Chapter 95
"In third place, from the Nie sect, Luoyeqiu Jun," Lan Qiren read out, as the cultivators gathered in the main hall of Lotus Pier to go over the results.
The hunt had ended half an incense stick prior, as the cultivators all returned back to the main hall. With his elder brother, and both his brother-in-laws unable to participate due to the nature of their positions, it meant that Wei Wuxian was mostly competing against Nie Huaisang and Lan Zhan. He had wanted the Nie to come out on top, even with the fact that he was married to a Lan. But that was normal, given it was his sect.
Nie Huaisang rose with a wide smile, bowing to accept his placement, and Wei Wuxian let out a cheer, alongside the rest of his sect. Nie Huaisang may not be able to fairly compete after his marriage, and Wei Wuxian was grateful his brother could at least now. Perhaps he would talk to his brother to see if Da-ge could arrange a competition with all of them privately just for fun as to not cause political discourse but still let them all compete. It was no fun when Da-ge, Xichen-ge, and Jiang Cheng sat out.
He was glad Er-ge had earned himself a title too, a title of elegance, Fallen Leaves of Autumn. It suited him well, given his graceful temperament. He'd heard the Jiang disciples start to call Nie Huaisang that, and Wei Wuxian was more than pleased.
Growing up, he'd often worried about overshadowing his brother and being seen as ungrateful for everything he'd been given, despite his brothers assuring him repeatedly that they would never see him as that. And it had been something that had often worried him. But Nie Huaisang had proved that he did not need anyone else to hold themselves back to make himself seem better. He was more than capable of elevating himself. And he was to be Lotus Pier's furen. Something the Jiang disciples seemed to greatly respect.
"In second place," Lan Qiren started, and he felt himself start to jitter. He wanted to win. He wanted the prize Lan Zhan and he had bet on. The open promise of whatever the winner wanted. He wanted Lan Zhan to- "From the Nie sect, Bixie Jun."
"Oh," he let out a murmur, as he got up and bowed with propriety, "Congratulations, Lan Zhan," he beamed at his husband, knowing what it meant.
Lan Zhan gave him an exasperatedly fond look, as Lan Qiren announced what Wei Wuxian already knew, "In first place, from the Lan sect, Hanguang Jun."
His Lan Zhan bowed so gracefully, and when he sat back down beside Wei Wuxian, Wei Wuxian couldn't help but lean over to give him a congratulatory kiss.
"I win," Lan Zhan said, smugly as Wei Wuxian pulled away, and Wei Wuxian let out a laugh.
"You win," Wei Wuxian said, a bit breathless, "Whatever you want."
Lan Zhan's eyes darkened, and Wei Wuxian had a feeling he knew exactly what it was that Lan Zhan wanted.
"Whatever I want," Lan Zhan agreed, "Tonight. Celebrate now. Wei Wuxian needs to eat to gain energy."
He took in a breath, staring at his husband. How had Lan Zhan still managed to do that, even now that they were married?
"I thank all of you great cultivators for participating in the hunt," Jiang Cheng said, closing off the results portion, "Please enjoy the feast that my intended and I have prepared for you."
"We have much to celebrate," Nie Huaisang agreed, "Today, and in the future. Eat. Drink. Relax. You have all earned a celebration."
None of them were surprised when Jin Guangshan had started drinking even before the results were even in, as he poured his sixth or seventh glass of wine, and downed it as quickly as he poured it. The man was looking haggard, as he demanded more alcohol be poured into his cup, while the rest of them ate their dinner in far more peace.
Wei Wuxian noticed the nervous looks Jin Zixuan was shooting his father, as he attempted to slow him down, but Jin Guangshan seemed to be having none of it.
Lotus Pier was still a boisterous atmosphere, the Jiang often rivaling the Nie with their spirited behaviour. But nothing could beat what Jin Guangshan was currently doing.
"If he doesn't cool down, he's going to pass out before they even bring out the desserts," Wei Wuxian whispered into Lan Zhan's ear.
"Hm," Lan Zhan said simply, as he placed a dumpling into Wei Wuxian's bowl, and Wei Wuxian knew he was just as unimpressed with the display. Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang were pointedly ignoring it, talking to the Yu sect. In fact, the minor sects of the Jin faction seemed to be the only ones still clamouring to get on his good side, pouring him more wine to celebrate, and drinking to Jin Guangshan's good health.
He could only tell Lan Qiren was disgusted because he knew the man all too well and could see through his façade.
