#Jiāng Wǎnyín | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

rosethornewrites · 5 months ago

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Fic: the thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break, ch. 25-6

Additional Tags: Pre-Slash, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Secrets, Crying, Masks, Soulmates, Truth, Self-Esteem Issues, Regret, It was supposed to be a one-shot, Fix-It, Eventual Relationships, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, wwx needs a hug, Nightmares, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Filial Piety, Handfasting, Phobias, Sleeping Together, Fear, Panic Attacks, Love Confessions, Getting Together, First Kiss, Kissing, Boys Kissing, Family, and they were married, Bathing/Washing, Hair Braiding, Hair Brushing, Feels, Sex Education, Implied Sexual Content, First Time, Aftercare, Morning After, Afterglow, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Implied/Referenced Torture, Scars, Eventual Happy Ending, Hand Jobs, Chronic Pain, Biting, Conversations, Self-Sacrifice, POV Third Person, POV Lan WangJi, Bugs & Insects, Adoption, Ancestors, Ancestor Veneration, Golden Core Reveal, Top Lan Wangji | Lan Zhan/Bottom Wei Wuxian | Wei Ying, First Time Blow Jobs, Multiple Orgasms, Switching, sex-related injury, Lán Zhàn | Lán Wàngjī Stays at the Burial Mounds, Lán Yuàn | Lán Sīzhuī is a Wèi, Good Sibling Jiāng Chéng | Jiāng Wǎnyín, Dissociation, Burial Mounds Settlement Days, Disability, Scheming Niè Huáisāng, Disabled Character, somnophilia

Summaries: The swearing of brotherhood and other fluff. Their guests leave, and they get started on the next phase of the plan.

Notes: See end of each chapter

AO3 links: 25 | 26

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24

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While his husband and son sleep, Lan Wangji tidies the alcove, putting anything unnecessary into a qiankun pouch for storage. While true cleaning would be more involved, with walls and ceiling stone and the floor dirt-covered stone it is impractical at best. He then settles with another bundle of Wei Ying’s notes, deciphering the messy tangles of thought in rather the same way he tidies Wei Ying’s oft-tangled hair.

He knows Wei Qing expects that he stay close to support Wei Ying, and he’s rather relieved to have an excuse not to need to be present as Jin Zixuan is shown the evidence of his sect’s crimes, as well as the reasons Wei Ying wields resentful energy. Jiang Yanli’s husband is an honorable man, and will no doubt respond favorably, but he doesn’t want to see pity for Wei Ying, or have it directed somehow at him, as though his marriage and Wei Ying himself are somehow lesser for his husband’s suffering. It may well be different; he was stationed elsewhere during the war and thus has little personal knowledge of the Jin heir, but he well remembers the many slights against Wei Ying by ranking members of the Jin sect.

Lan Wangji knows the reactions—the way people look at him differently and Wei Ying’s own swirled mess of emotions about the decision to give Jiang Wanyin his core, is likely why his husband kept it secret. He can’t regret urging him to tell his brother, though, not with Wei Ying looking physically healthier than he has the entire time he’s been here, and that transformation in part because of it, but he wishes others would see Wei Ying for the wonder, the genius he is.

Wei Ying is the first to stir, snuffling a bit in his sleep, and Lan Wangji waits quietly for him to fully wake. When he does, his eyes search the alcove before settling on him, and Lan Wangji is pleased that his husband relaxes upon seeing him.

“You’re probably the only person who could decipher my terrible calligraphy,” Wei Ying says after a moment, his voice fond. “Even me—I think I’ve finished more of my projects because you rewrite my notes!”

While Wei Ying is correct, Lan Wangji knows he is distracting himself from A-Yuan from the way he glances at the boy, as though afraid they might wake him, and afraid that he’ll still be terrified when he wakes. In truth, he is as well, and he’s not certain they have the ability to help their son, short of simply being with him and helping him feel safe. Wei Qing, being a healer, may have more expertise to share later.

“You no longer fail to sleep and forget to eat. You needed balance,” Lan Wangji responds, allowing the distraction for the moment, “and I am happy to help my husband in any way.”

Wei Ying blushes, and he realizes his husband has caught on to his ploy of tiring him with sex to ensure he sleeps.

He is very happy to help him with that, to be fair, even if it wasn’t what he meant this time.

“You bully,” he murmurs, his face flushed fetchingly and what Lan Wangji hears is ‘I love you.’

He can see there are things Wei Ying can never bring himself to say, too affected by sentiment, but he knows anyway. Lan Wangji knows his husband likes to be cared for, that for him physical acts of affection are important, though the words are too much. He knows Wei Ying also likes to show love in this way, giving him what trinkets he can make himself, such as the carved bunny guan, but also with the nontraditional dowry of his talisman inventions, wanting him to feel his worth equivalent to Xiongzhang’s gift of money.

When Wei Ying beckons, Lan Wangji is happy to set aside the work he has done and join him and their son, aware that A-Yuan will likely be fragile when he wakes, that their presence may help him feel safe. Neither of them know how the boy will react, given his earlier terrified meltdown, or whether he can handle the sight of Jin Zixuan even without the zhushazhi.

In truth, Wei Ying also likely needs him, already frazzled as he was with being bared as he was, not only to those visiting the Burial Mounds, but also to all of the jianghu through the yuefu.

Lan Wangji can offer little more than his presence to his husband and son, and hopefully that is enough.

A-Yuan murmurs unintelligibly when Lan Wangji joins them, sandwiching him between them, his sleep momentarily disturbed by the movement, but he doesn’t stir immediately. While they wait, Wei Ying leans his head against his husband’s chest and whisper-babbles about new ideas for inventions, distracting himself as best he can, and Lan Wangji is happy to listen.

Eventually their son wakes, letting out a sound of protest at leaving slumber and burrowing adorably into the area between them. He flails as he wakes enough to remember the circumstances under which he fell asleep, crying about the bad man.

“I’m here, Baobei, you’re safe, I promise,” Wei Ying murmurs, stroking his hair comfortingly. “And your baba won’t let anything happen either. That’s Guma’s husband, remember, the good one I told you about?”

The look A-Yuan gives them is full of doubt, and then he scrambles toward the end of the bed.

“Guma and Popo and Gugu and Bobo—” he rambles, clearly afraid for their safety before pitching off the bed, kept from hitting the hard floor only by Lan Wangji’s quick reflexes.

“Bobo will protect them, and Qing-jie has needles,” Wei Ying tells him, not able to help an involuntary shudder. “No one can beat her and her needles, and I pity the fool who tries.”

A-Yuan still looks uncertain, and Lan Wangji lifts him into his arms.

“We will join everyone shortly, after we straighten your clothing and hair, and you will see they are safe, A-Yuan,” he says, keeping his tone calm and measured.

The boy considers that before nodding—he still looks worried, but he allows them to tidy his hair and put him in new robes, these more formal than the disciple robes, more ornate in a way that seems appropriate for the sworn siblinghood that will hopefully occur.

“He listens to you more than me!” Wei Ying exclaims, looking oddly delighted.

Wei Ying nearly leaves the alcove in his underrobes, stopped only by Lan Wangji, and they find his prior robes marred by snot from A-Yuan’s earlier meltdown. His husband points out he is also similarly afflicted, and they both change, Lan Wangji donning a soft blue robe from the qiankun pouch Xiongzhang brought, while Wei Ying selects another robe Jiang Wanyin sent from his wardrobe, a black robe with purple accents that make it appear as though it shimmers in the dim light of the cave. They tidy each other’s hair, Lan Wangji gently combing Wei Ying’s to some semblance of smooth after his nap, A-Yuan helpfully pointing out places it’s mussed. Wei Ying sighs when he straightens his crown, and Lan Wangji recognizes that this is a day where the hair sits heavy on his head and he would be more comfortable in a braid.

“I will braid your hair tonight,” he murmurs, and Wei Ying pulls him close to share a kiss.

When they rejoin the others in the main hall, they find them all waiting, the positive atmosphere implying Jin Zixuan’s answer, and Lan Wangji lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. The swearing of siblinghood will take place shortly, offering Wei Ying and the people here more protection.

A-Yuan hides behind them, peering out at Jin Zixuan suspiciously, and it’s clear the man can tell the boy is still frightened of him and is unsure of what to do; were they in Yiling market, he could do as Lan Wangji had and buy him toys, but the Burial Mounds don’t offer such luxuries. He would recommend such a recourse, and has no doubt Jin Zixuan will send many toys for A-Yuan if he thinks it would help.

Jin Zixuan generally looks overwhelmed, and he’s not quite able to look at Wei Ying, which is preferable to looking at him with pity—his husband does not regret giving Jiang Wanyin his jindan, but he doesn’t like to be seen as piteous, even as he suffers still.

Nie Huaisang takes it upon himself to greet A-Yuan and give him another fan, distracting him by telling him about the motif, and then he manages to coax the boy to sit near him and his brother, who immediately sets the boy on his lap.

“Wei-xiong, Wei-xiong, your shijie brought her whole wedding banquet for later!” the Nie heir exclaims once A-Yuan is settled, ever the one for distraction.

Jiang Yanli giggles at Wei Ying’s incredulous expression.

“It’s not the banquet itself, but I cooked the same dishes for all of you so you can celebrate with A-Xuan and me. It just wasn’t right without my Xianxian.”

Though nothing can make up for missing the wedding, Lan Wangji can see how overcome his husband is by her attempt to bring the wedding feast here to the Burial Mounds.

Jiang Yanli comes to Wei Ying and hugs him, tweaking his nose in a way that makes him laugh.

