#he spoke sizhui...........

[layzeal]

actually i think we don't talk enough about how insane it is that xue yang was controlling song lan's undead body while his spirit was entirely aware of it but unable to stop it

[mxtxfanatic]

Ouyang Zizhen the Unexpected Duckling

One of the most unlikeliest things to happen in Wei Wuxian's life is not just him taking on a mentorship role in the lives of the cultivation world's children, but that some of those children would be the direct named heirs of the leaders of the story's mob. The existence of Ouyang Zizhen amongst the ducklings thus serves as a pleasant surprise and representative of the hope that the next generation need not follow in the sins of their elders. From the very beginning, Ouyang Zizhen is willing to follow "Mo Xuanyu" as the guide out of Yi City, going so far as to participate wholeheartedly in his lessons:

“Done?” Wei Wuxian said after they had gotten through all the juniors. “Then everyone, tell me what details you saw. Let’s combine our observations.” ... “The girl is probably only fifteen or sixteen,” another youth said. “Her face is shaped like a watermelon seed. She has delicate and attractive features, pretty and lively. Her long hair is held up by a wooden hairpin with a small fox face whittled into it at one end. She’s petite and has a slim figure. Even though she’s unkempt, she’s not filthy or horrid. If you cleaned her up a bit, she’s certain to turn out cute and beautiful.” Hearing this proclamation, Wei Wuxian concluded that the speaker had boundless future prospects and praised him energetically. “Not bad, not bad. Your observations are detailed and distinctive. You’re bound to become one of those passionate types in the future.”

—Chapt. 36: Flora IV, fanyiyi

However, this attitude does not change once the true identity of "Mo Xuanyu" is revealed to be the "evil" Yiling Patriarch, Wei Wuxian. Instead, Ouyang Zizhen remains one of the first—second only to Lan Sizhui—to faithfully follow and offer his support to Wei Wuxian in the second siege, even against his father's wishes:

JingYi on the left and SiZhui on the right, Wei WuXian wrapped his arms around both of the children, “Alright, let’s hurry out of here.” ... Lan SiZhui spoke, “The deity- binding ropes have been loosened already. If worst comes to worst, we can fight our way out together. If you do not go, what if after we leave the corpses flood inside? With the shape of the cave, would it not be a sure catch?” Quickly afterward, one of the boys spoke up, “SiZhui- xiong, wait for me!” He followed, and left as well. This boy was the little ‘seed of sentiment’ who burnt paper money and cried emotionally over A-Qing, back in Yi City. The others called him ZiZhen. He seemed to be the single child of the BalingOuYang Sect’s clan.

...

At this point, a small voice suddenly spoke up, “Dad, I feel that maybe he really didn’t do it. Last time, in Yi City, he was the one who saved us. This time, he seem to be here to save us as well...” He followed the voice. The person who spoke was OuYang ZiZhen. However, the father immediately scolded the son, “Children shouldn’t talk so carelessly! Do you know what situation we’re in? Do you know who that is?!”

—Chapt. 68: Tenderness, exr

Wei WuXian said to them, “When the second group of fierce corpses rushes in, I will lure them towards the Pool of Blood, and HanGuang-Jun will be in charge of slaying them. With this target here,” He patted himself, “They won’t bother you. Don’t be tempted by battle, just run.” For once, Lan SiZhui’s raised his voice, “No! We can’t do that. There’s no way!” Sect Leader OuYang had given up trying to hold his son still. OuYang ZiZhen, “Senior-Wei, we will slay the corpses too! I can slay a hundred more!”

—Chapt. 81: Core Part 3, boat-full-of-lotus-pods

And he maintains this support and defense of Wei Wuxian even after the cultivators survive the second siege and begin to gather at Lotus Pier, this time against the clan leaders:

A sect leader spoke warily, “Wei WuXian, what are you doing on the other boat?” His tone was full of suspicion. The implication that Wei WuXian was up to no good again was obvious, and some people found it hard to stomach. OuYang ZiZhen spoke up, “Sect Leader Yao, why are you speaking with such a tone? If Senior-Wei really had intended to do something, then we probably wouldn’t be sitting on this boat in peace.” Hearing this, many senior cultivators felt rather embarrassed. Though the words were the truth, no one had expected it to be said to their faces. Lan SiZhui hurried, “ZiZhen is right!” And many other youths also agreed. Jiang Cheng tilted his head slightly, “Sect Leader OuYang.” Having suddenly being called out, Sect Leader OuYang’s right eyelid and heart both jumped. Jiang Cheng continued coldly, “If I recall correctly, the one who spoke was your son, yes? What a clever mouth.” Sect Leader OuYang hurried, “ZiZhen! Come back here! Come to dad!” OuYang ZiZhen was confused, “Dad, wasn’t it you who told me to be on this boat instead so that I won’t annoy all of you?” Sect Leader OuYang wiped the sweat off of his forehead, “Enough! Haven’t you had enough spotlights for one day? Come back here!” The OuYang Sect was located in Baling and was geographically close to Yunmeng. In terms of power and influence, they could hardly even compare with the Jiang Sect, and Sect Leader OuYang would rather not have Jiang Cheng hold a grudge over them simply because his son had spoken out for Wei WuXian.

—Chapt. 84: Core Part 6, boat-full-of-lotus-pods

An unexpected ducking, for sure, but a shining model for how the other juniors of the nameless mob can be moved away from the influence of their corrupt elders.

[gentil-minou]

Lanuary 2024 Day 2 - Yiling Wei Sect Head Disciple

"Did you know? The Yiling Laozu hadonly one disciple in his lifetime. A boy only four years of age!"

Lan Sizhui's ears perked up despite the rules against eavesdropping. There wasn't much he could do about it while sitting in a crowded tavern. Gossip traveled on whispers like dust in the howling wind.

Surely it wasn't his fault these patrons' voices were so loud? The rules were never clear about this, but better to be safe than sorry. Sizhui turned his attention towards meditative recitation, the way Ba— Hanguang-jun had taught him. When Hanguang-jun returned from the room he'd entered to confer with the inn's proprietress, he would see Sizhui sitting pin-straight and proper, not a hair out of place.

But try as he might, the ruckus from that table was impossible to ignore.

"You're kidding!" one the sectless cultivators said as they slammed their drink down, amber liquid spilling onto the table. "The fearsome Yiling Laozu tried to teach demonic cultivation to a kid???"

His friend's lips curled in disgust. "Yes, it's true. People in this very town mention it all the time. That he dragged this poor kid everywhere with him! Why else if not to teach him how to terrorize everyone."

The third cultivator leaned in to whisper, "You don't suppose he…abducted the child do you?"

Sizhui's heart started racing. He'd heard many stories about the Yiling Laozu, everyone had, of course. Especially since Jingyi had just finished this last phase where he spoke nothing, reading nothing, saw nothing if it wasn't about the Yiling Laozu.

According to Jingyi's rants, though the Yiling Laozu was indeed fearsome and utilized forbidden techniques, they were never for nefarious gains. Jingyi's theories point to him being a recluse more than anything else, a drunkard alone on the hill.

That never sat well with Sizhui. He couldnt explain why, but the thought of a lonely man dwelling on a mountain of graves with nary a living soul nearby, made something like a pit open up in his stomach.

It was sad, he thought. It was sad.

The door to a room meant for staff opened and a man dressed in pristine white robes with an embroidered forehead ribbon stepped back into the room.

Sizhui instantly stood, bowing perfectly the way he'd been taught. "Hanguang-jun," he greeted, keeping his tone level and biting back the urge to smile like a fool at his caretaker's return.

The table of cultivators' silence rang loud as a hush fell over the room. Hanguang-jun nodded his reply to Sizhui and seemed to glide across the room, while they stared after him like gaping fish.

This time their whispers were an actual attempt at discretion. "He'd know right. He'd know if—if you know who really, you know, stole a child?"

"Shh!!! Don't you know? Next to Sandu Sengshu, the one who hates the Yiling Laozu most is…"

Their words trailed off as Hanguang-jun stopped in his path, though his solemn gaze remained rooted on the empty space in front of him.

Sizhui tried valiantly to keep the shock from his face. Hanguang-jun had long ago mastered the ability to ignore gossiping, letting it slide off his person as easily as dew dripped down from a bamboo leaf. Sizhui had never seen him so affected by words. Did Hanguang-jun really hate the Yiling Laozu that much?

But only a moment later, he stepped away and reached Sizhui's side as if nothing had happened at all.