He looked over to where his brother was sitting, and saw Lan Jingyi all but seated in his lap, as Nie Mingjue ensured the boy was eating properly, just as he'd done for Nie Huaisang and Wei Wuxian through their childhood, and Wei Wuxian couldn't help but smile. Da-ge was a great father, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of longing, wanting that for himself too.
"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian said, with melancholy, "I want that."
"Hm?" Lan Zhan asked, before following his eyes to where Wei Wuxian was looking, "We can adopt, Wei Ying."
"I want to so badly," he confessed, "I want us to have a huge family. When I was on the streets, I wanted nothing more than to have my own siblings, so I wouldn't be alone. And when Da-ge and Er-ge took me in, they gave me so much more than anything I dreamed of. I wanted nothing more after to have a huge family, and I know I keep bringing in family members and trying to tie myself to everyone, but I want to never feel alone again."
"Will never let Wei Ying be alone," Lan Zhan promised him earnestly, and he smiled up at his husband.
"I know, Lan Zhan," he smiled, "But I also know that there are still so many children out there without parents to love them. Without siblings, without anyone. And I want to give them a home."
"We will give them a home," Lan Zhan agreed readily, "Have the means. Have the funds. Can take care of and raise as many children as Wei Ying wants."
Wei Wuxian looked at his husband fondly, "Even if I want to adopt ten children? Twenty?"
"I will expand Jingshi," Lan Zhan said easily, "Will ask your brother if we can build our own wing in the Unclean Realm for all of them."
"Lan Zhan!" he giggled, "You can't so easily agree to whatever I say! I will walk all over you in our marriage if you do."
"Want what Wei Ying wants," Lan Zhan said simply, "Want big family. Want lots of children. Want to raise them with Wei Ying. It is no hardship to agree to something I already desire."
"You're too good, Lan er-gege," Wei Wuxian sighed, leaning into his husband, "Way too good for this Wei Ying of yours."
"Wei Ying is too good for me," Lan Zhan disagreed, "I am only doing what I want. Wei Ying is easily agreeing to what I already desire."
"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian murmured, "What do you say we leave dinner early? Perhaps we can start making those babies. After all, I did promise you whatever you wanted."
"Mm," Lan Zhan said, after a moment, "After Wei Ying has eaten enough, we will retire for the night."
"Lan Zhan!" Wei Ying whined, unhappily.
Wei Wuxian was unsurprised when Jin Guangshan had asked him to come to his chambers once more while they were in Lotus Pier following the hunt. He'd told the others immediately what Jin Guangshan had wanted, and well, the responses had been mixed.
Da-ge was so furious, he wanted to cut Jin Guangshan in half. Nie Huaisang wanted them to use the opportunity to try and gain more insight into what Jin Guangshan was thinking firsthand, and use the proof against him. Lan Zhan was worried he'd get implicated or worse, injured, as a result. Lan Qiren was mixed.
And Meng Yao thought it was a good idea. If Jin Guangshan thought he could get something out of Wei Wuxian, then he would be safer than if Wei Wuxian turned him down outright. And the other major sects supported Wei Wuxian and knew the truth, so the world wouldn't be able to turn against him. He would be safe.
So Wei Wuxian had agreed to meet with Jin Guangshan, even if the man gave him a poor taste in his mouth.
"I am glad you agreed to meet with me," Jin Guangshan said joyfully as he poured a cup of tea for Wei Wuxian. He looked worse for the wear, especially given how much the man had drunk the night before, but Wei Wuxian could tell that there was something more. The man was seeping in resentful energy. Not enough that the average cultivator could detect it. But Wei Wuxian was different. He'd wielded raw resentful energy with the Yin Tiger Amulet. He knew what it felt like.
Jin Guangshan was already messing around with resentful energy it seemed, and perhaps that could explain the changes to his temperament as of late. It could explain the rumours that Koi Tower was falling more and more in disarray. The rumours that Jin Guangshan seemed to lose all care for propriety.
Because if he was messing around with resentful energy, the chances of it already messing with his constitution were high.
"I have come to listen more to what you have offered previously," Wei Wuxian said with a tilt of his head, channeling his best Lan Zhan impression for politeness.
"It's clear you cherished the powers of the Yin Tiger Amulet," Jin Guangshan said to him, "Otherwise you never would have agreed to meet with me."
"They were certainly helpful against Wen Ruohan," Wei Wuxian said, admitting to nothing that could implicate him later.
"And it surely must have been useful in other cases," Jin Guangshan led, "Such as night hunts. I'm sure using it against other resentful creatures can be rather helpful."