“Let’s do the ceremony, and then you must call me Jiejie,” she says. “Wei Qing will be Dajie.”

Wei Qing nods in acknowledgement, clearly trying not to smile at their interaction and failing, then tweaks her own brother’s nose almost experimentally, laughing as he blinks, startled.

“It will be a chore to look after our collective didimen,” she says in a voice of exaggerated long-suffering, and Jiang Yanli giggles.

“And yet a fulfilling one,” she adds with a smile, her eyes twinkling even in the dim light. “This meimei will seek to learn from her jiejie.”

Wei Qing can’t hold back a chuckle, looking surprised at herself, to the amusement of Wei Ying.

“Wangji’s sworn siblings are, of course, mine as well,” Xiongzhang announces.

To Lan Wangji’s surprise and relief, Nie Mingjue agrees.

“A-Sang’s as well. You may call me Dage.”

“And me, Erge. We cannot speak for A-Yao on the matter...”

An uncomfortable silence falls, the reminder that Jin Guangyao may be complicit in the treatment of the former Wen. Jin Zixuan looks particularly unsettled, and Lan Wangji has the uncomfortable feeling he knows the identity of the smiling man that one of the remnants mentioned as having taken people who never returned. He hopes the man was doing the right thing, but he’s learned not to assume the best of people.

Nie Huaisang clears his throat and gestures to the decor, as though to remind them of the reason for their gathering. By this time, the new Wei clan has trickled in to serve as witnesses, tired from their day in the fields but also likely from reliving the trauma of the camps for Jin Zixuan, and there isn’t room for concern about Jin Guangyao.

While they no longer need the harvest, the idea of wasting the food is an anathema after going without for so long, and so they will cultivate this crop and discuss the future afterward. The radishes can be given to the needy in Yiling, if nothing else.

When Popo arrives, A-Yuan leaves the safety of Nie Mingjue’s lap to run to and cling to her, clearly still affected by his own reliving of trauma. She smiles sadly and sits down with the boy, letting him climb into her lap.

The ceremony is made elegant by the bunting and newly-hung lanterns, otherwise a simple swearing to the heavens and earth to honor and cherish each other as siblings, never to be rent asunder. As they bow, Lan Wangji is filled with relief that they have finally reached this moment, thankful for the protection it grants Wei Ying, the family it gives him.

Afterward Jin Zixuan approaches, his expression troubled. He seems very aware of A-Yuan’s eyes on him, staring from Popo’s lap as suspiciously as a toddler can manage.

“I will quietly seek records on the disposition of the other remnants, and look for ways to help. I hope A-Yao isn’t involved, but he likely feels a debt to our father, though he should have been taken in to begin with. I’ll do what I can to find out more.”

Wei Ying takes a breath before he responds, aware of how valuable that help will be.

“Just be careful. I don’t want Jiejie to become a widow. She… she needs you, too.”

Jin Zixuan nods, his expression making it clear he knows what sort of viper pit his sect is. Lan Wangji hopes he can navigate the murky waters successfully.

“A-Li and I have something to ask of you later, privately,” he says after a long pause, his eyes seeking his wife, who nods.

Wei Ying looks perplexed at what they might want, but he just nods, and Jin Zixuan takes it as a dismissal.

The conversation is awkward, but Jin Zixuan is earnest and so is Wei Ying, both wanting good outcomes. Given their past interactions, the stilted awkwardness is a welcome change compared to coming to blows.

Jiang Yanli enlists several people to help with bringing out the food, including a massive tureen of lotus root and pork rib soup that only Wei Ning is able to carry. The meal is a combination of the umami richness of Lanling cuisine with the spicy dishes of Yunmeng, and Lan Wangji can’t deny the aroma is mouthwatering. He can see from where he stands several dishes hued red that he knows to avoid, but is sure Wei Ying will enjoy, including re gan mian (hot dry noodles). Other dishes include shuijing zhouzi (stewed pork hock), whole Peking duck, and desserts like sweet doufunao (tofu brains) and basi pingguo (toffee apple fritters), among traditional wedding fare like cold jellyfish salad, roast suckling pork, whole steamed fish in soya gravy, peach sweet buns, and hot red bean soup with lotus seeds. Rather than serve the food in courses, Jiang Yanli has set the food out, the hot food on talisman-warmed platters, for people to serve themselves.

“Thank you for bearing witness. It’s been a difficult day for the Wei clan, and I believe they should eat first,” Jiang Yanli announces.

No one protests, and the refugees do so shyly, nervously, under the eyes of the gentry.

The swearing ceremony and the path to it has impacted them perhaps more than anyone but Wei Ying, Lan Wangji realizes. They’ve had to reveal their painful experiences, and they have gone from facing certain death, either from malnutrition or an eventual attack, to being tenuously protected via a sworn brotherhood with the sole man who sought to protect them, a home to be found at Lotus Pier in the near future, and full bellies. Given those selfsame sects involved in the brotherhood were complicit in their near-extermination, including himself, allowing them to eat first was the very least they could do.

He wonders if Jiang Yanli has also realized this or if she acts from instinctive kindness.

“Eat with Baba and A-Die,” A-Yuan insists, drawing Lan Wangji from his thoughts with a tug to his sleeve.

“She said Wei, and you’re still family,” Popo explains, taking Wei Ying’s arm before turning to Lan Wangji. “And you count, too—you married in.”

Lan Wangji can’t be certain whether he should be embarrassed as Xiongzhang fails to hold back a chuckle, but he’s oddly reminded of his mother’s gentle teasing and so he feels only a wave of fondness for his family, old and new, gathered here in a place of death that his husband carved life into.

Notes:

“To fail to sleep and forget to eat” is a chengyu about being focused on something to the exclusion of all else. Didimen is the plural of didi. Yes, there’s a reference to Mr. T. I’ve been referred to an outpatient long Covid unit, appointment in September because they’re packed all the way out. They’ll likely work to rule anything else out. But the timeline fits, so I might have an explanation, however unpleasant it may be. Today is my birthday. I’m 41 now. I had this done yesterday but decided to post it as a birthday gift to myself. In comments, please let me know what you like about this fic, if you don’t mind. Glossary: a-die - dad baba - dad baobei - baby bobo - father’s older brother dajie - eldest sister didimen - younger brothers gugu - aunt guma - father’s older sister jianghu - cultivation world jie/jiejie - older sister jindan - golden core meimei - younger sister popo - grandmother shijie - martial older sister xiong - brother xiongzhang - older brother yuefu - a style of poetry zhushazhi - cinnabar dot on the forehead

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The banquet has long since wound down, having ended with the rest of Jifu’s fruit wine consumed, mellowing the atmosphere nicely. Most of the Wei clan have started cleaning up and readying for sleep. Dusk has fallen, and someone has lit the red lanterns near the living area, casting a soft glow on the Burial Mounds settlement. The air has a hint of chill in it and the smell of coming dew.

Nie Huaisang, when they left the great hall, was arguing that the bunting should be left up to lighten the atmosphere, and Wei Qing looked rather resigned to it—A-Yuan has fallen sound asleep on a piece of bunting, and so it was a losing argument; his timely exhaustion is the only reason they were able to leave without him panicking.

The five of them—Wei Ying, Jiang Yanli, Jin Zixuan, Jiang Wanyin, and Lan Wangji—gather in Jifu’s old hut for this conversation, where Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan will sleep, the only quarters available that don’t involve sleeping on the stone floor of the great hall with the other visitors.

As it turns out, Jiang Yanli, with support of Jin Zixuan and apparently by the suggestion of Jiang Wanyin, wants to request that Wei Ying name his coming wai sheng, an honor he’s clearly not expecting.

“I wanted to ask you when we last came to Yiling, but there wasn’t the opportunity,” she says, watching him with soft eyes.

Wei Ying rallies quickly and immediately identifies the Jin’s next generational name Ru. He considers, brushing at his nose with his forefinger as he does, taking the request seriously.

“How about Rulan?” he finally suggests, then hurries to clarify when Jiang Wanyin protests. “Not that lan, A-Cheng. Lan as in the gentleman of flowers, the orchid. After all, any son of Shi— ah, Jiejie’s is bound to be a refined young man.”

“Rulan,” Jiang Yanli says, tasting the name. “Jin Rulan. It’s perfect, A-Xian.”

“I agree,” Jin Zixuan adds. “It’s regal.”

“It’s okay, but of course you’d name him after your husband,” Jiang Wanyin grouses, ready to dodge when Wei Ying punches at his arm, blushing.

Jiang Yanli chides them gently and they take on the countenance of scolded children.

Wei Ying’s sister is clearly tired from travel and the banquet, and so they excuse themselves quickly to let her rest, assuring her that she needn’t help clean up from the banquet and swearing ceremonies, leaving her to the care of her husband.

By the time they return to the hall, Nie Huaisang has won the argument with Wei Qing, the bunting to stay at least until they’ve all moved to Lotus Pier. The Nie heir’s bedding is opulent, something Lan Wangji didn’t see the night before, and he can only again wonder about his spy ring, or if he may have corresponded with someone among the newly-renamed Wei or the people of Yiling somehow. Their other guests have largely made do with simple bedrolls, Xiongzhang’s the same as his own.

Jiang Wanyin breaks from them to speak with Wei Qing, and they help Popo move A-Yuan to her rooms for the night. He blessedly doesn’t stir. With the night winding down, their guests settled, nothing else is needed from them.

Lan Wangji steers Wei Ying toward the cave and their alcove, noting the signs he is exhausted—a fine tremor in his shoulder blades and drooping eyelids. It has again been an emotional day, one that had required his husband to engage with their guests and accept that others were taking control to help. Letting them take it, and what that help entails, has not been easy for Wei Ying.

