the thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break

by Rose Thorne

Disclaimer: I don't own anything associated with The Untamed, and make no money writing fanfiction.


Chapter Twenty One

After the send-off breakfast, Min Cenxi and Meilin-ayi measure both of them "so the wedding robes can be started," a comment that makes Wei Ying blush and stutter, and the two women tease him sweetly yet mercilessly throughout the process. Lan Wangji can't help but enjoy Wei Ying's bashful reaction to the reminder that they will be wedded in red at Lotus Pier at some point in the future.

Once their guests safely depart, all wearing cloaks over Jiang-purple robes to make Jifu and Meilin less conspicuous, Wei Ying retreats to the cave, working on organizing and copying his notes on the talismans and arrays he insists will be his dowry. Lan Wangji is of the opinion that one is unnecessary on Wei Ying's part, since he is marrying into Jiang, but instead he helps Wei Ying organize and copy the talismans' instructions and treatises on their use—requested for his "exquisite handwriting," a comment that makes his ears go red.

Once Wei Ying finishes drawing diagrams and charts to illustrate, Lan Wangji uses silk thread made by the aunties from the silkworm cocoons, along with his own years of experience rebinding library books for the Cloud Recesses library. He chooses a side stitch binding that makes the small book look more professional.

Realistically, he knows Wei Ying is throwing himself into work to avoid thinking about the guests who will arrive after the wedding, likely in a matter of days, the need to somehow convince Chifeng-Zun that these former Wen don't deserve to die. Hopefully one look at A-Yuan and Popo will convince him.

Lan Wangji also knows he still hasn't fully processed Jiang Wanyin's confession about the loss of his core, and that will likely take more time. But the brothers have cleared the air between them, and hopefully will have a healthier relationship moving forward.

And so he focuses mostly on Wei Ying's health, making sure he eats, convincing Wei Ning to keep a steady stream of snacks on hand. It's as simple as putting a piece of fruit in his hand at intervals, which he'll eat absently as he works. He keeps Wei Ying's cup filled with fresh lotus tea brought by the Jiangs, hoping the memory of home and the knowledge he's going back will help as well.

Ultimately the book contains arrays that can remove resentful energy from land and water (which they use at the Burial Mounds but will help many commoners), defensive talismans for night hunts, and a talisman that can detect resentful energy—a stronger variation on the one he used to help find the cave of the Xuanwu of Slaughter during Indoctrination, Lan Wangji remembers, and which he hopes to continue refining into a physical device like a compass—and keeps Wei Ying distracted for the two days it takes to put together between musical acupuncture treatments and helping care for A-Yuan.

Along with sex, when Wei Qing finally clears them.

Lan Wangji is happy to overwhelm Wei Ying with enough pleasure to wash away his ability to think for a time. Holding him, being skin to skin in the aftermath of passion, basking in the radiance of his afterglow, catching their breath together before they bathe and sleep, is his favorite part of the day.

When they wake the third day, a day closer to the sect leaders (and possibly Shufu) coming to potentially swear brotherhood, it's clear it's not a good day for Wei Ying, something Wei Qing tells him just happens sometimes, that Wei Ying tends to spend more energy than he has on projects he fixates on until they're done, and then must deal with the resulting energy deficiency.

She also points out that they expend quite a bit of energy at night, as though hinting that they perhaps have sex too often, something Lan Wangji immediately dismisses with a frown.

"It's just loud today," Wei Ying murmurs unexpectedly, startling both of them as he cuts in absently, "the resentment."

Once they've coaxed a more thorough explanation from him, Lan Wangji is horrified to understand that the resentment speaks to Wei Ying, who has no choice but to continually be the unwilling audience to hungry, angry ghosts. He is almost afraid to ask if this is normal, and the flippant "It's not usually this bad" he gets in response to his concerns does nothing to assuage them. He knows full well that Wei Ying's idea of "not bad" is merely survivable, which is not an appropriate measure of normal.

And so a shi after breakfast, which Lan Wangji hand-feeds to Wei Ying, Wei Qing walks in on him playing Inquiry and writing down locations of corpses within Burial Mounds to be buried or their graves marked, joss burned. Some petitioning spirits instead have small regrets that can be eased to ensure the spirit moves on. She watches until he finishes with the current guqin conversation, and then insists it's time for Wei Ying's healing session.

"Give the list to A-Ning," she says, her expression telling him she appreciates his solution, even if it's not nearly enough. "He can at least find the corpses that need burying, and mark graves."

Wei Ning, who he finds brewing medicine for Popo's pain—and likely Wei Ying's—is all too happy to receive the list.

"They—they know we're leave-leaving," he tells them. "So they'll be louder."

"Maybe you should take time to play daily," Wei Qing says while she places her needles in Wei Ying's back. "That might calm them a bit."

He remembers Wei Ying's words to Xiongzhang, about how these souls have waited for so long for liberation. Gusu Lan could send cultivators to play Inquiry, along with songs of cleansing to ease the spirits' passing.

"Before, none could enter the Burial Mounds," he says. "Our leaving does not mean we will not continue helping to release them."

Wei Ying lets out a breath that sounds like relief.

"Oh… they're quieter now. They heard you. I think they liked that."

