Chapter 80

As the celebrations drew on, Meng Yao found himself growing more and more exhausted. The Jins liked to celebrate until late in the night, and it was only natural that Meng Yao found himself unable to keep up. Even at the Nie celebrations, Meng Yao often turned in sooner rather than later as he knew some of his sect members would celebrate well into the next day if given the chance.

"Tired?" Lan Xichen murmured into his ear gently, his breath ghosting on Meng Yao's skin, all the while trying to not draw any attention to themselves, and Nie Mingjue leaned in to join their conversation.

"A bit," Meng Yao said in agreement, "It's been a rather long night."

And it had been. Between Jin Zixun trying to challenge Wei Wuxian to a fight, his father looking like he was planning some sort of scheme, and trying to keep an eye on both Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang to ensure neither acted improperly, he was exhausted.

He looked over to where Mo Xuanyu was sleeping against A-Xian body, as the older of the two combed the boy's hair gently with his fingers, while Wangji watched on fondly while they conversed. He was a little reluctant to leave his younger brother alone in Koi Tower, but he knew more than anything, that with the two of them, his didi would be safe from anyone who sought to hurt him. Especially given the fact that he knew that most of the Jins were far too terrified of Wei Wuxian to do anything to Mo Xuanyu.

Even if a few of them were eyeing up his brother, as if they knew exactly who Mo Xuanyu was, and wanted to start some sort of drama. He was just grateful that Jin Zixun seemed to be drunkenly flirting with some maidens and was leaving the Nie contingent alone for the most part.

"Let's turn in then," Nie Mingjue said, ghosting his fingers over Meng Yao's as he felt himself shiver at the touch.

"Mm," Lan Xichen said in agreement, as they helped him to his feet.

"You can both stay longer if you wish," Meng Yao told them, not wanting them to have to leave because he himself was feeling a bit tired. It wasn't fair for them to have to leave because of his own tiredness. Even if it was with the Jin sect, both his partners worked hard as of late and deserved the chance to unwind and relax.

"I have other things I'd rather be doing," Nie Mingjue looked at him with heated eyes, letting him know exactly what he'd rather be doing instead.

The bride and groom had long since turned in for the night, and it looked as if Nie Huaisang and Jiang Wanyin were close to turning in as well. While the rest of them may wish to celebrate for longer, but he certainly did not want to.

He felt a hand on his lower back as Nie Mingjue guided him from the main hall towards the rooms they had been given for the night. And while they each had their own, Meng Yao knew he most likely would not even see the interior of his own while they were here. And he was completely fine with that. The only thing that made visiting Koi Tower bearable was the company he got to keep while he was here.

"Meng gongzi!" he heard a voice call out and he saw Qin guniang calling out for him with an older man by her side. It did not take long for him to recognize Qin Zongzhu from the various discussion conferences he'd been to; was he her father?

What did they want with him? Was her father annoyed that she had been saved by the bastard son of a former prostitute?

"Qin guniang," Meng Yao greeted, "Qin Zongzhu."

Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen were quick, even if confused, to exchange their own greetings with the man. The man in question seemed rather startled to be greeting the two sect leaders, and Meng Yao wondered why she'd brought him.

"Meng gongzi, I wished to introduce you to my father and offer my gratitude once more for what you did for me," she said, "I told him of your brave actions and how grateful I was that you turned up when you did. It is only right that we got to properly express our thanks now that the danger has passed. If it were not for you, I'd have been in harms' way and I shudder to think of what may have happened without your swift intervention."

Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue looked at him rather curiously, and he knew that he would certainly have to explain himself before the day was up.

"There is no need for any thanks," Meng Yao told her with a small smile, "I was glad to be able to assist Qin guniang."

"From what my daughter tells me, you protected her honour, Gongzi," Qin Zongzhu bowed towards him, "I am grateful for your response. It takes a brave man to stand up and defend others in situations such as this. Especially when they may not have the upperhand in the situation. Our family will forever be grateful for your help. If there is anything we can do for you in the future, please let us know."

He looked at them a bit confused, and while Qin Zongzhu looked a bit uncomfortable, it was clear that Qin Su did not seem to mind her father's unease. No, she seemed to want something else instead.

Qin Su leaned forward, smiling at him gently, and he saw Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen tense up beside him. He wanted to shoot them a confused, questioning look, but he knew there was no way he'd be able to do so without drawing more attention onto himself and why he was with two sect leaders, only one of which were his own.

"There is nothing I wish for," Meng Yao said with a small smile, "Please, do not worry too much about it. I am glad I could help her out. I would never leave anyone in a situation like that where they were so clearly uncomfortable."

"If you change your mind in the future, please let us know," Qin Zongzhu told him with a nod, clearly sensing that his daughter was not about to get whatever it was that she'd hoped for, "I will make time for an audience if you require it."