He is unsurprised when Wei Ying falls asleep in the bath, the warmth seeping into him and making him drowse. Once he has soaked with the sachet, Lan Wangji lifts him from the tub and dresses him in a simple underrobe before tucking him in and joining him in the bed for a much-needed rest, hai shi upon them.

“Do you think this will work?” Wei Ying asks in a whisper, having stirred. “The poem, the brotherhood?”

Wei Ying sounds worried, and Lan Wangji pauses to consider.

“Mn. We have allies. All four sects, if you include Jin Zixuan.”

That receives an amused snort, then a more thoughtful noise.

“Jin Guangshan is going to be pissed… which could backfire if we’re not careful.”

Lan Wangji remembers the plan to ply Wei Qing’s trade and feed the street children, and has to admit that will be one way in which they are vulnerable. She will need protection away from the warded settlement, which will mean Wei Ying and Lan Wangji will spend their time in Yiling with her. A-Yuan as well, he suspects, as the boy is likely to become more clingy after his reaction to the zhushazhi. He cannot predict the future, but hopefully they can protect their own until they are safely in Lotus Pier.

“We will take care,” he assures his husband.

Wei Ying hums in response, already slipping back into sleep, hopefully reassured. Lan Wangji pulls him close, kissing him chastely and tucking him against his side.

Where Wei Ying was all angles when Lan Wangji first arrived, now he is softer, having gained precious weight, his bones no longer prominent. He is healthier, and Lan Wangji will do whatever is necessary to ensure he stays that way.

The next morning he wakes his husband in the best way possible, bringing him to completion with his mouth. Wei Ying returns the favor and makes a crass joke about breakfast, and Lan Wangji’s ears burn at the idea—far from finding it offensive; he finds it entirely too thought-provoking. They lie idly together for a period of time before joining the outside world, enjoying the peace of their alcove.

Their guests filter out a few hours apart after a breakfast comprised of actual rice congee, instead of the cheaper millet, and with leftover food from the banquet repurposed as toppings. They gather in the great hall afterward as their guests prepare to leave, their departures staggered to prevent suspicion.

Jiang Wanyin leaves first with two more refugees disguised as Jiang disciples. The uncle with the broken leg is one of them, as Wei Qing hopes being away from the Burial Mounds will hasten his recovery from the necessary rebreaking. The other is the woman with the peony branded on her shoulder.

The Nie leave without much fanfare, though Nie Huaisang promises tearfully that he’ll get the yuefu out as soon as possible.

“You deserve a better reputation, Wuxian-xiong,” he says, clapping his arm companionably.

They’ve decided to refer to each other not with titles, but with the honorifics xiong to refer to an older brother and di to refer to the younger, with Wei Ning being Ning-di to everyone and Jin Zixuan being Zixuan-xiong to everyone except Wei Qing and Jiang Yanli.

Lan Wangji fully intends to continue calling his husband Wei Ying, while Wei Ying will undoubtedly still call him Lan Zhan or Lan-er-gege. Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan will continue referring to each other as A-Xuan and A-Li. Jiang Yanli also intends to keep calling her brothers A-Xian and A-Cheng. Meanwhile, Wei Qing and Jiang Yanli are Qing-jie and Yanli-jie to most of them, with Wei Qing using Yanli-mei.

Likely it would be simpler to use dage, erge, etc., but those are already being used by the Venerated Triad, and they know the Auspicious Eight needs to be distinct.

Being called Wangji-xiong or Wangji-di will take a little getting used to, but it isn’t a complex system.

“You have the support of the Nie, Wei Wuxian,” Nie Mingjue states, and Wei Ying bows gratefully.

Xiongzhang leaves with the promise to schedule night hunts to the Burial Mounds with the Nie and the delivery of supplies.

Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli are the last to depart.

A-Yuan has spent the morning eying Jin Zixuan distrustfully, as though waiting for the zhushazhi to reappear. They are all at a loss for how to remedy the situation.

Eventually, as they near the entrance to the Burial Mounds, the Jin heir removes the tassel from Suihua and holds it out to A-Yuan, stoking his curiosity enough that he takes it and then retreats to hide behind Wei Ying’s leg before examining it.

“Soon your guma will have a baby,” Jin Zixuan tells the boy. “He’ll be your tangdi. Can I trust you to keep that safe for him until he is born?”

The idea of more family seems to help, and A-Yuan nods after only a little hesitation.

“For Tangdi and Guma,” he says, shaking the tassel and watching it sparkle in the sun.

Lan Wangji has to admit it’s a brilliant strategy, giving A-Yuan a job and the promise of a cousin, along with the bauble itself. Wei Ying helps the boy attach the tassel to his belt next to his clarity bell, and the boy continues to play with it.

“Thank you for taking care of that for your guzhang and tangdi,” Jiang Yanli says to him, bending before the boy. “His name will be Jin Ling, courtesy name Rulan, and he’ll be happy to have you as his biaoge, A-Yuan.”

A-Yuan hugs her when prompted, then clings to Wei Ying’s leg as they watch the two step into the carriage and the carriage fade into the distance.

By the time they return to the settlement, lunch has been prepared, with Wei Ning having repurposed more leftovers into an array of xian bing, baozi, and zongzi. A-Yuan is less interested in the food than the tassel at his waist, but they manage to get him to eat with Popo’s help.

The day passes quickly, Wei Ying falling asleep to musical acupuncture treatment and napping with A-Yuan, both of them exhausted. A-Yuan in particular is fussy before he sleeps, eventually falling asleep with his fingers in his mouth, which Lan Wangji remedies afterward.

“Do you think becoming ba xiongdi will work?” Wei Qing asks, unknowingly echoing Wei Ying.

“Those who have sworn brotherhood are likely to honor it,” Lan Wangji says, “but the reaction of Lanling Jin is unpredictable.”

Wei Qing nods, her brow furrowed as she watches A-Yuan and Wei Ying sleep.

“We will need to begin fulfilling the yuefu,” he tells her, and she nods. “Wei Ying will need to grow lotuses.”

She snorts.

“He’ll manage. I’ll need to put together supplies for a clinic in town.”

“And you will need protection while you do,” Lan Wangji points out, and her lips twist in distaste.

“You and Wei Wuxian will need to adopt the street kids anyway, so I’m sure you’ll be in town with me when I go,” she says with a sigh, heading for her medical alcove. “Hopefully the Jin don’t act against us, but we’ll keep aware.”

It takes several days to prepare and make plans. They decide on baozi for the street kids, something that doesn’t require dishes, unlike Wei Ying’s idea of soup. He had to concede that the need for dishes limited them, but argued successfully for sweet zongzi in addition to the baozi, on the grounds that they would be a nice treat.

Wei Qing was hopeful she could examine the kids as they came to treat any injuries or maladies, but the first order of business was finding and leasing an appropriate stall.

Fortunately, when it is made clear she intends to treat and feed people for free, space is made in a small booth for a very small price by the Yiling magistrate. He is thrilled to have the famous doctor back in Yiling, as she previously treated patients for free if they braved the Wen sect to reach her. He even tries to offer the former supervisory office, which is a better place for them than the Burial Mounds, but it has no defenses and they regretfully decline.

If they can convince Jiang Wanyin—Wanyin-di if he had to in polite company, though fortunately it would have the benefit of irking the other man—to provide disciples for defense, they may revisit that, but it’s likely better to simply retreat slowly to Lotus Pier.

Wei Ying does not prove easy to wake early to go to Yiling, and Lan Wangji resorts to waking him carnally, which is quite effective. It takes little time to clean up.

Lan Wangji dons the blue robes he arrived in, and Wei Ying wears a black robe that shimmers purple in the sun. They debated wearing more nondescript robes, but decided on more opulent ones since they weren’t sneaking around or trying to hide their identities. Wei Qing is wearing a dress in Jiang blue and the comb Jiang Wanyin gave her is in her bun. Wei Ning is wearing the nicer robes Nie Huaisang gave him—they intend to get him another nice set or two in town—and aside from his pallor and black veins he looks as though he could be alive, his hair properly in its crown.

The preparation of food took place the evening before by Wei Ning and several aunties and uncles, who are happy with the prospect of helping children, even as they also need help. With the help of a qiankun pouch, they’re ready to be cooked up later. Wei Qing also enlisted the help of the aunties and uncles making several medicines she knew would be requested, with ingredients tucked away for medicines that could hopefully be made on-site. They even have a hand painted sign with both the character for doctor and the yin/yang symbol so those who cannot read will know the booth has a doctor.

They don’t like the idea of leaving the Burial Mounds unprotected, but Wei Ying has spent the last few days adding wards and maze arrays, as well as a talisman to alert him if the wards go down so they can rush back, and so it is as safe as it can be. Hopefully the Jin are too busy choking on their own opulence to notice.

A-Yuan insists on coming, refusing to let his fathers go away without him. Lan Wangji can see it is a losing battle, as the boy seemed primed to throw a temper tantrum at the idea. Wei Ying also seems to recognize that, and given his reaction to Jin Zixuan, it seems prudent to assuage him.

“He needs reassurance and will reassure the people of Yiling,” Wei Qing says with a shrug when they tell her. “They all know who I am, and whose company I keep. Time to rehabilitate your image, and if A-Yuan can help, so be it.”

They take him back to the cave to change him into nicer robes, and then start the trip to Yiling.

Wei Ying and A-Yuan ride in the cart pushed by Wei Ning on the way, as part of the plan for the day is to purchase some items needed to make the rest of their stay in Burial Mounds more comfortable, now that they can afford them, including talisman paper for Wei Ying, ingredients and supplies for medicines, cooking utensils, and other sundries.