Neither Lan Wangji nor Wei Qing know immediately how to reply to that—the spirits of Burial Mounds are always there, they know, but to consider that they can listen and react to what is said is a little disturbing. Instead, she finishes placing the needles, and he takes up Wangji to start a song of healing.

Today's treatment, she explains as Lan Wangji plays, is to see if they can use this new medical-musical cultivation technique on scar tissue; more specifically, to see if the impact of scars can be lessened, whether scar tissue can be shrunk or even replaced completely with healthy tissue.

Lan Wangji is doubtful as to how much of an impact is possible, even with long-term treatment, but Wei Qing is hopeful that it could at least ease the pain of the scarring on Wei Ying's back from zidian, and that hope secures his willing participation.

Still, once the session is over, Wei Qing looks satisfied as she removes her needles.

"The purple markings seem to have faded a little, and the tissue seems slightly more pliable, though it's possible those are temporary effects," she says when he catches her eye.

Wei Ying is asleep, as he so often is after these sessions, having confessed once to Lan Wangji that the influx of spiritual energy, the way it was directed, felt "like the phantom of a core," suffusing him with warmth and comfort. That alone is enough for Lan Wangji; that it also has demonstrably healed some of the damage caused by resentful energy is an additional boon.

A-Yuan toddles in shortly to join Wei Ying on the bed, though he doesn't sleep, instead playing quietly with his grass butterflies. Lan Wangji spends time making a second copy of the dowry book, leaving room for Wei Ying to add the illustrations and charts later, as he deserves a copy of his own work.

Wei Qing comes to collect them for lunch, insisting Wei Ying join the others, bullying him dressed with ease.

"You've been in this cave for days," she says as they head to the main hall. "I want you to at least sit in the sun after lunch. Maybe go for a walk with your husband."

"May-maybe outside of the Bur-Burial Mounds, where it's quieter?" Wei Ning adds.

Lan Wangji immediately thinks of the gentle stream by the copse of bamboo, where Wei Ying caught fish before Xiongzhang's arrival. He can imagine them spending a pleasant afternoon there. He can catch fish again, if he is interested, though they have plenty of supplies. Perhaps he can bring a small repast for them to enjoy in the late afternoon.

Lunch passes quickly, with Popo monitoring Wei Ying's eating, adding choice bits to his bowl as he used to with A-Yuan.

Meanwhile, A-Yuan chatters about Lotus Pier, things the disciples must have told him—lotuses, spicy meat buns, boats, swimming…

"Ah, Sunzi," Popo murmurs as she puts another bit of meat in Wei Ying's bowl, "will you teach A-Yuan to swim before he goes to Lotus Pier."

Wei Ying's smile seems to brighten the room.

"Of course, Nainai. I wouldn't want my little radish in danger."

"Such a good boy," Popo says, patting his cheek affectionately.

It wouldn't happen today—Wei Ying was still having some difficulty—and they had several jieqi to handle it before everyone would be moved to Lotus Pier.

As lunch concludes, Wei Ying and Wei Ning stiffen at the same time, and Wei Qing sighs.

"I thought we would have a few more days," she says. "But I suppose our expected guests have arrived."

Lan Wangji watches Wei Ying's Adam's apple bob, notices his tension. Around them, the other former Wens mill, waiting for instruction.

Eventually, Wei Ying provides.

"I'll need to let them in the wards, but in better robes. Something Jiang Cheng sent," he says, picking at his clothes, which are more appropriate for farming. "So A-Ning, if you could let them know I'll be down shortly—from inside the wards, since I don't know how Chifeng-Zun will react to you."

Wei Ning nods and leaves the hall. Wei Ying looks at the faces around him, his own expression weary.

"Likely everyone should stay in the hall for greeting. Make tea. Maybe change A-Yuan into his Jiang sect uniform while I retrieve our guests?"

Lan Wangji can see the optics Wei Ying is trying to create, using the implied support of the Jiang sect in his greeting, and he hopes it's effective.

He helps Wei Ying change, choosing a red underrobe from the qiankun pouch, along with a black robe that had a deep purple trim and a subtle pattern of overlapping lotus blossoms embroidered throughout, then has him sit so Lan Wangji can put his hair in a proper crown, using his leather guan with a silver lotus affixed to the front. He's momentarily tempted to tie his ribbon in Wei Ying's hair, but decides against it reluctantly—if Shufu is among their visitors, that would incense him.

Further, anyway.

Lan Wangji changes himself into the robe he wore when coming to Yiling, tidies his hair and ribbon, then makes sure their clarity bells are affixed to their belts.

As they head toward the entrance to the Burial Mounds, Lan Wangji keeps his focus on Wei Ying, though his thoughts stray toward what awaits them—or rather, who—and his own private concern that Shufu could be among them, which would make an already shaky situation worse, running scenarios through his mind and how they might be defused. From the white-knuckle grip Wei Ying has on Chenqing, he's battling his own nerves and worst case scenarios.

He is relieved to see the visitors include Nie Mingjue, Nie Huaisang, Xiongzhang, Jiang Wanyin, and a man in Nie robes he recognizes as the Nie head disciple and Chifeng-Zun's right hand man, Nie Zonghui, whom he recalls as level-headed. No Shufu in sight.