Hanguang-jun gracefully folded his legs and took his seat across the table. Sizhui hurried to pour tea into a cup, taking care to hold back his sleeve the way he'd been taught.

Choosing to ignore what had just happened, he asked, "How was your meeting, Hanguang-jun?"

He waited patiently as Hanguang-jun blew steam away from his cup, cooling his tea before taking a measured sip. Falling back into old habits, Sizhui couldn't help but admire and take note of his demeanor. If he were really shameless, stars would bleed from his eyes.

Hanguang-jun nodded, pleased with his drink. "Productive. You have poured this tea well, Sizhui."

Sizhui beamed, heat rising to his cheeks at the praise.

"And the curse? Has it been resolved?" he asked instead of squealing like Jingyi when Hanguang-jun told him his writing was legible. But only just.

Hanguang-jun hummed. "Mn. The matter has been resolved. We will head back to the Cloud Recesses tomorrow once we've rested."

Sizhui relaxed back in his seat, allowing a moment of discomposure that hopefully Hanguang-jun would ignore.

Not bad for Sizhui's first proper outing as a junior Lan disciple. He was surprised when Hanguang-jun singled him out for a nighthunt, one on one. Jingyi hadn't stopped whining about it for days.

Sometimes Sizhui thought Hanguang-jun showed him too much special favor. But he smiled into his cup all the same.

The elderly innkeeper steps out of the kitchen carrying a tray laden with food. Silver strands of hair slip from her ponytail, shining in the candlelight.

"There! I remembered all your favorites from last time you visited," she winked.

But each of the dishes she placed on the table were redder than the last. Red peppers and red chili oil, even the soup had a shiny spicy sheen on the top.

The innkeeper placed her hands on her hips as she stood up, proud.

Sizhui gaped at Hanguang-jun.

Hanguang-jun's ears flamed red as the dishes he stared down at. A shifty glance—shifty! A shifty Hanguang-jun! Jingyi would never believe this—at the proprietress waiting eagerly for him to try it. When it became clear she wouldn't leave until he took a bite, Hanguang-jun spooned a mouthful of the spicy soup.

Sizhui's jaw dropped to the floor.

In all his years living in Cloud Recesses, he'd never, ever seen Hanguang-jun eat something like this.

Pulling a small cloth from his sleeve, Hanguang-jun coughed daintily into it as he told the proprietress, "Thank you. It is delicious."

"I hope so! Soon as I saw you I knew what I had to serve you," the innkeeper babbled as the two Lans stared mournfully at food too painful to eat. Sizhui took a tentative morsel of a vegetable dish, wiping off as much of the red sauce as he could on the plate.

The innkeeper continued speaking like she hadnt noticed. "If only our Laozu was still with us, he'd have eaten it all! And the little boy that was with you! He ate so well! It's horrible what happened to them, such a terrible shame" She rested a hand against her cheek as she sighed.

For the second time that day, Hanguang-jun stiffened, his spoon held aloft.

'Laozu?' What Laozu?

They were in Yiling so it could only be one…

Sizhui stared wide-eyed at his senior, who at some point in his lifetime sat in this very tavern having a spicy meal with the fiendish Yiling Laozu.

The vegetable fell from his chopstick onto his lap.

A stream of whispers that made no attempt at being discrete erupted from the other table, these cultivators having no care for the Lan tenets.

"See! I told you! The Yiling Laozu stole a young boy to be his disciple!"

"You also said Hanguang-jun hated him! Why would they

have a meal if he hated him!"

"Maybe the Yiling Laozu brainwashed him too. Maybe he helped him kidnap the child? Maybe they're both in on it!"

"Then did Hanguang-jun betray him? He was the one who led the sects to Yiling Laozu's cave."

"He must have killed the boy too then. There's no way someone as righteous as Hanguang-jun would let a demonic child like that live—"

Chopsticks slammed onto the table, rattling the dishes as Hanguang-jun stood from his seat in a single, brusque movement.

His expression was the usual smooth, unreadable jade, so Sizhui almost assumed Hanguang-jun had stood so suddenly for some other reason, until he bowed to the proprietress and said, "My apologies for living so soon. We must return to the Cloud Recesses immediately. Thank you."

Apparently it was possible for Sizhui's jaw to circumnavigate the floor entirely, falling into the earth itself.

Lying. Hanguang-jun was lying!!!

"Come, Sizhui," he said, and without a backwards glance towards the gaping cultivators and with an exaggerated flourish of his sleeves, Hanguang-jun marched out of the tavern.

Sizhui hurriedly reached into his money pouch and placed in ingot on the table, bowing in farewell.

Forgetting to pay as well? If Sizhui didn't know any better, he'd think Hanguang-jun was possessed. Next he'd take his forehead ribbon off and strut around the inn without a care.

Sizhui hastened his steps to follow Hanguang-jun, head turning this way and that for a trace of his senior.

Finally, he spotted him standing before a market stall selling, of all things, children's toys. Wooden swords and hand-stitched dolls wearing colorful fabrics. Hanguang-jun was stroking a finger across a pair of artfully crafted grass butterflies.

Maybe he was possessed by a child after all?

"Would Gongzi like to purchase one? I weaved these two just this morning," the stallowner politely enquired.

Hanguang-jun shook his head in reply and, folding the hand that had touched the butterflies into a fist behind his back, walked off down the street.

Though Sizhui should be in a hurry to catch up to him, his feet stopped at the stall. Looking down at the pair of butterflies entwined in their stand, something in his heart ached.

"I'd like to buy these, please."

He found Hanguang-jun in a side street off the market, standing tall and proud and still as a statue. Unsure of what to say or even if he should, Sizhui took his by Hanguang-jun's side, content to simply be near as the sounds of the market faded into the background.

The grass butterflies were expertly crafted and Sizhui became mesmerized by the way the twined together as he twirled them again and again. He didn't notice Hanguang-jun was watching as well until he spoke.

"Yiling has grown since the last time I was here."

Hanguang-jun's voice held a softness that reminded Sizhui of the first time he took him to see the rabbits, all those years ago. He looked up, still twirling his butterflies, as Hanguang-jun watched with golden eyes a million miles away.

Sizhui bit his lips, wondering if he should say something. but before he can his senior plucked one of the butterflies from his hand. Fingers lined with guqin ridges spun the butterfly again and again.

"There was a similar stall back then that sold butterflies as well."

He pressed the grass butterfly against the one held in Sizhui's hands, almost like a kiss.

Sizhui's heart raced, suddenly desperate for an answer, "Did you really meet the Yiling Laozu back then? At that inn?"

A moment passed, and Sizhui thought Hanguang-jun wouldn't say anything.

Then, of all the things, Hanguang-jun smiled.

Faint, only the smallest lift at the corners, but a smile nonetheless.

He was smiling, so why did it look like he was about to cry?

"We did, yes," he replied.

"We?"

Hanguang-jun set him a mournful look.

Oh, right. The boy.

Before he could think better, Sizhui blurted, "So it's true then? The Yiling Laozu had a disciple? A little boy?"

Hanguang-jun gaze drifts off to the side. "Not quite. He was Wei Ying's, but not a disciple."

The Yiling Laozu's real name was Wei Wuxian, but he'd never heard anyone call him that. Not even Jingyi ever mentioned it.

Curiosity lit a spark in Sizhui's belly. Just what sort of relationship did Hanguang-jun have with the Yiling Laozu for him to call him so casually? For him to smile when he talked about him? For him to seem so sad?

But bravery is fickle, and Sizhui was abruptly afraid of the answer. In fact, a part of him almost wished he never asked anything.

The other part of him yearned to learn more about his most respected senior and the dead man he clung to.

How many times did Sizhui wake to the sound of guqin strings playing Inquiry? How many times did he hear the loud silence of their answer?

"The—the Yiling Laozu had a son?"

Hanguang-jun's gaze held a teasing sparkle when it settled on Sizhui. "He birthed him from his own body."

Sizhui pursed his lips with confusion. That did not make any sense, but Hanguang-jun began weaving a tale before he had a chance to think more of it.

"There was a little radish that followed him everywhere," he said, quiet and fond. "He spoke very fondly of the boy, but he would never allow any harm to him. Wei Ying cared for him."

"So that stuff about him making this kid his disciple…"

"Mn. Utterly false." A noise like a scoff escapes through Hanguang-jun nose, like even the very idea is ludicrous.