"I appreciate your efforts," Meng Yao bowed towards him.

"Good night, Meng Yao," Qin guniang said with a warm smile towards him as she reached forward to touch his arm, "I do hope I can see you again before you leave Lanling."

"I bid you a good night," Qin Zongzhu bowed towards him, "Nie Zongzhu, Lan Zongzhu."

He turned to leave then, as the three of them were left alone once more. Neither Lan Xichen nor Nie Mingjue said a singular word as the three walked through Koi Tower to Nie Mingjue's rooms.

When he closed the door to their chamber, he felt himself being pushed against the wood of the door as Lan Xichen's lips crashed against him.

"Would you care to tell us why Qin Su was throwing herself at you and basically asking you to ask for her hand in marriage?" Nie Mingjue growled at him when Lan Xichen pulled away from him, as Meng Yao blinked.

Were they…jealous?

"I caught a Jin disciple attempting to assault her," Meng Yao admitted, "I chased him away and walked her back to the main hall. I didn't think anything of it until just now. I wasn't expecting her to say anything to her father."

"It seems like she said a great number of things," Lan Xichen commented, touching his face, "Including that she wished to have you as her husband."

"But-" Meng Yao started, unsure of what to say. But he was just a bastard. But he had no title. But he had nothing to his name.

"But nothing," Nie Mingjue said firmly, "But you're ours. There is no room for her in this relationship. You are ours, Meng Yao."

"Uh," he said dumbly, unable to say anything else.

Nie Mingjue bit his neck, as Lan Xichen started fiddling with his robes.

"Say it," Nie Mingjue demanded from him.

"Yours," Meng Yao said hazily, feeling hot suddenly, as hands moved over his body, unable to do or think anything else, other than the fact that he very much wanted to be taken by the two jealous men around him.

"Again," Lan Xichen said, picking up Meng Yao in a bridal style, taking him to the bed.

"Yours," Meng Yao moaned as he was deposited onto the bed, and immediately the two men around him descended onto him like vultures, "Yours."

"Don't you dare forget that," Nie Mingjue said hotly, as two mouths moved all over Meng Yao's body, and hands touched him everywhere all at once.

He could only let out a cry as he descended into pleasure for the first of many times that night.

Jin Guangshan was fuming.

The other sects were mocking him, he was sure of it. There was no other explanation for them completely and utterly disregarding him the way they were.

It was bad enough that the Jiang boy insisted on having control over the wedding of Jin Guangshan's heir, but now he also found a way to permanently ally himself to the Nie through a cutsleeve wedding. It was rather brilliant, even if disgusting, to tie oneself to another sect so thoroughly. Jiang Yanli may have been the only female of their generation from a reputable sect, so a cutsleeve wedding ensured alliances between sects.

Perhaps he should marry off his nephew to one of their sects to ensure a proper union. Jin Zixun was rather dimwitted at times, so he wasn't a huge boon to the Jin anyways, so perhaps a wedding would add some value.

Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue were both sect leaders. While he would've preferred to have someone else marry into the Jin, there were no more siblings or heirs of their generation who were not currently engaged.

But engaged was different than married. If one of their relationships ended, oh through a scandal or a death, it would free up the possibility of a marriage into the Jin once more.

It couldn't be Wei Wuxian; the bastard had no actual name or status. He was nothing more than a servant's child himself. And after the way that boy mocked him mercilessly with his refusal to hand over the Yin Tiger Amulet, he refused to have that boy in Koi Tower.

Perhaps his death was in order; it would allow him the revenge and alliance he wanted.

Then they also brought his Mo bastard into his sect to attend the wedding. As a guest. As if to rub it into his face that they had successfully stolen another one of his abandoned offspring as their own, as if that somehow made them better than he was.

They were Jin Guangshan's children. It was his right to decide if he wanted to abandon them or give them a place in a sect. It was his right as their father to decide. Not for some sect who seemed insistent on consolidating power. As if they were somehow better than him for deciding they wanted to give his bastards a chance.

They weren't real cultivators. All they were, was the outcome of a good lay. They didn't deserve anything else just because their mothers had been good lays.

They were nothing else other than the biproduct of it.

They didn't deserve to be acknowledged.

They didn't need to be rubbed into his face.

Then the Nie destroyed their most powerful weapon. One they all knew wasn't a Nie artefact, despite all their claims. It was nothing more than something Wei Wuxian had forged, through unknown means, and that they claimed as their own.

And now it was destroyed?

Jin Guangshan doubted it. He was certain they were hiding its existence, not wanting him to know they still had it, so they could use it against him when he least expected it.

And that bastard Xue Yang had yet to report anything to him. While Xue Yang's own attempts were unsuccessful, if he could manage to steal the Yin Tiger Amulet for him, it would make Jin Guangshan unstoppable. Then he'd finally have the power to get the respect that he deserved.