Wei Ning is standing inside the wards with Jiang Wanyin and Xiongzhang, as the only ones recognized by the wards, and from the expression on Lan Xichen's face the conversation is amiable. Their relaxed body language makes it clear there is no fear. Outside the barrier, Nie Mingjue and his second are looking on at Wei Ning, who clearly has his spiritual cognition, from outside the wards in shock, while Nie Huaisang's expression is hidden by the fan he always carries.

Lan Wangji can feel Wei Ying relax slightly beside him upon seeing this. He knows his husband has been anxious about this in particular, that Wei Ning's existence would be threatened. So many things hinge on this visit going well, particularly with the plan for an Auspicious Eight sworn siblinghood—if Nie Mingjue does not agree that the former Wen were innocents, bars Nie Huaisang from joining… all their hopes could be so much smoke.

They reach the edge of the ward and Wei Ying seems to take a breath before moving through it, showing trust in Nie Mingjue in doing so, then bows formally to each of the Nie visitors, as well as Jiang Wanyin and Xiongzhang. Lan Wangji follows suit.

"Chifeng-Zun, thank you for coming," Wei Ying says deferentially. "I'll need to set the wards to recognize you, and then we can go to the settlement, but did you have questions for me beforehand?"

Nie Mingjue's expression reveals nothing of his thoughts as he eyes Wei Ying. Lan Wangji consciously keeps himself from tightening his grip on Bichen.

"These Wen of yours," Nie Mingjue says. "Xichen says they're harmless civilians and doctors."

"They are. They're no longer Wen, though. They asked to take Wei as their surname."

That seems to shock Nie Mingjue silent, which isn't surprising—it's uncommon, though not unheard of, considered unfilial toward one's ancestors.

"Wei-xiong, does that mean the Ghost General is your didi?" Nie Huaisang asks.

"Aiya, that ridiculous title," Wei Ying says with a sigh. "A-Ning doesn't have that sort of personality. But yes, he's my didi."

He beckons Wei Ning out of the ward, and the fierce corpse greets the visitors with a bow and stuttered greeting.

"Wei Ning rescued me from Lotus Pier and retrieved my parents' remains so they could be properly buried," Jiang Wanyin says. "He and his sister hid us at the Yiling supervisory office."

"And during Indoctrination, he helped me when I was injured," Wei Ying adds.

Unexpectedly, Nie Huaisang speaks.

"Oh, he helped me when I passed out during Indoctrination, Dage! He gave me medicine, and pretended not to see when I snuck away and escaped while Wen Chao was forcing the others to night hunt—that's when Wei-xiong and Hanguang-Jun killed the Xuanwu."

Lan Wangji forgot that Nie Huaisang had been absent during the hunt at Muxi Mountain, having passed out while they were reading the Quintessence of Wen in the heat. With everything that had happened in quick succession after he didn't think to wonder how he escaped to Qinghe.

"He left a qiankun bag next to me with food and enough supplies before he let me escape, even!" Nie Huaisang adds. "So I knew it wasn't luck."

He wonders if Wei Qing sent a message to her brother about the disastrous hunt, or if Wei Ning just saw an opportunity with so many of the guards absent. Regardless, having helped Nie Huaisang has the potential to soften his brother's feelings on the former Wen.

Nie Mingjue levels a considering stare at Wei Ning, who is visibly flustered as he tries to downplay his role.

"You defied Wen Ruohan?" he finally asks.

"He—he w-was wrong."

Jiang Wanyin patted Wei Ning's shoulder, the move awkward but a show of familiarity.

"I tried to explain at the Phoenix Mountain hunt, but Jin Guangshan didn't let me. I would be dead if not for him and his sister."

"He didn't, did he?" Nie Mingjue says slowly, clearly contextualizing the new information. "And Wangji spoke up in support of Wei Wuxian, and that girl quit the Jin Sect when they spoke ill of him."

"Luo Qingyang," Nie Zonghui provides.

Wei Ying looks confused, and Nie Huaisang titters behind his fan.

"That's Mianmian for those of us who aren't shameless, Wei-xiong."

"Mianmian left the Jin?" Wei Ying says, sounding shocked.

Lan Wangji can see the way his mind is working, his doubt that he's worth such an act, and decides to redirect.

"We should speak further at the settlement," he says.

That jolts Wei Ying into action, and he explains how he's granting them access by making the wards recognize their individual qi.

Wei Ning excuses himself to precede them to the settlement at a pace that would be startling if none of them had ever seen a fierce corpse move before. Meanwhile Wei Ying discusses the resentful energy in the Burial Mounds, mentioning unsafe areas that he's warded until he can deal with them.

"It'd be nice if this place was eventually cleansed of resentment someday," he says offhandedly. "There are a lot of spirits still trapped here."

"I would be happy to send disciples to help with the process," Xiongzhang says. "Your work has made it possible to enter, where before it was a death trap."

Wei Ying's steps falter.

"It was, indeed," he says, his voice distant. "It was very nearly mine."

Xiongzhang nearly flinches, realizing the impact of his words. Nie Huaisang shoves between him and Nie Mingjue to catch Wei Ying's sleeve, his expression horrified.

"Wei-xiong, the rumors were true? Wen Chao really…?"

Wei Ying attempts to force a smile, but Jiang Wanyin speaks before he can.

"Yes, it's true. But let's get somewhere there's wine before we discuss further."

"Jifu left some of his fruit wine," Wei Ying says. "And there's probably still some of the wine you and Shijie brought. Qing-jie hid it from me."