"Oh." For whatever reason, Sizhui's shoulders slumped in dejection. He supposed it would have been interesting, to meet someone trained and cared for by the Yiling Laozu himself. He wondered what kind of person they grew up to be.

He swallowed and glanced at Hanguang-jun through the corner of his eye. "Do you think he's still alive...that boy? That he's okay?"

Hanguang-jun shifted to face Sizhui head on. "Yes," he said, with a surety and conviction that dazzled. "I believe he is. He is doing well and thriving."

He took the butterflies back in hand. This time when he smiled down at them, it touched his eyes.

"Wei Ying would be proud," he told the butterflies. He turned that smile towards Sizhui and it was almost like looking at the sun.

He didn't quite understand why it felt like that warmth filled his insides too, why he felt it flowing through his veins. Why Hanguang-jun's words made him so happy.

He beamed back all the same.

As they mounted their swords to return home, Sizhui turned back for one final look at Yiling and the Burial Mounds behind it.

The sun was setting over the mountain, blues and pinks and purples splashed against a midnight sky, casting long shadows like it was waving back.

(twitter) (bluesky)

[whumpbby]

Love the idea of Lan Sizhui and Jiang Cheng becoming unexpected friends.

Like, say after the plot happened, Jin Ling is a young sect leader and he struggles with it.

Sizhui came back from his travels with WN and, being his caring and concerned self, noticed things were shaky, so he decided to keep an eye on the younger boy. (He couldn't imagine going through the same, ending up straddled with such responsibility without a chance to refuse... Being a sect leader was a harsh role).

He made sure to invite JL to night hunts whenever they happened to story close to the Jin borders. He started to write letters to Jin Ling, because he looked like he needed something to distract him. He even tried to convince Wei-qianbei to speak with his nephew during the sect conferences - it was a work in progress, but he had hope...

And then, during one night-hunt, he noticed they were trailed by someone. Not wanting to worry his companions, he set Jingyi to distract Jin Ling and slipped away quietly to...find himself face to face with Sandu Sengshou. More like - hand to face with Sandu Sengshou, who slapped a hang over Sizhui's mouth and backed him against a tree out of sight of the others.

"Shut up, or I'll break your legs." Jiang Sect Leader mouthed and Sizhui could only nod. He wasn't really afraid, but Jin Ling's uncle was a different beast when the boy wasn't present...okay, he was a bit afraid.

Turns out he shouldn't have to be. Jiang Cheng was just checking up on his nephew - the hunt was skirting the edges of Yunmeng. It was a bit embarrassing, sure, but Sizhui understood - times were hard for the Jin, a young sect leader was in danger. Even more so if the Jiang Sect Leader was seen hanging around him too often.

Sizhui understood. Sect leader let him go with an order to stay silent. Sizhui promised he won't tell.

He also promised something else.

"Jiang-zonghzu, I will keep him safe, you have my word."

Bravely and thoughtlessy, sure, but the words were out of his mouth and there was no taking them back. Sizhui felt his face flush when Jiang Cheng huffed at his daring. But then...

"I'll hold you to that, Lan Yuan."

And that was a beginning of the strange relationship where Sandu Sengshou trusted Lan Yuan with his nephew's safety on the nighthunts - the trust heavy with expectations. Sizhui preferred to think he was trusted - not threatened.

What followed was Jiang Cheng easing up on following their nighthunts. Meaningful looks whenever they came across each other during conferences or in the field. A few words exchanged here and there. Short messages that found Lan Sizhui from time to time, in few words advising him to visit Koi Tower if he happened to travel close - usually following some upheaval in the Jin sect that the young leader needed break from. Sizhui's friendship with Jin Ling blooming, their little group of four (including Jingyi and Zizhen) building a great relationship.

Sometimes it was Sizhui sending a short message to Lotus Pier, when his presence could only help so much and Jin Ling needed reassurance from his family instead.

In time these messages grew longer, inclosing more details, some stories. In time Jiang-zonghzu was asking about Sizhui's studies and accomplishments, and giving him gruff advice on how to deal issues arising when one was the first disciple ("I was my own first disciple for three years after the war, I know what I'm talking about, kid.")

It was...nice. Different. Sizhui wasn't even aware of how much he missed Zewu-Jun's presence in his life. He had his uncle and Wei-qianbei now, but Lan Xichen was such a big part of his life between his training and Huanguang-Jun's travels - he missed his support. He missed having someone who spoke with authority of experience to help him deal with his issues. And Jiang-zonghzu was nothing like Zewu-Jun, but he also wasn't not like him. He was straightforward and honest, even if he didn't couch his words in kindness. He had a varied knowledge he didn't hide. He trusted Lan Sizhui with his nephew - and didn't question Sizhui's decisions. If he thought they were stupid, he said so, but he didn't question the rationale behind them ("You're young, boy, not an idiot. Experience comes with doing, not listening. Just don't do stupid shit!").

He could understand how Jin Ling became who he was - hard-headed and stubborn, yes, but also fair and intelligent, and hard-working. The self-protecting habits didn't come from Lotus Pier, did they?

("He never had friends in the Koi Tower, I expect you and the Ouyang-brat to remedy that.")

Huh.

Wait.

"What about Lan Jingyi?"

"That one will be lucky to live to adulthood, with the way he's flapping his mouth. I have no expectations of him whatsoever."

[stiltonbasket]

For the wen!wwx au, how does lwj find out that wwx is a spy for the resistance?

(chapter list here)

On the night Wei Ying's daughter is born, the Wei-fu does not sleep until well past sunrise.

After Wen Qing was summoned to tend to Li Shuai, Wei Ying and Yu Zhenhong began keeping vigil in the rear court's central garden, accompanied by Wen Sizhui. From what little Lan Wangji hears from Wei Ying's private courtyard as the evening draws on, both mother and child seem to be faring well; but as hai shi passes, and then midnight, he takes his wheeled chair to the training field and rolls slowly around the perimeter until Xiao Liuzi comes to bring him a tray of snacks and tea.

"I saw the light in the Jade Courtyard," Xiao Liuzi explains. "Supper was hours ago, Hanguang-jun, so Cook asked me to bring you a tea-tray."

"I have no appetite," Lan Wangji says brusquely, "though I am grateful for your kindness. Tell me, how is Lady Li?"

"Ah, that..."

Lan Wangji's blood runs cold. "Is she—her child, are they—?"

"No, Hanguang-jun! There hasn't been any news at all. This is Lady Li's first child, so it might be early evening before the baby comes."

"And what about Wei Ying? Has he eaten?"

"He and Master Yu are still in the garden," Xiao Liuzi tells him. "My lord managed to eat a little, but he says he won't sleep until everything is over."

He hesitates for a moment, and then:

"He said there was no need for you to wait up for him, Hanguang-jun. You could damage your meridians again, and your legs..."

"One night without sleep can hardly make them worse," Lan Wangji says. "Return to the garden outside Lady Li's courtyard and report back to me the moment you hear anything."

"Yes, Hanguang-jun!"

"And get something to eat."

"Yes, Hanguang-jun! If you don't want the cakes, Cook is making—"

"I meant for yourself."

At that, Xiao Liuzi turns pink and takes to his heels, leaving his plate of cakes behind him; and Lan Wangji comes to a halt under the great oak in the south corner of the field and remains there until Xiao Liuzi comes crashing back through the gates with Wen Sizhui at his heels.

"She's here, Hanguang-jun!" Sizhui cries, grasping Lan Wangji's hands. "I'm a xiongzhang! I have a sister!"

"Lady Li is well, too," Xiao Liuzi jumps in. "Tired, of course, but she had enough appetite to drink a bowl of soup and eat some of the rice left over from supper."

Lan Wangji closes his eyes.

"The general must be delighted," he says thickly.

He could not quite tell what he was feeling, just then. Certainly Lan Wangji is relieved on behalf of Lady Li and her baby daughter—Wei Ying's daughter—but some part of his heart aches as if some small animal had begun to gnaw on it, blind to the fact that even its weak teeth were sturdy enough to do harm. It aches as it had ached on the nights that Wei Ying slept in Yu Zhenhong's courtyard, or spoke of how Li Shuai's beauty had enchanted him at first sight; and though Lan Wangji is dimly aware of the fact merely laying eyes on Wei Ying would be a comfort to him at that moment, he cannot bring himself to go looking for him.

"He is," Xiao Liuzi beams, not noticing the strange look in Lan Wangji's eyes. "Junshang will surely be disappointed, for he was hoping for a new young master, but my lord is overjoyed. Shall I help you to bed now, Hanguang-jun?"