“I want to cook… to cook a wider variety of food,” he said when the list was compiled, arguing for cooking utensils, and Wei Qing wrote it down immediately.

Lan Wangji agrees with her decision, and not only because it will expand their diets, something that will benefit Wei Ying. Wei Ning enjoys cooking and he deserves the enjoyment. He feels no small manner of gratitude to the man for all he does around the settlement and how he has helped Wei Ying, and he is happy to be his sworn brother.

When they arrive at the booth, almost a hut with no walls, a small throng of people are already waiting, word of mouth having already spread, and the croud breaks into murmurs. Bits of rumor, wondering which is the Yiling Patriarch, the Ghost General, who is the child? Wei Ying doesn’t react to their curious gazes, ignoring them.

Wei Qing gets to work treating the patients, introducing herself as Wei Qing, to ensure it is known she is no longer Wen. Wei Ning sets up the sign and starts a fire in the little hearth to get the food cooking. Wei Ying and Lan Wangji attend to the list, but keep the booth in view in case of problems, cautious. A-Yuan comes with them, holding their hands securely even when they come to a toy stand, clingy even as they get him several toys, whether because of the aftermath of Jin Zixuan or because he picks up on their worry.

They manage to find at least some of their purchases within view of the booth, but the rest will wait until afterward now that A-Yuan has toys to distract him the rest of the day.

Only past the shichen of the snake, when they eat some of the baozi and zongzi themselves, does the first likely street kid show up, which makes a morbid amount of sense.

“We’re new, and every street kid has heard of the stranger with poisoned food,” Wei Ying explains softly, and a chill runs through Lan Wangji at the idea of that being a risk, one his husband has faced.

The child thanks Wei Ning solemnly and keeps close to the booth while he eats, watching warily around, then disappears once the food is eaten, not even thinking to ask for more. Wei Ying watches the space the boy was in with a sad expression, and Lan Wangji takes his hand to bring him back to the present.

“It will take time, but we will wait,” he says, and is given a breathtaking smile in return, full of love and appreciation and gratitude. Of hope and happiness.

There is not much Lan Wangji won’t do to protect that smile, one not long ago he feared he’d lost.

Notes:

After I posted the last chapter, I wound up in the hospital the next day with pancreatitis caused by my gallbladder. I was admitted and had my gallbladder removed. Went home, the incision got infected, wound up back in the hospital. Never got to celebrate my birthday and spent a large portion of June in the hospital. I’m completely healed now, though! No, Wei Ning isn’t xiao didi, as that’s slang for penis. This is why they decided not to do the titles. According to my research, the yin/yang was a symbol of medicine because it was about balance and good health is about achieving various balances in traditional Chinese medicine. The shichen of the snake is the 9-11 shichen, so past that would be the shichen of the horse, as each shichen is associated with the animals of the zodiac. baozi = stuffed buns ba xiongdi = sworn brothers biaoge = cousin (mom’s brother’s son, elder) hai shi = 9-11pm guma = father’s older sister guzhang = father’s sister’s husband jiejie = older sister jifu = fourth uncle (季父) mei = little sister popo = grandmother shichen = 2 hour period tangdi = cousin (dad’s sister’s son, younger) wai sheng = sister’s son xian bing = stuffed pancakes xiong = older brother zhushazhi = the cinnabar mark on the Jins’ foreheads zongzi = sticky rice dumplings

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glycerin-17 · 1 year ago

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The character for Jiāng (江) means 'river', the character for Chéng (澄) means 'clear', the character for Wǎn (晚) means 'night', the character for yín (吟) means 'to chant', and Sāndú (三毒) is a Buddhist phrase for the root of all turmoil (greed, anger, ignorance), so in a Modern MDZS AU where they all have social media for some reason, Jiāng Wǎnyín's social media name could, realistically, be OminousChantingAtTheRiverAtMidnight and still be completely based on his name. In this essay, I will-

#mdzs #modern au #mdzs modern au #jiang cheng #jiang wanyin #sandu shengshou #thank you for coming to my tedtalk

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fanfictiongreenirises · 4 months ago

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Writing Patterns

rules: share the first line of your last ten published works or as many as you are able and see if there are any patterns!

thank you @twilightarc-gm for tagging me 💜💜 i'm stealing the layout as well 😂

Be Careful What You Wish For (mdzs)

Wèi Wúxiàn groaned, registering the ache in his head and the soreness in his ribs far before he opened his eyes.

Rocky Road Trips (mdzs)

The bitch of it all, Jiāng Chéng realised about half an hour into this trip, was that he really should’ve seen this coming.

all at once (mdzs)

Jiāng Wǎnyín was being cagey, and Lán Wàngjī didn’t like it.

Whipped! By Zidian's Master, and Other Erotic Tales (mdzs)

Sāndú Shèngshǒu peers up at you through his lashes, wet robes clinging to him indecently.

The Case of the Vanished Lake (mdzs)

It’s almost midnight by the time they finally finish moving all the boxes.

Through The Ages (dc)

Dick didn’t know what time it was when he heard the key moving in the lock of his door.

Never Wrong, Always Right (mdzs)

“Okay, he’s here,” Jiāng Chéng hissed. “You remember your lines, right?”

Muscle Memory (mdzs)

Jiāng Chéng hadn’t even been expecting Lán Wàngjī and Wèi Wúxiàn to be back that night.

Catalyst (mdzs)

It wasn’t that Jiāng Chéng didn’t trust other sects (he didn’t); it was just that, with Jīn Líng new in power and this being his first cultivation conference, it’d be the first time for other sects to gather.

tangerine neon light (mdzs)

It was still dim when Jiāng Chéng woke up.

okay i'm so underwhelmed by these 😂 i think it's safe to say i begin fics very... neutrally? (but 7/10 of these were either gifts or for events so i feel like that definitely made them less exciting for me to write and therefore there isn't as much juice as there might've been otherwise 🤔)

no pressure tags for some writer friends (and anyone who sees this and wants to do it!!): @they-reap-what-we-sow @sassydefendorflower @applejee @dottie-wan-kenobi @babblingbookends @mickidona

#tag games #iris writes #this was fun!! <- ignoring im doing this instead of actual work

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mdzs-fics · 7 months ago

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I Believe in Miracles by NiobeFurens

AU - Canon Divergence 11 chapters complete 14k words [Must have an account with Archive of Our Own in order to read. An invitation is readily provided on the website.]

“Wēn Qiónglín, you have to help me get out of here;” said Jiāng Wǎnyín urgently, his voice was as weak, and unsteady, as his body; but his eyes were clear, and determined.

“W-w-what? Y-y-you can’t go a-a-anyw-w-where like this!”

“I know;" he murmured, "That’s why I need your help.”

“B-b-but..”

“What Wèi Wúxiàn wants to do! What your Jiějiě plans to do…” he said frenziedly, “I cannot allow it!”

“B-b-but…”

“Wēn Qiónglín, please! You have to help me get out of here!” implored Jiāng Wǎnyín again, “I thought you were his friend! How can you stand by and watch him destroy himself! I beg you!”

Wēn Níng fell silent. He had been against this scheme all along… He didn’t think it was a good idea… How could two wrongs make a right? But to go against Jiějiě, and Wèi Wúxiàn…

“If it had happened to you,” pressed Jiāng Wǎnyín, desperation in his eyes, “Would you want your Jiějiě to give you her core ?”

At the start of I Believe in Miracles, Jiāng Wǎnyín heard the discussion between Wèi Wúxiàn and Wēn Qing and is resolved it will never happen. Wēn Ning has a better plan: go find Bàoshān Sànrén. It turns out that it might be possible. Wēn Ning has studied the history of the Wēn for quite some time.

As the story progresses, we find that the "meek" Wēn Qiónglín is assertive, knowledgeable and willing to do what it takes to save Jiāng Wǎnyín. He can also be extremely persuasive.

The story goes back and forth between the characters involved. Wēn Qing and Wèi Wúxiàn, operating in different places, are involved the most. The swords are retrieved. An invitation to the Sun Palace is presented to the Sects by Bàoshān Sànrén (yes, Wēn Ning was successful).

Things go differently after that. The events at the Sun Palace and what comes after are satisfying. I'm happy I was able to read this work, which is so different to many of the Alternate Universe tales I've encountered. Enjoy.

#mdzs fic recs #wei ying #mo dao zu shi #mdzs #baoshan sanren #wen ning #wen qing #lan zhan #no yin iron was used in the creation of this story

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demoiselledefortune · 1 year ago

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Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: 陈情令 | The Untamed (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Jiāng Chéng | Jiāng Wǎnyín/Niè Huáisāng, Minor or Background Relationship(s) Characters: Jiāng Chéng | Jiāng Wǎnyín, Niè Huáisāng, Jiāng Yànlí, Jīn Líng | Jīn Rúlán, Jīn Zǐxuān, Wèi Yīng | Wèi Wúxiàn, Lán Zhàn | Lán Wàngjī, Yú Zǐyuān, Jiāng Fēngmián Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, American AU, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Childhood Friends, Fluff and Angst, Family Drama, Scheming Niè Huáisāng, Oblivious Jiāng Chéng | Jiāng Wǎnyín, Boats, Swimming Summary:

When faced with an upcoming family vacation, Jiang Cheng invites Nie Huaisang, an old friend from summer camp who he hasn't properly spoken to in years, along as his pretend boyfriend. It's supposed to be a win-win situation: Jiang Cheng gets someone there who will have his back amidst family members and in-laws who have made their disdain clear and gets his parents off his back about his lack of love life, and Huaisang gets a week away from the city, his brother's knife company, and the reminder that his brother is in jail for a violent crime. Neither of them expect to catch feelings, but a lot can change over the course of a week at the Jiang family lake house.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/50818951

to make this dock my home by brightblackholes

Just finished reading this modern au fake relationship sangcheng fic and found it excellent!