"Perfect," Jiang Wanyin almost growls, then moves forward to grasp Wei Ying's upper arm as though to tow him forward, lowering his voice. "A-Jie will be here tomorrow with her new husband, on their way to Lotus Pier."

He's referring to the tradition of visiting the wife's family on the third day following the wedding, Lan Wangji realizes, an excellent opportunity for the swearing of siblinghood.

Wei Ying lets himself be towed, but doesn't speak much the rest of the way to the settlement.

"A-Die, safe?" A-Yuan calls as soon as their party is in view.

"It's safe," Wei Ying returns.

The boy immediately runs toward them, looking adorable in his tiny disciple robes, his clarity bell bouncing with each step.

Lan Wangji steps forward to catch him in case he forgets to be careful around Wei Ying, but Jiang Wanyin steps forward first and swings him into his arms, A-Yuan giggling in delight.

"Jiang-shushu came back!" A-Yuan shrieks, beaming.

"I told you I would. You're my zhizi, so get used to it."

Jiang Wanyin, he realizes, is making it clear the boy is family, showing the Nies his support for his brother.

"Who are mustache-gege and fan-gege and green-gege?" A-Yuan asks.

"That's Chifeng-Zun, and his brother Nie Huaisang, and the Nie first disciple, Nie Zonghui," Jiang Wanyin says, answering him seriously.

A-Yuan repeats the names and waves at them from over Jiang Wanyin's shoulder, then chatters about how much fun he had with "Nangua-shijie."

"He means Min Cenxi," Lan Wangji supplies.

"The planting joke," Jiang Wanyin groans. "She always did love when Wei Wuxian planted the baby disciples with the lotuses."

Lan Wangji can hear Nie Mingjue asking about A-Yuan, in terms of a child in the Burial Mounds. Xiongzhang's reply is inaudible.

Glancing at the Nies, he can see their confusion at such a domestic scene, particularly as they get closer to the settlement and it becomes obvious the people there are civilians, many of them elderly.

Nie Mingjue is a very stoic man, but he surveys the refugees, mouth ajar in shock, as they bow to him.

Nie Huaisang stares at them for a moment, then asks Lan Wangji in a whisper, "Aren't those the villagers from when the Dire Owl attacked us?"

"Mn," he whispers back, nodding shortly. "The survivors."

His former classmate makes a discomfited noise, staring at Popo.

"Behold, my army of undead or whatever," Wei Ying intones, with not a little sarcasm.

Wei Qing steps forward and smacks the back of his head lightly with a soft "behave," ignoring Wei Ying's exaggerated pout. She also changed, and is now wearing a pale purple hanfu with lotuses on the hem, something Lan Wangji can only assume Jiang Wanyin sent for her, with the way his gaze is drawn to her.

It seems he has begun courting her in earnest, and in wearing the hanfu, Wei Qing has accepted the courtship. Lan Wangji wonders if that will come up in the discussion today.

"Thank you for visiting, Chifeng-Zun, Nie-gongzi, First Disciple Nie, and welcome back, Zewu-Jun, Sandu Shengshou."

Their visitors all bow back to her, which is already a victory, Nie Mingjue's bow hopefully a portent.

"We've prepared tea and a small repast in the main hall, if you'll follow me," she continues, then turns to lead the way. "The rest of our family will join us later to answer any questions you might have."

Jiang Wanyin passes A-Yuan to Wei Ning before he follows, sending a silent message to Chifeng-Zun that he trusts the sentient fierce corpse with his nephew.

Nie Zonghui stops to stand at attention beside the main hall entrance, clearly intending to keep watch while they speak.

Once they get settled and the tea is poured, bowls of honey millet pudding with mulberries passed around and eaten, Lan Wangji wonders where they will begin, there's so much.

Xiongzhang solves that problem immediately.

"I think the first thing to mention, more for context on why Wangji is here than anything else, is that my brother and Wei Wuxian are wedded, and A-Yuan is their adopted son. I'll need to let him know he can call me Bobo."

Nie Mingjue looks absolutely nonplussed, clearly not expecting that news. Jiang Wanyin sips his tea as Nie Huaisang's fan flutters frantically.

"Wei-xiong, Lan-xiong, you didn't invite me? I thought we were friends."

He sounds disappointed and offended, and while Nie Huaisang often dramatizes his emotions, these are subdued enough to feel genuine.

"They bowed to Lan Yi in a handfasting before they left to try to prevent Wen Ruohan from gaining more pieces of the yin iron, but told no one until recently," Xiongzhang clarifies. "The Lan consider this a valid marriage, if technically an elopement."

Jiang Wanyin snorts, likely thinking about Wei Ying's complete ignorance of the matter until recently. Lan Wangji can feel his ears heat, but Wei Ying's hand finds his under the table and he focuses on their interlacing fingers.

"My brother is getting a real wedding once it's safe. A-Jie agrees. His wedding robes have been commissioned, and I'm certain Zewu-Jun will commission Lan Wangji's."

Lan Xichen nods, and Lan Wangji isn't sure if that is an acknowledgment of the task or confirmation he's already commissioned them. Knowing Xiongzhang, they've been designed since he came of age, ready to be made at any time.

"Lans and love," Nie Mingjue mutters, still staring at them incredulously. "A marriage at fifteen is valid?"

