Chapter 86

Lan Xichen paced nervously in front of the Hanshi as he waited for his partners to arrive. He had asked Lan Jingyi to sit inside until he had time to talk to both Nie Mingjue and Meng Yao, not wanting the boy to hear any responses that were less than pleasant.

Especially if he'd had to choose between the two of them, he wasn't all that sure what he'd do. He loved Nie Mingjue since they were both small children. He loved Meng Yao for years as well. How could he bear to choose between them and the child he'd come to think of as his own?

It had only been a few days of having adopted Lan Jingyi officially. He hadn't wanted to inform his partners right away, perhaps out of fear, but he'd wanted time for Lan Jingyi to settle into their new life, especially since the Elders needed to be informed and the family registry modified.

Thankfully, none of the Elders put up a fuss, recognizing that it was their fault that Lan Hao had been as ostracized as he had been, and in turn his child orphaned with them none the wiser. And since it meant a direct successor, who also happened to be of the main family line. There were no protests, much to his relief. He would've fought them if they had to, but it seemed that most of the elders were happy with his leadership these days, and their only point of contention had in fact been the matter of inheritance.

Not that he'd force Jingyi to lead the sect in the future if he didn't want to, but there was plenty of time before his son would need to make that choice.

In the few days since adopting Lan Jingyi, his chambers felt like a home.

There was laughter echoing through the house at all hours a day, both from himself and from Lan Jingyi, especially as Lan Jingyi tried anything for the first time, such as eating a meal with Lan Xichen, as Lan Xichen instinctively caught the bowl of rice Lan Jingyi had knocked off the table as he tried reaching for his tea.

There was warmth, like when Lan Xichen brushed Lan Jingyi's hair before bed, as the boy looked like he was doing his best to sit still, despite looking extremely pleased to be able to go through something so intimate and familial together.

There was happiness, like when Lan Jingyi's eyes lit up as Lan Xichen came to pick him up every day after his lessons ended, even if Lan Xichen still had work to do, opting instead to pick up his son, and work while Lan Jingyi sat beside him in his study, painting with spare inks and parchment. His house was now decorated now in said paintings, and Lan Xichen did not want it to be any other way.

His house had become a home, and Lan Xichen couldn't go back to a time before adopting Lan Jingyi.

"A-Haun," Nie Mingjue said, as he came into view, looking extremely worried. He hadn't gone to the gates to greet Nie Mingjue, asking his Uncle to go instead, since it still showed respect, but gave Lan Xichen the leeway to stay with Lan Jingyi and not leave the boy up to his own devices, "Is everything okay? Your letter said you needed to talk to us about something important."

"Mm," Lan Xichen said, feeling as awkward as his younger brother must have felt in social situations before. It was hard finding a starting point, especially to break such big news to his partners.

"Is it something bad?" Meng Yao asked him tentatively, as the two of them exchanged a look.

"No," Lan Xichen said honestly, "It is not bad. But it is something. I made a big decision, and it is something that could impact all of us. But I made it without talking to any of you."

He took in a deep breath, as Nie Mingjue looked at him carefully.

"Whatever it is, we're with you, A-Haun," Nie Mingjue said gently, "You're our zhiji. Our partner. We will figure it out together, okay?"

"Okay," Lan Xichen said, taking another breath, "Do you remember my uncle, Lan Hao?"

"The one who the elders isolated?" Nie Mingjue asked with a frown, "To remove support for your father, and for you and Wangji?"

"Yes," Lan Xichen said with a nod, relieved that he remembered, "He fought in the war against the Wens. He unfortunately did not make it and passed away in one of the battles. Neither Wangji nor I knew. Not until recently."

"I am sorry for your loss," Meng Yao said, taking his hand, despite him and Mingjue still unsure of where he was going with any of this.

"He was married," Lan Xichen told them, "His wife was pregnant when he passed. She gave birth shortly after, and unfortunately, she passed away during childbirth. I did not know of that either. Nor did Wangji or I know we had a cousin."

