this body yet survives
by Rose Thorne
Disclaimer: I don't own anything associated with The Untamed, and make no money writing fanfiction.
Chapter Eleven
Nie Huaisang was thrilled with the fan Wei Ying painted, specifically modeling a Du Shenyan poem, which he had Wangji write in tiny, neat calligraphy in black ink and then had carefully edged with gold leaf:
独有宦游人，偏惊物候新。
云霞出海曙，梅柳渡江春。
淑气催黄鸟，晴光转绿蘋。
忽闻歌古调，归思欲沾巾。
Only to wanderers can come
Ever new the shock of beauty,
Of rising clouds at dawn above the sea,
Of Spring in river side plum and willow-tree.
Orioles are urged to sing in warm air,
And green-clad duckweed in the sun looks fair.
An old tune suddenly sung to my ears
Fills my heart with home and my eyes with tears.
The background was of red and white clouds, the foreground a golden oriole alighting on a willow branch with a nearby sprig of plum blossoms, over water running through duckweed, the oriole's reflection even faintly in the water, a blur of gold.
Though simply rendered, the quality of the brushstrokes and sheer artistry showed unparalleled skill on Wei Ying's part, especially for having been painted in only a few hours.
"Wei-xiong, this is the loveliest fan I have ever received," Nie Huaisang murmured, his voice appropriately reverent.
Wei Ying, never good with a compliment, giggled awkwardly, using the bunny fan to hide his face.
"Wei Ying is talented," Wangji agreed sedately, just to see him blush.
"Lan Zhan," he whined, "you have to warn me!"
"Mm. Gave an ongoing warning."
He huffed at him, but was immediately mollified when Wangji placed a bunny in his lap.
"Honestly, Wei-xiong, you could make a good deal of money with just your talent for painting, though I hear you're making quite a bit with your amazing talismans—Dage is here in part to purchase some for our use."
Nie Huaisang was still distracted by the fan, still focused on the art, and didn't see Wei Ying's surprise—it should be no surprise to him, given his recent commission by Jin-furen, but Wangji knew the treatment he suffered since childhood stunted his sense of self-worth.
Before Wangji could find words beyond simply repeating the fact that his betrothed was talented, a voice rang out across the clearing, announcing the arrival of the Jiang siblings.
"We thought you might be here," Jiang Yanli called, only barely skirting the rule against yelling, "since this is Xianxian's favorite place in the Cloud Recesses."
Jiang Wanyin looked surly enough to imply more happened after their departure, and Wangji is again thankful for Nie Huaisang's intervention that enabled Wei Ying's escape.
Nie Huaisang waved his new fan at them, smiling merrily.
"It's a lovely location for painting. Look what Wei-xiong made for me—it's my new favorite! Everyone will wonder who painted such a masterpiece, and they'll all want to commission him."
"Aiya, Nie-xiong," Wei Ying said with a shy smile. "I don't need fame."
"His talismans are making plenty of fame and tael for him," Jiang Wanyin chimed in. "Chifeng-Zun didn't even haggle."
Nie Huaisang huffed at the idea.
"That would be insulting—Dage knows good wares when he sees them, and he's willing to pay."
That fact had not stopped some sects from trying to haggle down prices, Wangji knew, but he was happy Nie Mingjue knew their worth. Xiongzhang had even convinced the elders to decrease the Lan sect's portion of the proceeds; he hadn't been there for the argument, but he knew it had touched upon his work ethic despite his near-death and the fact that he had received next to nothing from sales of his talismans from the Jiang sect, with Yu-furen arguing he owed it to them for his care.
"We all missed lunch," Jiang Yanli said, slipping closer and patting Wei Ying's arm. "Fortunately, I've had soup simmering since just after breakfast, and it should be perfect now. Will you be joining us, Nie-gongzi?"
The snacks Nie Huaisang had kindly shared had helped, but Wangji knew Wei Ying needed to eat a proper lunch, and he was getting hungry again as well.