"Ah, technically it was a betrothal," Xiongzhang says sheepishly. "They completed their bows only recently."

"Enthusiastically," Wei Qing mutters, and Wei Ying blushes.

Nie Huaisang giggles, and everyone else tries to keep a straight face, with varying success.

"I guess the rumors about your being at odds were just that," Nie Mingjue says mildly, looking at them both as though expecting a response.

Lan Wangji tries to gather the words, but Wei Ying speaks before he can.

"Lan Zhan was worried about my cultivation method," he says simply.

"Worried for Wei Ying's health," he adds softly, and Wei Ying smiles at him, looking beautiful in the dim light.

Nie Huaisang giggles again, and a mortified-looking Jiang Wanyin decides this is the time to move the conversation forward.

"The only reason my brother is cultivating resentful energy is because Wen Chao dropped him in here with no core after Lotus Pier burned. Those three months missing, here until he could escape."

Wei Ying's smile bleeds away. He extends his free arm, hand shaking just slightly, offering his wrist for them to confirm, just as he did with Xiongzhang and his own siblings.

Chifeng-Zun winces when he checks, and Nie Huaisang snatches his wrist to check as well, then lets out a little wail.

"Wei-xiong, why didn't you tell anyone? We would have helped you! So many other cultivators had their cores melted."

"That's not what happened to his golden core," Jiang Wanyin says shortly.

Wei Ying shrinks, tucking his arm against his chest, his grip on Lan Wangji's hand tightening, glancing at Jiang Wanyin uncertainly.

"I'm sorry," he says to Wei Ying. "But they need to know."

Lan Wangji realizes what he's apologizing for immediately and he rubs the back of Wei Ying's hand with his thumb, hoping to comfort him. He knows his husband's sacrifice will show he is not the man Jin Guangshan is painting him to be, but he hates the vulnerable expression that briefly passes over his face. In mixed company, he cannot hold Wei Ying close to comfort him.

"Wen Chao caught me first, and had Wen Zhuliu melt my core," Jiang Wanyin starts.

He has heard this tale before and doesn't wish to hear it again, so he tunes it out and focuses on his husband instead, letting the sounds go fuzzy and indistinct. Wei Ying has shut down, Lan Wangji realizes, his shoulders slumped, his face blank, his eyes glassy and fixed on the table.

He doesn't want this known, but likely feels he has no right to protest.

He frowns at Jiang Wanyin in disapproval as he outlines Wei Ying's secret sacrifice on his behalf, but is ignored. Wei Qing offers him a look of sympathy and then winces when she's mentioned as the doctor who performed the surgery.

Xiongzhang, he notices, looks aghast, his cup of tea frozen halfway to his mouth as he listens. Lan Wangji will have to apologize for allowing Wei Ying to mislead him before.

"My brother gave me his core, and Jin Guangshan wants me to believe he disrespects me," Jiang Wanyin finishes, his tone disgusted, then downs his tea as though it's wine.

The disgust is at himself, in part, Lan Wangji knows, for having believed it before knowing of Wei Ying's selfless act of love.

Nie Mingjue is studying Wei Ying, who is still slouched, staring through the table, his hand slack in Lan Wangji's grip. Wei Qing frowns, then comes to check on him, but he jolts when she touches him.

Wei Ying, aware now, shrinks further under the scrutiny of the Nies and Xichen. Nie Huaisang seems perilously close to dropping his fan. Chifeng-Zun's gaze seems assessing. Xiongzhang has tears in his eyes.

"Wuxian," Xiongzhang says softly. "I thought it was Core-Melting Hand."

Wei Ying just shakes his head, clearly not trusting his voice. Lan Wangji speaks for him.

"We apologize for misleading you. Wen Chao found Wei Ying after the surgery. Beat him. Dropped him into the Burial Mounds from their swords."

"If not for the injuries he suffered in the beating and the fall, and the time trapped here, it was possible he could have cultivated a new golden core," Wei Qing adds, returning to her seat.

She doesn't tell them what she had spoken about with Lan Wangji: if the seal is destroyed and Wei Ying cleansed of resentful energy and given proper care, it's possible he still could, but for now it's a future matter to discuss.

Silence falls for a bit after that, as they all digest what has been revealed. Xiongzhang's expression is mournful, dipping dangerously close to pity, which Wei Ying doesn't want or need. Nie Huaisang fidgets, continually glancing at Wei Ying, his expression tightening each time he looks away, as though in anger. Nie Mingjue glances between Wei Ying and Jiang Wanyin, as though studying them for evidence of lying. .

"You gave your brother your golden core," Nie Mingjue says finally. "I cannot think of any other cultivator who would do something so noble."

Wei Ying looks away, clearly discomfited with such praise.

"I did it to save my brother," he murmurs. "Not for any reputation."

"Too fucking bad," Jiang Wanyin says with a derisive snort. "You're too damn selfless and your stupid reputation needs all the help it can get. Too many people forget that without your demonic cultivation we'd have lost the war. No one gives you the respect you earned."

"Aiya, my dear shidi," Wei Ying says with a false lightness. "I was just a useful weapon, nothing more. Now I'm just the evil on the dark path, the dreadful Yiling Laozu. They say I rob graveyards and eat the bones of the dead."