#mo dao zu shi #jiang cheng #nie huaisang #sangcheng #fic rec

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kiragecko · 1 year ago

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When I get into foreign media, one of the first things I do is study the names. Because being a nerd is fun.

My friend is writing extremely good Untamed fanfic, so I've spent the last week trying to figure out how to pronounce Mandarin. And then, despite the fact that y'all can just LISTEN to the show to hear the pronunciation, I decided to share my new knowledge.

I'm a historical linguist (I study how languages might have been spoken in the past) so I'm also including how these names might have been pronounced in Middle Chinese (4th-12th C).

We don't know exactly how things were pronounced then. But this story is set in vaguely historical fantasy China, so I want it to have some vaguely historical names.

Explanation of the symbols afterwards.

The Names

Hanzi (Chinese Characters) | English Translation/Pinyin | IPA (Phonetic transcription of sounds) | Respelling (Phonetic Transcription designed to be easier to understand for English speakers) (Middle Chinese Reconstruction: IPA | Respelling)

姑苏蓝氏 | Gusu Lan Clan | ku˥˥‧su˥˥‧län˧˥ ‧ʂʐ̩˥˩ | kōo-sōo lán ʂʐ̀

(kuo‧suo‧lɑm dʑiᴇˣ | kwo-swo lahm jyé)

云深不知处 | Cloud Recesses | yn˧˥‧ʂən˥˥‧pu˥˩‧ʈʂʐ̩˥˥‧ʈʂʰu˨˩˦ | éeᵘn-ʂə̄n-pòo ʈʂʐ̄-ʈʂǒo (ɦɨun‧ɕiɪm‧pɨu‧ʈiᴇ‧tɕʰɨʌˣ | hhyoon-sheem-pyoo ʈye-chyúh)

蓝启仁 | Lán Qǐrén | län˧˥ tɕʰi˨˩˦‧ʐən˧˥ | lán chěe-ʐə́n (lɑm kʰeiˣ‧ȵiɪn | lahm káy ñen)

青蘅君 | Qīnghéng Jūn | tɕʰiŋ˥˥‧xɤŋ˧˥ tɕyn˥˥ | chēeng-xóʸng chēeᵘn (tsʰeŋ‧ɦˠæŋ kɨun | tsaeng-hhang kyoon)

蓝景仪 | Lán Jīngyí | län˧˥ tɕiŋ˨˩˦‧i˧˥ | lán chěeng-ée (lɑm kˠiæŋˣ‧ŋˠiᴇ | lahm kyáng-ngye)

蓝翼 | Lán Yì | län˧˥ i˥˩ | lán èe (lɑm jɨk | lahm yeek)

云梦江氏 | Yúnmèng Jiāng Clan | yn˧˥‧mɤŋ˥˩‧tɕiɑŋ˥˥ ‧ʂʐ̩˥˩ | éeᵘn-mòʸng chyāhng ʂʐ̀

(ɦɨun‧mɨuŋᴴ kˠʌŋ dʑiᴇˣ | hhyoon-myòong kuhng jyé)

江厌离 | Jiāng Yànlí | tɕiɑŋ˥˥ jɛn˥˩‧li˧˥ | chyāhng yèn-lée (kˠʌŋ ʔiᴇmᴴ‧liᴇ | kuhng yèm-lye)

江枫眠 | Jiāng Fēngmián | tɕiɑŋ˥˥ fɤŋ˥˥‧miɛn˧˥ | chyāhng fōʸng-myén (kˠʌŋ pɨuŋ‧men | kuhng pyoong-maen)

魏长泽 | Wèi Chángzé | weɪ˥˩ ʈʂʰɑŋ˧˥‧tsɤ˧˥ | wày ʈʂáhng-tsóʸ (ŋʉiᴴ ɖɨɐŋ‧ɖˠæk | ngwèe ɖyuhng-ɖak)

藏色散人 | Cángsè Sǎnrén | tsʰɑŋ˧˥‧sɤ˥˩ sän˨˩˦‧ʐən˧˥ | tsáhng-sòʸ sǎn-ʐə́n (dzɑŋ‧ʃɨk sɑnˣ‧ȵiɪn | dzahng-sheek sáhn-ñeen)

兰陵金氏 | Lánlíng Jīn Clan | län˧˥‧liŋ˧˥‧tɕin˥˥‧ʂʐ̩˥˩ | lán-léeng chēen ʂʐ̀

(lɑn‧lɨŋ kˠiɪm dʑiᴇˣ | lahn-leeng keem jyé)

江厌离 | Jiāng Yànlí | tɕiɑŋ˥˥ jɛn˥˩‧li˧˥ | chyāhng yèn-lée (kˠʌŋ ʔiᴇmᴴ‧liᴇ | kuhng yèm-lye)

金光善 | Jīn Guāngshàn | tɕin˥˥ kuɑŋ˥˥‧ʂän˥˩ | chēen kwāhng-ʂàn (kˠiɪm kwɑŋ‧dʑiᴇnˣ | keem kwahng-jyén)

秦愫 | Qín Sù | tɕʰin˧˥ su˥˩ | chéen sòo (dziɪn suoᴴ | dzeen swò)

金子轩 | Jīn Zǐxuān | tɕin˥˥ tsz̩˨˩˦‧ɕyɛn˥˥ | chēen tsz-shyᵘēn (kˠiɪm tsɨˣ‧hɨɐn | keem tsée-hyuhn)

金子勋 | Jīn Zǐxūn | tɕin˥˥ tsz̩˦˥‧ɕyn˥˥ | chēen tsz-shēeᵘn (kˠiɪm tsɨˣ‧hɨun | keem tsée-hyoon)

莫玄羽 | Mò Xuányǔ | muɔ˥˩ ɕyɛn˧˥‧y˨˩˦ | mwò shyᵘén-ěeᵘ (mɑk ɦwen‧ɦɨoˣ | mahk hhwaen-hhyó)

金阐 | Jīn Chǎn | tɕin˥˥ ʈʂʰän˨˩˦ | chēen ʈʂǎn (kˠiɪm tɕʰiᴇnˣ | keem chyén)

清河聂氏 | Qīnghé Niè Clan | tɕʰiŋ˥˥‧xɤ˧˥‧niɛ˥˩‧ʂʐ̩˥˩ | chēeng-xóʸ nyè ʂʐ̀

(tsʰiᴇŋ‧ɦɑ‧ɳˠiᴇp‧dʑiᴇˣ | tsyeng-hhah ɳyep jyé)

岐山温氏 | Qíshān Wēn Clan | tɕʰi˧˥‧ʂän˥˥‧wən˥˥‧ʂʐ̩˥˩ | chée-ʂān wə̄n ʂʐ̀

(giᴇ‧ʃˠɛn‧ʔuən‧dʑiᴇˣ | gye-shen wən jyé)

温情 | Wēn Qíng | wən˥˥ tɕʰiŋ˧˥ | wə̄n chéeng (ʔuən dziᴇŋ | wən dzyeng)

温若寒 | Wēn Ruòhán | wən˥˥ ʐuɔ˥˩‧xän˧˥ | wə̄n ʐwò-xán (ʔuən ȵɨɐk‧ɦɑn | wən ñyuhk-hhahn)

温旭 | Wēn Xù | wən˥˥ ɕy˥˩ | wə̄n shèeᵘ (ʔuən hɨok | wən hyok)

温晁 | Wēn Cháo | wən˥˥ ʈʂʰɑʊ˧˥ | wə̄n ʈʂáhw (ʔuən ɖˠiᴇu | wən ɖyew)

王灵娇 | Wáng Língjiāo | wɑŋ˧˥ liŋ˧˥‧tɕiɑʊ˥˥ | wáhng léeng-chyāhw (ɦʉɐŋ leŋ‧kˠiᴇu | hhwuhng laeng-kyew)

Others

抱山散人 | Bàoshān Sǎnrén | pɑʊ˥˩‧ʂän˥˥ sän˨˩˦‧ʐən˧˥ | pàhw-ʂān sǎn-ʐə́n (bɑuˣ‧ʃˠɛn sɑnˣ‧ȵiɪn | báhw-shen sáhn-ñeen)

欧阳子真 | Ōuyáng Zǐzhēn | ʔoʊ˥˥‧jɑŋ˧˥ tsz̩˦˥‧ʈʂən˥˥ | ōw-yáhng tsź-ʈʂə̄n (ʔəu‧jɨɐŋ tsɨˣ‧tɕiɪn | əw-yuhng tsée-cheen)

SYMBOLS USED

Pinyin (English translation) | IPA symbols | Respelling | English Example

m | m | m | mind

n | n | n | need

N/A | ɳ | ɳ | 'need' with tip of tongue curled up

N/A | ȵ | ñ | canyon

ng | ŋ | ng | sing

N/A | b | b | bat

b | p | p | keep

p | pʰ | p | peek

N/A | d | d | deep

d | t | t | cat

t | tʰ | t | tack

N/A | ɖ | ɖ | 'deep' with tip of tongue curled up

N/A | ʈ | ʈ | 'cat' with tip of tongue curled up

N/A | g | g | goat

g | k | k | peek

k | kʰ | k | keep

N/A | ʔ | none | uh-oh (sound made in English when two vowels need to stay separate, and neither is a 'i' or 'u')