"What happened to the child?" Nie Mingjue asked him clearly having some sort of an inclination of what was happening.

"He was placed in the children's home," Lan Xichen explained, "After A-Yao's idea with the orphanage, I've been also trying to reduce the number of orphans in our own sect. I've been offering sponsorships to families who adopt the children to take away from the financial burden, and the number of permanent residents in the children's home went down significantly."

"That was a very nice thing for you to do," Nie Mingjue said with a nod, "Children deserve to grow up with families."

"They do," Lan Xichen agreed, "I was visiting one of the children's lessons this week, as a way to take some time to relax between my sect duties. And I met my cousin's son. I found out that he had been living in the children's home still. He is an enthusiastic boy, and because of that, he hasn't found any parents to adopt him. He is my cousin, A-Jue, A-Yao. My family. And he is so sweet and kind. I could not leave him there, especially for when all he wanted was to try to be good enough to be adopted. He deserved better than that. I adopted him. Uncle and the Elders have approved it, especially since it means there is an heir for Zongzhu after Wangji and I pass or step down from our current duties."

He continued, before either could say anything, "I made the decision without talking to either of you. I hope you can forgive me for it. I do not expect nor will I ask either of you to also step up into a parental role for him. And if it is too much, I understand. But he is my son. I cannot give him up. I care for him deeply, and I think the two of us have developed a strong bond. I love you both, and I hope you do not make me choose between the two of you. And that you can at least accept that by marrying me, if you still want to marry me, means I come as a package with him."

"Can I meet him?" Nie Mingjue asked, as Lan Xichen looked back and saw Lan Jingyi peeking out from behind the door to the Hanshi.

Of course Lan Jingyi was curious about their guests.

Lan Xichen nodded silently, as he beckoned for Lan Jingyi to come over.

"This one greets you," Lan Jingyi said with a very practiced bow, "This one's name is Lan Jingyi."

"It's very nice to meet you, Lan Jingyi," Nie Mingjue said, bending over to be at the boy's height, "You seem like such a well-behaved little boy."

Lan Jingyi giggled at that.

"Do you like your new Baba?" Nie Mingjue asked him, as Lan Xichen could only watch powerlessly.

"Mm! He's the best," Lan Jingyi said with a beam, "He brushes my hair, and lets me read with him. And he always picks me up from class! And he's related to Hanguang Jun! I am also related to Hanguang Jun too!"

"He idolizes Wangji," Lan Xichen explained to them both with a helpless smile.

"I also love your Baba," Nie Mingjue explained to him like it was a secret, "He is my zhiji, alongside the man beside me. That means that one day, your Baba and me will live together. Is that okay with you?"

"I can have more family?" Lan Jingyi asked, awed, "Strong gege will be my family?"

"If you would like, I could be your Die-die," Nie Mingjue told him, "Your Baba will still be your Baba. But you can also have a Die-die, if that is something you want."

"Baba and Die-die?" Lan Jingyi looked to Lan Xichen to see if that was okay.

Meng Yao chose that moment to also crouch down beside Lan Jingyi.

"I also love your Baba," Meng Yao confided in him, "If it is something that you are comfortable with, you may call me Fuqin."

"Baba, Die-die, and Fuqin," Lan Jingyi said looking pleased with himself.

"Are you okay with it?" Lan Xichen furrowed his brows, as both his partners stood up and looked at him.

"A-Haun, you've seen my sect," Nie Mingjue told him, "You've seen how many people we've adopted, either formally or informally. I love children. Do you think I would love your child any less? If you are okay with it, I would very much like him to be my child as well."

"Our child," Meng Yao sniffed, "I may not have ever pictured myself as a father, but I admit he is rather cute. I will also raise him, if you let me."

"Of course I'd let you," Lan Xichen said, all but collapsing into Nie Mingjue's body, as the biggest of the three men wrapped his arms around Lan Xichen.