"Possibly," Wei Wuxian shrugged, "Other than the war, I haven't used it all that much. But I do agree with your hypothesis that it could have other practical uses."
"So you agree that it could greatly improve the quality of night hunts our cultivators embark on," Jin Guangshan pressed him, "That it could be an innovation that helps the cultivation world."
"Resentful energy is not frequently used because it is difficult to channel," Wei Wuxian said back to him, reciting what Lan Xichen had taught him all those years ago, "Especially that of humans. It could be helpful, sure, but the weapon can be hard to wield and the consequences can be far more severe."
"Did you agree to meet with me just to decline my proposal?" Jin Guangshan asked him with a frown, and Wei Wuxian wanted to sigh. Because he wanted to decline it. He wanted to tell Jin Guangshan where he could stick it. But he needed proof of what exactly Jin Guangshan was trying to do with it. Needed proof of actual crimes and corruption. And so far, they had nothing other than a few testimonies of people who couldn't testify.
So they had nothing.
"I will agree to it," Wei Wuxian told him, "But you must understand, it is something that my brothers would never allow. You know how Da-ge feels about resentful energy. I do not wish to go against him."
"He is your brother, is he not?" Jin Guangshan asked him, a hint of mocking in his voice, "From what I've seen, there is little you can do that will stop your brother from supporting you. I'm sure if you found the right way to spin it, he would continue to cherish you. And it is clear your husband is wrapped around your finger. You will not be met with opposition from either the Lan or the Nie. And I'm sure your Er-ge will help smooth relations over with the Jiang. If anything, I'd say you are in a rather good position if you wanted to take up demonic cultivation formally."
Wei Wuxian wanted to narrow his eyes at Jin Guangshan's assessment. Did he know that Wei Wuxian was not all that sincere in his desire to work with him?
"True," Wei Wuxian agreed steadily, "I am lucky for my connections. So is that what you want then? For it to be a weapon that is readily usable by all the sects to help them out with their own cultivation? To be used against night hunt threats to allow for smoother hunts?"
"Isn't that what we all want?" Jin Guangshan asked him in response, "I may not be Xiandu, but I still want what is best for the cultivation world. I want it to flourish. All of us remember the war, after all. None of us would like to return to that. And if we can use resentful energy against the creatures we hunt, wouldn't the world be a far safer place?"
"I see your point," Wei Wuxian conceded, knowing Jin Guangshan was laying it on thick. If Wei Wuxian didn't know any better, if he didn't know what kind of person Jin Guangshan was, he would be almost convinced by his act. But he did know better. So he wasn't.
"So?" Jin Guangshan asked him, pressingly.
"Okay," Wei Wuxian agreed, knowing that was what he was always going to do. They were supposed to gather intel after all, "And where do you propose starting? The Yin Tiger Amulet was a weapon of the Nie, and not one I forged myself. I wouldn't even know where to start with coming up with something on my own."
Jin Guangshan just smiled.
Wei Wuxian wasn't surprised that Jin Zixuan and Yanli-Jie asked them all to come to their chambers before the discussion conference that would be occurring that evening. He had left them with quite a bit to think about in Lanling, and he wasn't surprised that they'd wanted to see him.
"Yanli-Jie," he greeted as she opened the door, "Peacock."
Jin Zixuan's lips turned upwards slightly at that, and Wei Wuxian grinned at him, "Wei Wuxian."
"Please, come on it," Yanli-Jie greeted him, as she ushered him inside, and he saw his brothers already gathered there, alongside his husband, all his brother-in-laws, and Lan Qiren, "Would you like some tea? Yunmeng makes the nicest blend, and I always ask Jiang Cheng to send me more."
"I would love some," Wei Wuxian agreed readily, as he sat down beside Lan Zhan, while she poured him some.
"So," Jin Zixuan started, before looking over at his wife, "Now that all of us are here, I'd like to say, I've thought about what you asked from me. The reason Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji came to Koi Tower. I've finally made a decision."
"It is a big ask," Lan Qiren said easily, "It is understandable that it took you both to come to a decision on how you wish to proceed."
"My father hasn't been the same as of late," Jin Zixuan started, "He has been angrier. He drinks a lot. He's been flirting with women blatantly, without any regard for my mother. And I think you're right. There's definitely something off with his energy. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was covered with resentful energy."
"I did notice he drank quite a bit last night," Nie Huaisang said wryly, "So I see what you mean."