N/A | dz | dz | beds

z | ts | ts | cats

c | tsʰ | ts | tsunami

zh | ʈʂ | ʈʂ | 'cats' with tip of tongue curled up

ch | ʈʂʰ | ʈʂ | 'tsunami' with tip of tongue curled up

N/A | dʑ | j | jump (hold tongue like a 'y' then say 'j')

j | tɕ | ch | pitch (hold tongue like a 'y' then say 'ch')

q | tɕʰ | ch | check (hold tongue like a 'y' then say 'ch')

f | f | f | fig

s | s | s | sit

sh | ʂ | ʂ | 'sit' with tip of tongue curled up

x | ɕ | sh | ship (hold tongue like a 'y' then say 'sh')

h | x | x | loch

N/A | h | h | help

N/A | ɦ | hh | help with slightly more air

l | l | l | lamp

r | ʐ or ɻ | ʐ | 'zip' with tip of tongue curled up

y | j | y | yes

yu | ɥ | yᵘ | you ('y' with lips rounded like you're saying a 'w' or 'u')

w | w | w | wet

Vowels

i | i, ɨ, iɪ, ɨi | ee or y | see (Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

i | z̩ | z | bzzz (Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

i | ʐ̩ | ʐ̩ | bzzz with tip of tongue curled up (Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

u | ɥ, y | eeᵘ or yᵘ | lips say 'sue', mouth says 'see'(Can/Amer/Brit/Aus) ⁹

u | u | oo or w | threw (Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

u | uə | wə | threw up(Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

N/A | ʉi | wee | weak(Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

N/A | ɨo | yo | yore(Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

iu | ioʊ | yow | yoke (Amer/Can), between yore and yoke (Brit/Aus)

io | iʊ, ɨu | yoo | pure (Amer/Can), cute (Brit/Aus)

o | uo, uɔ | wo | wart (Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

N/A | əu | əw | about (Can), starting as 'comma', ending as 'goat' (Amer) , no (Brit/Aus)

ou | oʊ | ow | soul(Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

a | ä, æ | a | lad(Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

a | ɑ | ah | arm (Can), palm (Amer/Brit), my without the 'e' (Aus)

N/A | ʌ | uh | run (Amer/Can/Brit), 'comma' (Aus)

a | ɛ | e | bed (Can/Amer/Brit), between 'lad' and 'led' (Aus)

ao | ɑʊ, ɑu | ahw | now (Can), 'palm' + 'w' (Amer/Brit), starting as 'my', ending as 'soul' (Aus)

N/A | ɨæ | ya | yap(Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

ia, ya | iɑ | yah | yard (Can/Amer/Brit), yikes without the 'e' (Aus)

ia, ie | iɛ, iᴇ | ye | yes (Can/Amer/Brit), between 'yap' and 'yep' (Aus)

N/A | ɨʌ, ɨɐ, jɨɐ | yuh | yuck (Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

yua, ua | ɥɛ, yɛ | yᵘe | lips say 'wet', mouth says 'yet' (Can/Amer/Brit), lips say wet, mouth says between 'yap' and 'yet' (Aus)

iao | iɑʊ | yahw | yard + 'w' (Can/Amer/Brit), yikes + 'w' (Aus)

N/A | ɨæ | ya | yap(Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

ua | uä, ua | wa | wack(Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

ua | uɑ, wɑ | wah | warm (Can/Amer/Brit), white (Aus)

N/A | ʉɐ | wuh | won(Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

uai | uaɪ | why | wide (Amer/Can) wack + 'y' (Brit), way (Aus)

N/A | uɛi | wey | wet + 'y' (Can/Amer/Brit), between 'way' and 'wed' (Aus)

e | ə | ə | comma (Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

e | ɤ | oʸ | lips say 'wore', mouth says 'yore'(Can/Amer/Brit/Aus)

e | e | ae | day without 'y' (Can/Amer/Brit), bed (Aus)

ei | eɪ | ay | day (Can/Amer/Brit), bed + 'y' (Aus)

N/A | we | wae ¹⁰ | way without 'y' (Can/Amer/Brit), wed (Aus)

ui, wei | ueɪ, weɪ | way | way (Can/Amer/Brit) , wed + 'y' (Aus)

N/A | iᴇu, jiᴇu | yew | yes + 'w' (Can/Amer/Brit), between 'yap' and 'yep' + 'w' (Aus)

N/A | wiᴇ | wye | ??

N/A | iuɪ | ywee | ??

N/A | iuᴇ, jiuᴇ | ywe | ??

N/A | iuᴇi | ywey | ??

(The 'i's at the beginning of the last 3 are there to distinguish them from other sounds, but we don't actually know how they're pronounced. Same thing with all the extra 'j's and 'w's in the Middle Chinese transcriptions.)

Other Symbols

ˠ - say the sound while back of tongue is raised.

ᴴ, ˣ - the 2 marked tones of Middle Chinese (third 'tone' is syllables with 'p', 't', or 'k' at the end, final tone is unmarked). It's uncertain what they were, but the guess is 'ᴴ' was low and 'ˣ' was high.

ó, ò, ō, ǒ | ˧˥, ˥˩, ˥˥, ˨˩˦ - Modern Mandarin tones. I'm ADHD and can't hear my own tone and volume, so I am have no help for you.

#the untamed #mo dao zu shi #linguistics #mandarin #middle chinese #historical linguistics

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twilightarc-gm · 11 months ago

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I Long For You (相思)

by twilightarc

Rating: Explicit

Categories: M/M

Relationships: Jiang Cheng | Jiang Wanyin/Wei Ying | Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng | Jiang Wanyin & Jiang Yanli & Wei Ying | Wei Wuxian

Characters: Wei Ying | Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng | Jiang Wanyin, Jiang Yanli, Original Characters

Additional Tags:

Alternate Universe – Shapeshifter, Wolf Jiāng Chéng | Jiāng Wǎnyín, Crow Wei Ying | Wei Wuxian, Jealous Wei Ying | Wei Wuxian, Possessive Behavior, Getting Together, Demisexual Jiang Cheng | Jiang Wanyin, Top/Bottom Versatile | Switch Wei Ying | Wei Wuxian, Top/Bottom Versatile | Switch Jiang Cheng | Jiang Wanyin, Anal Sex, minor Jiāng Chéng | Jiāng Wǎnyín/Qín Sù, Arranged Marriage, Sect Leader Jiang Yanli, Minor Jiang Yanli/Jin Zixuan, Minor/Mentioned Past Relationships, POV Alternating, POV Third Person Limited, Present Tense, Work In Progress

Summary:

Sure Jiāng Chéng is a sect leader and has a lot of filial responsibilities, but isn't it a bit too soon? And why so secretive about it? How come Wèi Wúxiàn isn't the first to know that his staunchly unromantic shīdì is arranging himself to be married? It's improper! Who is this woman anyway? Is she even good enough to be the next madam of Yúnmèng Jiāng Clan? He didn't tell Shījiě either?! Unacceptable.

Meanwhile, Jiāng Chéng is just trying to prepare for a future where his sister and sworn brother leave him for good.

Series:

Part 2 of Yā-Xiàn Loves Chéng-Láng

Completed: 2024-10-10 | Words: 45,781 | Chapters: 9/9 | Language: English | Published: 2024-03-03

#chengxian #jiang cheng #wei wuxian #twi fics

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ao3feed-xicheng · 4 months ago

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Gifting

by emphatichearts Prompt: JC goes to GSL to pay his respects to birthday boy LXC and LWJ gets unspeakably jealous because HE'S never gotten a political birthday visit with a respectable gift for a fellow sect leader >:( LWJ behaves normally about this, obviously. Words: 1649, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: 魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù, 陈情令 | The Untamed (TV) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M Characters: Jiang Cheng | Jiang Wanyin, Lan Zhan | Lan Wangji, Lan Huan | Lan Xichen Relationships: Jiang Cheng | Jiang Wanyin/Lan Zhan | Lan Wangji, Unrequited Jiāng Chéng | Jiāng Wǎnyín/Lán Huàn | Lán Xīchén Additional Tags: idiots to lovers, Humor, Arguing, Gift Giving via https://ift.tt/w9vrLzT

#IFTTT #ao3feed #fanfic #xicheng #jiang cheng #lan xichen #mdzs #cql

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zhancheng-ao3feed · 4 months ago

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#zhancheng #fan fic ao3

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ladysunamireads · 2 years ago

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A Rainbow-Faceted Heart

A Rainbow-Faceted Heart by DrPanda99

Wei Ying is but a humble farmer, much removed from his former days of Jianghu glory. When he finds a strange injured snake in his lotus pond, he is unprepared for how much his life will change.

And in the Heavens, war wages on.

Words: 18028, Chapters: 5/5, Language: English

Fandoms: 魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Lán Huàn | Lán Xīchén, Lán Qǐrén, Wēn Xù, Jiāng Chéng | Jiāng Wǎnyín

Relationships: Lán Zhàn | Lán Wàngjī/Wèi Yīng | Wèi Wúxiàn

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Dragon Lán Zhàn | Lán Wàngjī, Dragon Lán Huàn | Lán Xīchén, Chinese Mythology & Folklore, War, Identity Porn, former soldier WWX, cultivating to immortality (offscreen), No Golden Core Transfer, Art Embedded, Noodleji, Fairytale Vibes, Chronic Pain, Disability, Farmer Wèi Yīng | Wèi Wúxiàn

Read Here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/48054901

#AO3 Feed #FanFiction #AO3 Wangxian #♥#Wangxian #Lan Huan #MDZS #⚣#⚔️#R:T #Dragonji #Dragon AU #A:DrPanda99

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silentstep · 2 years ago

Video

youtube

Creator: tinfang_warble Fandom: 陈情令 | The Untamed (TV) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Jiāng Chéng | Jiāng Wǎnyín/Wēn Qíng Characters: Jiāng Chéng | Jiāng Wǎnyín, Wēn Qíng (Módào Zǔshī) Additional Tags: Fanvid, Song: Bad Romance (Lady Gaga), Lucas Silveira - Freeform

For my birthday I asked for a ChengQing vid and now HERE IT IS IN ALL ITS GLORY. If you enjoyed, I encourage you to leave a comment or kudos for tinfang_warble on AO3!