"There was never another way this was going to go," Nie Mingjue assured him, "But you know A-Ying is going to be jealous that he wasn't the one to adopt the kid who is obsessed with his future husband right?"

Lan Xichen laughed, feeling far lighter than before, "Uncle said the same thing about Wangji, saying he would be jealous that he didn't adopt the child who wants nothing more than to learn from him."

"Well they can find their own child," Meng Yao said with a shrug, "This one is ours."

"He is," Lan Xichen agreed, fondly.

"How about you show us your home?" Nie Mingjue asked Lan Jingyi, seemingly curious as to what changes had occurred, "Then perhaps the four of us can go to Caiyi and have dinner together. As a family."

"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian said breathlessly as he read over his Da-ge's letter, "Lan Zhan, did Xichen-ge tell you?"

"Mm," Lan Zhan said, reading over his own letter as well, "He will make a good Baba to our nephew."

"Our nephew," Wei Wuxian breathed out. Because his Da-ge had adopted a child. Well Xichen-ge had adopted a child, and Da-ge, the softie that he was, had instantly been eager to accept the idea, adopting the child as well. Da-ge had told him that Lan Jingyi had already been added to the family registry, but given his sect, he most likely would not be able to inherit the title of Nie Zongzhu, unless he changed sects in the future.

"Mm," Lan Zhan said again, leaning in to kiss Wei Wuxian.

It had been a few weeks since they had started night hunting, visiting all sorts of sects. They had started with the Jiang sect, Meishan Yu, the He Sect, and so on, slowly working their way closer and closer to Lanling, not wanting to draw any attention onto themselves until absolutely necessary.

Because if Jin Guangshan knew they were coming, he most likely would pitch a fit.

"I love you," he murmured as he leaned into Lan Zhan some more. They had stopped for lunch, opting to eat in a clearing instead of stopping by a local town, and it meant they had privacy to engage in such romantic behaviours. Ones that may otherwise get him in trouble if his Da-ge were to find out.

Da-ge had made him promise not to do anything, at least in public, that could be seen as indecent for two unmarried cultivators.

"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian sighed, as Lan Zhan stiffened against him. There was a sound in the distance, and Wei Wuxian was quick to pull away from Lan Zhan, placing his hand on his saber in case he needed it, while Lan Zhan gave him a nod.

Only for them to be met with a group of cultivators, dressed in white and blue robes.

Except those weren't Lan robes. Nor did he wear a white forehead ribbon.

"Who is that?" Wei Wuxian whispered as the men approached them.

"Hanguang Jun," one of them, seemingly the leader of the group, said haughtily, "Wei Wuxian."

"Su Zongzhu," Lan Zhan said in response, ever the polite person, even if Wei Wuxian could detect the slightest hint of displeasure in his tone. So subtle that he doubted that even the so-called Su Zongzhu could tell, "You should call him formally as you are not acquainted with Wei Gongzi. Bixie Jun would be a far more appropriate title for you to use."

Su She looked annoyed at being chastised, but nodded stiffly, "My apologies."

"Congratulations on the formation of your new sect," Lan Zhan said.

"Yes, it rather nice of Jin Zongzhu to support our claim," Su She said, "He has been of utmost help while establishing our sect and has provided us with much support and guidance."

"I see," Lan Zhan said stiffly.

"So what brings you out here?" Wei Wuxian said, clearly aware of uncomfortable his zhiji was, and wanted to give him a chance to get out of the conversation without too much issues. Hopefully the group would leave shorty, and Lan Zhan and him would be able to go about their day again. But it may not be a bad thing if he and Lan Zhan established something of a relationship with this new sect that Lan Zhan clearly knew the members of, especially to add credibility to their own night hunting escapades.

Su She looked at him as if he were speaking to a peasant, "We're night hunting."

Huh.

So whoever this guy was, he clearly hated Wei Wuxian. Not that Wei Wuxian recognized him. Did he wrong the man in some way? Surely he would remember if he had offended someone, even on accident, wouldn't he?