"Your soup is something Wei-xiong waxed poetic about the entire Gusu lecture—second only to Lan-er-gongzi—so absolutely!"
"Nie-xiong!" Wei Ying sputtered, a blush blossoming on his cheeks.
Wangji could feel the heat of his own ears reddening, as well, and was relieved when Jiang Yanli took over the conversation to insist the painting supplies be packed up so they could head to the Jiang quarters for lunch.
In short order, they reached the guest house and Jiang Wanyin opened the ward to let them in. While Jiang Yanli headed to the kitchen to serve lunch, Nie Huaisang engaged Wei Ying in conversation about the locking talisman, and Jiang Wanyin suggested they help his sister and make tea—it seemed clear he wanted to say something outside of his brother's hearing, and perhaps she did as well.
"A-Die made a big deal about A-Xian leaving," he started, his voice much quieter than usual, "and Nie-zongzhu was… very direct."
Good, Wangji couldn't help thinking; Jiang-zongzhu needed some directness, and it couldn't come from his children or Wei Ying, or even Wangji himself, though sometimes he imagined what he wished to say.
"He said A-Die was just as much at fault for what happened, since he never stopped A-Niang's abuse," Jiang Yanli added softly. "And that he'd be lucky if people were willing to let their children become Jiang sect disciples with the reputation of… of the furen attempting to murder disciples."
Wangji knew how direct Nie Mingjue could be, but that level of directness was more than he had expected.
"He was just a bit more diplomatic," Jiang Wanyin said. "Mentioned that if any disciples felt uncomfortable in the Jiang sect he could send them to the Nie."
That was, if possible, less diplomatic than the blunt honesty about getting new disciples, almost implying that Yu-furen's behavior couldn't have been limited to Wei Ying, though Wangji and the Jiang siblings knew that she had targeted only him.
"When A-Die protested, he said that if he was really A-Xian's shushu, he would have been protected, and that it was shameless for him to have asked to be regarded as an uncle after he failed to perform as one."
Wangji did not envy Xiongzhang's position, nor Shufu's, in whatever might need to be done to keep the peace as the host sect; for Nie-zongzhu, a generation younger than Jiang-zongzhu even if he was as the same rank, to deliver such a scathing rebuke was a diplomatic nightmare, especially with a meeting having been interrupted improperly.
"Then Lan-xiansheng told him that it was better for A-Xian's recovery not to meet with him anymore," Jiang Yanli said, her voice relieved. "A-Die didn't protest."
He would have no grounds to protest; he had no ties to Wei Ying, no longer his guardian or sect leader. While it wasn't unheard of for sect leaders to be denied access to the disciples of other sects, it had generally only been used in this generation to avoid allowing Jin Guangshan in the vicinity of any female disciples, or even servants. No one had told Jin-zongzhu of this arrangement, and he often loudly complained of the lack of beauties.
"A-Cheng and I told him we will need to take turns when we have to meet with him, so we can continue chaperoning you. A-Die didn't say anything when we mentioned you were courting, either."
Xiongzhang had sent out announcements to the sects on the sworn siblinghood that linked the Jiang and (now) Lan sects, and had included an announcement of Wangji's betrothal to Wei Ying, so Jiang-zongzhu was not unaware. Silence on the matter from him was fine; that silence was probably better for Wei Ying, in fact. It was possible the Jiang sect leader would have words for Xiongzhang and Shufu rather than his children, but regardless, what he felt on the matter was irrelevant. Hopefully the man would finally realize that, but if not Wangji would insist Wei Ying not be made to meet with him anymore.
There was a lapse in conversation in the next room before Nie Huaisang asked Wei Ying a question about painting techniques. But it was clear their extended absence was being noticed.
Jiang Yanli handed him a tureen of soup and several bowls and Jiang Wanyin the finished tea, indicating the furtive conversation was finished, and ushered them out while carrying several side dishes. Nie Huaisang shot Wangji a knowing look before exclaiming over the dishes and the aroma of spices, proclaiming he was thrilled not to have to sit through a bland Lan meal.