No, he was sure that the Yin Tiger Amulet was still around. He just needed to get his hands on it, one way or another. Even if this so called Nie line curse was destroyed, the Nie were still susceptible to Qi deviations. He would just have to cause one himself. Or with the aid of some lackeys to carry out the task for him.

He just needed to get his hands back on Xue Yang. Then he would be able to ask him just what was going on and what exactly had happened to the Yin Tiger Amulet. It wasn't destroyed, that much he knew for sure. No, he just needed to get back to the bottom of it.

Wei Wuxian felt an air of surprise as he sat in the drawing room of Jin Zixuan's and Jiang Yanli's chambers, unsure of why Jin Zixuan had requested his presence. Had something happened the day before during the wedding? Was that why they had wanted to see him?

What had happened?

He fiddled his thumbs as Er-ge sat beside him, deciding it was for the best if at least one of his brothers joined him. And well, he knew Da-ge was rather occupied this morning and he didn't quite want to interrupt them and see something he did not want to see.

"Wei Wuxian," Jin Zixuan greeted with his new bride as the two emerged, with the former looking a bit nervous. Yanli-jie squeezed his hand lightly as she gave him a nod before he continued, "Thank you for coming to meet with me. I know it's a bit early, but the sects are heading out this afternoon and I wanted to catch you before you left."

"It's fine," Wei Wuxian said, a bit confused, "What is it that you wanted to talk about?"

"You know I meant it when I said I wanted to get to know my siblings, right?" Jin Zixuan said, taking a deep breath, and Wei Wuxian exchanged a look with Nie Huaisang. Was he going to try and take Yao-ge and Mo Xuanyu?

"I do," Wei Wuxian said carefully.

"We all know A-Yao and A-Yu are not my only siblings," Jin Zixuan said with a frown, "And I have no doubt in my mind that they're related to me. They both look like father. I want to get to know all of my siblings, and for those who need it, provide them a safe place to live. It probably will be years before I'm able to implement it, I highly doubt my father would let me. But I wish to try, when I am given the chance."

"I think that's a noble idea," Wei Wuxian told him, not quite seeing where he came into play.

"I know if I put out an open notice, it will attract everyone," Jin Zixuan said finally, "Even those who are not actually related to myself."

"I'm sure there will be a bit of struggles with the matter," Wei Wuxian agreed.

"Which is why I asked to see you," Jin Zixuan said, "I know you're rather brilliant with talismans and inventions. If it is not stepping on any toes, I wish to commission a talisman from you. One that can be used to identify blood relations. So I can know if those who come and claim to be my siblings actually are or not."

Wei Wuxian looked at Er-ge, wanting to know his thoughts.

"Would the Jin own the rights to the talisman?" Nie Huaisang asked, immediately getting to business.

"I am fine if the Nie own the exclusive rights," Jin Zixuan shook his head, "I can pay for the commission and to lease the rights to produce them for use, non-exclusively, and non-commercially. Just to be able to identify any relations. I will accept any contract you draw up. And any price you set. I do not care about any of that."

Nie Huaisang looked satisfied at that, "Good. Then I see no reason why San-di cannot produce it for you if he wishes to. I will take care of all the paperwork. A-Ying?"

"I don't mind," Wei Wuxian shrugged, "It seems like a fun challenge. Do you have a timeline for it?"

"No," Jin Zixuan shook his head, "Ideally sooner rather than later, but I am fine waiting for as long as necessary. I do not wish to rush you."

"Then I will start it when I return and let you know when it's been completed," Wei Wuxian nodded.

"Thank you," Jin Zixuan said, relieved, "I know the Nie has taken care of my brothers for no selfish reasoning other and out of their own compassion. However I do wish to do more going forward. I know not all of my siblings are as lucky as I am, and it is unfair that I get all that I do simply because my mother was my father's legitimate wife. None of us had any say in our birth. If I can help them, I will. I wish to make Koi tower a better place to live. Especially for our child."

Jiang Yanli looked at him fondly as he touched her stomach with care.

"You're a good man," Nie Huaisang said with a nod, "You'll be a different sort of sect leader from your father. I'm looking forward to the continued relationships between our sects under your guidance."

"Thank you," Jin Zixuan said with a small smile, "I too hope to grow the relationships between our sects in years to come. Hopefully it will be a very different future for our children. One without war or suffering."

"We all want what is best for our children," Nie Huaisang nodded, "Which entails fighting for a better future, one without discrimination and suffering. I trust the Jin will act accordingly to fulfill such a world."

"I'll do my best," Jin Zixuan promised, "Thank you for agreeing to meet me today."

"Congratulations again," Wei Wuxian grinned.