Or maybe he wouldn't. He never did have all that great of a memory, especially when it came to people he viewed as not significant. Or at least those he didn't have a relationship with nor did he intent to maintain one with.

"Sneering for no reason is prohibited. Be respectful. Do not be ill-mannered," Lan Zhan quoted at Su She and Su She sneered back at him.

"I am not part of your little sect any longer, Lan Wangji," Su She said, dropping all pretenses of respect, "You cannot quote your rules at me and expect me to obey them. I left, don't you remember?"

"You were kicked out," Lan Zhan corrected, "Since you let the Wens in during the attack on Cloud Recesses."

"You left us to die!" Su She said furiously, "I let them in because you left us alone, outside without any protection."

"You had protection," Lan Zhan scoffed, "The only members who went inside the cold caves were those who were too young or too old to fight. There were several members of the sect fighting alongside you. The wards would have helped. There was a plan in place to help all the disciples escape to safety, but you went against the Lan and let them in out of selfishness. Many died because of your actions."

Wei Wuxian immediately felt surprised. That was why Lan Zhan had been captured. Because the Wen had broken into Cloud Recesses and had taken him hostage. They had broken his leg. They had hurt him.

"You were the reason for his injuries?" Wei Wuxian asked Su She, anger growing within him.

"I wasn't responsible," Su She shot back, "If he were as capable as he could've been, he would have fought back harder."

"If I did not go with them, they would not have stopped until everyone was dead," Lan Zhan told him, "They broke my leg to show they were serious about harming everyone else if anyone tried to stop them. I went with them to keep the sect safe. Meanwhile you actively tried to harm them. You broke our sacred rules."

"And now you go around wearing robes that are similar to the sect you left," Wei Wuxian nodded.

"You can't treat me like this! I am the sect leader of a sect now! Meanwhile both of you are nothing more than sect heirs who will never inherit if their brothers don't die first. And I heard Lan Zongzhu adopted a brat of his own, so where does that leave you?"

"My apologizes, Zongzhu," Wei Wuxian said with a bow, unable to keep the mocking out his voice, "You are right, you are a sect leader. I wish you luck in your night hunt and look forward to hearing all about your accomplishments as a sect at the next discussion conference."

Su She scoffed as he lead his sect off.

"What a pompous asshole," Wei Wuxian remarked, as he left.

"Mm," Lan Wangji said, and Wei Wuxian peered at him.

"You really don't like him, do you?"

"You met him before," Lan Zhan reminded him, "Waterborne Abyss in Caiyi."

Wei Wuxian thought about it, unable to remember anything, except-

"Was he the disciple who fell into the lake?" Wei Wuxian asked, shocked, "The one who threw his sword into the water cause he saw you do it?"

"Mm," Lan Zhan nodded.

"What an idiot," Wei Wuxian scoffed, "Of course he isn't as capable as you are. No one is. And now he has the audacity to claim his sect is better? I'd like to see him prove it."

"Time will tell," Lan Zhan said simply, "Come, let us return to our meal."

"Mm," Wei Wuxian agreed, eager to return to eating, and to well, other stuff.

Meng Yao frowned as he looked at the letter he had received.

It had been a few weeks since he'd returned back with Nie Mingjue to Qinghe, and it had been hard leaving Lan Jingyi behind. Both he and Nie Mingjue had grown attached to the boy, and while Lan Jingyi did not cry when they left, he knew the child was very much upset.

Soon, when he was married to his partners, then they would be able to be together all the time. No longer would Xichen be alone in Gusu while the two of them were in Qinghe. They would no longer be separated any more.

He just had to wait a little longer.

But that brought him back to the matter at hand.

He looked over the letter, not entirely sure what to do with it. It was a note from Qin Su, the woman he had rescued a few months back at his brother's wedding, writing to him to ask him if he would be willing to meet up with her to enjoy a cup of tea in Laoling.

Why would she want to meet up with him? They were nothing more than passing acquaintances who had met once by chance because of the encounter. They had nothing in common with one another, no reason to need to meet up.