The meal was, as all meals with the Jiangs were, not silent, and Nie Huaisang was only too glad to add to the conversation, sometimes interrupting his own thoughts to compliment Jiang Yanli's cooking and earning pleased smiles from her and her siblings.
"Honestly, Dage doesn't know what he's missing—sometimes I wonder if he has taste buds at all."
"Maybe I should cook for him," Wei Ying mused, and was immediately greeted by a chorus of "No!"
"You'd spice him into a qi deviation, Wei Wuxian," Jiang Wanyin said, stealing a pork rib from his plate.
Wangji casually replaced it with one from his own bowl, and was rewarded with a too-rare brilliant smile that made him feel warm inside. This, too, garnered a knowing look from Nie Huaisang, but a fond one from Jiang Yanli and a scowl he had learned held no malice from Jiang Wanyin.
The rest of the meal was passed with Nie Huaisang telling the story of how he caught the most recent bird in his aviary, which somehow involved an angry yao squirrel that took offense to his proximity to its nest. Though he had ultimately caught the bird he was stalking, it had been at the cost of scratches, and in his panic at one point he had bludgeoned the yao with the edge of his fan so hard it had dropped from the branch and died in the fall.
"It was my first successful kill, but it wasn't even on purpose or with my saber, so Dage couldn't decide whether to be proud or disappointed."
Nie Huaisang took a sip of tea, looking thoughtful for a moment.
"Though that may have been in part because I insisted it was my duty to raise the pups, since I killed their mother. I only just released them back into the wild. I would've kept them, but they got into everything, the little thieves."
The comment set Wei Ying giggling, leading Jiang Yanli to tell the story of the time he and Jiang Wanyin found an injured baby jumping mouse and nursed it back to health. Even though they had agreed to release it once it was old enough, Jiang Wanyin had secretly kept it, carrying it around in his robes and sneaking it tidbits during meals.
"And then the Jins visited Lotus Pier," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And just as the soup course was served, the mouse escaped his robes and hopped across the room right into Jin-zongzhu's bowl."
It was amazing, Wangji thought as he imagined the scene, just how often Jin Guangshan wound up in these sorts of situations; this one was at least guaranteed to be accidental, but he wouldn't be surprised if there was some sort of plot involving embarrassing the man as much as possible.
"Turned out he isn't fond of mice," Wei Ying contributed with a little smile as Nie Huaisang broke into giggles, "judging from his shriek and the way he threw the bowl of soup across the room."
The mouse had escaped back to Jiang Wanyin, who snuck out in the chaos that followed and took it outside and to a field off the main pier to release it finally.
"No one figured out where it came from, so it was considered a freak incident," Jiang Yanli finished, which Wangji took to mean it hadn't been blamed on Wei Ying. "And we just kept it to ourselves and laughed over soup later."
"It was a really friendly mouse," Jiang Wanyin said, sounding a little wistful.
Wangji recommended he visit the rabbits more, figuring he could at least enjoy them in his time in the Cloud Recesses, and was surprised when Jiang Wanyin actually smiled at him.
As the afternoon went on, Jiang Yanli brought out Osmanthus cakes and a new pot of tea, and Nie Huaisang recounted their day painting and showed off the fan Wei Ying had painted, basking in their compliments as though it was his own work, but also tugging Wei Ying's sleeve with each to encourage him to take them to heart.
When evening approached, Jiang Yanli retreated to the kitchen to start dinner, Jiang Wanyin joining her to help chop vegetables for what would undoubtedly be soup and a variety of side dishes—Wangji had learned most of her meals included soup, which was especially welcome as the weather shifted toward autumn, as she seemed aware of the need for yang foods. Meanwhile, Nie Huaisang continued regaling Wei Ying with stories of bird-catching.
"So this is where you've been," a voice interrupted from the door.
