and sings the tune without the words
by Rose Thorne
Disclaimer: MDZS/The Untamed are not mine.
Chapter Twelve
Jiang-zongzhu and Yu-furen,
We have arrived safely at the Cloud Recesses, but you were correct to be concerned about the journey—someone attempted to sneak aboard the boat in the night. Nie-zongzhu dispatched them silently, and the children are unaware of the event, as they were asleep and the intruder never made it near them. We are fortunate the Nie offered to travel with us.
The visitor had no identifying clothing or marks, and so we cannot come to a conclusion as to whether he was sent by a Wen faction. Truthfully, we all know it to be the case, but accusations cannot be made without proof. Your son will be safe at the Cloud Recesses, and any trip to Caiyi will be heavily chaperoned.
Jiang Wuxian is much subdued, clearly affected by the events at Lotus Cove, but Wangji has been his constant companion. He is doing well in classes, and seems fascinated by talismans, which has fast become his favorite subject. I am taking the opportunity to design extra assignments to keep him busy.
He will be kept safe.
Lan Qiren
Jiejie and Gege,
We got to the Cloud Recesses just fine, but the adults are all acting really nervous so maybe something happened that I don't know about. I hope not.
Nie-zongzhu and Lan-xiansheng made us stay in an inner area on the boat, so Lan Zhan and I played music, and Nie Huaisang and I painted, which isn't easy on a boat, and Nie Mingjue showed us some Nie clan stances and forms, so it wasn't boring or anything. Nie Huaisang wants to learn an instrument now, and Nie-zongzhu seemed amused by that but amenable, so I guess he might be coming to the Cloud Recesses once he gets beyond beginner stage, or they might send a tutor. I don't know if he wants to cultivate music or just play it, though, so I bet it depends on that too.
I know I wasn't supposed to be here now, but the adults are right that I'll need protection for a while. The Cloud Recesses is remote enough and harder to access, especially in the winter, and it's already so cold here! Hopefully things calm down soon, but I wish it hadn't happened at all.
It's so confusing that there's this curse in my head that can do something like that. And a little scary. What if it happens again? What if I hurt someone I love? Am I dangerous?
When I talked to Lan Zhan about it, he just said "Jiang Ying is good." But he seems more worried for me than about me being dangerous. He's with me all the time and it helps.
Lan-xiansheng has been really nice to me, and I think he knows I'm afraid. We have tea every day, with Lan Zhan too, and it's nice to talk to him. He made sure I have warm robes and a really nice winter cloak to wear. I really need them, and some of them are even purple! I bet he made arrangements from Lotus Cove. Or maybe it's also cold in spring, and that's when I was originally coming. But I have a whole bunch of robes here, so maybe that'll mean I don't have to bring clothes to and from here.
He also noticed I'm interested in talismans and has been giving me books and it's so weird because it's like I can see all these options and have so many ideas! It's kind of overwhelming, like all the characters for the talisman just float and move where they work best right in my head. I dreamed about making a talisman to sense resentful energy but it wasn't a talisman, it was a compass that pointed at it so you could go fight it or avoid it. Wouldn't that be amazing? I bet traveling merchants would love something like that.
The Nies are still visiting, and I guess Lan Xichen is good friends with Nie Mingjue so they've mostly gone off by themselves. He also keeps teasing him about growing a mustache. Did I really ask where his mustache went when I met him? So embarrassing! But Lan Xichen thinks he should try it. Nie Huaisang is against it, claiming it will make his brother resemble Jin-zongzhu, and I'm pretty sure he won with that one.
Nie Huaisang has been visiting with Lan Zhan and me, and he's trying different instruments but I don't know what he wants to play. I don't think he does either. He keeps talking about sending music to us to learn, Qinghe songs, and that would be a lot of fun.
Lan Zhan told him the Lan library has plenty of music, which was a little rude but he's been annoyed with Nie Huaisang for some reason I don't understand. He's a lot of fun, and he likes literature and art and birds. He just doesn't like cultivating with his sword, but that's not the only way someone can cultivate—like Jiejie is cultivating music and medicine. I guess the Nie are really big on saber cultivation, though.
I've had a few bad dreams, ones that didn't make any sense, but when I wake up from them Lan Zhan's here and that helps a lot. He wakes up and shares my bed so I'm not scared anymore, just like Chengcheng does for me at Lotus Cove. I'm glad I share quarters with him.