It strikes Lan Wangji then that Wei Ying might not return to his own quarters that day. Perhaps he would sleep on the long sofa in Li Shuai's sitting room, unable to part from his lady and her child. Or perhaps he would go to Yu Zhenhong instead, for he had been too busy preparing for the child's arrival to grant any favor to his most-beloved concubine since the turning of the last month.

He will be a nuisance to Wen Qing and the other physicians if he sleeps in Li Shuai's room, Lan Wangji thinks wretchedly. And if he sleeps in Yu Zhenhong's quarters, then...

But Yu Zhenhong stood vigil with him; he too had not slept, so if Wei Ying could bring himself to leave Li Shuai—and it would be to his credit if he could not, for she had risked her very life to bring Wei Ying's daughter into the world—might he not choose to rest in his own courtyard, rather than troubling Yu Zhenhong?

"Yes, you may," he hears himself say to Xiao Liuzi. "And afterwards, draw a hot bath for your lord and lay out fresh sleeping robes on the bed."

In the end, Lan Wangji breaks his fast alone. Wei Ying does not appear for another three hours; and when he finally returns, heavy-eyed and pale from the night's worry, he has a tiny bundle of blankets clutched close to his chest.

Lan Wangji's heart seizes. "Is that—?"

Wei Ying falls to his knees at Lan Wangji's side.

"Oh, look at her," he whispers, spellbound. "I never dreamed that I would have a daughter, Lan Zhan! Isn't she perfect?"

He draws back the blanket and lets the baby grasp his little finger. "This is your Zhan-shushu!" he murmurs, kissing her downy black head. "His face might be fierce, but his heart is as soft as tofu, really, so A-Mei mustn't be afraid of him."

"A-Mei?"

"It's only her baby name," Wei Ying says, blushing. "A-Shuai always wanted to have a little girl named after the roses that grew in her mother's old garden—but Mei doesn't sound quite right with my name, so we'll have to choose something else for her formal name."

Lan Wangji frowns and opens his mouth, for Wei Mei is a perfectly serviceable name: but then he stops and stares at the crease of pink skin between the child's left thumb and forefinger.

There is a blood-red mole there, shaped like a tiny crescent moon. Lan Wangji ought to have thought nothing of it, for he saw three Lan children born with moles the color of spilt wine on their faces when he was a boy.

But he has also seen a grown man with a mole identical to small Wei Mei's—within the very walls of the Wei-fu, at that—and that man was not Wei Ying.

He reaches out to touch the baby's hand, meeting no resistance from his besotted husband. He places his own finger in the child's left palm, and then in the right; and just as he suspected, the baby's right hand is weaker than the left.

There are no left-handed men in the High General's manor, other than Yu Zhenhong.

Lan Wangji releases the baby's arm and straightens his posture, his heart racing. The more he studies Wei Mei's features, the more he finds of Yu Zhenhong and Li Shuai; but Wei Ying, overwhelmed with happiness at having gained a second child after sixteen years spent wishing for a brother or sister for Sizhui, seems to have noticed nothing at all.

What would he do, if he were to learn that Li Shuai's baby had been fathered by another man? Would he cast her out? Kill Yu Zhenhong? Lan Wangji would keep silent to the end of his days to prevent such a thing from happening, for a wiling affair, while cruel to the utmost, did not merit death as a punishment.

But he knows Wei Ying; and if not for the obedience sigils carved into his back, his husband would have taken up his dao and cut his own throat before spilling even a drop of innocent blood.

"Wei Ying," he says at last. "Return Xiao Mei to her mother. There is something I must ask you."

So Wei Ying goes, ferrying his precious burden back to Li Shuai's courtyard with breathless care, and then he returns to the bedroom he shares with Lan Wangji and brings out the red-jade tea service in the cupboard.

Lan Wangji watches him move about the room, gathering tea leaves and preparing hot water, and decides that the most advantageous way forward is to catch Wei Ying off his guard.

"I know that Yu Zhenhong and Li Shuai are only your concubines in name," he says slowly, for Wei Ying's kindness is not of the sort that might dull a man's wits; and now that Lan Wangji thinks on it, he would certainly have noticed if his concubines were carrying on together in his absence. "But given that you have no interest in either of them, I cannot understand why you took them into the Wei-fu in the first place."

The blood drains from Wei Ying's face—out of fear, not wrath—and in that moment, Lan Wangji realizes that he has stumbled upon something of far greater significance than a love affair between two concubines, though he knows now that Wei Ying had never belonged to either of them.

"Belong to them?" Wei Ying says with a strangled laugh. "I'll never belong to anyone, other than Wen Ruohan."

Lan Wangji is silent for a moment.

"That is not true," he replies. "There is something more behind all this, I know it. Tell me."

So Wei Ying bows his head, and tells him everything; and when they finally begin preparing for bed, Lan Wangji fetches a sandalwood comb from the nightstand and asks Wei Ying to kneel so that he can brush out his hair.

"You will not always belong to Wen Ruohan," he whispers between strokes, his eyes lingering on the back of Wei Ying's fair neck. "You do not belong to him now. A thief may lay his hands on whatever he pleases; it does not follow that he owns it."

"But he can do whatever he pleases with his stolen goods, can't he?"

"You speak as if you have not already betrayed the thief in question a hundred times over, Wei-jiangjun."

"...En, that's so."

Lan Wangji lays down the comb and weaves Wei Ying's hair into a long, thick braid.

"Now that I know," he says quietly, "I beg of you not to keep such secrets from me again! I will follow your commands from this day forth, whatever they may be; and until your work is over, I will not leave your side."

[rayan12sworld]

💠💙A Dramatic Reading

By:pupeez4eva

Summary:

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian make out in a room full of Sect Leaders, Jiang Cheng tearfully declares his love for his estranged brother, Sect Leaders Yao and Ouyang beg for the Yiling Patriarch’s forgiveness, and Lan Qiren openly welcomes a new nephew-in-law into his family.

None of them want to be doing any of this. Thanks to the Juniors, they don’t exactly have a choice.

(Or, wherein the Juniors accidentally write a cursed fanfiction, and everyone has to reenact their parts in it, or potentially cease to exist).

Chapter:1/1

Words:5,627

Status:completed

“Mn. Wei Ying is my love. Wei Ying is my everything.” Silence. “Hanguang-Jun, you don’t really have to say that,” Jingyi said hurriedly. “Just, uh — Sizhui?” “He needs to say it,” Sizhui said, sounding miserable.

~~

“Of course they’re annoying,” Jiang Cheng snapped. “I find them annoying, a lot of people find them annoying, but we don’t end up going and writing stories about them!”

~~

“Zizhen!” Sect Leader Ouyang roared. “I didn’t write that!” Ouyang Zizhen protested. “Then who did?!” Jin Ling shot back. “You definitely wrote it!”

~~

“Wei Wuxian,” he said, the words sounding like a death threat. “Brother, I am sorry. I have missed you. Forgive this Didi of yours, who only wants to be held in the arms of his brother once more.” The room was dead silent, as everyone waited for Jiang Cheng to attempt to kill Wei Wuxian. Instead, he reared back, and slapped himself across the cheek, close to his eye. A tear ran down his cheek.

~~😂😂

“I — no.” “Uncle, you must,” Lan Xichen murmured, regretfully. “Xichen, no!” “Uncle — “ “They are both disowned!” He roared, pointing furiously at Jingyi and Sizhui. The Juniors stared back miserably.

~~

“Wei Wuxian!” Sect Leader Ouyang roared. “How despicable are you?! We each have to play our part in fixing the mess that these foolish children have started! I have suffered my part, and now you must do the same.” “Father, you spoke one line,” Ouyang Zizhen pointed out. “Zizhen!”

~~ I didn't write all the words that they need it to act so you guys can enjoy it,they are so funny 😂😂

can you guys guess who start the fanfiction they wrote about wangxian before reading this fic😂😂?