Wangji squeezes his hand, remembering the terrible things he heard at the tea house in Yiling before he stayed.

"And all you're doing is growing radishes on this mass grave," Jiang Wanyin mutters. "I bet the Jins started that rumor, too."

"The Burial Mounds soil isn't good for much else," Wei Qing tells him. "He wanted to grow potatoes."

"Potatoes are better," Wei Ying protests weakly. "They just won't grow in this place. Not much edible grew here, before."

An awkward silence falls at the reminder that Wei Ying was trapped here for so long without a core, unable to practice inedia, and against all odds survived.

"Did you learn demonic cultivation to escape the Burial Mounds, Wei-xiong?" Nie Huaisang asks.

Wei Ying sighs at the question, and Lan Wangji squeezes his hand, relieved when he returns the gesture.

"It's not really demonic cultivation in the way Wen Ruohan used it, forcing the spirits to do his bidding," Wei Ying says softly. "I ask. A lot of the ghosts here were people killed by the main Wen family, their bodies dumped here—or, you know, dumped alive to die here. They were happy to serve on the battlefield against their killers."

This is something Lan Wangji has not heard from Wei Ying, who prefers not to discuss his cultivation—perhaps because of his own criticism of it. But Wei Qing looks surprised as well, so perhaps it isn't just him.

Wei Ying is deflecting on the question of escaping the Burial Mounds by focusing on the implications of his cultivation, he realizes. He can barely speak of it with Lan Wangji, and with this audience, the stress of this conversation, he's protecting himself.

Lan Wangji knows the answer is that he learned what he did painfully and while fighting to survive, steeped in resentment and terror and rage. It was about survival first, even if it ultimately helped him escape.

And now he is forced to live in the place of his nightmares.

"I let them spend their resentment, and then they're able to move on. Wen Ruohan imprisoned them in their resentment to make more resentment. It's different."

The explanation leaves everyone gaping. Chifeng-Zun is the first to regain his composure.

"So on the battlefield, when our fallen rose to fight…?"

"They were resentful at their killers and those who made war necessary. When I asked, they were glad to aid in battle one last time. Once they spent their resentment, they rested, liberated in a different way. I didn't disturb the ones already at rest."

"Wei Wuxian, if you'd explained that, we might not be in this mess," Jiang Wanyin grates out.

"I didn't explain a lot of things," Wei Ying mutters defensively. "I wouldn't say I was exactly functional during the war."

Lan Wangji remembers how taut and fragile Wei Ying seemed then, bloodshot eyes, pale as porcelain, always trailing resentment. He carried the spirits of the Burial Mounds within the seal, he realizes, and they spoke to him through the resentment he cultivated, all the while reminding him of the trauma of the Burial Mounds.

The others clearly remember the Wei Ying of the Sunshot campaign, too.

Nie Huaisang uses the pause in the discussion to ask Wei Qing about the surgery, and their guests all gasp in horror to learn it had to be done without anesthesia and took two days and a night, with Wei Ying feeling every moment of his core being cut from his body.

Wei Ying dissociates during that too, leaning closer to Lan Wangji, who puts his free arm around his waist, trying to toe the line of appropriateness while offering comfort.

"I will never perform that surgery again," Wei Qing says softly. "I burned my notes when it was done, just before Wen Chao came and imprisoned us."

"Why did you agree to it?" Xichen asks, still looking unsettled at what Wei Ying endured.

"He begged me to save his didi, and as an elder sibling I could understand—if it had been A-Ning, I would have done the same."

Nie Mingjue glances at Nie Huaisang thoughtfully, and Lan Wangji does his best to ignore Xiongzhang's eyes on him; he knows they are both considering the choices they would make in such a situation.

"That—that's how Wen Ruohan kep-kept Jiejie in line," Wen Ning breaks in, carrying a tray laden with a fresh pot of tea and several small jugs of wine. "When she hesitated, he—he'd threaten to hurt me."

He places the tray of drinks on the table, and Wei Ying immediately reaches to grab a bottle of fruit wine, snapping to awareness. Lan Wangji squeezes his other hand, hoping to remind him of moderation, and is gratified when Wei Ying smiles at him and just pours a cup of it.

"Or the rest of our family," Wei Qing agrees tiredly as Wei Ning pours her a fresh cup of tea. "Not that it mattered much in the end. Most of the Dafan Wen are dead at the Jins' hands, unless some of the younger women were sold to brothels by that slimeball, Jin Zixun."

Nie Huaisang's face darkens at that pronouncement.

"I can send people to search for them," he says, not even asking his brother. "My spies could liberate them and bring them to Lotus Pier."

Nie Mingjue raises a brow and Nie Huaisang flutters his fan and forces a laugh, reaching for the alcohol and pouring his brother a cup as though to bribe him.

"Our spies, I mean. With Dage's permission, of course."

"Granted, obviously, you little brat," Nie Mingjue says, his tone affectionate. "Non-combatants were to be vetted and allowed to resettle in Qishan, not worked to death or sold into slavery. Jin Guangshan lied."

"Jin-zongzhu can't even honor his wife. Why would anyone expect him to honor his word?" Wei Ying comments wryly. "A dog can't help eating shit."

Nie Mingjue guffaws at that, and Nie Huaisang hides his laughter behind his shaking fan.

"Indeed."

