Chapter Text
Boisterous laughter caught his attention. He halted and looked across the courtyard to see Nie Huaisang playfully smacking his fan against the chest of a boy with a proud bearing, while another boy – the source of the laughter – was draped against the proud boy’s side, an arm slung over the boy’s shoulders. Lan Wangji had only just come out of seclusion, intent on joining the lectures, and didn’t know who they were. Their loudness was against the rules, however.
Then, the proud boy reprimanded the other two. Lan Wangji blinked in surprise at the sound of his voice. It held … power. The sort of power he had not expected to encounter at all in someone not of his Sect. Lan Wangji watched him. He should have gone up and reminded them of the rule against loud noises, but the timing was past.
A moment later, Lan Xichen came to stand beside him.
“ I saw you standing here, watching those three,” Lan Xichen said in explanation, soft tone belying his true nature.
“ Who are they?”
“ You know A-Sang,” Lan Xichen answered. “The other two are Jiang Cheng, courtesy name Wanyin, Sect heir from Yunmeng Jiang, and Wei Ying, courtesy name Wuxian, the Sect’s first disciple.”
Lan Wangji hummed, his eyes still trained on the group.
“ What’s drawn your attention, Wangji?”
Lan Wangji remained silent until the proud boy – Jiang Cheng – spoke again. He tilted his head minutely.
“ Ah,” Lan Xichen said, having caught the small movement.
“ He has our blood,” Lan Wangji said.
“ Not exactly,” Lan Xichen answered. “Think of who his mother is.”
Lan Wangji looked at his brother. “He’s the male Yu?”
“ Yes.” There was a bout of silence. “He’s alluring, is he not?”
“ Brother has set his eye on him?”
“ I’m merely acknowledging his blood, Wangji. He’s not so strong that I’m influenced. If I was, then so would you be. Besides, that would be bad form from his side, don’t you think?”
“ It is against the rules.”
“ That particular rule isn’t written on the wall, Wangji.”
Lan Wangji threw Lan Xichen a look, causing Lan Xichen to chuckle.
“ You should go and greet them.”
“ No need.”
With a sweep of his sleeve, Lan Wangji left. He didn’t have to look back to know his brother was lightly shaking his head with amusement. Lan Xichen was always trying to coax him into making more friends. The few times Lan Wangji had tried at his brother’s behest had been painful and useless, so Lan Wangji didn’t see the use of trying again. Lan Xichen was yet to give up on the idea though.
Still, Lan Wangji couldn’t help continue to observe Jiang Cheng. He was always accompanied by Wei Wuxian, no matter where he went. The both of them had clearly quickly struck up a friendship with Nie Huaisang as the latter joined them more often than not. He thought his attention was covert until, at one point, he overheard their conversation, his hearing better than most due to both his cultivation and his blood.
“ He’s looking at you again, A-Cheng,” Wei Wuxian said.
“ What would he be looking at me for?” Jiang Cheng countered, sounding annoyed. “He’s looking at you.”
“ Why at me?”
“ You’re loud,” Nie Huaisang supplied, teasing.
“ Exactly,” Jiang Cheng added. “I’m sure he’s dying to punish you. He’s probably trying to come up with the most creative way to torture you.”
“ Punishments is one of his responsibilities,” Nie Huaisang said.
“ What are you ganging up on me for?” Wei Wuxian complained, once again too loud.
Not wanting to give them the satisfaction of having been right, Lan Wangji turned around and left. They weren’t wrong though. Wei Wuxian thoroughly annoyed him. The boy was loud and disrespectful. He always needed to be in the centre of attention and didn’t care one bit about Cloud Recesses’ rules. Even Lan Qiren had lost his composure in the face of Wei Wuxian’s atrocious behaviour.
The way Wei Wuxian behaved also constantly drew attention away from Jiang Cheng. The boy was smart and capable, yet, somehow, Wei Wuxian always seemed to outshine him. Whenever Jiang Cheng said something sensible, Wei Wuxian threw in a jest that had the others laughing. Whenever Jiang Cheng was complimented by a teacher, Wei Wuxian would make a big deal out of it, clearly causing Jiang Cheng to feel self-conscious and once again drawing all attention to Wei Wuxian.
Lan Wangji wondered if Wei Wuxian’s behaviour was, at least in part, due to Jiang Cheng’s blood. Although he didn’t see why Jiang Cheng would use his power on his martial brother. It seemed entirely unnecessary. And illogical. It had been clear to Lan Wangji more than once that Wei Wuxian’s behaviour bothered Jiang Cheng. It wouldn’t be the first time Jiang Cheng hushed Wei Wuxian or told him to be more courteous or to behave.