[wangxianficrecs]

💙 The Difference a Stab Wound Can Make by RadAceFriend

💙 The Difference a Stab Wound Can Make

by RadAceFriend

T, WIP, Series, 49k, Wangxian

Summary: The sword went through Wei Wuxian's chest. Suihua went through Wei Wuxian's chest. Kay's comments: Another series marked as incomplete, but the story definitely feels complete! In which, at Qiongqi Path, it's not Jin Zixuan who dies, it's Wei Wuxian. So, Jin Zixuan lives, but at what cost? The cost is that he has to grow up and grow as a person as he realises how corrupt the Cultivation World is. Everyone is congratulating him on killing Wei Wuxian and he's just really not feeling it and I really loved this Jin Zixuan POV. Also has the nice effect that the Wen remnants live, something the second and third story of the series deal with. Wangxian get a happy ending in the end as well, because Wei Wuxian still gets to return as Mo Xuanyu. Excerpt: His father ordered a stone tablet carved of his noble deed and Jin Zixuan wanted to scream. The design the artist had drawn to give over to the stone carver showed his sword piercing Wei Wuxian, the expression on his own face one of righteous judgement while Wei Wuxian’s was one of murderous rage. There was a second drawing, one of him in the main hall with A-Li against him. In that one, Suihua dripped blood still, and A-Li’s face was one of sorrowful acceptance, and his one of peaceful resolution. Jin Zixuan hated them. Jin Guangshan ordered for both of them to be carved and put up with the images of his own accomplishments, so that everyone would know what his heir had done. It was only at night, when A-Li was asleep, and Koi Tower was quiet, and he was as close to alone as he could get with only the peepholes he could find blocked against peering eyes and listening ears, that he took A-Ling from his cradle. A-Ling was still so young that he did little but eat and sleep. But sometimes, he was awake, and not crying, and this moment when Jin Zixuan picked up his son was one such moment. He pulled out the bell and tassel. “Someone wanted you to have this.” He said quietly. He spoke in a low voice rather than a whisper. One of the first things he had learnt from his mother was that a whisper travelled further and could be more clearly heard than a low tone. “He made it, to protect you.” A fastened the bell to A-Ling’s swaddling clothes. “It will have to be a very strong resentful creature if it wanted to harm you.” He gently pressed his lips against A-Ling’s forehead, where the vermillion mark had already been painted. “I’m sorry that you will never get to meet him.” He rocked his son back to sleep, ignoring the pain still lingering in his ribs and chest.

pov jin zixuan, pov wen qing, pov lan sizhui, canon divergence, jin zixuan lives, jiang yanli lives, wen remnants live, canonical character death - wei wuxian, thirteen years of wei wuxian's death, butterfly effect, lan wangji/wei wuxian get a happy ending, not jiang family friendly, jiang family dynamics, grief/mourning, survivor guilt, cultivation sect politics, angst with a happy ending

~*~

(Please REBLOG as a signal boost for this hard-working author if you like – or think others might like – this story.)

[dammy43]

Blossoms of Serenity

Chapter: Reunion and Reverie

Cloud Recesses was bathed in the soft glow of early morning light as Wei Ying made his way through the tranquil courtyards. The cool air carried the scent of blooming lotus flowers from the nearby pond, and the gentle rustling of leaves created a soothing backdrop to the serenity that pervaded the place. It had been several months since Wei Ying last visited, and he had missed the calm that Cloud Recesses offered—a stark contrast to the wild adventures he often found himself embroiled in.

As he rounded a corner, he caught sight of a familiar figure standing by the stone bridge that spanned the koi pond. Lan Zhan, clad in his signature white robes, stood with his back to Wei Ying, gazing out over the water. The sight brought a smile to Wei Ying’s lips; he hadn’t sent word ahead of his arrival, wanting to surprise Lan Zhan.

With characteristic stealth, Wei Ying crept up behind Lan Zhan, suppressing a laugh as he reached out to cover his eyes. But before he could complete the playful ambush, Lan Zhan spoke, his voice calm and composed.

“Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan said without turning around, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Wei Ying pouted, dropping his hands. “You’re no fun, Lan Zhan. How did you know it was me?”

Lan Zhan finally turned to face him, his golden eyes warm with affection. “Who else would attempt such a thing?”

Wei Ying grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I suppose no one else would dare. Did you miss me?”

“Mn,” Lan Zhan replied with a slight nod, his gaze softening as it lingered on Wei Ying.

Wei Ying’s heart swelled at the simple affirmation, and he stepped closer, closing the distance between them. “You didn’t have to wait for me here, you know. I could’ve found you.”

Lan Zhan shook his head. “I wanted to be the first to see you.”

Wei Ying’s grin widened, and he reached out to take Lan Zhan’s hand in his, squeezing gently. “Well, here I am, Lan Zhan. Let’s make the most of our time together.”

The tranquility of the moment was suddenly interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps, and Wei Ying turned to see a small group of disciples hurrying toward them. Lan Jingyi, as always, was at the forefront, with Lan Sizhui just a step behind.

“Senior Wei! You’re back!” Lan Jingyi called out, his voice filled with excitement as he came to a halt in front of them.

Wei Ying released Lan Zhan’s hand, turning to the juniors with a wide smile. “Of course I’m back! I wouldn’t miss seeing all of you again. Have you been behaving?”

Lan Sizhui bowed respectfully. “It’s good to see you, Senior Wei. We’ve been well, but Cloud Recesses isn’t the same without you.”

“Of course not,” Wei Ying teased, crossing his arms. “I bring all the fun, don’t I?”

Lan Jingyi nodded enthusiastically. “It’s true! You always have the best stories. Did you bring us anything this time?”

Wei Ying chuckled, pulling out a small pouch from within his robes. “For my favorite juniors, how could I not? Sweets from Yunmeng—they’re the best you’ll ever taste.”

Lan Jingyi eagerly took the pouch, his eyes lighting up. “Thank you, Senior Wei! You’re the best!”

Lan Sizhui smiled gratefully, though his demeanor remained composed. “Thank you, Senior Wei.”

Just as the juniors began to open the pouch, Jiang Cheng appeared, his presence commanding attention. His expression was a mix of irritation and something softer—perhaps relief—hidden beneath his usual stern demeanor. Jin Ling followed behind him, looking as though he was torn between annoyance and happiness to see Wei Ying.

“Wei Wuxian,” Jiang Cheng began, crossing his arms as he approached. “How long do you plan on staying this time?”

Wei Ying turned to face his shidi, offering him a mischievous grin. “Oh, I don’t know. As long as Lan Zhan wants me here, I suppose.”

Jiang Cheng scoffed, though there was no real bite to it. “You always were unpredictable.”

Wei Ying’s expression softened as he regarded Jiang Cheng. “And you always knew how to find me, Jiang Cheng. It’s good to see you.”

Jiang Cheng’s eyes flickered with something unspoken, but he simply nodded. “It’s good to see you too, Wei Wuxian. Just don’t cause any trouble while you’re here.”

Before Wei Ying could respond, Jin Ling stepped forward, his voice formal but laced with a hint of affection. “Uncle Wei, did you really bring sweets for the juniors and nothing for me?”

Wei Ying laughed, reaching into his robes once more. “Of course I brought something for you, Jin Ling. I wouldn’t dare show up empty-handed.”

He handed Jin Ling a small wooden box, which the boy accepted with a surprised expression. “What is it?”

“Open it and see,” Wei Ying encouraged, his eyes twinkling with delight.

Jin Ling carefully opened the box, revealing a beautifully carved jade pendant inside. The intricate design was that of a lotus flower, symbolizing Yunmeng’s roots and the bond they shared. Jin Ling stared at it for a moment before looking up at Wei Ying, his expression softening.

“Thank you, Uncle Wei,” Jin Ling said quietly, his fingers closing around the pendant.

Wei Ying reached out to ruffle Jin Ling’s hair affectionately. “You’re welcome, A-Ling. It suits you.”

Lan Zhan observed the interaction with a subtle smile, his heart warmed by the sight of Wei Ying surrounded by those who cared for him. It was a far cry from the days of conflict and strife that had once torn them all apart.

As they stood together, the sound of laughter reached them, and Wei Ying turned to see Lan Yuan running toward them with a bright smile on his face. “Uncle Wei!”

Wei Ying’s face lit up as he crouched down to catch Lan Yuan in his arms, lifting the boy off the ground. “A-Yuan! You’ve grown so much since I last saw you!”

Lan Yuan giggled, wrapping his arms around Wei Ying’s neck. “I missed you, Uncle Wei! Did you bring me anything?”

Wei Ying kissed the top of Lan Yuan’s head, a fond expression on his face. “I brought you lots of stories, A-Yuan. And maybe a few surprises too.”

Lan Zhan stepped closer, his hand resting gently on Wei Ying’s back as he looked at Lan Yuan. “A-Yuan has been practicing his calligraphy,” Lan Zhan said, his voice filled with quiet pride. “He’s improving every day.”