"Please get some rest," Nie Huaisang said, more to Jiang Yanli more than Jin Zixuan, "A-Cheng and I are looking forward to meeting our nephew soon."

Jiang Yanli beamed at him, "Take care of A-Cheng for me, Huaisang. Hopefully we'll be able to visit Lotus Pier after the baby is born."

"There is no rush," Nie Huaisang told her, "Your health is the most important thing. Take care of yourself first, and then we will plan everything else accordingly. Including the weddings in the new year."

"Mine's first," Wei Wuxian pointed out, trying not to gloat.

"Yes, Wei Ying," Nie Huaisang rolled his eyes, "We all know better than to delay your wedding any further, or you may just elope. But just remember, I'll kill you if you do. I've been working very hard on it so far."

"Yes, Er-ge," Wei Wuxian pouted at him, as Yanli-jie simply laughed.

The two of them left the room, as they wandered down the halls of Koi Tower.

"You and Da-ge really don't mind if I produce talismans for other sects?" he questioned, "Especially the Jin?"

Nie Huaisang shook his head, "Like Da-ge told you, you own everything you produce. I'd have a problem if you signed away the rights to them. The Lan are different. You're marrying their heir and will be associated with their sect. An argument could be made for the Jiang depending on the case. But the Jin have no affiliations to you directly, and would most likely try and abuse that lack of relationship."

"I see," Wei Wuxian pondered, "Er-ge."

Nie Huaisang looked at him curiously and he continued.

"Thank you," he said simply, "I know you and Da-ge have always been taking good care of me to make sure I have my own name and status, but that doesn't mean I'm any less grateful. A lesser sect may have tried to claim my inventions for my own. And I would happily turn over everything I made for the Nie as repayment for taking you in. But you both have never once made me feel like I owe you anything. You love me just because of me. Not because of who my parents were. Not because of what I can do for the Nie. You just love me."

"And I always will," Er-ge told him seriously, "I mean it. You're my didi. No matter how many siblings we take in. No matter how many children we have. No matter what. You're my brother. I love you, and I will always protect you. Especially from those who try and scheme against you. I will never let anyone hurt you. Ever."

"I know," Wei Wuxian beamed as they made their way into the courtyard, walking around the grounds. They still had a few hours before they needed to leave, and while he may dislike Koi Tower and its politics, he did enjoy the gardens and its beauty.

He heard a sound coming from behind a tree, and he immediately put his hand on his sword, ready to draw Subian if necessary.

"Who's there?" Nie Huaisang called out, holding onto his weaponed fan like it was one of his art pieces.

He heard a giggle as two people stumbled out from behind a tree, and it was very very clear what they had been doing.

What was more shocking, was that one of them were Wen Qing.

"Wen Qing?" he said questioningly, "What are you doing here?"

Wen Qing flushed, as he took in the female Jin disciple's appearance.

"Wen Qing," Wei Wuxian gasped, "Were you having a rendezvous with a Jin? Since when have you been involved with the Jin? When did you even meet them? Why the Jin? Couldn't you have found a nice Nie disciple? Or Lan? The Lan are so nice! Or the Jiang, even if they are too rowdy at times!"

He lamented sadly, as he shook his head.

"Wei Ying," Nie Huaisang said with a sigh, "Do you not recognize her? She was at the Wen Indoctrination Camp with us."

Wei Wuxian blinked as he took in the appearance of the woman once more.

"Mianmian?" he said in remembrance.

"That's not my name," Mianmian said in exasperation.

"But your friends called you that," he said, confused.

"Because they were my friends," Mianmian sighed.

"Wait, Wen Qing, you're courting Mianmian?" Wei Wuxian asked again, dumbly.

"Yes," Wen Qing threw her arms up, "I'm courting Luo Qingyang. That's her name. You don't have permission to call her Mianmian."

"Why not?" Wei Wuxian asked, wounded.

Mianmian grumbled, "If it'll end this conversation, he can call me Mianmian."

"You're the best, Mianmian," Wei Wuxian grinned, "I see why you like her, Qing-Jie."

"I did not give you permission to call me that," Wen Qing glared at him.

"You didn't answer! How long has this been going on?" Wei Wuxian demanded.

"Since the Phoenix Mountain Hunt," Wen Qing said exasperatedly, "Happy?"

"Yes," Wei Wuxian said with a grin.

"Okay, let's leave the two of you alone," Nie Huaisang said, interjecting, "I'm very happy for you, Wen Qing."

He all but steered Wei Wuxian away, leaving the two of them on their own.

"Er-ge," Wei Wuxian whined, "I wasn't done teasing them."

"Do you want Wen Qing to stab you with a needle?" Nie Huaisang asked him with a dark look, "You know as well as I do that she wouldn't hesitate to do so."

Wei Wuxian simply pouted as he allowed his brother to lead him away.

It was time to go home after all.