That, surprisingly, comes from Xiongzhang, who looks troubled.

Wei Qing clears her throat to regain attention, though she seems to be fighting tears at the immediate offer to find and liberate her remaining blood kin and it's implications about the outcome of this meeting.

"It has been pointed out that our generation has a cycle of life debts. Between the Jiangs and Wei Wuxian and myself and A-Ning, but Nie-gongzi and Lan-er-gongzi helped when Wen Chao turned my family into living puppets right before the war."

"And Wen—ah, Wei Ning helped me at Indoctrination, like I told you," Nie Huaisang added, looking imploringly at his brother.

"And if Jin Zixuan knows what's good for him, he owes a life debt to Wei Qing and Wei Ning through A-Jie," Jiang Wanyin says forcefully.

"An auspicious eight," Xichen says with a smile, approvingly as though he hadn't been the one to suggest it. "All of you contributed to the war effort—Jin-xiao-furen by aiding the injured and cooking, and Huaisang through managing the supply chain to the front lines. War heroes, all."

The goal is to sell this idea to Nie Mingjue, and Lan Wangji is gratified that he seems to be considering the merits.

"Jiang Wanyin was excluded from our sworn brotherhood, for reasons I can't fathom," Chifeng-Zun finally says.

"To isolate and put pressure on him and Wei Ying," Lan Wangji tells him shortly. "To separate them and make Wei Ying vulnerable."

Nie Mingjue nods.

"This auspicious eight would unite all the main clans," he says after some thought. "It is a powerful statement."

Lan Wangji feels a tension he didn't know he was carrying melt away at the implied agreement. Beside him, he can feel Wei Ying's tension ease as well.

"The big thing is announcing it, since it's not being done in front of an army," Nie Huaisang says, his fan fluttering again. "It should have an impact on not just the gentry, but the common people as well. A narrative."

His smile is worrisome.

"A nar-narrative?" Wei Ning asks, confused.

"Oh, yes," Nie Huaisang says excitedly. "Like a poem set to music and sung in wine houses."

Nie Mingjue groans at that, and Nie Huaisang pouts at him dramatically.

"It's a valid tool for propaganda," he say defensively. "How do you think I could get supplies to the front line so quickly? The songs got the commoners on our side. Getting them on our side here will destroy the rumors' hold."

Lan Wangji has to admit the idea is brilliant, with such songs having more staying power than rumors. He hopes they counter the vile slander against Wei Ying.

"Anyway, since it can't be done as publicly as your sworn brotherhood, it's the best way to get the news of the Auspicious Eight out."

While Nie Mingjue looks unconvinced, Lan Xichen looks intrigued.

"How long would it take to put together?" he asks.

Nie Huaisang smiles, and Lan Wangji knows it's because he's won. If Xiongzhang is on board, Chifeng-Zun will be as well—maybe a bit grudgingly, but he'll support it.

"Hm, if I have paper, ink, and a brush, I can get started pretty quickly. I have a contact who will polish it, and then I'll send musicians to hit all the major cities. It'll be about a season, if it's anything like the songs for the Sunshot campaign."

"It'll take about that long to slowly move everyone here to Lotus Pier," Jiang Wanyin says thoughtfully.

"Why so long?" Xiongzhang asks, curious in a nonjudgmental way.

"Most of my relatives are simple farmers and doctors, no one anyone would recognize, aside from myself and A-Ning," Wei Qing answers. "But slowly incorporating them into Lotus Pier will draw less attention to them, where a large group at once would garner curiosity, at the least."

"I sent some disciples with supplies during the wedding, and they were supposed to bring back a few people," Jiang Wanyin says. "So we've already started."

"Jifu and Meilin-ayi," Wei Ying contributes, pouring a second cup of wine for himself. "I figure Jifu can get involved in Lotus Breeze production. This is his fruit wine."

"No more wine after that cup, Wei Wuxian," Wei Qing tells him, ever the doctor.

Wei Ying pouts in an exaggerated way, which she ignores.

Jiang Wanyin grabs the jug of wine from Wei Ying and pours himself a cup before offering it to Chifeng-Zun, who hesitates before declining.

"Both of the people we sent are elders who shouldn't be exposed to so much resentful energy, and they can help prepare for the others," Wei Qing finishes.

"Shouldn't the child be sent?" Nie Mingjue asks, looking concerned.

"He wants to stay with his parents," Wei Qing says. "He was inconsolable when he thought he'd be sent away."

"He was orphaned, his jiejie killed in the labor camp," Wei Ying murmurs. "He's afraid separations are forever."

As if on cue, the patter of tiny feet interrupts them, A-Yuan running into the hall, likely having escaped Popo. She enters a bit behind him, apologizing for the interruption even as Lan Wangji lifts the boy into his lap, shifting him to be close to Wei Ying.

Jiang Wanyin is on his feet immediately, leading Popo to a seat, telling her to rest. She looks a bit winded, and Wei Ning serves her some tea.

"Aiya, little radish, you can't run away from Nainai like that," Wei Ying scolds, though his words have no heat.

The child pouts, clearly on the verge of a tantrum.

"Nap with A-Die," he insists tearfully.

Lan Wangji can guess that Popo tried to put him down for a nap, but their son has grown used to napping with Wei Ying. The light coming in the door tells him it's around that time, with dinner to follow in a few hours. Wei Ying looks worn out from the discussion, perhaps also reliant on the naps, at least until he's healthier.