"He has been making Koi Tower unbearable," Jin Zixuan confessed, "Which isn't exactly a crime. I'm more concerned about why his behaviour has changed. I think….I think you're right. That he is dabbling in something he knows nothing about, and that this is the consequence. And I'm worried about him. I'm worried about my child who will grow up in this atmosphere. I do not wish to be unfilial. But if he is doing something unorthodox, I want to know. He has committed so many crimes, against women, and so many others. And I do not want my child to be around that."
He gave his wife a look, and Jiang Yanli smiled up at him sadly, as she placed a hand on her stomach.
"I will help you. I already said I would help," Jin Zixuan told them, "But I want this conducted properly. I want it conducted with honour and righteousness. I know I can expect that much from the Lan, Nie, and Jiang."
"You can," Xichen-ge said with a nod, "We would not do this if we thought your father was innocent. It is only because we strongly suspect him of crimes. But without proof we will not act."
"I will do my best to get you some," Jin Zixuan said.
"I may have something to add to that," Wei Wuxian scratched his head, "He mentioned some things when I talked to him. I said I do not know how to create a weapon for demonic cultivation. And he mentioned that he has some basis to start on. He didn't say anything more than that. But I think he is going to suggest picking up where Xue Yang started. If I can get my hands on Xue Yang's notes and find definitive proof tying it back to Jin Guangshan then I think we can finally try him."
"That is promising," Lan Qiren stroked his beard, "Please keep us appraised."
"And do not put yourself at risk," Lan Xichen said gently, "You are most precious to us all."
"Mm," Lan Zhan said, giving Wei Wuxian an intent look."
"I will be careful," Wei Wuxian agreed readily.
"So we have a plan," Nie Huaisang said, with a nod, "It shouldn't be long now then."
"No," Lan Zhan agreed, "We will bring Jin Guangshan to justice."
"And then perhaps we can live in peace," Jiang Yanli said softly, "I want my child to know peace."
"They will know it," Nie Huaisang grabbed Jiang Yanli's arm gently.
"We did have something to ask you," Jin Zixuan said then, looking at Wei Wuxian, "You both saved my wife and my child with the assassin. And we are very grateful to you that you caught him. Even if I sympathize with his reasons, I would have been devastated if anything happened to her and our child."
"We wish to ask you to give them a courtesy name," Jiang Yanli smiled, looking at her husband warmly.
"Wei Ying," Lan Zhan said, looking at him gently, and Wei Wuxian felt his heart melt.
"I'm your brother, shouldn't I get to pick a name?" Jiang Cheng complained, and Nie Huaisang laughed lightly, "Are you taking your brother's side over mine, Huaisang?"
"Never," Nie Huaisang mollified him, "But I mean, I've seen what you named your dogs."
"Your brother named his saber Whatever," Jiang Cheng shot back.
"You may name my next child," Yanli-Jie consoled her brother, "Then perhaps Meng Yao can name the one after that?"
Jin Zixuan looked at his brother hopefully, as Meng Yao looked stunned.
"I would be honoured," he bowed deeply.
"You are my brother now too," Yanli-Jie smiled at him, "All of you are, in a way. I wish for my child to be surrounded by love and warmth, and I know you will provide it. Alongside cousins for him."
She directed the last part towards Lan Xichen, Nie Mingjue, and Meng Yao, and Meng Yao was the first to nod readily, "We will introduce them after your child is born."
"Jingyi would love cousins," Lan Xichen said softly, and Wei Wuxian looked over at Lan Zhan once more. He wanted to give Lan Jingyi more cousins too.
"Ru is the character for the next generation," Wei Wuxian said, bringing them back to the matter at hand, "What about Rulan? Jin Rulan."
"Lan?" Jiang Cheng asked sharply, "Why are you naming my nephew after your husband?"
Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes, "Lan like orchid," he said, "I can't help it if you thought I meant my husband. He has the most beautiful name. Definitely not because of Lan Zhan. Why would you ever think that?"
"I think it is a good name," Nie Mingjue agreed readily, and Lan Xichen flushed slightly.
"A beautiful name worthy of the Jin name," Meng Yao agreed and Lan Xichen only blushed more.
"A beautiful name for what will be a most beloved child," Wei Wuxian nodded, "Jin Rulan."
"Wei Ying," Lan Zhan said softly, and Wei Wuxian looked at his husband.
He really, really wanted to have a family with him.
"I like it," Jiang Yanli smiled at him, "It is a lovely name. Thank you, Wei Wuxian."
"My son is named after a Lan, and my brother-in-laws all agree because they're all besotted with Lans," Jin Zixuan sighed.
"You're so sappy," Nie Huaisang sniffed at him, "I can't believe you're so obsessed with your husband."