Wei Ying’s eyes sparkled with pride as he looked at Lan Yuan. “Really? I’ll have to see it for myself. You’re going to be just as talented as Lan Zhan one day, A-Yuan.”

Lan Yuan beamed at the praise, his eyes bright with happiness. “I want to be just like Uncle Wei and Hanguang-jun!”

Wei Ying’s heart melted at the declaration, and he pulled Lan Yuan into a tight hug. “You’re going to be even better, A-Yuan. I just know it.”

As they shared this tender moment, Lan Xichen approached with his usual calm and serene demeanor, his presence bringing a sense of peace to the gathering. “It’s wonderful to see everyone together like this,” Lan Xichen said warmly. “Cloud Recesses has been far too quiet without you, Wei Wuxian.”

Wei Ying smiled at Lan Xichen, grateful for the kindness and understanding the man always showed him. “It’s good to be back, Lan Xichen. I’ve missed this place—and all of you.”

Lan Xichen’s gaze shifted to Lan Zhan, a knowing smile on his lips. “And I’m sure Lan Zhan has missed you just as much, if not more.”

Lan Zhan’s gaze met Lan Xichen’s, and though his expression remained composed, there was a flicker of emotion in his eyes. “Mn.”

The group slowly made their way to one of the shaded pavilions, where they could sit and talk without interruption. Wei Ying settled down beside Lan Zhan, with Lan Yuan climbing into his lap, refusing to leave his side.

As they chatted, Jiang Cheng eventually joined the conversation, though he still maintained a slightly gruff demeanor. The years had softened some of the harsh edges between him and Wei Ying, and while their relationship was not without its complexities, there was a mutual understanding that had developed over time.

Jin Ling, meanwhile, found himself drawn into a conversation with Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui, the three of them exchanging stories about their training and experiences. Despite the initial tension, they seemed to find common ground, their laughter filling the air.

Wei Ying couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of contentment as he looked around at his loved ones. It was a rare moment of peace—one that he would cherish for as long as it lasted.

Lan Zhan’s hand found its way into his once more, their fingers intertwining beneath the table where no one else could see. Wei Ying turned to look at him, his heart swelling with love and gratitude.

“This feels like a dream,” Wei Ying whispered, his voice barely audible.

Lan Zhan squeezed

[mdzs-owns-my-ass-i-guess]

Discussion Conference

Inspired by the comment @wei-wuxians-guard left on my poll asking what to write! <3

It was understandable that Zewu-Jun needed additional support fitting back into his sect leader position after such a lengthy seclusion - but what vexed a lot of people was why he had to bring so many people with him at the Discussion Conference that year.

Of course, there was Hanguang-Jun, the Lan head disciples, namely Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui, and, unfortunately, Hanguang-Jun's spouse, the Yiling Patriarch. But they also brought the Yiling Patriarch's donkey, Little Apple, as well as the Ghost General. Nobody could say anything because the Ghost General as well as the Yiling Patriarch did save their sorry lives during the Second Siege... but the donkey? It even wore a Lan headband! And the Yiling Patriarch insisted the donkey should be fed and housed alongside the other sects' stallions!

The Nie Chief Cultivator didn't seem to mind any of this, though. And if Sect Leader Jiang drank three times the expected liquor consumption in the first two hours of the conference, nobody mentioned it.

However, as all Discussion Conferences did, this one became boring quite quickly. Nobody was really saying anything of substance, and other than Sect Leader Yao and Sect Leader Ouyang always having something to complain about, everyone seemed more interested in drinking and whispering amongst themselves than resolving anything.

In fact, it appeared that even the Chief Cultivator fell asleep a few times.

"This is so boring!" Lan Jingyi quietly whined, throwing back his tea as if it was alcohol. "How does young mistress Jin seem so interested?"

"He's not." Wei Ying spoke, "Look at sect leader Jiang. They're wearing the same expression, right?"

"Right... but what's that got to do with anything?"

"Neither are paying any attention to anything. Back when we were studying at the Cloud Recesses, we each had our own ways to cope with teacher Lan's endless lectures. I'd bother Hanguang-Jun, while Jiang Cheng would pretend to be paying attention while he learned to sleep with his eyes open!"

"What?! They're asleep?"

"Well, not fully asleep, but not awake either. Don't ask them anything, though. They'll either not respond at all, or say something silly and startle themselves awake."

"Teach me how to do that too!" Lan Jingyi begged, pulling on Wei Ying's sleeve. "I'm so tired of old teacher Lan's-"

A side eye from Hanguang-Jun had Lan Jingyi straighten his posture immediately. "Um... I apologize..."

"Lectures are important, Jingyi." Sizhui added, serious, firm and Lan-like, "We must learn from our seniors."

Lan Jingyi rolled his eyes. "As if you don't scream into your pillow after a 3 hour lecture on the importance of rules!"

Lan Sizhui looked away and turned red immediately. Wei Ying couldn't help a laugh.

"You kids have nothing to be so embarrassed about. Teacher Lan's lectures are only enjoyable for his nephews."

"For Wangji only." Zewu-Jun piped up, a playful little smile on his lips. Wei Ying had to hide a laugh in his sleeve, while Lan Zhan sent his brother a pointed look. Lan Xichen appeared entirely unaffected, sipping his tea.

"Shufu has very effective teaching methods." Lan Zhan defended, but Xichen's eyes imperceptibly moved towards Wei Ying in retaliation. Hanguang-Jun sighed. "Nobody is infallible."

"It's good his teaching didn't work on me!" Wei Ying interfered, fake-offended. "Can you imagine me as a fuddy-duddy too? Ah- no offense, Zewu-Jun..."

Lan Xichen chuckled, a rare sound in the past several years - and it seemed to have softened something in Lan Zhan's gaze to hear it.

"It is fine, Wei-gongzi. And anyway, it is the truth. Men of our sect are very uptight." His eyes slid towards Lan Jingyi, who had been trying to secretly flag a servant for wine. "Most of them, at least."

Lan Sizhui poked his friend's side and he straightened up again upon noticing Zewu-Jun looking at him.

"I think we're going to get a break soon." Wei Ying said, eyes following the Nie head disciple that had gone to whisper something to a drowsy Nie Huaisang. "It's almost dinnertime, and we've had enough of politics for a day. I wonder what they'll serve."

"As long as it's edible, I don't care!" Jingyi whined, holding his stomach. "I'd eat a horse right now!"

"Don't let Little Apple hear you, or she'll kick you again!"

[lilapplesheadcannons]

Juniors Next Door, Battlestation-2

The tree house shook with a thundering crush and an answering roar from the fearsome Sandu Shangshu. Amplified by the squeal of four children and one puppy, the cacophony spread across the quiet suburban evening. Lan Wangji solemnly shook his head in his study and dialled up the radio volume.

To a naive bystander, the juniors had a clear advantage in the battlefield. Sandu Sangshu was sporting a torn trouser leg, and his ankle had already started to swell up. However, a bystander wouldn't know that he was also the disgraced former deputy of the JND before defaulting to the villainous terrorist group called "The Uncles." He knew all the tricks in the books because he was the one to write half of them.

Ouyang Zizhen quickly crawled behind him and tried to topple him over by grabbing onto his injured leg while Jin Ling aimed a bodyslam to his midriff. But he was too fast despite his injury. He quickly jumped aside, causing the children to crash into each other while he managed to grab hold of JingYi's collar in the process.

"Come on, let's get this over with. The more you struggle, the longer it takes. You know I will win at the end." The villain cajoled, but JingYi was clamping down his lips and swinging his legs like a maniac.

"Oomph!"

The villain suddenly dropped JingYi ftom his grasp, causing the boy to land awkwardly on top of the scrambling mass of limbs that were Jin Ling and Ouyang Zizhen.

"Surrender, JiuJiu! Your reign of terror is over!" SiZhui spoke while loading another rabbit in his catapult.

"Brat! You know you are not supposed to throw them all over the place. It's bad for them."

But SiZhui was aiming his catapult directly at his chest.

Sandu Shangshu sighed.

"I really didn't want to do this. But you fools leave me no choice."

The next five minutes were a whirlwind of action in the tree house. Soon, the juniors were neatly tied up with a purple rope and placed like sacks of potatoes. The sick bustard had also tied a bow on top of JingYi's head with the rope as a joke.

He picked up Jin Ling. The boy tried to wriggle out of his bond, but he could only move his pinky toes. Sandu Shangshu was professional.