What could she possibly want?

She was a sect leader's daughter, and while Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen would vehemently protest, he was nothing more than an advisor. And while Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen had their own theories, he greatly had to disagree with them.

To say he was confused was an understatement.

It would be inappropriate if he went by himself to Laoling. Especially given that while the Laoling Qin sect was not the same as the Lanling Jin, the Qin sect was a subsidiary sect of the Jin. It could be seen as a problem for him to be visiting them, especially in sight of what Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were trying to accomplish. And the last thing he wanted to do was cause them any harm.

"What has you all confused?" Nie Mingjue said, appearing from behind him as Meng Yao almost jumped. Despite the man's large size, he was rather capable of sneaking in and out of rooms without anyone being the wiser, "Sorry, did I scare you?"

Nie Mingjue wrapped his arms around Meng Yao, who had been pacing around the room while reading, Nie Mingjue's front pressed to his back, as he looked over his shoulder at the letter in Meng Yao's hand, tensing around him.

"A-Jue?" Meng Yao said tentatively, "I don't know what she is asking for. I'm afraid if I go it could put a strain on sect relationships. Especially because the Jin aren't exactly on good terms with the rest of the sects, informally. We know he's planning something, and I don't want to put everything in danger by agreeing to meet with Qin guniang."

"Is that the only reason you do not wish to meet her?" Nie Mingjue asked with a growl, and Meng Yao wondered why he was so worked up. Was he worried about Meng Yao being in Jin territory?

"Jin Guangshan won't do anything to me while I'm there, I think," Meng Yao said, not entirely confident in that. After all, who else was likely to have ordered the break out of Xue Yang? Even if they didn't know how, Jin Guangshan was most certainly involved.

"Meng Yao, do not play dumb," Nie Mingjue said, turning Meng Yao around swiftly, as he used his finger to cock up Meng Yao's chin so the smaller of the two was forced to look right into Nie Mingjue's eyes.

Meng Yao simply looked up at Nie Mingjue, unsure. He knew Nie Mingjue was protective, and it was one of the things he loved about Nie Mingjue, but how could he know why Nie Mingjue was worried if he did not tell Meng Yao?

Nie Mingjue searched his eyes for a while, before sighing, "You really do not understand, do you?"

"No?" Meng Yao asked, and Nie Mingjue leaned in to kiss him on the lips.

Meng Yao did not protest, simply kissing his partner back, wrapping his arms around Nie Mingjue's waist with eagerness as Nie Mingjue kissed him harder.

"She wants to marry you," Nie Mingjue said, "She introduced you to her father. She wants to go on a date with you. She has feelings for you, Meng Yao."

"A-Jue, not this again," Meng Yao sighed, "I highly doubt a sect leader's daughter would want to marry me. Especially not a sect so closely tied to the Jin sect."

Nie Mingjue glowered, "Two sect leaders themselves want to marry you. Why wouldn't a sect leader's daughter?"

Meng Yao knew he hit a nerve, and leaned up to press his lips against Nie Mingjue's.

"What if it is all part of a ploy?" Meng Yao mused, "I would not leave the Nie for the Jin. And while I cannot marry back into the Jin, marrying into one of their subsidiary sects would all but put me back into Jin Guangshan's control."

"You think this is a scheme?" Nie Mingjue raised his brows.

"Perhaps," Meng Yao shrugged. Because perhaps Qin Su was truly innocent, but why else would her father agree to allow her to pursue him?

"I will not let them pull you into one of their schemes," Nie Mingjue growled.

"Then come with me," Meng Yao suggested, "We may not be publicly engaged yet, but I'm sure she will understand if I say I am otherwise entangled, even if I do not say with who. And that way, you can make sure nothing happens to me."

Nie Mingjue looked at him with surprise, before crushing his lips against Meng Yao's once more.

Meng Yao simply relaxed into it, knowing neither of them would be discussing anything, any time soon.