"You're just jealous you don't have a Lan of your own, and are stuck with Jiang Cheng," Wei Wuxian stuck his tongue out at him.
"I am quite happy to be stuck with Jiang Cheng," Nie Huaisang shot back.
"Boys," Nie Mingjue just sighed.
Wei Wuxian was more than relieved that the cultivation conference was over. It was nothing serious for once, just discussions on the towers that had been erected and a few other topics. Several of the minor sects had seemed to come around to the idea of the watch towers, and more and more were being put up to help with the response time. The only ones who still remained against the idea were the Jin, convinced it was a waste of resources and that it wouldn't achieve anything important. And well, the Jin sects' follower sects.
It bothered him a bit, that the Qin sect was still so deep in Jin Guangshan's pocket that Madam Qin was forced to see her rapist every day and wouldn't even be able to say anything out of fear of losing her entire family.
"Wei Wuxian!" he heard a familiar voice scream, and he internally groaned. He still may not know the name of that Jin cousin but he'd come to recognize him from all the confrontations.
"Jin Zixun," Lan Wangji supplied helpfully, and Wei Wuxian smiled wryly at his husband.
"May I help you, Jin gongzi?" he asked the man cordially, not seeing a point in agitating the man more than he already was. And agitated he was. He looked horrible, like he hadn't sept in days. He looked sick.
"Undo the curse you placed on me, you bastard!" the man screamed at him, and Wei Wuxian blinked at him.
"Why would I curse you? I don't even know who you are," Wei Wuxian said innocently, glancing at his Er-ge to see if Nie Huaisang had any inclination of what he was talking about. If there was anyone who knew it would be Nie Huaisang.
"You're the one who practices demonic cultivation!" Jin Zixun seethed at him, "Of course it was you! Don't you dare deny it! Undo what you did to me, and I won't kill you where you stand."
"You dare threaten my brother?" Nie Mingjue glowered at him, standing up menacingly.
"Perhaps Jin gongzi can elaborate more on the curse he has," Lan Qiren said pleasantly, "After all, if it were a side effect from a night hunt, we should try and remedy it."
"All of you are so quick to take his side!" Jin Zixun huffed, "This was a curse done by a demonic cultivator! I looked it up!"
He tore his robes open then, exposing the entire room to his chest, filled with holes.
Jin Zixuan immediately covered his wife's eyes, as the rest of the room looked away from the improper act.
"Jin Zixun," Jin Zixuan shouted, "Do you have no shame? Put your clothes back on."
"Not until Wei Wuxian admits he did this," Jin Zixun insisted.
"That is the hundred-hole curse," Lan Xichen said to him cautiously, "If Wei Wuxian were the caster, the spell would be reflected on his own body."
"So take off your robes and prove it to us then," Jin Zixun taunted him.
Lan Zhan looked furious at that, and put his arm in front of Wei Wuxian, "He will do no such thing. He does not have the curse. He was not the caster."
"And we're just supposed to believe the word of his husband, who would clearly cover for him?"
"Are you really accusing a Lan of lying?" Nie Mingjue asked him with an unamused tone, "Hanguang Jun of lying?"
"Everyone knows Hanguang Jun does not lie," someone whispered to another across the hall.
"Wei Wuxian does not have the curse," Lan Zhan repeated, "He will not show his chest to you."
"I'd show it to Da-ge or Er-ge, but other than Lan Zhan no one else will look at me," Wei Wuxian wrinkled his nose, "Why would I even curse you? I don't hate you. You irritate me sometimes, but that curse has such a harsh blow back onto the caster. I barely even think about you when you're not in my face. And I definitely wouldn't want to mutilate my body like that."
"You don't hate me?" Jin Zixun said, with a scoff, before sounding a bit uncertain.
"You're irritating at most," Wei Wuxian told him, "With the way you always seem to want to challenge me for whatever reason. But I don't hate you. And I certainly did not curse you. If the Jin would like assistance on researching how to lift the curse, I would be happy to help. But I wasn't responsible."
"Whatever," Jin Zixun huffed, as he wrapped his robes against his body to cover himself, before stalking out of the room.
"The Jin would be grateful for your assistance, Bixie Jun," Jin Zixuan said diplomatically, "You will, of course, be compensated accordingly regardless of whether you are able to lift the curse or not."
"Of course," Wei Wuxian nodded seriously, before sipping his tea. And with that, the banquet went on, and all the while, Wei Wuxian continued to ponder. Because who hated Jin Zixun enough to curse him? And why?