Wangji turned to find Xiongzhang and Nie Mingjue standing in the doorway. He could feel the way Wei Ying's breathing increased beside him, and knew the sudden interruption had startled him—and given he was already overtaxed…
"You did good, Huaisang, getting Wei Wuxian out of there," Nie Mingjue continued, "and I'm glad you've spent time with your friends."
Nie Huaisang's eyes darted toward Wei Ying, and then he was on his feet, showing his brother the fan Wei Ying had painted for him and gushing about the brushwork. It was a move clearly calculated to allow time for Wei Ying to process, and Wangji was left wondering if Nie Huaisang had read the same books he had about mind healing; he was reasonably certain the answer was yes, but his peer would never admit to it, preferring his indolent mask.
Jiang Yanli came from the kitchen to check on her brother, placing orange slices in his hand, and after eating it automatically, his eyes focused on them again.
"I apologize for the interruption," Xiongzhang said softly. "Mingjue wanted to check in with his brother before dinner."
"Oh, I assumed he would eat with us," Jiang Yanli said, then exchanged a look with Wei Ying, a silent conversation. "As it happens, I've made a larger meal than I intended—won't you and Nie-zongzhu stay and eat with us?"
"I don't wish to impose if it would be a detriment to Wei-gongzi's health," Nie Mingjue said gently. "No one will be offended if that is the case—you've been through quite enough today."
Wei Ying shook his head, leaning slightly against Wangji as though for his support, but looking determined.
"I'll be okay, thank you."
"Jiang-guniang's cooking is just as good as Wei-xiong and Jiang-xiong always said it was, maybe even better," Nie Huaisang gushed, dragging his brother to sit next to him.
Xiongzhang settled in a spot between Nie Mingjue and the absent Jiang Wanyin, still in the kitchen, and Jiang Yanli joined him and sent him out with wood ear mushroom salad, tea eggs, and shaved potato salad—this with chili oil on the side to account for non-Yunmeng palates.
Wei Ying stayed quiet, but ate whatever Wangji put in his bowl, and was clearly listening to the conversation Xiongzhang was leading about the various talismans Nie Mingjue was interested in purchasing.
"You have an understanding of talismans that has to be nearly unprecedented, Wei-gongzi," Chifeng-Zun said once Xichen had run through the list. "The talisman you created for revitalizing overtaxed soil was particularly genius—few cultivators seem to remember the needs of the common folk."
The needs of the common folk were something of a passion for Wei Ying, Wangji knew, and he had ideas for further talismans that could be activated without need for spiritual energy that would benefit more than the gentry, for purposes beyond night hunting.
"Thank you, Chifeng-Zun," he murmured, a flush spreading across his face. "I have more talismans in development, and more ideas I'd like to explore."
Wangji was pleased when Nie Huaisang and Nie Mingjue kept the conversation going, with Xiongzhang's help, asking about Wei Ying's projects and ideas. He could feel the tension bleed from Wei Ying, as he's certain it was meant to. The conversation lasts until the Jiangs have finished bringing out the plates of dishes and a large tureen of soup—the mushroom, parsnip, and pork ribs one Jiang Yanli had created, he noticed. Other dishes included dumplings, likely with the pork Xiongzhang had replaced as promised, noodles with fish balls and greens, a large bowl of a delicious-looking array of stir fried vegetables, and another meat dish—either pork or chicken—in a sauce that was likely too spicy for him, but which everyone else would likely enjoy.
Jiang Wanyin served tea while Jiang Yanli served soup, the open tureen filling the air with fragrant steam, and for a few minutes conversation was stalled in favor of eating until Nie Mingjue led a round of compliments on the dishes, and the chatter picked back up.
The atmosphere was warm and comfortable, companionable, and even though Wangji didn't partake in the conversation, sticking to the rule, he was happy to see Wei Ying relaxed, to imprint to memory moments when the conversation led him to laugh, a look of free joy on his face, too rare since the incident at Lotus Pier.
