, but Wangji felt that as the sole punishment didn't recognize the number of rules broken and the damage done to Wei Ying.
"And they will pay recompense to Wei Wuxian, certainly," Shufu added.
Paying recompense would likely mean the culprit would leave the Cloud Recesses with nothing but the robes on their back, or ones of cheap material.
Jiang Yanli waited, her expression indicating she expected more. Wangji felt similarly, and he admired her insistence.
"Perhaps kun xing?" Lan Tayi suggested in a mild voice, then took a sip of his tea.
Wangji studied the elder with a new respect. The man was not only familiar with the nuances of the Five Punishments and the historical variations, but had selected an appropriate one. If the culprit's head was shaved as punishment, and they were then exiled from Gusu Lan territory, the Lan would not insist the hair be kept shaved as they would if the punishment did not include exile. Further, it was a modern version of wu xing, where originally the punishment would be mo xing, their face tattooed with indelible ink.
Kun xing would not be permanent disfigurement—hair could grow back, just as Wei Ying was healing. But slowly, meaning the punishment would last years, potentially.
Further, among the gentry it would serve as shorthand that the culprit was a criminal, closing many doors and opening them to ridicule, and send a message to any who might seek to harm Wei Ying. No one could argue against applying wu xing, lest they risk the ire of their fellows. Given the nature of the gentry, who held long memories of such scandals, the punishment would be much more devastating to members of the sects, the shame following them for life. Few sects would admit even an excellent cultivator with such a clear mark of criminality.
Lan Tayi clearly felt strongly about the situation, and was advocating for a stringent punishment, and a kind of justice for Wei Ying.
Xiongzhang looked mildly horrified at the idea, softhearted as he was, but Shufu stroked his beard, shrewdly thoughtful.
"Kun xing is the ideal move, for… many reasons," Lan Qiren finally said, glancing at Wei Ying.
Wangji remembered Wei Ying's reaction to the discussion of politics when discussing the talismans Jin-furen commissioned, his recalcitrance to act to discredit Yu-furen publicly with those selfsame talismans, and he allowed himself to acknowledge that his betrothed was more honorable or at least less petty than he.
Jiang Yanli looked satisfied with the punishment as well and Jiang Wanyin had a somewhat disturbing smile, so Wangji at least knew he wasn't alone.
Wei Ying, for his part, just looked tired, and didn't protest Shufu's decision, perhaps drawn beyond his limits, or maybe just having resolved to let them make the decision; it didn't set right with Wangji.
"What does Wei Ying wish?" he asked gently.
For a moment he didn't answer, and then he sighed.
"Non-permanent physically, but a permanent stain on reputation, and in line with punitive standards, so none can protest," he said dully. "It sends a message. Kun xing is the ideal move, as Xiansheng says."
So Wei Ying understood and either had no protest, or was choosing not to protest. For a moment, Wangji nearly asked him if he was satisfied with the solution, but stopped himself. Though Wei Ying wasn't the type to say such a thing, Wangji knew he wasn't satisfied with any of it—that he'd nearly died, the effect on his health, being targeted for reasons unknown, that he had fears he reacted to so strongly that they were weaknesses to begin with…
Wei Ying stayed silent about his hurts when he had every right to rage, often hiding his silence behind rambling about nothing, where Wangji let the silence become a wall.
Instead of speaking, he took Wei Ying's hand in his, squeezing gently to let him know he understood. Wei Ying squeezed back, but kept his gaze on the table, unsmiling, and Wangji could only guess he was overwhelmed by everything being discussed, and perhaps by his own dislike of physical punishment, given what he had suffered at the hands of Yu Ziyuan.
"Wei Ying need not stay for the punishment," he offered softly.
"I can't hide anymore, even for that."
Wei Ying kept his voice pitched conversationally, though he didn't look up, and everyone at the table exchanged glances, Jiang Yanli looking a bit torn, likely not having expected his reaction to the decision.
When he did look up, after several moments of tense silence, Wei Ying attempted a weak smile, but seemed to know it fell flat.
"It's the only way forward, unless I want certain elements targeting me even more just because they think they can get away with it," Wei Ying said.