#the untamed #chen qing ling #陈情令 #chengqing #jiang cheng #wen qing #jiang cheng/wen qing #no good things for the poor sad cultivators #the way you guys treat me it's like you don't even care I have lightning powers #otp: loved I not duty more

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rosethornewrites · 6 months ago

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Fic: this body yet survives, ch. 17

Relationship: Lán Zhàn | Lán Wàngjī/Wèi Yīng | Wèi Wúxiàn

Tags: No War AU, Recovery, Trauma, Dissociation, Courtship, Courting Rituals, Near Death Experiences, Attempted Murder, Eventual Happy Ending, Panic Attacks, Vomiting, Siblings, Protective Siblings, Soup, Triggers, Protective Lan WangJi, Protective Lán Qǐrén, Yúnmèng Siblings Dynamics, Bad Parent Yú Zǐyuān, POV Third Person, POV Lan WangJi, reference to poisoning, reference to assassination, Reference to chronic illness, reference to infanticide, Depression, Minor Injuries, Painting, Gift Giving, Wèi Yīng | Wèi Wúxiàn Has a Fear of Dogs, Good Sibling Jiāng Chéng | Jiāng Wǎnyín, Good Sibling Jiāng Yànlí, BAMF Wèi Yīng | Wèi Wúxiàn, Jealous Su She | Su Minshan, Wei Ying | Wei Wuxian Protection Squad

Summary: Birthdays and brotherhoods.

Notes: See end.

Parts 1 & 2

Chapter 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

AO3 link

——————

Wei Ying’s birthday celebration was low-key, celebrated with Wen Ning, Wen Qing, and Nie Huaisang, who had bullied his brother until he was allowed to visit the Cloud Recesses for it under the care of a steward of the sect. The Nie heir showed up as they ate a late lunch and insisted on eating with them, even pulling out packages of food he’d purchased in town to supplement the lunch Jiang Yanli made.

Nie Huaisang pouted when he learned that Wei Ying was swearing brotherhood again with someone not him, and was only appeased by the offer to swear brotherhood with him as well.

It was appropriate, as the numerology of a two person brotherhood was “easy,” and Lan Wangji imagined such a brotherhood would be easy for Wei Ying. Similarly, a three-person brotherhood with the Wens was apt, with one aspect of the numerology being “health,” given Wen Qing was Wei Ying’s doctor.

A four-person brotherhood was unlucky, sounding like and associated with death, and out of the question.

Off and on all afternoon while they all visited, Jiang Yanli cooked up a feast to serve for dinner. Wei Ying successfully ate his longevity noodles without breaking them. The time passed quickly, with Wei Ying contributing to the conversations and even initiating them, so much more comfortable around people than he had been, and this was blessedly a good day.

By hai shi he was falling asleep, used to the Lan schedule now, and the Wens excused themselves, leaving a gift of copies of rare books on talismans from the Wen library.

“Unc—Uncle thought you might… might enjoy them,” Wen Ning said, clearly happy with Wei Ying’s enthused response.

“No other library in the jianghu has these books,” Wen Qing added. “He fully expects that you’ll build on these to create worthwhile talismans. Write a book yourself—you have the talent.”

Wei Ying could only blush at her kind words, if delivered brusquely.

“Ah, Qing-jie, I knew you liked me!”

“You grow on people like mold,” she sniffed, rolling her eyes, and Wei Ying laughed.

Nie Huaisang gave more art supplies, including some gold leaf paint he picked up in Lanling.

“I want to commission you more, once you finish Wen-zongzhu’s. I still use the fan you painted for me,” he added, brandishing the fan proudly. “Oh, I wonder if the Nie library has books on talismans? I should ask Dage!”

“Most sects do,” Wei Ying said, his voice a bit distant.

The Jiang had only had his contributions, Lan Wangji had learned, which had been sent with him to Gusu. And now Yunmeng had none.

Lan Wangji worried he might close off, but he shook off the dark emotions quickly as Jiang Yanli pushed a segment of orange into his hand, knowing the smell and taste would help.

“I have some fruit we can enjoy,” she said, distracting everyone effectively as Jiang Wanyin brought in a tray.

Nie Huaisang demurred and excused himself. Jiang Yanli and Lan Wangji kept fruit on Wei Ying’s plate until he protested that he was full.

He had handled having guests well, and Lan Wangji was proud of his fortitude, knowing only weeks ago, with all the stress, he may not have been able to endure. He would still sometimes struggle, but Lan Wangji would be there to help him when he needed it.

After they left, Lan Wangji gifted Wei Ying the blanket he had commissioned, the topside embroidered with panels of the seasons, topped by mountains and clouds, with romantic symbols like a pair of mandarin ducks, butterflies, and two dragons, as well as auspicious ones meant to show how he saw Wei Ying, including a tiger for his bravery and the Four Plants of Virtue. The blanket contained replaceable sachets scented orange and cinnamon so he might feel safe as well as warm. It was also large enough for their marital bed, a reminder that made Lan Wangji’s ears hot with a mixture of anticipation and excitement at his own audacity.

“I’ll use it tonight, Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying said softly after examining the scene. “It smells so good.”

“It’s beautiful, Wangji,” Jiang Yanli added, wrapping it around Wei Ying’s shoulders.

He was permitted to hug Wei Ying under the keen eyes of their chaperones before Jiang Wanyin shooed him out, citing his brother’s exhaustion.

Lan Wangji dreamt of holding him that night, just holding him close so he would feel safe and warm.

The next day they learned the disciples sent out found the hole-riddled body of Su She, which they took to Caiyi for a pauper’s burial, though the Cloud Recesses was closer—the man had backtracked for an attempt at revenge. The disciples had decided collectively (and correctly) that he should not be interred in the Lan compound after his transgressions. They had performed “Inquiry” to be sure his spirit didn’t linger; it didn’t, Su She being mediocre even at resentment.

Lan Wangji was relieved—the curse had no additional culprit, only a known actor. Wei Ying just sighed and shook his head, but he was clearly relieved not to have to worry about the vicious little man any longer. None of his co-conspirators were found with him, so he likely acted alone. Scouts found that the others had split up and largely already left Gusu, one already joining a remote temple to serve Guanyin, a good outcome out of a bad situation.

The news was balanced out by the swearing of brotherhood, first with the Wen siblings, and then with Nie Huaisang. They all skipped the banquet, but the kitchen insisted on sending a small one to the Jiang guest house to give Jiang Yanli a break from cooking. She was embarrassed, and insisted she didn’t need one, but it was good for her to be able to rest.

They provided more than simply Lan fare, having brought dishes from Qishan and Qinghe into the banquet, and Lan Wangji noticed Wei Ying stuck to those dishes, particularly enthused by a spicy soup dish Wen Qing identified as hulatang and a Qinghe specialty with braised chestnuts and pork. Also included were hot dry noodles popular in Yunmeng, among other dishes from that area.

He wondered if Jiang Yanli would teach him to prepare his favorites, as he had no desire to make Wei Ying eat what he did not enjoy, and resolved to ask her.

The beginning of the meal was silent, and involved tasting the various dishes, from mutton-stuffed baozi to yangrou paomo to pearl meatballs. Sweeter dishes included rose mirror cakes, tofu jelly, and red date soft candy. The spread was incredible in its array of flavors, and Lan Wangji found himself deviating from the traditional Lan fare in favor of some of them. It didn’t take too long for conversation to pick up as they ate.

Nie Huaisang made sure to point out that Wei Ying was his didi based on age.

“After all, it was my third time at the lectures and only your first when we met,” he said jovially.

“You just want me to call you Gege, Nie-xiong.”

“Of course!” he said, without shame. “And you get an extra gege with Dage! He really respects you.”

They were wonderfully distracted, speaking of happier days past, of the summer of their adolescence that had brought them together. Had brought Wei Ying into Lan Wangji’s life, tearing through his boundaries with his beautiful smile.

Again, Wei Ying handled having guests well, though he looked apologetically relieved when the Wen siblings excused themselves early, citing their plan to begin their travels back to Nightless City the next morning.

“I’m happy you came to celebrate with me, Didi,” Wei Ying said. “I didn’t expect you at all!”

“Shu… Shushu asked that it b-be kept secret in case I could… couldn’t.”

Nie Huaisang stayed only a bit longer, and Lan Wangji didn’t miss the surreptitious passing of a qiankun pouch, which undoubtedly contained more spring books.

“I’m so glad you look well; much better than my last visit,” the Nie heir said, patting Wei Ying’s arm. “I can’t stay longer—Meng Yao is my escort and he’s Dage’s right-hand man, so we need to get back to Qinghe.”

Wei Ying smiled at him, the pouch disappearing into his robes.

“I’m glad you came, Sang-ge, and I’m glad I can call you ge now.”

“Me too, Didi. You deserve more family, and now you almost have us in all the major sects,” he replied with a smile. “Except the Lan, but your future husband is here.��

He excused himself to return to his guest quarters.

“You do deserve more family, A-Xian,” Jiang Yanli echoed after his departure. “More people to support you.”