After dinner, Jiang Yanli served an assortment of cakes and tarts, praising the Cloud Recesses library and its collection of recipe books—something Wangji had not known existed—and they enjoyed them with tea. At some point Wei Ying's hand found his, and Wangji rubbed his thumb along the back of Wei Ying's hand soothingly, uncertain whether he needed the comfort but happy to oblige him with touch even if he didn't. The conversation stretched until nearly hai shi, when Xiongzhang and the Nies excused themselves, thanking them for their hospitality.
The thanks Wangji tried to give for the meal was waved off by Jiang Yanli.
"Lan-er-gongzi, you are to be family; there is no need for thanks among family."
With their guests gone, Wei Ying sagged against him, clearly wrung out by the day. It seemed very much as though he had become more of an introvert since the events at Lotus Pier, sapped by interaction instead of gaining energy from it as he once had—just one more way the trauma had changed him.
Wangji put an arm around Wei Ying as he slipped further, wilting like a flower under too much sun.
Jiang Wanyin rounded the table to help Wei Ying up, then bundled him toward the partitions that separated the eating area from the beds, and Wangji made himself useful helping Jiang Yanli gather the empty dishes and clean up.
"Jiang-guniang, as we are to be family, please call me Wangji."
"Then you must call me Yanli," she replied with a pleased smile.
They were nearly finished cleaning up when Jiang Wanyin joined them in the kitchen.
"He's talking about returning to his rooms, like he feels he's expected to, like he's got something to prove," he muttered darkly. "But until we root out the bastard doing this, it's safer for him here."
"Agreed," Wangji said, frowning a bit.
He hated that Wei Ying still felt he needed to put on an appearance of being fine when he wasn't, that one of the impacts of all of this was him attempting to show strength even when he needed help and comfort.
"I think…" Jiang Yanli started, then paused, her expression troubled. "I think even if he does, it should be to different quarters—I know they were searched, but even if they're clear, a fresh start would be good for him."
"Ask him to stay," Wangji told them softly. "He thinks himself a burden, and must be asked."
Jiang Wanyin grimaced but nodded agreement with his assessment, and Jiang Yanli's jaw clenched at the idea.
"We'll tell him," she said. "We'll insist. His new clothing is all here, and all of his projects can be worked on here, and he does much better when he's not alone, when he's safe."
The bell rang in the distance, a warning that hai shi was approaching, and the Jiang siblings assured him they would finish cleaning up.
"I'll walk with you to take A-Xian to his music lesson in the morning, as I need to stop by the kitchen for a few ingredients for breakfast, and of course you'll eat with us after. Rest well, Lan-er—ah, I mean, Wangji."
The night air was cool, and the bird calls of the daylight hours had given way to the call of night insects and frogs, as Wangji made his way back to the jingshi, by wishing the tranquility of the Cloud Recesses would ease the turmoil and frustration in his heart that Wei Ying was not yet safe, that considerations needed to be made to protect him still.
Though he took the time to meditate before bed, it would take much longer for him to fall asleep, his worries keeping his mind swirling far past his normal sleeping hours.
Note: the translation of the Du Shenyan poem is a combination of two translations. The first two lines of the translation are by one translator, and the rest are by another. The duckweed wasn't specified in the first translation, just a general water plant. I looked up other translations to be sure it wasn't a lotus.
Didn't have a lot of time over break for writing, aside from working on my WangXian Winter Solstice gift fic. I had hot pot and dumplings for the solstice with a small group, and that was the extent of my holiday celebrations. I hope everyone got time to relax.
New semester has started and over 10% of my students are quarantined. Nothing like stress to ratchet up the desire for escapism!
Thanks to my amazing betas, adrian_kres and erebus arts!
Translations:
A-Die = Dad
Er-Gongzi = second young master
Furen = Madam
Gongzi = Young master
Hai shi = 9-11pm, aka bedtime for Lans