He tried to soften down his gruff voice, "Let's go, Jin Ling, I got your favourite orange toothpaste."

Jin Ling whimpered audibly. Sizhui tried to raise his head from where he was lying but failed as Fairy decided his head was the ideal place to settle down for a nap.

"Put him down, monster! Take me instead!"

"Oh, it will be your turn soon, brat!"

Soon, the tree home was filled with sounds of an Oral-B pro Junior.

****

Later at night, Jiang Cheng was sprawling on the armchair, his ankle raised and resting on a pile of unchecked answer sheets. Lan Wangji cast a stink eye at him but decided not to antagonise him any further. Wei Wuxian handed the warrior a tumbler full of amber liquid.

"Ah, thanks. Those cheeky monkeys! They sawed through the ladder. You need to get someone to fix it."

Wei Wuxian nodded.

"And get someone else for the bedtime routine for tomorrow. I have a date."

Wei Wuxian nodded again, "Don't worry, you enjoy your date. I am inviting "Them' tomorrow."

[drama--universe]

New Boyfriend

Requested by anonymous: Hi! Hope you've had a nice day, I was wondering could you write a piece on xiao xingchen, Lan xichen, Lan sizhui or huaze lei pls? Idm who u write on can it be romantic and fluff pls. Tysmmm <3

Pairing: Huaze Lei x reader

Word Count: 708 words

Warnings: angst (sorry :p),

Huaze Lei didn't know what to think at the moment. Not when he saw Shan-Cai ran in the room, panting heavily and tears streaming down her face. Her words didn't even process in his head, not until he heard Mei-Zou repeat it in a shocked tone.

"(Y/n) was in an accident?" His voice came out weaker than he wanted too, but it was loud enough to catch the others attention as they turned his way. Clear was the distress on his face, so much so that other people in the room started to quiet down. All of it became silent as it clicked in his head and not a second later, he was out of his seat and running out of the class. His friends were behind him and Mei-Zou was the only one to ask about the hospital, but Huaze Lei picked it up in the distance and ran the right way.

His legs carried him through the streets, his whole body pumping of adrenaline and nothing else as he wormed his way through the crowd of people. He needed to see if you were okay, he needed to.

He reached the hospital , panting loudly as he asked for your room number. The nurse was clearly confused, but searched nonetheless before revealing your room number. With that, Huaze Lei made his way to your floor. He didn't bother waiting for the elevator, seeing that there was already a bunch of people waiting anyways, and instead he rushed up the stairs to the fourth floor and then the search for your room began. He reached the end of the hallway, your room door closed and he paused.

His mind was a mess, he wasn't sure what to think.

The door opened too slowly, revealing the window of the room first before revealing the bed where you laid on. Once the door opened fully, he spotted up and there you sat.

You were sitting up, knees pulled up to your chest and your arms crossed on top of them. You were staring outside, clearly dazed. But you were in an okay state, a bandage wrapped around your head and one around your hand.

Your head turned to his direction, eyes settling on him. It took a few seconds for you to register that he was standing in your room, but once you realized your smile grew.

Huaze Lei didn't smile back.

He stood in place, seemingly emotionless. But you knew him better, his eyes told all. He was worried.

Before you could ask anything, he marched your way and you quickly wanted to say that you were fine. You didn't get to, his lips pressed against yours. Your eyes widened as you realized what he was doing. His hands were cupping your face as he kissed you and you suddenly felt a sort of comfort as you let your eyes close again.

He pulled back seconds later, eyes staring into yours as he waited for any kind of reaction. When you didn't say anything, he pulled back completely only to flinch when you pulled him back and hugged him.

"Sorry for worrying you." You whispered in his ear and you felt his arms embrace you more tightly as he laid his head on your shoulder. The door slammed open again, but Huaze Lei didn't move from his position. You, however, looked up from Huaze Lei's mop of hair and greeted the others with an awkward smile.

"We'll come back later." Mei-Zou commented as he smiled back, dragging the others out before closing the door again. You chuckled before pulling away from Huaze Lei, which caused him to look at you again before sighing softly.

"I'm going to get bullied now." He spoke and you rolled your eyes at him, pulling him closer again.

"You'll live, I'm sure." You laid down, pulling Huaze Lei down with you softly. He resisted as he pulled back, letting you lay down on your own as he pulled the blankets up.

"You need to rest." He said as he started to get up to leave and you got up again quickly to stop him, ready to tease him a bit so he'd stay. So you said the first thing that came in mind.

"No, no, no... I need my new boyfriend to take care of me!"

[int3rst3ll3r]

"𝙲𝚊𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙 𝚖𝚎 𝚗𝚞𝚖𝚋 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚒𝚗?"

Warnings: Angst (Kinda)

Pairing: Husband Lan Wangji & Husband Wei Wuxian

_________________________________________ Here you were, sitting on a mat, looking out onto Cloud Reassesses from the Silent Room. Though your eyes were looking at Cloud Reassess, you definitely weren’t seeing it. Right now, you were in your head, daydreaming. You were daydreaming about your past, the past were your lovers were with you.

You hadn’t seen Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxain for five days. You didn’t know where they were or what they were doing. They hadn’t even been in the Cloud Reasesses, not to your knowledge at least. You tried to ask Lan Xichen, Lan Sizhui, even Lan Jingyi, but no one knew were they were. You couldn’t help but feel as if your husbands were ignoring you.

Because of these reoccurring thoughts, you isolated your self in the Quiet Room. Whenever someone tried to talk to you, give you food, ect, you would push them away. Everyone started to become worried about you. You spent your days daydreaming about your lovers.

--------------------------------------------------

“We would never leave you,” *Wei Wuxian whispered on your lips. His hand gripping your waist, kissing you once more. Meanwhile, Lan Wangji was standing behind you, peppering kisses on your neck. Though he never said words, you knew he agreed with what Wei Wuxian would say.

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These thoughts brought tears to your eyes. You could tell if all those loving words they said to you were true. You missed your husbands, even if they didn’t miss you in the slightest. You knew you shouldn’t have been thinking these wonderful but painful thoughts, that you should go out and not isolated yourself, but you were too deep in to not.

---------------------------------------------------

“My love,” Lan Wangji spoke with his usual stoic voice, but with a hint of love. “You shouldn’t think such things, we love you, and we always will, no matter what,” His fingers wiped the tears off your cheeks. Wei Wuxian kissed your forehead, your hand in his. “We promise,” He told you.

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More tears streamed down your face. You bit your lip, trying not to make any noise. The more you thought, the more sadness and pain you felt. All you wanted was your husbands to be at your side, whispering reassuring words in your ear. Were they beginning to get tired of you? Were you a burden to them? You didn’t know the answer to any of your questions.

After what felt like hours of tears being spilt out of your tear ducks, you could hear the sound of wind hitting the roof. The rain gave you peace somehow. You continued to stare out the window, but now rain was hitting the trees and ground. You reached out to feel the rain pour down on your hand. Before you could, the door opened and a voice called your name…

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Note: Part two?

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[mdzs-fics]

Time travel talisman VS clumsy young man = Chaos by BurningBlueDiamond

a series of shorter stories

AU - Time-Travel and … 7 parts, complete

A series based on a common theme is a reality across the Módào Zǔshī fandom. Characters and situations that move from one story to the next can be a fun read.

For their series Time travel talisman VS clumsy young man = Chaos, Author Burning BlueDiamond begins with a one-chapter tale titled A Room Full of Dead People and continues with three more stories. A few years later, they wrote three more stories that included the multi-chapter The Consequences of Accidental Time Travel.

The final story in the series serves as an epilogue of sorts that describes the changes that occur in a new timeline.

A Room Full of Dead People

“Ehm, Sizhui” his voice was hesitant but smooth and easily audible even at the very back of the room. His companion made a non verbal sound that Jiang Cheng was sure he heard somewhere else. The one who spoke continued:

“We aren't dead, are we?” at the words the one named Sizhui took his wrist and touched his own neck, probably searching for a heartbeat or spiritual energy. (Which was pretty useless in Jiang Cheng's future opinion, formulated that night as he rethought of this very event).

“No, we are very much alive, Jingyi” Sizhui answered, his voice had a musical tone to it, like he grew up listening to music, which, Jiang Cheng thought, was most likely the case since he was from the only music orientated sect. After hearing them speak most people had unconsciously relaxed a little, even the warriors like Nie Mingjue: it was clear that whoever they were they were as confused as they felt. But then Jingyi continued.