Yet, it would explain the occasional bout of power Lan Wangji had noticed coming from Jiang Cheng. It was … unusual. Lan Wangji himself had been fully capable of containing his power even before he’d formed his golden core. The small bouts of power barely influenced him at all yet he could clearly feel them. So could everybody else in the vicinity. It inevitably drew everyone’s attention. And, each and every time, Wei Wuxian would step in and demand all said attention for himself.
Lan Wangji had watched Jiang Cheng’s reaction at such times. He didn’t think Jiang Cheng released his power on purpose, yet he had also never shown any shame when it happened. At most, he rolled his eyes at Wei Wuxian’s inevitable antics. It was truly baffling. Unless…
Lan Wangji frowned at the direction his own thoughts had gone into. Surely not? How could such a thing be? Disturbed, Lan Wangji changed paths and headed towards the Hanshi and his brother.
“ Wangji,” Lan Xichen greeted. “Come in. What brings you here?”
Lan Wangji waited until Lan Xichen had poured him a cup of tea and took a sip before speaking. “Jiang Wanyin,” he said.
“ What about him?”
“ Has brother noticed the occasional bouts of power coming from him?”
“ I have not,” Lan Xichen answered. “I am not among the visiting disciples as much as you are, Wangji. You say Jiang Cheng is using his powers for his own gain? That must be addressed.”
“ I a m unsure,” Lan Wangji admitted.
“ Unsure about what exactly?”
“ That he is doing it on purpose.”
Lan Xichen gazed at him with mild surprise. “You think his power slips from his grasp? Why has he not addressed the issue?”
“ What if he’s not aware of it?” Lan Wangji softly said.
“ Impossible,” Lan Xichen exclaimed.
“ I would think the same,” Lan Wangji said, “but he doesn’t seem to do it on purpose but also doesn’t show discomfort when it happens. I can come to no other conclusion but that he’s unaware.”
“ He doesn’t minimise the impact of his power either?” Lan Xichen asked. “If he’s unaware, he would attract all in the vicinity like moths to a flame.”
“ Wei Wuxian is always there to demand everyone’s attention,” Lan Wangji said with some disdain.
Lan Xichen took a moment to contemplate Lan Wangji’s words. Lan Wangji patiently sipped his tea, allowing his brother time to think.
“ It seems unlikely,” Lan Xichen eventually said, “but I also trust your judgement. In two days, I am to help Uncle with his lectures. I will keep a keen eye on Jiang Wanyin during that time. I’ll also make the effort to be present during sword practice. Allow me to observe it for myself, Wangji.”
Lan Wangji hummed in agreement, not having expected much different from his brother. They talked about the other disciples and the lectures for some time before Lan Wangji bid Lan Xichen goodbye.
As promised, Lan Xichen showed up at a few sword trainings and aided their uncle with the lectures. A week had passed when Lan Xichen approached Lan Wangji after the lectures of the day had ended.
“ I think you may be right, Wangji,” Lan Xichen said. “No matter how implausible. Jiang-gongzi doesn’t seem to be aware of the surges of his power. It is a wonder that he hasn’t succumbed to them yet, seeing that only his core is keeping it in check.”
“ And Wei Wuxian.”
“ What do you mean?”
“ He is always there, always redirecting,” Lan Wangji elaborated.
“ You think it’s on purpose and not merely his character?” Lan Xichen asked.
Lan Wangji contemplated for a moment. “I’m unsure,” he finally settled on. “He doesn’t show any signs of being aware of Jiang Wanyin’s power, but it can’t be denied that his ludicrous behaviour has its influence on Jiang Wanyin.”
“ We must discuss this with Uncle,” Lan Xichen decided. “At once.”
After a nod, Lan Wangji followed Lan Xichen to their uncle’s study.
“ Xichen, Wangji,” Lan Qiren greeted. “What brings you two here? So soon after the lecture, no less? Sit. Have some tea.”
They settled at a low table, respectfully accepting cups of tea.
“ Now, what is it you wish to discuss with me?” Lan Qiren prompted.
“ Uncle,” Lan Xichen started. “A few days ago, Wangji came to me with a concern. I have, in the last few days, investigated and now share his opinion . It concerns Jiang-gongzi.”