Lan Wangji stayed until shortly before hai shi, when Wei Ying was visibly drooping from the busy and emotional day.

They saw their visitors off at the front gate the next day, and the next several weeks were spent in peace. The family held a small private celebration for Jiang Wanyin’s birthday, and Lan Wangji gifted him stationery to write with, including new, decent-quality brushes. Xiongzhang and Shufu gifted him a weiqi set and a book about historical sect leaders, respectively. Wei Ying found a book involving lotus farming at the Caiyi bookseller during one of their trips, and gifted that without reading it, unsure whether it was a guide, novel, or book of poetry—Jiang Wanyin hid it away in a qiankun bag immediately for Wei Ying’s comfort, and would only find out when he returned to Lotus Pier.

“It doesn’t matter—if it’s about lotuses you need to read it,” Wei Ying said. “You’ll be sect leader, after all.”

The auger provided Shufu with a list of auspicious dates, and one was chosen for after the new year, the soonest available. Lan Wangji was more excited than he could properly express—not only would Wei Ying be his husband, joining him in the Jingshi permanently, but he would be safer with the title of Lan-er-furen. It was title Lan Qiren had mentioned could be altered as it had not been used in more than a generation, but Wei Ying had insisted upon it happily and proclaimed he would fulfill the appropriate role with its associated responsibilities.

Lan Wangji’s ears were hot for quite some time at the implied sexual connotation, which Wei Ying didn’t seem to know he had made.

Wedding invitations were written, with the hiccup that it was not possible to avoid inviting Jiang Fengmian for political reasons, though Yu Ziyuan’s ban from the Cloud Recesses would stand. Lan Wangji knew it was because he was a high-ranking member of the Lan clan and thus his marriage was considered a major event, and he hated it.

“You don’t have to serve him tea,” Wei Ying said softly, trying to soothe him, he was so good. “He will just be a guest and we don’t have to talk to him. Lan-xiansheng can examine whatever gift he gives before it reaches us.”

He would serve tea to the Jiang siblings, and to the tablets of Wei Ying’s parents, and Wei Ying would serve Xiongzhang and Shufu, as well as his parents’ tablets. That was acceptable.

Wei Ying otherwise spent much of his time painting or working on talismans, going back to the quiet productivity he’d displayed consistently since he’d started to truly heal, and the four of them spent many quiet afternoons in his workshop. At times he tutored disciples in sword forms, always happy to teach any who asked. Jiang Wanyin, Shufu told him, had suggested over tea that Wei Ying would be an effective archery instructor, something he was considering asking of him after the wedding.

The relative quietude was only interrupted by his siblings taking him to the most renowned clothier in Caiyi to commission wedding robes—far less harrowing an event, considering. His siblings were being very secretive about them, even to Wei Ying.

“They won’t tell me anything about them,” Wei Ying groused over tea with Lan Tayi, who clearly found the whole thing amusing. “I’m to wear a blindfold when we get to fittings, even!”

In truth, Lan Wangji had heard only of the custom of the couple being unable to see each other’s robes prior to the wedding, not that oneself couldn’t see their own robes. He wondered if the Jiang siblings wanted Wei Ying to be as surprised by his appearance as he would be, perhaps to heighten the joy of the wedding.

When he said as much, Wei Ying smiled at the idea, and Lan Wangji honestly didn’t think they could possibly make him more beautiful than he already was.

Nearing the winter festival, Wei Ying had a breakthrough with the talismans Madam Jin had commissioned, completing one that lit up red when two people who were related held it when it was activated, and black when they were unrelated.

“Red for good fortune, black for neutrality,” he clarified when he demonstrated the talisman using the Jiang siblings and then Lan Zhan and Xiongzhang. “It would light up a dimmer red if Xiansheng held it with one of you, too.”

He was still working on one that would find relatives in the first place, hoping to modify the talisman he and Lan Tayi had created to reveal Su She.

“They would have to be very close by, and I guess that would be up to Jin-furen to arrange. It’d be easier if I could make something like a compass, but that wouldn’t work for blood… energy would be easier to detect that way…”

He presented the talisman to Jin Zixuan upon his next visit to Jiang Yanli and explained its use.

“Muqin has a list of people to verify already, so she’ll be very happy to have this talisman,” Jin Zixuan said with a smile.

Wei Ying looked a little surprised by the Jin heir’s happiness, and he clarified:

“I’ve always wished for siblings; I was jealous that everyone else seemed to have them but me. I don’t know that it will go well, but I want to try to do right by them.”

Jiang Yanli looked at him with love in her expression, clearly pleased with his desire to be a devoted brother. From what Lan Wangji had seen, she valued such devotion, and it certainly implied the sort of husband and father he would ultimately become.

Jin Zixuan blushed a bit under her gaze, but continued.

“I would have been happy to swear brotherhood with both of you, but you’ll be my jiuzimen soon enough. It’s good that you have ties to all the major clans, Wei Wuxian. You have more stability in terms of reputation and prestige.”

Lan Wangji understood he was referring to the rumors his father was a servant rather than a disciple, completely ignoring that Baoshan Sanren was his grandmaster through his mother. The jianghu gentry liked to tear down those with what they deemed inferior blood, despite the fact that Wei Wuxian was one of the most promising cultivators of their generation.

“You… really? Even though I punched you?” Wei Ying asked, baffled.

“I’ve said before that I deserved it,” Jin Zixuan said, flushing. “You’re the brother of my beloved’s heart, and you were defending her honor.”

Wei Ying rubbed his finger against his nose, a nervous habit, then nodded.

“I guess you’ll be my jiefu too, then, not just Jiang Cheng’s,” Wei Ying said with a smile, before changing the subject by explaining how he had come up with the talisman.

Most of the explanation clearly went over Jin Zixuan’s head, but he nodded along and asked pertinent, if rudimentary, questions.

They enjoyed a quiet meal thanks to Jiang Yanli before Jin Zixuan left for Lanling, promising that payment would be forthcoming, something that left Wei Ying looking perplexed.

“It’s weird to have people paying for my talismans,” he murmured as they walked back to the Jiang guest quarters. “I always just gave mine to Jiang… to Jiang-zongzhu.”

“I don’t think A-Die ever sold your talismans like the Lan have—he just put them in the library,” Jiang Yanli said after a minute. “Unless you trained disciples to use them, they simply sat on a shelf.”

“They should have been used and sold, and you should’ve gotten a percentage,” Jiang Wanyin said, his voice strained. “But Muqin…”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but such a thing would have incensed Yu-furen and made Wei Ying even more of a target. For some reason, his success in anything was reason for her to punish him, he’d told Lan Wangji once.

“He sent them with Shufu when Wei Ying came to the Cloud Recesses,” Lan Wangji said. “They should be among the qiankun bags from Lotus Cove.”

“A-Xian should find them and let Lan-xiansheng help decide what to do with them, then,” Jiang Yanli said, taking Wei Ying’s arm in her own. “Xianxian will be a wealthy man.”

“Xianxian is only three,” he said, leaning against her like a child. “Xianxian doesn't know what to do with that much money.”

Shufu had shown him the summary of his earnings over tea the day before, and it had shocked him.

“Use it on what you want,” Jiang Wanyin said. “Spoil yourself. Buy all the books and trinkets you want, eat all the food you want, wear nice clothes.”

“Even with that, it’s a lot,” Wei Ying protested. “Just what Jin-furen is paying… And she insisted on the price, not me!”

He seemed overwhelmed, and Lan Wangji knew it was because he never had much money—the Jiang had paid for anything he picked up at market, but he wasn’t a spendthrift. Likely if he had been there would have been consequences.

“It’s a lot,” he said again. “How does one go from the streets to riches? If you told me back then…”

He let the thought trail off as they reached the guest house. Jiang Wanyin made tea while Jiang Yanli put together plates of snacks.

“You will eventually decide what to spend your money on,” Lan Wangji said as they sat together at the table, discreetly holding hands underneath.

“Knowing him, it’ll be food for street kids,” Jiang Wanyin commented as he set a tray with the teapot and cups on the table.

Wei Ying startled a little, then tapped his nose as he thought. It was clear Jiang Wanyin had suggested something that appealed to him.

“An orphanage,” he said finally, his voice a whisper. “Something to help street kids. Shelter and food. Safety.”

He paused, silent for a moment as though seeking the right words.

“A future.”

“Oh, A-Xian,” Jiang Yanli breathed as she surged forward to embrace him. “That’s a wonderful idea.”

Lan Wangji’s heart ached for him, for his selflessness and beautiful desire to make the world a better place. This was the boy he’d fallen in love with.

“I will help. We will speak to Shufu. He will help, too. It is a righteous project.”

He squeezed Wei Ying’s hand under the table and received a return squeeze. He would support his husband in anything he wished to accomplish, for the rest of their lives.

—————

So this is 17 chapters just like “the thing with feathers,” which is funny. I intend to write a follow-up fic with the wedding at some point, but this is nearly the end of the series. Please feel free to check out my other fics while you wait.

I’m doing somewhat better health-wise. Healed from the gallbladder removal and infection, anyway. Still fatigued, but at least I’m writing.

a-die = dad

didi = younger brother

furen = madam

ge = older brother

hai shi = 9-11pm

hulatang = spicy/hot pepper soup

jiefu = elder sister’s husband

jiuzimen = plural of jiuzi, meaning wife’s younger brother

muqin = mother (formal)

shushu = uncle

xiansheng = teacher

xiong = brother

xiongzhang = older brother

yangrou paomo = flatbread soaked in mutton broth

zongzhu = sect leader

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