“Then why are we staring at a room full of dead people?” that caused said room full of dead people to freeze in their seats.

In which two Good Lan Boys accidentally travel back in time and, when two Fathers arrive to rescue them, the Sects get an earful from Future Wei Wuxian.

If at first you don't successed (hope that your son and his best friend aren't in the middle of a war)

The rigor payed off. Few hours after the horrifying discovery that their son and his best friend used a highly dangerous and untested talisman, Wei Ying draw the last line on their stack of equally dangerous and still untested talismans.

In which the search for two Wayward Lan Boys commences.

The Day Wen Ruohan Became a Psychic

In which a Sect Leader who ditched the latest Discussion Conference has a very bad day. And nightmares.

How Nie Huaisang Learned to Never Skip a Conference

Skipping an afternoon of the Discussion Conference means someone doesn't get all of the dirt first-hand. And boy is he ticked off.

The Consequences of Accidental Time Travel

And then it rained fire. Jiang Cheng was caught so off guard that the thought to yell profanities at Wei Wuxian, which was exactly the reason he was even there in first place, didn't cross his mind until he went to sleep that night.

In which we get five chapters of reactions from those involved in A Room Full of Dead People, both Future and Past. The last chapter is titled "The actual chaotic conference in which Things are Discussed and Shit Hits the Fan in a rather spectacular way, mostly off-screen" … and it aims to please.

A Room Full of Dead People - Nie Huaisang Edition (an AU of an AU?)

“That is a big bold lie, Lan Sizhui. You resent way more people that both you and others think”

“Oh, really, who?” the question was posed in challenge, like he was daring Jingyi to actually answer. The other levelled him with a look that screamed defiance and did just that:

“The entire Jin Clan, save for Jin Ling, even if I'm not entirely sure you've 100% forgiven him for stabbing Xian-gege; Xue Yang, the Wen Main Clan and their followers, Yu Ziyuan. Oh, and Nie Huaisang” he quickly listed off a, quite frankly, long number of people for one who was supposed to not resent at all. Wait… Nie Huaisang?!

In which Nie Huaisang does not miss the afternoon session previously described.

All in All, Life is Good

In which … spoilers. The title is actually a line in this story, which author BurningBlueDiamond describes as "a glorified point list". All-in-all a satisfying end for a time-travel AU series.

[luxuriouswaigee]

Memories and Mischief: Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian's Picnic Interruption

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian had been eagerly anticipating a rare moment of respite and bliss. With the Cloud Recesses serving as a picturesque backdrop, they had carefully chosen a secluded corner by a serene pond for their picnic. The weather was nothing short of perfection, a gentle breeze carrying the fragrant essence of blossoms while the sunlight danced through the lush foliage, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow.

Lan Wangji had painstakingly prepared a spread of their favorite delicacies. As they settled onto a plush blanket on the velvety grass, Wei Wuxian couldn't contain the overflowing excitement bubbling within him. "Oh, Lan Zhan, isn't this just absolute perfection? A glorious day, delectable food, and your remarkable presence," he exclaimed, his gaze brimming with unadulterated happiness.

Lan Wangji, normally reserved, inclined his head in agreement, a hint of a smile gracing his lips. He cherished these fleeting moments of serenity with Wei Wuxian, away from the tumultuous demands and obligations of their everyday lives.

However, their peaceful interlude was abruptly disrupted by the sound of boisterous laughter and approaching footsteps. A group of rambunctious Lan juniors, led by the spirited duo of Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi, bounded towards them, their exuberance breathing new life into the tranquil surroundings.

“Senior Wei! Senior Lan!" they cried out with a mixture of excitement and admiration, their hearts racing at the exquisite picnic set before them.

Wei Wuxian greeted them with a radiant smile, his eyes sparkling with joy at the sight of the juniors reveling in the moment. Yet, Lan Wangji's gaze darkened slightly as he observed the juniors, the weight of responsibility evident in his stern expression. He implored them to remember the sacred traditions of the Cloud Recesses, stressing the necessity of upholding harmony and discipline.

Despite their fervent nods of agreement, the juniors quickly succumbed to the thrill of the moment. They frolicked around the picnic area, their laughter echoing through the once tranquil surroundings, heedless of the turmoil they were causing.

Amidst the clatter of dishes and the mess of spilled food, Lan Wangji's patience reached its limits. Rising with an air of authority, he declared, "Since you have forgotten the rules, you will join me in the library to recite them until they are etched into your very souls." His voice brooked no dissent, his unwavering resolve leaving no room for negotiation.

The juniors' faces fell in realization of the gravity of their actions. With sheepish apologies, they trailed after Lan Wangji towards the library, leaving Wei Wuxian chuckling softly in their wake, amused by the unexpected turn of events.

As the juniors disappeared from view, Wei Wuxian turned to Lan Wangji, his heart brimming with nostalgia and love. A mischievous twinkle danced in his eyes as he spoke, "Well, that escalated quickly, Lan Zhan. It brings back memories of our own adventurous days," he teased, gently nudging his beloved.

Lan Wangji, usually so composed, couldn't help but show a rare smile as he was engulfed by waves of cherished moments. "You were always the daring one, the one who led us into the unknown with your cleverness and wit," he murmured in his enchanting voice.

Their time together was filled with reminiscing, laughter, and unspoken words of love. Wei Wuxian couldn't resist but shower Lan Wangji with playful banter and affection, reliving stories of their past antics and shared joy.

As the sun began to dip beneath the horizon, painting the world in a warm golden hue, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian sat side by side, their bond stronger than ever. Despite the interruption and the chaos of the day, they held on to each other, grateful for the enduring connection that had only deepened with time. Their hearts were full of laughter, memories, and a love that knew no bounds.

I had originally intended to make this story longer, but ended up writing it short because I was very tired. It was late at night and I had school the next day. I hope you all enjoy it; I put a lot of effort into it. It was a fun writing experience because Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian are adorable; I love them both very much. I apologize if some of the characters seem out of character.

[miridicalkalon]

@ghostlypath care, sender takes care of receiver when they're sick (for sizhui!)

，When was the last time he had been sick like this .ᐣ perhaps it really was a bad idea to allow that ghost to possess him. although he felt he had no other choice or option. he hadn't expected the effects to be this great.

“ I'm fine — Papa . . . just . . .after effects. ” the boy was pale as he spoke. the bags under his eyes heavy draining even.

[jiangwanyinscatmom]

I’m trying to decide whether to be a JC stan, a LWJ stan, or both. What’s the best thing about LWJ/can you sell me on his good/best qualities?

He didn't strangle Wei Wuxian.

Didn't abandon Wei Wuxian.

Didn't teach a child left behind by Wei Wuxian's legacy only hate.

Didn't kill multiple strangers out of paranoia and moved on to teach children.

Helped civilians instead of teaching a child to cheat.

Didn't torture Wei Wuxian with his fears.

Didn't say he would kill Wei Wuxian's only friend.

Didn't follow a second siege to kill Wei Wuxian only to be saved by him (for a third time).

Didn't stalk him only to fling homophobic rhetoric and insist that Wei Wuxian wasn't honoring the Jiangs right (when it was only about himself let's be honest here).

Didn't say Wei Wuxian had a complex to be a hero and constantly did what he did to show up Jiang Cheng.

Lan Wangji also has a strong moral compass that he wouldn't push aside for the pressures of society, or, place his feelings over the safety of Wei Wuxian.

Raised Sizhui to be rational and not jump to assumptions based on dislike and previous grudges without knowing the full truth first to judge others.

Never made his own "brother" choose between himself and a entire person (group) because it inconvenienced himself.

Didn't make children doubt themselves and told them to put their safety first and not do more than they could.

Stood by Wei Wuxian despite many hating him and lying about him, also spoke up about what was being said about Wei Wuxian mocking Jiang Cheng as the lie it was.

Didn't sneer at an old woman and a child and say to put them back in abusive labor camps.

Didn't try to kill Wen Ning or mock that he should have been burned to ash, and he would do it himself for Wei Wuxian to watch.

Isn't a homophobe.

Lan Wangji is honorable without doing it for clout. Doesn't go out of his way to brag about that, or, try to use each time he has protected Wei Wuxian as an excuse to guilt Wei Wuxian into feeling as if he is a burden only. He is not a good person because he "has to be". He is a good person because that is just what he is without making excuses for the good that he does being difficult or a burden. He doesn't put unrealistic expectations on anyone. Or lash out if they don't meet some invisible bar of approval known only to him.