“ Jiang Wanyin?” Lan Qiren asked.
“ Yes,” Lan Wangji said. “I have observed him and believe he is untrained.”
“ Ah,” Lan Qiren said, stroking his beard. “You have noticed.”
“ Uncle, you knew?” Lan Xichen asked, sounding perplexed.
“ I have come to the same conclusion,” Lan Qiren answered. “It is not knowledge that has been entrusted to me.” He sighed. “The boy seems to be able to handle himself well, nevertheless. His core is exceptionally strong.”
“ It is unorthodox,” Lan Wangji said.
“ It is … unusual, indeed,” Lan Qiren agreed.
“ Uncle, why isn’t he trained?” Lan Xichen worriedly asked. “He doesn’t even seem to be aware of his own blood.”
“ It is none of our concern.”
“ Uncle! There’s an untrained demon walking amongst us,” Lan Xichen protested.
“ He doesn’t pose a threat,” Lan Qiren answered. “And although untrained, he is contained.”
“ Training is important,” Lan Wangji said, frowning over his cup of tea.
“ I agree with Wangji,” Lan Xichen said. “He is here for our teachings; why don’t we train him in this as well?”
“ Xichen,” Lan Qiren reprimanded. “We are not to meddle with another Sect’s business. Two Sects, in this case. It is not our place to interfere. If they’ve decided to keep him in the dark, then they must have a reason to do so.”
“ But Uncle-”
“ None of this, Wangji,” Lan Qiren interrupted. “This is my final say.”
Silence fell over the table for a short while. “I don’t understand why they would make such a decision,” Lan Xichen eventually muttered.
Lan Qiren sighed. “You know how unique his mere existence is,” he said.
“ The unpredictable must be contained,” Lan Wangji solemnly said.
“ How do you control something unknown?” Lan Qiren countered.
“ You think it’s because he’s a male Yu?” Lan Xichen asked.
“ It is improper to speculate,” Lan Qiren answered. “However, it is known that the Yu Sect only sires girls and thus has no knowledge on how to raise a boy.”
Lan Qiren’s tone clearly conveyed that to be the end of that particular conversation so they shortly switched to a different topic before Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen left again.
“ The basic teachings should be the same as ours,” Lan Wangji commented to Lan Xichen as they walked through Cloud Recesses.
Lan Xichen’s face turned sombre. “You know the Yu Sect considers him a bad omen,” he said.
“ Ridiculous.”
“ It is not up to us to judge, Wangji,” Lan Xichen gently reprimanded. “But that, too, might be a reason why they’ve decided to hide his origin from him.”
They walked on in silence until they each had to go their own way. “Why don’t we continue to keep an eye on him?” Lan Xichen suggested before they parted. “If he is bothered by his powers or seems to be losing control, we can readdress our worries with Uncle. If not, he is safe enough without knowing who he truly is.”
Lan Wangji curtly nodded in agreement. He started paying even more attention to Jiang Cheng which, much to his annoyance, caused Wei Wuxian to pay more attention to him. The more Wei Wuxian called out to him and tried to get his attention, the more Lan Wangji started to detest him. He despised how Wei Wuxian came to the conclusion that every time he caught Lan Wangji’s attention on their group, said attention was aimed towards him.
It was so dismissive towards Jiang Cheng that it angered Lan Wangji. The more Lan Wangji watched him, the more he respected the Jiang heir. Jiang Cheng was strong and intelligent, capable both in martial arts and in academics. He was respectful and clearly always kept his Sect’s image and standing in mind. Such a thing could not be said of Wei Wuxian. Yes, Jiang Cheng had a temper and was easy to anger but, with his lack of training, that wasn’t unusual.
The fact that he seemed to have no knowledge of his blood probably meant that his baser needs weren’t being met either. Lan Wangji blushed and immediately tried to steer his thoughts away from the images his train of thought had invoked. Jealousy surged, startlingly strong, as he mused that maybe those needs were being met, by Wei Wuxian. He didn’t want it to be Wei Wuxian. He wanted it to be him.
Shocked by the strength of his emotions, Lan Wangji clenched his hand around Bichen and decided to go back to the Jingshi to meditate.
Things only got worse when Caiyi town requested help and Lan Xichen decided to bring Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian along. Lan Xichen claimed it was so they could observe Jiang Cheng away from Cloud Recesses and in action. Surely, if he truly had no control over the power of his blood, it would surge immensely when dealing with yao. Lan Wangji didn’t miss the way his brother looked at Jiang Cheng though. Surprisingly, other than with Wei Wuxian, it didn’t cause Lan Wangji to feel jealous.