"I'll nap with you tomorrow, little radish," Wei Ying promises.

"No, you'll nap with him today, too," Wei Qing tells him. "Further discussion can be handled by Popo and me. Your health is abysmal and has been since the war, and plenty of sleep is a necessity."

"Wei-xiong is sick?" Nie Huaisang asks, looking at Wei Ying in concern.

Wei Ying shrinks slightly as the others look at him as well, moving as though to hide behind A-Yuan.

"No core, starvation for three months, followed by fighting in the war with resentful energy that continues to damage his body, and a lack of sleep afterward because of his experiences," Wei Qing lists, offering no mercy. "He's recovering, but getting sleep is part of it, and naps are prescribed."

Nie Huaisang bites his lip, glancing between them all.

"Wouldn't it be better to take Wei-xiong to Lotus Pier, then?"

"Can't," Wei Ying says before anyone else can speak. "The only reason Jin Guangshan hasn't sent a force to kill the people here is because he's a coward. I'm the deterrent."

Just like he was the weapon in war, Lan Wangji thinks bitterly, angry he can't change how Wei Ying is perceived, the roles he's forced to play.

"Then it's best to follow Wei Qing's treatment plan," Xiongzhang says, breaking the silence, his voice gentle, as though he has guessed this conversation has wrung Wei Ying out. "Your health is important."

Wei Ying relents, which is essentially confirmation.

"Okay, little radish. We'll go take a nap."

"Mn. Diedie nap," A-Yuan says insistently, pulling at his sleeve. "Baba too?"

Wei Qing turns to Lan Wangji.

"Make sure your husband gets some rest," she tells him, and he recognizes it as a dismissal.

It is a relief to be able to bow to their visitors and leave the discussion, to trust Wei Qing, Jiang Wanyin, and Xiongzhang to handle the rest of matters, to take the burden from Wei Ying.

He is glad they won't let Wei Ying handle everything on his own as he's wont to do, leaving nothing for himself, burning out to bring light to others.

Lan Wangji hefts A-Yuan onto his hip, and leads a subdued Wei Ying through to the cave, content that his priority is his husband's health. His exhaustion is palpable, undoubtedly exacerbated by Jiang Wanyin's unexpected revelation about his core, the secret he kept so close until Lan Wangji discovered it.

The murmur of the discussion fades behind them, and he can hear Wei Qing explaining that his duty at the settlement is taking care of his husband. He doesn't consider it a duty, but she is likely justifying his departure.

When they reach the alcove, he pulls the curtain shut to block light coming in through the cave entrance. After settling A-Yuan on the bed, Lan Wangji helps Wei Ying remove his outer robe and tucks them both in. Wei Ying is clingy, needing closeness, so he settles on the bed, using the table for his guqin.

He plays them to sleep with "WuJi." Wei Ying is asleep before the song finishes, and A-Yuan not much longer after him, pressed against Wei Ying's chest.

Lan Wangji settles beside them on the bed, drawing them both close, and lets his world narrow to his little family for a short time.


狗改不了吃屎, or "a dog can't help eating shit" is an idiom similar to a leopard can't change its spots or bad habits are hard to change, though is also not something gentry would likely say.

The thing about being in LWJ's perspective is that the rest of the discussion won't be here except in whatever is revealed by other characters later.

They're doing the same thing they did with Lan Xichen for Nie Mingjue, letting the former Wen tell their stories and in some cases show their scars. They're also putting together some plans for the siblinghood swearing. Meanwhile, Wei Ning gets Nie Huaisang some writing supplies and they're coming up with ideas for the poem. Nie Mingjue keeps an eye on them at first but basically accepts Wei Ning.

Oh, and the story about Wen Ning letting Nie Huaisang escape Indoctrination with supplies? Sure, he gave him medicine—he's a healer. But Nie Huaisang wants to help Wei Wuxian and is making the rest up to manipulate Nie Mingjue, and Wei Ning is not going to correct him, no sir. Notice Wei Ning doesn't confirm or deny? Maybe I'll write that fic someday.

Someone asked that I translate the Chinese titles/words in my notes, so I'm doing it for this chapter and will slowly incorporate them into prior works.

ayi = aunt (technically mom's younger sister)

a-jie, jie, jiejie = elder sister

bobo = father's older brother

didi = younger brother

er-gongzi = second young master

gongzi = young master

jieqi = 1/24th of a year, a seasonal marker in the lunisolar calendar

nainai = father's mother

nangua = pumpkin (turns out these wouldn't be in China at this time, so magic)

popo = husband's mother (I read can also mean husband's grandmother, great-grandmother, etc.), but also an honorific for elderly women

shi = a two hour period

shidi = younger martial brother

shijie = older martial sister

shufu = father's younger brother

sunzi = grandson

xiao-furen = younger madam

xiong = brother, close friend

xiongzhang = elder brother (formal)

zongzhu = sect leader

This wound up being significantly longer than I expected it to be. As an added note, I realized I should be capitalizing words that are in place of proper names, like Jiejie but not my jiejie. I will be slowly correcting old fics on AO3, and did so on what was still on FFN's My Documents, but FFN's system doesn't make editing fics easy, so it might take longer there.