What was unsaid was the fact that the last culprit faced no censure, no punishment, meaning harsher action must be taken, particularly given that Wei Ying now had status as an inner disciple of Gusu Lan, betrothed of the Lan heir, and official sworn brother of Jiang Yanli and Jiang Wanyin—not to mention that he had the support of Wen Ruohan, Nie Mingjue, and Madam Jin, as well.
Wei Ying was rightfully tired of being a target, and Wangji was torn on it; he hated that his zhiji's moral code was being challenged, even as he was glad Wei Ying was seeing his own value and permitting the protection this punishment would bring.
Jiang Yanli stroked his hair gently, her expression rueful, murmuring gently to him in a voice so soft Wangji only caught one word out of every three, about his worthiness of protection, telling him no one had the right to do what the culprit had done to him, and that his health and well-being were important.
"You did nothing to deserve to be treated like this, and the asshole behind it has earned kun xing and exile at least, for being so craven, going after someone still healing," Jiang Wanyin scoffed when Jiang Yanli's murmurs paused.
Wei Ying looked for a moment like he might protest—perhaps about the healing—but he stayed silent, perhaps remembering Wen Qing's words about being so hard on himself. Jiang Yanli peeled an orange and pressed segments of it on him, and he made no move to resist, eating them without protest.
Meanwhile, Lan Tayi refreshed everyone's tea, pouring expertly.
"This should be put into motion sooner rather than later, as the saboteur is likely watching the investigation," Lan Tayi said after settling back with his cup. "And should occur before the entire clan, to make consequences clear."
Xiongzhang looked pained at the idea, but Shufu nodded his agreement; Wangji knew not all disciples followed the rule against gossip, which would spread word faster and would serve to reinforce the announcement of the exile and punishment to the jianghu.
"Tonight, following supper," Shufu announces decisively. "All the clan, and all servants and staff, will meet near the mingshi. It will be announced just before supper begins, and those who have been ruled out as suspects will be sent to collect any who do not attend supper. No one will be permitted to avoid it."
Wangji felt the shiver that ran through Wei Ying at the pronouncement, though when he checked there was no sign of trepidation in his expression, only a sort of resigned resolve. He could see Jiang Yanli had noticed his reaction as well, and he could see a steely determination in her.
"We will join you at the mingshi when it is time," she said, patting Wei Ying's arm comfortingly. "A-Xian will be more comfortable dining in a more intimate setting. I know Lan-zongzhu and Lan-xiansheng will be arranging things, but Wangji is more than welcome to join us, as are you, Lan Tayi."
The elder Lan shook his head, smiling slightly in a way that, on Wei Ying, would indicate an intention to cause trouble—Wangji had little doubt the talisman master had that, too, in common with his betrothed.
"I will aid Lan-xiansheng," he demurred. "I have some ideas in case the culprit attempts to dodge out. New talismans I've been waiting to try, you see."
A brief look of horror crossed Shufu's face before he managed to cover it, but Wei Ying perked up a bit, eying Lan Tayi with interest.
"New talismans?" he asked with a tiny mischievous lilt.
Lan Tayi's smile widened.
"Judging from some of the talismans you've created, I believe you'll quite enjoy them, Wei-gongzi. I very much look forward to working with you in the future."
At that, a true smile blossomed across Wei Ying's face, the sun peeking from clouds, a welcome sight.
Wangji would make sure nothing dampened that brightness after tonight, would make sure Wei Ying could study and invent and create to his heart's desire with no fear of future attacks.
furen = madam
gongzi = young master
kun xing = hair shaving, a punishment
mo xing = tattooing the face or forehead as punishment, dates back to the first iteration of the Five Punishments in the Xia Dynasty
shichen = 2 hour period
Shufu = uncle
wu xing = the Five Punishments
xiansheng = respected teacher
Xiongzhang = elder brother
zhiji = one who knows me fully in this life, soulmate
zongzhu = sect leader
Lan Tayi's name uses the characters 拓艺, meaning to expand or support or push and art, talent, craft ability. It seemed fitting.
Kun xing is interesting in that often the criminal was kept shaved unless a noble.
The cusp of confrontation!
On a personal note, it's a time of change for me. I'm changing careers and moving, both as soon as possible. I'd like my mental health back.
I am also working on my WangXian Winter Solstice Gift Exchange fic so things will be slow. Bear with me.