Lan Wangji clenched his teeth all throughout their trip. It seemed that Wei Wuxian’s behaviour only got worse once they were outside of Cloud Recesses. And no matter how Jiang Cheng reprimanded him, Wei Wuxian was set on annoying Lan Wangji. Lan Xichen clearly found the situation amusing with how he offered Lan Wangji no help other than a useless smile. To make matters worse, Wei Wuxian turned out to be very capable, no matter that Lan Wangji ended up rescuing Su She and him in the end.
When they returned to Caiyi town by boat and Wei Wuxian started pestering him with loquats, Lan Wangji deftly switched boat to join his brother.
“ You should not be amused with another’s misfortune, xiongzhang,” Lan Wangji said. “It is against the rules.”
“ Amused?” Lan Xichen said. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“ Lying is also forbidden.”
Lan Xichen laughed. “It would seem Wei Wuxian is enamoured with you, brother.”
“ He merely requires an absurd amount of attention.”
“ And he has chosen you as its source.”
“ Xiongzhang.”
“ Alright, alright. I’ll cease my teasing.” There was a moment’s silence. “Jiang Cheng, he is capable,” Lan Xichen eventually said. “The fluctuation of his power didn’t increase even once while dealing with the Waterborne Abyss.”
“ He was composed and knowledgeable,” Lan Wangji agreed.
“ You are interested in him,” Lan Xichen observed.
“ So are you.”
Another bout of silence. Then, “Does it bother you, Wangji? If so, I will step away.”
“ No,” Lan Wangji said. “It does not.”
“ You aren’t jealous?”
“ Not of you?”
Lan Xichen raised an eyebrow. “Which implies that you are jealous of someone else.” Obnoxious laughter washed over them. “Ah,” Lan Xichen added. “Of course.”
“ He is a Yu,” Lan Wangji said. “They have needs.”
He watched as his brother’s face darkened. If not for the ironclad grip they had on themselves, Lan Wangji didn’t doubt at least his brother’s eyes would have blackened.
“ I hadn’t considered that,” Lan Xichen muttered, his voice having changed tone just slightly. “Do you have proof?”
“ No,” Lan Wangji admitted. “It’s nothing but a stray thought that hit me and now refuses to leave, like a stubborn splinter.”
“ A stubborn splinter indeed,” Lan Xichen mused.
“ He is part of what keeps Jiang Cheng’s blood in check,” Lan Wangji reluctantly said. “He is needed.”
“ Sadly enough.” Lan Xichen took a few measured breaths to steady himself. “But you are not jealous of me?” he ventured.
“ No,” Lan Wangji admitted again. “I wouldn’t mind sharing with Xiongzhang.”
“ Share him?” Lan Xichen asked, looking over his shoulder to where Jiang Cheng was, once again, reprimanding Wei Wuxian for his behaviour. “Yes, we could share.” He looked ahead again. “Have you ever considered how magnificent he would be if he were in full control of his power?”
Lan Wangji shivered. It was minute but Lan Xichen still noticed, eliciting a soft chuckle.
“ Yes,” Lan Wangji admitted. “He would be glorious.”
“ We have to be careful about this though,” Lan Xichen cautioned. “As Uncle said, this involves two other Sect’s matters. We must tread lightly. And if this Waterborne Abyss truly came from the Wens… It does not bode well.”
“ I understand,” Lan Wangji said. “We will be careful.”
“ There is also the matter of his insecurities.”
“ Xiongzhang?”
“ Surely, you have noticed how lowly he seems to think of himself?”
Lan Wangji stiffened. “We both know whose fault that is.”
“ Ah, yes,” Lan Xichen said. “It will make it difficult for him to accept us. He will refuse to believe we are genuine.”
“ I see,” Lan Wangji said. He looked at Lan Xichen. “I am not … approachable,” he admitted. “Maybe it is best if you make those first few steps.”
Lan Xichen tilted is head in question. “Has he not noticed your continued interest?”
“ He believes my interest is an intense hate of Wei Wuxian, while Wei Wuxian believes himself interesting.”
“ And Huaisang?”
“ Watches from the sidelines, as always.”
Lan Xichen softly laughed. “That would be him, yes. Alright, Wangji, I’ll see if I can draw Jiang Wanyin’s attention.”
“ May Xiongzhang be successful.”