I really miss you both, and especially Jiejie's cooking. Lan food is so bland, but at least I have chili sauce again, thanks to A-Cheng. I owe you, Gege. I hope our meimei is doing well and behaving. I know she hated it last time I was gone and I hope it's not the same this time.
I hope Meng-ayi and Mo-guniang and their sons are safe, too.
Please don't worry about me. I'm safe here.
Jiang Wuxian
Lan Qiren,
My wife thanks you for keeping it from A-Xian. The poor boy has been through enough trauma. From his letter to his siblings, he suspects something happened but I'm glad he didn't see it. Please thank Nie-zongzhu for me as well.
She is utilizing her spy network to try to determine who is responsible for targeting A-Xian, and we'll include you in discussions and Nie-zongzhu as well if we uncover information since your children were also at risk.
I would much prefer if there were no trips to Caiyi, but I understand occasional excursions, if the strictest security is followed. I know A-Xian can be very strong-willed when he wants something, and it may be better to capitulate rather than risk him going alone.
It makes sense for him to be interested in talismans—his mother was quite adept with them. He may also have inherited his father's love of history, so perhaps encourage him in that direction as well. We appreciate your diligence in his education.
Thank you for keeping him safe.
Jiang Fengmian
A-Xian,
I wish there was a way I could send you my soup, but a letter will have to do. A-Die and A-Niang looked upset with Lan-laoshi's letter, so I'm sure something happened, but the adults handled it and want you not to worry. Just be smart, Xianxian, and don't leave the Cloud Recesses without adults.
The curse in your head is not your fault, and neither is what happened to Wen-zongzhu. You know about Wen Qing's testimony about his activity with demonic cultivation—his blood is not on your hands. I know it's scary, but nothing would have happened if he hadn't messed with the curse and hurt you. You're not dangerous, A-Xian, and A-Cheng and A-Lian and I trust you with our lives. I'm glad Lan Wangji is telling you the same thing and helping you get through this.
I've heard Gusu is much colder, and I think at first A-Die and A-Niang didn't want to send you in winter because you spent so much time in the cold before they found you. Lan-laoshi is taking good care of you, and I'm glad to hear that. I'm sure he handled the issue of your wardrobe from Lotus Cove, or asked Lan Xichen to do so. Don't forget to thank him!
You've always been bright, but it sounds like you've possibly discovered your cultivation passion, what you're meant to study, in talismans. I can't say I understand the feeling of talisman characters floating in my mind, but I understand the passion—ingredients for food sometimes do that for me, as I love cooking. A compass that pointed toward resentful beings would be incredibly useful, and you should consider talking to Lan-laoshi about it.
You really did ask Nie Mingjue where his mustache was, and he looked so nonplussed. I'm afraid I agree with Nie-er-gongzi, that it would not suit him, but it is of course his own choice. A-Cheng said it would look like he had a caterpillar on his face, and I'm afraid I laughed at the mental image.
I think perhaps Lan Wangji is protective of your time playing music together, and he's viewing Nie Huaisang as a threat to it. Just make sure to specify that you're interested in music from Qinghe that is for the dizi and guqin, and I'm sure he'll be less concerned. Lan-er-gongzi is very attached to you and perhaps fears losing your friendship. Simply reassure him.
It's good that you have someone with you in the night. I'm sorry to hear you're having nightmares. I know they upset you a lot. You might ask Lan-daifu if there are ways to keep them away. Did you ask Kang-daifu? I can ask for you if not.
Meimei is behaving, and she's starting to learn numbers and counting. She misses you terribly, but she's accepted that you're in Gusu for the season. A-Cheng is glad the chili sauce is helping, and he'll send more if you need it. I'll cook all you want when you come home next. Maybe I can send some treats in a qiankun pouch. I'll ask A-Die.
They are safe, and Meng Yao is training harder than ever. I plan to write Jin Zixuan about the issue. Hopefully he understands the need to protect them from his father.
I will always worry about my Xianxian.
Jiang Yanli
P.S. A-Die said yes, but only certain things. So I hope you enjoy the tang you baba. I can't send soup, sadly.
I'm sure the Jiang will eventually figure out how to send soup, if Jiang Ying has anything to say about it!
a-die = dad
a-niang = mom
daifu = doctor
er-gongzi = second young master
furen = madam
gege = older brother
gongzi = young master
jiejie = older sister
laoshi = teacher
meimei = little sister
tang you baba = sugar oil cake
xiansheng = man of respected stature, teacher
zongzhu = sect leader